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[Alveolar echinococcosis in a cynomolgus monkey]
1Zoologisch-Botanischen Garten Wilhelma, Stuttgart.
Tierarztliche Praxis
|February 1, 1994
Summary
This study reports the first case of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in an Old World monkey, a crab-eating macaque. The fox tapeworm infection was diagnosed post-mortem in a juvenile monkey from an endemic area.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Primate Health
Background:
- Echinococcus multilocularis is a parasitic cestode responsible for alveolar echinococcosis, a severe zoonotic disease.
- Old World monkeys, including crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis), are potential hosts in the life cycle of various parasites.
- Understanding parasite distribution and host range is crucial for public health and wildlife management.
Observation:
- A massively enlarged liver was observed during the post-mortem examination of an 18-month-old crab-eating macaque.
- Macroscopic and histological examinations revealed the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis cysts.
- Distinctive protoscolices with characteristic hook morphology confirmed the parasitic identification.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in an Old World monkey.
- The infected macaque inhabited a recreational park located within a region known to be endemic for Echinococcus multilocularis.
- The specific epidemiological context of this zoonotic transmission is highlighted.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known host range of Echinococcus multilocularis to include primates in endemic regions.
- It underscores the importance of surveillance for Echinococcus multilocularis in wildlife and captive animals, especially in recreational areas.
- Further research into the transmission dynamics and potential public health risks associated with this parasite in non-traditional hosts is warranted.