The causative agent of Chagas disease is Trypanosoma cruzi, which is widely distributed throughout the South American continent and extends into North America. Its occurrence in bats is poorly described and may impact the disease’s maintenance and epidemiology. The aim of this study was to detect the agent by PCR assays targeting kDNA and nuclear DNA in the organs of 203 urban bats and rural vampire bats from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, São Paulo state, during the pandemic period from 2020 to 2022. In total, 6 of the 203 bats (2.97%) were positive for T. cruzi. Infection was detected in 2% (2/101) of Desmodus rotundus, 33% (1/3) of Nyctinomops laticaudatus, 25% (1/4) of Artibeus lituratus, 4% (1/24) of Eumops glaucinus and in 2% (1/41) of Molossus molossus. The gene sequences obtained were assessed for quality and deposited in a public repository. Fruit bats were statistically associated with positivity for T. cruzi. To our knowledge, this study detected T. cruzi for the first time in bats from São Paulo state and in N. laticaudatus and E. glaucinus species.

Cryptosporidium genus includes protozoan parasites that pose significant health risks to a wide range of hosts, including reptiles. Understanding their prevalence and molecular characteristics is crucial for addressing the diagnostic challenges and potential zoonotic transmission associated with these organisms. This research focuses on the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in reptiles, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and potential risks for zoonotic transmission. A total of 43 reptile fecal samples from 14 different species were examined using three diagnostic techniques: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN), and direct immunofluorescence antibody test (DFA). The findings revealed a positivity rate of 41.9 % (18/43) for Cryptosporidium spp., with PCR showing the highest sensitivity at 94.4 %, followed by MZN at 61.1 %, and DFA at 33.3 %. Sequence analysis identified six distinct species of Cryptosporidium, including zoonotic species like C. muris, C. tyzzeri, and C. ditrichi, which raises significant public health concerns as reptiles become increasingly popular as pets. The study points out the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods and the need for improved diagnostic approaches, which should include Cryptosporidium species identification.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important protozoan parasites that impair the health and growth of lambs, leading to productivity losses in sheep production systems. Understanding their impact is essential for developing effective management strategies to improve lamb health. This study investigates the infection rate and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in lambs of the Churra Galega Mirandesa breed in Portugal, as well as their influence on average daily weight gain (ADWG). A total of 91 lambs living in 19 farms were examined, revealing infection rates of 51.6 % (47/91) for Cryptosporidium spp. and 17.6 % (16/91) for G. duodenalis. Molecular analysis identified five Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum, C. bovis, C. xiaoi, C. ryanae, and C. ubiquitum), with C. parvum being predominant, alongside two genotypes (IIaA15G2R1 and IIdA21G1), and G. duodenalis assemblage E. Diagnostic methods demonstrated that PCR was superior in detecting these protozoa compared to traditional microscopy techniques. Protozoan infections were associated with reduced ADWG in lambs, with statistically significant effects observed for Cryptosporidium spp. (p-value = 0.001). Cohabitation with cattle also significantly reduced ADWG, suggesting potential cross-species transmission. These findings highlight the importance of targeted control measures within a One Health framework and contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology and molecular diversity of these protozoan infections in lambs.

Few studies have investigated gastrointestinal (GI) and external parasites, as well as environmental fungi, in rabbits using a One Health approach. Between September 2023—May 2024, fecal, hair and skin scraping samples were collected from 72 rabbits that attended clinical consultations and from private owners and breeders in Portugal. Diagnostic techniques included Mini-FLOTAC, direct immunofluorescence antibody, and the analysis of the virulence profile of fur fungi. A total of 58% of the rabbits were positive for GI parasites, namely Eimeria spp. (45%), Cryptosporidium spp. (32%), Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (17%), Passalurus ambiguus (13%), Graphidium strigosum (13%), and Giardia spp. (9%), with only 12% of the infected animals showing clinical signs (diarrhea). In addition, 10% of the animals were positive for Cheyletiella sp. infestations. Environmental fungi of the genera Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Scopulariopsis were isolated from 7% of these animals, with the Scopulariopsis sp. isolate S1 testing positive for proteinase, lecithinase, and gelatinase activities. Frequent sanitization and regular deworming emerged as essential factors to minimize parasitic frequency. This integrated diagnosis procedure proved to be effective in the search for parasitic and fungal agents in rabbit medicine. Further research is needed to improve the knowledge on the transmission and pathogenicity of these agents in rabbits.