Ticks, Amblyomma rotundatum (Acari: Ixodidae), on Toads, Chaunus schneideri and Chaunus granulosus (Anura: Bufonidae), in Northern Argentina

Abstract

This communication provides notes on 2 species of toads, Chaunus schneideri and Chaunus granulosus, infested with ixodid ticks, Amblyomma rotundatum, from the provinces of Corrientes and Formosa in northern Argentina. Chaunus schneideri is a new amphibian host record for A. rotundatum, a species previously reported to parasitize other anurans and also reptiles. We examined 74 ticks on 5 toads. All ticks were A. rotundatum; all adults were females, and all developmental stages were randomly attached to host body parts. Ticks remained attached to one of the toads for from 7 to 17 days after the host was captured. One toad, encumbered with 33 ticks, was moribund when found and died shortly thereafter.

Patterns of parasitism by Amblyomma rotundatum (Ixodidae) on Rhinella schneideri (Bufonidae) in islands of São Francisco River, Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…Santos et al (2002) and Smith et al (2008) also report similar body distribution of A. rotundatum in Rhinella granulosa (= Bufo granulosus) Spix, 1824) and R. schneideri.…”

“…Moreover, according to Smith et al (2008), a toad infested with 33 specimens of A. rotundatum was moribund when found and died shortly thereafter. In an experimental infestation carried out on two toads by Luz et al (2012), one toad was sacrificed at the end of the experiment due to extreme weakness.…”

“…In an experimental infestation carried out on two toads by Luz et al (2012), one toad was sacrificed at the end of the experiment due to extreme weakness. According to Lampo & Bayliss (1996) and Smith et al (2008), ticks would play an important role in regulating toad populations. However, further research is needed to support this hypothesis.…”

Molecular detection of Rickettsia bellii in Amblyomma rotundatum from imported red-footed tortoise (Chelonoides carbonaria)

“…In addition to pathogens, imported ticks themselves may pose a threat to local fauna (Brianti et al, 2010, Burridge et al, 2003, Nowak, 2010, Pietzsch et al, 2006. Unintentional importation of A. rotundatum could be harmful to local fauna, in light of its successful colonization in Florida, its broad range of hosts and its potential damage (Hanson et al 2007, Smith et al 2008. A. rotundatum was reported to harbor Rickettsia bellii, and was suggested as a possible vector of Cowdria ruminantium , therefore being a potential vector for veterinary and zoonotic pathogens (Figueiredo et al, 1999, Labruna et al, 2004a, Labruna et al, 2004b.…”

“…This could potentially lead to widespread outbreaks of parasite-borne diseases. The disastrous effect of introduced arthropod-borne pathogens in disease-free regions was exemplified by three epidemics in the Comoros archipelago, during 2004-2008(Sergon et al 2007, Sissoko et al 2009, Yssouf et al 2011. The island state located east of Tanzania, suffered from Chikungunya virus, Rift Valley virus, and theileriosis outbreaks, presumably as a result of cattle importation (Yssouf et al 2011).…”