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Lundsgaard K. Epidemiology of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis infection in dogs in Denmark. J Small Anim Pract 2024. [PMID: 38973253 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the risk factors (age and breed group) associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis infection in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Faecal examinations obtained in dogs from January 2016 to December 2021 as part of routine clinical practice at two veterinary clinics in the Odsherred region of Zealand, Denmark, were included in this study. Faecal samples were analysed using the Baermann technique for nematode detection. Samples were collected from two clinics located in Northwestern Zealand, Denmark. Multinomial regression analysis, quasi-Poisson models and a generalised additive model for linearity were used to analyse the data. RESULTS A total of 2,013 faecal samples were included in the study. Age was a significant risk factor for a positive Baermann, with a negative linear relationship observed (A. vasorum odds ratio: 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 0.91, C. vulpis odds ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91 to 0.99, both nematodes: odds ratio: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.77 to 0.99). Breed group analysis considering retrievers and flushing and water dog as reference group, demonstrated that sheep- and cattle dogs had a reduced risk of C. vulpis infection (odds ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.24 to 0.97), whereas dachshunds had an increased risk of A. vasorum infection (odds ratio: 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.14 to 9.47). Variations in the number of nematodes was found, with companion and toy dogs exhibiting higher numbers of C. vulpis (incidence rate ratio: 21.40, 95% confidence interval: 2.88 to 159) and sheep- and cattle dogs displaying higher numbers of A. vasorum (incidence rate ratio: 30.20, 95% confidence interval: 7.33 to 125). The prevalence rates of C. vulpis and A. vasorum were estimated at 14.50% (95% confidence interval: 13 to 16.10) and 3.40% (95% confidence interval: 2.70 to 4.30), respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE There are significant risk factors for nematode infection in dogs that can be considered for proper preventive care of this condition.
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Oehm AW, Schnyder M. Adult parasite burden and excretion of first-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs: Methodologically relevant diagnostic aspects and associations with serological detection of parasite antigen and specific antibodies. Vet Parasitol 2022; 312:109814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bertazzolo W, Didier M, Ridolfi M, Venco L. Detection of a characteristic beta-2 peak in serum by capillary zone electrophoresis in dogs with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Vet Clin Pathol 2022; 51:70-76. [PMID: 35191050 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylosis is an emerging canine parasitic disease that often causes polyclonal hyperglobulinemia. In the authors' experience, we have seen what could be a typical serum protein electrophoretic pattern characterized by a large, symmetrical beta-2 peak in dogs with angiostrongylosis. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of this pattern in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum compared with a randomly selected canine population. METHODS Serum protein capillary zone electrophoreses (CZEs) from dogs with angiostrongylosis were assigned to Group 1. The CZE pattern was classified as normal, nonspecific polyclonal, or polyclonal with a typical beta-2 peak. The frequency of this latter pattern in Group 1 was compared with the frequency of similar findings in a randomly selected canine sera group (Group 2). RESULTS Groups 1 and 2 included 22 and 3687 cases, respectively. Thirteen of 22 (59.1%) dogs in Group 1 had this peak in the beta-2 region. A similar CZE pattern was observed in 43 dogs in Group 2 (1.2%). The remaining dogs in Group 1 had a nonspecific polyclonal hyperglobulinemia (six cases), a normal tracing (one case), or an ambiguous tracing (two cases). CONCLUSIONS Dogs with angiostrongylosis commonly have polyclonal hyperglobulinemia, frequently characterized by a large and symmetrical beta-2 peak on CZE, which is uncommon in the canine population. Additional studies are needed to identify the protein composition of this peculiar beta fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mattia Ridolfi
- Laboratorio di Analisi Veterinarie MYLAV, Passirana di Rho, Italy
| | - Luigi Venco
- Ospedale Veterinario Città di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Hemostatic Dysfunction in Dogs Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum—A Narrative Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020249. [PMID: 35215192 PMCID: PMC8878016 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to describe Angiostrongylus vasorum-induced hemostatic dysfunction of dogs with emphasis on clinical and laboratory findings as well as potential therapeutic strategies for the bleeding patient. Canine angiostrongylosis (CA) is a disease with potentially high morbidity and mortality in endemic areas and with fatal outcome often associated with either severe respiratory compromise, pulmonary hypertension and right-sided heart failure, or hemostatic dysfunction with severe bleeding. The most common signs of hemorrhage are hematomas, petecchiation, ecchymoses, oral mucosal membrane bleeding and scleral bleeding, while intracranial and pulmonary hemorrhage are among the most severe. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hemostatic dysfunction in these patients are presently researched. While the larval effect on platelets remains unknown, the parasite appears to induce dysregulation of hemostatic proteins, with studies suggesting a mixture of pro-coagulant protein consumption and hyperfibrinolysis. Importantly, not all dogs display the same hemostatic abnormalities. Consequently, characterizing the hemostatic state of the individual patient is necessary, but has proven difficult with traditional coagulation tests. Global viscoelastic testing shows promise, but has limited availability in general practice. Treatment of A. vasorum-infected dogs with hemostatic dysfunction relies on anthelmintic treatment as well as therapy directed at the individual dog’s specific hemostatic alterations.
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Colombo M, Traversa D, Grillotti E, Pezzuto C, De Tommaso C, Pampurini F, Schaper R, Drake J, Crisi PE, Russi I, Ripamonti M, Di Cesare A. Highly Variable Clinical Pictures in Dogs Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111372. [PMID: 34832528 PMCID: PMC8621248 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine angiostrongylosis by Angiostrongylus vasorum is increasingly reported in both enzootic and previously free areas. The complex pathogenesis of the disease makes the clinical workup challenging. Infected dogs show highly variable clinical pictures, characterized by subclinical to life-threatening general, cardio-respiratory, neurological and/or gastrointestinal signs. The present study reports the high variability of clinical pictures from 36 dogs across central and southern Italy that were naturally infected by A. vasorum. Of them, 23 (63.9%) presented at least one clinical sign, while 13 (36.1%) were subclinically infected and apparently healthy. Overall, 19 dogs (52.8%) showed cardiorespiratory signs, 14 (38.9%) had non-specific abnormalities, 2 (5.6%) presented coagulation disorders and 1 (2.8%) had a severe neurological condition. Importantly, four dogs presenting with clinical signs had neither cough nor dyspnea. These results underline that angiostrongylosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, even when dogs display only non-specific clinical signs. The proportion of apparently healthy dogs highlights the relevance of routine copromicroscopic and/or antigenic tests in enzootic areas to avoid the sudden onset of potentially life-threatening signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Grillotti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Reate, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Pezzuto
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Pezzuto Carlo/Piano Noemi, 86010 Campobasso, Italy;
| | | | - Fabrizio Pampurini
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Roland Schaper
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Paolo Emidio Crisi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Ilaria Russi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Marco Ripamonti
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
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Parasites of the Reintroduced Iberian Lynx ( Lynx pardinus) and Sympatric Mesocarnivores in Extremadura, Spain. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030274. [PMID: 33804321 PMCID: PMC8000845 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is one of the most endangered felid species in the world. Conservation efforts have increased its population size and distribution and reinforced their genetic diversity through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. Among several threats that the Iberian lynx faces, infectious and parasitic diseases have underlined effects on the health of their newly reintroduced populations, being essential to identify the primary sources of these agents and assess populations health status. To achieve this, 79 fresh faecal samples from Iberian lynx and sympatric mesocarnivores were collected in the reintroduction area of Extremadura, Spain. Samples were submitted to copromicroscopic analyses to assess parasite diversity, prevalence, and mean intensity of parasite burden. Overall, 19 (24.1%, ±15.1–35.0) samples were positive for at least one enteric parasite species. Parasite diversity and prevalence were higher in the Iberian lynx (43.8%) compared with the others mesocarnivores under study (e.g., the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon). Ancylostomatidae and Toxocara cati were the most prevalent (15.6%) parasites. Obtained results revealed that Iberian lynx role as predator control might have reduced parasite cross-transmission between this felid and mesocarnivores due to their decreasing abundances. Surveillance programs must include regular monitoring of this endangered felid, comprising mesocarnivores, but also domestic/feral and wild cat communities.
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Figueiredo AM, Valente AM, Fonseca C, de Carvalho LM, Torres RT. Endoparasite diversity of the main wild ungulates in Portugal. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Figueiredo
- A. M. Figueiredo, A. M. Valente, C. Fonseca and R. Tinoco Torres (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4570-459X) ✉ , Dept of Biology & CESAM, Univ. of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, PT-3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. AMV also at: Inst. de Investig
| | - Ana M. Valente
- A. M. Figueiredo, A. M. Valente, C. Fonseca and R. Tinoco Torres (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4570-459X) ✉ , Dept of Biology & CESAM, Univ. of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, PT-3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. AMV also at: Inst. de Investig
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- A. M. Figueiredo, A. M. Valente, C. Fonseca and R. Tinoco Torres (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4570-459X) ✉ , Dept of Biology & CESAM, Univ. of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, PT-3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. AMV also at: Inst. de Investig
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- L. M. de Carvalho, CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Univ. of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Tinoco Torres
- A. M. Figueiredo, A. M. Valente, C. Fonseca and R. Tinoco Torres (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4570-459X) ✉ , Dept of Biology & CESAM, Univ. of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, PT-3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal. AMV also at: Inst. de Investig
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Occurrence of canine and feline extra-intestinal nematodes in key endemic regions of Italy. Acta Trop 2019; 193:227-235. [PMID: 30857861 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Extra-intestinal nematodes of companion animals are of growing concern in veterinary medicine for their pathogenic potential and the current expansion throughout Europe. The present study has evaluated the occurrence of major canine and feline extra-intestinal nematodes in regions of Italy having epidemiological relevance. Associations of various recorded parameters related to the examined animals have been statistically evaluated, along with a comparative analysis with the most recent epidemiological data. Overall, 1055 dogs and 1000 cats were tested. Among extra-intestinal nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most common in dogs followed by Capillaria aerophila and Dirofilaria spp.; Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most recorded parasite in cats, followed by C. aerophila and Troglostrongylus brevior. The statistical analysis revealed that outdoor access is associated with A. vasorum, A. abstrusus and T. brevior infections, that were also more prevalent in animals with cardio-respiratory signs. Moreover, cats aged less than 12 months had more chances to be infected by lungworms. The data herein presented confirm the occurrence and the possible risk of expansion of different extra-intestinal parasitoses of dogs and cats in Italy, underlining the importance of a constant epidemiologic vigilance and of appropriate control methods.
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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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Olivieri E, Zanzani SA, Gazzonis AL, Giudice C, Brambilla P, Alberti I, Romussi S, Lombardo R, Mortellaro CM, Banco B, Vanzulli FM, Veronesi F, Manfredi MT. Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in dogs from a cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis endemic area of Northwestern Italy: a case study and a retrospective data analysis. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:165. [PMID: 28592295 PMCID: PMC5463301 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1083-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Italy, Angiostrongylus vasorum, an emergent parasite, is being diagnosed in dogs from areas considered free of infection so far. As clinical signs are multiple and common to other diseases, its diagnosis can be challenging. In particular, in areas where angiostrongylosis and dirofilariosis overlap, a misleading diagnosis of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis might occur even on the basis of possible misleading outcomes from diagnostic kits. Case presentation Two Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs from an Italian breeding in the Northwest were referred to a private veterinary hospital with respiratory signs. A cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis was diagnosed and the dogs treated with ivermectin, but one of them died. At necropsy, pulmonary oedema, enlargement of tracheo-bronchial lymphnodes and of cardiac right side were detected. Within the right ventricle lumen, adults of A. vasorum were found. All dogs from the same kennel were subjected to faecal examination by FLOTAC and Baermann’s techniques to detect A. vasorum first stage larvae; blood analysis by Knott’s for Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae, and antigenic tests for both A. vasorum (Angio Detect™) and D.immitis (DiroCHEK® Heartworm, Witness®Dirofilaria). The surviving dog with respiratory signs resulted positive for A. vasorum both at serum antigens and larval detection. Its Witness® test was low positive similarly to other four dogs from the same kennel, but false positive results due to cross reactions with A. vasorum were also considered. No dogs were found infected by A. vasorum. Eventually, the investigation was deepened by browsing the pathological database of Veterinary Pathology Laboratories at Veterinary School of Milan University through 1998–2016, where 11 cases of angiostrongylosis were described. Two out of 11 dogs had a mixed infection with Crenosoma vulpis. Conclusion The study demonstrates the need for accurate surveys to acquire proper epidemiological data on A. vasorum infection in Northwestern Italy and for appropriate diagnostic methods. Veterinary clinicians should be warned about the occurrence of this canine parasite and the connected risk of a misleading diagnosis, particularly in areas endemic for cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Olivieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Brambilla
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Romussi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Lombardo
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Mortellaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Banco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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The effect of host age and inoculation dose on infection dynamics of Angiostrongylus vasorum in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:4. [PMID: 28049507 PMCID: PMC5209822 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1940-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections and clinical cases of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs are found increasingly across Europe, thus rendering knowledge on its infection biology more important. We used red foxes as a carnivore model to examine the effect of host age and infection dose on the establishment of adult A. vasorum in single experimental infections. METHODS Fourteen juvenile and fourteen adult red foxes, free of metastrongyloid infections, were given a low (50) or high (200) dose of third-stage larvae (L3) of A. vasorum. Two groups of three foxes of each age group served as uninfected controls. Larval excretion by Baermann and blood parameters were followed for ten weeks. Worm counts were performed at necropsy by sequential perfusion, dissection and Baermann method. RESULTS The establishment rate (i.e. recovery in percentage of inoculation dose) of A. vasorum primary infections in red foxes was associated with host age and inoculation dose. In the low dose juveniles, 61% (range 52-72%) of the infection dose was recovered as worms in the pulmonary arteries and heart at necropsy while only 35% (21-50%) were recovered in the high dose. Corresponding establishment rates for adults were 39% (18-98%) and 8% (1-21%). In juveniles, a higher dose resulted in significantly higher adult worm counts, higher larval excretion and more pronounced pathophysiological changes, particularly in coagulation parameters. Earlier onset of patency was also found in the juveniles. In contrast, the larval excretion in high dose adults was very low and two infected animals never reached patency. However, a few adults showed only limited resistance as judged by excretion of larvae. The increase to very high larval excretion levels (> 4,000 larvae per g of faeces) after several months in a single animal, indicated that any potential acquired immunity does not affect worm fecundity. CONCLUSIONS Resistance to a primary A. vasorum infection was generally higher in older animals, and this age resistance was reflected in lower worm counts and reduced excretion of larvae. The juvenile red foxes were fully susceptible, as reflected in high establishment rates. Although severe clinical disease was never observed in the foxes, A. vasorum infections in red foxes appear to be chronic and moreover, to resemble infections in dogs. The results underline the red fox as a suitable model as well as natural reservoir for the parasite.
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Figueiredo A, Oliveira L, Madeira de Carvalho L, Fonseca C, Torres RT. Parasite species of the endangered Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and a sympatric widespread carnivore. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:164-7. [PMID: 27358768 PMCID: PMC4916035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Parasites have a profound impact on wildlife population dynamics. However, until some years ago, studies on the occurrence and prevalence of wildlife parasites were neglected comparatively with the studies on humans and domestic animals. In this study, we determined the parasite prevalence of two sympatric wild canids: the endangered Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and the widespread red fox (Vulpes vulpes), in central Portugal. From November 2014 to July 2015, fresh fecal samples from both species were collected monthly in several transects distributed throughout the study area. All samples were submitted to several coprological techniques. In total, 6 helminth parasites (Crenosoma vulpis, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina), and a protozoa (Balantidium coli) were identified based on size and morphology. The red fox was infected by seven different parasites while the Iberian wolf was infected by four. All parasites present in wolf were also present in the red fox. C. vulpis had the higher prevalence in red fox, while Ancylostomatidae were the most prevalent parasites in wolf. To our knowledge, this is the first study in this isolated subpopulation of the Iberian wolf. Our results show that both carnivores carry parasites that are of concern as they are pathogenic to humans and other wild and domestic animals. We suggest that surveillance programs must also include monitoring protocols of wildlife; particularly endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Figueiredo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lucia Oliveira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Tinoco Torres
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Comparison of coprological, immunological and molecular methods for the detection of dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum before and after anthelmintic treatment. Parasitology 2015; 142:1270-7. [PMID: 26036271 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015000554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Timely diagnosis of the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs is important in view of severe and permanent lung and cardiovascular lesions that may occur. The performance of the classical Baermann coprological method was compared with ELISAs for the serological detection of circulating antigen and specific antibodies and with Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed on EDTA blood, feces and tracheal swabs of serial samples from experimentally inoculated dogs over 13 weeks post inoculation (wpi) (n = 16) and following anthelmintic treatment (n = 6). Patency was observed from 6.7 to 7.6 wpi in all dogs, Baermann results were then mostly positive (116/119, 97%) during the patent period, with wide variations in the numbers of first stage larvae numbers. Blood PCR was tested positive on 1-2 occasions in 11/16 dogs in the pre-patent period, while all tested positive by antibody-detection ELISA by 6 wpi. The proportion of dogs testing positive by fecal PCR and antigen-detection ELISA rose early in the patent period. Tracheal swabs were occasionally DNA-positive in 3/16 dogs starting from 10 wpi. Following treatment, larval excretion stopped within 3 weeks and blood PCR results became negative within 1 week (5/6 dogs), while 4/6 dogs were positive for parasite DNA in tracheal swabs. Parasite antigen and specific antibodies both persisted in the blood for 3-9 weeks after treatment, with average optical densities and the proportion of positive dogs falling gradually, while results using other tests were much more variable. Results indicate that the earliest and most consistent results are obtained by the ELISAs, which can also be used for monitoring dogs after anthelmintic treatment.
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Csöndes J, Majoros G, Lajos Z, Psáder R, Vajdovich P, Manczur F, Máthé Á. Angiostrongylosis-related restrictive pneumopathy assessed by arterial blood gas analysis in a dog. Acta Vet Hung 2015; 63:16-29. [PMID: 25655412 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2015.003] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary angiostrongylosis was diagnosed by the Baermann method and larval identification from faecal and bronchoalveolar lavage samples in a five-month- old male mongrel dog with dyspnoea and cough. Arterial blood gas analysis indicated arterial hypoxaemia and restrictive pneumopathy. In addition to the palliative treatment, fenbendazole was administered (50 mg/kg/24 h per os) for 14 days. The respiratory signs subsided within a short time clinically, but serial arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated an ongoing ventilation disorder. Repeated haematology, thoracic radiography, bronchoscopy and blood gas analysis were performed to follow the course of the disease. The most severe eosinophilia was detected after the beginning of the anthelmintic therapy, and the arterial pO2 level was permanently low. Arterial blood gas analysis provided the most adequate information about the course of the pneumopathy and it greatly facilitated the patient's medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Csöndes
- 1 Szent István University Department of Clinical Pathology and Oncology, Faculty of Veterinary Science István utca 2 H-1078 Budapest Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- 2 Szent István University Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science István utca 2 H-1078 Budapest Hungary
| | - Zoltán Lajos
- 4 DuoBakt Veterinary Laboratory Budapest Hungary
| | - Roland Psáder
- 3 Szent István University Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science István utca 2 H-1078 Budapest Hungary
| | - Péter Vajdovich
- 1 Szent István University Department of Clinical Pathology and Oncology, Faculty of Veterinary Science István utca 2 H-1078 Budapest Hungary
| | - Ferenc Manczur
- 3 Szent István University Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science István utca 2 H-1078 Budapest Hungary
| | - Ákos Máthé
- 3 Szent István University Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science István utca 2 H-1078 Budapest Hungary
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Jolly S, Poncelet L, Lempereur L, Caron Y, Bayrou C, Cassart D, Grimm F, Losson B. First report of a fatal autochthonous canine Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in Belgium. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:97-9. [PMID: 25449287 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Canine angiostrongylosis is considered as an emergent disease in Europe and Canada. A fatal case of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection is described in a four and a half month old puppy born in Belgium. The dog was presented with marked neurological disorders, body weight loss, a profound weakness and mild respiratory signs. The dog was given antibiotics and mucolytic compounds with very little improvement and consequently was referred to a specialist for additional examinations. As the general condition of the dog was rapidly declining, the animal was euthanized shortly after on its owners' request and a necropsy was carried out. Extensive gross pulmonary lesions were observed and histopathological examination revealed the presence of numerous larvae with morphology compatible with A. vasorum. Larvae were also found in the product of a bronchoalveolar lavage but fecal material was not examined. The presence of A. vasorum circulating serum antigen was demonstrated through ELISA; additionally an A. vasorum specific PCR was performed on brain material and yielded a positive result. This case confirms that the clinical diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis can be very challenging especially when respiratory signs are absent or very mild such in the present case. This is the first reported case of canine angiostrongylosis in Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Jolly
- Laboratory of Pathology, Dept of Morphology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster, 20 Building 43, Sart Tilman 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Luc Poncelet
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Biomechanics and Organogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Free University of Brussels, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Lempereur
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Dept of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster, 20 Building 43, Sart Tilman 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Yannick Caron
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Dept of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster, 20 Building 43, Sart Tilman 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Calixte Bayrou
- Laboratory of Pathology, Dept of Morphology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster, 20 Building 43, Sart Tilman 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Dominique Cassart
- Laboratory of Pathology, Dept of Morphology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster, 20 Building 43, Sart Tilman 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Felix Grimm
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurstrasse 266a, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bertrand Losson
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Dept of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster, 20 Building 43, Sart Tilman 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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