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Patent Angiostrongylus mackerrasae infection in a black flying fox (Pteropus alecto)
J T Mackie1, C Lacasse, D M Spratt
1Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, 20/2404 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, 4113, Australia. john.mackie@healthscope.com.au
Background:
A wild adult male black flying fox (Pteropus alecto) was presented unable to fly or hang strongly.
Results:
Necropsy and histological examination revealed a severe pneumonia, with numerous Angiostrongylus mackerrasae in the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary parenchyma contained numerous eggs and rare larvae.
Conclusion:
This is the first report of patent Angiostrongylus infection in an accidental (i.e. non-Rattus) host species. It is also the first report of A. mackerrasae 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.
Insights
A flying fox (Pteropus alecto) with severe pneumonia was found to have Angiostrongylus mackerrasae lungworm infection. This marks the first report of this parasite in an accidental host, highlighting the need for accurate identification.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- A wild adult black flying fox (Pteropus alecto) presented with impaired flight and hanging ability.
- Clinical signs suggested a significant underlying health issue in the bat.
Observation:
- Necropsy revealed severe pneumonia in the affected flying fox.
- Histological examination identified numerous adult Angiostrongylus mackerrasae within the pulmonary artery.
- Pulmonary parenchyma contained abundant parasite eggs and some larvae.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of patent Angiostrongylus infection in an accidental host species outside the typical Rattus genus.
- It is also the inaugural report of Angiostrongylus mackerrasae infection in any accidental host, including flying foxes.
- Morphological examination of recovered worms is crucial for accurate species identification in suspected angiostrongyliasis cases.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known host range for Angiostrongylus mackerrasae.
- It underscores the importance of considering parasitic lung infections in flying foxes presenting with respiratory distress.
- Accurate parasitic identification is vital for understanding disease transmission and host specificity in wildlife.
