Schistosoma reflexum in a cat: insights into aetiopathogenesis

A foetal cat exhibiting multiple congenital malformations and meeting the criteria for being considered as a case of true schistosoma reflexum (SR) is described. SR in animals is briefly compared with relatively similar malformation entities in humans. Murine gene mutations producing severe ventral body wall defects associated with anomalies of internal organs and other structures are briefly reviewed. New insights into aetiopathogenic mechanisms possibly implicated in the development of SR are suggested. This is probably the first case of true SR reported in the cat.