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Coccidian protozoan species recorded from flycatchers are few, but they have been described with a certain frequency in recent years. In this context, the present study describes a new Isospora sp. from sepia-capped flycatchers Leptopogon amaurocephalus Tschudi, 1846 captured in the Itatiaia National Park and in a reforestation area which is about 60 km away from the park boundaries, in addition to providing a molecular identification via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Isospora leptopogoni n. sp. has oöcysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 22.0 × 19.7 μm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall, c.1.7 μm thick. The micropyle is delicate or inconspicuous. Oöcyst residuum is absent, but one to three polar granules are present. Sporocysts are lemon-shaped, measuring on average 14.7 × 9.3 μm, with a knob-like Stieda body and a rectangular to rounded sub-Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of compactly bounded granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies and nucleus. Isospora leptopogoni is different from other Isospora spp. mainly due to its lemon-shaped sporocysts, the presence of micropyle and details of Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Phylogenetic analysis placed I. leptopogoni close to other Isospora spp. recorded from phylogenetically related hosts and from the same biogeographic region. Finally, the recurrent finding of this coccidian species in the same L. amaurocephalus specimen in a specific locality in the Itatiaia National Park suggests that the dispersion of I. leptopogoni needs continuous transmissions between susceptible passerines as the area of movement of each L. amaurocephalus specimen appears to be quite small.

Columbiformes have a worldwide distribution, of which 166 species occur in Eurasia. They have been reported parasitized by coccidians recurrently in recent years; however, Eimeria labbeana (Labbe, 1896) Pinto, 1928, which is first Eimeria sp. from Columbiformes described in the late nineteenth century, is not taxonomically identified by its oocysts since the 1930s. In this context, the current study aimed to supplement the morphology of E. labbeana from Eurasian collared doves Streptopelia decaocto Frivaldszky, 1838 and from a common woodpigeon Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758 in Portugal, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization. Three of the four columbiforms were positive for oocysts identified as E. labbeana, which were morphologically revised as having micropyles, in addition to other minor adjustments. Oocysts from S. decaocto and C. palumbus were morphologically identical and equivalent in all morphometric aspects, besides having genotypic similarity of 99.5%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene resulted in a large clade with Eimeria spp. and Isospora spp. from different vertebrates and low similarity between Eimeria spp. from Columbiformes, whereas the phylogenetic analysis based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene resulted in well-supported monophyletic groups, including one with the coccidians of columbiform birds.

Eimeria spp. are coccidian protozoan parasites of domestic and wild animals. Pelecaniform birds are hosts of some Eimeria spp., however, from the family Threskiornithidae only one eimerian species is recorded, Eimeria bazi Chauhan et Bhatia, 1970 which was described from red-naped ibises Pseudibis papillosa (Temminck, 1824) in India. In this study, in turn, this species is morphologically and molecularly identified from buff-necked ibises Theristicus caudatus (Boddaert, 1783) in Brazil.This study aimed to report E. bazi from buff-necked ibises T. caudatus in southeastern Brazil, revealing the worldwide distribution of this coccidian species, in addition to providing preliminary genotypic identification via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene.A total of 73 fecal samples were collected from a flock of buff-necked ibises, which remained on the campus of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ) from March 2019 to August 2020. Fecal samples were processed by the Sheather's method to recover oocysts. The morphological and morphometrical studies of the oocysts were performed using an optical microscope and graphic editing software. Molecular analysis was performed by sequencing of the COI gene, and the phylogenetic analysis was based in the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood estimates.Forty-five fecal samples were positive for oocysts identified as E. bazi. This oocysts are ovoidal, 26.2 × 18.9 μm, with smooth to slightly rough wall, c.1.7 μm thick. Micropyle robust and protruding, sometimes with a polar body attached. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two small polar granules are present. Sporocysts ovoidal to lemon-shaped, 14.2 × 8.7 μm. The Stieda body is knob-like to rounded and sub-Stieda body is absent or vestigial. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules often membrane-bound. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies. This morphology was consistent with the original description of E. bazi from P. papillosa in India. Molecular analysis at the COI gene exhibited low similarity with coccidians sequenced for the same genic region deposited in GenBank, sitting E. bazi separately on the cladogram.The morphological and molecular studies support the identification of E. bazi from T. caudatus in South America, thus revealing the wide distribution of this eimerian species in the world provided by migratory birds and/or with intercontinental distribution.

In the current study, Myxobolus episquamalis Egusa, Maeno & Sorimachi, 1990 (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) is reported from the Lebranche mullet Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 in the estuarine region of the Marica Lagoon, State of the Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. To date, this myxozoan species was reported in mullets from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The characteristics of M. episquamalis previously reported are similar to the findings of the present study. DNA sequences of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) had 99.7-100% similarity with the sequences of M. episquamalis from North Africa and Asia. Therefore, strong morphological and molecular similarities ensure the identification of M. episquamalis in the current study. Finally, this finding records a new host and locality, revealing the worldwide distribution of this myxozoan species.

Coccidia are obligatory intracellular parasites with at least one intestinal phase in their life cycles, being Isospora Schneider, 1881 the main coccidian genus related to the order Passeriformes. However, there is no record of isosporans from the passerine family Tityridae, which is the family of the greenish schiffornis Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838). This study aimed to examine the faeces from a greenish schiffornis S. virescens captured in the Itatiaia National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, to determine what coccidian parasites were present. Only one specimen of Schiffornis virescens was captured with mist nets. Coccidian oocysts were recovered from the fecal samples by flotation in Sheather’s saturated solution. Morphological observations, line drawings, photomicrographs and measurements were made in optical microscopy and digitally edited. The molecular analysis included the study of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, with phylogenetic reconstructions based on the Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood analysis. An Isospora sp. considered as new to science is described and identified from Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838). Isospora oliveirai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspheroidal, 26.0 × 24.8 μm, with rough, bilayered wall, c.2.5 μm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but one to six polar granules are present. Sporocysts lemon-shaped, 18.1 × 10.9 μm. The Stieda body is knob-like to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies and nucleus. Molecular analysis at the COI gene exhibited similarity of 97% with Isospora serinuse Yang, Brice, Elliot et Ryan, 2015 from island canaries Serinus canaria (Linnaeus, 1758), and Isospora spp. from great tits Parus major (Linnaeus, 1758) and European robins Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758). Based on the morphological and molecular features, I. oliveirai is considered as new to science and the first coccidian species recorded from Tityridae.

Coccidia (Chromista: Miozoa: Eimeriidae) of columbiform birds (Aves: Columbiformes) have been described since the end of the nineteenth century; however, some of these descriptions were poorly detailed or inconclusive. In this sense, the current work makes a detailed taxonomic revision reconsidering and organizing 18 Eimeria spp. and two Isospora spp. previously described or reported of Columbiformes. Along with this, a new species of Eimeria is morphologically and molecularly identified by the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene and by the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene from the ruddy ground-dove Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1809) in the Médio Paraíba region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Eimeria columbinae n. sp. has subspheroidal oocysts, 14.7 × 13.2 μm, with smooth, bi-layered wall, ~ 1.1 μm and length/width ratio of 1.1. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are present, but polar granule is absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to slightly asymmetrical, 9.0 × 5.1 μm, with both Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum present and sporozoites with refractile body and nucleus. This is the 19th description of an eimerian from Columbiformes in the World, and the second to have a molecular identification of the COI and 18S genes.

Parasitism in kingfishers is very little reported and predominantly related to hemoparasites, helminths, and ectoparasites. The present study provided a morphological and genotypic study of an Eimeria sp. recovered from a green kingfisher Chloroceryle americana (Gmelin, 1788) captured in the Marambaia Island, on the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. The coccidial density, some morphological aspects of its oocysts, the molecular results, and, mainly, the ecological niche of C. americana in the mangrove of the Marambaia Island suggest that this coccidian species is a pseudoparasite.

The present study identifies three Isospora spp. recorded from faecal samples of green-winged saltators Saltator similis d'OrbignyLafresnaye kept in captivity in the surroundings of the Itatiaia National Park, which is a Conservation Unit with a high degree of vulnerability located in the Serra da Mantiqueira on the border of the States of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Isospora saltatori Berto, Balthazar, FlausinoLopes, 2008, Isospora trincaferri Berto, Balthazar, FlausinoLopes, 2008 and Isospora similisi Coelho, Berto, Neves, Oliveira, FlausinoLopes, 2013 were compatible in all characteristic features with their respective original descriptions, despite some divergences that are discussed in this study. In addition to the preliminary morphological identification, this study provided a preliminary genotypic identification of these three Isospora spp. via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene, which was suitable for the genotypic differentiation of these three coccidians, but was inconclusive in the phylogenetic analysis. Finally, this study discusses the environmental risks of these coccidians in captivity of green-winged saltators in the surroundings of the Itatiaia National Park.

The gnateaters Conopophaga spp. are insectivorous passerines commonly observed in high and humid forests, where they remain lodged in thin branches and, sometimes, they fly to the ground to catch insects. The insectivorous feeding habit is related to low prevalence and density of coccidians in passerines; however, several coccidian species are recorded for families of insectivorous passerines. This study aimed to examine the feces from gnateaters Conopophaga spp. captured in the municipality of Barra Mansa and in the Itatiaia National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, to determine what coccidian parasites were present. Nine gnateaters were captured with mist nets. Coccidian oocysts were recovered from the fecal samples by flotation in Sheather’s saturated solution. Morphological observations, line drawings, photomicrographs and measurements were made in optical microscopy and digitally edited. The molecular analysis included the study of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, with phylogenetic reconstructions based on the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood analysis. Four Conopophaga spp. were positive for oocysts. An Isospora sp. considered as new to science is described and identified from Conopophaga melanops (Vieillot, 1818) and Conopophaga lineata (Wied, 1831). Isospora borbai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspheroidal, 17–22 × 15–22 (20.2 × 19.1) µm, with rough, bilayered wall, c.1.7 μm thick. Micropyle present, but without micropyle cap. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12–15 × 8–11 (14.1 × 9.1) µm. The Stieda body is knob-like to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda body is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with refractile body and nucleus. Molecular analysis at the cox1 gene exhibited similarity greater than 99% with Isospora spp. isolates from other Neotropical passerine birds. Based on the morphological and molecular features, I. borbai is considered as new to science and the first coccidian species recorded from Conopophagidae.

Isospora sporophilae Carvalho-Filho, Meireles, Ribeiro & Lopes, 2005 was morphologically and molecularly identified from the double-collared seedeater Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux), which is categorised as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and from the uniform finch Haplospiza unicolor Cabanis in conserved and anthropomorphic/fragmented areas of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern Brazil. The oocysts recovered from S. frontalis and H. unicolor had small morphological and genotypic differences that were not considered sufficient for the description of new species, but only different genotypes of I. sporophilae related to each host. This coccidian species was originally described from double-collared seedeaters Sporophila caerulescens (Vieillot) in a center screening of wild animals; therefore, this new report emphasises a potential occurrence of anthropomorphic dispersion of coccidia through illegal trade, seizures and reintroductions in the wild.

Isospora sepetibensisBerto, Flausino, Luz, Ferreira and Lopes, 2008 is a protozoan coccidian parasite (Chromista: Miozoa: Coccidiomorphea: Coccidia) that was originally described from Brazilian tanagers Ramphocelus bresilius (Linnaeus, 1766) in the Marambaia Island in the Coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro. In the current work, this species was identified from black-goggled tanagers Trichothraupis melanops (Vieillot, 1818) in the Itatiaia National Park, which is a protected area with a high degree of vulnerability in the interior of the State of Rio de Janeiro, distant in more than 100 km of the type- locality. Its oocysts are sub-spherical to elongate ovoidal, 25.9 ´20.7 µm with smooth, bi-layered wall, ~ 1.3 µm and length/width ratio of 1.1–1.4 (1.26). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 16.8 ´10.3 µm, with both Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum present and sporozoites with refractile body and nucleus. Molecular analysis was conducted at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. This new isolate exhibited similarity greater than 98% with Isospora spp. isolates from other Neotropical passerines and with an Isospora sp. pseudoparasite of voles of Eurasia. This is the first coccidian parasite from a New World tanager to have a molecular identification of the cox1 gene.

In the present study Isospora feroxis Berto, Luz, Flausino, FerreiraLopes, 2009 is redescribed from the photosyntypes and from new samples from a short-crested flycatcher Myiarchus ferox (Gmelin), which is the type-host in the type-locality, the Marambaia Island in Southeastern Brazil. In addition, the yellow-olive flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens Spix is recorded as a new host for this species, in a new locality, the Itatiaia National Park, in the interior of Southeastern Brazil, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. Micropyle and rough oöcyst wall are added to the description of I. feroxis, in addition to other details. This is the sixth species identified from suboscine birds (Tyranni) to have a COI gene sequence deposited in GenBank and, although it is not yet possible to make conclusions on the phylogeny of Isospora spp. from Passeriformes by the COI gene, the molecular analysis confirmed the differences between coccidian species from tyrant-flycatchers.

Isospora parnaitatiaiensis Silva, Rodrigues, Lopes, Berto, Luz, Ferreira & Lopes, 2015 was identified from a new host, the plain antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis (Temminck), and also from the white-shouldered fire-eye Pyriglena leucoptera Vieillot, in its type-locality, the Itatiaia National Park in the southeastern Brazil, and a preliminary genotypic characterisation by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene is provided. The oocysts recovered from P. leucoptera and D. mentalis were polymorphic and have genotypic differences that were not considered sufficient for the description of new species, but only different genotypes and morphotypes of I. parnaitatiaiensis related to each host. These morphological and molecular variations were associated with a process of ongoing speciation and in adaptive development to their respective host species.

In the current study, Myxobolus episquamalis Egusa, MaenoSorimachi, 1990 (Myxozoa: Bivalvulida) is reported from the Lebranche mullet Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 in the estuarine region of the Maricá Lagoon, State of the Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. To date, this myxozoan species was reported in mullets from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The characteristics of M. episquamalis previously reported are similar to the findings of the present study. DNA sequences of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) had 99.7-100% similarity with the sequences of M. episquamalis from North Africa and Asia. Therefore, strong morphological and molecular similarities ensure the identification of M. episquamalis in the current study. Finally, this finding records a new host and locality, revealing the worldwide distribution of this myxozoan species.

In the current work, Isospora massardi Lopes, Berto, Luz, Galvao, Ferreira & Lopes, [10] is identified from white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818, rufous-bellied thrushes Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818 and from a new host, the yellow-legged thrush Turdus flavipes (Vieillot, 1818) in a new locality, the Itatiaia National Park, in Southeastern Brazil, providing a preliminary genotypic characterization via sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA genes. The oocysts and sporocysts of I. massardi of the current study are morphologically similar to the original description and are uniform in the proportionality of width on length, but exhibited different patterns of size associated with each host species. Furthermore, a genotypic difference of 3% was found in the COI sequences from T. flavipes and T. albicollis. Therefore, an ecological discussion is introduced aimed at associating these morphometric and genotypic differences with an ongoing speciation process.

Background: Mycotoxins are a significant cause of economic losses in swine farming and adsorbents based on yeast cell walls provide an alternative solution to reducing this challenge. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an antimycotoxin additive (AMA; Safmannan ® ) for preventing the toxic effects of zearalenone (ZEA). Methods: A total of 36 pre-pubertal gilts were used, whose diets consisted of two different levels of AMA (based on the yeast cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; 0 and 0.2%) and three inclusion levels of ZEA (0, 0.25, and 0.6 ppm). The experiment was conducted for a period of 21 d and the following parameters were measured weekly: Live weight, weight gain, feed intake, and vulvar volume. The relative weight of the liver and the entire reproductive tract, including the uterus-ovary-vagina combined were also measured. Results: There was a significant enhancement in the index characteristics of reproductive organs like vulvar volume, weight of the entire reproductive tract and weight of the uterus-ovary-vagina of the intoxicated animals. The antimycotoxin effects were the same, irrespective of the ZEA levels (0.25 and 0.6 ppm). Conclusion: The addition of AMA to diets containing ZEA proved to be an effective alternative for reducing the toxic effects of this mycotoxin. Keywords: diet, mycotoxins, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, swine, yeast cell wall. Resumen Antecedentes: Las micotoxinas representan perdidas economicas significativas para la industria porcina, por lo que los adsorbentes de pared celular de levadura son una alternativa para reducir este problema. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de un aditivo anti-micotoxinas (AAM; Safmannan ® ) en la prevencion de micotoxicosis resultante de la ingesta de zearalenona (ZEA). Metodos: Fueron utilizadas 36 hembras porcinas jovenes, cuyas dietas incorporaron dos niveles de inclusion del AAM (basado en la pared celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; 0 y 0,2%) y tres niveles de inclusion de ZEA (0, 0,25 y 0,6 ppm). El ensayo tuvo una duracion total de 21 d, durante los cuales se efectuaron evaluaciones semanales de peso corporal, ganancia de peso, consumo de alimento y el volumen de la vulva. Igualmente, se midieron los pesos relativos de higado, tracto reproductivo total y el conjunto utero-ovario-vagina. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos comprueban la eficacia del AMA utilizado, toda vez que su suplementacion evito los efectos toxicos de ZEA y mejoro los indices en organos reproductivos como el volumen de la vulva, peso relativo del tracto reproductivo y el conjunto utero-ovario-vagina en animales intoxicados. Sin embargo, los efectos anti-micotoxinas fueron fijos para ambos niveles (0,25 y 0,6 ppm) de ZEA. Conclusion: La adicion de AAM en las dietas que contienen ZEA demostro ser una alternativa eficiente para reducir los efectos toxicos de esta micotoxina. Palabras clave: dieta, micotoxinas, pared celular de levadura, porcino, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Resumo Antecedentes: As micotoxinas determinam perdas economicas importantes para suinocultura e os adsorventes a base de parede celular de leveduras sao uma alternativa para reduzir este problema. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficacia de um aditivo anti-micotoxina (AAM; Safmannan ® ) na prevencao da micotoxicose decorrente da ingestao de zearalenona (ZEA). Metodos: Foram utilizadas 36 leitoas pre-puberes, cujas dietas apresentaram dois niveis de inclusao de AAM (a base de parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; 0 e 0,2%) e tres niveis de inclusao de ZEA (0, 0,25 e 0,6 ppm). O periodo experimental teve duracao total de 21 d, sendo realizadas avaliacoes semanais de peso vivo, ganho de peso, consumo de racao e volume vulvar. Pesos relativos de figado, trato reprodutivo total e o conjunto utero-ovario-vagina tambem foram calculados. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos demonstram a eficacia do AAM, pois a sua inclusao demonstrou prevenir os efeitos toxicos da ZEA, ja que os indices em orgaos reprodutivos como volume vulvar, peso relativo do trato reprodutivo total e do conjunto utero-ovario-vagina foram maiores nos animais intoxicados e sem suplementacao. Porem, o efeito anti-micotoxina foi fixo, sendo o mesmo para os dois niveis de ZEA (0.25 e 0.6 ppm). Conclusao: A adicao do AAM em questao nas dietas contendo ZEA demonstrou ser uma alternativa eficiente para reducao dos efeitos toxicos desta micotoxina. Palavras chave: dieta, micotoxinas, parede celular de leveduras, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suinos.

Aspergillus carbonarius is a saprobic filamentous fungus, food spoiling fungus and a producer of ochratoxin A (OTA) mycotoxin. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activity of neem oil (0.12% p/p of azadirachtin) was evaluated against the growth of six strains of A. carbonarius and the production of OTA. Four different concentrations of neem oil were tested in addition to three incubation times. Only the concentration of 0.3% of neem oil inhibited more than 95% of the strain&rsquo, s growth (97.6% &plusmn, 0.5%), while the use of 0.5% and 1.0% of neem oil showed lower antifungal activity, 40.2% &plusmn, 3.1 and 64.7% &plusmn, 1.1, respectively. There was a complete inhibition of OTA production with 0.1% and 0.3% neem oil in the four strains isolated in the laboratory from grapes. The present study shows that neem essential oil can be further evaluated as an auxiliary method for the reduction of mycelial growth and OTA production.

This publication aims to disseminate to the scientific community and society in general, the project of the same title of this publication that is under development by the collaboration of the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ) and the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de aneiro (UFRRJ). Briefly, this project aims to quantify and identify parasites of the body surface (ectoparasites) and intestinal parasites (enteroparasites) of wild birds, which should be related to their biological and ecological conditions, and to evaluate the dispersal seed process performed by birds (ornithocoria), the viability and development of these seeds and thus establish the degree of importance of ornithocoria in reforestation at the IFRJ campus of Pinheiral, RJ. The project includes the integration of five doctoral professors, a laboratory technician doctor, as well as a postdoctoral student, four doctoral students, one master student, two undergraduate students and four technical high school students. To date, six expeditions have been made in the reforestation area of the Espaço Ecológico Educativo (EEcoE) of the IFRJ campus in Pinheiral, RJ, where a total of 196 wild birds have been captured, evaluated, ringed and recorded at the Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres (CEMAVE), of which 29 were recaptured for revaluations. Four articles were published on the themes of parasitology and ornithochory in wild birds. Two practical short courses in the area of study were taught in September 2018 and February 2019 to IFRJ students, but open to the scientific community and society at large. Currently the project is not expected to end, since there are plenty of unpublished and relevant results in both the area of parasitology and ornithochory of wild birds.

In the current study, Isospora sagittulae McQuistion and Capparella, 1992 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is reported from white-shouldered fire-eyes Pyriglena leucoptera (Vieillot, 1818) in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. To date, this coccidian species was described from antbirds in Ecuador and Brazilian Amazon. In this sense, oocysts and measurements of the description of I. sagittulae from Amazonian antbirds were required from the deposit for comparison between samples from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. The morphology was similar in all aspects, despite the polymorphism associated with the oocyst shape. DNA sequences for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) locus of the oocysts had similarity of 100%. Therefore, these strong morphological, molecular, and ecological equivalences ensure the unique identification of I. sagittulae. Finally, this finding reveals the wide distribution of I. sagittulae in the Neotropical region and indicates that other antbirds in the Brazilian Cerrado should disperse I. sagittulae to the Amazon and Atlantic Forest.

As micotoxinas determinam perdas econômicas importantes para suinocultura e os adsorventes à base de parede celular de leveduras são uma alternativa para reduzir este problema. Considerando que a eficácia desses tipos de adsorventes sãolinhagem-dependentes, apresentando variabilidade de resposta em função da composição da parede celular da levedura utilizada, torna-se necessária a avaliação de cada novo produto antes de sua comercialização. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudofoiavaliar a eficácia de um aditivo anti-micotoxina (AAM) à base de parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Safmannan®,na prevenção da micotoxicosedecorrente da ingestão de zearalenona (ZEA). Foram utilizadas 36 leitoas pré-púberes cujas dietas apresentaram dois níveis de inclusão de AAM (0,0 e 0,2%) e três níveis de inclusão de ZEA (0,0; 0,25 e 0,6 mg kg-1ou ppm). O período experimental teve duração total de 21 dias, sendo realizadas avaliações semanais de: peso vivo, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e volume vulvar; pesos relativos de fígado, trato reprodutivo total e o conjunto útero-ovário-vagina também foram calculados. A adição de 0,0% AAM com 0,6 ou 0,25 ppm ZEA na dieta de leitoas pré-púberes causou sinais clínicos de hiperestrogenismo. A adição do AAM nas dietas contendo ZEA demonstrou ser uma alternativa estatisticamente significativapara redução dos efeitos tóxicos desta micotoxina.

El crecimiento de hongos filamentosos en alimentos puede implicar, aparte de deterioro, la producción de micotoxinas que causan pérdidas económicas en la industria avícola, debido a la disminución de la productividad y aumento de susceptibilidad a enfermedades en aves de corral. Adsorbentes basados en la pared celular de la levadura Saccharomyces cerevisiae, que contiene glucomanano esterificado, son una alternativa para reducir la biodisponibilidad de las micotoxinas. Este estudio comparó in vitro e in vivo el rendimiento de tres nuevos aditivos antimicotoxinas (AMA) basados en la pared celular de la levadura de Saccharomyces cerevisiae. El proceso de adsorción se cuantificó in vitro, y los datos obtenidos cuando se representa con el modelo matemático de la ecuación de Hill indicaron un proceso cooperativo. Tres diferentes AMA fueron probados por su capacidad para reducir los efectos de las aflatoxinas. La adición de 1 mg kg-1 de aflatoxina B1 en la dieta de pollos de engorde afectó negativamente los parámetros de rendimiento, con aumento del peso del hígado, degeneración grasa y necrosis hepática. La adición de dos tipos diferentes de AMA (0,2%) revirtió tales efectos, y uno mostró un efecto sinérgico con aflatoxina B1 Concluyendo, AMA 1 y 2 son aditivos con buen potencial para su aplicación en producción animal. Los ingredientes del AMA 3 deben ser reexaminados solo por su capacidad de adsorción. Estos son los primeros datos en Brasil correspondientes a aditivos antimicotoxinas por medio del estudio de isotermas de adsorción. Debido a que las características beneficiosas son dependientes de la cepa, este estudio sugiere dos nuevas alternativas prometedoras para mejorar el problema de las micotoxinas. The growth of filamentous fungi on food often causes, aside from its deterioration, the mycotoxin production which determines economic losses in poultry industry, such as decreased productivity and injuries on poultry's carcass. Adsorbents based on yeast cell wall from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which contain esterified glucomannan, are an alternative to reduce the mycotoxins bioavailability. The aim of this study was to compare in vitro and in vivo the performance of new three anti-mycotoxin additives (AMA) based on yeast cell wall from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The adsorption process was quantified in vitro, and the data obtained when plotted with Hill's equation indicated a cooperative process. Then, the three different AMA were tested for its ability to reduce the effects of aflatoxins in the diet of growing broiler chickens. The addition of 1 mg kg-1 aflatoxin B1 to the diets of broilers caused a negative change on the performance parameters besides increasing liver weight, fatty degeneration and liver necrosis. The addition of two different kinds of AMA (0.2%) could reverse such effects. In conclusion, AMA 1 and 2 are additives with good potential for application on animal production. The AMA 3 ingredients must be re-tested alone for its adsorption capacity. These are the first data reported from Brazil anti-mycotoxin additives with preliminary isothermal analysis. Since beneficial characteristics of S. cerevisiae cell wall in animal industry are strain dependent, this study suggests two new promising alternatives to ameliorate mycotoxin problem. Fil: Oliveira, A. A.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Keller, K. M.. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Brasil Fil: Deveza, M. V.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Keller, L. A. M.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Dias, E. O.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Martini Santos, B. J.. Fundação Dom André Arcoverde; Brasil Fil: Leitão, D. F. G. M.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Cavaglieri, Lilia Reneé. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Rosa, C. A. R.. Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil

The aim of the present study was to determine species of the fungal genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium and fumonisin B1 (FB1), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination from feed intended for fish farms. A total of 60 samples were sampled from tilapia farms in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The quantitative enumeration of fungi as colony-forming units per gram of feed (CFU/g) was performed using the surface spread method in different culture media. The results were expressed as fungal isolation frequency and relative density. Fungal total counts ranged from

Silage is a widespread practice to preserve forage. Poor storage conditions can lead to mold contamination and mycotoxin production. The aim of this study was to establish the occurrence of toxigenic fungal species and to determine aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B1 (FB1) and deoxinivalenol (DON) in corn silage intended for bovines before and after fermentation in farms located in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro States, Brazil. Fungal counts were done by surface-spread method. Toxigenic ability of isolates was evaluated in vitro. AFs natural contamination was determined by TLC and HPLC. Total fungal counts were generally high. Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium citrinum, and Fusarium verticillioides were the prevalent species. Toxigenic strains were isolated. Aflatoxin levels differed (P < 0.0001) from 2 to 45 μg g-1 and from 2 to 100 μg g-1 in pre and post-fermentation samples, respectively. Ochratoxin A, FB1 and DON levels found in pre-fermentation samples were higher than in post-fermentation (P < 0.0001). Mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi were present before and after fermentation in corn silage intended for bovines in Brazil. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) increased during storage whereas OTA, FB1 and DON decreased. Determination of mycotoxin levels and their occurrence in corn silage are important to provide information so that the assessments of risk for animal feed and livestock environment could be made. Fil: Keller, L. A. M.. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimiento Científico y Tecnológico; Brasil. Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Gonzalez Pereyra, Maria Laura. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Keller, K. M.. Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimiento Científico y Tecnológico; Brasil Fil: Alonso, Veronica Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Oliveira, A. A.. Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimiento Científico y Tecnológico; Brasil Fil: Almeida, T. X.. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimiento Científico y Tecnológico; Brasil. Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro; Fil: Barbosa, T. S.. Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Nunes, L. M. T.. Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil Fil: Cavaglieri, Lilia Reneé. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Rosa, C. A. R.. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimiento Científico y Tecnológico; Brasil. Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil

As micotoxinas são metabólitos secundários tóxicos produzidos por certos fungos, que quando ingeridas podem causar diversos efeitos deletérios à saúde de seres humanos e animais. O consumo de alimentos contaminados com micotoxinas é um grande problema em todo o mundo, tornando o monitoramento destes metabólitos essencial para a segurança dos alimentos. Neste trabalho foram realizadas a detecção e a quantificação, pelo método de ELISA, de seis micotoxinas (aflatoxinas - AFLA, deoxinivalenol - DON, fumonisinas - FUMO, ocratoxina A - OTA, T-2 toxina - T-2 e zearalenona - ZEA) em 1.749 amostras de dieta total, silagens, milho / subprodutos, ração e outras amostras destinadas à bovinos, coletadas no Brasil entre 2017 e 2021. Além disso, foram criados modelos estatísticos explicativos para a contaminação por AFLA, FUMO, OTA, T-2 e ZEA nas amostras de dieta total analisadas. No total, 97% das amostras estavam contaminadas com pelo menos uma micotoxina, sendo DON, ZEA e AFLA as micotoxinas mais frequentes, com 68%, 62% e 59% de contaminação, respectivamente. A maior parte destas amostras estavam contaminadas com quantidades de micotoxinas abaixo dos limites máximos tolerados recomendados pela União Europeia para bovinos e o cálculo da ingestão diária estimada também mostrou baixo risco para os animais. Porém, as coocorrências foram muito observadas (87% das amostras continham duas ou mais micotoxinas). Este fato requer atenção, pois, a presença de mais de uma micotoxina ao mesmo tempo nos alimentos pode levar a interações, predominantemente sinérgicas, e causar prejuízos à saúde animal. Em conclusão, a contaminação de alimentos para bovinos com micotoxinas no Brasil é muito comum, sendo o monitoramento destas micotoxinas de grande importância evitar perdas econômicas e possíveis prejuízos à saúde dos animais. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by a variety of fungi, which when ingested cause several deleterious effects to the health of humans and animals. The consumption of food and feed contaminated with mycotoxins is one of the main food safety problems worldwide, making the monitoring of these metabolites essential for food safety. In this work, detection and quantification of six major mycotoxins (aflatoxins - AFLA, deoxynivalenol - DON, fumonisins - FUMO, ochratoxin A - OTA, T-2 toxin – T-2 and zearalenone - ZON) in 1,749 samples of TMR, silages, maize / maize products, feed and other samples for cattle, collected in Brazil between 2017 and 2021 was carried using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, explanatory statistical models were created for contamination by AFLA, FUMO, OTA, T-2 and ZON in the TMR (Total Mixed Ration) samples analyzed. In total, 97% of the samples were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, with DON, ZON and AFLA being the most frequent ones, with 68%, 62% and 59% of contamination, respectively. Most of these samples were contaminated with amounts of mycotoxins below the lowest European Union guidance values for cattle, and the estimated daily intake also showed a low risk for the animals. However, co-occurrences were widely observed - 87% of the samples contained two or more mycotoxins - and the presence of more than one mycotoxin at the same time in feed can lead to interactions, mainly synergistic, and harm to animal’s health. In conclusion, the contamination of feed and feed ingredients for cattle with mycotoxins in Brazil is very common, and the monitoring of these mycotoxins is of significant importance to avoid economic losses and possible harm to the animal’s health.