Presence of Spirometra mansoni, Causative Agent of Sparganosis, in South America

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Nov;28(11):2347-2350. doi: 10.3201/eid2811.220529.

Abstract

We report molecular identification of an adult Spirometra mansoni tapeworm retrieved from a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in Colombia, confirming presence of this parasite in South America. This tapeworm is the causative agent of human sparganosis, commonly reported from Southeast Asia, and represents the second congeneric species with known zoonotic potential in the Americas.

Keywords: Colombia; South America; Spirometra mansoni; parasites; sparganosis; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cestode Infections* / epidemiology
  • Cestode Infections* / veterinary
  • Colombia
  • Humans
  • South America / epidemiology
  • Sparganosis* / diagnosis
  • Sparganosis* / epidemiology
  • Sparganosis* / parasitology
  • Spirometra* / genetics