Cerebral Larva Migrans Caused by Baylisascaris spp. in a Free-ranging North American Porcupine ( Erethizon dorsatum )

J Wildl Dis. 2016 Jul;52(3):763-5. doi: 10.7589/2015-11-316. Epub 2016 Jun 17.

Abstract

A free-ranging North American porcupine ( Erethizon dorsatum ) from Utah, US, exhibited neurologic symptoms and was submitted for necropsy. Histologic examination of the brain revealed severe encephalitis with an intralesional nematode larva consistent with Baylisascaris spp. Neurologic larva migrans had not been reported in free-ranging porcupines, or from wildlife in Utah.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild*
  • Ascaridida Infections / parasitology
  • Ascaridida Infections / pathology
  • Ascaridida Infections / veterinary*
  • Ascaridoidea / isolation & purification*
  • Brain Diseases / parasitology
  • Brain Diseases / veterinary*
  • Larva Migrans / pathology
  • Larva Migrans / veterinary*
  • Porcupines*