Summary
- Thelaziosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Thelazia, with T. callipaeda being a key agent in both Europe and Asia.
- T. callipaeda eyeworms are transmitted through zoophilic flies and have been found in various hosts, including wild carnivores and domestic animals.
- A case of T. callipaeda eyeworm infection in an American black bear in Pennsylvania highlights the establishment of a sylvatic transmission cycle in the United States.
- Genetic analysis confirmed the identification of T. callipaeda in the bear and suggested circulation of the nematode between domestic animals and wildlife habitats in North America.
- The presence of T. callipaeda in American black bears raises concerns about the increasing incidence and geographic range of the zoonotic nematode, posing risks for wildlife, humans, and domestic animals.
In Pennsylvania, a group of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Texas A&M University uncovered a case of a strange infection in an American black bear. This infection is caused by a tiny worm called Thelazia callipaeda, which usually lives in the eyes of animals.
The researchers found these worms hiding behind the bear’s eyelids, and upon further investigation, they discovered that these worms were of a type that is known to infect dogs and cats as well. This finding was surprising, as this type of worm is not commonly found in bears. The researchers also identified these worms by studying their DNA, which showed a close match to similar worms found in domestic animals.
This discovery raises concerns about the spread of this infection to other wildlife and even to humans and pets. While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of this infection on bears and other animals, it is clear that steps need to be taken to monitor and control the spread of these worms to protect the health of both animals and people.
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Infectious Diseases, Ophthalmology