Received: May 17, 2007.

Accepted: August 23, 2007.

Abstract published online: September 21, 2007.

Full paper published online: March 8, 2008.

NEW RECORD OF Haplometroides intercaecalis (DIGENEA, PLAGIORCHIIDAE) INFECTING A BRAZILIAN SNAKE

SILVA R. J. (1), BÉDA A. F. (2), FERREIRA V. L. (3)

(1) Department of Parasitology, Botucatu Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University–UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Department of Biosciences, Aquidauana Campus, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil; (3) Department of Environmental Sciences, Corumbá Campus, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Phalotris matogrossensis (Serpentes, Colubridae) was reported as a new host for Haplometroides intercaecalis (Digenea, Plagiorchiidae). The host snake was obtained from the municipality of Anastácio, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. One specimen of H. intercaecalis was recovered from the esophagus of the host and identified by the intercecal position of the vitellaria in the pre-acetabular region. This paper describes the second report of the occurrence of this trematode in fossorial snakes of the genus Phalotris in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

KEY WORDS: Digenea, Haplometroides intercaecalis, Plagiorchiidae, Phalotris matogrossensis, Colubridae, new host.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

REINALDO JOSÉ DA SILVA, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, 18618-000, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. Phone: +55 14 3811 6239. Fax: +55 14 3815 3744. Email: reinaldo@ibb.unesp.br.