Debilitating disease in a polyparasitised woylie (Bettongia penicillata): A diagnostic investigation

Publication date: Available online 17 July 2018Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): Amy S. Northover, Aileen D. Elliot, Sarah Keatley, Ziyuan Lim, Adriana Botero, Amanda Ash, Alan J. Lymbery, Adrian F. Wayne, Stephanie S. Godfrey, R.C. Andrew ThompsonAbstractDuring monitoring of critically endangered woylie (Bettongia penicillata) populations within the south-west of Western Australia, an adult female woylie was euthanased after being found in extremely poor body condition with diffuse alopecia, debilitating skin lesions and severe ectoparasite infestation. Trypanosoma copemani G2 and Sarcocystis sp. were detected molecularly within tissue samples collected post-mortem. Potorostrongylus woyliei and Paraustrostrongylus sp. nematodes were present within the stomach and small intestine, respectively. Blood collected ante-mortem revealed the presence of moderate hypomagnesaemia, mild hypokalaemia, mild hyperglobulinaemia and mild hypoalbuminaemia. Diffuse megakaryocytic hypoplasia was evident within the bone marrow. We propose various hypotheses that may explain the presence of severe ectoparasite infection, skin disease and poor body condition in this woylie. Given the potential deleterious effects of parasite infection, the importance of monitoring parasites cannot be over-emphasised.Graphical abstract
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research