First molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor) from Italy: A case report

During a parasitological investigation conducted in Italy on domestic reptiles, a motile proglottid was macroscopically observed in a fecal sample from a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana ( Cachryx defensor ). Subsequent analysis using the quali-quantitative flotation technique (Mini-FLOTAC®) revealed the presence of cestode eggs. DNA was extracted from the sample and amplified using conventional PCR. Sequence comparison with those available in GenBank showed the highest similarity (98%) with Oochoristica hemidactyli , supporting identification at the genus level ( Oochoristica sp.). To our knowledge, this represents the first molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. in a captive reptile in Italy, highlighting the importance of parasitological surveillance in domestic reptile populations and the potential role of exotic pets in the introduction and spread of parasites.