First report of parasitism by Ophidascaris robertsi (Nematoda) in a sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps, Marsupialia)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2014 Dec;45(4):984-6. doi: 10.1638/2014-0107.1.

Abstract

Third-stage larvae of Ophidascarsis robertsi (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) were found on necropsy in a female sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps (Marsupialia: Petauridae), two in heart chambers and one free in the peritoneal cavity. The animal was bred in captivity and had previous contact with Australian pythons captured in nature, which could be the source of the infection. The histopathologic diagnosis was intraluminal and perivascular pulmonary hemorrhage possibly due to the parasitosis. It is the first report of parasitism by O. robertsi in a sugar glider.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Marsupialia*
  • Nematoda / classification*
  • Nematode Infections / pathology
  • Nematode Infections / veterinary*