Hepatic capillariasis in a Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus)
Journal Article
2009
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinere Vereniging
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
License
Series
Abstract
We report, for the first time, an incidental finding of Calodium hepaticum infestation in a sub-adult female Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus). Post mortem examination of the squirrel revealed severe haemoperitoneum, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly with miliary white spots distributed diffusely throughout the hepatic parenchyma. Histologically the portal tracts in the liver showed granulomatous inflammation with fibrosis and numerous giant cells. Occasional adult worms were identified and there were multiple C. hepaticum eggs distributed diffusely throughout the portal tracts and the parenchyma. The spleen also contained C. hepaticum eggs. The genus Rattus is the primary host and reservoir of C. hepaticum, but C. hepaticum infections have been reported previously in other Sciuridae. Based on our findings, people should be cautious of the zoonotic potential of C. hepaticum, when they come into contact with the Cape ground squirrel.
Description
Reference:
Erlwanger, K. H., De Witt, B. A., Fick, L. G., Hetem, R. S., Meyer, L. C. R., Mitchell, D., ... & Mitchell, B. (2009). Hepatic capillariasis in a Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus): short communication. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 80(4), 276-277.