A case report on the gallbladder fluke, Euparadistomum herpestesi (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae), in stray cats (Felis catus) in Beni-Suef, Egypt.

Abstract

Scarce literature studying parasites, particularly helminths, of gallbladder of cats in Egypt are available. Stray cats (Felis catus) are widespread in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Therefore, a total of 62 stray cats were necropsied and parasitologically examined. Three (4.84%) cats harboured an ovoid yellowish to brown flukes in the gallbladder. Infected cats were females and aged more than 3years. The worm burden ranged 1-3 (one cat harboured 3 flukes and the other 2 cats were infected by one fluke each). Moreover, Mixed infections with intestinal cestodes and/or nematodes were detected. The fluke is quite discoid measuring 7.75 × 3.25mm. The oral sucker measured 1mm in diameter. The acetabulum was nearly central, rounded and measured 0.75mm in diameter. Short pharynx (no prepharynx). Two broad intestinal ceca extending short distance from the posterior extremity of the fluke. Testes are ovoid, opposite to each other occupying the anterior half, each measured 0.25mm in diameter. The ratio of testes to the acetabulum is characteristically 1:2. Ovary was somewhat ovoid, measured 0.3 × 0.45mm, and attached to it a large dorsal chamber of receptaculum seminis measuring 0.58 × 0.52mm. Vitellaria extended from the level of testes along the length of intestinal caeca or somewhat shorter than length of them. Uterus consisted of several coils occupying the entire area behind the oral sucker. Based on those criteria, the recovered flukes might be identified as Euparadistomum herpestesi. To the best of authors' knowledge and based on the microscopic identification, it is the first preliminary report denoting the existence of the gallbladder flukes, E. herpestesi, from stray cats in Beni-Suef, Egypt.