Subcutaneous cysticercosis due to Taenia crassiceps (Cestoda: Taeniidae) in an imported steppe lemming in Japan

This study describes a subcutaneous proliferative cysticercosis in a pet steppe lemming, Lagurus lagurus (Rodentia: Cricetidae), bred and imported from Czech Republic into Japan. Numerous metacestodes were collected from the subcutaneous cystic lesion of the left medial thigh. Four surgical removals were coupled with anthelmintic treatment but ended with recurrence. Based on morphological features and mitochondrial DNA sequences, the metacestodes were identified as the larval stage of Taenia crassiceps (Zeder, 1800). This is the first case of infection with larval T. crassiceps in rodents of the genus Lagurus, and becomes the third case of the parasite detected from imported animals in Japan. Related public health concerns are discussed.

Automated summary

This study reports a case of subcutaneous proliferative cysticercosis in a pet steppe lemming, where numerous metacestodes identified as the larval stage of Taenia crassiceps were collected from the subcutaneous cystic lesion of the left medial thigh. Despite four surgical removals coupled with anthelmintic treatment, recurrence occurred. This is the third case of the parasite detected from imported animals in Japan and raises public health concerns.