First Molecularly Supported Detection of Oochoristica Sp. (cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in a Yucatán Spiny-Tailed Iguana (cachryx Defensor) from Italy: A Case Report

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.