Locally Transmitted in a Domestic Llama () in a Rural Area of Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Julie M. Thompson, Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Caroline A. Habrun, New Mexico Emerging Infections Program, University of New Mexico, SE Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Clare M. Scully, Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Emi Sasaki, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Rudy W. Bauer, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Rachel Jania, Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Rose E. Baker, Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Anna M. Chapman, Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Alicia Majeau, Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Henry Pronovost, Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Eric Dumonteil, Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Claudia P. Herrera, Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2021

Abstract

-associated megaesophagus was diagnosed in a domestic Louisiana-born llama with no significant travel history. The llama resided in the same rural area of greater New Orleans, Louisiana, where the first human autochthonous case of Chagas disease was identified in the state. Venous blood from the llama tested positive for kinetoplastid DNA by conventional PCR. The cardiac evaluation was unremarkable, while thoracic radiographs revealed generalized megaesophagus. The llama received supportive care, but was ultimately humanely euthanized. The esophagus was severely distended throughout its length on necropsy, and histologic evaluation showed no microscopic changes in esophageal tissue and minimal to mild lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in cardiac tissue. DNA was detected by conventional PCR in the esophagus, small intestine, and blood despite no protozoan organisms being observed in multiple tissue sections examined. This report contributes to the growing body of evidence of local transmission of in the southern United States, and Chagas disease should be considered a differential diagnosis when evaluating llamas and other large animal species for esophageal dysfunction. There is little research describing megaesophagus or Chagas disease in llamas, and this report aims to increase awareness about this zoonotic disease that is becoming more frequently reported in the southern United States.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)

First Page

762

Last Page

768

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