Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

A case of pulmonary linguatulosis in a rabbit

Document Type : Clinical Report

Author

Ömer Faruk Keleş

Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Türkiye

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2024.2017322.4092
Abstract
Linguatula serrata can infect most ruminants and cause accidental infections in humans. It is a causative parasite of linguatulosis, a disease that not only produces economic losses in cattle but also represents a public health risk due to its zoonotic nature. This study aimed to explore the clinical and pathological findings of pulmonary linguatulosis in a rabbit. The most striking clinical findings in the deceased rabbits were wheezing and labored breathing. Grossly, the most prominent morphological changes in the lungs were well-circumscribed, flat or slightly raised, solitary grayish-white nodular lesions, and consolidated areas. The characteristically tongue-shaped developmental forms of parasites were observed on the cut surface of the lung. Histopathologically, the most noticeable morphological changes in the lung parenchyma were diffuse thickening of the inter-alveolar septum, fibrinoid necrotic vasculitis, medial smooth muscle cells hypertrophy of the arteries, alveolar emphysema, longitudinal and transverse sections of L. serrata nymphs and extra-medullary hematopoietic foci (megakaryocytes). The morphological appearance of the nymphs showed multiple transverse grooves, saw-like cuticles, peri-buccal hooks and acidophilic glands. In conclusion, these findings reveal the etiopathological diagnosis of linguatulosis and suggest that the lungs might be a target organ in addition to the liver and lymph nodes.

Keywords

Histopathology
Linguatula serrata
Rabbit

Subjects

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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 15, Issue 5
May 2024
Pages 261-265

  • Receive Date 14 December 2023
  • Revise Date 11 January 2024
  • Accept Date 05 February 2024

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