Tongue worm (Pentastomida) infection in ball pythons (Python regius) – a case report

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Herpetology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tongue worms (Pentastomida) are endoparasites causing pentastomiasis, a significant threat to exotic animals and humans.
• Reptiles infected with tongue worms often develop respiratory symptoms due to lung infestation.
• Current treatments for pentastomiasis in reptiles are limited due to the toxicity of many antiparasitic drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare diagnosis of pentastomiasis in ball pythons in Poland.
• To evaluate the efficacy of fenbendazole in treating pentastomiasis in reptiles.
• To highlight the clinical signs and treatment outcomes of pentastomiasis in exotic pets.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of pentastomiasis in two ball pythons presenting with respiratory distress.
• Administration of fenbendazole at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, repeated after 7 days.
• Clinical monitoring of the affected reptiles post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Pentastomid parasites were identified in two ball pythons with significant respiratory problems and deteriorating health.
• Treatment with fenbendazole resulted in a positive outcome, indicating its effectiveness.
• The study documented a successful therapeutic intervention for a condition that is often difficult to treat.

Conclusions:

• Pentastomiasis, though rare in Poland, can cause severe health issues in exotic reptiles like ball pythons.
• Fenbendazole is an effective and viable treatment option for pentastomiasis in reptiles.
• This case underscores the importance of diagnosing and treating endoparasitic infections in exotic animal medicine.