Morphologic and molecular identification of human ocular infection caused by Pelecitus Nematodes, Thailand
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2024
Abstract
Nematodes of the Onchocercidae family, such as Peleci-tus spp., are filarial parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Although infections are widely distributed among avian species, only 2 cases of human Peleci-tus ocular infection, both in South America, have been reported. We describe a 61-year-old man in northeast Thailand diagnosed with an ocular infection. Morpho-logic characteristics suggested the causative agent was a female Pelecitus nematode: coiled body, rounded an-terior and posterior extremities, a distinct preesophageal cuticular ring, lateral alae, a postdeirid, and a protuber-ant vulva. Sequences of the 12S rDNA gene indicated 95%-96% identity and cox1 gene 92%-96% identity with published P. copsychi sequences. P-distance for cox1 sequences between the causative agent and P. copsychiwas 6.71%. Phylogenetic trees of 12S rDNA and cox1 genes indicated the species differed from but is closely associated with P. copsychi. Healthcare providers should be aware of the threat of ocular infection from Pelecitus spp. nematodes.
Keywords
Nematodes, Onchocercidae family, Filarial parasites, Veterinary
Divisions
universiti
Funders
None
Publication Title
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Volume
30
Issue
9
Publisher
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Publisher Location
1600 CLIFTON RD, ATLANTA, GA 30333 USA