A case of pulmonary linguatulosis in a rabbit

Linguatula serrata can infect most ruminants and cause accidental infections in humans. It is a causative parasite of linguatulosis, a disease that not only produces economic losses in cattle but also represents a public health risk due to its zoonotic nature. This study aimed to explore the clinical and pathological findings of pulmonary linguatulosis in a rabbit. The most striking clinical findings in the deceased rabbits were wheezing and labored breathing. Grossly, the most prominent morphological changes in the lungs were well-circumscribed, flat or slightly raised, solitary grayish-white nodular lesions, and consolidated areas. The characteristically tongue-shaped developmental forms of parasites were observed on the cut surface of the lung. Histopathologically, the most noticeable morphological changes in the lung parenchyma were diffuse thickening of the inter-alveolar septum, fibrinoid necrotic vasculitis, medial smooth muscle cells hypertrophy of the arteries, alveolar emphysema, longitudinal and transverse sections of L. serrata nymphs and extra-medullary hematopoietic foci (megakaryocytes). The morphological appearance of the nymphs showed multiple transverse grooves, saw-like cuticles, peri-buccal hooks and acidophilic glands. In conclusion, these findings reveal the etiopathological diagnosis of linguatulosis and suggest that the lungs might be a target organ in addition to the liver and lymph nodes.