Platynosomum illiciens infection in domestic cats: insights from a sanctuary
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Keywords

cats, liver fluke, bile.

How to Cite

Alberigi, B. ., Matos, M. D., Correia, T. R., Ferreira, B. de O. T., Cassani, L. S., Roque, R. M. da S., Nohara, S. J., & Labarthe, N. (2023). Platynosomum illiciens infection in domestic cats: insights from a sanctuary. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 45, e005023. https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm005023

Abstract

Platynosomum illiciens, a trematode parasite known for its intricate life cycle, predominantly infests the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts of domestic cats. In this study, we examined feline fecal samples from a cat sanctuary in Metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aiming to determine whether, even in such environments, cats retain their atavistic hunting habits, as evidenced by the presence of P. illiciens in fecal samples. The infection diagnosis utilized centrifugal sedimentation in the formalin-ethyl acetate test. Out of 72 fecal samples collected from various cats, four tested positive for P. illiciens eggs. This study serves as a reminder that even in environments where they are well-fed, cats exhibit predatory behavior, engaging in hunting and consuming prey, thus exposing themselves to parasites. It emphasizes the importance of veterinarians and cat caretakers being cognizant of the widespread presence of P. illiciens in Brazil and considering it in the differential diagnosis for cats presenting with liver or gallbladder issues. In conclusion, our findings underscore that the ancestral instinct for hunting and predation, preserved in domestic cats, persists despite fulfilling their nutritional needs.

https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm005023
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Copyright (c) 2023 Bruno Alberigi, Mateus Daudt Matos, Thaís Ribeiro Correia, Bruno de Oliveira Telles Ferreira, Lais Sperandio Cassani, Roxanne Marina da Silva Roque, Sidney Jiro Nohara, Norma Labarthe