Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Pages: 1353-1361

Journal: Parasitology Research

Volume number: 118

Issue number: 5

ISSN: 0932-0113

eISSN: 1432-1955

Open access status: Hybrid

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-019-06273-2

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
Antarctophthirus microchir is a sucking louse species belonging to the family Echinophthiriidae and has been reported to parasitize all species of the subfamily Otariinae, the sea lions. Former studies on this ectoparasite mainly required fixation, immobilization, or death of host species and especially examinations of adult male sea lions are still very rare. Between March and May 2018, adult individuals of a unique urban bachelor group of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) living directly in the city of Valdivia, Chile, were studied regarding their ectoparasite infestation status. For first time, a non-invasive method in the form of a lice comb screwed on a telescopic rod and grounded with adhesive tape was used for sample taking process. Overall, during combing different stages of A. microchir were detected in 4/5 O. flavescens individuals, especially at the junction between the back and hind flippers. Our findings represent the first report of A. microchir infesting individuals of this synanthropic colony and fulfilling complete life cycle in a sea lion group despite inhabiting freshwater and in absence of females/pups. Our telescopic lice comb apparatus offers a new strategy to collect different stages of ectoparasites and a range of epidermal material, such as fur coat hair and superficial skin tissue for a broad spectrum of research fields in wildlife sciences in an unmolested and stress reduced manner.

Harvard Citation style: Ebmer, D., Navarrete, M., Munoz, P., Flores, L., Gaertner, U., Taubert, A., et al. (2019) Antarctophthirus microchir infestation in synanthropic South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) males diagnosed by a novel non-invasive method, Parasitology Research, 118(5), pp. 1353-1361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-019-06273-2

APA Citation style: Ebmer, D., Navarrete, M., Munoz, P., Flores, L., Gaertner, U., Taubert, A., & Hermosilla, C. (2019). Antarctophthirus microchir infestation in synanthropic South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) males diagnosed by a novel non-invasive method. Parasitology Research. 118(5), 1353-1361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-019-06273-2