First report of Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in wolves (Canis lupus)in Italy

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) infects the eyes of humans and rabbits as well of domestic and wild carnivores (i.e., dogs, cats, and foxes). The first three cases of infection by T. callipaeda eyeworms in wolves (Canis lupus) are here described with up to 96 nematodes collected from a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: OTRANTO, Domenico, LIA, Riccardo Paolo, CANTACESSI C, MALLIA E
Other Authors: Otranto, Domenico, Cantacessi, C, Mallia, E, Lia, Riccardo Paolo
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 2007
Subjects:
Canis lupu
Host-specificity
Parasite
Reservoir
Thelazia callipaeda
Thelaziosis
Canis lupus
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/11586/98232
Description
Summary:Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) infects the eyes of humans and rabbits as well of domestic and wild carnivores (i.e., dogs, cats, and foxes). The first three cases of infection by T. callipaeda eyeworms in wolves (Canis lupus) are here described with up to 96 nematodes collected from a single animal. The host competence of wolf was demonstrated by the retrieval of adult worms in the eyes of all examined animals. All nematodes collected were evaluated by morphologic and molecular techniques. Sequence analysis of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) confirmed that only one haplotype of T. callipaeda was present. The competence of wolves as a definitive host for T. callipaeda is discussed in view of the relevance of wild fauna in maintaining and spreading eyeworm infection in humans and domestic animals. © Wildlife Disease Association 2007.

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