Parasitic gastritis in wild sunda pangolins (Manis Javanica), Singapore

Gastrointestinal parasites have been reported in wild Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica), but the clinical significance of such detections is often unknown. This report describes pathological lesions in the stomachs of two dead wild Sunda pangolins caused by Gendrespirura sp.. Gross and histopathological examination showed gastritis and hyperkeratosis in infected animals. Morphological identification confirmed the presence of Gendrespirura sp., and molecular analysis revealed a close phylogenetic relationship with the genus Gendrespirura, supporting placement within the family Habronematidae. This report highlights the pathological significance of parasite infections in wild pangolins in Singapore, further advancing our understanding of the natural biology and parasitology of wild Sunda pangolins, and the effects of these infections on the health and conservation of this critically endangered species.