First report of Ophidascaris filaria (Nematode: Ascarididae) from the Indian python in Sistan, Iran

Abstract

This study summarizes the results of the necropsy of a python found dead in a zoo in Sistan, Iran. Two nematodes, ultimately identified as Ophidascaris sp., were extracted from the python's body. Nematode of Ascarididae family, Ophidascaris sp., is principally found in pythonid and colubrid snakes. Nematodes often cause gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pulmonary lesions. Ascarid nematoda is an important pathogen for snakes, and infestation can be fatal. In this study, the Ophidascaris filaria species was isolated from an Indian python (Python molurus), in Sistan. To the author's knowledge, O. filaria is recorded for the first time from a python in Iran.