Patent Angiostrongylus mackerrasae infection in a black flying fox (Pteropus alecto). Issue 9 (27th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mackie, JT; Lacasse, C; Spratt, DM
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 91:Issue 9(2013)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2013-08-27
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="avj12082-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>A wild adult male black flying fox (<italic>Pteropus alecto</italic>) was presented unable to fly or hang strongly.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12082-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Necropsy and histological examination revealed a severe pneumonia, with numerous <italic>Angiostrongylus mackerrasae</italic> in the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary parenchyma contained numerous eggs and rare larvae.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12082-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>This is the first report of patent <italic>Angiostrongylus</italic> infection in an accidental (i.e. non‐<italic>Rattus</italic>) host species. It is also the first report of <italic>A. mackerrasae</italic> infection in an accidental host (including flying foxes). Worms recovered from cases of suspected angiostrongyliasis should be examined in morphological detail to ensure correct identification.</p> </sec> </abstract>