A Rare Parasite in Cats: Linguatula serrata Infestation in a Cat in Albania
Author Information
Author(s): Vokshi Enstela, Knaus Martin, Rehbein Steffen, Mancianti Francesca, Ebani Valentina Virginia
Primary Institution: Fakulteti i Mjekësisë Veterinare, Universiteti Bujqësor, Tirana, Albania; Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Rohrdorf, Germany
Hypothesis
Can domestic cats serve as intermediate hosts for the parasite Linguatula serrata?
Conclusion
Cats may serve as accidental intermediate hosts for Linguatula serrata, but they are unlikely to play a significant role in the parasite's transmission cycle.
Supporting Evidence
- Cats can accidentally ingest Linguatula serrata eggs from contaminated food or water.
- The study adds to the limited reports of L. serrata infestations in domestic cats.
- Previous studies have shown that cats are not suitable final hosts for L. serrata.
Takeaway
This study found a rare parasite in a cat in Albania, showing that cats can accidentally get infected by eating contaminated food.
Methodology
The lungs of 73 cats were examined for lungworms, and a nymphal pentastome was identified through peptic digestion and microscopy.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report and may not represent the broader prevalence of the parasite in cats.
Participant Demographics
One-year-old male mixed-breed cat from the greater Tirana area.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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