Cerebral larva migrans caused by Baylisascaris sp in pet rabbits.
Cerebral larva migrans was diagnosed histologically in 4 pet rabbits that developed progressive neurologic disease. Larvae of Baylisascaris sp were isolated from brain tissues in 2 rabbits. The clinical syndrome of progressive torticollis and ataxia manifested by these rabbits is commonly associated with otitis and labyrinthitis attributable to bacterial infection; however, the middle ears were normal on radiographic and postmortem examinations. The severe encephalopathy that developed in these rabbits was indicative that just a few Baylisascaris larvae may cause extensive brain injury. During the summer, all of the affected rabbits were maintained outdoors in suburban areas, where raccoons, the final host of B procyonis, are commonly observed. Raccoon feces containing B procyonis eggs constitute a health risk for rabbits, as well as for human beings.
Deeb
B J
BJ
Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
DiGiacomo
R F
RF
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D017191:Ascaridida Infections / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001199:Ascaridoidea / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva; D007815:Larva Migrans / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits / Q000469:parasitology*