Resumen de The ocurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism in captive Argentinean Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis)
N. Pelichone, E. Deis, Pablo Cuervo
Three species of Neotropical tortoises inhabit Argentina, all of them considered nationally endangered. Despite their conservation status, specific information available regarding pathogens and medicine is scarce. Since gastrointestinal nematodes are frequently found in tortoises, the question arises about the parasitological status of the tortoises inhabiting Argentina (particularly Chelonoidis chilensis, the most frequent species in captivity). Thirty-three Argentinean Tortoises (C. chilensis), from Mendoza (Argentina) were sampled for coproparasitological examination (Sheater�s sugar flotation technique, Ritchie�s formalin-ether sedimentation technique and Lumbreras� rapid sedimentation technique). Epidemiological data was also collected. Coprological results and epidemiological data were statistically analyzed..Twenty-three (69.7%) animals were found positive to parasites (Families Pharyngodonidae and Ascarididae). Three animals were only positive to �oxyurids�, and nine to �ascarids�, while 11 showed concomitant infections with both families. No statistical differences were found in the posterior analysis..As far as we know there is no published information regarding parasites of tortoises from Argentina or, specifically, from C. chilensis. Results are similar to previous reports on other species, and further studies should be developed.
