Abstract Isopods of the genus Braga (Cymothoidae) are haematophagous parasites of neotropical fish, causing anaemia, tissue damage and mortality. Braga nasuta , endemic to Brazil, has been reported from various hosts, including ornamental species exported worldwide. During a routine examination of imported cardinal tetra ( Paracheirodon axelrodi , Schultz, 1956), the authors detected a fish harbouring an adult male isopod (6.21 mm long, 2.66 mm wide) attached anterior to the dorsal fin. Based on morphological identification, the parasite was B. nasuta . No secondary pathogens were observed in the affected fish specimen. Given the global trade in ornamental species, the introduction of B. nasuta into non-native regions underscores the importance of quarantine and parasite monitoring. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed that B. nasuta is most closely related to other freshwater parasitic isopods. While the potential ability of this parasite to establish populations in Europe requires further studies, vigilance is warranted to prevent potential spread and ecological damage.
Abstract Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum is traditionally endemic in the Mediterranean basin; however, imported infections and sporadic autochthonous cases are increasingly often reported in Central Europe. Recent field surveys and curated vector-distribution datasets indicate that several phlebotomine sand fly species occur in the Carpathian Basin and climate-based suitability models suggest that ecologically favourable microhabitats may be present beyond the historical endemic zone. In this narrative, practice-oriented review, we synthesise literature published between 2004 and 2026, including European entomological studies, VectorNet outputs and current clinical guidelines, to frame CanL risk in Hungary as low but non-zero. Available evidence confirms the presence of multiple Phlebotomus species in Hungary, whereas detection of Leishmania in sand flies remains rare and sustained local transmission has not been demonstrated. Within this epidemiological context, we propose a risk-stratified diagnostic approach that integrates travel or import history, pre-test probability and staged use of quantitative serology, PCR, cytology/histology and clinicopathology. Stage-adapted treatment, preventive measures for travelling and imported dogs and blood donor screening are discussed with emphasis on avoiding misclassification and overtreatment in low-prevalence settings. Finally, we outline how veterinary practices can contribute sentinel data and risk communication within a One Health framework.
Gastroesophageal intussusception (GEI) is a rare and often fatal condition in felids characterised by the invagination of the stomach into the caudal oesophagus. We report GEI with focal gastric perforation in a 10-year-old male caracal (Caracal caracal) submitted for necropsy after recent episodes of vomiting. Gross examination revealed marked oesophageal distension, gastric intussusception into the caudal oesophagus, a perforating gastric ulcer and brittle skeletal bones suggestive of a dietary aetiology. No ante-mortem imaging was performed and histopathology of the intussuscepted gastric tissue was not available, which is acknowledged as a limitation. To our knowledge, this is the first documented GEI in a caracal. The case highlights a rare pathology in a wild felid species, diagnostic limits of postmortem recognition of predisposing factors (e.g., transient hiatal hernia), the possible contribution of vomiting and underscoring the need for ancillary diagnostics and further investigation in exotic felids.
Foreign body ingestion is a commonly observed condition in domestic felines and, to a lesser extent, in captive wild felids. This report describes two cases of high-pressure hose ingestion in African lions (Panthera leo) and explores a possible association with a toxic syndrome. Two African lions, a three-year-old male (Case 1) and a ten-year-old female (Case 2), housed in the same enclosure, exhibited neurological signs suggestive of toxic syndrome. The male (Case 1) initially presented with ataxia, loss of pelvic limb tone and sialorrhea, showing only a mild response to clinical treatment. Diagnostic imaging (radiography) revealed a radiopaque object consistent with a gastric foreign body, and chewed fragments of a high-pressure hose were identified upon inspection of the enclosure. Four fragments were removed via endoscopy. One week later, the female (Case 2) developed similar neurological signs, including head tilt, muscle tremors and auricular asymmetry. Laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and radiographic evidence of a gastric foreign body. Three hose fragments were endoscopically removed. Both animals made a full recovery within approximately one month. These cases suggest the importance of thoroughly inspecting items used as environmental enrichment, particularly those made of potentially toxic or poorly digestible material, such as high-pressure rubber.
BACKGROUND:Feline histoplasmosis can have variable clinical presentations, it is rarely diagnosed in Europe and has not been diagnosed in Northern Europe and Baltics. We encountered a cluster of autochthonous cases of feline histoplasmosis in Latvia-a non-endemic region. In this paper we describe the diagnostic pathways, challenges and outcomes in three cats. We also report the first molecular confirmation of Histoplasma capsulatum in the Baltic region. Three domestic shorthaired cats presented with ulcerative or erosive skin lesions and were initially evaluated by cytology. Diagnostic follow-up included histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), serology and in one case a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We outlined several practical challenges of performing fungal diagnostics in Europe, these can be valuable to our colleagues. RESULTS:All three cases showed organisms consistent with Histoplasma species on cytological examination. Case 1: a feline immunodeficiency virus positive shelter cat with multiple ulcerative cutaneous lesions. Histopathology and IHC confirmed fungal infection suggestive of Histoplasma species. The cat was lost to follow-up. Case 2: A 3-year-old male cat with a single erosive facial lesion. The cat fully recovered with antifungal treatment. Case 3: A 6-year-old neutered male with multiple erosive skin lesions. The cat was humanely euthanized. Diagnosis was supported by cytology while results of histopathology and IHC were suggestive of Histoplasma species. Serology (urine and serum) were positive for H. capsulatum antigen and the diagnosis was confirmed by PCR. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the isolate provided the first molecular confirmation of feline histoplasmosis in the Baltic region. CONCLUSIONS:We report the occurrence of clustered autochthonous feline histoplasmosis in Latvia and expand the recognized geographic range of molecularly confirmed disease in Europe. Our cases show the advantages of cytology as an initial diagnostic tool and highlight the utility of serology and molecular methods in regions with limited access to well-established diagnostic methods for non-endemic fungal diseases. Our findings suggest that histoplasmosis may be underdiagnosed in non-endemic areas and reinforce the need for heightened clinical awareness among veterinarians across Europe.
