Giardiasis outbreak in situ southern tamanduas (Tamandua Tetradactyla Linnaeus, 1758) undergoing rehabilitation: clinical findings, therapeutic management, and prognosis

Authors

  • João Victor Batista dos Santos Graduate Program in Parasitic Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4393-544X
  • Marcel Felipe Carvalho de Santana Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8056-3166
  • Júlia Sibelly Matos Santos Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5565-7147
  • Shirley Maria Santos Passos Animal Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6639-547X
  • Bianca Fontes Bomfim Animal Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5388-2107
  • Nythaelle Dantas de Moraes e Silva Animal Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6351-1003
  • André Mota Alves Aquatic Mammals Foundation, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9150-5287
  • Katiúscia Ribeiro de Souza Wild Animal Screening and Rehabilitation Center, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4197-0396
  • Lorena Gabriela Rocha Ribeiro Animal Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3471-440X
  • Victor Fernando Santana Lima Graduate Program in Parasitic Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7255-0664

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62429/rnh20262022197

Keywords:

Clinical Signs, Cysts, Giardia, Trophozoites

Abstract

Giardia is an intestinal protozoan disease responsible for parasitizing a wide range of vertebrates, with transmission occurring through contaminated water and food containing cysts released by infected hosts. Given this context, the present study aimed to describe an outbreak of giardiasis in three southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla Linnaeus, 1758) undergoing rehabilitation in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, as well as the clinical and therapeutic aspects of this disease. A male specimen that died abruptly, presenting anorexia, malnutrition, cachexia, and diarrheic feces, was submitted for necropsy analysis at the Animal Pathology Department of the Federal University of Sergipe – São Cristóvão Campus. Gastric content analysis, urinalysis, bone marrow smear, and fecal parasitological examination were performed, identifying the presence of cysts and trophozoites of Giardia duodenalis Stiles, 1902. Subsequently, the other animals sharing the same enclosure—a female and a male presenting diarrheic feces—were referred for clinical care at the Wildlife Animal Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Sergipe – São Cristóvão Campus. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and fecal parasitological examinations were performed on both animals, revealing the presence of G. duodenalis cysts. Treatment with Metronidazole, along with environmental and dietary management, was instituted. After completion of treatment, the animals were re-evaluated, showing resolution of diarrheic episodes and improvement in nutritional status, and a new fecal parasitological examination was conducted, with no G. duodenalis cysts or trophozoites observed. This study revealed previously unreported clinical alterations associated with Giardia infection in this species, as well as describing the therapeutic approach employed, contributing significantly to the medicine of xenarthrans.

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Published

2026-07-31

How to Cite

Batista dos Santos, J. V., Carvalho de Santana, M. F., Matos Santos, J. S., Santos Passos, S. M., Fontes Bomfim, B., Dantas de Moraes e Silva, N., … Santana Lima, V. F. (2026). Giardiasis outbreak in situ southern tamanduas (Tamandua Tetradactyla Linnaeus, 1758) undergoing rehabilitation: clinical findings, therapeutic management, and prognosis. Neotropical Helminthology, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.62429/rnh20262022197

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026): Neotropical Helminthology (Early version)

Section

Artículos Originales

License

Creative Commons License

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