ABSTRACT
Platynosomum illiciens, a trematode parasite known for its intricate life cycle, predominantly infests the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts of domestic cats. In this study, we examined feline fecal samples from a cat sanctuary in Metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aiming to determine whether, even in such environments, cats retain their atavistic hunting habits, as evidenced by the presence of P. illiciens in fecal samples. The infection diagnosis utilized centrifugal sedimentation in the formalin-ethyl acetate test. Out of 72 fecal samples collected from various cats, four tested positive for P. illiciens eggs. This study serves as a reminder that even in environments where they are well-fed, cats exhibit predatory behavior, engaging in hunting and consuming prey, thus exposing themselves to parasites. It emphasizes the importance of veterinarians and cat caretakers being cognizant of the widespread presence of P. illiciens in Brazil and considering it in the differential diagnosis for cats presenting with liver or gallbladder issues. In conclusion, our findings underscore that the ancestral instinct for hunting and predation, preserved in domestic cats, persists despite fulfilling their nutritional needs.
Platynosomum illiciens, um parasito trematódeo conhecido por seu ciclo de vida complexo, infesta predominantemente o fígado, a vesícula biliar e os ductos biliares de gatos domésticos. Neste estudo, examinamos amostras fecais de felinos de um santuário de gatos na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, com o objetivo de determinar se, mesmo nesses ambientes, os gatos mantêm seus hábitos de caça, evidenciado pela presença de P. illiciens em amostras fecais. O diagnóstico da infecção foi realizado por sedimentação centrífuga no teste de formalina-acetato de etila. Foram obtidas 72 amostras fecais de diferentes gatos e quatro testaram positivo para ovos de P. illiciens. Este estudo é um lembrete de que os gatos terão comportamento predatório, caçando e consumindo presas mesmo quando bem alimentados, ficando expostos ao parasito. Veterinários e cuidadores de gatos devem estar atentos à ampla presença de P. illiciens no Brasil e considerá-la no diagnóstico diferencial de gatos com problemas de fígado ou vesícula biliar. Concluindo, nossos resultados mostram que o instinto atávico dos gatos que se mantiveram conservados durante a domesticação não pode ser anulado quando as necessidades nutricionais dos gatos são satisfeitas.
ABSTRACT
Many studies about fasciolosis control have been carried out, whether acting on the adult parasite or in Pseudosuccinea columella, compromising the development of the larval stages. The present study aimed to evaluate, under laboratory conditions, the susceptibility of P. columella to Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88, during for 24 and 48 hours of exposure. The snails were evaluated for 21 days for accumulated mortality; number of eggs laid; hatchability rate; biochemical changes; and histopathological analysis. We found that exposure induced a reduction in glucose and glycogen levels, characterizing a negative energy balance, due to the depletion of energy reserves as a result of the direct competition established by the nematode/endosymbiont bacteria complex in such substrates. A mortality rate of 48.25% and 65.52% was observed in the group exposed for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, along with significant impairment of reproductive biology in both exposed groups in relation to the respective controls. The results presented here show that P. columella is susceptible to the nematode H. bacteriophora, with the potential to be used as an alternative bioagent in the control of this mollusk, especially in areas considered endemic for fascioliasis, in line with the position expressed by the World Health Organization Health.
