# Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) from a German zoo

## TL;DR

This paper reports the first case of Aspidodera nematode infection in six-banded armadillos at a German zoo, expanding knowledge of parasitic infections in zoo animals.

## Contribution

First documented case of Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos in a European zoo setting.

## Key findings

- Heterakoidea eggs were found in the intestinal content and faecal samples of the armadillos.
- Sequence analysis of 18S rRNA showed high identity with Aspidodera sp. and A. raillieti.
- This is the first description of Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos in a German zoo.

## Abstract

The nematodes Aspidodera spp. are occurring in different mammals of the southern Nearctic and Neotropical region. Six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) are mainly found in South America and act as suitable hosts for different Aspidodera species. Here, a case of an Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos from a German zoo is described. A 17-year-old male six-banded armadillo found in poor body condition was euthanized for ethical reasons. The parasitological examination of the gastro-intestinale tract revealed an infection with nematodes of the superfamily Heterakoidea. Sequence analysis targeting the 18S rRNA confirmed high identities with isolates of Aspidodera sp. (accession number: EF180070; 100 %) and Aspidodera raillieti (accession number: KX954128; 99.86 %). Analysis of faecal samples of the remaining female armadillo led to similar results. This case description broadens the knowledge about parasitic infections in armadillos from zoological gardens in Europe.

Image 1

•Heterakoidea eggs were found in the intestinal content and faecal samples of six-banded armadillos.•Targeting the 18S rRNA gene very high identities with isolates of Aspidodera sp. and A. raillieti were detected.•First description of Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos from a German zoo.

Heterakoidea eggs were found in the intestinal content and faecal samples of six-banded armadillos.

Targeting the 18S rRNA gene very high identities with isolates of Aspidodera sp. and A. raillieti were detected.

First description of Aspidodera sp. infection in six-banded armadillos from a German zoo.