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Teixeira R, Flor I, Nunes T, Pinto C, Pomba MC, de Carvalho LM. Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Lungworms in Cats and Dogs from Terceira and São Miguel Islands, Azores. Pathogens 2024; 13:648. [PMID: 39204248 PMCID: PMC11357605 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080648] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases can affect animal health and welfare, and they may also constitute a danger to public health, particularly in island ecosystems. Fecal samples were collected from 205 dogs and 115 cats on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, Azores archipelago (Portugal), using the Willis flotation technique and modified Baermann method, for further analysis. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in dogs was 53%, with the following results: Ancylostomatidae (hookworms) (42.44%), Trichuris vulpis (17.56%), Toxocara canis (12.68%) and Cystoisospora spp. (4.39%). In cats, the overall prevalence was also 53%, with the following results: Toxocara cati (31.3%), Ancylostomatidae (30.43%), Cystoisospora spp. (14.78%) and Trichuris sp. (0.87%). The prevalence of lungworms was 0.49% in canines and 20.87% in felines, with Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus species being detected in dogs and cats, respectively. The present survey detected a high prevalence of gastrointestinal infection, in both dogs and cats, probably because the samples came mainly from kennels and catteries and due to the peculiar climatic conditions in this insular territory, with mild temperature and high relative humidity. A considerable prevalence of aelurostrongylosis was also detected (20.87%), so it should be included in the list of differential diagnoses of diseases concerning the respiratory tract in cats of the archipelago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Teixeira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, (CIISA-FMV-ULisboa), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isilda Flor
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Vinha Brava, 9700-236 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Telmo Nunes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, (CIISA-FMV-ULisboa), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Pinto
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, 9700-042 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - Maria Constança Pomba
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, (CIISA-FMV-ULisboa), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, (CIISA-FMV-ULisboa), Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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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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Ganay J, Grigione M. PREVALENCE OF ENDOPARASITES BETWEEN DOMESTIC AND COMMUNITY CAT POPULATIONS IN ROCKLAND COUNTY, NEW YORK. J Parasitol 2022; 108:595-599. [PMID: 36508609 DOI: 10.1645/21-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats (Felis catus) have the potential to spread and infect humans and other animals with a variety of endoparasites. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of parasites in community, outdoor, and strictly indoor domestic cats in Rockland County, New York. Between November 2020 and June 2021, fecal samples were collected from 3 populations (community = 65, outdoor domestic = 28, strictly indoor domestic = 35). A minimum of 2 g of feces were collected per sample and examined with centrifugal fecal floatation tests with 33% zinc sulfate solution and microscopy. Overall, community cats had a significantly higher prevalence of parasites compared to outdoor and strictly indoor cats (chi-square test, X2 = 24.943, df = 2, P = 3.835 × 10-6). The most prevalent endoparasite in all 3 populations was Toxocara cati. There was a significant difference between the 3 populations and parasite richness (chi-square test, X2 = 25.452, df = 4, P = 4.081 × 10-5). Polyparasitism was frequently observed in the community population, followed by the outdoor population. This study demonstrates that because community cats spend their entire lives outdoors, they are more at risk of being exposed to parasites and contribute to the contamination of the environment with these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ganay
- The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Melissa Grigione
- Pace University, 861 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, New York 10570
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Remesar S, García‐Dios D, Calabuig N, Prieto A, Díaz‐Cao JM, López‐Lorenzo G, López C, Fernández G, Morrondo P, Panadero R, Díaz P. Cardiorespiratory nematodes and co-infections with gastrointestinal parasites in new arrivals at dog and cat shelters in north-western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3141-e3153. [PMID: 35880814 PMCID: PMC9804432 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastrongyloid and trichuroid cardiorespiratory nematodes of dogs and cats are considered emergent in several European countries, and an increase in the number and extent of endemic foci has been described. Since data on their prevalence are limited in this continent, faecal samples from new arrivals (365 dogs and 65 cats) at two animal shelters in North-western Spain were analysed using both floatation and Baermann techniques. In order to confirm the microscopic identification of Metastrongylidae first stage larvae, molecular characterization based on the sequence of the ITS-2 was performed. The possible influence of some variables such as the species, sex and age of the animals and the co-infection with other gastrointestinal parasites on the prevalence of cardiorespiratory nematodes was analysed. The most prevalent metastrongylid was Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (15.4%) followed by Angiostrongylus vasorum (4.1%) and Crenosoma vulpis (1.1%). Regarding trichuroids, Eucoleus aerophilus and/or Eucoleus boehmi eggs were detected in 28 dogs (7.7%) and four cats (6.2%). Almost all animals positive to cardiorespiratory nematodes (86.8%) were co-infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The prevalence of Metastrongylidae and respiratory trichuroids was significantly higher in dogs co-infected with Taenia spp. and Toxocara canis or Giardia duodenalis and Sarcocystis spp., respectively. In cats, a significant higher prevalence of Metastrongylidae nematodes was found in animals co-infected with Toxocara cati. Our results reveal that cardiorespiratory nematodes are common in companion animals from north-western Spain, showing higher prevalences than those previously reported from this country. This investigation represents the first report of C. vulpis, E. aerophilus and E. boehmi in dogs from Spain. The identification of a number of zoonotic parasites is of public health concern. Our results indicate that these nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs and cats from north-western Spain showing respiratory or cardiac clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Remesar
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - David García‐Dios
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Néstor Calabuig
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Jose Manuel Díaz‐Cao
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Gonzalo López‐Lorenzo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Ceferino López
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
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Segeritz L, Westhoff KM, Schaper R, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Crenosoma vulpis and Troglostrongylus brevior Infections in Native Slug Populations of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070747. [PMID: 35889992 PMCID: PMC9315663 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Segeritz
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-99-39746
| | - Katharina Mareike Westhoff
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
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da Silva Lima W, Ferreira Farago EC, do Nascimento Mesquita M, Duarte Pacheco A, Fernandes Nunes da Silva Malavazi P, Salvador Oliveira H, Morelli S, Colombo M, Di Cesare A, Figueiredo de Souza S. First Case of Clinical Cat Aelurostrongylosis in the Brazilian Amazon: Clinical and Molecular Insights. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050595. [PMID: 34068219 PMCID: PMC8153145 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most important respiratory parasite infecting domestic cats worldwide. Nevertheless, most records and epizootiological data come from Europe, whilst poor and fragmentary information are available for other regions, including the Americas. The present article describes the first description of cat aelurostrongylosis from Amazonia, Brazil. Eighty-one cats, 13 from a shelter and 68 admitted at the Teaching and Research Unit in Veterinary Medicine (UV) at the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), Brazil, were included in the study. For all cats, three faecal samples from consecutive defecations were examined using the Baermann’s technique. Nematode first stage larvae (L1), retrieved in 2/81 (2.5%) samples, were microscopically identified as A. abstrusus and then subjected to a molecular assay able to identify the three most important species of metastrongyloids infecting felids. This test confirmed the A. abstrusus identity in one sample, while the second scored negative. The cat with confirmed aelurostrongylosis showed radiographic changes, i.e., an interstitial pattern, compatible with the infection. The other cat, which scored positive at the Baermann’s examination, was apparently healthy at the physical examination and showed no thoracic alterations. The occurrence of A. abstrusus in domestic cats from Brazilian Amazon is herein demonstrated for the first time. Clinical, epizootiological and molecular implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilison da Silva Lima
- Centro de Ciencias Biológicas e da Natureza, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, AC 69900-000, Brazil; (W.d.S.L.); (E.C.F.F.); (M.d.N.M.); (A.D.P.); (P.F.N.d.S.M.); (S.F.d.S.)
| | - Enny Caroline Ferreira Farago
- Centro de Ciencias Biológicas e da Natureza, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, AC 69900-000, Brazil; (W.d.S.L.); (E.C.F.F.); (M.d.N.M.); (A.D.P.); (P.F.N.d.S.M.); (S.F.d.S.)
| | - Millena do Nascimento Mesquita
- Centro de Ciencias Biológicas e da Natureza, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, AC 69900-000, Brazil; (W.d.S.L.); (E.C.F.F.); (M.d.N.M.); (A.D.P.); (P.F.N.d.S.M.); (S.F.d.S.)
| | - Acácio Duarte Pacheco
- Centro de Ciencias Biológicas e da Natureza, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, AC 69900-000, Brazil; (W.d.S.L.); (E.C.F.F.); (M.d.N.M.); (A.D.P.); (P.F.N.d.S.M.); (S.F.d.S.)
| | - Patrícia Fernandes Nunes da Silva Malavazi
- Centro de Ciencias Biológicas e da Natureza, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, AC 69900-000, Brazil; (W.d.S.L.); (E.C.F.F.); (M.d.N.M.); (A.D.P.); (P.F.N.d.S.M.); (S.F.d.S.)
| | | | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (A.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Soraia Figueiredo de Souza
- Centro de Ciencias Biológicas e da Natureza, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, AC 69900-000, Brazil; (W.d.S.L.); (E.C.F.F.); (M.d.N.M.); (A.D.P.); (P.F.N.d.S.M.); (S.F.d.S.)
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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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Symeonidou I, Gelasakis AI, Arsenopoulos K, Angelou A, Beugnet F, Papadopoulos E. Feline gastrointestinal parasitism in Greece: emergent zoonotic species and associated risk factors. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:227. [PMID: 29618378 PMCID: PMC5885467 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2812-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline gastrointestinal parasitism constitutes an issue of concern for veterinarians since parasites are widespread and affect animals' health and welfare. Furthermore, some of these pathogens have zoonotic potential. To provide detailed data on the current epizootiology of feline endoparasitism, a multicentric survey was conducted during 2016. METHODS Faeces from 1150 cats were collected from all regions of Greece and examined by sedimentation and flotation techniques. Possible risk factors including gender, age, ownership status, living conditions and co-infections with other parasites were assessed using binary regression models for each one of the most prevalent parasites. RESULTS The overall gastrointestinal parasite prevalence in cats was 50.7%. The study population consisted of cats of both sexes, different age groups, ownership status and living conditions. A total of 10 gastrointestinal parasitic species were detected and up to 5 different parasites were isolated in the same faecal sample. The most frequently identified parasites were Toxocara cati (n = 278; 24.2%), followed by Cystoisospora spp. (n = 189; 16.4%), Ancylostomatidae (n = 186; 16.2%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (n = 40; 3.5%), Giardia spp. (n = 26; 2.3%), Joyeuxiella pasqualei (n = 14; 1.2%), Capillaria aerophila (n = 8; 0.7%), Dipylidium caninum (n = 3; 0.2%), Toxascaris leonina (n = 2; 0.1%) and Troglostrongylus brevior (n = 2; 0.1%). The occurrence of co-infections was 11.6%. Concerning risk factors, the likelihood of T. cati infection was higher for female cats living outdoors and for cats being infected with Cystoisospora spp. In the same frame, young, stray, male and free of A. abstrusus cats were more likely to be infected with Cystoisospora spp. Correspondingly, stray, infected with Giardia spp. but free of Cystoisospora spp. cats were more likely to be infected with Ancylostomatidae. Regarding A. abstrusus infection, a higher probability was reported for cats living outdoors and for cats free of Cystoisospora spp., while Giardia spp. infections were more common in young and co-infected with Ancylostomatidae animals. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of parasitized cats in Greece was high and thus consideration should be paid to control the risk factors, to implement targeted preventive antiparasitic treatments and educate cat owners on the value of prevention for the health and welfare of their cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios I Gelasakis
- Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, ELGO-Demeter, GR 57001, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Arsenopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Angelou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Frederic Beugnet
- Boehringer Ingelheim, 29 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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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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Lange MK, Penagos-Tabares F, Hirzmann J, Failing K, Schaper R, Van Bourgonie YR, Backeljau T, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Crenosoma vulpis larvae in native slug populations in Germany. Vet Parasitol 2018; 254:120-130. [PMID: 29656996 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
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%).
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Lange
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - F Penagos-Tabares
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany; CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - J Hirzmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - K Failing
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Veterinary Faculty, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - R Schaper
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 51368 Leverkusen, Germany.
| | - Y R Van Bourgonie
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo), 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - T Backeljau
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - C Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - A Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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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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Gavrilović P, Jovanović M, Gavrilović A, Nešić S. Fatal aelurostrongylosis in a kitten in Serbia. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:488-491. [PMID: 28426412 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a case of aelurostrongylosis in a four-month old female domestic cat (Felis catus) from South Banat, Serbia. The kitten that had died suddenly without signs of illness was autopsied in the Veterinary Specialised Institute "Pančevo". The macroscopic finding was typical of granulomatous pneumonia and subsequently, histopathology revealed verminous pneumonia. Based on the parasite morphology, it was confirmed that the lung lesions were caused by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. The present finding contributes to the knowledge of the prevalence of this underestimated parasite in the Balkan Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Gavrilović
- Veterinary Specialised Institute "Pančevo", Department of Pathology and Parasitology
| | - Milijan Jovanović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Belgrade University, Department of Pathology
| | | | - Slađan Nešić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Belgrade University, Department of Pathology
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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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Hansen AP, Skarbye LK, Vinther LM, Willesen JL, Pipper CB, Olsen CS, Mejer H. Occurrence and clinical significance of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and other endoparasites in Danish cats. Vet Parasitol 2017; 234:31-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Rodríguez-Ponce E, González JF, Conde de Felipe M, Hernández JN, Raduan Jaber J. Epidemiological survey of zoonotic helminths in feral cats in Gran Canaria island (Macaronesian archipelago-Spain). Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:443-50. [PMID: 27447205 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The presence of zoonotic parasites in feral cats have been widely considered all over the world. In Gran Canaria (Macaronesian archipelago, Canary Islands, Spain) the number of feral cats has grown out of control in urban and rural areas. 48 of Felis catus captured in different Gran Canaria areas were studied. Animals were necropsied and several organs were systematically examined in order to collect and identify macroscopic parasites. In addition, coprological tests were done in 28 cats. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence rate among sex, age or capture area, showing an overall prevalence of helminths of 77.1%. The most common tapeworms were Dipylidium caninum (64.6%) and Taenia taeniaeformis (31.3%), followed by the nematodes Toxocara cati (20.8%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (18.8%), Aelurostrongylusabstrusus (10.4%) and Trichuris vulpis (2.08%). We also find several eggs of Alaria alata in the small intestine of one cat (2.08%), being the first description of this trematode in cats in the Canary Islands. Aproximatelly, 40% of the studied cats harboured more than one parasite. High rates of zoonotic species found in these animals suggest the need of controling parasitic infections and preventive measures against them.
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Böhm C, Wolken S, Schnyder M, Basso W, Deplazes P, Di Cesare A, Deuster K, Schaper R. Efficacy of Emodepside/Praziquantel Spot-on (Profender®) against adult Aelurostrongylus abstrusus Nematodes in Experimentally Infected Cats. Parasitol Res 2016; 114 Suppl 1:S155-64. [PMID: 26152416 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4521-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The adulticidal efficacy of a topical combination of emodepside 2.1 % (w/v) plus praziquantel 8.6 % (w/v) (Profender® spot-on for cats, Bayer) against adult Aelurostrongylus abstrusus nematodes was evaluated in two randomised, placebo-controlled laboratory efficacy studies. Each study involved 16 cats experimentally inoculated with L3 (800 and 600 each in studies no. 1 and 2, respectively) and randomised into two study groups of 8 cats each after onset of patency. While cats in the treatment group in study no. 1 received a single spot-on application at the minimum therapeutic dose (3 mg/kg emodepside and 12 mg/kg praziquantel), cats in study no. 2 were treated twice with an interval of 14 days. The faecal output of first stage larvae was monitored throughout the study. Necropsy was conducted 4 or 5 weeks after the (first) treatment and the worm counts were used for efficacy calculations. The control groups showed a geometric mean of the total worm count (live and dead worms) of 28.8 (study no. 1) and 17.6 (study no. 2), respectively. All control animals were infected. While the single treatment in study no. 1 resulted in a reduction of the total worm burden by 73.0 % (p = 0.0070), the treatment protocol in study no. 2 was 99.2 % effective (p = 0.0035). Based on live worm counts, the efficacy in study no. 2 was 100 % (p = 0.0030). It is concluded that two applications of Profender® spot-on given two weeks apart represent a safe and highly efficacious treatment regime against feline aelurostrongylosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Böhm
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 51381, Leverkusen, Germany,
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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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Occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) in Danish cats: A modified lung digestion method for isolating adult worms. Vet Parasitol 2015; 210:32-9. [PMID: 25858114 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has not previously received any attention in Denmark, the study investigated the occurrence of A. abstrusus amongst outdoor cats from three regions (Zealand, Møn and Falster). Faeces and lungs were collected from a total of 147 feral (n=125) and domesticated cats (n=22) that were euthanized for reasons outside of this project. Using a modified Baermann technique 13.6% of the cats was found to be positive. A new lung digestion technique was developed to isolate eggs, L1 and adult worms from the lungs and this revealed a prevalence of 15.6% although with regional differences. There was no difference between feral and domesticated cats just as sex and age did not appear to influence prevalence and worm burden. Lungs from 87% of the positive cats had the gross appearance compatible with A. abstrusus and the severity of lung damage was proportional to LPG and number of adult worms. Within the current range of worm burdens (0-22) with a mean intensity of 7 per cat, there was a correlation with faecal excretion levels of L1 that ranged from 0-39,000 with a mean of 3586 per cat. The results did not indicate that the infection levels of the naturally infected cats were substantially affected by acquired immunity, but further studies are needed to determine the importance of host immune responses in regulating parasite populations.
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Traversa D, Di Cesare A. Cardio-Pulmonary Parasitic Nematodes Affecting Cats in Europe: Unraveling the Past, Depicting the Present, and Predicting the Future. Front Vet Sci 2014; 1:11. [PMID: 26664917 PMCID: PMC4668853 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2014.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various cardio-pulmonary parasitic nematodes infecting cats have recently been fascinating and stimulating the attention of the Academia, pharmaceutical companies, and veterinary practitioners. This is the case of the metastrongyloids: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior, the trichuroid: Capillaria aerophila (syn. Eucoleus aerophilus), and the filarioid: Dirofilaria immitis. Apparently, these parasites have been emerging in several European countries, thus, gaining an important role in feline parasitology and clinical practice. Under a practical standpoint, a sound knowledge of the biological, epidemiological, and clinical impact of cardio-respiratory parasitoses affecting cats, in addition to a potential risk of introduction, establishment, and spreading of “new” parasites in Europe is mandatory in order to understand the present and future impact for feline medicine and to address new strategies of control and treatment. The purpose of the present article is to review the current knowledge of heartworm and lungworm infections in cats, discussing and comparing past and present issues, and predicting possible future scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo , Teramo , Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo , Teramo , Italy
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Beugnet F, Bourdeau P, Chalvet-Monfray K, Cozma V, Farkas R, Guillot J, Halos L, Joachim A, Losson B, Miró G, Otranto D, Renaud M, Rinaldi L. Parasites of domestic owned cats in Europe: co-infestations and risk factors. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:291. [PMID: 24965063 PMCID: PMC4082530 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic cats can be infested by a large range of parasite species. Parasitic infestations may cause very different clinical signs. Endoparasites and ectoparasites are rarely explored in the same study and therefore multiparasitism is poorly documented. The present survey aimed to improve knowledge of the prevalence and risk factors associated with ecto- and endoparasite infestations in owned cats in Europe. METHODS From March 2012 to May 2013, 1519 owned cats were included in a multicenter study conducted in 9 veterinary faculties throughout Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania and Spain). For each cat, ectoparasites were checked by combing of the coat surface associated with otoscopic evaluation and microscopy on cerumen samples. Endoparasites were identified by standard coproscopical examinations performed on fresh faecal samples. Risk factors and their influence on parasitism were evaluated by univariate analysis followed by a multivariate statistical analysis (including center of examination, age, outdoor access, multipet status, and frequency of treatments as main criteria) with logistic regression models. RESULTS Overall, 50.7% of cats resulted positive for at least one internal or one external parasite species. Ectoparasites were found in 29.6% of cats (CI95 27.3-32.0%). Otodectes cynotis was the most frequently identified species (17.4%), followed by fleas (15.5%). Endoparasites were identified in 35.1% of the cats (CI95 32.7-35.7%), including gastro-intestinal helminths in 25.7% (CI95 23.5-28.0), respiratory nematodes in 5.5% (CI95 4.2-7.0%) and protozoans in 13.5% (CI95 11.8-15.3%). Toxocara cati was the most commonly diagnosed endoparasite (19.7%, CI95 17.8-21.8%). Co-infestation with endoparasites and ectoparasites was found in 14.0% of the cats, and 11.9% harbored both ectoparasites and gastro-intestinal helminths.Age, outdoor access, living with other pets, and anthelmintic or insecticide treatments were significantly associated with the prevalence of various parasites. CONCLUSIONS This survey demonstrates that parasitism is not a rare event in European owned cat populations. The prevalence of multi-parasitism is significantly greater than expected by chance and hence there is tendency for some individual cats to be more prone to infestation by both endo- and ectoparasites due to common risk factors.
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Tamponi C, Varcasia A, Brianti E, Pipia AP, Frau V, Pinna Parpaglia ML, Sanna G, Garippa G, Otranto D, Scala A. New insights on metastrongyloid lungworms infecting cats of Sardinia, Italy. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:222-6. [PMID: 24780162 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the well-known Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Strongylida: Angiostrongylidae), Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) has recently been diagnosed as a causative agent of bronco-pulmonary infections of cats in Spain and Italy. However, information concerning the impact of this species of lungworm on feline population is limited to a few case reports. From July 2011 to May 2013 an epidemiological survey was carried out on Sardinia island (Italy), where 107 individual faecal samples were examined by Baermann technique, and first-stage larvae were identified based on their morphology and characterization of molecular markers. The 29.9% (32/107) of cats examined were infested by broncho-pulmonary nematodes and, although A. abstrusus was the most frequently detected (n=27; 25.2%), larvae of T. brevior were also found (n=7; 6.5%). In addition, two cats (1.9%) were co-infested by both species. Overall metastrongyloid infection was higher in female cats (n=22; 38.6%) than in males (n=10; 20%) (χ(2)=4.39; p=0.036). The mean age of positive animals was 21.1 (±29.8) months, being infected animals from 2 months to 10 years of age. Of the 32 animals that scored positive for lungworms only 6 (18.8%) displayed a respiratory condition associated with lungworm infestations. Biomolecular characterization confirmed the morphological diagnosis of A. abstrusus. Positive samples that were identified at genus level as Troglostrongylus spp. were molecularly characterized as T. brevior. This study represents the first epidemiological survey on metastrongyloid lungworms of domestic cats in Sardinia and the first report of T. brevior on this island.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tamponi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - A Varcasia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - E Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A P Pipia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - V Frau
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - M L Pinna Parpaglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - G Sanna
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - G Garippa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - D Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - A Scala
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Spada E, Proverbio D, Della Pepa A, Domenichini G, Bagnagatti De Giorgi G, Traldi G, Ferro E. Prevalence of faecal-borne parasites in colony stray cats in northern Italy. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:672-7. [PMID: 23329613 PMCID: PMC11191711 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x12473467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Endoparasitic infections are common in stray cats. Many of these parasites are responsible for zoonoses, and stray cats can be a source of environmental contamination. The prevalence of parasites in 139 stray colony cats in the city of Milan, northern Italy, was investigated by faecal examination. The overall prevalence of endoparasites was 50.4%, with 11 different parasites found. Parasites with zoonotic potential were detected in 49.6% of cats. Concurrent infections with two or more zoonotic parasites were recorded in 14.3% of cats. Among the parasites found, the most common was Toxocara cati (33.1%; P <0.0001). The other species found by coproscopic examination were: Ancylostoma tubaeformae (7.2%), Isospora species (4.3%), Trichuris vulpis (2.9%), Dipylidium caninum (2.9%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (2.9%), Eucoleus aerophilus (syn Capillaria aerophila) (1.4%), Spirometra species (1.4%), Taenia pisiformis (0.7%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.7%). Coproantigen specific for Giardia duodenalis was detected in 2.9% of the samples. Pseudoparasites (eggs of mites) were found in 4.3% of the samples. No sample contained Toxoplasma gondii oocysts, despite the fact that 70 cats tested positive for T gondii-specific IgG antibodies, and none of the diarrhoetic samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium species oocysts. Variables linked to infection were body condition score (BCS), the presence of diarrhoea and infection with G duodenalis. Cats infected with G duodenalis were more likely to have a low BCS (odds ratio (OR) = 11.5, P = 0.02) and diarrhoea (OR = 30.7, P = 0.0007). The results of the present study confirm that endoparasitic infections, most of which have zoonotic potential, are distributed in stray colony cats of Milan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Spada
- University of Milan, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Milano, Italy.
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Abstract
AbstractStray cats live in high-density colonies in urban areas and pose a health hazard to household cats and humans. In Portugal, information on the parasitic fauna of stray cats is limited and relies mostly on results from faecal analysis. The present survey aimed to determine the prevalence, diversity and intensity of parasites in stray cats from the urban area of Lisbon by means of parasitological necropsy. Internal organs were collected from 162 cats captured in different areas of the city and systematically subjected to parasitological dissection. Helminths were identified by macro- and microscopic examination and protozoa by faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques. The overall prevalence of parasites was 90.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 85.3–94.6%). A total of 12 parasite species was recorded:Cystoisospora felis(14.2%),Cystoisospora rivolta(46.3%),Sarcocystissp. (1.2%),Ancylostoma tubaeforme(19.1%),Toxocara cati(38.3%),Ollulanus tricuspis(30.9%),Aelurostrongylus abstrusus(12.4%), Eucoleus aerophilus(0.6%),Taenia taeniaeformis(3.1%),Dipylidium caninum(53.1%),Joyeuxiella pasqualei(15.4%) andDiplopylidium nölleri(3.7%). Overall mean species richness was 2.36 ± 1.52. Helminth mean intensity was highest forO. tricuspis(285.8), followed byD. caninum(42.4),J. pasqualei(14.4),A. tubaeforme(8.1) andT. cati(5.9). The prevalence and variety of parasites found in our sampling are substantially higher than the numbers previously reported in Portugal. Some of the parasites, includingT. catiandA. tubaeforme,are zoonotic, which emphasizes the need for parasite control strategies based on demographic containment of stray cat populations in urban areas to promote public health protection.
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Dennler M, Bass DA, Gutierrez-Crespo B, Schnyder M, Guscetti F, Di Cesare A, Deplazes P, Kircher PR, Glaus TM. THORACIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, ANGIOGRAPHIC COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, AND PATHOLOGY FINDINGS IN SIX CATS EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITHAELUROSTRONGYLUS ABSTRUSUS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2013; 54:459-69. [DOI: 10.1111/vru.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Dennler
- Section of Diagnostic Imaging; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Danielle A. Bass
- Section of Diagnostic Imaging; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Beatriz Gutierrez-Crespo
- Section of Diagnostic Imaging; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Franco Guscetti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences; Piazza Aldo Moro 45 64100; Teramo; Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Patrick R. Kircher
- Section of Diagnostic Imaging; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Tony M. Glaus
- Division of Cardiology; Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057; Zurich; Switzerland
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Iannino F, Iannetti L, Paganico D, Podaliri Vulpiani M. Evaluation of the efficacy of selamectin spot-on in cats infested with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Strongylida, Filariodidae) in a Central Italy cat shelter. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:258-62. [PMID: 23743419 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has often been reported in Italy. This lungworm is very common in cat colonies due to its route of transmission. Deciding a therapeutic approach can be difficult in such colonies, because there is no certainty whether oral medicines administered with food, or with what dose, will be taken. In this field study, stool samples were taken from 42 cats and analysed for A. abstrusus L1 larvae with Baermann technique. Ten cats testing positive were treated with a spot-on formulation of selamectin 45 mg. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests, repeated four times in two months, demonstrated the success of the treatment in 9 of the 10 cats. Improvements in respiratory signs and general clinical condition were reported after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Iannino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise Teramo, Italy.
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Barutzki D, Schaper R. Occurrence and regional distribution of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats in Germany. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:855-61. [PMID: 23239090 PMCID: PMC3556471 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3207-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Barutzki
- Veterinary Laboratory Freiburg, 79111 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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Parasitic infections of domestic cats, Felis catus, in western Hungary. Vet Parasitol 2012; 192:33-42. [PMID: 23211331 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
During 2011, faeces from 235 owned domestic cats from a rural area in western Hungary were examined using standard coproscopical techniques. The overall prevalence of cats with endoparasites was 39.6% (95% CI 33.3-46.1). The most frequently identified faecal forms were those of ascarids (Toxocara, 17.4%; Toxascaris 7.2%), followed by those of Aelurostrongylus lungworms (14.5%), hookworms (11.1%), taeniid cestodes (4.7%), Cystoisospora coccidians (4.3%), and capillarids (3.8%). Single and multiple infections with up to five parasites concurrently were founded in 24.7% and 14.9% of the cats, respectively. Mixed endoparasite infections were recorded more frequently (p=0.0245) in cats greater than one year old compared to younger cats. Young cats (≤ 1 year) were parasitized more frequently (p<0.05) with ascarids and Cystoisospora spp. but demonstrated infections of hookworms, lungworms and taeniid cestodes less often than the older cats. Cats with taeniid infection were more likely (p<0.05) to harbour Toxocara, hookworm, Aelurostrongylus, and capillarid infections than cats without taeniid cestodes. Cats of owners who claimed the use of wormers were less frequently helminth-positive compared to cats whose owners did not use anthelmintics (21.2% vs. 44.4%; p=0.001). A subset of 115 faecal samples screened by a coproantigen ELISA revealed Giardia-specific antigen in 37.4% samples. Giardia cysts were found by immunofluorescent staining in 30 of the 43 samples tested positive for Giardia by ELISA. In addition, ectoparasites collected from 82 cats by body search and combing were identified. Fleas (1-30 per cat), biting lice (Felicola subrostratus), and ticks (1-5 per cat) were isolated from 58, 1 and 43 cats, respectively. Ctenocephalides felis was identified on all flea infested cats while single specimens of C. canis and Pulex irritans were recovered from three and two cats, respectively. All but one tick collected were adult Ixodes ricinus; the single other tick was a nymph of I. canisuga. By providing basic data on the epidemiology of parasitic infections, the results of this survey should emphasize the need of attending to parasites of cats from the veterinary point of view with respect to both appropriate diagnostics and control.
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Dirven M, Szatmári V, van den Ingh T, Nijsse R. Reversible pulmonary hypertension associated with lungworm infection in a young cat. J Vet Cardiol 2012; 14:465-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2011] [Revised: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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30
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Brianti E, Gaglio G, Giannetto S, Annoscia G, Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Traversa D, Otranto D. Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) as agents of broncho-pulmonary infestation in domestic cats. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:178. [PMID: 22916686 PMCID: PMC3469345 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is currently regarded as the main metastrongyloid infesting domestic cats, whereas the reports of Troglostrongylus spp. in domestic and wild felids largely remain anecdotic. This paper reports on pulmonary infestation caused by Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus in two kittens and describes, for the first time, associated clinical presentations and pathological features. Morphometrical, molecular and phylogenetic analyses have also been conducted to differentiate here the examined Troglostrongylus species from A. abstrusus, towards a clearer delineation of metastrongyloids affecting cats. METHODS Two kittens were referred for respiratory distress and hospitalized with a diagnosis of severe aelurostrongylosis, based on the presence of metastrongyloid larvae in the faeces. Despite prompt treatment, kittens died within 48 hours. Both kittens were submitted to necropsy to determine the cause of death. RESULTS At necropsy, nematode specimens were found in the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles and were associated with respiratory signs (i.e., dyspnoea, polypnea, severe coughing and nasal discharge). Morphology and measurements of adult parasites found allowed the unequivocal identification of T. brevior and T. subcrenatus, even if first stage larvae were rather similar to those of A. abstrusus. Briefly, T. brevior and T. subcrenatus larvae were shorter in length and lacking the typical knob-like terminal end of A. abstrusus. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses corroborated morphological identification and provided data on mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA genes of T. brevior. CONCLUSIONS Data presented here indicate that T. brevior and T. subcrenatus may cause major respiratory distress in domestic cats. Consequently, these two species should be included, along with A. abstrusus, in the differential diagnosis of cat bronchopulmonary affections and treatment protocols need to be evaluated. Through research on the biology, epidemiology and control of Troglostrongylus spp. infestations in domestic cats are advisable to implement current knowledge on these neglected metastrongyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy.
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Brickman K, Lewis B, Guitian J, Fox M. Survey of Aelurostrongylus
in cats. Vet Rec 2012; 170:472. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.e3142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Brickman
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Royal Veterinary College; London NW1 0TU
| | - Becky Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Royal Veterinary College; London NW1 0TU
| | - Javier Guitian
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Royal Veterinary College; London NW1 0TU
| | - Mark Fox
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Royal Veterinary College; London NW1 0TU
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32
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Becker AC, Rohen M, Epe C, Schnieder T. Prevalence of endoparasites in stray and fostered dogs and cats in Northern Germany. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:849-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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33
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Gerdin JA, Slater MR, Makolinski KV, Looney AL, Appel LD, Martin NM, McDonough SP. Post-mortem findings in 54 cases of anesthetic associated death in cats from two spay-neuter programs in New York State. J Feline Med Surg 2011; 13:959-66. [PMID: 21907603 PMCID: PMC10832980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2011.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Anesthetic-associated death (AAD) in cats is infrequent, but occurs far more frequently than in people. Post-mortem investigations of AAD in cats are uncommon, and results only sporadically published. Here we report the findings in 54 cases of AAD in cats. Significant gross and/or microscopic pre-existing disease, including pulmonary, cardiac, and systemic disease, was detected in 33% of cases. Pulmonary disease was most frequently diagnosed (24% of cases), and included cases of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection (9% of cases). Heart disease, including two cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was less frequent (11% of cases). Four percent died from surgical complications. No significant gross or microscopic disease was detected in 63% of cases. Additional studies are needed to determine if these findings are representative of AAD in cats in other geographic areas or with access to veterinary care. This study demonstrates that post-mortem investigation of AADs is an important and worthwhile endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie A Gerdin
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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34
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Yildiz K, Duru SY, Gokpinar S. Alteration in blood gases in cats naturally infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. J Small Anim Pract 2011; 52:376-9. [PMID: 21726229 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Four cats were presented with respiratory signs and first-stage larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found in faecal samples. Anthelmintic treatment was given to the infected cats and venous blood gases were analysed during the treatment period. Blood gas analysis suggested hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis in infected cats. Hypoventilation may be the result of airway obstruction by adults and larvae in respiratory bronchioles and the alveolar canals. The blood gas values had returned close to the physiological range by two months after treatment. Assessment of respiratory acidosis may aid development of additional treatment methods in cats infected with A. abstrusus.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yildiz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale University, Turkey
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35
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Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Conboy G. Canine and feline cardiopulmonary parasitic nematodes in Europe: emerging and underestimated. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:62. [PMID: 20653938 PMCID: PMC2923136 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes of dogs and cats cause parasitic diseases of central relevance in current veterinary practice. In the recent past the distribution of canine and feline heartworms and lungworms has increased in various geographical areas, including Europe. This is true especially for the metastrongyloids Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis, the filarioid Dirofilaria immitis and the trichuroid Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila). The reasons of this emergence are little known but many drivers such as global warming, changes in vector epidemiology and movements in animal populations, may be taken into account. The purpose of this article is to review the knowledge of the most important heartworm and lungworm infections of dogs and cats in Europe. In particular recent advances in epidemiology, clinical and control are described and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Traversa
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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36
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Jefferies R, Vrhovec MG, Wallner N, Catalan DR. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus sp. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) infections in cats inhabiting Ibiza, Spain. Vet Parasitol 2010; 173:344-8. [PMID: 20674179 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Revised: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Multiple species of metastrongylid lungworm (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) have been reported to infect members of the Felidae. This study describes two metastrongylid species infecting cats in Ibiza, Spain, including clinical features of infection and diagnosis via morphological and molecular characterisation of larval stages. Cats (n=7) presented with suspect lungworm infection, exhibiting coughing and other respiratory signs of infection. Faecal samples were collected from each cat and were subjected to the Baermann method for the detection of first stage larvae. In four cats, two different species of larvae were observed on the basis of morphology and were further molecularly characterised by PCR and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Sequence data confirmed the presence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and an unknown species of Troglostrongylus. Molecular characterisation of Oslerus rostratus is also reported for the first time. Given the diversity of metastrongylid species capable of infecting cats, and morphological similarity of larval stages, an emphasis should be placed on the use of molecular characterisation for accurate diagnosis of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Jefferies
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UG, United Kingdom.
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37
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High prevalence of helminth parasites in feral cats in Majorca Island (Spain). Parasitol Res 2009; 106:183-8. [PMID: 19841943 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1647-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Feral cats are widespread in the countryside of Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Since they are not subject of sanitary control, they can act as reservoir of parasites of veterinary and zoonotic interest. The main organs of 58 wild-trapped cats in 16 different areas from Majorca were analyzed by helminths. All the cats were parasitized, and eight species of helminths were retrieved (mean = 3.4 species per cat, with 74% of the cats harboring three or more species). Seven of them presented a prevalence >20%: Joyeuxiella pasqualei (76%), Diplopylidium acanthotetra (60%), Dipylidium carracidoi (33%), Taenia taeniaeformis (22%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (91%), and Toxocara cati (35%) in the gastrointestinal tract, and Oslerus rostratus (24%) in lungs. The A. tubaeforme prevalence and intensity (mean = 30, up to 396) is the highest recorded for a population of cats. Prevalence and abundance of J. pasqualei and D. acanthotetra were strongly associated, secondary to the use of the same intermediary host (geckos). Other positive associations found are probably related to host susceptibility. Abundance of D. acanthotetra, T. cati, and A. tubaeforme and the number of species per host were negatively correlated with cat body condition (assessed by the kidney fat index). Females were more frequently parasitized by A. tubaeforme than males, and adult females were more heavily infested by J. pasqualei and D. acanthotetra than cats from other groups. These and other findings are discussed in relation with host ecology. Feral cats serve as reservoirs of helminths in the countryside of Majorca and their populations should be controlled.
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38
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Biotechnological advances in the diagnosis of little-known parasitoses of pets. Parasitol Res 2008; 104:209-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1290-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 11/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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39
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Traversa D, Guglielmini C. Feline aelurostrongylosis and canine angiostrongylosis: a challenging diagnosis for two emerging verminous pneumonia infections. Vet Parasitol 2008; 157:163-74. [PMID: 18775603 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Revised: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 07/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea) are causative agents of verminous feline and canine pneumonia. Both are presently emerging in several geographical areas and are of major clinical importance. Given the range of parasitic and non-parasitic pathogens which may cause cardio-respiratory distress in dogs and cats, the unequivocal specific diagnosis of both diseases is pivotal for unravelling their epidemiology and central to therapy and control. Several conventional clinico-pathologic, diagnostic imaging and parasitological approaches are currently used in practice, but all have major limitations in the specific diagnosis of these diseases. Serological methods have shown promise in the diagnosis of A. abstrusus and A. vasorum infections, but no clinically useful tests are currently available. Additionally, there have been major advances in the development of novel molecular diagnostic tools for feline aelurostrongylosis, but efforts to develop molecular diagnostic tests are still preliminary for angiostrongylosis. This article provides a review of A. abstrusus and A. vasorum infections in cats and dogs, focusing on the advantages and shortcomings of classical diagnostic methodologies and on present diagnostic advances as well as future perspectives instrumental to epidemiological and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Traversa
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, Teramo 64100, Italy.
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40
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Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Milillo P, Iorio R, Otranto D. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a feline colony from central Italy: clinical features, diagnostic procedures and molecular characterization. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:1191-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1115-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 06/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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41
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Gaglio G, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Brianti E, Giannetto S. Use of the FLOTAC technique for the diagnosis of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the cat. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:1055-7. [PMID: 18618146 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a lungworm of the domestic cats distributed worldwide. Its presence, however, is often underestimated due to limitation of common coprological diagnostic techniques. The present study reports, for the first time, the use of the FLOTAC technique for A. abstrusus diagnosis in feline faecal samples with results compared to the following three standard copromicroscopic techniques: the Baermann technique, the McMaster technique and the Wisconsin technique. The comparison study showed that the FLOTAC technique produced mean larvae per gram of faeces significantly (P<0.05) greater than that produced by the other more widely used diagnostic tools. Thus, the FLOTAC technique can be utilised for quantifying lungworm larva burdens in feline faecal samples because of its high sensitivity, as already shown for various parasites of veterinary and human importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gaglio
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy.
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