Diversidad genética y abundancia relativa de Didelphis marsupialis y Didelphis virginiana en Chiapas, México

Abstract

Resumen. En especies de amplia distribución, como Didelphis marsupialis y Didelphis virginiana, se predicen tamaños poblacionales grandes, alta diversidad y poca diferenciación genética. En este estudio se estimó la abundancia relativa de D. marsupialis y D. virginiana mediante la captura de

The influence of parasitism by Trypanosoma cruzi in the hematological parameters of the white ear opossum (Didelphis albiventris) from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

“…Considered ecologically generalist, this marsupial is frequently in contact with human populations due to their adaptability to anthropized areas and climate changes (Olifiers et al, 2005; Cruz-Salazar et al, 2014). Moreover, D. albiventris is commonly reported as reservoir for different species of parasites (Zanette et al, 2008; Humberg et al, 2012; Zabott et al, 2017; Tarragona et al, 2018; Jansen et al, 2018).…”

Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi and organ alterations in Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) from western Mexico – short communication

“…In addition, since the average life expectancy of an opossum in the wild is 1.3 to 7 years, in many areas of western Mexico their populations can turn over in as little as 4.8 years, as it has been recorded in some areas of the United States of America (McManus, 1974). As a consequence, opossum populations are in danger of extinction in many areas of the Pacific coast of Mexico (Cruz-Salazar et al, 2014).…”

“…stored corn and agave juice) in human backyards, many people consider them a threat, especially because they are aggressive when disturbed. Furthermore, in many areas of Mexico opossums are usually hunted and eaten by humans (Cruz-Salazar et al, 2014). In addition, since the average life expectancy of an opossum in the wild is 1.3 to 7 years, in many areas of western Mexico their populations can turn over in as little as 4.8 years, as it has been recorded in some areas of the United States of America (McManus, 1974).…”

“…Many reservoir species have been reported from western Mexico, one of the most epidemiologically important areas for the zoonotic transmission of T. cruzi in the country (Carabarin-Lima et al, 2013). Species of the genus Didelphis, reputed as one of the most important reservoir hosts for T. cruzi, are frequently in contact with human populations since they are ecological generalists; therefore, they are adaptive to a wide range of habitats and climates, including areas of urbanisation (Cruz-Salazar et al, 2014). Villagrán et al (2011) reported some specimens of Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) with pathological changes in the digestive tract (megacolon and megaoesophagus) from western Mexico.…”

“…Traps were baited with a piece of bread covered with canned tuna fish conserved in oil (Villagrán et al, 2011). Traps were placed under trees at sunset and were checked at sunrise, since Virginia opossums have nocturnal feeding habits (Cruz-Salazar et al, 2014). Collected animals were transported to the laboratory (Southern University Centre, University of Guadalajara), where serological tests were performed in order to diagnose T. cruzi infection.…”