Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda in Portugal: Current status of infection in pets and wild mammals and case report in a beech marten (Martes foina).
- Journal:
- Veterinary parasitology
- Year:
- 2018
- Authors:
- Seixas, Fernanda et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Sciences
Plain-English summary
Ocular thelaziosis is an eye infection caused by a type of roundworm called Thelazia callipaeda, which can affect various mammals, including pets and even humans. This infection has been found in several European countries over the last twenty years and is particularly common in the northeastern regions of Portugal, where it has been seen in dogs, cats, red foxes, and wild rabbits. Recently, researchers discovered this worm in a beech marten, marking the first time it has been reported in this species in Portugal. The study also noted that a specific genetic variant of the worm, known as haplotype 1, is the only one found in Europe, regardless of the animal it infects. Overall, the findings highlight the ongoing presence of this eye worm in both domestic and wild animals in the region.
Abstract
Ocular thelaziosis is caused by nematodes of the genus Thelazia (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), which inhabit the surface of the eyes and associated tissues. Thelazia callipaeda affects a range of mammal species, including humans, and in the last two decades has been reported in multiple European countries, being classified as an emergent vector-borne pathogen. In Portugal T. callipaeda is endemic in north-eastern areas, where it has been reported in domestic dogs, cats, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We report, for the first time, T. callipaeda in a beech marten (Martes foina) from Portugal and highlight the presence of haplotype 1 as the only one found in Europe, irrespective of the host species and geographical area of provenience.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29559141/