Hepatic capillariasis in a Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus) : short communication

K.H Erlwanger,B Mitchell,W.A Wilson,B.A De Witt,R.S Hetem,L.G Fick,D Mitchell,L.C.R Meyer

doi:10.4102/jsava.v80i4.228

Abstract

We report, for the first time, an incidental finding of Calodium hepaticum infestation in a sub-adult female Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus). Post mortem examination of the squirrel revealed severe haemoperitoneum, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly with miliary white spots distributed diffusely throughout the hepatic parenchyma. Histologically the portal tracts in the liver showed granulomatous inflammation with fibrosis and numerous giant cells. Occasional adult worms were identified and there were multiple C. hepaticum eggs distributed diffusely throughout the portal tracts and the parenchyma. The spleen also contained C. hepaticum eggs. The genus Rattus is the primary host and reservoir of C. hepaticum, but C. hepaticum infections have been reported previously in other Sciuridae. Based on our findings, people should be cautious of the zoonotic potential of C. hepaticum, when they come into contact with the Cape ground squirrel.

Highlights

We report, for the first time, an incidental finding of Calodium hepaticum infestation in a sub-adult female Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus)
Infection of other mammalian species, including rodents, lagomorphs, canids, equids and primates[7,9], occurs as a result of ingestion of feed, water or soil contaminated with embryonated C. hepaticum eggs, which can remain viable for up to 3 years in the environment[10,11]
A study aimed at investigating thermoregulation in Cape ground squirrels, was conducted at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Free State, South Africa (28°38’S, 28°01’E)

Summary

Introduction

For the first time, an incidental finding of Calodium hepaticum infestation in a sub-adult female Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus). K H, De Witt B A, Fick L G, Hetem R S, Meyer L C R, Mitchell D, Wilson W A, Mitchell B Hepatic capillariasis in a Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus). Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Rd, Parktown, 2193 South Africa. Capillaria hepatica) in a Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inaurus).

Results

Conclusion