First Report of Alaria spp. in Domestic Feline in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Alaria spp. are trematodes that have a heteroxenous life cycle, requiring two intermediate hosts and several paratenic and definitive hosts. Alaria alata is considered a potential cause of disease in humans and is included among several emerging zoonotic parasites. It is the etiological agent of alariosis, which is associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from intermediate (snails, frogs) or paratenic (mainly game) hosts of the parasite. This work aimed to report the first case of alariosis in a domestic feline in southern Brazil. The patient in this report was an adult male feline of no defined breed, who a few days after being adopted, began to present loose stools, which progressed to diarrhea, and some episodes of vomiting were also reported. The definitive diagnosis was obtained from coproparasitological examination, using the Hoffman, Pons, and Janer technique (spontaneous sedimentation), where Alaria spp. eggs were observed. Following the diagnosis, treatment with praziquantel (20mg/kg) was instituted for two consecutive days, as well as supportive therapy. At the end of the treatment, a new coproparasitological examination was carried out, which confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment. This report suggests, the importance of researching and reporting cases involving the trematode Alaria spp. becomes evident, as it represents not only a health problem for domestic animals but also a public health problem due to its zoonotic potential.