Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon felis in wild carnivorans and domestic dogs in southern Pantanal wetlands of Brazil with new host records

In this study, we investigated the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon felis in spleen samples from 26 wild carnivorans and blood samples from 28 semi-domiciled dogs collected in the Pantanal biome of Brazil. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of Hepatozoon spp. were detected in 15 (57.7 %) wild carnivorans and 3 (10.7 %) domestic dogs. A sequence obtained from a domestic dog was similar (99.04 %) to that of Hepatozoon canis from a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in the same area of Brazil. Moreover, we report the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) and the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) as new hosts for Hepatozoon spp. in free-ranging conditions. Additionally, C. felis was detected in two jaguars (Panthera onca), confirming the occurrence of this protozoan within this felid species, which could play a role in the maintenance of C. felis under natural conditions. Considering the above results, large-scale surveys are recommended to further assess the distribution of vector-borne pathogens and evaluate their virulence and zoonotic potential in wild carnivorans from the Pantanal.