First molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor) from Italy: A case report

作者：Allievi C, Cafiso A, De Filippo N, Lubian E, Sechi SA, Zanon A, Villa L, Manfredi MT · 发表于：Parasitology international · 年份：2027 · DOI：10.1016/j.parint.2026.103338 · 研究领域：Cachryx defensor、Iguanidae、Mini-FLOTAC®、Oochoristica sp.、PCR、Parasites、Pet reptiles

During a parasitological investigation conducted in Italy on domestic reptiles, a motile proglottid was macroscopically observed in a fecal sample from a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor). Subsequent analysis using the quali-quantitative flotation technique (Mini-FLOTAC®) revealed the presence of cestode eggs. DNA was extracted from the sample and amplified using conventional PCR. Sequence comparison with those available in GenBank showed the highest similarity (98%) with Oochoristica hemidactyli, supporting identification at the genus level (Oochoristica sp.). To our knowledge, this represents the first molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. in a captive reptile in Italy, highlighting the importance of parasitological surveillance in domestic reptile populations and the potential role of exotic pets in the introduction and spread of parasites.