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Echinococcus multilocularis in two lowland gorillas (Gorilla g. gorilla).
P Rehmann1, A Gröne, A Lawrenz
1Zentrum für Fisch und Wildtiermedizin, Institut für Tierpathologie, Universität Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|July 16, 2003
Summary
Two lowland gorillas presented with alveolar echinococcosis, a parasitic liver disease. Their condition mimicked human cases more closely than other primates, showing severe liver damage and peritonitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Primate Medicine
Background:
- Alveolar echinococcosis is a severe parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis.
- It primarily affects the liver, mimicking malignant tumors and posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Two lowland gorillas (Gorilla g. gorilla) exhibited unusual clinical signs including abdominal enlargement, apathy, and anorexia.
- Macroscopic examination revealed severe peritonitis and extensive hepatic necrosis with large cavities.
- Histological analysis showed fragments of laminated walls characteristic of echinococcal metacestodes.
Findings:
- Diagnosis confirmed granulomatous and necrotizing hepatitis with severe peritonitis due to Echinococcus multilocularis.
- Serum antibodies against E. multilocularis antigen were detected in both affected gorillas.
- Pathological changes in gorillas closely resembled those observed in human alveolar echinococcosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for gorillas to serve as hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis.
- Understanding these presentations aids in diagnosing and managing parasitic diseases in captive and wild primates.
- The findings suggest gorillas may be a relevant model for studying human alveolar echinococcosis.