Alveolar Echinococcosis in Nutria (), Invasive Species in Slovenia

Overview

Journal Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl

Date 2022 Jul 5

PMID 35783071

Authors

Manja Krizman

Tanja Svara

Barbara Soba

Aleksandra Vergles Rataj

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The present report describes a case of infection in nutria () culled in the central area of Slovenia. Post-mortem exam showed multiple cystic lesions in the liver. Gross examination, as well as parasitological and histopathological examinations, revealed numerous cysts of various sizes, filled with yellow clear fluid and displacing most of the liver parenchyma. The cyst lumina contained numerous protoscolices approximately 100 μm in diameter and calcareous corpuscles. The protoscolices had two visible suckers and a rostellum with birefringent hooks. The lesions were consistent with an cyst. Molecular analysis confirmed that the nutria was infected with . To our knowledge, this is the first report of echinococcosis in nutria in Slovenia that presents gross, parasitological, and histological lesions and the result of molecular analysis. Nutrias in Slovenia are dangerous invaders but can also be a relevant bioindicator of the presence of the parasite in the environment.

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Romig T, Wassermann M Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. 2024; 23:100913.

PMID: 38405672 PMC: 10884515. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100913.

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