First case report of nematode parasitic myelopathy in a wild feline in Brazil

Cláudia Cerutti Dazzi,Ananda Müller Pereira,Alex Dos Santos,Tanise Policarpo Machado,Paulina Sepúlveda García,Adriana Costa Da Motta,Rubens Rodriguez,Michelli Westphal De Ataíde

doi:10.1590/s1984-29612019099

Abstract

Parasitic myelopathy caused by Gurltia paralysans in domestic cats is a disease commonly reported in several South American countries. The adult parasite is lodged in the meningeal veins and spinal cord, often causing clinical manifestations of vascular proliferation, thrombophlebitis, and medullary compression. Wild felines are believed to be the definitive hosts of this parasite. The infection occurs through the ingestion of paratenic hosts, but the life cycle of G. paralysans is not yet clearly understood. In this paper, we discuss a case of parasitic myelopathy in a margay (Leopardus wiedii) that died during post-surgical care. Necropsy revealed focal hemorrhages in the thoracolumbar spinal cord. A microscopic examination revealed adult nematodes and eggs inside the veins of subarachnoid space in spinal cord, suggesting G. paralysans infection. This is first description of parasitic myelopathy in a margay in Brazil.

Highlights

The adult parasite is found inside leptomeningeal vessels of the spinal cord, or even inside intramedullary venules (Gómez et al, 2011; Rivero et al, 2011; Mieres et al, 2013)
Mielopatia parasitária causada por Gurltia paralysans em gatos domésticos é uma doença comumente relatada em vários países da América do Sul
Feline myelopathy associated with G. paralysans infection was first reported by Wolffhügel in Chile in 1933, and subsequent reports have come from Colombia, Uruguay, and Brazil (Gómez et al, 2010; Rivero et al, 2011; Moroni et al, 2012; Togni et al, 2013)

Summary

Introduction

The adult parasite is found inside leptomeningeal vessels of the spinal cord, or even inside intramedullary venules (Gómez et al, 2011; Rivero et al, 2011; Mieres et al, 2013). Feline myelopathy associated with G. paralysans infection was first reported by Wolffhügel in Chile in 1933, and subsequent reports have come from Colombia, Uruguay, and Brazil (Gómez et al, 2010; Rivero et al, 2011; Moroni et al, 2012; Togni et al, 2013).

Results

Conclusion