Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First case of cystic echinococcosis in a cat in Chile
By Tarazona, Sandra et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2025·Medico Veterinario independiente·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First documented case of feline cystic echinococcosis in the Aysén region, Chile.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old domestic cat in Chile was brought to the vet after its owners noticed a year of abdominal swelling. An ultrasound revealed multiple cysts in the cat's abdomen, which were surgically removed. The diagnosis was confirmed through various tests, including microscopy. This case is significant as it is the first documented instance of cystic echinococcosis in a cat in that region, highlighting the need for awareness and control measures for this condition.
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Abstract
This case report describes the first documented case of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in a domestic cat in the western side of the southern Andes, known as northern Patagonia in Chile, highlighting the epidemiological relevance of Echinococcus granulosus across non-traditional hosts. CE is notably prevalent in the Aysén region, posing a significant public health challenge. The patient, a seven-year-old domestic cat, was diagnosed with multiple abdominal cysts via ultrasound following a year of observed abdominal distension by the owners. The cysts were surgically removed, and the diagnosis confirmed through microscopy, PCR and histopathology. This occurrence adds to a limited global record, with only six other cases previously reported in Uruguay, Russia, Italy, Turkey, and Argentina. The report emphasizes the importance of ongoing public health education and strategic control measures within the region.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40280668/