Natural infections of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis in dogs in Germany (2007-2009)

Outcome of parasitological examinations in dogs in Germany: a retrospective survey

Dog faecal samples examined from January 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analysed for frequency of endoparasites. The examinations were performed with several different methods: 29,219 samples were examined by flotation method and sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin concentration (SAFC) technique, 1,330 samples by Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, 12,221 samples using a Giardia coproantigen enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1,180 samples using a Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISA, 1,671 samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Giardia duodenalis and 447 samples by PCR testing for Cryptosporidium spp.. A total of 7.1% of the samples were positive for parasites in the microscopical examination using the flotation method and SAFC technique. The parasites found included Cystoisospora spp. (2.8%), Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), Ancylostomatidae (1.8%), Toxocara canis (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (0.7%), Toxascaris leonina (0.5%), Capillaria spp. (0.2%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.2%), Crenosoma vulpis (0.1%), Taeniidae (0.1%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.03%), Dipylidium caninum (0.01%), Diphyllobothrium latum (< 0.01%), Spirurida (< 0.01%) and Opisthorchiidae (< 0.01%). Using the Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, Angiostrongylus vasorum was found in 0.75% and Crenosoma vulpis in 0.3% of the samples. ELISAs for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. revealed 13.9% and 1.0% positive faecal samples, and Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. PCRs 19.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Dogs in the first year of life were more frequently infected with parasites than older animals. In the microscopic examination using flotation method and SAFC technique, the significantly highest detection rates were found in dogs up to six months of age (p < 0.001).

First report of Crenosoma vulpis in Africa and Eucoleus aerophilus in Algeria

Introduction

Crenosoma vulpis and Eucoleus aerophilus are widely distributed lungworms infecting carnivores, mainly red foxes, and are localized in the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. There are no reports from Africa regarding the presence of C. vulpis. The aim of the present study was to report a co-infection with C. vulpis and E. aerophilus in a red fox from Algeria.

Materials and methods

In January 2022, a road-killed male juvenile red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was collected from Bouhadjar-Tarf locality and was submitted for a complete parasitological necropsy. Detected nematodes were collected and preserved in ethanol for morphological and molecular identification. Tissue samples were also collected and analyzed by histopathological methods.

Results

Collected nematodes were identified as a male C. vulpis and several Eucoleus aerophilus. The histological techniques of the lung tissue did not reveal the presence of any larvae, or lung inflammation.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. vulpis infecting a carnivore in this continent, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of C. vulpis. E. aerophilus was first reported in Algeria. Red foxes are important spreaders of parasitic diseases. Further studies are required for a better understanding of its epidemiology across North Africa and other areas overlapping the range of the red fox.

Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Crenosoma vulpis and Troglostrongylus brevior Infections in Native Slug Populations of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany

Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior can cause severe cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms in companion animals and wildlife. Recently, these nematodes were reported to spread within Europe and South America. The reasons behind this are still unknown, but obligate gastropod intermediate host populations might play a role. Therefore, lungworm infections in terrestrial slug populations in selected geographic areas of the Federal States of Bavaria and of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, were studied. In total, 517 slugs (462 Arion spp., 51 Deroceras reticulatum, one Limax maximus, and three unknown slug species) were collected in the summer and autumn seasons, artificially digested and microscopically and molecularly analyzed for the presence of metastrongyloid lungworm larvae. Overall, gastropods showed a prevalence of 11.61% (60/517) for A. vasorum, 1.74% (9/517) for A. abstrusus, 0.77% (4/517) for C. vulpis and 0.97% (5/517) for T. brevior infections, respectively. In Obrigheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg), a hyperendemic focus of canine angiostrongylosis was identified. Here, gastropod infection rates rose from 13.60% (17/125) to 62.96% (34/54) within a few months. In total, 25.61% (84/328) of analysed terrestrial gastropods from Baden-Wuerttemberg were positive for metastrongyloids. In contrast, Bavarian gastropods showed a much lower prevalence of 4.76% (9/189). For the first time, the presence of T. brevior was confirmed for Arion spp. in Baden-Wuerttemberg via molecular analyses. Overall, the current data confirm that canine angiostrongylosis occurs in hyperendemic foci in certain geographic areas with high infection rates in intermediate host populations. As a result, the prevalence for a specific region can rise remarkably within a short period of time. Thus, for a better understanding of lungworm epidemiology in Germany and to protect dogs from angiostrongylosis in hyperendemic foci, it seems mandatory to enhance current efforts on Metastrongyloidea-targeted monitoring on a geographical and time span-related level.

Serological and faecal detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from Austria

Canine angiostrongylosis is a potentially lethal parasitic disease that can manifest itself with a broad spectrum of clinical signs, including respiratory distress, neurological and bleeding disorders, or non-specific signs. The occurrence of Angiostrongylus vasorum is widely reported in Europe, but very little is known about its presence in Austria. In this first large-scale survey, 1279 sera were collected from Austrian dogs and tested by an ELISA for the detection of circulating antigen of A. vasorum (sensitivity: 95.7%, specificity 94.0%) and by a separate ELISA detecting specific antibodies (sensitivity 81.0%, specificity 98.8%). Furthermore, 1040 faecal samples were tested for the presence of lungworm first stage larvae (L1). One dog (0.1%, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.0-0.4%) was positive in both ELISAs, while 1.2% (n = 15, CI: 0.7-1.9%) of the tested dogs were antigen-positive and 1.5% (n = 19, CI: 0.9-2.3%) were positive for specific antibodies. Overall, 13 dogs (1.3%; CI: 0.7-2.1%) were positive for A. vasorum L1 while 31 dogs were positive for Crenosoma vulpis L1 (3.0%; CI: 2.0-4.2%). One dog shed L1 from both A. vasorum and C. vulpis (0.1%, CI: 0.0-0.5%). Dogs positive for A. vasorum originated from northeast, southeast and south Austria (antigen and/or antibody detection), but also from north, west and southwest Austria (antibody detection) and from northeast and west Austria (L1 detection). One of 88 blood samples (1.1%, CI: 0.0-6.2%) submitted from the eastern part of Austria was positive by a rapid assay for A. vasorum antigen detection (Angio Detect™). Crenosoma vulpis positive samples originated from northwest, north, northeast, south and west Austria. These results confirm the very sporadic occurrence of A. vasorum in the investigated areas of the country. However, due to the substantial infectious pressure from the surrounding countries and the free circulation of dogs and foxes acting as wildlife reservoirs and due to clinical relevance for infected dogs, it is crucial to maintain disease awareness also in areas where the parasite has not yet been detected.

Highly Variable Clinical Pictures in Dogs Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum

Canine angiostrongylosis by Angiostrongylus vasorum is increasingly reported in both enzootic and previously free areas. The complex pathogenesis of the disease makes the clinical workup challenging. Infected dogs show highly variable clinical pictures, characterized by subclinical to life-threatening general, cardio-respiratory, neurological and/or gastrointestinal signs. The present study reports the high variability of clinical pictures from 36 dogs across central and southern Italy that were naturally infected by A. vasorum. Of them, 23 (63.9%) presented at least one clinical sign, while 13 (36.1%) were subclinically infected and apparently healthy. Overall, 19 dogs (52.8%) showed cardiorespiratory signs, 14 (38.9%) had non-specific abnormalities, 2 (5.6%) presented coagulation disorders and 1 (2.8%) had a severe neurological condition. Importantly, four dogs presenting with clinical signs had neither cough nor dyspnea. These results underline that angiostrongylosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, even when dogs display only non-specific clinical signs. The proportion of apparently healthy dogs highlights the relevance of routine copromicroscopic and/or antigenic tests in enzootic areas to avoid the sudden onset of potentially life-threatening signs.

Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: Current Risk of Spreading in Central and Northern Europe

In the past few decades, the relevance of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and of Angiostrongylus vasorum, causing canine angiostrongylosis, has steadily increased in Central and Northern Europe. In this review, a summary of published articles and additional reports dealing with imported or autochthonous cases of these parasites is provided for Central (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and Northern (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) Europe. Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few. The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes. Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries. Both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum merit further monitoring and research focus in Europe.

Simultaneous Exposure to Angiostrongylus vasorum and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Italy

Several drivers have recently fostered the expansion of Angiostrongylus vasorum throughout Europe, where Vector-Borne Pathogens (VBPs) are also spreading. However, the level of simultaneous risk of infection is still unknown in canine populations. This study evaluated the simultaneous exposure to A. vasorum and major canine VBPs in dogs of Italy. Sera of 294 dogs were subjected to two ELISAs, detecting A. vasorum circulating antigens and antibodies against the parasite, and to the following assays: (i) SNAP® 4DX (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) detecting Dirofilaria immitis antigens, and antibodies vs. Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and (ii) IFAT for the detection of antibodies vs. Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis and Rickettsia conorii. Twenty-two (7.5%, CI: 4.8-11.1%) and six (2%, CI: 0.7-4.4%) dogs scored positive for circulating A. vasorum antibodies and antigens, respectively. Seventeen dogs (5.8%, CI: 3.4-9.1%) were positive for A. vasorum antibodies + at least one VBP, three (1%, CI: 0.2-3%) for A. vasorum antigen + at least one VBP, while one dog (0.3%, CI: 0.01-1.88%) was positive for A. vasorum antigen + A. vasorum antibodies + B. canis antibodies. These results show that dogs living in different regions of Italy are at risk of simultaneous infections with both A. vasorum and VBPs. Despite the same scenario being likely in other countries of Europe, the current knowledge is scant. Therefore, further studies are warranted to amplify current epizootiological information and to understand whether control programs should be improved.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus Antibody Seroprevalence Reveals That Cats Are at Risk of Infection throughout Germany

Cats infected with the metastrongylid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus may show clinical signs ranging from mild to severe respiratory disease or remain unobserved, despite damages present in the lung tissue. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and distribution of A. abstrusus in cats by testing serum samples from all over Germany to identify potential risk areas and strengthen disease awareness accordingly. Sera of 2998 cats were screened for the presence of antibodies against A. abstrusus by ELISA, and the data were evaluated by a geographic information system to visualise the regional distribution of the analysed samples. Overall, 12.0% of the samples tested positive (361/2998 cats, 95% confidence interval: 10.9–13.3%). Seropositive cats were identified throughout the country, suggesting that all cats in Germany with outdoor access are at risk of A. abstrusus infection and that the infection is overall underdiagnosed. Increased testing for A. abstrusus infection would allow earlier detection of infected animals, hence improving the life quality and health of cats and preventing potential death under anaesthesia.

The occurence of endoparasites in Slovakian household dogs and cats

Pets play a pivotal role as definitive or reservoir hosts for many zoonotic parasites. Dogs and cats without any clinical signs may be a carrier for the infection. In a one-year study, collected fecal samples of 257 dogs and 50 cats were examined coproscopically for endoparasite infections. Out of 307 investigated fecal samples, 107 (34.9%) were positive for the presence of the propagative stages of endoparasites In 257 dogs fecal samples, following 12 different species of endoparasites were detected: Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia/Neospora-like eggs, Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae, Capillaria aerophila, Crenosoma vulpis, Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and eggs from the family Ancylostomatidae. Only 4 different parasitic species were found in 50 domestic cat fecal samples - G. duodenalis cysts Cystoisospora spp., T. cati, and larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. It was confirmed that significant differences were found concerning age for G. duodenalis, T. canis, S. stercoralis, and family Ancylostomatidae. Close and frequent contact between pets and people increases the risks for the transmission of zoonotic diseases.

Pulmonary arterial response to Angiostrongylus vasorum in naturally infected dogs: echocardiographic findings in two cases

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode living in the pulmonary arteries of canids. Infected dogs develop severe pulmonary lesions which can potentially lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, reports of PH in natural infected dogs are scant. One of the possible causes of the low prevalence of PH in A. vasorum-infected dogs could be the establishment of large diameter intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVAs), which attenuate pulmonary vascular resistance, thus reducing the pulmonary arterial pressure. The present report describes the pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) response to A. vasorum natural infection in two dogs, assessed by echocardiography and by the saline contrast echocardiographic test (SCE).

Results

Both dogs showed clinical signs of respiratory disease. At presentation, case 1 did not show echocardiographic signs of PH and the SCE test was positive proving the presence of IPAVAs. However, at the follow-up visit, despite A. vasorum infection resolution, the same dog showed PH and the SCE test resulted negative, which ruled out the presence of IPAVAs. Case 2 suffered from severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and right-side congestive heart failure since the day of presentation. Saline contrast echocardiography was negative both at the time of presentation and at the follow-up visit.

Conclusions

In the two cases described above, the PH was not associated with IPAVAs. During A. vasorum infection, IPAVAs recruitment mechanism is able to contrast the rise of PAP until a certain level. It probably represents an initial escape mechanism of PH that, over time, exhausts its compensatory capacities allowing PAP to rise and to be detectable on echocardiography.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3544-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A grid-cell based fecal sampling scheme reveals: land-use and altitude affect prevalence rates of Angiostrongylus vasorum and other parasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

In view of the role of foxes as a reservoir for Angiostrongylus vasorum, a nematode of the heart and lungs of dogs and foxes, its occurrence across Switzerland was investigated in foxes applying a standardized sampling scheme for fox fecal samples. In 72 study areas, which consisted of three 1-km² grid cells, a total of 1481 samples were collected by walking transects following linear features in the terrain, and analyzed by a flotation-sieving method. The overall prevalence rate of A. vasorum in fecal samples was 8.8% (95% confidence interval, CI 7.4-10.3%), being significantly higher in the Swiss Plateau (11.4%, CI. 9.4-13.8%) compared with other bioregions, and more prevalent in areas with less than 50% of cultivated land (p = 0.043). Prevalence rates increased with decreasing altitudes being significantly higher below 400 m above sea level (20.6%, 95% CI 15.2-26.9%), while all samples collected above 900 m asl were negative. Eggs of Toxocara sp. (12.1%), Taeniidae (10.5%), Capillaria spp. (8.3%), Trichuris vulpis (5.5%), hookworms (5.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and Strongyloides sp. (0.4%) were furthermore identified. Taeniid eggs were positively and Capillaria spp. negatively associated with the amount of cultivated land. The prevalence rates based on our fecal analyses were generally lower compared with previous studies from Switzerland which were based on fox necropsies. However, the grid cell-based sampling scheme with replicable transects for fox feces collection proved to be a suitable, non-invasive method for parasitic large-scale surveys providing information on the relative infectious pressure for the local dog population.

The invasive giant African snail Lissachatina fulica as natural intermediate host of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Troglostrongylus brevior, and Crenosoma vulpis in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Several metastrongyloid lungworms are unreported pathogens in Colombia. Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis target the cardiopulmonary system of domestic and wild canids. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior infect felids and considering that six wild felid species exist in Colombia, knowledge of feline lungworm infections is important for their conservation. The zoonotic metastrongyloids Angiostrongylus costaricensis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological diseases. Angiostrongylus costaricensis has been reported in Colombia, while Ang. cantonensis is present in neighbouring countries. Research on the epidemiology of metastrongyloids in Colombia and South America more broadly requires evaluating the role that gastropods play as intermediate hosts in their life cycles. This study assessed the prevalence of metastrongyloid larvae in populations of the invasive giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica, in Colombia.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

A total of 609 Lissachantina fulica were collected from 6 Colombian municipalities. The snails were then cryo-euthanized, artificially digested and the sediments examined microscopically for the presence of metastrongyloid larvae. Based on morphological characteristics 53.3% (56/107) of the snails from Puerto Leguízamo (Department of Putumayo) were infected with Ael. abstrusus larvae, 8.4% (9/107) with Ang. vasorum larvae, 6.5% (7/107) with T. brevior larvae and 5.6% (6/107) with C. vulpis larvae, being the region with highest prevalences of the four species. Snails from Andes (Department of Antioquia) and Tulúa (Department of Valle del Cauca) were positive for Ang. vasorum larvae with a prevalence of 4.6 (11/238) and 6.3% (4/64), respectively. Species identifications were confirmed by PCR and sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

This epidemiological survey reports for first time the presence of Ael. abstrusus, T. brevior, C. vulpis and Ang. vasorum in L. fulica in a number of regions of Colombia.

Cardiopulmonary parasitic nematodes of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Serbia

Among the wild canids, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is recognised as an important reservoir species for a range of parasites, including cardiopulmonary nematodes of public health and veterinary importance. As cross-host transmission between the red fox and domestic carnivores can play an important role in the epizootiology of cardiopulmonary parasitic diseases, the aim of the present investigations was to obtain data on the geographical distribution of cardiopulmonary nematodes of the red fox. The material for examination consisted of 83 foxes which were legally hunted at different locations during a three-month period from December 2017 to February 2018. The presence of four emerging species in Europe (Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Dirofilaria immitis and Eucoleus aerophilus) was revealed in red foxes of Serbia. Crenosoma vulpis and E. aerophilus were detected in foxes in both the plain and the mountainous areas across the country. Dirofilaria immitis is distributed in red foxes near alluvial rivers in Vojvodina province (northern Serbia). Angiostrongylosis caused by A. vasorum was demonstrated to exist in two enzootic foci with a high percentage of infected foxes in a plain area of northern Serbia. To the best of our knowledge, C. vulpis and A. vasorum were discovered for the first time in red foxes in central Serbia. The results provide strong evidence for veterinarians to take into consideration the parasitic nematodes discovered in red foxes in the differential diagnosis of diseases of companion animals. In the context of the 'One Health' approach the results related to the distribution of the zoonotic species E. aerophilus and D. immitis can be useful for medical epidemiology.

Respiratory and Cardiopulmonary Nematode Species of Foxes and Jackals in Serbia

As part of routine monitoring of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and jackals (Canis aureus) on the territory of Vojvodina province (northern Serbia), an analysis of respiratory and cardiopulmonary parasitic nematodes was conducted. Both host species harbored Eucoleus aerophilus, E. boehmi and Crenosoma vulpis, whereas Angiostrongylus vasorum was found only in foxes. A high prevalence of infection (72.6 %) was noted for E. aerophilus in foxes. The remaining parasite species occurred less frequently in both host species. In all species where it could be quantified, a high degree of parasite aggregation within host individuals was noted. Single species infections were most common, whereas two and three species infections occurred less frequently in both host species. The distribution of abundance of E. aerophilus was affected by host sex, with abundances higher in male foxes. Sampling site and year influenced abundance variation in E. boehmi.

Angiostrongylosis in dogs with negative fecal and in-clinic rapid serological tests: 7 Cases (2013-2017)

BACKGROUND

Angiostrongylosis is considered as emerging disease in dogs in Belgium. Detection of first-stage larvae in feces using the Baermann method has an imperfect sensitivity.

OBJECTIVES

Investigation of efficacy of noninvasive blood and fecal diagnostic tests in comparison with PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) material in a small series of coughing or dyspnoeic dogs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum.

ANIMALS

Seven dogs with angiostrongylosis.

METHODS

Retrospective study. Dogs with cough, exercise intolerance and dyspnea of 2- to 8-week duration. Diagnostic methods used included Baermann analysis, AngioDetect rapid assay, ELISAs for detection of circulating antigen and specific antibodies and qPCR on BAL material.

RESULTS

Baermann analysis, AngioDetect rapid assay, antigen ELISA, antibody ELISA, and qPCR on BAL material were positive in 3/7, 2/7, 3/6, 6/6, and 7/7 dogs, respectively. ELISA for antibodies or qPCR on BAL material were essential for definitive diagnosis in 3 dogs. Relative sensitivities of AngioDetect rapid assay, Baermann analysis, and ELISA for antigen detection were lower than 50% compared with ELISA for antibodies or qPCR on BAL material.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

In this small clinical series, Baermann analysis and AngioDetect rapid assay failed to confirm the diagnosis in some dogs. Therefore, ELISA for antibody detection and qPCR on BAL material should strongly be considered in clinically suspected dogs when antigen detection methods (AngioDetect or ELISA) and Baermann analysis are negative.

Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus: Neglected and underestimated parasites in South America

The gastropod-borne nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are global causes of cardio/pulmonary diseases in dogs and cats. In the last decade, the number of reports on canine and feline lungworms has increased in several areas of Europe and North America. The unspecific clinical signs and prolonged course of these diseases often renders diagnosis challenging. Both infections are considered as emerging and underestimated causes of disease in domestic pets. In South America, little information is available on these diseases, apart from occasional reports proving the principle presence of A. vasorum and A. abstrusus. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize reports on infections in both domestic and wildlife animals in South America and to increase the awareness on gastropod-borne metastrongyloid parasites, which also include important zoonotic species, such as A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis. This review highlights the usefulness of diagnostic tools, such as the Baermann funnel technique, serology and PCR, and proposes to include these routinely on cases with clinical suspicion for lungworm infections. Future national epidemiological surveys are recommended to be conducted to gain a deeper insight into the actual epidemiological situation of gastropod-borne parasitoses in South America.

Parasites in stray dogs from Italy: prevalence, risk factors and management concerns

Parasites are among the most common pathogens recorded in dogs. High prevalence rates are usually reported in stray and shelter dogs, as these animals are less likely to be tested and treated. In this study a survey was carried out on intestinal and lung parasites of stray dogs at the moment of the admission in a shelter in Central Italy. In the period June 2014-June 2015, 262 individual faecal samples were examined. Twelve parasitic taxa were detected. Helminths were more prevalent than protozoa (61.8% and 25.6%, respectively). Ancylostomatidae showed the higher prevalence (40.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (21.4%), Toxocara canis (20.6%) and Trichuris vulpis (17.6%). Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most prevalent lungworm (12.6%), Crenosoma vulpis being recorded just in one dog. G. duodenalis had a high prevalence, probably because of the diagnostic techniques adopted, actually the most sensitive available for its detection. Nevertheless, the zoonotic potential of this parasite in dogs appears reduced, as all the isolates were identified as C (24.0%) and D (76.0%) dog specific assemblages. Taeniidae constituted a high potential zoonotic risk, as from the eggs it is impossible to exclude they were Echinococcus granulosus, the most relevant zoonotic parasite in Europe. The present study underline the importance of stray dogs control, aimed at preventing or minimizing parasitic spread and zoonotic transmission.

Prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Crenosoma vulpis larvae in native slug populations in Germany

Metastrongyloid parasites represent sparsely studied parasites of dogs and cats in Germany. Recent European surveys indicate that these parasites are spreading in Europe. Actual data on prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs and foxes reveal several endemic foci in Germany. However, actual data on the prevalence of A. vasorum and other metastrongyloid lungworm larvae in a wide range of slug and snail intermediate hosts, such as Arion lusitanicus, are missing for Germany. To fill this gap, we conducted an epidemiological survey on native German slugs in selected regions of Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. The focus was on slugs, because in study areas slugs appear to be more abundant than snails. Slugs were collected throughout different seasons of the year in areas that were previously proven to be hyperendemic for A. vasorum fox infections. Overall, a total of 2701 slugs were collected and examined for lungworm larvae via artificial digestion. The number of A. vasorum larvae per slug varied considerably (1-546 larvae per specimen). Some hotspot areas with high A. vasorum prevalence in slugs (up to 19.4%) were identified. The overall A. vasorum prevalence varied with season with largest number of slugs infected in summer (9.1%) and lowest number in winter (0.8%). The current study revealed a total A. vasorum prevalence of 4.7% in slugs based on microscopic analyses. Confirmation of lungworm species was made by specific duplex-real-time PCRs. Hence, these data demonstrate that final hosts are at a permanent risk for A. vasorum infections during all seasons when living in investigated areas. Besides A. vasorum, other lungworm larvae were also detected, such as Crenosoma vulpis (the fox lungworm, 2.3%) and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (feline lungworm, 0.2%).

Faecal detection of the lungworms Crenosoma vulpis and Angiostrongylus vasorum and serological detection of A. vasorum in dogs from the Czech Republic

Dogs are definitive hosts for the lungworms Crenosoma vulpis and Angiostrongylus vasorum. Intermediate hosts are gasteropoda (Mollusca). In the past, lungworms in dogs were rarely identified in the Czech Republic and in neighbouring countries. A total of 253 dogs were sampled for faecal analysis performed by the Baermann method for isolation of first stage larvae (L1) of lungworms. A total of 193 serum samples were collected and analysed by ELISA for the detection of a circulating antigen and specific antibodies against A. vasorum. All dog owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Nine dogs (4.7%, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 2.2–8.7%) were positive for the A. vasorum circulating antigen, seven dogs (3.6%, CI: 1.5–7.3%) had specific antibodies against A. vasorum; of these, three animals (1.6%, CI: 0.3–4.5%) were positive for both ELISAs. Most of them were under the age of three years. Only three of 13 seropositive dogs were not healthy, namely, in one dog vomitus was observed and two dogs were pyretic. Faecal samples of 5 dogs were positive for C. vulpis L1 (2.0%, CI: 0.6–4.6%). Angiostrongylus vasorum L1 were found in the faecal sample of one dog (0.4%, CI: 0.01–2.2%). This study illustrates the wide-spread occurrence of lungworms in the Czech Republic. Disease awareness of lungworms among animal owners and veterinarians should be implemented.

Prevalence survey on lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Eucoleus aerophilus) infections of wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in central Germany

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis and Eucoleus aerophilus are a source of increasing concern, potentially causing significant pulmonary and severe cardiac/systemic diseases in domestic dogs and wild canids, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). To investigate the prevalence and geographical distribution of these parasites in central Germany, a total of 569 foxes were examined by dissection.

Methods

Pluck (heart and lung) and faecal samples of red foxes were collected from three regions of Germany. Lungs, hearts and adjacent vessels were processed for adult nematode detection. Parasitological diagnoses of faecal samples were performed by SAF technique, Giardia- and Cryptosporidium-Coproantigen-ELISAs and by a duplex copro-PCR for the detection of A. vasorum and C. vulpis DNA.

Results

Foxes originated from three Federal States of central Germany: Thuringia (n = 359); Rhineland-Palatinate (n = 121) and Hesse (n = 89). High prevalences for all three nematodes were detected, with E. aerophilus (69.4%; 395/569), followed by C. vulpis (32.3%; 184/569) and A. vasorum (14.1%; 80/569). In case of A. vasorum, prevalences varied significantly between Federal States, with the highest prevalence of 27.3% in Rhineland-Palatinate, followed by 19.1% and 8.4% in Hesse and Thuringia, respectively. The presence of A. vasorum in fox populations showed a rather patchy distribution, increasing from north-eastern to south-western regions. Analyses on C. vulpis revealed prevalences of 35.1%, 30.3% and 25.6% (Thuringia, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, respectively). The most prevalent lungworm nematode was E. aerophilus, with a prevalence of 75.2%, 71.9% and 66.9% (Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and Thuringia, respectively) and an almost area-wide equal distribution. Significant differences for single parasite prevalences within geographical regions of the Federal States could be detected whilst no correlation between age or gender and parasite occurrence was estimated. Weak seasonality for the winter months for A. vasorum, stronger correlation to spring and late summer for C. vulpis and no correlation to any season for E. aerophilus were detected. The method of dissection revealed a significantly higher sensitivity for C. vulpis when compared with the results of the duplex copro-PCR.

Conclusions

A sylvatic cycle was confirmed for all three lungworm nematodes in the examined area. The prevalences for all three lungworm nematodes are some of the highest recorded so far in German foxes. The data suggest that A. vasorum might be spreading from south-western to north-eastern parts of Germany.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2672-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), a new definitive host of the canid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum

Angiostronglyus vasorum is a cardiopulmonary nematode infecting mainly canids such as dogs (Canis familiaris) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Natural infections have also been reported in mustelids and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens fulgens). We report the occurrence of natural A. vasorum infections in a group of captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta), housed at a university facility in Switzerland. A. vasorum first-stage larvae (L1) were initially identified in a pooled faecal sample. Individual samples, investigated with the Baermann-Wetzel technique, revealed that 41% (7/17) of the meerkats were infected, with ranges of 2–125 L1/g faeces. PCR and sequencing of part of the ITS-2 region resulted in 100% identity with A. vasorum. Infected animals did not show clinical signs. One meerkat died two days after diagnosis. Upon necropsy one adult specimen was recovered; histological examination of the lung revealed granulomatous pneumonia caused by A. vasorum larvae and eggs as well as intima and media hyperplasia and isolated arteriosclerosis of larger lung vessels. However, the cause of death was a spleen rupture with associated blood loss. All meerkats were topically treated with 10 mg imidacloprid/2.5 mg moxidectin per animal, after which they became negative in all follow up faecal examinations. Potential intermediate (gastropods) and paratenic hosts (birds) were collected from within or outside the meerkats enclosure. Gastropods were examined by PCR and bird samples by digestion. Four out of 193 (2.1%) gastropod samples were positive for A. vasorum, whereas none of the bird samples were positive. Meerkats, belonging to the Herpestidae, therefore are suitable definitive hosts for A. vasorum, with production and excretion of live L1. Meerkats kept in captivity in areas where A. vasorum is endemic and with potential contact to intermediate hosts are at risk of infection. Regular faecal examinations including Baermann-Wetzel technique should be considered.

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Meerkats are suitable definitive hosts for Angiostrongylus vasorum.

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This is the first case of A. vasorum in the Herpestidae family.

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A. vasorum larvae and eggs caused granulomatous pneumonia in an infected meerkat.

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2% of gastropods around the meerkats enclosure were positive for A. vasorum L3.

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Captive animal species in areas where A. vasorum is endemic are at risk of infection.

Status of gastrointestinal parasites in Red Panda of Nepal

Red pandas are known to be highly susceptible to endoparasites, which can have a prominent impact on the population dynamics of this endangered species. There are very limited published reports on prevalence and risk of parasites in wild populations of red panda, especially localized reports. This study attempts to provide an in-depth insight of the status of endoparasites in red pandas, which is critical for strengthening conservation efforts. A total of 272 fecal samples were collected through systematic sampling across the red panda distribution range in Nepal and coprological examination was completed using standard techniques. It was followed by an estimation of prevalence and mean intensity of parasites, as well as statistical analysis, which was carried out using R statistical software. Parasite prevalence was documented in 90.80% (n = 247) out of 272 samples examined which includes seven different species along with three genera of parasites belonging to Protozoans (3 species), Cestodes (1 genus, 1 species) and Nematodes (2 genera, 3 species). Nematodes predominated in all infected samples (87.62%). Prevalence of Ancyclostoma duodenale (n = 227, 70.06%), having a mean intensity of 3.45 ± 2.88 individuals per sample, was observed, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 19, 5.86%) and Entamoeba histolytica (n = 24, 7.41%). Eight variables for assessing the determinants of infestation were tested: protected areas; non-protected areas; aspect; elevation; slope; and distance to water sources, herding stations, and settlements. Only the settlement displayed significant association (β = −1534e−04, t =  − 2.192, p = 0.0293) though each parasite species displayed dissimilar association with different variables. This study indicates the urgent need of improving existing herding practice through habitat zonation, rotational grazing, medication of livestock, and prohibition of open defecation within and around red panda habitat.

Angiostrongylus vasorum in wolves in Italy: prevalence and pathological findings

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode residing in the heart and pulmonary vessels of dogs and wild carnivores. In Europe the red fox is its reservoir, while only three records from wolves have been published. Angiostrongylus vasorum has a worldwide distribution, and many pieces of evidence demonstrate that it is spreading from endemic areas to new ones. In Italy, A. vasorum was reported with increasing frequency in dogs and foxes in the last decades, and now it is considered endemic throughout the country. Angiostrongylus vasorum can be asymptomatic or cause respiratory and circulatory disorders, at times causing severe disseminated infections.

Methods

Between February 2012 and December 2016, 25 wolves found dead in central Italy were submitted to the Istituto Zooprofilattico del Lazio e della Toscana for post-mortem examination. Samples of lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, mediastinic lymph nodes and brain were collected from each animal for histological examination. When adult and larval nematodes were microscopically seen in lungs, the other organs were processed, and five histological sections for each organ were examined. To confirm parasite identification, lung samples were submitted to a PCR-sequencing protocol targeting the ITS2 region of A. vasorum.

Results

Seven wolves (28.0%) harboured nematode larvae in lung sections. In two of the positive wolves, adult nematodes were visible in pulmonary arteries, in four animals larvae were also detected in other organs. DNA sequencing reactions confirmed parasite identification as A. vasorum in all the cases.

Conclusions

As a result of the high prevalence of A. vasorum reported in wolves in the present study, a focus of high circulation could be hypothesised in central Italy. Nevertheless, the similarly high prevalence in foxes originating from the same areas were reported in previous papers. Histopathological evidence highlights the pathogenic potential of A. vasorum in the wolf, especially in juvenile animals.

GIS-supported epidemiological analysis on canine Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis infections in Germany

BACKGROUND

Angiostrongylus vasorum infections are the cause of severe cardiopulmonary diseases in dogs. In the past, canine angiostrongylosis has largely been neglected in Europe, although some recent studies indicated an expansion of historically known endemic areas, a phenomenon that might also apply to Crenosoma vulpis. The aim of the present study was to analyse temporal and spatial trends of canine A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections and to perform GIS-supported risk factor analysis to evaluate the role of landscape, age and seasonality in the life-cycle of these nematodes.

METHODS

A total of 12,682 faecal samples from German dogs (collected in 2003-2015) with clinical suspicion for lungworm infection were examined for the presence of A. vasorum and C. vulpis larvae by the Baermann funnel technique and respective epidemiological data (location and age of the sampled dogs, date of sampling) were subjected to GIS-supported risk factor analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, A. vasorum and C. vulpis larvae were detected in 288 (2.3%) and 285 (2.2%) faecal samples, respectively. In general, both lungworm infections were found to be widely spread in Germany. GIS-supported analyses demonstrate spatial differences in the occurrence of canine A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections in Germany. also, risk factor analyses revealed an overlap but also diverging risk and protective factors for A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections. The current data also indicate a significant increase of A. vasorum and C. vulpis prevalences from 2003 to 2015 and from 2008 until 2015, respectively, and a potential spread of A. vasorum endemic areas to the northeastern part of Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study show an insight into the epidemiological situation of lungworm infections (A. vasorum and C. vulpis) of the past 13 years in Germany. The data clearly demonstrate an increase of diagnosed A. vasorum prevalence in the tested dog population between 2003 and 2015 as well as spatial differences in the occurrence of diagnosed A. vasorum and C. vulpis infections of dogs in Germany. Risk factor analyses suggest possible differences in the biology of these parasites, presumably at the intermediate host level.

Prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in southern Belgium, a coprological and serological survey

Background

Canine angiostrongylosis, a gastropod-borne helminthic infection, is increasingly being described in North America and is now reported in many European countries. In dogs, Angiostrongylus vasorum may cause a wide spectrum of clinical signs. Respiratory distress such as coughing and dyspnoea are the most frequently described manifestations. The aim of the present study was to gain additional information on the distribution, prevalence and risk factors associated with A. vasorum infection in dog from southern Belgium through the combined used of a commercially available in-clinic assay for detection of circulating antigen (Angio Detect™, IDEXX, Westbrook, USA) and coprology in two different canine populations: dogs with clinical signs compatible with angiostrongylosis and asymptomatic dogs or dogs presented for unrelated conditions (control).

Results

A total of 979 dogs were enrolled in the study from November 2014 until February 2016. Seven hundred fifty-seven dogs were included in the control group, whereas 222 dogs had clinical signs compatible with angiostrongylosis. Forty-six dogs out of 979 (4.7 %) had A. vasorum circulating antigen. There was a highly significant difference between the two populations (3.6 % (27/747) and 8.6 % (19/222) in control and symptomatic dogs, respectively) (P = 0.00379). First stage larvae (L1) of A. vasorum were found in seven out of 24 serologically positive control dogs and in six out of 17 serologically positive symptomatic dogs. Interestingly, L1 of Crenosoma vulpis were detected by Baermann technique in one control and nine symptomatic dogs, respectively. Out of 17 Angio Detect™ (IDEXX, Westbrook, USA) positive dogs with negative (14) or not performed Baermann test (three), one dog was positive in both in-house ELISAs (Ag and Ab) and one dog was positive for Ag. Statistical analysis was unable to detect any risk factors associated with the direct and/or indirect detection of A. vasorum.

Conclusions

This seroepidemiological study demonstrated for the first time a high seroprevalence in Southern Belgium for A. vasorum. The Angio Detect™ was found to be suitable in this context as the collection, preservation and examination of stools were difficult. Nevertheless, discrepancies were observed between the different available tests. Additional research is clearly needed. Also, coproscopy remains a very useful tool in dogs infected for less than nine weeks and for the identification of other canine lung nematodes such as C. vulpis. This study also demonstrates that asymptomatic dogs may shed A. vasorum L1 in their faeces and therefore contribute to the maintenance of A. vasorum life-cycle.

[Acquired von-Willebrand factor and factor-VIII deficiencies caused by angiostrongylosis in a dog]

An 8-year-old male Australian Shepherd was presented with bleeding from the lip and hemoabdomen. Hematology demonstrated marked thrombocytopenia and anemia. Abdominal ultrasound followed by laparotomy did not detect the cause of bleeding. Plasma transfusion resulted in temporary stabilization. Severe von-Willebrand factor deficiency and factor-VIII deficiency were diagnosed. After subsequent bleeding episodes, infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum was found in both a fecal parasitological examination and by PCR from EDTA-blood. Following successful therapy with fenbendazole, von Willebrand factor and factor VIII were within the normal range. This is the second case report of an acquired von-Willebrand-factor deficiency associated with Angiostrongylus-vasorum infection in a dog, and the first case report with concurrent factor-VIII deficiency.

Seroprevalence of circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and parasite-specific antibodies in dogs from Portugal

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode that lives in the pulmonary arteries and right cardiac ventricle of domestic dogs and wild canids. It is increasingly being reported in several European countries and North America. This parasite induces inflammatory verminous pneumonia, causing severe respiratory disease in dogs. In some instances, coagulopathies, neurological signs and even death may occur. Scant data are available regarding the occurrence of A. vasorum in Portugal. Therefore, sera of 906 shelter dogs from North to South mainland Portugal were collected. ELISAs to detect A. vasorum circulating antigen and specific antibodies against this parasite were performed. A total of six dogs [0.66 %, 95 % confidence intervals (CI) 0.24–1.43] were positive for both A. vasorum antigen and antibody detection, indicating an active infection, and 12 dogs (1.32 %, CI 0.68–2.30) were A. vasorum antibody-positive only. Regions with antigen- and antibody-positive animals overlapped and were distributed over nearly all sampled areas in the country. This is the first large-scale ELISA-based serological survey for A. vasorum in dogs from Portugal. The endemic occurrence of A. vasorum in dogs from different geographical areas of Portugal is therefore confirmed.

Detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Brandenburg, Germany

Angiostrongylus (A.) vasorum is a nematode that causes angiostrongylosis in domestic and wild canids. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are suspected of providing a wildlife reservoir for A. vasorum infections in pet dogs. To obtain data on the occurrence of A. vasorum in wildlife, red fox and raccoon dog carcasses (hunted or found dead) were collected from January to September 2009 in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. Lung tissue samples were subjected to DNA extraction and examined for the presence of A. vasorum DNA by means of real-time PCR. A. vasorum DNA was detected in 11 out of 122 (9.0 %) lungs of red foxes and in none of the lung samples of raccoon dogs. These data suggest that red foxes are a reservoir of A. vasorum infections for pet dogs in this area.

Combined Serological Detection of Circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum Antigen and Parasite-specific Antibodies in Dogs from Hungary

The occurrence of the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum, also known as the French heartworm, is increasingly being reported from various European countries. The adults of this parasite species live in the pulmonary arteries and right cardiac ventricle of wild canids and domestic dogs. Larval stages and eggs in the lungs induce inflammatory verminous pneumonia, causing severe respiratory disease in dogs. Furthermore, haematological and neurological signs and even death may occur. In Hungary, A. vasorum has been identified in red foxes, golden jackals and in two dogs and some slugs. In this first large-scale survey, 1247 sera from pet dogs were collected and tested by an ELISA for the detection of circulating antigen of A. vasorum and by a separate ELISA to detect specific antibodies against the parasite. A total of 1.36% (n = 17, 95 % confidence intervals, CI: 0.80 - 2.17 %) of the animals were positive in both ELISAs, while 1.76 % (n = 22, CI: 1.11 - 2.66 %) of the tested dogs were antigen-positive only and 2.73 % (n = 34, CI: 1.90 - 3.79 %) were positive for specific antibodies only. Regions with antigen- and antibody-positive animals overlapped and were distributed over nearly the whole sampled areas of the country. A considerable number of cases was observed in Budapest and also in the southern part of the country bordering Croatia, while in the most eastern part bordering Ukraine no positive samples were detected. These results confirm the endemic occurrence of A. vasorum in dogs originating from different parts of Hungary and the significant advantages of A. vasorum serology in epidemiological studies.

Detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum by quantitative PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in Belgian dogs

OBJECTIVES

To describe Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a series of clinical cases over a 12-month period, report the use of quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and investigate the -possibility of previously undiagnosed angiostrongylosis in a retrospective cohort of coughing and healthy dogs.

METHODS

Pulmonary angiostrongylosis was diagnosed based on compatible clinical signs and positive quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and/or positive Baermann examination. Quantitative PCR was also performed retrospectively on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from 65 dogs (55 coughing and 10 healthy dogs), examined between 2008 and 2014; results of Baermann examination were also available in 33 dogs.

RESULTS

Seven young adult dogs from Southeastern Belgium with respiratory clinical signs were diagnosed with angiostrongylosis between March 2013 and April 2014. Positive broncho-alveolar lavage fluid quantitative PCR results and positive Baermann examination were obtained in 5/5 and 2/5 dogs, respectively. In the remaining two dogs, only Baermann analysis was performed. Among the retrospective cohorts, only one broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from a coughing dog was quantitative PCR-positive whereas all faecal samples were negative.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Until recently, canine angiostrongylosis was not reported in Belgium. It should now be included in the differential diagnosis of coughing Belgian dogs. Identification of affected dogs may be aided by quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid.

Comparison of coprological, immunological and molecular methods for the detection of dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum before and after anthelmintic treatment

Timely diagnosis of the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs is important in view of severe and permanent lung and cardiovascular lesions that may occur. The performance of the classical Baermann coprological method was compared with ELISAs for the serological detection of circulating antigen and specific antibodies and with Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed on EDTA blood, feces and tracheal swabs of serial samples from experimentally inoculated dogs over 13 weeks post inoculation (wpi) (n = 16) and following anthelmintic treatment (n = 6). Patency was observed from 6.7 to 7.6 wpi in all dogs, Baermann results were then mostly positive (116/119, 97%) during the patent period, with wide variations in the numbers of first stage larvae numbers. Blood PCR was tested positive on 1-2 occasions in 11/16 dogs in the pre-patent period, while all tested positive by antibody-detection ELISA by 6 wpi. The proportion of dogs testing positive by fecal PCR and antigen-detection ELISA rose early in the patent period. Tracheal swabs were occasionally DNA-positive in 3/16 dogs starting from 10 wpi. Following treatment, larval excretion stopped within 3 weeks and blood PCR results became negative within 1 week (5/6 dogs), while 4/6 dogs were positive for parasite DNA in tracheal swabs. Parasite antigen and specific antibodies both persisted in the blood for 3-9 weeks after treatment, with average optical densities and the proportion of positive dogs falling gradually, while results using other tests were much more variable. Results indicate that the earliest and most consistent results are obtained by the ELISAs, which can also be used for monitoring dogs after anthelmintic treatment.

Seroepidemiological survey for canine angiostrongylosis in dogs from Germany and the UK using combined detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum antigen and specific antibodies

Dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum, a potentially lethal parasite parasitizing the heart and pulmonary arteries, may present severe respiratory, haematological and neurological signs. In this first large-scale seroepidemiological survey, 4003 sera originating from Germany and 4030 from the UK were tested by an ELISA for the detection of circulating antigen of A. vasorum, and by a separate ELISA detecting specific antibodies. In Germany, where mainly western federal states were sampled, 0·3% (n = 13, CI: 0·2–0·6%) of dogs were positive in both ELISAs, whereas in total 0·5% (n = 20, CI: 0·3–0·8%) were antigen-positive and 2·25% (n = 90, CI: 1·8–2·8%) were positive for specific antibodies. Regions with antigen- and antibody-positive animals were overlapping. In the UK, where mainly the south of the country was sampled, 0·97% (n = 39, CI: 0·7–1·3%) of dogs were antigen- and antibody positive. In total, 1·32% (n = 53, CI: 1·0–1·7%) were antigen-positive, and 3·2% (n = 129, CI: 2·7–3·8%) were positive for specific antibodies, again in overlapping regions. These results confirm the occurrence of A. vasorum in a random dog population originating from large parts of the countries investigated. The use of the tests alone or in combination was considered as a function of their sensitivities and specificities, in order to guide efficient clinical and epidemiological application.

Angiostrongylosis-related restrictive pneumopathy assessed by arterial blood gas analysis in a dog

Pulmonary angiostrongylosis was diagnosed by the Baermann method and larval identification from faecal and bronchoalveolar lavage samples in a five-month- old male mongrel dog with dyspnoea and cough. Arterial blood gas analysis indicated arterial hypoxaemia and restrictive pneumopathy. In addition to the palliative treatment, fenbendazole was administered (50 mg/kg/24 h per os) for 14 days. The respiratory signs subsided within a short time clinically, but serial arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated an ongoing ventilation disorder. Repeated haematology, thoracic radiography, bronchoscopy and blood gas analysis were performed to follow the course of the disease. The most severe eosinophilia was detected after the beginning of the anthelmintic therapy, and the arterial pO2 level was permanently low. Arterial blood gas analysis provided the most adequate information about the course of the pneumopathy and it greatly facilitated the patient's medical management.

First report of a fatal autochthonous canine Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in Belgium

Canine angiostrongylosis is considered as an emergent disease in Europe and Canada. A fatal case of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection is described in a four and a half month old puppy born in Belgium. The dog was presented with marked neurological disorders, body weight loss, a profound weakness and mild respiratory signs. The dog was given antibiotics and mucolytic compounds with very little improvement and consequently was referred to a specialist for additional examinations. As the general condition of the dog was rapidly declining, the animal was euthanized shortly after on its owners' request and a necropsy was carried out. Extensive gross pulmonary lesions were observed and histopathological examination revealed the presence of numerous larvae with morphology compatible with A. vasorum. Larvae were also found in the product of a bronchoalveolar lavage but fecal material was not examined. The presence of A. vasorum circulating serum antigen was demonstrated through ELISA; additionally an A. vasorum specific PCR was performed on brain material and yielded a positive result. This case confirms that the clinical diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis can be very challenging especially when respiratory signs are absent or very mild such in the present case. This is the first reported case of canine angiostrongylosis in Belgium.

Evaluation of a rapid device for serological in-clinic diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a potentially fatal canine nematode. Due to the high variability of clinical signs and the often chronic and subtle course of the infections, the diagnosis is particularly challenging. A rapid in-clinic assay (Angio Detect™ Test, IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, Maine, USA) for the serological detection of circulating antigen and intended for routine in-clinic diagnosis has been evaluated.

Methods

Sensitivity was calculated with sera from 39 naturally infected dogs confirmed by Baermann-Wetzel analysis, while sera of 38 experimentally infected dogs were used for follow-up analyses, of which 10 were treated with imidacloprid/moxidectin. Cross-reactivity was tested with a total of 123 samples from dogs with proven parasitic infections with Toxocara canis (n = 21), Ancylostoma caninum (n = 4), Crenosoma vulpis (n = 18), Oslerus osleri (n = 3), Eucoleus aerophilus, (n = 6), Dirofilaria immitis (n = 28), Dirofilaria repens (n = 20), Acantocheilonema reconditum (n = 10) or Dipetalonema dracunculoides (n = 10) or multiple infections (n = 3). All sera were tested with the Angio Detect™ Test and with an ELISA for detection of circulating antigen of A. vasorum.

Results

The sensitivity of the Angio Detect™ Test was 84.6% (95% C.I. 69.5 - 94.1%), while specificity was 100% (95% C.I. 97.6 - 100%). The sensitivity of the ELISA (94.9%, 95% C.I. 82.7 – 99.3%) was comparable with previous evaluations. In experimentally infected dogs, earliest positive results with the Angio Detect™ Test were observed 9 weeks post inoculation and 5 weeks later all sera were Angio Detect™ Test positive. After anthelmintic treatment, seropositive dogs turned negative again within 3 to 7 weeks after treatment. The evaluation of the colour intensity of the test strips confirmed the delay of approximately 3-4 weeks for antigen detection by the Angio Detect™ Test compared to the ELISA and its correlation with the time after infection.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence of a good sensitivity and a very high specificity of the rapid device Angio Detect™ Test for detection of circulating A. vasorum antigen in dogs with suspected canine angiostrongylosis, representing a very simple and useful tool to be broadly applied in veterinary practices. The rapid detection of infected dogs is a key point for initiating an indispensable and urgent therapy.

New insights onto cardiopulmonary nematodes of dogs in Sardinia, Italy

Dog heartworms Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis cause severe parasitological diseases; the importance of these parasitosis is growing due to their health impact on animals, the possible zoonotic implications and the recent spreading across several European countries and previously non-endemic areas. The aim of this study is to update the epidemiological scenario of cardiopulmonary nematodes A. vasorum and D. immitis in dogs of Sardinia island and to perform a morphological identification of larvae by the use of the Baermann and Knott techniques respectively and the molecular characterization of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and the second ribosomal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2) of larvae L1 of A. vasorum. In the present study, 3.4% (5/146) of dogs resulted positive at Baermann technique for A. vasorum while 8.9% (61/684) to D. immitis. If on one side A. vasorum can be considered an emerging parasite in Sardinia, the parasitic pressure and the risk of infection for D. immitis in the island seems to be increased compared with the recent past.

Canine angiostrongylosis in naturally infected dogs: clinical approach and monitoring of infection after treatment

Canine angiostrongylosis is an increasingly reported disease in Europe which can be fatal if left untreated. The wide range of clinical presentation along with the absence of pathognomonic alterations can make the diagnosis challenging; thus any additional information that may provide clues to an early diagnosis may be of value, in order to ensure adequate anthelmintic treatment. Aim of the study was to assess a clinicopathological scoring system associated with natural Angiostrongylus vasorum infection diagnosed in canine patients during clinical practice, to clinically and paraclinically monitor infected dogs after treatment, and to monitor the presence of L1 larvae in faecal samples by Baermann's test. Of the total 210 enrolled animals A. vasorum infection was diagnosed in 7 dogs. These dogs were clinically and paraclinically investigated and monitored after specific treatment. Further 3 symptomatic dogs were retrospectively included in the monitoring. Results suggest that the computed scoring system can help to increase the clinical suspicion of infection particularly in asymptomatic dogs before the onset of potentially lethal lesions. Data of faecal monitoring suggested that treatment may control parasite burden but be unable to eradicate infection. Thus, a continued faecal monitoring after treatment is advisable for identification of still infected or reinfected dogs.

Assessment of the combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime in preventing the development of canine Angiostrongylus vasorum infections

Angiostrongylus vasorum is an increasingly reported parasite in Europe that develops in dogs after ingestion of infective third stage larvae (L3) that reside in gastropod molluscs which are needed to complete the parasite's life-cycle. Infection can produce a diversity of clinical signs, determined by involvement of the respiratory, neurological, and/or coagulation system, with a likely fatal outcome in the absence of treatment. Few drugs have been shown to reliably prevent infection, and data on treatment of infections is limited. A controlled, randomized, partially blinded laboratory study was therefore executed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination tablet of spinosad/milbemycin oxime in dogs inoculated with approximately 250 A. vasorum L3. Sixteen healthy nematode free adult dogs were randomly allocated to two study groups of 8 dogs each. Thirty days post inoculation (dpi) all dogs in the fed state were treated: dogs in group B were treated with spinosad and milbemycin oxime at the dose rates of 45-60 mg/kg and 0.75-1.0mg/kg bodyweight, respectively, approximately the lower half portion of the expected full unit dose range; dogs in group A were treated with placebo tablets. All dogs were euthanized and necropsied 56-58 dpi. The heart and lungs were examined to determine the presence of A. vasorum. All placebo group dogs were infected at necropsy with counts ranging from 22 to 98 adult worms and a geometric mean worm count of 55.2. In contrast, the geometric mean worm count in the spinosad/milbemycin oxime group was 0.7 with worm numbers ranging from 0 to 8. The results of this study demonstrate that a single treatment with the tablet combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime administered 30 dpi provided 98.8% preventive efficacy against development of adult A. vasorum infections. Monthly treatments with spinosad and milbemycin oxime have the potential to prevent the establishment of infections with A. vasorum in dogs.

Canine angiostrongylosis in Italy: occurrence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs with compatible clinical pictures

This study evaluated the perception of veterinarians in including the emerging metastrongyloid Angiostrongylus vasorum in the differential diagnosis for dogs referred with appropriate signs. Veterinarians at teaching hospitals, private practices or kennels collected faecal samples from 606 symptomatic dogs in six different areas of Italy. The samples were examined with the Baermann technique. Fourteen dogs scored positive for A. vasorum, all showing different clinical pictures, with the most common reason for inclusion in the study being a combination of respiratory signs along with general signs. The most reported sign was cough, followed by aspecific distresses. Other respiratory signs were dyspnoea, tachypnoea and breathing sounds, while bleeding diathesis occurred in one dog. Gastrointestinal disorders were diarrhoea and vomitus, while no neurological signs were detected. Four key cases are herein described, with a special focus on their clinical description, findings at the collateral diagnostic imaging and therapeutic options with moxidectin. This survey provides new data on distribution of A. vasorum in Europe and on the clinical impact of the disease. The results confirm that clinical angiostrongylosis overlaps a series of other conditions of dogs. Awareness among vet practitioners is discussed along with the importance of including A. vasorum on the list of differential diagnoses in canine clinical practice and of performing appropriate diagnostic methods.

Occurrence and regional distribution of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats in Germany

Infections with the metastrongyloid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats have been reported sporadically from Germany. To assess the occurrence and regional geographical distribution of A. abstrusus in Germany, faecal samples from 391 cats with symptoms of respiratory disease were collected from December 2009 to November 2011. The zinc chloride/sodium chloride flotation and Baermann funnel technique were used to examine the samples for the presence of lungworm larvae. The collected data were analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS). Infections with lungworms were diagnosed in 26 (6.6 %) of the examined cats. The infection rates did not show significant differences in the age groups up to 7 years. Only cats older than 7 were significantly less infected with lungworms than young cats. Sixteen of the 192 female cats examined and 7 of the 186 males were positive for A. abstrusus, but there were no significant differences for the variable 'gender infection rate'. Most of the A. abstrusus-positive cats were located in Baden-Wuerttemberg, followed by Lower Saxony, Bremen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saarland, Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. The majority of infected cats showed severe clinical symptoms characterised by coughing and dyspnoea, increased breathing rate, weight loss, bronchopneumonia, generally poor condition, sneezing and nasal discharge. The high number of lungworm-positive cats and the severe clinical symptoms should encourage veterinarians in Germany to consider infections with A. abstrusus as a differential diagnosis in cats with symptoms of respiratory disease.

Geographical, clinical, clinicopathological and radiographic features of canine angiostrongylosis in Irish dogs: a retrospective study

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality in dogs. Although recognised in Ireland, there are no large series of cases reported. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify pertinent clinical and geographical features in Irish dogs.

Results

The case records of dogs presenting to the University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital (1999-2010) were reviewed. A contemporaneous review of external faecal parasitology and post mortem submissions was also performed. A positive diagnosis of angiostrogylosis was identified in 49 dogs including 24 clinical, 10 post mortem and 15 external faecal sample cases. The majority (n = 44 (90%)) resided on the East Coast.

In the clinical cases, the median age was 20 months, 29% of cases were older than 2 years. Clinical features included cardiorespiratory (63%), coagulopathic (71%) and other (63%) signs. Cough (n = 10), dyspnoea (n = 5) and tachypnoea (n = 3) were the most common cardiorespiratory abnormalities. Of animals with evidence of coagulopathy, excessive haemorrhage from a wound (n = 5), airway haemorrhage (n = 9), epistaxis (n = 3), haematoma (n = 4), suspected haemarthrosis (n = 3), neurological signs (n = 2) and haematuria (n = 1) were found. Ten dogs were anaemic, of which two were severe (haematocrit ≤ 0.20 L/L). Ten animals had thrombocytopenia, with four severely affected (≤50 × 10⁹/L). PT and APTT values were prolonged in 4 (24%) of 17 and a BMBT was prolonged in 5 (63%) of 8 cases. Vague signs of exercise intolerance (n = 6), lethargy (n = 6) and weakness (n = 2) were identified, with two (8%) animals having only these signs. In one animal the diagnosis appeared to be incidental. Thoracic radiographs (n = 19) identified abnormalities in 100% of cases. Four (17%) animals died before or within 24 hours of treatment and post mortem examinations confirmed angiostrongylosis. Fenbendazole was administered in 19 cases, 18 (95%) recovered. Two animals were euthanised, one which failed to respond to therapy and another in which an ante mortem diagnosis had not been made.

Conclusions

Angiostrongylosis is not uncommon in Ireland, is not confined to young dogs or the East Coast and can present with a wide variety of signs, particularly coagulopathic, respiratory or neurological signs.