First morphological and molecular report of Lagochilascaris minor (Nematoda, Ascarididae) in a domestic cat from Veracruz, Mexico

The clinical presentation and the morphological and molecular findings of Lagochilascaris minor in a domestic cat from Veracruz, Mexico are described. In the physical examination of the cat, a fistula with purulent exudate was observed in the ventral middle and left lateral region of the neck, with the presence of nematodes inside. Thirty-two worms were recovered from the lesion, which were identified based on their morphological characteristics as Lagochilascaris spp. To determine the species of the nematode, DNA was extracted from the worms and a fragment of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 was amplified. The product obtained was 100% similar with L. minor from Costa Rica. This is the first morphological and molecular report of L. minor parasitizing a domestic cat from Veracruz, Mexico, and emphasizes the circulation of this zoonotic parasite in the country.