Natural Infection by Platynosomum illiciens in a Stray Cat in Cruz das Almas, Recôncavo da Bahia, Brazil

Jesus, Maria F. PBrito, Juliana ASilva, Valdir CPedroso, Pedro M. OPimentel, Luciano AMacedo, Juliana T. S. ASantin, FláviaSilva, Sydnei MS. Neto, Adolfo FRibeiro, Raul R

This paper describes the main aspects of natural infection of a street cat with Platynosomum illiciens in Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brazil. The most significant histopathological findings included nonsuppurative cholangiohepatitis and hepatic fibrosis, which explain partially the main clinical signs displayed by the patient: cachexia, jaundice, and stupor. The gallbladder, biliary ducts and ductus choledochus were dilated, thickened, and highly infested with flukes. This report should serve to warn veterinarians about the presence of P. illiciens in the Recôncavo region of Bahia, and reinforces the importance of platynosomiasis in the differential diagnosis for feline liver diseases.(AU)

1. liver fluke
2. platynosomiasis
3. feline
4. Platynosomum sp.