Verminous pneumonia in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a common wildlife species in European countries. Populations are declining due to anthropogenic factors and natural diseases. Verminous pneumonia has been observed as a frequent infectious disease in hedgehogs submitted for diagnostic postmortem examination. This prompted the present in-depth investigation on the lungs of 27 necropsied hedgehogs with confirmed lungworm infections, with or without antiparasitic treatment prior to death. The histological and/or parasitic (fecal samples) examination identified Capillaria aerophila infection in most animals (82%). The parasites were found free in the airway lumen and/or within the airway epithelium, from the larynx to bronchioles. Embedded worms and eggs were associated with epithelial hyperplasia or metaplasia, and long-term inflammation. More than half of the animals (59%) carried Crenosoma striatum, and 41% had a coinfection. C striatum adults were predominantly found free in the lumen of bronchi and bronchioles, and larvae were occasionally seen in granulomas in the pulmonary interstitium, the liver, and the intestine. Independent of the parasite species, a lymphoplasmacytic peribronchitis and, less frequently, interstitial infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages as well as pneumocyte type II hyperplasia was seen. Interestingly, the extent of pneumonia was not correlated with age, respiratory clinical signs, antiparasitic treatment, or single or coinfection. Verminous pneumonia appeared to be the cause of death in over 25% of the animals, indicating that these parasites not only coexist with hedgehogs but can also be a primary pathogen in this species.

Immortalization and transformation of primary cells mediated by engineered ecDNAs.

Focal gene amplifications are among the most common cancer-associated mutations, but their evolution and contribution to tumorigenesis have proven challenging to recapitulate in primary cells and model organisms. Here we describe a general approach to engineer large (>1 Mbp) focal amplifications mediated by extrachromosomal circular DNAs (ecDNAs, also known as "double minutes") in a spatiotemporally controlled manner in cancer cell lines and in primary cells derived from genetically engineered mice. With this strategy, ecDNA formation can be coupled with expression of fluorescent reporters or other selectable markers to enable the identification and tracking of ecDNA-containing cells. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by engineering MDM2-containing ecDNAs in near-diploid human cells, showing that GFP expression can be used to track ecDNA dynamics under physiological conditions or in the presence of specific selective pressures. We also apply this approach to generate mice harboring inducible Myc - and Mdm2 -containing ecDNAs analogous to those spontaneously occurring in human cancers. We show that the engineered ecDNAs rapidly accumulate in primary cells derived from these animals, promoting proliferation, immortalization, and transformation.

A Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) with alveolar echinococcosis bitten to death by a dog - a challenge for the forensic pathologist as an expert witness.

We present a case that illustrates the complex contexts in which forensic veterinary pathology examinations may be carried out. A wild muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) had died after a putative bite attack from a domestic dog. Bite attacks by privately owned dogs on wild animals in Switzerland violate the Swiss civil (and/or hunting) laws, and dog owners are generally punished with a monetary fine; hence, this case appeared to be straightforward. However, the results of the subsequent post-mortem examination of the muskrat not only confirmed the presence of injuries related to the bite attack, but also detected alveolar echinococcosis (ie, infestation with Echinococcus multilocularis). Therefore, as an intermediate host of the parasite, the muskrat could have contributed to further spread of a severe helminthic zoonosis had it not been killed by the dog. It was probably an easy prey for the dog as it probably had been weakened by the disease. Furthermore, muskrats are considered as pests and invasive species, and are non-indigenous huntable game in Switzerland and other European countries in which programmes for the prevention of their further spread and endangerment of native wildlife are established. The role of the forensic veterinary pathologist in such a complex scenario is to adopt an unbiased approach and establish the facts, which in this case was to determine the cause of death and suspected perpetrator, identify any concomitant and/or underlying diseases and consider potential animal welfare issues.

Serological Assays for Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis-A Comparative Multi-Test Study in Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan.

Both alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) are lacking pathognomonic clinical signs; consequently imaging technologies and serology remain the main pillars for diagnosis. The present study included 100 confirmed treatment-naïve AE and 64 CE patients that were diagnosed in Switzerland or Kyrgyzstan. Overall, 10 native Echinococcus spp. antigens, 3 recombinant antigens, and 4 commercial assays were comparatively evaluated. All native E. multilocularis antigens were produced in duplicates with a European and a Kyrgyz isolate and showed identical test values for the diagnosis of AE and CE. Native antigens and three commercial tests showed high diagnostic sensitivities (Se: 86-96%) and specificities (Sp: 96-99%) for the diagnosis of AE and CE in Swiss patients. In Kyrgyz patients, values of sensitivities and specificities were 10-20% lower as compared to the Swiss patients' findings. For the sero-diagnosis of AE in Kyrgyzstan, a test-combination of an E. multilocularis protoscolex antigen and the recombinant antigen Em95 appears to be the most suitable test strategy (Se: 98%, Sp: 87%). For the diagnosis of CE in both countries, test performances were hampered by major cross-reactions with AE patients and other parasitic diseases as well as by limited diagnostic sensitivities (93% in Switzerland and 76% in Kyrgyzstan, respectively).

Evaluation of a structured treatment discontinuation in patients with inoperable alveolar echinococcosis on long-term benzimidazole therapy: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an orphan zoonosis of increasing concern in endemic areas, including Europe. It frequently presents in an advanced, inoperable stage, that requires life-long parasitostatic benzimidazole therapy. In some patients, long-term therapy leads to negative anti-Em18 antibody ELISA and PET. It is disputed, whether these patients are truly cured and treatment can be safely discontinued. Our aim was to retrospectively assess long-term outcome of 34 patients with inoperable AE who participated in a previous study to determine feasibility of benzimidazole treatment cessation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical charts was undertaken in all 34 AE patients who participated in our previous study. Of particular interest were AE recurrence or other reasons for re-treatment in patients who stopped benzimidazole therapy and whether baseline clinical and laboratory parameters help identify of patients that might qualifiy for treatment cessation. Additionally, volumetric measurement of AE lesions on contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging was performed at baseline and last follow-up in order to quantify treatment response. RESULTS: 12 of 34 patients stopped benzimidazole therapy for a median of 131 months. 11 of these patients showed stable or regressive AE lesions as determined by volumetric measurement. One patient developed progressive lesions with persistently negative anti-Em18 antibody ELISA but slight FDG-uptake in repeated PET imaging. At baseline, patients who met criteria for treatment cessation demonstrated higher lymphocyte count and lower total IgE. CONCLUSION: Treatment cessation is feasible in inoperable AE patients, who demonstrate negative anti-Em18 antibody ELISA and PET on follow-up. Close monitoring including sectional imaging is strongly advised.

PET/CT helps to determine treatment duration in patients with resected as well as inoperable alveolar echinococcosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) at the end of benzimidazole therapy in alveolar echinococcosis. METHODS: A total of 22 patients undergoing PET/CT at the end of benzimidazole therapy were retrospectively registered. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were measured in remaining echinococcus manifestations and compared to normal liver tissue. Long-term clinical follow-up was performed, and recorded data included laboratory parameters, clinical information and imaging. RESULTS: All patients had no detectable levels of Em-18 antibodies and all echinococcus manifestations were negative on PET/CT, i.e. without focally increased FDG uptake or uptake higher than normal/non-infected liver tissue. All manifestations displayed significantly less FDG-uptake than normal liver tissue, i.e. SUVmax 1.8 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.5-3.5) vs. 3.0 (IQR 2.6-5.7), (p < 0.001). Patients were clinically followed for a median of 9.5 years (IQR 6.5-32.0 years) after their initial diagnosis and for 4.5 years (IQR 3.0-14.0 years) after discontinuation of benzimidazole therapy. No patient showed signs of recurrent infection at the last clinical visit. The 10-year and 20-year freedom from all-cause mortality was 95.0% (95% confidence interval 69.5% - 99.3%), for both. Two events occurred in 292 patient years of follow-up; i.e. two patients (9%) died, one because of pancreatic cancer, the other one because of unknown reasons with no detectable antibody levels. CONCLUSIONS: Negative FDG-PET/CT results combined with no detectable levels of Em-18 antibodies may allow for the safe discontinuation of benzimidazole therapy in patients with alveolar echinococcosis.

An immunocompetent farmer with isolated cerebral alveolar echinococcosis: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare condition, but living or working in a rural environment is a substantial risk factor. The liver is the organ primarily affected, with additional extrahepatic manifestations in approximately 25% of cases. Primary extrahepatic disease is rare, and isolated cerebral involvement is extremely unusual. OBSERVATIONS: The authors described an illustrative case of isolated cerebral alveolar echinococcosis in an immunocompetent farmer. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a predominantly cystic lesion with perifocal edema and a "bunch of grapes" appearance in the left frontal lobe. Histology revealed sharply demarcated fragments of a fibrous cyst wall accompanied by marked inflammation and necrosis. Higher magnification showed remnants of protoscolices with hooklets and calcified corpuscles. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed the diagnosis of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis. Interestingly, serology and thoracic and abdominal computed tomography results were negative, indicative of an isolated primary extrahepatic manifestation. LESSONS: Isolated, primary central nervous system echinococcosis is extremely rare, with only isolated case reports. As in the authors' case, it can occur in immunocompetent patients, especially persons with a rural vocational history. Negative serology results do not exclude cerebral echinococcosis, which requires histological confirmation. Immunohistochemical staining and PCR analysis are especially useful in cases without classic morphological findings.

Pathology of Echinococcosis: A Morphologic and Immunohistochemical Study on 138 Specimens With Focus on the Differential Diagnosis Between Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis.

Infection of humans by the larval stage of the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato or Echinococcus multilocularis causes the life-threatening zoonoses cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Although cystic liver lesions are a hallmark of both diseases, course, prognosis, and patients' management decisively differ between the two. The wide and overlapping spectrum of morphologies and the limited availability of ancillary tools are challenges for pathologists to reliably diagnose and subtype echinococcosis. Here, we systematically and quantitatively recorded the pathologic spectrum in a clinically and molecularly defined echinococcosis cohort (138 specimens from 112 patients). Immunohistochemistry using a novel monoclonal antibody (mAbEmG3) was implemented, including its combined application with the mAbEm2G11. Six morphologic criteria sufficiently discriminated between CE and AE: size of smallest (CE/AE: >2/≤2 mm) and largest cyst (CE/AE: >25/≤25 mm), thickness of laminated layer (CE/AE: >0.15/≤0.15 mm) and pericystic fibrosis (CE/AE: >0.6/≤0.6 mm), striation of laminated layer (CE/AE: moderate-strong/weak), and number of cysts (CE/AE: ≤9/>9). Combined immunohistochemistry with mAbEm2G11 (E. multilocularis specific) and mAbEmG3 (reactive in AE and CE) was equally specific as and occasionally more sensitive than polymerase chain reaction. On the basis of these findings, we developed a diagnostic algorithm for the differential diagnosis of echinococcosis. In summary, we have not only identified the means to diagnose echinococcosis with greater certainty, but also defined morphologic criteria, which robustly discriminate between CE and AE. We expect our findings to improve echinococcosis diagnostics, especially of challenging cases, beneficially impacting the management of echinococcosis patients.

Wildlife-transmitted Taenia and Versteria cysticercosis and coenurosis in humans and other primates.

Wild mustelids and canids are definitive hosts of Taenia and Versteria spp. while rodents act as natural intermediate hosts. Rarely, larval stages of these parasites can cause serious zoonoses. In Europe, four cases of Taenia martis cysticercosis have been diagnosed in immunocompetent women, and two cases in zoo primates since 2013. In North America, a zoonotic genotype related but distinct from Versteria mustelae has been identified in 2014, which had caused a fatal infection in an orangutan and liver- and disseminated cysticercoses in two severely immune deficient human patients in 2018, respectively. Additionally, we could attribute a historic human case from the USA to this Versteria sp. by reanalysing a published nucleotide sequence. In the last decades, sporadic zoonotic infections by cysticerci of the canid tapeworm Taenia crassiceps have been described (4 in North America, 8 in Europe). Besides, 3 ocular cases from North America and one neural infection from Europe, all in immunocompetent patients, 6 cutaneous infections were described in severely immunocompromised European patients. Correspondingly, besides oral infections with taeniid eggs, accidental subcutaneous oncosphere establishment after egg-contamination of open wounds was suggested, especially in cases with a history of cutaneous injuries at the infection site. Taenia multiceps is mainly transmitted in a domestic cycle. Only five human coenurosis cases are published since 2000. In contrast, T. serialis coenurosis (1 human case since 2000) is primarily transmitted by wild canids. The etiological diagnosis of exotic cysticercoses is challenging. Usually, clinical material does not allow for a morphological identification, and serological tests are not available. These limitations have partly been overcome by molecular tools. Without claiming any dramatic emergence of cysticercoses and coenuroses transmitted by wild carnivores, further sporadic cases of such 'exotic' infections have to be expected.

Intense Focus of Alveolar Echinococcosis, South Kyrgyzstan.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. An ultrasound study in southern Kyrgyzstan during 2012 revealed a prevalence of 4.2% probable or confirmed AE and an additional 2.2% possible AE, representing an emerging situation. The risk for probable or confirmed AE was significantly higher in dog owners.

Extension of the Avian Host Range of Collyriclosis in Europe.

We describe cases of collyriclosis in apodiform and passeriform birds in Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany. We extend the host range of Collyriculm faba to include apodiform birds ( Apus apus , Apus melba , and Apus pallidus ) and the passerine Sitta europaea (Eurasian Nuthatch). Infections varied in severity from an incidental finding to severe debilitation and death. The infection route remains unclear with the apparent absence from Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland of the first intermediate host of C. faba, the aquatic gastropod Bythinella austriaca, implying that other organisms might be involved in the parasite's life cycle. Furthermore, the detection of C. faba cysts in very young passerine birds may indicate an infection during the nestling stage and a rapid development of parasite-containing subcutaneous cysts. This series of cases highlights an increased geographic range into Portugal and the potential debilitating nature of a parasite of migratory birds in Europe. However, given the rarity of cases, collyriclosis does not seem to present an important threat to migratory species preservation.

Gastrointestinal parasites in shelter dogs from Belgrade, Serbia.

It is well known that dog shelters are a common source for parasitic infections in different countries worldwide. The present study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the frequency of polyparasitism in dogs living in two private shelters in Belgrade, Serbia. For this purpose, 134 faecal samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites with the merthiolate-iodine-formalin concentration (MIFC)-method as well as for Giardia-coproantigen with an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Taeniid eggs were identified by PCR and sequence analysis. Overall, at least one of nine different endoparasites was detected in 75.4% (101/134) of the dogs. Giardia duodenalis coproantigen was found most frequently (45.5%; 61/134), followed by eggs of Ancylostomatidae (41.0%; 55/134), oocysts of Hammondia/Neospora (11.2%; 15/134), eggs of Toxascaris leonina (9.7%; 13/134), oocysts of Isospora canis (8.2%; 11/134), eggs of Trichuris vulpis (6.7%; 9/134), cysts of Sarcocystis spp. (4.5%; 6/134), eggs of Toxocara canis (3.0%; 4/134) and eggs of Taenia spp. (1.5%; 2/134). The results of the study confirm a high parasitic burden in the investigated shelter dogs and call for an effective deworming program including an improved hygiene management in the affected facilities.

Parasites of sheep herding dogs in central Germany.

This paper reports on endoparasite infections diagnosed in 2012 by standard coproscopical techniques and coproantigen Giardia ELISA in 165 dogs used for sheep herding in 36 farms in central Germany. The overall prevalence of dogs with evidence of endoparasite infections was 27.3% (95% CI 20.6-34.7). The most frequently identified faecal forms were those of ascarids (Toxocara, 6.7%; Toxascaris 3.6%), hookworms (5.5%) and taeniid cestodes (4.2%), followed by those of Trichuris whipworms (3.0%), Capillaria aerophila (1.8%), Angiostrongylus and Crenosoma lungworms (1.2% each) and Cystoisospora canis coccidians (0.6%). Molecular identification demonstrated the seven dogs shedding taeniid eggs positive for Taenia (T.) species tapeworms (five, T. hydatigena; one, T. ovis; one Taenia sp.). Screening of the faeces with the coproantigen ELISA revealed Giardia specific antigen in 5.5% of the samples. The majority of the dogs had evidence of single endoparasite infections (22.4%) while evidence for infection with two or three parasites concurrently was found in six (3.6%) and two (1.2%) of the dogs, respectively. Dogs ≤ 1 year (n = 19) were parasitized more frequently (p < 0.05) with overall gastrointestinal parasites (63.2% vs. 20.5%), ascarids (36.8% vs. 6.8%) and Giardia spp. (21.1% vs. 3.4%) than older dogs (n = 146). Dogs which had been wormed within six months of examination tested less frequently positive for gastrointestinal helminths compared to dogs not wormed (11.1% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.0567). In addition, ear swabs taken from 43 sheep dogs in 2012 were examined, and Otodectes cynotis mites were extracted from one dog. Identification of ectoparasites collected by full body search and combing from 113 sheep dogs in the years 2011 to 2013 revealed infestation of fleas and ticks (each up to five specimens per dog) on 13 and 108 dogs, respectively, with nine dogs carrying both fleas and ticks. Archaeopsylla erinacei, Ctenocephalides (C) canis, C. felis and Pulex irritans fleas were identified from one, three, two and eleven dogs, respectively. Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes (I.) hexagonus and I. ricinus ticks were isolated from 16, eight and 95 dogs, respectively.

Outcome after Discontinuing Long-Term Benzimidazole Treatment in 11 Patients with Non-resectable Alveolar Echinococcosis with Negative FDG-PET/CT and Anti-EmII/3-10 Serology.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Benzimidazoles are efficacious for treating non-resectable alveolar echinococcosis (AE), but their long-term parasitocidal (curative) effect is disputed. In this study, we prospectively analyzed the potential parasitocidal effect of benzimidazoles and whether normalization of FDG-PET/CT scans and anti-Emll/3-10-antibody levels could act as reliable "in vivo" parameters of AE-inactivation permitting to abrogate chemotherapy with a low risk for AE-recurrence. METHOD: This prospective study included 34 patients with non-resectable AE subdivided into group A (n = 11), followed-up after diagnosis and begin of chemotherapy at months 6, 12 and 24, and group B (n = 23) with a medium duration of chemotherapy of 10 (range 2-25) years. All patients were assessed by FDG-PET/CT examinations and anti-EmII/3-10 serology. Chemotherapy was abrogated in patients with normalization of FDG-PET/CT and serum anti-EmII/3-10 levels. These patients were closely followed-up for AE recurrence. Endpoint (parasitocidal efficacy) was defined by the absence of AE-recurrence >24 months after stopping treatment. RESULTS: Normalization of FDG-PET/CT scan and anti-EmII/3-10 levels occurred in 11 of 34 patients (32%). After abrogation of chemotherapy in these 11 patients, there was no evidence of AE-recurrence within a median of 70.5 (range 16-82) months. However, the patients' immunocompetence appears pivotal for the described long-term parasitocidal effect of benzimidazoles. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of negative FDG-PET/CT-scans and anti-EmII/3-10 antibody levels seem to be reliable parameters for assessing in vivo AE-larval inactivity after long-term benzimidazole chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00658294.

Nematode dermatitis due to Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a dog.

BACKGROUND: Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode that primarily infects Canidae. The adult parasites are found in the pulmonary arterial circulation and the right side of the heart. The most common clinical sign is respiratory dysfunction. Bleeding, neurological, ocular, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders are also reported. Skin lesions are very unusual. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: This report describes a nematode dermatitis due to A. vasorum infection. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of a dog infected with this parasite that initially presented with skin lesions only. ANIMAL: A 3-year-old female Weimaraner dog presented with a crusted papular dermatitis on the bridge of the nose and on the pinnae, and an erythematous pododermatitis with erosions and perionyxis of one digit of 1 week's duration. Two weeks later the dog developed respiratory distress. METHODS AND RESULTS: Skin scrapings and fungal culture were negative for parasites and dermatophytes. Histopathological examination showed dermal granulomas and pyogranulomas with eosinophils centred around parasitic elements compatible with nematode larvae. Angiostrongylus vasorum DNA was demonstrated in skin biopsies. Chest radiographs were compatible with verminous pneumonia and a Baermann test revealed A. vasorum larvae. The dog was treated orally with fenbendazole, with rapid improvement and complete cure after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Angiostrongylus vasorum should be considered in dogs presented with skin lesions and respiratory signs. Skin biopsy, chest radiographs and Baermann test should be included in the diagnostic investigation.

First Case of Human Cerebral Taenia martis Cysticercosis.

Taenia martis is a tapeworm affecting mustelids, with rodents serving as intermediate hosts. The larval stage (cysticercus) has been found before only rarely in humans or primates. We hereby describe a case of cerebral T. martis cysticercosis in a French immunocompetent patient, confirmed by DNA analyses of biopsy material.

First case of peritoneal cysticercosis in a non-human primate host (Macaca tonkeana) due to Taenia martis.

BACKGROUND: Infections with larval stages (metacestodes) of a variety of taeniid species have been described in primates, including humans, with partial to severe clinical consequences. Taenia martis is a tapeworm of mustelids, and martens are mainly their definitive hosts in Central Europe. In the rodent intermediate host cysticerci develop in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. The present report describes a case of T. martis peritoneal cysticercosis in a Tonkean macaque. FINDINGS: An abdominal mass was detected in a 3-year-old male Tonkean macaque (Macaca tonkeana) born and raised in a primate colony in France. Examination of the mass after laparotomy showed numerous vesicles identified as cysticerci of T. martis, based on the morphology of scolex and hooks, with confirmation by PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes. Exeresis of the lesion was not possible and praziquantel (5.7 mg/kg) was given twice at an interval of 3 days. The abdominal mass was greatly diminished upon examination 2 months later and no signs of recurrence were noticed during the following 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of T. martis cysticercosis in a monkey. This record and the recent first description of an ocular T. martis cysticercosis in a human show the susceptibility of primates to T. martis and its zoonotic potential. This taeniid species must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cysticercosis in primates.

It isn't always caviar.

A 47-year-old HIV-positive woman presented with fever and a painful swollen right forearm. Clinical presentation and MRI were suggestive for a necrotising fasciitis. Surgical exploration revealed small transparent cystic bodies resembling white caviar, which were identified by their typical morphological features as larval stages (cysticerci) of Taenia crassiceps. Molecular methods, using sequence analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene, definitively confirmed T crassiceps. T crassiceps (Cestodea: Taeniidae) is a tapeworm found in the intestines of red foxes and dogs in the Northern Hemisphere. Human infections are rare and appear to depend on the host's immunocompetence. The eight published cases could not clarify the mode of infection but discuss ingestion of teniid eggs or penetration through a cutaneous wound. The optimal treatment remains unclear. We describe a detailed and successful treatment strategy including extensive surgical interventions, prolonged anthelmintic and antiretroviral treatment.

First case of peritoneal cystic echinococcosis in a domestic cat caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (genotype 1) associated to feline immunodeficiency virus infection.

A new cystic echinococcosis case in a cat in Uruguay is reported herein. The cat was taken to a veterinary clinic in Rocha city, Uruguay, due to dyspnea, constipation and abdominal enlargement. During surgery a large quantity of cysts was retrieved from the abdominal cavity. The cysts were morphologically studied and confirmed as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (genotype 1) by molecular tools using cytochrome oxidase submit 1 and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene as target genes. Moreover, for the first time a coinfection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was detected. FIV-induced immunosuppression could be a determining factor in the development of cystic echinococcosis in cats.

Generalized Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis in a chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

Taenia crassiceps is a cestode parasite that uses carnivores as definitive hosts and rodents and rabbits as main intermediate hosts, but other animal species and humans may also get infected. One adult male chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) from an animal shelter in Switzerland presented widespread subcutaneous fluctuant swellings extended over the forehead, nose, face and thoracic regions with a progressive growth over 3 months. The thoracic swelling was surgically resected, and it consisted of numerous 3-4mm small transparent vesicles, mainly confined to the subcutaneous tissue, which were morphologically identified as cysticerci of T. crassiceps. The diagnosis was confirmed by PCR and DNA sequence analysis of fragments of the mitochondrial small subunit rRNA and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 genes. After 1.5 months, due to enlargement of the swollen areas and deterioration of the general health condition, the chinchilla was euthanized and a necropsy was performed. Thousands of small cysticerci were observed widespread in the subcutis, involving underlying musculature of the whole body, in the thoracic cavity, larynx, pharynx and in the retropharyngeal region. Additionally, three larger metacestodes were detected in the liver and morphologically and molecularly identified as Taenia taeniaeformis strobilocerci. The present case represents an indicator of the environmental contamination with Taenia eggs, highlighting the risk of infection for susceptible animals and humans. Besides the clinical relevance for pets, T. crassiceps is a zoonotic parasite and can be also cause of severe cysticercosis in humans.