1
|
Napoli E, D'Amico G, Ramos RAN. Editorial: Dog filariosis: the threat walks not only in the blood stream. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258004. [PMID: 37546335 PMCID: PMC10401595 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Napoli
- Department Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tudor P, Ionașcu I, Mateescu CI, Bezerra-Santos MA, Gurău MR, Mateescu RE, Gagniuc E, Tudor N, Otranto D. Feline ocular onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi: Phylogenetic insights and implication for veterinary health. Acta Trop 2023; 237:106723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
3
|
Rojas A, Morales-Calvo F, Salant H, Otranto D, Baneth G. Zoonotic Ocular Onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:331-341. [PMID: 34211352 PMCID: PMC8223538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic filarioid Onchocerca lupi causes ocular disease characterized by conjunctivitis and nodular lesions. This nematode was first described in 1967 in a wolf from Georgia, and since then cases of infection from dogs and cats with ocular onchocercosis and sporadically from humans also with subcutaneous and cervical lesions caused by O. lupi have been reported from the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Due to its zoonotic potential, this parasitic infection has gained attention in the past 20 years. Phylogenetic studies have highlighted the recent divergence of O. lupi from other Onchocerca spp. and the importance of domestication in the evolutionary history of this worm. Moreover, the finding of an O. lupi genotype associated with subclinical and mild infection in the Iberian Peninsula, raises important questions about the pathogenicity of this presently enigmatic parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica,To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
Alicia Rojas, Laboratorio de Helmintología, Facultad de Microbiología,
Universidad de Costa Rica, Sede Rodrigo Facio, Montes de Oca, San José Costa
Rica, 11501-2060; Tel: +(506)2511-8645;
; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2007-7198
| | - Fernando Morales-Calvo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University,
Hamedan, Iran
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Otranto D, Colella V, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Cavalera MA, Pereira A, Schaper R, Maia C. Efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Onchocerca lupi microfilariae in naturally infected dogs from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:199. [PMID: 33849643 PMCID: PMC8042703 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerca lupi and Cercopithifilaria spp. are vector-borne filarioids of dogs, which harbour skin microfilariae (mfs), the former being of zoonotic concern. Proper treatment studies using compounds with microfilaricidal activity have not been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a commercially available spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of O. lupi or Cercopithifilaria spp. skin-dwelling mfs in naturally infected dogs. METHODS Privately owned dogs (n = 393) from southern Portugal were sampled via skin biopsies to identify and count mfs in 20 µl of skin sediment. A total of 22 mfs-positive dogs were allocated to treatment group (n = 11; G1) or left untreated as a control (n = 11; G2). As a pilot investigation to test the treatment efficacy, five dogs assigned to G1 were treated four times at monthly intervals with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation on SDs 0, 28 (± 2), 56 (± 2), and 84 (± 2). Based on the negative results for both O. lupi and/or Cercopithifilaria spp. mfs of dogs in the pilot study from SD28 onwards, the remaining six dogs in G1 were treated at SD0 and assessed only at SD28. RESULTS Of the 393 animals sampled, 78 (19.8%) scored positive for skin-dwelling mfs. At the pilot investigation, a mean number of 19.6 mfs for O. lupi was recorded among five infected dogs whereas no mfs were detected at SD28. At SD0, the mean number of Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae was 12.6 for G1 and 8.7 for G2. The mean number of mfs for G2 was 20.09. CONCLUSIONS Results herein obtained suggest that a single treatment with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation is efficacious against skin-dwelling mfs in dogs. The microfilaricidal effect of moxidectin could also be useful in reducing the risk of O. lupi infection for humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Vito Colella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Latrofa MS, Palmisano G, Annoscia G, Pierri CL, Chandrashekar R, Otranto D. Major antigen and paramyosin proteins as candidate biomarkers for serodiagnosis of canine infection by zoonotic Onchocerca lupi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009027. [PMID: 33566799 PMCID: PMC7875354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) is a filarial worm parasitizing domestic carnivores and humans. Adult nematodes usually localize beneath in the sclera or in the ocular retrobulbar of infected animals, whilst microfilariae are found in the skin. Therefore, diagnosis of O. lupi is achieved by microscopic and/or molecular detection of microfilariae from skin biopsy and/or surgical removal of adults from ocular tissues of infected hosts. An urgent non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of O. lupi in dog is mandatory. In this study, an immunoproteomic analyses was performed using a combination of immunoblotting and mass spectrometry techniques. Onchocerca lupi major antigen (Ol-MJA) and paramyosin (Ol-PARA) proteins were identified as potential biomarkers for serodiagnosis. Linear epitopes were herein scanned for both proteins using high-density peptide microarray. Sera collected from dog infected with O. lupi and healthy animal controls led to the identification of 11 immunodominant antigenic peptides (n = 7 for Ol-MJA; n = 4 for Ol-PARA). These peptides were validated using sera of dogs uniquely infected with the most important filarioids infesting dogs either zoonotic (Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis) or not (Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Cercopithifilaria bainae). Overall, six antigenic peptides, three for Ol-MJA and for Ol-PARA, respectively, were selected as potential antigens for the serological detection of canine O. lupi infection. The molecular and proteomic dataset herein reported should provide a useful resource for studies on O. lupi toward supporting the development of new interventions (drugs, vaccines and diagnostics) against canine onchocercosis. The diagnosis of Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae), a zoonotic nematode of domestic animals, is currently based on microscopic examination of skin snip sediments and on the identification of adults embedded in ocular nodules or by molecular assays. An urgent non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of O. lupi in dogs is mandatory. In this context, combined immunoblotting and mass spectrometry-based analyses have been performed to identify two proteins, major antigen and paramyosin, of O. lupi. Peptides herein identified represent suitable candidate biomarker for the development of a specific diagnostic test for canine onchocercosis. An accurate, minimally invasive diagnostic method could prove useful for the control of the canine diseases, for establishing large sero-surveys, for mapping the distribution of the infection in endemic areas as well as in areas where information on the disease is not available and for the reduction of risks for human infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, Glycoproteomics Laboratory, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Felestin Sq., Hamedan, Iran
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A real-time PCR tool for the surveillance of zoonotic Onchocerca lupi in dogs, cats and potential vectors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006402. [PMID: 29617361 PMCID: PMC5902036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular onchocercosis is caused by the zoonotic parasite Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae). A major hindrance to scientific progress is the absence of a reliable diagnostic test in affected individuals. Microscopic examination of skin snip sediments and the identification of adults embedded in ocular nodules are seldom performed and labour-intensive. A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was herein standardized for the detection of O. lupi DNA and the results compared with microscopic examination and conventional PCR (cPCR). The specificity of qPCR and cPCR was assessed by processing the most common filarial nematodes infecting dogs, skin samples from O. lupi infected (n = 35 dogs) or uninfected animals (n = 21 dogs; n = 152 cats) and specimens of potential insect vector (n = 93 blackflies; n = 59 mosquitoes/midges). The analytical sensitivity of both assays was assessed using 10-fold serial dilutions of DNA from adult specimen and from a pool of microfilariae. The qPCR on skin samples revealed an analytical specificity of 100% and a sensitivity up to 8 x 10-1 fg/2μl O. lupi adult-DNA and up to 3.6 x 10-1 pg/2μl of mfs-DNA (corresponding to 1 x 10-2 mfs/2μl). Only 9.5% O. lupi-infected skin samples were positive for cPCR with a sensitivity of 8 x 10-1 pg/2μl of DNA. Out of 152 blackflies and mosquitoes/midges, eight specimens experimentally infected (n = 1 S. erythrocephalum; n = 1 S. ornatum; n = 6 Simulium sp.) were positive by qPCR. The qPCR assay herein standardized represents an important step forward in the diagnosis of zoonotic onchocercosis caused by O. lupi, especially for the detection and quantification of low number of mfs. This assay provides a fundamental contribution for the establishment of surveillance strategies aiming at assessing the presence of O. lupi in carnivores and in insect species acting as potential intermediate hosts. The O. lupi qPCR assay will enable disease progress monitoring as well as the diagnosis of apparently clinical healthy dogs and cats.
Collapse
|
7
|
Edelmann ML, Jager M, Espinheira F, Ledbetter EC. In vivo confocal microscopy for detection of subconjunctival Onchocerca lupi infection in a dog. Vet Ophthalmol 2017; 21:632-637. [PMID: 29277087 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A seven-year-old male castrated mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with bilateral subconjunctival masses. In vivo confocal microscopy facilitated visualization of Onchocerca lupi adult nematodes and their characteristic cuticular morphology. Long, thin, white nematodes were extracted during excisional biopsy. Histopathologic and parasitologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of O. lupi. In addition to surgical debulking of the parasitic granulomas, the dog received systemic doxycycline, prednisone, and ivermectin therapy. In vivo confocal microscopy was repeated one year after initial diagnosis, and no remaining nematodes were visible. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of use of in vivo confocal microscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic and monitoring tool for canine onchocerciasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele L Edelmann
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mason Jager
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Filipe Espinheira
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Eric C Ledbetter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wooff PJ, Dees DD, Teixeria L. Aspergillus spp. panophthalmitis with intralenticular invasion in dogs: report of two cases. Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 21:182-187. [PMID: 27641998 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This case series describes the ocular, clinical and histologic manifestations of disseminated Aspergillosis in two dogs. Two dogs presented for severe unilateral panophthalmitis and secondary glaucoma with positive Aspergillus spp. titers. Case 1 showed no clinicopathologic systemic symptoms of fungal dissemination, however, case 2 was affected with acute renal failure. The affected eye of case 1 did not respond to medical therapy and was enucleated for comfort. The affected eye of case 2 responded to aggressive topical and systemic medical therapies, however, the patient was euthanized for acute renal failure. Globes were collected for histologic evaluation at the time of death. Histology of both revealed panophthalmitis with presence of significant intraocular hemorrhage, multifocal fungal granulomas, retinal and optic nerve changes consistent with secondary glaucoma, rupture of the anterior lens capsule, and fungal invasion and colonization of the intralenticular space. These cases represent a unique and devastating ocular manifestation of disseminated Aspergillosis. Cases presenting with uveitis and secondary glaucoma of unknown origin, especially with confirmed or suspected lens capsular rupture, should have serologic testing for this infectious agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope J Wooff
- Guardian Veterinary Centre, 5620 99th Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6E 1V2, USA
| | - Darryl D Dees
- Eye Care for Animals, 12419 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX, 78758, USA
| | - Leandro Teixeria
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Madison-Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McLean NJ, Newkirk K, Adema CM. Canine ocular onchocerciasis: a retrospective review of the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of 16 cases in New Mexico (2011-2015). Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 20:349-356. [PMID: 27624855 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical exam findings, treatment and outcomes of 16 dogs diagnosed with ocular onchocerciasis in New Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of dogs diagnosed by the primary author were reviewed (2011-2015). Records that were accessible and included a diagnosis of Onchocerca lupi by histopathologic or molecular identification of the nematode were included. RESULTS Sixteen cases were included. 3/16 dogs were treated with year-round heartworm prophylaxis prior to infection. Clinical exam findings included conjunctival hyperemia and/or episcleral injection (16/16), focal subconjunctival mass(es) (14/16), retinal detachment (7/16), corneal edema (4/16), chemosis (3/16), corneal opacity (2/16), exophthalmia (1/16), glaucoma (1/16), strabismus (1/16), blepharospasm (1/16), and vitreal degeneration (1/16). Ocular involvement was unilateral in 7/16 dogs and bilateral in 9/16 dogs. The diagnosis was confirmed via histologic identification of the nematodes and/or PCR. Treatment consisted of medical management or a combination medical and surgical management. Known or suspected recurrence of disease was documented in 10 dogs. CONCLUSIONS Canine ocular onchocerciasis is endemic in New Mexico. Histopathology and molecular identification are useful diagnostic tools. Medical management alone was successful in many cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Johnstone McLean
- Ophthalmology, VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, 9901 Montgomery Boulevard NE, 87111, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kimberly Newkirk
- Anatomic Pathobiology, Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Room A205, 37996-4542, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Coenraad M Adema
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Castetter Hall Biology MSC03 2020, 87112-0001, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Miró G, Montoya A, Checa R, Gálvez R, Mínguez JJ, Marino V, Otranto D. First detection of Onchocerca lupi infection in dogs in southern Spain. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:290. [PMID: 27193758 PMCID: PMC4872350 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1587-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Onchocerca lupi causes ocular pathology of varying severity in dogs from south-western United States, western Europe and northern Asia. This filarioid has also been recognized as a zoonotic agent in Tunisia, Turkey, Iran and the USA, though the information about the biology and epidemiology of this infection is largely unknown. In Europe, O. lupi has been reported in dogs from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Portugal and Romania and in a cat from Portugal. The present study was designed to establish the occurrence of O. lupi in dogs in southwestern Spain. In the present study a total of 104 dogs of different breed, sex, and age living in a shelter in Huelva (SW Spain) were examined. Skin snip samples were collected using a disposable scalpel in the forehead and inter-scapular regions and stored as aliquots in saline solution (0.5 ml) before light microscopy observation of individual sediments (20 μl) and molecular examination. Results Of the 104 dogs examined, 5 (4.8 %) were skin snip-positive for O. lupi: two by microscopy and three by PCR. One of the O. lupi infected dogs showed neurological signs but ocular ultrasonography and/or MRI detected no abnormalities. Conclusions This first report of O. lupi infection in dogs in southern Spain expands the range of geographical distribution of this parasite and sounds an alarm bell for practitioners and physicians working in that area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Montoya
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Valentina Marino
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Colella V, Lia RP, Premont J, Gilmore P, Cervone M, Latrofa MS, D'Anna N, Williams D, Otranto D. Angiostrongylus vasorum in the eye: new case reports and a review of the literature. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:161. [PMID: 27000634 PMCID: PMC4802644 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1440-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus are important causes of potentially life-threatening diseases in several animal species and humans. Angiostrongylus vasorum affects the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary arteries in dogs, red foxes and other carnivores. The diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis may be challenging due to the wide spectrum of clinical signs. Ocular manifestations have been seldom reported but have serious implications for patients. Methods The clinical history of three cases of infection with A. vasorum in dogs diagnosed in UK, France and Italy, was obtained from clinical records provided by the veterinary surgeons along with information on the diagnostic procedures and treatment. Nematodes collected from the eyes of infected dogs were morphologically identified to the species level and molecularly analysed by the amplification of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene. Results On admission, the dogs were presented with various degrees of ocular discomfort and hyphema because of the presence of a motile object in the eye. The three patients had ocular surgery during which nematodes were removed and subsequently morphologically and molecularly identified as two adult males and one female of A. vasorum. Conclusions Three new cases of canine ocular angiostrongylosis are reported along with a review of other published clinical cases to improve the diagnosis and provide clinical recommendation for this parasitic condition. In addition, the significance of migratory patterns of larvae inside the host body is discussed. Veterinary healthcare workers should include canine angiostrongylosis in the differential diagnosis of ocular diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1440-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | - Johana Premont
- Eye-Vet Referrals, Apollo House, 41-43 Halton Station Road, Sutton Weaver, Nr Frodsham, Cheshire, WA73DN, UK
| | - Paul Gilmore
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, IC2, Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Mario Cervone
- Small Animal Veterinary Clinic Paris III, Bl des Filles du Calvaire 17, Paris, 75003, France
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | - Nunzio D'Anna
- Clinica per Animali Esotici, Centro Veterinario Specialistico, Rome, 00137, Italy
| | - Diana Williams
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, IC2, Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|