Gastric canthariasis caused by invasion of mealworm beetle larvae in weaned pigs in large-scale farming

Abstract

Background Mealworm beetle T. molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most important cosmopolitan primary storage pests, scavenging on a variety of post-harvest grains and affecting the quality and safety of food and feed. In addition to being an important factor in feed hygiene, the insect can also be an epidemiological factor of canthariasis. Livestock infestations with T. molitor are rarely reported. This article describes T. molitor-caused canthariasis in pigs in large scale closed-cycle farming. Results In the spring, we registered a significantly increased mortality among weaned pigs. In autopsy, live 3–6 mm long T. molitor larvae were found in their stomachs, especially in the non-glandular oesophageal region, on average 2–3 larvae per 10 cm2 of gastric mucosa. Corrective actions reduced the number of deaths back to basal levels. Conclusions This is the first documented case of potentially lethal gastric canthariasis in weaned pigs, caused by invasion of T. molitor larvae. Although canthariasis caused by T. molitor has not been a significant problem in farm animals so far, our case indicates that the presence of mealworm beetles is a potential threat to animal welfare and health.

A Rare Case of Gastrointestinal Canthariasis Caused by Alphitobius Diaperinus

“…11 Canthariasis was documented as early as 1811 by Bateman and thereafter it was only in 1920 that a case of canthariasis was reported from India with a report of a similar case in 1946 from the USA. 1,4,15 However, the number of publications on the subject remains abysmally low. Canthariasis cases have also been reported amongst immune-compromised patients, especially in those suffering from lupus.…”

“…Canthariasis is a condition that affects humans and animals and causes infestation of the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital system, and subcutaneous and nasal sinuses by the developing larvae of Coleopteran insects -beetles. [1][2][3][4] Gastrointestinal canthariasis is a common infestation in the paediatric age group often leading parents to seek medical attention. [5][6][7][8][9][10] The clinical presentation of canthariasis is usually broad and often unspecific posing a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician leading to empirical treatment with anthelmintics.…”

Yellow Mealworm and Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Feed and Food Production in Europe, with Emphasis on Iceland

“…Mealworms rarely cause canthariasis, but there are some reported cases in the world. Mealworm larvae usually lead to gastric canthariasis [106], which can affect both humans [107] and animals through the ingestion of eggs or larvae. The clinical signs of gastric canthariasis can be nausea, vomiting, stomach-ache, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhoea, resembling intestinal parasite infection.…”

“…In extreme cases, the larvae penetrate the intestinal organs and invade other organs. Gastric canthariasis can lead to death if untreated [106]. Other organs mealworm larvae are known to invade are umbilicus and tonsils and there is a one known case of mealworm larva invading bladder and causing urinary canthariasis in humans [107].…”

Effects of Polystyrene Diet on the Growth and Development of Tenebrio molitor

“…2021/8820 approving dried T. molitor larvae for marketing as a new resource food, which is the first new resource food approved for insects in the EU [ 23 ]. Although T. molitor powder is a new food raw material certified by the European Union, its safety should be paid attention to when applied to food [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. During the larval stage, mealworms feed on wheat bran, vegetation, and dead insects.…”