First record of Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) in the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus, Fischer, 1814) (Carnivora: Canidae)

FACELLI FERNANDEZ, F.; ARCE, L. F.; FACELLI FERNANDEZ, C.; MARINI, R.; FRANCHINI, G.R.; KAMENETZKY, L.; BELDOMENICO, P.

Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports

Elsevier

Año: 2024

2405-9390

Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) has not previously been reported in the pampas gray fox(Lycalopex gymnocercus) (Fisher 1814), the most abundant canid of Southern South America. An adult female fox was found dead due to unknown causes in Santa Fe province, Argentina. Post mortem examination revealed three brownish-red worms measuring 10, 11 and 15 cm long, each with an approximate width of 5 mm, all found free in the abdominal cavity. The worms were identified through morphological examination and molecular analysis as D. renale. They were all male. No worm was found in the kidneys. This study reports the first case of dioctophymatosis in the pampean gray fox in Argentina, increasing the range of wild definitive host species infected by the giant kidney worm in the neotropical region.