This is a case report of natural infection with Besnoitia darlingi in a Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in Louisiana. Clinical pathologic data included a severe nonregenerative anemia, inflammatory leukogram, increased hepatocellular leakage enzymes, renal azotemia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Tissue cysts containing bradyzoites were found in the majority of organs, especially the skin, mucous membranes, kidneys, adrenals, lungs, and heart. Images of the bradyzoites obtained by transmission electron microscopy were consistent with the previously described ultrastructure of Besnoitia darlingi. This opossum also suffered from an open phalangeal fracture and concurrent gastrointestinal parasites. Histopathologic findings included a glomerulonephritis and hepatic necrosis.
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1 March 2009
Besnoitia darlingi Infection in a Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Shannon Shaw,
Britton Grasperge,
Javier Nevarez,
Scott Reed,
Lauren Long,
Nathalie Rademacher,
David Sánchez-Migallón Guzmán
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Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Vol. 40 • No. 1
March 2009
Vol. 40 • No. 1
March 2009
Besnoitia darlingi
Didelphis virginiana
parasite
Virginia opossum