Early Detection and Management of Lamanema chavezi infection in a llama (Lama glama) in Switzerland

Lamanema chavezi is an entero-hepatic strongylid parasite specific to South American camelids. It has been reported only on few occasions outside South America. Due to its hepatic migration, it can cause extensive liver damage, leading to granulomatous and fibrotic hepatitis and manifesting with lethargy, anorexia, and even death. We are reporting the second case of L. chavezi infection in Europe and the first in Switzerland. The patient was a three-year old neutered male llama (Lama glama). Clinical examination revealed bloody mucous discharge from the anus. Fecal sedimentation/flotation revealed strongylid eggs consistent with L. chavezi, which were molecularly confirmed by a PCR targeting the ITS2 plus 5.8S and 28S rDNA flanking regions and amplicon sequencing. Eighteen weeks after administration of a single dose of eprinomectin (0.2 mg/kg i.m.), no further L. chavezi eggs were detected in the feces. The source of infection could not be traced back. The entire herd consisted of llamas bred in Switzerland. L. chavezi has been rarely reported outside South America, but its potential for pathogenicity and establishment should not be underestimated. Fecal sedimentation/flotation techniques should be routinely performed to ensure early detection of the parasite.