A Rare Infection of a Persian Cat with Mesocestoides Parasite: A Case Report

Background: Mesocestoides spp. are intestinal cestodes that infect both domestic and wild carnivores, and rarely humans. The complete biological life cycle of this parasite is not yet fully understood, but it likely involves two intermediate hosts: oribatid mites are thought to act as the first intermediate hosts, which develop and carry cysticercoids, while reptiles, birds, amphibians, and rodents serve as the second intermediate hosts, which harbor tetrathyridia. Carnivores become infected by ingesting these hosts. Despite their zoonotic potential, Mesocestoides infections in cats are poorly documented with limited data on their clinical impact, necessitating further investigation. Methods: A ۳-year-old Persian cat was referred to a diagnostic veterinary laboratory due to progressive weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal distension. With the owner’s consent, a fecal sample was collected from the cat. The sample was examined using sedimentation and flotation techniques with saturated sugar solution, followed by microscopic evaluation. Results: Light microscopic examination of the fresh fecal sample revealed numerous Mesocestoides eggs. The parasite’s eggs measured by pathologist and conclusively identified as Mesocestoides, confirming the infection. The presence of eggs, along with the cat’s severe gastrointestinal and systemic signs, suggested an active parasitic burden. Conclusion: This case identified an infection by Mesocestoides in a cat via fecal examination, presenting with severe gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. The findings highlight the pathogenicity of this cestode and the need to consider Mesocestoides in differential diagnoses for cats with unexplained clinical signs. Further research into its life cycle and larval stage effects is essential to improve veterinary diagnostic and treatment strategies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Mesocestoides ، Cat ، Flotation ، Saturated Sugar