Detection of Thelazia callipaeda in Phortica variegata and spread of canine thelaziosis to new areas in Spain.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The fruit fly Phortica variegata (Drosophilidae: Steganinae) feeds on the ocular secretions of animals and humans, and has been described as an intermediate host of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) in Italy. Despite the increased detection of T. callipaeda in many European countries, information about its vector role in natural conditions is still limited. In the Iberian Peninsula, thelaziosis caused by T. callipaeda has been reported in dogs, cats, red foxes, wild rabbits and humans. METHODS:In the last seven years, we have detected increased numbers of cases of canine thelaziosis at three locations in mainland Spain: Site 1, La Vera region (Cáceres Province, central-western Spain; 51 cases); Site 2, El Escorial municipality (Madrid Community, central S

SUBMITTER: Marino V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5859453 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature