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A first case of Hepatozoon infection in a wild Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) in Tokunoshima Island, Japan

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We report the first confirmed Hepatozoon infection in a wild Amami rabbit, Pentalagus furnessi (Lagomorpha: Leporidae), an endangered species (IUCN Red List) native to the Amami Archipelago in southwestern Japan. Necropsy was performed on an adult male that was rescued on Tokunoshima Island after a presumed vehicular injury and subsequently died. Histopathological examination revealed meronts in the pulmonary, myocardial, and skeletal muscle tissues without an associated inflammatory response. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of intracellular meronts at various stages of asexual development. Based on morphological and molecular analyses, the protozoan was identified as Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate clustered within a monophyletic clade of Hepatozoon felis . The detection of asexual reproductive stages indicates that Amami rabbits can support merogony and is consistent with their role as intermediate rather than paratenic hosts in the Hepatozoon life cycle. These results highlight the need for further investigation of the ecology, transmission dynamics, and conservation implications of protozoan infections in endangered wildlife. • First confirmed Hepatozoon infection in endangered Amami rabbit ( Pentalagus furnessi ). • Histopathology revealed meronts in lung, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues. • Molecular and phylogenetic analysis showed close relation to Hepatozoon felis. • Evidence of asexual reproduction suggests Amami rabbits as intermediate hosts.

Source: International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2026.101209