Taenia martis (Cestoda) in captive exotic animals and wild beech marten (Martes foina) from the Czech Republic

Background Studies focusing on the larval stages of Taenia martis remain limited compared with other taeniid species; however, its repeated detection over the past decade highlights its significance for human and animal health, emphasizing the need for further infection-focused research. Methods Data from 32 dead animals, including nine common gundis ( Ctenodactylus gundi ), 19 Cuban hutias ( Capromys pilorides ), one Himalayan striped squirrel ( Tamiops mcclellandii ), and three ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta ), which were examined for cysticercosis following necropsy, are presented. Results In 10 cases, animals (including four gundis, one squirrel, four hutias, and one lemur) were found positive, with infection intensities ranging from a single larval cyst in the liver to two and 10 metacestodes in the pleural and/or peritoneal cavities. Additionally, one beech marten ( Martes foina ) was found positive for adult cestode, which was molecularly identified as T . martis for the first time from this definitive host in the Czech Republic. Conclusion Molecular tools were employed for accurate species- and haplotype-level identification through characterization of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox1 ) mtDNA gene, revealing new and multiple haplotypes, the prevalence of T. martis in the studied rodent species, and its first recorded occurrence in M. foina in the Czech Republic. Notably, epidemiological and molecular data on these parasites in exotic animals under human care remain limited.