First report of Cysticercus tenuicollis (Taenia hydatigena cysticerci) in an Indian Langur (Semnopithecus entellus)

Abstract

Background: Taenia hydatigena is a widely reported tapeworm in domestic as well as wild animals. The larval form of the tapeworm causes Cysticercus tenuicollis in the intermediate hosts and attaches to the liver or peritoneum. The infection has been reported in non-human primates and its impact on the conservation of wild canids is unidentified. Case Presentation: A five-year-old female Gray Langur was rehabilitated at Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, Nagpur, India. The Langur was found dead and a post mortem examination was conducted. Two cysts were detected, one on the liver and the other on the large intestine. The cysts were dissected and processed for histopathology investigation. Molecular investigation confirmed Cysticercus tenuicollis through PCR and Sequencing. The sequence was submitted to public domain database. Phylogenetic analysis found similarity with previously reported sequences from Asia and Europe. This was the first evidence of Cysticercus tenuicollis from India in a non-human primate. Conclusion: The case report provides evidence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in Gray Langur. There are definite research gaps in the knowledge about the spread and wild reservoirs of the infection. The need to access the impact of the disease in endangered canids is essential.