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Sanguansook P, Tuangpermsub S, Leelakarnsakul B, Phaisansomsuk S, Hunprasit V, Del Río L, Niyomtham W, Prapasarakul N, Sukhumavasi W. Zoonotic Enteric Nematodes and Dermatophytes in Cat Cafés: An Investigation in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. Vet Sci 2024; 11:358. [PMID: 39195812 PMCID: PMC11360450 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11080358] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cat cafés have gained significant popularity worldwide, offering a unique interface between humans and cats. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes from cats living in cat cafés situated in the Bangkok metropolitan area in 2017-2018. Cat fecal samples were subjected to microscopic examination employing centrifugal flotation and centrifugal sedimentation techniques. The hair samples from every cat were cultured on a dermatophyte test medium and Sabouraud dextrose agar and subsequently confirmed by visualization of the typical colony and macroconidia morphology. Findings from 11 cat cafés indicated an 18.2% (2/11) prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, including Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Physaloptera spp., and Eucoleus aerophilus. Dermatophytes were prevalent in 16.2% (32/198) of the total number of cats tested, with Microsporum canis being the sole species identified. Notably, the presence of dermatophyte was significantly correlated with the presence of skin lesions and the cats' origin. In summary, the findings of this study have provided evidence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes in cats residing in cat cafés. Therefore, it is imperative to heighten awareness and encourage preventive measures among cat café owners and customers to halt the dissemination of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phakjira Sanguansook
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Siwaporn Tuangpermsub
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Boonyakorn Leelakarnsakul
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sutida Phaisansomsuk
- Bachelor Degree Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Vachira Hunprasit
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Laura Del Río
- Department of Animal Health, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 31000 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Waree Niyomtham
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (N.P.)
- Center of Excellence in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Animal Pathogens, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nuvee Prapasarakul
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (N.P.)
- Center of Excellence in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Animal Pathogens, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Woraporn Sukhumavasi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Feline Infectious Disease and Health for Excellence Research Unit, Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Center of Excellence in Animal Vector-Borne Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Fagundes-Moreira R, Silveira E, Baggio-Souza V, Marques SMT, Vidor SB, de Jezus Castro SM, Spanamberg A, Henker LC, Pavarini SP, Soares JF, da Costa FVA. Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods and risk factors for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in brazilian cats. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e91. [PMID: 38073416 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the risk factors of infection by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Brazilian cats with cough and/or radiographic changes, using as diagnostic tools the Baermann method (BM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of feces, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and cytology. Forty-three cats that were presented with cough or lung radiographic abnormalities compatible with bronchoalveolar disease were included in the study. After clinical evaluation, feces samples were collected to investigate lungworm parasitism through BM and PCR. BALF was performed to provide samples for cytology, bacteriology, and fungal culture. Stool PCR was considered the gold standard for diagnosis tests, and the other methods were evaluated by their agreement. PCR presented 74% (32/43) of positivity for A. abstrusus, while in the BM, 41% (18/43) were positive. BM showed sensitivity of 56.25% and specificity of 100% when compared with PCR. No larva was found in the cytological evaluation of 21 BALF samples. Lungworm is an important cause of bronchopulmonary disease in domestic cats in Brazil and should be included as a differential diagnosis when a cat is presented with cough or radiographic abnormalities. BM is a sensitive, non-invasive, and cheap technique to diagnose the disease, but it is not as sensitive as PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Fagundes-Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtozooVet), Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - E Silveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - V Baggio-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtozooVet), Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - S M T Marques
- Laboratório de Helmintologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - S B Vidor
- Laboratory of Teaching, Research, Extension and Production in Surgery and Veterinary Anesthesiology. Instituto Federal Farroupilha, Frederico Westphalen, Brazil
| | - S M de Jezus Castro
- Department of Statistics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - A Spanamberg
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Micologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - L C Henker
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - S P Pavarini
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - J F Soares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais (ProtozooVet), Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - F V A da Costa
- Feline Medicine Service, Veterinary Clinics Hospital, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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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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Györke A, Dumitrache MO, Ursache AL, D'Amico G, Mircean V. Case Report: Notoedric Mange and Aelurostrongylidosis in Two Domestic Cats From Rural Environment in Romania. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:849525. [PMID: 35720839 PMCID: PMC9200890 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.849525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes two cases of notoedric mange concurrent with aelurostrongylidosis in two domestic-owned cats from a rural environment in Romania. Two European shorthair cats originating from the same litter were referred to our clinic, at 2 months apart, with a history of skin lesions, pruritus, weight loss, and respiratory signs. Cats lived mainly outdoor together with the queen and a third littermate. The latter two expressed the same clinical signs and had died before the presentation of the first cat. None of the four cats was vaccinated, dewormed, or treated for external parasites. Coat brushing, skin scrapings, skin cytology, earwax direct microscopic examination, and coproparasitological techniques (flotation and Baermann methods) were used as laboratory procedures. A blood sample was also collected for hematology, blood biochemistry, and feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukemia virus (FIV/FeLV) test. Notoedres cati mites in high numbers were identified by all complementary tests, alongside fleas and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus first-stage larvae. The blood analysis revealed neutrophilia, and the FIV/FeLV fast test was negative. The cats were successfully treated off-label with selamectin spot-on formulation (Stronghold®, Zoetis) three times at 1- or 4-week intervals. Furthermore, they were treated with amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanic acid, housed indoor, and fed with a commercial diet. Before presentation to the clinic, the female cat was unsuccessfully treated with a combination of fipronil, S-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel. During this period, the female cat remained outdoor and fed with home wastes. The cats become negative for A. abstrusus L1 larvae after 2–4 months of treatment. The owners developed pruritic skin lesions 1 month after introducing the first cat in the house. In conclusion, notoedric mange and aelurostrongylidosis can be treated successfully with selamectin as a spot-on formulation and the treatment must be continued until no parasite will be detected through specific techniques. The success of treatment depends on improving the quality of animal life (nutrition and hygiene) and treatment of secondary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Györke
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Dermatology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Adriana Györke
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Dermatology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aurora Livia Ursache
- Dermatology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Viorica Mircean
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Dermatology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Traversa D, Raue K, Ringeisen H, Blazejak K, Bisterfeld K, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Böhm C, Strube C, Pollmeier M. Efficacy of a spot-on combination containing 10% w/v imidacloprid and 1% w/v moxidectin for the treatment of troglostrongylosis in experimentally infected cats. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:66. [PMID: 35193656 PMCID: PMC8862244 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic bronchopneumonia in domestic cats in Europe, which can manifest with moderate to severe clinical signs, is frequently caused by Troglostrongylus brevior. Data on epizootiological and clinical relevance of cat troglostrongylosis have been published in the last decade but treatment options are still limited. Promising effectiveness data have been generated from clinical cases and field trials for a spot-on formulation containing 1% w/v moxidectin and 10% w/v imidacloprid (Advocate®, Elanco Animal Health). Therefore, two studies have been conducted to confirm under experimental conditions the efficacy of moxidectin 1% contained in Advocate® for the treatment of cat troglostrongylosis. Methods Sixteen and 20 cats experimentally infected with T. brevior were included in two separate studies, i.e., Study 1 and 2, respectively. Cats were infected with T. brevior third-stage larvae via gastric tube. In both studies cats were randomized to untreated (control, Group 1) and treatment (Group 2) groups. In Study 1 and Study 2, the two groups comprised eight and 10 cats each. Treated cats received Advocate® spot-on twice at a 4-week interval. The primary efficacy criterion was the number of viable adult T. brevior counted at necropsy. Throughout the trial, the fecal shedding of first-stage larvae (L1) was assessed in treated and untreated control cats. Results The experimental model was successful in both studies, as all cats started shedding T. brevior L1 within 25 days post-infection. At necropsy, T. brevior adults were found in 4/8 and 4/10 cats of the control groups in Study 1 and 2, respectively, while none of the treated cats harbored adult worms. The necropsy worm counts in controls did not meet relevant guideline requirements for adequacy of infection, with fewer than six infected cats in the control groups, thus limiting conclusions on treatment efficacy. The fact that 6/8 and 8/10 control cats in Study 1 and 2, respectively, shed L1 up to necropsy while larval shedding ceased in all treated animals after the first treatment provides supporting evidence on the level of efficacy. No remarkable adverse events were recorded in the two studies. Conclusion These results indicate that Advocate® spot-on is a safe and effective option for treating cats infected by T. brevior. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharina Raue
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Hannah Ringeisen
- Elanco Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Monheim, Germany
| | - Katrin Blazejak
- Elanco Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Monheim, Germany
| | - Katrin Bisterfeld
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | | | | | - Claudia Böhm
- Elanco Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Monheim, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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Traversa D, Morelli S, Di Cesare A, Strube C, Raue K, Bisterfeld K, Boehm C, Pollmeier M, Ringeisen H, Blazejak K, Mencke N. Efficacy of two topical combinations containing emodepside plus praziquantel, and emodepside plus praziquantel plus tigolaner, for the treatment of troglostrongylosis in experimentally infected cats. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100097. [PMID: 35991087 PMCID: PMC9382431 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano DʼAccio, 64100 Teramo (TE), Italy
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano DʼAccio, 64100 Teramo (TE), Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano DʼAccio, 64100 Teramo (TE), Italy
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Raue
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katrin Bisterfeld
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Boehm
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH an Elanco Animal Health Company, Alfred Nobel Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Matthias Pollmeier
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH an Elanco Animal Health Company, Alfred Nobel Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Hannah Ringeisen
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH an Elanco Animal Health Company, Alfred Nobel Str. 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | | | - Norbert Mencke
- Vetoquinol S.A., 37 rue de la Victoire, 75009 Paris, France
- Corresponding author.
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Yamaguchi T, Shimizu J, Oya Y, Horio Y, Hida T. Drug-Induced Liver Injury in a Patient with Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer after the Self-Administration of Fenbendazole Based on Social Media Information. Case Rep Oncol 2021; 14:886-891. [PMID: 34248555 PMCID: PMC8255718 DOI: 10.1159/000516276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fenbendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic agent, with a broad antiparasitic range in animals such as dogs and pigs. The agent is also reported to exert antitumor effects and inhibit microtubule-associated tubulin polymerization, but its safety and tolerability profile in humans remains unclear. An 80-year-old female patient with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was started on pembrolizumab monotherapy. The patient experienced severe liver injury 9 months later. An interview with her and her family revealed that she had been taking fenbendazole for a month, solely based on social media reports suggesting its effectiveness against cancer. After discontinuation of the self-administration of fenbendazole, the patient's liver dysfunction spontaneously resolved. The antitumor inhibitory effects of fenbendazole have been reported; however, she did not experience tumor shrinkage. This is the first case report of a patient with advanced NSCLC who self-administered the anthelmintic, fenbendazole. Twitter and Facebook are online social media platforms which have been constructively used to exchange information among cancer patients. However, sources of medical information on these platforms are often unproven, and it is difficult for nonmedical professionals to accurately select and filter complex medical information. Physicians should enquire patients about self-administration of orally ingested products, including dietary supplements, herbs, or bioactive compounds, in cases of unexpected adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Yamaguchi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Junichi Shimizu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuko Oya
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Horio
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Hida
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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Raue K, Rohdich N, Hauck D, Zschiesche E, Morelli S, Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Roepke RKA, Strube C. Efficacy of Bravecto ® Plus spot-on solution for cats (280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin) for the prevention of aelurostrongylosis in experimentally infected cats. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:110. [PMID: 33593394 PMCID: PMC7885211 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04610-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus affects the lower respiratory tract in cats worldwide. As infections may lead to chronic respiratory changes or even death, preventive treatment in cats with outdoor access is warranted. Methods The preventive efficacy of a spot-on solution (Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats, MSD) against cat aelurostrongylosis was evaluated using three different preventive treatment regimes in a negative controlled, randomized and partially blinded laboratory efficacy study with 31 purposed-bred cats. The minimum recommended dose of 2.0 mg moxidectin + 40 mg fluralaner/kg bodyweight was applied once 12 (Group [G]1), 8 (G2) or 4 (G3) weeks before experimental infection with 300 third-stage larvae (L3) of A. abstrusus. Another group served as untreated control (G4). Individual faecal samples were analysed as of day 30 post infection (pi) to monitor larvae excretion. Necropsy was performed at days 47–50 pi. The lungs were examined macroscopically for pathological findings and (pre-)adult worms were counted to assess preventive efficacy. Results Beginning at day 32–40 pi, all cats of the control group were constantly shedding larvae of A. abstrusus, whereas only one animal of G1 excreted larvae at several consecutive days. In addition, two cats of G1 and G3 and three of G2 were positive on a single occasion. The geometric mean (GM) of the maximum number of excreted larvae was 7574.29 in the control group compared to 1.10 (G1), 1.19 (G2) and 0.53 (G3), resulting in a GM reduction of > 99.9% in all treatment groups. All lungs of the control animals showed severe or very severe alterations at necropsy, while in 94.44% of the treated cats lung pathology was rated as absent or mild. The GM number of (pre-)adult A. abstrusus retrieved from the lungs was 26.57 in the control group, 0.09 in G1 and 0.00 in G2 and G3. Thus, GM worm count reduction was 99.66% in G1 and 100% in G2 and G3. Conclusions A single application of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution at a dose of 2.0 mg moxidectin + 40 mg fluralaner/kg bodyweight reliably prevents cat aelurostrongylosis for at least 12 weeks.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Raue
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Nadja Rohdich
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Schwabenheim, Germany
| | - Daniela Hauck
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Eva Zschiesche
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Schwabenheim, Germany
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany.
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9
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Clinical Case of Life-threatening Co-infection Due to Dirofilaria Immitis and Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus in a Cat: First Report of Feline Heartworm Disease in Bulgaria. Helminthologia 2021; 58:106-114. [PMID: 33664624 PMCID: PMC7912236 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present report describes the first clinically manifested and serologically proven case of Dirofilaria immitis infection in a cat in Bulgaria. A 10-year-old intact male cat was referred to the Small Animal Clinic, Trakia University with a history of anorexia, weight loss, intermittent coughing and itching skin lesions on the head and neck. Physical examination revealed abnormal heart sounds and respiration, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, and generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes. Mild infestation with hard ticks and fleas was also detected during the initial skin inspection. In addition, adult Otodectes cynotis mites were observed in the skin lesions. The fecal sample was positive for larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and eggs of Toxocara cati. Blood serology revealed antigens of D. immitis as well as antibodies against both feline immunodeficiency virus and D. immitis. Thoracic radiographic findings included a pronounced generalized reticular interstitial pattern; alveolar and bronchial shades with multiple nodular thickenings throughout the lungs. Electrocardiography demonstrated a sinus tachycardia, a peaked P-wave (P-pulmonale) and an abnormally low ST-segment. The clinical signs disappeared after treatment with selamectin, doxycycline and corticosteroids. Despite the improvement in general health condition, the cat suddenly died several months later.
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10
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Salant H, Yasur-Landau D, Rojas A, Otranto D, Mazuz ML, Baneth G. Troglostrongylus brevior is the dominant lungworm infecting feral cats in Jerusalem. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3443-3450. [PMID: 32813040 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Feline lungworms infect the respiratory tract of wild and domestic cats, causing infection often associated with clinical disease. Until recently, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has been considered the most relevant species of lungworm, while Troglostrongylus brevior was considered of less significance. Fecal samples of feral cats from Jerusalem, Israel, collected over a year, were examined for first stage lungworm larvae (L1) using the Baermann method. Positive samples were morphologically identified, and their species identity was molecularly confirmed. Forty of 400 (10.0%) cats were lungworm-positive, of which 38/40 (95.0%) shed Troglostrongylus brevior and 6/40 (15.0%) shed Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Four cats (10.0%) had mixed infections with both lungworm species. L1 shedding was associated with clinical respiratory signs in 11 (19.0%) T. brevior shedding cats of a total of 58 cats manifesting respiratory signs, while 23/342 (6.7%) cats without respiratory signs were L1-positive (p = 0.006). Non-respiratory clinical signs were also found to be more prevalent in L1 shedders (p = 0.012). A young kitten ≤ 4 weeks of age shed T. brevior L1 larvae. DNA sequences of both lungworm species using the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) locus were > 99% similar to other sequences deposited in GenBank, suggesting that T. brevior and A. abstrusus ITS2 sequences are both highly conserved. In conclusion, L1 shedding in feral cats from Jerusalem were mostly caused by T. brevior with only a small proportion involving A. abstrusus, different from many studies from other geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - D Yasur-Landau
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - A Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - D Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - M L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - G Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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11
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Pennisi MG, Tasker S, Hartmann K, Belák S, Addie D, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hosie M, Lloret A, Marsilio F, Thiry E, Truyen U, Möstl K. Dirofilarioses in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:442-451. [PMID: 32326862 PMCID: PMC11132531 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20917601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the most important filarial worms, causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. D repens is currently considered an emerging zoonotic agent in Europe. LIFE CYCLE AND INFECTION Filarial worms infect mainly dogs, but also cats, ferrets, wild carnivores and humans. The life cycle involves an intermediate mosquito host. Compared with dogs, cats are imperfect hosts for dirofilarial worms. After inoculation, only a low number of L3 larvae develop to the adult stage in a small percentage of cats. Heartworm disease in cats may be associated with severe pulmonary thromboembolism and an eosinophilic inflammatory response in the lungs, potentially leading to sudden death. Otherwise self-cure occurs in most cases after 18-48 months. Subcutaneous dirofilariosis may present as subcutaneous nodules or dermatitis. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT Diagnosis in cats is more difficult compared with dogs and needs a multistep approach (antigen and antibody tests, as well as diagnostic imaging). Cats with acute heartworm disease require stabilisation within an intensive care unit. Cats with respiratory signs or suggestive radiographic changes should receive prednisolone and follow-up with a similar multistep approach. Adulticidal therapy is not safe in cats. PREVENTION In endemic areas cats should receive year-round chemoprophylaxis from 2 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Séverine Tasker
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Sándor Belák
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Diane Addie
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | | | - Herman Egberink
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Tadeusz Frymus
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | | | - Margaret Hosie
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Albert Lloret
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Etienne Thiry
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Uwe Truyen
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
| | - Karin Möstl
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases www.abcdcatsvets.org
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12
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Heuer L, Petry G, Pollmeier M, Schaper R, Deuster K, Schmidt H, Blazejak K, Strube C, Di Cesare A, Traversa D, Schnyder M, McKay-Demeler J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Mangold-Gehring S, Böhm C. Efficacy of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% spot-on formulation (Advocate®) in the prevention and treatment of feline aelurostrongylosis. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:65. [PMID: 32051008 PMCID: PMC7017503 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3937-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In three randomized, controlled laboratory efficacy studies, the efficacy in the prevention of patent infections of a topical combination of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% (Advocate® spot-on formulation for cats, Bayer Animal Health GmbH) against larval stages and immature adults of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, as well as the treatment efficacy of a single or three monthly treatments against adult A. abstrusus, were evaluated. Methods Cats were experimentally inoculated with 300–800 third-stage larvae (L3). Each group comprised 8 animals and the treatment dose was 10 mg/kg bodyweight (bw) imidacloprid and 1 mg/kg bw moxidectin in each study. Prevention of the establishment of patent infections was evaluated by two treatments at a monthly interval at three different time points before and after challenge infection. Curative efficacy was tested by one or three treatments after the onset of patency. Worm counts at necropsy were used for efficacy calculations. Results In Study 1, the control group had a geometric mean (GM) of 28.8 adult nematodes and the single treatment group had a GM of 3.4 (efficacy 88.3%). In Study 2, the control group had a GM of 14.3, the prevention group had a GM of 0 (efficacy 100%), while the treatment group had a GM of 0.1 (efficacy 99.4%). In Study 3, the GM worm burden in the control group was 32.6 compared to 0 in all three prevention groups (efficacy 100% for all of those groups). Conclusions The monthly administration of Advocate® reliably eliminated early larval stages and thereby prevented lung damage from and patent infections with A. abstrusus in cats. Regarding treatment, a single application of Advocate® reduced the worm burden, but it did not sufficiently clear the infection. In contrast, three monthly treatments were safe and highly efficacious against A. abstrusus.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Heuer
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Katrin Blazejak
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Janina McKay-Demeler
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Dawbuts Pty Ltd, Camden, NSW, Australia
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13
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Gyӧrke A, Dumitrache MO, Kalmár Z, Paştiu AI, Mircean V. Molecular Survey of Metastrongyloid Lungworms in Domestic Cats ( Felis silvestris catus) from Romania: A Retrospective Study (2008-2011). Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9020080. [PMID: 31991881 PMCID: PMC7168612 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lungworms are recognized as important agents in the pathology of the respiratory system in domestic cats. While Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is worldwide known and studied, Troglostrongylus brevior has gained the attention of the scientific community only in the last decade. The pathogenicity of this species seems to be higher than A. abstrusus, causing more severe clinical presentations and being potentially fatal, especially in young animals. Methods: In this study, 371 DNA isolates of faecal samples were tested by multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the presence of A. abstrusus, T. brevior, and Angiostrongylus chabaudi. Results: The results showed that 30.2% and 6.7% of the investigated domestic cats were positive for A. abstrusus and T. brevior respectively, stressing out the importance of these parasites as agents of respiratory conditions in domestic cats from Romania. None of the samples were positive for A. chabaudi. The age, the outdoor access, and the lack of deworming were identified as significant risk factors for infection with A. abstrusus. Conclusions: This paper represents the first report of T. brevior in domestic cats from Romania. Moreover, it presents the most northern localization in Europe of T. brevior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Gyӧrke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.O.D.); (Z.K.); (A.I.P.); (V.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.O.D.); (Z.K.); (A.I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Zsuzsa Kalmár
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.O.D.); (Z.K.); (A.I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paştiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.O.D.); (Z.K.); (A.I.P.); (V.M.)
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Claea Mănăștur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Viorica Mircean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.O.D.); (Z.K.); (A.I.P.); (V.M.)
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14
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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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15
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Yasur-Landau D, Rojas A, Zehavi T, Yafe Y, Anug Y, Baneth G. First molecular identification of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a cat presenting severe respiratory disease from Israel. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2019; 17:100304. [PMID: 31303224 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Feline lung worm infection is increasingly reported in recent years, and recognized as a cause for respiratory disease in cats. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is regarded as the most prevalent cause of such cases. Infective L3 larvae carried in gastropods and paratenic hosts infect felines, developing to adult worms that reside in the lungs' parenchyma and may cause verminous pneumonia. The L1 larvae hatch from eggs deposited in the lung, and are released to the environment by either feces or sputum. While the majority of epidemiological information regarding A. abstrusus originates in European countries, recent studies have shown that it is also found around the Mediterranean basin, as far east as Turkey and Cyprus. A local domestic cat from Israel showing signs of respiratory illness was diagnosed with aelurostrongylosis, confirmed by both morphological and molecular tools. Presence in Israel of this nematode was previously reported in 1949, with no further mentions since. ITS-2 sequence of the isolated larvae was highly similar to that of A. abstrusus from domestic cats from Italy. These findings show that distribution of A. abstrusus stretch to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, and that this nematode should be considered as a cause for respiratory disease in cats in Israel and the surrounding countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Yasur-Landau
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Tamar Zehavi
- Emeq Veterinary Center, Ha'erez 8, Ramat Yishai, Israel
| | - Yuval Yafe
- Emeq Veterinary Center, Ha'erez 8, Ramat Yishai, Israel
| | - Yigal Anug
- Pathovet, Yehosa Ben Hanania 81, Rehovot 76391, Israel.
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
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16
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Cavalera MA, Colella V, Napoli E, Arfuso F, Panarese R, Brianti E, Otranto D. Shedding of feline lungworm larvae and their infectivity to snail intermediate hosts after anthelmintic treatment. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:449-453. [PMID: 30904621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior are snail-transmitted helminths causing respiratory diseases in infected cats. The shedding of feline lungworm L1s and their infectivity to the snail intermediate host, after administration of anthelminthic products to cats, are poorly documented. To assess the efficacy of 8.3% fipronil, 10% (S)-methoprene, 0.4% eprinomectin and 8.3% praziquantel (i.e. eprinomectin formulation) and 10% imidacloprid/1% moxidectin (i.e. moxidectin formulation) against these nematodes and to determine the number of days post-treatment until viable L1s are released in the faeces, 384 animals were screened by faecal examination. Of the 54 positive animals (i.e., 14.1%; 7.3% A. abstrusus, 6.2% T. brevior and 0.5% coinfected), 36 were randomly allocated to four groups. Groups A and B were composed of cats positive for T. brevior and treated with the eprinomectin and with the moxidectin formulations, respectively, whereas cats in groups C and D were positive to A. abstrusus and treated with the eprinomectin and the moxidectin formulations, respectively. Prior to and every day after treatment, faecal samples were analysed by the Baermann technique and the number of larvae per gram of faeces determined, and again four weeks after treatment, to assess the efficacy of a single administration of the products. In addition, to evaluate the pre- and post-treatment infectivity of L1s to snail intermediate hosts, one/two snails per cat were infected with 100 L1s collected from the faeces of enrolled animals and then digested 28 days p.i. Based on L1s faecal counts, the efficacy of the eprinomectin and the moxidectin formulations at 28 days was 100% for both A. abstrusus and T. brevior, with a mean number of days of 7.9 ± 1.2 in group A, 7.8 ± 1.9 in B, 6.9 ± 1.6 in C and 8.9 ± 2.0 in D to become negative. Following the artificial digestion, active L3s of T. brevior and A. abstrusus were found in 160 (87.4%) experimentally infected snails. The results of this study demonstrate that a single administration of the two formulations is effective in the treatment of A. abstrusus and T. brevior infections and that during the post-treatment period live L1s are shed for up to 8.9 ± 2.0 days. L1s of both lungworm species released in the faeces after drug administration are still able to reach the infective larval stage in the infected snails. Hence, preventative measures after the treatment of infected animals should include keeping cats indoors and disposal of their faeces for approximately 10 days to avoid environmental contamination and infection of gastropod intermediate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Panarese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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17
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Belshaw Z, Robinson NJ, Brennan ML, Dean RS. Developing practical recommendations for preventative healthcare consultations involving dogs and cats using a Delphi technique. Vet Rec 2019; 184:348. [PMID: 30765500 PMCID: PMC6589460 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Preventive healthcare is the focus of a large proportion of UK small animal veterinary consultations. The evidence base for how to optimise these consultations is limited. Therefore, evidence-based practical recommendations are needed for veterinary surgeons conducting these consultations. The aim of this study was to use an evidence-based methodology to develop the first consensus recommendations to improve dog and cat preventative healthcare consultations (PHCs). Evidence from multiple sources was systematically examined to generate a list of 18 recommendations. Veterinary surgeons and pet owners with extensive experience of PHCs were recruited to an anonymous panel to obtain consensus on whether these recommendations would improve PHCs. A Delphi technique was followed during three rounds of online questionnaire, with consensus set at 80 per cent agreement or disagreement with each recommendation. Thirteen of the original 18 recommendations reached consensus (>80per cent agreement), while the five remaining recommendations did not reach consensus. Globally, these are the first evidence-based recommendations developed specifically in relation to small animal general practice PHCs, generated via a Delphi panel including both veterinary surgeons and pet owners. Future work is needed to understand how these recommendations can be implemented in a range of veterinary practice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Belshaw
- Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Natalie Jane Robinson
- Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Marnie Louise Brennan
- Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
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Elsheikha HM, Wright I, Wang B, Schaper R. Prevalence of feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in England. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100271. [PMID: 31027590 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Infection of cats with lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has recently been documented in the UK. Here, we aimed to study the prevalence of A. abstrusus in fecal samples from cats across England. A total of 950 fecal samples were collected from cats together with information on their age, breed, gender, geographic region, lifestyle, and treatment history. A total of 17 (1.7%) cats were positive for A. abstrusus based on species-specific morphological features of the larvae isolated by Baermann's technique. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of positive samples between females (506; 53.2%) and males (444; 46.7%). Multiple regression analysis showed that prevalence of feline lungworm was significantly different across geographic regions: in comparison with East Midlands, some regions had shown significantly increased odds of A. abstrusus-positive samples (South East [odds ratio [OR] = 7.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.70 to 32.76; p = .01]; West Midlands [OR = 6.20; 95% CI = 1.21 to 26.84; p = .02]), while other regions had also increased odds although not statistically significant (Greater London [OR = 9.63; 95% CI = 0.43 to 84.05; p = .07]; North West [OR = 4.25; 95% CI = 0.59 to 20.89; p = .09]; South West [OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 0.12 to 17.64; p = .43]; and North East [OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 0.10 to 12.24; p = .57]). Keeping cats inside was protective against the risk of infection compared with those having outdoor access (OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.48; p = .02). On the other hand, age, breed, gender and deworming history did not have any significant effect on the likelihood of infection. Our data indicate that A. abstrusus is a parasite of potential significance in cats, in particular those from certain geographic regions in England. To reduce the spread of this parasite, an integrated feline lungworm control program needs to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Ian Wright
- The Mount Veterinary Practice, 1 Harris Str, Fleetwood Lancs FY7 6QX, UK
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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Crisi PE, Di Cesare A, Boari A. Feline Troglostrongylosis: Current Epizootiology, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Options. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:126. [PMID: 29974053 PMCID: PMC6019465 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic bronchopneumonia plays an important role in feline respiratory medicine, thus it is receiving growing attention by researchers and practitioners. In recent years, Troglostrongylus brevior, a lungworm usually infecting wild felids, has been recognized as an agent of the lower respiratory tract in domestic cats. In particular, as a likely consequence of a spill-over from wild reservoirs (e.g., the European wildcat), T. brevior infection is increasingly reported in cats from Mediterranean and Balkan countries. This parasitic nematode has an indirect life cycle, and its biology overlaps that of the better known "cat lungworm" Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. In fact, cases of co-infections caused by both lungworms are not infrequent in domestic cats. Knowledge on clinical features of troglostrongylosis is still incomplete. Available data indicates that clinical signs and radiographic evidence are severe especially in kittens and young cats, are non-specific and often overlap with those of other feline respiratory diseases, such as feline bronchial disease/asthma, or infectious pneumonia. These characteristics make a definitive diagnosis of troglostrongylosis challenging, this disease requires a timely ancillary therapy and an appropriate anthelminthic treatment. As feline troglostrongylosis is an emerging parasitic disease of domestic cats, it should be included in differential diagnosis for lower respiratory tract disease in cats from regions where this parasite is present but also where it is unexpected. This article reviews current knowledge on the pathogenic role of T. brevior in domestic cats and resulting respiratory illness, with a special focus on clinical aspects, diagnosis, and management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo E. Crisi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Cavalera MA, Iatta R, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Corsaro A, Brianti E, Otranto D. Troglostrongylus brevior: a feline lungworm of paediatric concern. Vet Parasitol 2018; 253:8-11. [PMID: 29605009 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The immature immune system of cats in their paediatric age (i.e., first six months of life) favours the establishment of infectious respiratory tract diseases mainly caused by well recognized viruses and bacteria species. Conversely, lungworm infections are less investigated during respiratory disorders in kittens. In the last decade, Troglostrongylus brevior has been found affecting the respiratory tract of cats, along with the better-known Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Given the scant data available on the epidemiology of feline troglostrongylosis, faecal samples from 575 domestic animals living in three Italian municipalities (i.e., Bari, Messina and Siena) were screened for lungworm infection by Baermann and molecular tecniques. Animals were grouped according to their age as ≤6 months (i.e., paediatric patients), 6-24 months, or >24 months. Paediatric cats were further sub-divided in infant (2-6 weeks), weanling (6-12 weeks) and juvenile (3-6 months). Of the 575 animals tested, 241 (42.0%) were younger than 6 months, 188 (33%) were 6-24-month-old and 146 (25%) were older than 24 months. Lungworm infection was diagnosed in 84 (14.6%) of the examined cats. Of the 49 (20.3%) paediatric animals positive for lungworms, T. brevior was the nematode species most frequently diagnosed (n = 44; 89.8%), followed by A. abstrusus (n = 2; 4.1%), and three cats (6.1%) were co-infected by both species. The diagnosis of T. brevior infection was significantly associated with animals aging ≤6 months (18.2%; P < 0.01) than elder cats. Indeed, the prevalence of infection by T. brevior decreased in animals aging 6-24 months (3.2%) being not detected in cats older than two years. Results of this study indicate that paediatric cats are at higher risk of T. brevior infection compared to adults (P < 0.01).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alfonsa Cavalera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Angelo Corsaro
- Clinica Borgo Nuovo, 53034 Colle di val D'Elsa, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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22
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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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23
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Soares C, Cardoso M, Mestre A, Crisi PE. Case report: Severe and progressive bronchopneumonia by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in an adopted stray cat from Portugal. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:976-980. [PMID: 29114129 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most common respiratory parasite of cats. This nematode has a worldwide distribution and is considered an emerging pathogen. Respiratory signs overlap with those of other pathologies, and some agents which co-exist in the same animal may concur in the clinical scenario. Nonetheless, feline verminous bronchopneumonia is underestimated by practitioners and is not commonly included in differential diagnosis in routine practice. The present report describes the clinical presentation of a 6-month old stray cat from central Portugal, which developed respiratory distress. A clinical improvement of lower respiratory signs was achieved after a course of doxycycline and prednisolone course. However, a relapse with a progressive decline in the respiratory functions occurred two weeks later. A further investigation led to the identification of an A. abstrusus infection that was treated with fenbendazole. Ten days after the treatment the cat became negative for A. abstrusus and further analyses performed in the followings 2 months showed improvement of the animal's pulmonary condition and negative results at the faecal examinations. These findings indicate that veterinarians should include aelurostrongylosis in the differential diagnosis of feline respiratory distress even in non-endemic regions and should perform appropriate diagnostics procedures in the presence of compatible signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Soares
- Vetlamaçães, Small Animal Clinic, A. D. João II, no.139 r/c Nogueiró, 4715-303 Braga, Portugal.,Small Animal Clinic de Pereira, Pereira do Campo, 3140-314 Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal
| | - Manuela Cardoso
- Small Animal Clinic de Pereira, Pereira do Campo, 3140-314 Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal
| | - Ana Mestre
- Small Animal Clinic de Pereira, Pereira do Campo, 3140-314 Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal
| | - Paolo Emidio Crisi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, 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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Hawley MM, Johnson LR, Traversa D, Bucy D, Vernau KM, Vernau W. Respiratory distress associated with lungworm infection in a kitten. JFMS Open Rep 2016; 2:2055116916675801. [PMID: 28491442 PMCID: PMC5362839 DOI: 10.1177/2055116916675801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CASE SUMMARY A 5-month-old feral kitten developed worsening respiratory signs, including tachypnea, coughing and wheezing after standard anthelmintic treatment with fenbendazole at a local shelter. The kitten was referred to the University of California, Davis, William R Pritchard Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital for further evaluation. Thoracic radiographs revealed a severe diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern with bronchial cuffing, ill-defined nodules and lymphadenomegaly. Differentials included infectious etiologies such as toxoplasmosis, feline infectious peritonitis and cryptococcosis. Parasitic infection was considered less likely, owing to previous anthelmintic treatment. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed marked neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation, and parasitic larvae were observed in a swab of trachea mucus. PCR confirmed the larvae as Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. The kitten recovered with two more rounds of anthelmintic treatment. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION Parasitic pneumonia should be considered as a cause of respiratory distress in kittens and cats. Lungworm infections have been more commonly reported in free-roaming young and adult cats, but cannot be excluded as a differential diagnosis in cats from varied environments and in kittens. Kittens appear to be especially sensitive to lungworm infections, manifested by the development of more severe clinical signs; thus lungworm infection should always be considered when presented with a kitten in respiratory distress. In the absence of cytologic confirmation of infection via bronchoalveolar lavage or oropharyngeal swab, PCR provides a valuable means for identification of lungworms, such as A abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Hawley
- William R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Donato Traversa
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Dan Bucy
- William R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen M Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Elsheikha HM, Schnyder M, Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Wright I, Lacher DW. Updates on feline aelurostrongylosis and research priorities for the next decade. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:389. [PMID: 27387914 PMCID: PMC4936016 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1671-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline aelurostrongylosis, caused by the metastrongyloid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is an important gastropod-borne parasitic lung disease in cats. Infection with A. abstrusus is widespread globally, but the increasing awareness of this parasite and the advent of more sensitive diagnostics have contributed to the apparent increase in its prevalence and geographic expansion. Clinical features may range in severity from subclinical to life-threatening respiratory disease. Parasitological standard techniques, such as visualization of the nematode first larval stage in faecal and respiratory (bronchial mucus or pleural fluid) samples, remain the mainstays of diagnosis. However, diagnosis is evolving with recent advances in serological and molecular testing, which can improve the time to initiation of effective anthelmintic therapy. Despite numerous anthelmintics that are now available as treatment options, the role of host immunity and lifestyle factors in selecting cats that may benefit from more targeted anthelmintic prophylaxis or treatment practice remains unclear and is likely to guide therapeutic choices as newer data become available. This review summarizes the biology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment options currently available for feline aelurostrongylosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M. Elsheikha
- />School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- />Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zürich, 8057 Switzerland
| | - Donato Traversa
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ian Wright
- />Withy Grove Veterinary Surgery, 39 Station Rd, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6QR UK
| | - David W. Lacher
- />Division of Molecular Biology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD USA
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Di Cesare A, Laiacona F, Iorio R, Marangi M, Menegotto A. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in wild felids of South Africa. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3731-5. [PMID: 27230016 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The increasing interest on respiratory nematodes of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) has recently stimulated several studies on their epidemiology and geographic distribution. At the same time, there are still important gaps in our knowledge of the infections caused by respiratory nematodes in wild felids. The present study investigated the occurrence of pulmonary parasites in wild hosts housed in sanctuaries and protected areas of South Africa. Faecal samples collected from seven species of wild felids living in three study sites were copromicroscopically and genetically examined. Of twenty-one samples six, i.e. three from caracals (Caracal caracal), two from lions (Panthera leo) and one from a serval (Leptailurus serval), scored positive for the metastrongyloid Aelurostrongylus abstrusus at copromicroscopic and/or molecular tests. No other lungworms were recorded. The occurrence of the cosmopolitan cat lungworm A. abstrusus in wild hosts has been so far questioned. Importantly, the present findings represent an unequivocal evidence of the capability of A. abstrusus to infect some species of wild felids. Further studies are warranted to understand the epidemiological patterns of lungworms in wild and domestic felids, and to better investigate the impact of these parasitoses on health and welfare of wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio snc., 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Francesca Laiacona
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio snc., 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Iorio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D'Accio snc., 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121, Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessia Menegotto
- Conservation Global Agency for environmental gain npc, Company # 2010/018132/08, PO Box 2791, Knysna, 6570, Garden Route, South Africa
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