Abstract
Two domestic cats from the Patagonia rural area in Argentina were found to be naturally infected with Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto/G1 genotype; so far, the only species/genotype of E. granulosus sensu lato complex described to infect domestic cats. The felines developed abdominal disseminated larval disease; the diagnosis was performed by ultrasound, exploratory laparotomy, and molecular techniques. These results indicate that cystic echinococcosis must be considered for differential diagnosis of felines with abdominal distension and/or observation of vesicles through ultrasound, from endemic areas. Even though cats and dogs are carnivores, differences in digestive physiology and immunological characteristics between them could allow the development of larval or adult worm parasites. Domestic cats with cystic echinococcosis show to be environmentally infected with E. granulosus s. s./G1 eggs.
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The authors would like to thank Dra. Victoria Periago, from Fundación Mundo Sano-CONICET, for her kind editing of the manuscript.
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HGA: molecular biology analysis, data collection, and writing; AM: molecular biology analysis and writing; MLG: morphologic analysis, arecoline purgations; MPF and FF: veterinary practices, case 1; EK: veterinary practices, case 2; MSBV and FAA: molecular biology analysis; AGF: co-direction, writing and revision of the manuscript; OJ: general direction of the work, revision of the manuscript
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Avila, H.G., Maglioco, A., Gertiser, M.L. et al. First report of cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto/G1 in Felis catus from the Patagonian region of Argentina. Parasitol Res 120, 747–750 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-021-07048-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-021-07048-4