Occurrence of Gasterophilus spp. in weanling foals in southern Brazil

The occurrence of gastrointestinal myiasis caused by Gasterophilus spp. larvae (Diptera: Oestridae) in adult horses has been widely characterized, however data on natural infestation in young foals have been lacking. This observation may be related to the absence of conclusive diagnosis in these individuals, most likely due to logistical or financial constraints. Gastric ulceration is a problem and a significant cause of morbidity in foals, particularly during the weaning stage; therefore, gasterophilosis should be included in the differential diagnosis. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of gasterophilosis in 4- to 6-month-old weanling foals. Seventy-one healthy weanling foals were enrolled in the study. Physical assessment blood sampling and was completed in all foals before the commencement of the experiment. Gastroscopy examinations were performed under sedation (Detomidine 0.01 - 0.02 mg/kg) with a flexible endoscope inserted through nasogastric via. The lumen of the stomach was examined in order to search for botflies' larvae. Following gastroscopy, foals were classified into 2 groups based on the presence of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in their stomachs: 1) Infected and 2) Not Infected. Infected foals received a single dose of commercial trichlorfon and albendazole equine oral gel and were stalled for 24 h. The passed feces were thoroughly examined, searching for elimination of larvae. A total of 64% of the foals (n = 45/71) harbored Gasterophilus spp. larvae in the stomach. Mild hyperemia in the gastric mucosa was observed in the attachment sites of the parasites. Physical assessment and hematological parameters' data were analyzed with Shapiro-Wilk normality test. Comparison between groups for clinical signs, hematological parameters and Gasterophilus spp. infection rates were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test or Student's t-test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. There were no statistically significant variations in physical and hematological parameters between foals that were affected and those that were not infected. The larvae found in the feces were subjected to morphological examination, which confirmed the diagnosis of Gasterophilus intestinalis. No systemic clinical indications compatible with Gasterophilus spp. infestation were seen, as described in previous studies of horses infected with the parasite. No botfly eggs were observed in the hair of evaluated foals. During gastroscopy, mild hyperemic lesions in the gastric mucosa were observed in the larvae fixation sites. Although no changes in clinical or hematological parameters were noted, the confirmation of parasite presence is a cause for concern due to horses' tolerance for low infestation levels and poor diagnosis. Additionally, the presence of this myiasis in foals may be a significant stressor during the weaning period and should be included in the differential diagnosis of recurring abdominal pain. Furthermore, infected foals might be a reservoir for the parasite and, contribute to the elimination and spread of the larvae in the environment. Thus, inclusion of young horses in deworming protocols targeted to botfly larvae is needed. This is the first report of Gasterophilus intestinalis myiasis in foals in Brazil. Further research is necessary to fully understand the epidemiology and prevalence of this condition in young horses in Brazil, based on the findings of this study.(AU)

Infestación por miasis buco nasofaríngea: a propósito de un caso / Infection by bucconasopharingeal myiasis: on the purpose of a case

La miasis es la infestación de animales vertebrados y humanos con larvas de dípteros, las cuales, por lo menos durante un cierto periodo de tiempo, se alimentan de tejidos vivos y muertos, líquidos corporales o alimentos ingeridos del hospedero. La miasis bucal es una condición rara no reportada en nuestro medio frecuentemente, y se describe asociada a factores como la pobre higiene oral, nivel socioeconómico bajo, alcoholismo e indigencia. Se presentó el caso de un paciente de 83 años, masculino, de color de piel blanca, con antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica e hipertensión arterial, quien luego de una pérdida accidental por el bosque, estuvo obligado a dormir al aire libre sin ningún tipo de protección, durante tres noches, y a beber agua estancada. Llegó al cuerpo de guardia del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, en Matanzas, con un cuadro de disnea, lesiones linguales y del paladar, así como expectoración sanguinolenta con abundantes larvas. Se decide llevar al quirófano para la limpieza mecánica de las lesiones presentes.

The myiasis is the infection of vertebrate animals and humans with insects' larvae that, during certain period of time, feed on the living and death tissues, body fluids or the foods eaten by the host. The buccal myiasis is a rare condition that is not frequently reported in our settings. We describe it associated to factors like poor oral hygiene, low socioeconomical level, alcoholism and destitution. We present the case of a male, white patient, aged 83 years old, with antecedents of ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension, who, after an incidental lost in the woods, had to sleep outdoors without any protections, during three days and to drink stagnant water. He arrived at the emergency unit of the University Clinico-Surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez, in Matanzas, with clinical features of dyspnea, lingual and palatal lesions, and also bloody expectoration with plentiful larvae. We decided to carry up a surgery to clean mechanically the lesions he had.