Pattern of infection with Parapharyngodon riojensis Ramallo, Bursey, Goldberg 2002 (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) in the lizard Phymaturus extrilidus from Puna region, Argentina

Abstract

The pattern of infection with the nematode Parapharyngodon riojensis in the lizard Phymaturus extrilidus in a Puna area, central-west Argentina was studied. No significant prevalence differences were found between sexes or seasons sampled. However, there were differences in mean intensity between the summer (dry period) and autumn (wet period) seasons. Mean intensity was higher in the moistest season, associated with low body condition in P. extrilidus. The genus Parapharyngodon has a direct life cycle, and environmental moisture could favor higher intensity in the rainy period. The present study provides the first data on the parasitic ecology of P. extrilidus from Argentina.