<em>Cotylophoron f&uuml;lleborni</em> Nasmark 1937 (Trematoda: Paramphistomidae). First report for Venezuela

Abstract

Paramphistomosis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodos belonging to the family Paramphistomidae. These parasites are found particularly in the rumen and reticulum, but may also be found in the smal intestine when inmature. Cotylophoron genus affects bovine, ovine, caprine, buffalo, and wild ruminants. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions where environmental conditions such as high humidity, as well as the presence of the suitable intermadiate host allow a successful development of its life cycle. In order to identify the species of Paramphistomidae, the parasites were collected directly from the rumen of 38 bovine that resulted positive in postmortem examination of 150 slaughtered. Parasites underwent histologic mid-sagittal sections, and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin; after which they were identified as Cotylophoron fülleborni. this is a first report in registering the Cotylophoron fülleborni presence in Venezuela.

Keywords

• Cotylophoron fülleborni
• Paramphistomidae
• Bovinos
• Venezuela