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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Brain infection by Baylisascaris larvae causing neurologic disease

By Deeb, B J & DiGiacomo, R F·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1994·Department of Comparative Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Cerebral larva migrans caused by Baylisascaris sp in pet rabbits.

Species:
rabbit
Brain & nervesRabbits

Abstract

Cerebral larva migrans was diagnosed histologically in 4 pet rabbits that developed progressive neurologic disease. Larvae of Baylisascaris sp were isolated from brain tissues in 2 rabbits. The clinical syndrome of progressive torticollis and ataxia manifested by these rabbits is commonly associated with otitis and labyrinthitis attributable to bacterial infection; however, the middle ears were normal on radiographic and postmortem examinations. The severe encephalopathy that developed in these rabbits was indicative that just a few Baylisascaris larvae may cause extensive brain injury. During the summer, all of the affected rabbits were maintained outdoors in suburban areas, where raccoons, the final host of B procyonis, are commonly observed. Raccoon feces containing B procyonis eggs constitute a health risk for rabbits, as well as for human beings.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7744648/