1. Fatal echinococcosis in three lemurs in the United Kingdom—A case series.
- Author
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Denk, Daniela, Boufana, Belgees, Masters, Nicholas J., and Stidworthy, Mark F.
- Subjects
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LEMURS , *PRIMATE diseases , *TAPEWORMS , *ECHINOCOCCUS , *PARASITE life cycles - Abstract
Tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus reside in the small intestine of a number of carnivorous species, predominantly canids. In enzootic areas, hydatidosis caused by taeniid metacestodes can present a significant problem in accidental intermediate hosts, including humans. Whereas the United Kingdom is currently considered free of Echinococcus multilocularis , Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and Echinococcus equinus are endemic in the UK and have been reported in a variety of captive mammals. The presentation of echinoccocosis in non-human primates widely parallels disease in humans, and public health concerns are related to the four genera, E. granulosus , E. multilocularis , Echinococcus vogeli and Echinococcus oligarthrus . In contrast, sporadic outbreaks and individual hydatid disease cases in non-human primates have been associated with several Echinococcus and Taenia species. Here we describe three fatal cases of cystic echinococcosis in two captive ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta ) and one captive red-ruffed lemur ( Varecia variegata rubra ) and provide molecular tapeworm characterisation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this includes the first report of Echinococcus ortleppi in a UK born ring-tailed lemur and provides the first in depth case reports of echinococcosis due to E. equinus in UK born ring-tailed and red ruffed lemurs with detailed clinical and pathological findings. The cestode life cycle and implications for zoo collections are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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