First report of Thelazia callipaeda infection in wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Portugal. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gama, Adelina; Pires, Isabel; Canado, Márcia; Coutinho, Teresa; Lopes, Ana; Latrofa, Maria; Cardoso, Luís; Dantas-Torres, Filipe; Otranto, Domenico
• Is Part Of: Parasites & vectors. Volume 9:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Thelazia callipaeda -- Eye worm -- Oryctolagus cuniculus -- European rabbit -- Portugal -- Wild -- Zoonosis -- cox 1; Parasitism -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Vector-pathogen relationships -- Periodicals; Animals as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.96
• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1526-1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-3305

Abstract

Abstract Background Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode that affects the eyes of domestic and wild animals, including dogs, cats and red foxes. This parasitic eye worm is transmitted byPhortica variegata, which is a zoophilic fruit fly spread in Europe. Two wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus ) found dead in north-eastern Portugal were submitted to necropsy. Results Both animals presented gross lesions compatible with haemorrhagic viral disease. Eye examination revealed the presence of six worms (three in each animal, on both eyes). Out of the six nematodes, five females and one male were morphologically and molecularly identified asT. callipaeda . Conclusions This is the first report ofT. callipaeda in wild rabbits from Portugal, which reveals a new host for this parasite in southern Europe and emphasizes the importance of including thelaziosis in the differential diagnosis of ocular alterations in both animals and humans from areas where the eye worm is endemic.