What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to identify the presence of the cestode Oochoristica sp. in a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana in Italy.

July 14, 20260 citations

First molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor) from Italy: A case report.

CACarolina AllieviUniversity of Milan ACAlessandra CafisoUniversity of Milan NFNicholas De FilippoUniversity of Milan

Key Points

This research aims to identify the presence of the cestode Oochoristica sp. in a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana in Italy.
Conducted parasitological investigation on domestic reptiles in Italy.
Performed DNA extraction and amplification using PCR and compared sequences to GenBank.
Used Mini-FLOTAC® flotation technique to detect cestode eggs.
Identified presence of Oochoristica sp. with 98% similarity to Oochoristica hemidactyli.
Marked as the first molecularly supported detection in a captive reptile in Italy.
Highlights the necessity of parasitological surveillance in domestic reptile populations.

Abstract

During a parasitological investigation conducted in Italy on domestic reptiles, a motile proglottid was macroscopically observed in a fecal sample from a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor). Subsequent analysis using the quali-quantitative flotation technique (Mini-FLOTAC®) revealed the presence of cestode eggs. DNA was extracted from the sample and amplified using conventional PCR. Sequence comparison with those available in GenBank showed the highest similarity (98%) with Oochoristica hemidactyli, supporting identification at the genus level (Oochoristica sp.). To our knowledge, this represents the first molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. in a captive reptile in Italy, highlighting the importance of parasitological surveillance in domestic reptile populations and the potential role of exotic pets in the introduction and spread of parasites.

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