Diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in free-living capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from urbanized areas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This dataset comprises parasitological data obtained from free-living capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) inhabiting urbanized areas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Samples were collected from identified study sites, with geographic coordinates recorded in degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS). For each sampled individual, biological and demographic information was recorded, including age class (e.g., adult) and sex. The sampling date was standardized using the ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD). Parasitological analyses were performed using multiple diagnostic techniques to maximize detection sensitivity and parasite diversity assessment. These included fecal egg counts using the McMaster technique (expressed as eggs or oocysts per gram), qualitative flotation via Sheather’s technique, larval recovery through the Baermann technique, oocyst sporulation for coccidian identification, and fecal (larval) culture when applicable. Results are reported according to the diagnostic method employed and include the detection of parasitic structures such as oocysts, eggs, and larvae. When possible, parasites were identified to family or genus level. Additional diagnostic information includes the identification of adult parasites when available. This dataset allows the evaluation of gastrointestinal parasite diversity, prevalence, and distribution in capybaras from anthropized environments, contributing to ecological, epidemiological, and One Health perspectives.