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Cerebral cysticercosis in a cat.
E V Schwan1, M P de Scally, C L van Rensburg
1Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa. vschwan@op.up.ac.za
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|April 1, 2003
Summary
The brain of a cat in South Africa was found to contain Cysticercus cellulosae, the larval stage of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. This marks the first documented instance of feline cerebral cysticercosis in the region.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Taenia solium is a globally significant cestode parasite.
- Cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage (Cysticercus cellulosae), typically affects pigs and humans.
- Neurological manifestations are common in severe cysticercosis cases.
Observation:
- A domestic cat in South Africa presented with central nervous system clinical signs.
- Post-mortem examination revealed the presence of Cysticercus cellulosae within the cat's brain.
- This finding represents an unusual host and location for this parasite.
Findings:
- The metacestode of Taenia solium, identified as Cysticercus cellulosae, was successfully recovered from the feline brain.
- Cerebral cysticercosis in domestic cats is rarely reported in veterinary literature.
- This case is the first documented occurrence of feline cerebral cysticercosis in South Africa.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for T. solium to infect and cause disease in feline hosts.
- Underscores the importance of considering parasitic zoonoses in differential diagnoses for neurological disorders in domestic animals.
- Emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and research into the epidemiology of Taenia solium in diverse animal populations.