Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in Barbary striped grass mice (Lemniscomys barbarus)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Microbiology
• Zoological Medicine

Background:

• Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an opportunistic intracellular microsporidian parasite.
• While commonly affecting rabbits, it can infect various species, including rodents, carnivores, birds, and humans.
• Subclinical infections are frequent, but clinical disease can occur.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and confirm encephalitozoonosis in a captive group of Barbary striped grass mice (Lemniscomys barbarus).
• To identify the causative agent of disease in this specific rodent population within a zoo setting.

Main Methods:

• Diagnostic confirmation involved immunohistochemistry to detect parasite antigens.
• Molecular identification was achieved through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and subsequent gene sequencing.
• Clinical observations and necropsy findings were also considered.

Main Results:

• Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified as the etiological agent responsible for the observed disease.
• Immunohistochemistry and PCR with sequencing provided definitive confirmation of the parasite.
• The specific source of the Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection within the zoo environment could not be determined.

Conclusions:

• This report confirms Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in captive Barbary striped grass mice, highlighting its potential to affect diverse mammalian species.
• The findings underscore the importance of diagnostic confirmation using advanced techniques like immunohistochemistry and PCR in non-traditional hosts.
• Further investigation into transmission routes and host susceptibility in zoo environments is warranted.