Fatal cysticercosis by Taenia crassiceps (Cyclophyllidea: Taeniidae) in a presumed immunocompromised canine host.
Cysticercosis in a canine host (Canis familiaris) attributable to the taeniid cestode Taenia crassiceps is reported for the first time in North America. Numerous parent and daughter cysticerci occurred in a massive intrapleural and intraperitoneal infection in an apparently immunocompromised host. The largest cysticerci were ovoid to elongate, 5-9 mm in maximum length, and armed with 32-34 rostellar hooks in 2 rows; small hooks measured 114-143 microm long (x = 124+/-8.2 microm), and large hooks were 156-180 microm (x = 163+/-7.4 microm). Taenia crassiceps is widespread in boreal North America and, like a number of other taeniids, constitutes a potential risk as a zoonotic parasite. The immunological status of the host may be important in determining the outcome of infections for this and other taeniids in atypical hosts.
Hoberg
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United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Biosystematics and National Parasite Collection Unit, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
Ebinger
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D000818:Animals; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003552:Cysticercus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D004285:Dogs; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011239:Prednisolone; D001379:Azathioprine