First report of cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto/G1 in Felis catus from the Patagonian region of Argentina

AVILA, HÉCTOR GABRIEL; MAGLIOCO, ANDREA; GERTISER, MARÍA LAURA; FERREYRA, MARÍA PAULA; FERRARI, FRANCISCO; KLINGER, ENRIQUE; BARBERY VENTURI, MELISA SILVANA; AGÜERO, FACUNDO ARIEL; FUCHS, ALICIA GRACIELA; JENSEN, OSCAR

PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH

SPRINGER

Año: 2021 vol. 120 p. 747 - 750

0932-0113

Two domestic cats from the Patagonia rural area in Argentina were found to be naturally infected with Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto/G1 genotype; so far, the only species/genotype of E.granulosussensulato complex described to infect domestic cats. The felines developed abdominal disseminated larval disease; the diagnosis was performed by ultrasound, exploratory laparotomy, and molecular techniques. These results indicate that cystic echinococcosis must be considered for differential diagnosis of felines with abdominal distension and/or observation of vesicles through ultrasound, from endemic areas. Even though cats and dogs are carnivores, differences in digestive physiology and immunological characteristics between them could allow the development of larval or adult worm parasites. Domestic cats with cystic echinococcosis show to be environmentally infected with E. granulosus s. s./G1 eggs.