Cerebral cysticercosis in a wild Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in Bhutan: A first report in non-domestic felids

The endangered Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris ) is a keystone species playing an essential role in ecology as well the social and spiritual lives of Himalayan people. latest estimate population Bhutan accounts for 103 individuals. Infectious organisms, including zoonotic parasites causing high burden human health, have received little attention cause mortality tigers. Taeniosis/cysticercosis, caused by cestode Taenia solium , considered one major neglected tropical diseases Southeast Asia. We present here case neurocysticercosis showing advanced neurological disease outside Thimphu, capital city Bhutan. After palliative care, animal died, necropsy revealed multiple small cysts brain. Here we show presence two genetic variants T . parasite material collected based on PCR sequencing complete cox1 cytB genes. sequences form discrete branch within Asia plus Madagascar cluster parasite. On other hand, tests feline morbillivirus, calicivirus, canine distemper virus, Nipah, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, leukaemia immunodeficiency virus were negative. In contrast, herpesvirus was positive latex agglutination test elevated antibody titer against Toxoplasma gondii (titer 1:256). molecular examination taeniid eggs isolated from faeces produced which highest homology GenBank between 92% 94% with T. regis hydatigena This fatal neurocysticercosis, previously unrecorded tigers or non-domestic felids, demonstrates anthropogenically driven transmission deadly pathogen could become serious threat to population. • first report infection tiger. There need research into infectious threats importance ‘One Health’ approach demonstrated recommended. Non-domestic felids.