New host record of Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Spirurida) with a notably wide host range and shared zoonotic lineage in Japan

Abstract

Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Spirurida: Thelaziidae) parasitizes the eyes of dogs, cats, humans, and various wild mammals, and is transmitted by drosophilid flies. In Japan, T. callipaeda is considered an emerging parasite that has expanded its endemic region northward. However, reports of its detection in mammals other than domestic animals and humans are scarce. This study reports the detection of T. callipaeda in Japanese red fox (Vulpes vulpes japonica), masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), Japanese badger (Meles anakuma), Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes viverrinus), domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus), and human. Of these, the Japanese red fox, masked palm civet, Japanese badger, and Japanese black bear have been reported as novel host records. Sequence analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene of T. callipaeda revealed two unique lineages specific to Japan, with no regional or host species differences. These results suggest a wide host range for T. callipaeda, highlighting the significant role of wildlife as a reservoir for this parasite in Japan.