Neurocysticercosis by Taenia sp. in a female alpaca (Vicugna pacos) from Germany

Neurocysticercosis, caused by Taenia sp., represents one of the most important parasitic infections of the central nervous system (CNS) globally, with low but increasing numbers of documented cases in both animals and humans in Europe. Taenia sp, has been documented as etiological agent of disease in several domestic and wildlife animals worldwide as well as in humans. However, it has not yet been reported in New World Camelids (NWC). A 7-year-old, female alpaca was presented due to progressive neurological signs including ataxia and progressive weakness of the hindlimbs. With the aid of clinical examination and imaging procedures the presence of multifocal lesions in the brain and spinal cord was demonstrated, and Taenia sp. were suggested as causative agent via serology. After a treatment attempt the animal was euthanized and submitted for necropsy due to the deterioration of clinical signs. Macroscopic, histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical postmortem investigations confirmed multifocal mineralisations with surrounding fibrosis, myelin sheath dilation and adjacent astrogliosis and microgliosis. Neurocysticercosis causes severe, often lethal and diagnostically challenging infections, like in the present case. Therefore, this disease should be included in the list of differential diagnosis in wildlife and domestic animals including alpacas with unspecific neurological signs.