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Bölükbaş CS, Pekmezci D, Pekmezci GZ, Gençay Topçu EB, Çolak ZN, Gürler AT, Açici M, Umur Ş. Molecular prevalence, phylogenetic characterization, and epidemiological risk factors of pulmonary nematodes in domestic cats in Türkiye. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105021. [PMID: 37738911 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Oslerus rostratus, and Troglostrongylus brevior are nematodes found in the respiratory system of domestic cats and cause a variety of symptoms. All three parasites use the same hosts and niches, and the morphological measurements of their L1s excreted in faeces overlap with each other. In this study, 300 cats brought to Ondokuz Mayıs University Veterinary Teaching Animal Hospital were screened for lungworms by morphological measurements and molecular analyses. The prevalence of the lungworms was found as 1.33% (4/300) for A. abstrusus, 0.66% (2/300) for O. rostratus, and 0.33% (1/300) for T. brevior. Molecular identification of A. abstrusus, T. brevior, and O. rostratus in domestic cats was carried out for the first time in Türkiye within the present study. This study also reveals the risk factors of lungworm positivity in domestic cats in Türkiye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cenk Soner Bölükbaş
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Samsun, Türkiye.
| | - Didem Pekmezci
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Gökmen Zafer Pekmezci
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Elif Burcu Gençay Topçu
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Zeynep Nurselin Çolak
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Ali Tümay Gürler
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Mustafa Açici
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Samsun, Türkiye
| | - Şinasi Umur
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Samsun, Türkiye
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García-Livia K, Reyes R, Amaro-Ramos V, Baz-González E, Martin-Carrillo N, Rodríguez-Ponce E, Foronda P. Metastrongyloid Infection with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior, Oslerus rostratus and Angiostrongylus chabaudi in Feral Cats from the Canary Islands (Spain). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2168. [PMID: 37443966 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lungworms are a major cause of feline respiratory disease, frequently underdiagnosed due to its presentation of symptoms being similar to that of other feline respiratory pathologies. Epidemiological data about these nematodes are scarce in the Canary Islands (Spain). Given the veterinary importance of these parasites, the aim of the present study was to improve the current epidemiological knowledge of the lungworm species that could be affecting feral cats in this archipelago. A total of 29 feral cats from La Gomera were analyzed. The respiratory tract of each animal was inspected and the nematodes obtained were identified by morphological keys and molecular techniques. Metastrongylids were detected to be widely distributed throughout the island with a prevalence of 55.2% (16/29). The species Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior, Oslerus rostratus and Angiostrongylus chabaudi were identified. Also, coinfections with A. chabaudi and O. rostratus were detected in two animals. The present study shows a high diversity of lungworms in feral cats in La Gomera, with the first report of A. chabaudi and T. brevior for the Canary Archipelago and the first citation of A. chabaudi in cats for Spain. The wide distribution and high prevalence found in this study indicate a high risk of exposure to pulmonary infections in cats.
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Grants
- ProID2021010013 Consejería de Economía, Industria, Comercio y Conocimiento, Gobierno de Canarias
- ProID2021010013 FEDER-FSE Canarias 2014-2020, "Programa de Apoyo a la Investigación María del Carmen Betencourt y Molina"
- agreement "Estudio de patógenos en aves migratorias y en especies exóticas en un escenario de cambio climático" Consejería de Transición Ecológica, Lucha contra el Cambio Climático y Planificación Territorial, Gobierno de Canarias
- Becas M-ULL, 2019 Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities
- Becas M-ULL, 2019 Universidad de La Laguna
- FPI predoctoral scholarship TESIS2021010056 Agencia Canaria de Investigación, Innovación y Sociedad de la Información de la Consejería de Economía, Conocimiento y Empleo
- FPI predoctoral scholarship TESIS2021010056 Fondo Social Europeo (FSE) Programa Operativo integrado de Canarias 2014-2020, Eje 3 Tema Prioritario 74 (85%)
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine García-Livia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Programa de Doctorado en Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Ricardo Reyes
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Department Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Virginia Amaro-Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas y Farmacéuticas, Desarrollo y Calidad de Vida, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Edgar Baz-González
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas y Farmacéuticas, Desarrollo y Calidad de Vida, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Natalia Martin-Carrillo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas y Farmacéuticas, Desarrollo y Calidad de Vida, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Eligia Rodríguez-Ponce
- Department Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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Clinical, Radiological, and Echocardiographic Findings in Cats Infected by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020273. [PMID: 36839545 PMCID: PMC9965210 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cats infected by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus may show a plethora of clinical signs, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) seems to be one of the possible alterations induced by the infection; however, data on this association are scant and contradictory. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the association between aelurostrongylosis and PH and to evaluate the correlation between the number of A. abstrusus larvae expelled in the faeces and the clinical, echocardiographic, and radiological alterations. Fifteen cats (i.e., eight males and seven females) older than 3 months and naturally infected by A. abstrusus with different parasitic loads, expressed as larvae per grams of faeces (l.p.g.), were enrolled in the study. Each animal underwent clinical, echocardiographic, and radiographic examinations. Most cats (i.e., 10/15) showed pathological patterns on thoracic radiograms; particularly, the alveolar pattern (four cats), interstitial-nodular pattern (five cats), and bronchial pattern (one cat). No significant echocardiographic findings of PH were detected. No correlation between the number of l.p.g. and the severity of clinical signs was observed, but a significant correlation with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), radiographic alterations (interstitial nodular pattern), and ultrasonographic findings (RIVIDs) were noticed. These findings suggest that other factors such as animal age and health status, as well as comorbidity, may influence the presentation of the disease or the clinical manifestation and severity of the disease.
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Diakou A, Migli D, Dimzas D, Morelli S, Di Cesare A, Youlatos D, Lymberakis P, Traversa D. Endoparasites of European Wildcats ( Felis silvestris) in Greece. PATHOGENS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:pathogens10050594. [PMID: 34068209 PMCID: PMC8153176 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is the only wild felid living in Greece. Wildcat populations are declining due to anthropogenic and phenological unfavourable conditions, and parasites may have an additional negative impact. In the present study, the occurrence of endoparasites in wildcats in Greece and the potential threats posed to wildcats, domestic animals, and humans in the study areas has been investigated. In a six-year period, 23 road-killed wildcats and 62 wildcat faecal samples were collected from different areas of the country. Necropsy for the detection of endoparasites and standard parasitological examinations of faecal samples were performed. Parasites were morphologically identified and, in selected cases, molecularly analysed. All necropsied wildcats (100%) were infected by three to 10 different parasite taxa, with the most prevalent being Taenia taeniaeformis (73.9%), Toxocara cati (60.9%), Angiostrongylus chabaudi (56.5%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (39.1%), Cylicospirura spp. (34.8%), Troglostrongylus brevior (34.8%), and Capillaria aerophila (33.8%). Of the 62 faecal samples examined, 53 (85.5%) were positive for one or more parasite elements (larvae, eggs, or oocysts). The most frequent were T. cati (45.2%), A. chabaudi (29%), C. aerophila (24.2%), and Ancylostomatidae (17.7%). This is the first survey on endoparasites affecting wildcats in Greece. Some of the parasites here found are frequent in domestic and wild felids, while others, i.e., Oslerus rostratus and Cylicospirura petrowi, were described for the first time in the European wildcat. Most of them have a significant pathogenic potential, causing severe to hazardous diseases to infected felids and some, under specific circumstances, can also threaten human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| | - Despina Migli
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.M.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dimitris Dimzas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (S.M.); (A.D.C.); (D.T.)
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (S.M.); (A.D.C.); (D.T.)
| | - Dionisios Youlatos
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.M.); (D.Y.)
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossou Avenue, 71409 Irakleio, Greece;
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (S.M.); (A.D.C.); (D.T.)
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Felid Cardiopulmonary Nematodes: Dilemmas Solved and New Questions Posed. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010030. [PMID: 33401704 PMCID: PMC7824321 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade cardiopulmonary nematodes affecting felids have become a core research topic in small animal parasitology. In the late 2000s, an increase in studies was followed by unexpected findings in the early 2010s, which have stimulated research teams to start investigating these intriguing parasites. Prolific scientific debate and exchanges have then fostered field and laboratory studies and epi-zootiological surveys. New data have improved basic and applied knowledge, solved dilemmas and posed new questions. This article discusses the past and present background to felid cardiopulmonary nematodes after the last few years of intense scientific research. New data which have demonstrated the key role of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior in causing respiratory infections in domestic cats, and on the nil to negligible current importance of other species, i.e., Troglostrongylus subcrenatus, Oslerus rostratus and Angiostrongylus chabaudi, are presented. Biological information and hypothesized alternative routes of infection are analysed and discussed. Novel identification and taxonomical data and issues are reported and commented upon. On the whole, recent biological, ecological and epi-zootiological information on felid meta-strongyloids is critically analysed, with the aim to answer outstanding questions, stimulate future studies, and underline new research perspectives.
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Acuña-Olea F, Sacristán I, Aguilar E, García S, López MJ, Oyarzún-Ruiz P, Brito JL, Fredes F, Napolitano C. Gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory endoparasites in the wild felid guigna ( Leopardus guigna) in Chile: Richness increases with latitude and first records for the host species. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:13-21. [PMID: 32793412 PMCID: PMC7415641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Guignas (Leopardus guigna) are small felids closely associated with native forest habitats. In fragmented landscapes, they use vegetation corridors and forest remnants to move across the landscape. In these contexts, guignas may increase contact probabilities with domestic animals, being therefore relevant to assess their pathogens and parasites. The aim of this study was to characterize the helminth fauna in the gastrointestinal tract and cardiorespiratory system of guignas from central and southern Chile. Between 2015 and 2018, 33 dead free-ranging guignas were found road-killed or were collected from wildlife rescue centers. Thirty-two gastrointestinal tracts and 32 cardiorespiratory organs were analyzed through direct analysis and artificial digestion. We found 81.8% (27/33) guignas were positive for helminth endoparasites (84.4% (27/32) positive for gastrointestinal parasites, 37.5% (12/32) positive for cardiorespiratory parasites). Fourteen parasites were identified (7 at genus level and 7 at species level), with Angiostrongylus sp., Molineus sp., Oslerus sp. and Troglostrongylus sp. as first records in guignas. The most prevalent parasites were the species Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati and Uncinaria stenocephala. Uncinaria stenocephala showed the highest intensity of infection. Multiparasitism was observed in 76% of the animals. Significant differences in richness of endoparasites and prevalence of cardiorespiratory parasites were found between geographic zones; higher values in the southern zone are possibly due to favorable environmental characteristics for endoparasite development. There were no statistically significant differences between sexes. All the parasites found in this study have been previously reported in domestic cats. These results are valuable to understand parasite transmission at the domestic-wildlife interface; the possibility of endoparasite transmission between domestic cats and guignas should be clarified with molecular analysis. The 81.8% of analyzed Leopardus guigna were positive for helminth parasites. First report of Angiostrongylus sp., Molineus sp., Oslerus sp. and Troglostrongylus sp. in guignas. Higher prevalence and diversity of cardiorespiratory parasites in guignas from southern Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Acuña-Olea
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Irene Sacristán
- Doctorado de Medicina de La Conservación, Facultad de Ciencias de La Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emilio Aguilar
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián García
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - María José López
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Oyarzún-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - José Luis Brito
- Museo de Historia Natural e Histórico de San Antonio, San Antonio, Chile
| | - Fernando Fredes
- Unidad de Parasitología. Departamento Medicina Preventiva Animal. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile. La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Napolitano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile.,Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Santiago, Chile
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Kiszely S, Gyurkovszky M, Solymosi N, Farkas R. Survey of lungworm infection of domestic cats in Hungary. Acta Vet Hung 2019; 67:407-417. [PMID: 31549542 DOI: 10.1556/004.2019.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
From 61 settlements of 12 Hungarian counties, 303 domestic cats were included in this survey. Between autumn 2016 and spring 2018, fresh faecal samples were randomly collected and examined by flotation and by the Baermann-Wetzel method for the presence of lungworm infection. No eggs of Eucoleus aerophilus were detected. Morphological identification of first instar larvae (L1) was also carried out. In the faeces of 60 cats (19.8%) from 17 settlements and Budapest, L1 of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found. More than half of the cats were from the western part of the country. The average number of larvae per gram of faeces was 190.2 ± 304.88. These results are in line with the former findings on the prevalence of aelurostrongylosis of domestic cats in Hungary. In addition, Oslerus rostratus was also found for the first time in the faecal samples of three cats from the eastern part of the country, infected also with Ae. abstrusus. The average age (2.51 ± 1.26 years) of infected cats indicates that lungworm infection is more common among younger cats. No relationship was found between the lung-worm infection and the sex of cats. Non-neutered cats had a significantly higher proportion of lungworm infections. Two-thirds of the infected cats were apparently healthy, and only 19 individuals showed clinical signs of respiratory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sára Kiszely
- 1Department of Parasitology and Zoology and Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Gyurkovszky
- 1Department of Parasitology and Zoology and Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- 2Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- 1Department of Parasitology and Zoology and Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Cavalera MA, Schnyder M, Gueldner EK, Furlanello T, Iatta R, Brianti E, Strube C, Colella V, Otranto D. Serological survey and risk factors of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection among owned cats in Italy. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2377-2382. [PMID: 31230159 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06373-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Feline lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north (n = 700), the centre (n = 227) and the south (n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4-10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5-9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0-9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7-29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area (p < 0.05). The risk of lungworm infection in cats was significantly associated with age less than 6 months (i.e. 24.4%, p < 0.05) and FIV infection (p < 0.05). This large-scale serological survey confirms the exposure of cats to lungworm infections in Italy and that serological tests can be used to assess the distribution of lungworm infections in large populations of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alfonsa Cavalera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emily Katharina Gueldner
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Furlanello
- San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, 35030 Veggiano, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Abstract
We report the occurrence of Oslerus (Anafilaroides) sp. parasitizing the lung of the jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) in Brazil.
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10
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Penagos-Tabares F, Lange MK, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Taubert A, Hermosilla C. Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus: Neglected and underestimated parasites in South America. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:208. [PMID: 29587811 PMCID: PMC5870519 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Penagos-Tabares
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany. .,CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, University of Antioquia, 050034, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Malin K Lange
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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11
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Cavalera MA, Iatta R, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Corsaro A, Brianti E, Otranto D. Troglostrongylus brevior: a feline lungworm of paediatric concern. Vet Parasitol 2018; 253:8-11. [PMID: 29605009 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The immature immune system of cats in their paediatric age (i.e., first six months of life) favours the establishment of infectious respiratory tract diseases mainly caused by well recognized viruses and bacteria species. Conversely, lungworm infections are less investigated during respiratory disorders in kittens. In the last decade, Troglostrongylus brevior has been found affecting the respiratory tract of cats, along with the better-known Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Given the scant data available on the epidemiology of feline troglostrongylosis, faecal samples from 575 domestic animals living in three Italian municipalities (i.e., Bari, Messina and Siena) were screened for lungworm infection by Baermann and molecular tecniques. Animals were grouped according to their age as ≤6 months (i.e., paediatric patients), 6-24 months, or >24 months. Paediatric cats were further sub-divided in infant (2-6 weeks), weanling (6-12 weeks) and juvenile (3-6 months). Of the 575 animals tested, 241 (42.0%) were younger than 6 months, 188 (33%) were 6-24-month-old and 146 (25%) were older than 24 months. Lungworm infection was diagnosed in 84 (14.6%) of the examined cats. Of the 49 (20.3%) paediatric animals positive for lungworms, T. brevior was the nematode species most frequently diagnosed (n = 44; 89.8%), followed by A. abstrusus (n = 2; 4.1%), and three cats (6.1%) were co-infected by both species. The diagnosis of T. brevior infection was significantly associated with animals aging ≤6 months (18.2%; P < 0.01) than elder cats. Indeed, the prevalence of infection by T. brevior decreased in animals aging 6-24 months (3.2%) being not detected in cats older than two years. Results of this study indicate that paediatric cats are at higher risk of T. brevior infection compared to adults (P < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alfonsa Cavalera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Angelo Corsaro
- Clinica Borgo Nuovo, 53034 Colle di val D'Elsa, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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12
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Deak G, Ionică AM, Mihalca AD, Gherman CM. Troglostrongylus brevior: a new parasite for Romania. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:599. [PMID: 29208009 PMCID: PMC5717812 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2551-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genus Troglostrongylus includes nematodes infecting domestic and wild felids. Troglostrongylus brevior was described six decades ago in Palestine and subsequently reported in some European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina). As the diagnosis by the first-stage larvae (L1) may be challenging, there is a possibility of confusion with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Hence, the knowledge on the distribution of this neglected feline parasite is still scarce. The present paper reports the first case of T. brevior infection in Romania. In July 2017, a road-killed juvenile male Felis silvestris, was found in in Covasna County, Romania. A full necropsy was performed and the nematodes were collected from the trachea and bronchioles. Parasites were sexed and identified to species level, based on morphometrical features. A classical Baermann method was performed on the lungs and the faeces to collect the metastrongyloid larvae. Genomic DNA was extracted from an adult female nematode. Molecular identification was accomplished with a PCR assay targeting the ITS2 of the rRNA gene. Results Two males and one female nematodes were found in the trachea and bronchioles. They were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. brevior. The first-stage larvae (L1) recovered from the lung tissue and faeces were morphologically consistent with those of T. brevior. No other pulmonary nematodes were identified and no gross pulmonary lesions were observed. Conclusions This paper represents the first report of Troglostrongylus brevior infection in Romania, so far representing the second northernmost location for this genus in Europe. The diversity of species infecting wild and domestic felids and the differences regarding the clinical significance of these nematodes highlight the need for a more intense surveillance and proper diagnosis of feline lungworm infections, especially in countries where more species were demonstrated to be present. Furthermore, an increased awareness between clinicians is needed for a correct diagnostic approach to feline lungworm diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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13
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Giannelli A, Capelli G, Joachim A, Hinney B, Losson B, Kirkova Z, René-Martellet M, Papadopoulos E, Farkas R, Napoli E, Brianti E, Tamponi C, Varcasia A, Margarida Alho A, Madeira de Carvalho L, Cardoso L, Maia C, Mircean V, Mihalca AD, Miró G, Schnyder M, Cantacessi C, Colella V, Cavalera MA, Latrofa MS, Annoscia G, Knaus M, Halos L, Beugnet F, Otranto D. Lungworms and gastrointestinal parasites of domestic cats: a European perspective. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:517-528. [PMID: 28455237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With the exception of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, feline lungworms have been poorly studied. Information on their distribution is patchy and mostly limited to case reports. In this study, the occurrence of feline lungworms and co-infecting gastrointestinal parasites has been investigated in 12 European countries (i.e. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom). An average of 10 domestic cats, with regular outdoor access, was sampled each month for 12months, and freshly passed faeces were collected. Stools were processed using a McMaster assay and a quantitative Baermann-Wetzel method. Animals positive for lungworms and/or gastrointestinal parasites were treated with a formulation containing fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel (Broadline®, Merial), and re-sampled 28days post-treatment. The association between lungworm infection and risk factors was analysed using statistical medians/means and the efficacy of the treatment against each lungworm species was assessed. Of 1990 cats sampled, 613 (30.8%) were positive for at least one parasite, while 210 (10.6%) were infected by lungworms. The prevalence of lungworm infection varied between the sampled sites, with the highest recorded in Bulgaria (35.8%) and the lowest in Switzerland (0.8%). None of the cats from Austria or the United Kingdom were infected by lungworms. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the species most frequently detected (78.1%), followed by Troglostrongylus brevior (19.5%), Eucoleus aerophilus (14.8%) and Oslerus rostratus (3.8%). The overall efficacy of the treatment was 99% for A. abstrusus and 100% for T. brevior, O. rostratus and E. aerophilus. Data presented provide a comprehensive account of the diagnosis, epidemiology and treatment of feline lungworms in Europe, as well as of the occurrence of co-infections by gastrointestinal parasites.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cat Diseases/drug therapy
- Cat Diseases/epidemiology
- Cat Diseases/parasitology
- Cats
- DNA, Helminth/chemistry
- Europe/epidemiology
- Feces/parasitology
- Female
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/drug therapy
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary
- Larva/anatomy & histology
- Lung Diseases, Parasitic/drug therapy
- Lung Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
- Lung Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology
- Lung Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary
- Male
- Metastrongyloidea/classification
- Metastrongyloidea/genetics
- Metastrongyloidea/isolation & purification
- Parasitic Diseases, Animal/drug therapy
- Parasitic Diseases, Animal/epidemiology
- Parasitic Diseases, Animal/parasitology
- Prevalence
- Risk Factors
- Strongylida Infections/drug therapy
- Strongylida Infections/epidemiology
- Strongylida Infections/parasitology
- Strongylida Infections/veterinary
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bertrand Losson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Zvezdelina Kirkova
- Department of Parasitology, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magalie René-Martellet
- Laboratoirede Parasitologie et Maladies Parasitaires, VetAgro Sup campus vétérinaire de Lyon, UR 0346 EPIA, INRA, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Ana Margarida Alho
- Interdisciplinary Animal Health Research Centre (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Interdisciplinary Animal Health Research Centre (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Viorica Mircean
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology University of Zurich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB3 0ES Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Martin Knaus
- Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Lénaïg Halos
- Merial SAS, 29 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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14
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Zottler EM, Strube C, Schnyder M. Detection of specific antibodies in cats infected with the lung nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Vet Parasitol 2017; 235:75-82. [PMID: 28215872 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Feline aelurostrongylosis, caused by the metastrongylid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is an underestimated respiratory parasitosis. Its diagnosis currently mainly relies on the isolation of first stage larvae from fresh faecal samples. The aim of our study was to develop a serological test for the detection of specific antibodies against A. abstrusus by ELISA. We used recombinant major sperm protein (MSP) of the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus as detection antigen and evaluated two different ELISA plates (Maxisorp and Immobilizer™ Amino-plate, Nunc Roskilde, Denmark) with two different enzyme systems [alkaline phosphatase (AP) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)]. Sera from cats experimentally (n=54) and naturally (n=17) infected with A. abstrusus and from randomly selected cats with different medical issues (n=160) were used to determine sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, cross-reactions were evaluated using sera from cats naturally (n=71) and experimentally (n=8) infected with different nematodes. A sensitivity of 100% was obtained with sera from experimentally infected cats at 10 weeks post infection using MSP on the Immobilizer™ Amino-plate with HRP, while it ranged between 90.5 and 95.2% in the other ELISA set-ups. Using sera from naturally infected cats, a sensitivity of 88.2% (95% confidence interval: 63.6-98.5%) was achieved in all four set-ups. The specificity was 85.2-94.4% in sera from uninfected cats prior to experimental infection and 68.1-90% in randomly selected cats depending on the plate and enzyme system. The number of seropositive cats increased over time post infection. Serological follow-up showed a decrease of antibody levels within 30days after anthelmintic treatment. Seropositive reactions were observed with sera from stray cats naturally infected with Toxocara cati, Capillaria sp., hookworms and Taeniidae; however, coproscopic false negative A. abstrusus findings cannot be excluded. The serological detection of specific antibodies against A. abstrusus using ELISA requires a single serum sample and therefore represents a valid alternative for reliable individual diagnosis of A. abstrusus in cats and facilitates mass screening, overcoming the usually difficult collection of cat faeces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Zottler
- University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina Strube
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Giannelli A, Kirkova Z, Abramo F, Latrofa MS, Campbell B, Zizzo N, Cantacessi C, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Angiostrongylus chabaudi in felids: New findings and a review of the literature. Vet Parasitol 2016; 228:188-192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Angiostrongylus chabaudi (Biocca, 1957) in wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris, S) from Romania. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2511-7. [PMID: 27106235 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus chabaudi is a rare cardio-pulmonary nematode infecting felids. Although almost 60 years have passed since the original description of the species in Italy, this parasite has been seldom found in domestic and wildcats in southern Europe. The present study aims to report a new case of patent A. chabaudi infection in a road-killed wildcat from Maramureș County in Northern Romania. The necropsy revealed the presence of parasites in the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle, and the fecal examination showed the presence of L1 larvae. Parasites were morphologically and morphometrically characterized as A. chabaudi, showing 100 % nucleotide similarity to an Angiostrongylus sp. originating from a wildcat from Germany and 99 % to A. chabaudi from Italy. This study reports A. chabaudi for the first time in Eastern Europe, expanding knowledge about the distribution range of this species.
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17
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Traversa D, Di Cesare A. Diagnosis and management of lungworm infections in cats: Cornerstones, dilemmas and new avenues. J Feline Med Surg 2016; 18:7-20. [PMID: 26733545 PMCID: PMC11148874 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15623113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Respiratory parasites infecting domestic cats are attracting increased attention in feline clinical practice. In addition to the most commonly recognised 'cat lungworm' Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior and Capillaria aerophila are now considered important pathogens of the respiratory tract of cats. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE These parasites are being increasingly diagnosed in several regions of the world and a continuous update on epidemiological changes and advances in diagnosis and control is of practical importance. AIMS This article reviews current knowledge of lungworms affecting cats, with a special focus on recent insights into diagnosis and management of the diseases they cause. The article also explores some potential new avenues for control of feline parasitic respiratory diseases, and highlights some key areas requiring further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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18
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Di Cesare A, Veronesi F, Traversa D. Felid Lungworms and Heartworms in Italy: More Questions than Answers? Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:665-675. [PMID: 26507151 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes infecting the cardiorespiratory system of cats have recently stimulated high scientific interest. Over the past few years, different aspects of these parasites have been clarified and various issues elucidated. This increased knowledge has improved awareness on this topic but, at the same time, some dilemmas have not been solved and new questions have been raised. In this review, we underline and discuss current knowledge of, and new doubts relating to, feline lungworms and heartworms, with the aim of stimulating new studies to fill gaps of basic (i.e., epidemiology and biology) and applied (i.e., clinical aspects) knowledge of the old and new parasites affecting the cardiorespiratory system of cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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19
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Di Cesare A, Veronesi F, Grillotti E, Manzocchi S, Perrucci S, Beraldo P, Cazzin S, De Liberato C, Barros LA, Simonato G, Traversa D. Respiratory nematodes in cat populations of Italy. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4463-9. [PMID: 26319524 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4687-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of common respiratory parasites of domestic cats (the metastrongyloid "cat lungworm" Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and the trichuroid Capillaria aerophila) and of neglected respiratory nematodes of felids (Troglostrongylus brevior, Angiostrongylus chabaudi and Oslerus rostratus) was here evaluated in two and three geographical sites of Northern and Central Italy, respectively. In 2014-2015, individual fecal samples of 868 domestic cats were examined microscopically and genetically, and epidemiological data related to parasitic infections were evaluated as possible risk factors by binary logistic regression models. The most common parasite was A. abstrusus in both mono- and poli-specific infections, followed by T. brevior and C. aerophila, while cats scored negative for other parasites. Cats positive for A. abstrusus (1.9-17 % infection rate) and C. aerophila (0.9-4.8 % infection rate) were found in all examined sites, while cats scored positive for T. brevior (1-14.3 % infection rate) in four sites. Also, T. brevior was here found for the first time in a domestic cat from a mountainous area of Northern Italy. The occurrence of lungworms was statistically related to the presence of respiratory signs and more significant in cats with mixed infection by other lungworms and/or intestinal parasites. Cats living in site C of Central Italy resulted statistically more at risk of infection for lungworms than cats living in the other study sites, while animals ageing less than 1 year were at more risk for troglostrongylosis. Finally, the presence of lungworms was more significant in cats with mixed infection by other lungworms and/or intestinal parasites. These results are discussed under epidemiological and clinical points of views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Grillotti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Centro Italia, Rieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Beraldo
- Division of Veterinary Pathology (DIAL), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefania Cazzin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Latium e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano A Barros
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Facultade de Medicina Veterinaria MSV/UFF Niteroi, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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20
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Pennisi MG, Hartmann K, Addie DD, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Horzinek MC, Hosie MJ, Lloret A, Lutz H, Marsilio F, Radford AD, Thiry E, Truyen U, Möstl K. Lungworm disease in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2015; 17:626-36. [PMID: 26101316 PMCID: PMC11148929 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15588455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Cardiopulmonary nematodes are emerging parasites of cats in Europe. A number of helminth parasites may be involved. The most prevalent lungworm in domestic cats is Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Oslerus rostratus and Troglostrongylus species are found mainly in wild cats. The trichurid Capillaria aerophila has a low host specificity and is not uncommon in cats. Additionally the lung flukes Paragonimus species are reported in many species outside of Europe, including cats. CLINICAL SIGNS Lungworm infections may be asymptomatic, or cause mild to severe respiratory signs, dependent on the worm species and burden; mixed infections are observed. Kittens can be vertically infected and may develop a more severe disease. Affected cats show a productive cough, mucopurulent nasal discharge, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and, in severe cases, respiratory failure and death. MANAGEMENT Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improves the prognosis. First-stage larvae can be easily detected in fresh faecal samples; the Baermann migration method is the enrichment technique of choice, but takes 24 h. Lungworm larvae can be found in tracheal swabs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, but with less sensitivity than in faeces. Molecular methods have been developed that exhibit high specificity and sensitivity, and allow diagnosis in the prepatent phase. Treatment options include fenbendazole paste, milbemycin oxime/praziquantel and various spot-on formulations. Severe cases should receive prompt medical care in an intensive care unit. PREVENTION Avoiding predation is at present the only preventive measure for pulmonary worms with indirect life cycles. ZOONOTIC RISK C aerophila has zoonotic potential, causing severe pulmonary disease in humans. Some Paragonimus species are also of zoonotic concern.
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Latrofa MS, Lia RP, Giannelli A, Colella V, Santoro M, D'Alessio N, Campbell BE, Parisi A, Dantas-Torres F, Mutafchiev Y, Veneziano V, Otranto D. Crenosoma vulpis in wild and domestic carnivores from Italy: a morphological and molecular study. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3611-7. [PMID: 26103959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Crenosoma vulpis is a metastrongyloid nematode primarily associated with respiratory tract infections of red foxes in North America and Europe. Sporadic cases have also been reported in domestic dogs. The present study aimed to provide morphological, molecular, and epidemiological data on the geographical distribution of this nematode throughout Italy. From 2012 to 2014, 12 of the 138 foxes examined, three dogs and one badger scored positive for C. vulpis. Forty adults were isolated from foxes and the badger, whereas first-stage larvae were detected in the three dogs. All specimens were morphologically identified as C. vulpis, and 28 nematodes were also molecularly characterized by sequencing mitochondrial (12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA)) and nuclear (18S rDNA) ribosomal genes. Four haplotypes were identified based on the 12S rDNA target gene, with the most representative (78.5%) designated as haplotype I. No genetic variability was detected for the 18S rDNA gene. The molecular identification was consistent with the distinct separation of species-specific clades inferred by the phylogenetic analyses of both mitochondrial and ribosomal genes. Data herein reported indicates that C. vulpis has a wide distribution in foxes from southern Italy, and it also occurs in dogs from southern and northern regions of the country. Practitioners should consider the occurrence of this nematode in the differential diagnosis of canine respiratory disease, particularly in dogs living close to rural areas where foxes are present.
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Efficacy of Broadline® against Capillaria aerophila lungworm infection in cats. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1971-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Varcasia A, Tamponi C, Brianti E, Cabras PA, Boi R, Pipia AP, Giannelli A, Otranto D, Scala A. Angiostrongylus chabaudi Biocca, 1957: a new parasite for domestic cats? Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:588. [PMID: 25515026 PMCID: PMC4308007 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0588-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural infection with a species of Angiostrongylus has been reported only once in wildcats from central Italy by Biocca in 1957. The causative species of this infection was identified as Angiostrongylus chabaudi. Following this report, this parasite had never been found in either wild or domestic cats. Findings The lungs and the pulmonary arteries of an adult female cat (Felis silvestris catus), road-killed in Sardinia, Italy, were macroscopically examined and dissected under a light microscope for the presence of parasites. A slender nematode was detected and its morphometrical features were consistent with those of A. chabaudi. Morphological data were supplemented by sequencing of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) gene, as well as the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of the rDNA. Nucleotide sequences displayed 99% homology with the ITS2 sequence [GenBank KM216825.1] of a specimen of Angiostrongylus sp. recovered recently from the pulmonary artery of a wildcat in Germany and 91% with cox1 sequence [GenBank GU138118.1] of Angiostrongylus vasorum. Conclusion The results of the present study indicate, for the first time, that A. chabaudi may also infect domestic cats, and thus should be considered in the diagnosis of metastrongyloid species infecting their cardio-pulmonary system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Varcasia
- Laboratorio di Parassitologia, Ospedale Didattico Veterinario, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Laboratorio di Parassitologia, Ospedale Didattico Veterinario, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy.
| | - Piera Angela Cabras
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 08048, Tortolì, Italy.
| | - Roberta Boi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 08048, Tortolì, Italy.
| | - Anna Paola Pipia
- Laboratorio di Parassitologia, Ospedale Didattico Veterinario, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Scala
- Laboratorio di Parassitologia, Ospedale Didattico Veterinario, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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Varcasia A, Brianti E, Tamponi C, Pipia AP, Cabras PA, Mereu M, Dantas-Torres F, Scala A, Otranto D. Simultaneous infection by four feline lungworm species and implications for the diagnosis. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:317-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4207-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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