Filariasis (Pelecitus sp.) in the cervical subcutaneous tissue of a pigeon with trichomoniasis.

ABSTRACT

Filariasis due to Pelecitus was found in the subcutaneous tissue of the neck of a domestic pigeon from Spain that died from trichomoniasis. Macroscopically, filariae were observed in the congested and hemorrhagic cervical connective tissue. Microscopically, a particular distribution of parasites with no inflammatory infiltrates was observed. Adult nematodes were located in peritracheal connective tissue and in the deep zone of the subcutaneous tissue. Microfilariae were mainly located in the superficial zone of the subcutaneous tissue. The only other changes observed were a moderate catarrhal tracheitis and congestion of the viscera.