Abstract:
This is the first report on the occurrence of Parafilaria bassoni in the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer).
Previously this parasite has been recorded only in springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) in Namibia.
Haemorrhagic perforations (bleeding points), the usual lesions seen in infected animals, were caused
by gravid female parasites ovipositing embryonated eggs. These lesions occurred mainly on the
dorsal and lateral sides of buffaloes. Complications of these lesions developed in a small number of
buffaloes because of secondary bacterial infection [subcutaneous abscesses (3/178)] and as a
consequence of a localized Type 1 hypersensitivity [large cutaneous ulcers (7/178)]. Red-billed oxpeckers
(Buphagus erythrorynchus) appeared to play an important role in the epidemiology of this
parasite as well as in the pathogenesis of the lesions. They reduced the likelihood of spread by ingesting
blood containing embryonated eggs, and caused the development of large ulcers by feeding
on superficial necrotic skin. From the results of an ELISA test it was determind that P. bassoni infected
buffaloes occur throughout the Kruger National Park complex, with a seroprevalence of
approximately 34%.
