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Rojas A, Germitsch N, Oren S, Sazmand A, Deak G. Wildlife parasitology: sample collection and processing, diagnostic constraints, and methodological challenges in terrestrial carnivores. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:127. [PMID: 38481271 PMCID: PMC10938792 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Wild terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role as reservoir, maintenance, and spillover hosts for a wide parasite variety. They may harbor, shed, and transmit zoonotic parasites and parasites of veterinary importance for domestic hosts. Although wild carnivores are globally distributed and comprise many different species, some living in close proximity to human settlements, only a few studies have investigated parasites of wild terrestrial carnivores using non-specific techniques. Access to samples of wild carnivores may be challenging as some species are protected, and others are secretive, possibly explaining the data paucity. Considering the importance of wild carnivores' health and ecological role, combined with the lack of specific diagnostic methodologies, this review aims to offer an overview of the diagnostic methods for parasite investigation in wild terrestrial carnivores, providing the precise techniques for collection and analysis of fecal, blood, and tissue samples, the environmental impact on said samples, and the limitations researchers currently face in analyzing samples of wild terrestrial carnivores. In addition, this paper offers some crucial information on how different environmental factors affect parasite detection postmortem and how insects can be used to estimate the time of death with a specific highlight on insect larvae. The paper contains a literature review of available procedures and emphasizes the need for diagnostic method standardization in wild terrestrial carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Nina Germitsch
- Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada.
| | - Stephanie Oren
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Arcenillas-Hernández I, de Ybáñez MRR, Martínez-Carrasco C. What is the sensitivity and exactness of post-mortem diagnostic method for cardiopulmonary nematodes in wild carnivores? towards the gold standard. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1369-1378. [PMID: 36918466 PMCID: PMC10485123 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes cause health and fitness disorders in wild and domestic carnivores. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) participates in the spread of these shared parasites at the domestic-wildlife interface. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of post-mortem diagnostic method for detecting lungworms in carnivores, and its exactness to estimate the parasite intensity of each nematode species. Cardiorespiratory system of fifty-one foxes were examined through three consecutively methodological steps: first, the tracheobronchial tree, pulmonary arteries and their branches were opened (OT); next, lung parenchyma was immersed in water and squeezed (WS); finally, the parenchyma was artificially digested in a pepsin and chlorhydric acid solution (AD). Eucoleus aerophilus, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis and Metathelazia capsulata were identified. The number of recovered nematodes in each step were 454 (OT), 285 (WS) and 141 (AD). The use of OT and WS helped to improve parasite intensity results and decreased false negative cases. Accordingly, when OT and WS were used together, the sensitivity in the detection of parasitized foxes was 96.1%, while the exactness of parasite intensity was 84%. When AD was performed, although sensitivity does not rise, results were more exact, increasing the total number of detected parasites by 16%. Moreover, AD improved the sensitivity in the detection of A. vasorum and M. capsulata, as well as quantifying more exactly the parasite intensity (92.5% and 92.3% of exactness without AD, respectively). Our study provides valuable information that should be taken into account when planning epidemiological studies based on cardiopulmonary nematode detection in carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Arcenillas-Hernández
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare, Nostrum" Universidad de Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, España
| | - M R Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare, Nostrum" Universidad de Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, España.
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare, Nostrum" Universidad de Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, España
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Cowie RH, Malik R, Morgan ER. Comparative biology of parasitic nematodes in the genus Angiostrongylus and related genera. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 121:65-197. [PMID: 37474239 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The rise to prominence of some Angiostrongylus species through associated emerging disease in humans and dogs has stimulated calls for a renewed focus on the biology of this genus and three related genera. Although significant research efforts have been made in recent years these have tended to focus on individual species and specific aspects such as diagnosis and treatment of disease or new records of occurrence and hosts. This comprehensive review takes a comparative approach, seeking commonalities and differences among species and asking such questions as: Which species belong to this and to closely related genera and how are they related? Why do only some species appear to be spreading geographically and what factors might underlie range expansion? Which animal species are involved in the life cycles as definitive, intermediate, paratenic and accidental hosts? How do parasite larvae find, infect and develop within these hosts? What are the consequences of infection for host health? How will climate change affect future spread and global health? Appreciating how species resemble and differ from each other shines a spotlight on knowledge gaps and provides provisional guidance on key species characteristics warranting detailed study. Similarities exist among species, including the basic life cycle and transmission processes, but important details such as host range, climatic requirements, migration patterns within hosts and disease mechanisms differ, with much more information available for A. cantonensis and A. vasorum than for other species. Nonetheless, comparison across Angiostrongylus reveals some common patterns. Historically narrow definitive host ranges are expanding with new knowledge, combining with very broad ranges of intermediate gastropod hosts and vertebrate and invertebrate paratenic and accidental hosts to provide the backdrop to complex interactions among climate, ecology and transmission that remain only partly understood, even for the species of dominant concern. Key outstanding questions concern larval dynamics and the potential for transmission outside trophic relations, relations between infection and disease severity in different hosts, and how global change is altering transmission beyond immediate impacts on development rate in gastropods. The concept of encounter and compatibility filters could help to explain differences in the relative importance of different gastropod species as intermediate hosts and determine the importance of host community composition and related environmental factors to transmission and range. Across the group, it remains unclear what, physiologically, immunologically or taxonomically, delimits definitive, accidental and paratenic hosts. Impacts of infection on definitive host fitness and consequences for population dynamics and transmission remain mostly unexplored across the genus. Continual updating and cross-referencing across species of Angiostrongylus and related genera is important to synthesise rapid advances in understanding of key traits and behaviours, especially in important Angiostrongylus species that are emerging causative agents of disease in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Maile Way, Gilmore, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
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Estévez-Sánchez E, Checa R, Montoya A, Barrera JP, López-Beceiro AM, Fidalgo LE, Miró G. A High Prevalence of Cardiopulmonary Worms Detected in the Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus): A Threat for Wild and Domestic Canids. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172289. [PMID: 36078008 PMCID: PMC9454501 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172289] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is a recognized reservoir of some zoonotic parasites that cause diseases transmissible to domestic animals and/or humans. The objective of this study was to determine the diversity of species of cardiopulmonary nematode parasites that affect wolves in northwestern Spain, and to estimate their prevalence and the relationship between these parasites and various epidemiological variables. The cardiopulmonary systems of 57 wolves from Galicia were examined using dissection and cup sedimentation techniques, and the collected worms were then morphologically identified. The overall prevalence of infection by cardiopulmonary nematodes was 24.5%, and the parasite species identified were Angiostrongylus vasorum (19.3%), Crenosoma vulpis (7%) and Eucoleus aerophilus (3.5%). The latter is of zoonotic interest. A significant relationship was found between age and C. vulpis infection, which was only found in animals under one year of age. Our findings indicate that the Iberian wolf could play an important role in maintaining cardiopulmonary parasites in the wild, and they highlight a need to identify potential risks for veterinary and public health. Abstract Cardiopulmonary nematodes are highly pathogenic parasites affecting domestic and wild canids. As the result of conservation programs, the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) population has recently expanded, and its distribution range covers lands from where it had long disappeared. However, the exact epidemiological role of the wolf in the life cycle of zoonotic parasites causing diseases transmissible to pets and/or humans is largely unknown. This study sought to determine the diversity of cardiopulmonary nematode parasite species that affect wolves inhabiting northwestern areas of the Iberian Peninsula, and to estimate their prevalence and the relationship between these parasites and several epidemiological variables. For this purpose, we examined the cardiopulmonary systems of 57 wolves from Galicia (from the provinces A Coruña n = 15, Lugo n = 21, Ourense n =15 and Pontevedra n = 6) using techniques of dissection and cup sedimentation. Collected worms were then identified under a light microscope according to their morphological features. Three species of nematodes were detected: Angiostrongylus vasorum (the “French-heartworm”), Crenosoma vulpis and Eucoleus aerophilus, the latter being of zoonotic interest. The prevalence was 24.5% (14/57; 95% CI 13.3–35.6%) overall, 19.3% for A. vasorum (11/57; 95% CI 8.8–29.2%), 7% for C. vulpis (4/57; 95% CI 0.4–13.6%) and 3.5% for E. aerophilus (2/57; CI −1.1–9.1%). A significant relationship (p = 0.002) was found between age and the presence of C. vulpis, which was only found in juvenile animals. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of A. vasorum and/or C. vulpis was observed in wolves with a lower body condition score (40% and 20%, respectively), though the difference was not significant (p = 0.221 and p = 0.444, respectively). Our findings indicate a high “French-heartworm” and lungworm burden in the wolf population of northern Spain, and they identify a need for studies designed to elucidate the epidemiological role played by the Iberian wolf and to identify possible risks for veterinary and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrén Estévez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Barrera
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana María López-Beceiro
- Departamento de Anatomía, Producción Animal y Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Terra, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Departamento de Anatomía, Producción Animal y Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Terra, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: author: ; Tel.: +34-913943711
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Remesar S, García‐Dios D, Calabuig N, Prieto A, Díaz‐Cao JM, López‐Lorenzo G, López C, Fernández G, Morrondo P, Panadero R, Díaz P. Cardiorespiratory nematodes and co-infections with gastrointestinal parasites in new arrivals at dog and cat shelters in north-western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3141-e3153. [PMID: 35880814 PMCID: PMC9804432 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastrongyloid and trichuroid cardiorespiratory nematodes of dogs and cats are considered emergent in several European countries, and an increase in the number and extent of endemic foci has been described. Since data on their prevalence are limited in this continent, faecal samples from new arrivals (365 dogs and 65 cats) at two animal shelters in North-western Spain were analysed using both floatation and Baermann techniques. In order to confirm the microscopic identification of Metastrongylidae first stage larvae, molecular characterization based on the sequence of the ITS-2 was performed. The possible influence of some variables such as the species, sex and age of the animals and the co-infection with other gastrointestinal parasites on the prevalence of cardiorespiratory nematodes was analysed. The most prevalent metastrongylid was Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (15.4%) followed by Angiostrongylus vasorum (4.1%) and Crenosoma vulpis (1.1%). Regarding trichuroids, Eucoleus aerophilus and/or Eucoleus boehmi eggs were detected in 28 dogs (7.7%) and four cats (6.2%). Almost all animals positive to cardiorespiratory nematodes (86.8%) were co-infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The prevalence of Metastrongylidae and respiratory trichuroids was significantly higher in dogs co-infected with Taenia spp. and Toxocara canis or Giardia duodenalis and Sarcocystis spp., respectively. In cats, a significant higher prevalence of Metastrongylidae nematodes was found in animals co-infected with Toxocara cati. Our results reveal that cardiorespiratory nematodes are common in companion animals from north-western Spain, showing higher prevalences than those previously reported from this country. This investigation represents the first report of C. vulpis, E. aerophilus and E. boehmi in dogs from Spain. The identification of a number of zoonotic parasites is of public health concern. Our results indicate that these nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs and cats from north-western Spain showing respiratory or cardiac clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Remesar
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - David García‐Dios
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Néstor Calabuig
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Jose Manuel Díaz‐Cao
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Gonzalo López‐Lorenzo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Ceferino López
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
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Galietta V, Eleni C, Raso C, Cocumelli C, Friedrich KG, Di Cerbo P, Iurescia M, Diaconu EL, Alba P, De Liberato C. Systemic Infection by Angiostrongylus vasorum in a Fennec (Vulpeszerda) in an Italian Zoological Garden. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090965. [PMID: 36145397 PMCID: PMC9505467 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090965] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reported a case of a metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a fennec (Vulpes zerda) kept in a zoo in central Italy. The fennec had shown paralysis of the hind limbs, anorexia, weakness and respiratory signs before death. Cardiomegaly and granulomatous pneumonia were the major anatomopathological findings. Inflammatory lesions associated with parasitic larvae were observed in the lungs, brain, liver, heart, spinal cord and kidney of the fennec at histology. A. vasorum diagnosis was confirmed by both morphological and molecular identification of adult worms recovered at necropsy. Fennecs are active predators and maintain their hunting behaviour in captivity. Hence, it is likely that the animal was exposed to infection by preying on parasitised gastropods, intermediate hosts of A. vasorum, entering zoo enclosures from the surrounding environment. This is the first report of A. vasorum systemic infection in a captive fennec (V. zerda) in a zoo in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Galietta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0679099468
| | - Claudia Eleni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Raso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pilar Di Cerbo
- Fondazione Bioparco, Viale del Giardino Zoologico 20, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Iurescia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena L. Diaconu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Alba
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Höche J, House RV, Heinrich A, Schliephake A, Albrecht K, Pfeffer M, Ellenberger C. Pathogen Screening for Possible Causes of Meningitis/Encephalitis in Wild Carnivores From Saxony-Anhalt. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:826355. [PMID: 35464387 PMCID: PMC9021439 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.826355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation in meninges and/or brain is regularly noticed in red foxes and other wild carnivores during rabies control programs. Despite negative rabies virus (RABV) results, the etiologies of these cases remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide an overview of the occurrence of pathogens that may cause diseases in the brains of wild carnivores and pose a risk to humans and other animals. In addition to RABV and canine distemper virus (CDV), a variety of pathogens, including members of Flaviviridae, Bornaviridae, Herpesviridae, Circoviridae, as well as bacteria and parasites can also cause brain lesions. In 2016 and 2017, brain samples of 1,124 wild carnivores were examined by direct fluorescent antibody test for RABV as well as (reverse-transcriptase) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of CDV as part of a monitoring program in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Here, we applied similar methods to specifically detect suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1), West Nile virus (WNV), Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), canid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1), canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), fox circovirus (FoxCV), and Neospora caninum (N. caninum). Further, bacteriogical examination for the existence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and immunohistochemistry of selected cases to detect Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antigen were performed. Of all pathogens studied, CDV was found most frequently (31.05%), followed by FoxCV (6.80%), CPV-2 (6.41%), T. gondii (4/15; 26.67%), nematode larvae (1.51%), L. monocytogenes (0.3%), and various other bacterial pathogens (1.42%). In 68 of these cases (6.05%), multiple pathogen combinations were present simultaneously. However, RABV, WNV, BoDV-1, SuHV-1, CaHV-1, and N. caninum were not detected. The majority of the histopathological changes in 440 animals were inflammation (320/440; 72.73%), predominantly non-suppurative in character (280/320; 87.50%), and in many cases in combination with gliosis, satellitosis, neuronophagia, neuronal necrosis, and/or vacuolization/demyelination, or in single cases with malacia. Thus, it could be shown that wild carnivores in Saxony-Anhalt are carriers mainly for CDV and sometimes also for other, partly zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, the existing monitoring program should be expanded to assess the spill-over risk from wild carnivores to humans and other animals and to demonstrate the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of these zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Höche
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, State Office for Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jennifer Höche
| | - Robert Valerio House
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, State Office for Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal, Germany
| | - Anja Heinrich
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, State Office for Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal, Germany
| | - Annette Schliephake
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, State Office for Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal, Germany
| | - Kerstin Albrecht
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, State Office for Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Centre of Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christin Ellenberger
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, State Office for Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt, Stendal, Germany
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8
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Tieri EE, Saletti MA, D'Angelo AR, Parisciani G, Pelini S, Cocco A, Di Teodoro G, Di Censo E, D'Alterio N, Latrofa MS, Otranto D, Pascucci I. Angiostrongylus vasorum in foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) and wolves ( Canis lupus italicus) from Abruzzo region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 15:184-194. [PMID: 34136344 PMCID: PMC8182381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In Europe wildlife animals such as the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are considered the main reservoir for Angiostrongylus vasorum as well as a potential threat for domestic dog infection. Though this parasite is endemic in fox populations, data on A. vasorum infection in wolves (Canis lupus italicus) are still scant, having only recently been described in Northwestern Spain, in Italy, in Croatia and in Slovakia. Based on the rising number of cases of canine lungworm infection in Central Italy (Abruzzo region), the aim of the present study was to investigate the infection by A. vasorum in fox and wolf populations sharing the same geographical area of dogs. From October 2008 to November 2019, A. vasorum specimens were collected, through routine post-mortem examination, from 56 carcasses (44 foxes and 12 wolves). Adult parasites were searched for in the right side of the heart and in pulmonary artery of all carcasses. First stage of larvae (L1) was searched in faeces using the Baermann technique and in lungs by tissue impressions. Overall, 230 adult specimens were collected and identified on a morphological basis. To confirm the morphological identification, 4 adult specimens (n = 3 from fox, n = 1 from wolf) were molecularly identified as A. vasorum by amplification of partial fragment of nuclear 18S rRNA (~1700 bp) genes. The anatomo-pathological and parasitological examinations indicated the presence of A. vasorum in 33 foxes (75%) and in 8 wolves (66.7%). The level of prevalence of infested wolves was higher than the previous one reported in other European countries. Interestingly, the prevalence of infection in foxes herein recorded was higher than that described in dogs (8.9%) living in the same geographical area. This result may confirm the hypothesis that the spread of canine angiostrongylosis is linked to fox populations infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elga Ersilia Tieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Maria Antonietta Saletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita D'Angelo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Parisciani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Sandro Pelini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonio Cocco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Teodoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Erica Di Censo
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Pescara, via Renato Paolini 47, 65124, Pescara, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Strada Provinciale per Casamassina Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA), Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Strada Provinciale per Casamassina Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA), Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, District 2, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Ilaria Pascucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM), Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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9
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Kotwa JD, Schnyder M, Jardine CM, Deplazes P, Pearl DL, Berke O, Mercer N, Peregrine AS. Investigation of the occurrence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in coyotes in southern Ontario, Canada. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:664-669. [PMID: 33890522 PMCID: PMC8225693 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211011990] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In North America, the only endemic focus for Angiostrongylus
vasorum (French heartworm) was historically thought to occur in the
southeastern part of the island of Newfoundland. However, reports of A.
vasorum infection in wild canids in West Virginia, USA, and Nova
Scotia, Canada, suggest the introduction of the parasite to mainland North
America. We screened for A. vasorum in coyotes from across
southern Ontario. Additionally, we evaluated the performance of ELISAs for
detection of circulating A. vasorum antigen (Ag-ELISA) and
antibodies against A. vasorum (Ab-ELISA) designed for use in
sera or blood of foxes for use with coyotes in this region. Autopsies were
performed on 397 coyotes, and lung tissue extract prepared from each carcass was
tested via both ELISAs. The sensitivity and specificity for both tests were
estimated in the absence of a gold standard using a 2-test single population
Bayesian model; sensitivity and specificity priors were based on the performance
of the assays in foxes in Switzerland. Eight coyotes tested positive for
A. vasorum antigen; no animal was antibody positive. The
estimated sensitivity and specificity of the Ag-ELISA were 90.8% (95% credible
interval [CrI]: 83.8–95.6%) and 95.5% (95% CrI: 93.4–97.2%), respectively. For
the Ab-ELISA, the estimated sensitivity and specificity were 41.9% (95% CrI:
32.1–51.9%) and 98.0% (95% CrI: 96.3–99.0%), respectively. Based on these
findings and negative postmortem data for the same animals, there is
insufficient evidence to suggest the presence of A. vasorum in
southern Ontario coyotes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Departments of Pathobiology, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - David L Pearl
- Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olaf Berke
- Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicola Mercer
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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10
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De Zan G, Citterio CV, Danesi P, Gaspardis G, Gabassi E, Panciera L, Zanardello C, Binato G, Cocchi M. Angiostrongylosis in northeastern Italy: First report of two autochthonous fatal cases in dogs and first detection in a wild red fox. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 23:100505. [PMID: 33678362 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Canine angiostrongylosis is an emergent cardio-pulmonary gastropod-borne helminthic infection caused by the metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum. Clinically, it is characterized by a wide spectrum of non-specific signs and the red fox serves as the most important reservoir for dog infections. In Italy, this disease has been well documented both in northwestern and central-southern regions, whereas it is apparently poorly recognized in the northeastern area of the country. This report describes the diagnostic findings of two autochthonous cases of fatal canine angiostrongylosis and of one case in a wild red fox detected in northeastern Italy. Reporting cases is relevant to clinicians in order to increase their awareness for the prompt diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening disease that may go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrita De Zan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, SCT4 - UD, Via della Roggia 100, 33030 Basaldella di Campoformido (UD), Italy.
| | - Carlo Vittorio Citterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, SCT2 - BL, Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno (BL), Italy.
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, SCS3, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Gloria Gaspardis
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Dr. Gaspardis, Via Gaspardis 2, 33040 Visco (UD), Italy.
| | - Enrico Gabassi
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Dr. Gaspardis, Via Gaspardis 2, 33040 Visco (UD), Italy.
| | - Leonardo Panciera
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Dr. Leonardo Panciera, Via La Cal 99/103, 32020 Limana (BL), Italy.
| | - Claudia Zanardello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, SCS3, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Giovanni Binato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, SCS2, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Monia Cocchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, SCT4 - UD, Via della Roggia 100, 33030 Basaldella di Campoformido (UD), Italy.
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11
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Tayyrov A, Schnetzler M, Gillis-Germitsch N, Schnyder M. Genetic diversity of the cardiopulmonary canid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum within and between rural and urban fox populations. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 87:104618. [PMID: 33188914 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging parasitic cardiopulmonary nematode of dogs, foxes, and other canids. In dogs, the infection causes respiratory and bleeding disorders along with other clinical signs collectively known as canine angiostrongylosis, while foxes represent an important wildlife reservoir. Despite the spread of A. vasorum across various countries in Europe and the Americas, little is known about the genetic diversity of A. vasorum populations at a local level in a highly endemic area. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the genetic diversity of 323 adult A. vasorum nematodes from 64 foxes living in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Among those, 279 worms isolated from 20 foxes were analyzed separately to investigate the genetic diversity of multiple worms within individual foxes. Part of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene was amplified and sequenced. Overall, 16 mitochondrial haplotypes were identified. The analysis of multiple worms per host revealed 12 haplotypes, with up to 5 different haplotypes in single individuals. Higher haplotype diversity (n = 10) of nematodes from foxes of urban areas than in rural areas (n = 7) was observed, with 5 shared haplotypes. Comparing our data with published GenBank sequences, five haplotypes were found to be unique within the Zurich nematode population. Interestingly, A. vasorum nematodes obtained from foxes in London and Zurich shared the same dominating haplotype. Further studies are needed to clarify if this haplotype has a different pathogenicity that may contribute to its dominance. Our findings show the importance of foxes as a reservoir for genetic parasite recombination and indicate that high fox population densities in urban areas with small and overlapping home ranges allow multiple infection events that lead to high genetic variability of A. vasorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annageldi Tayyrov
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michèle Schnetzler
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nina Gillis-Germitsch
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Carretón E, Morchón R, Falcón-Cordón Y, Matos J, Costa-Rodríguez N, Montoya-Alonso JA. First epidemiological survey of Angiostrongylus vasorum in domestic dogs from Spain. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:306. [PMID: 32532325 PMCID: PMC7291642 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04180-5] [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: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus vasorum is the causative agent of canine angiostrongylosis, a disease that mainly affects domestic dogs and other wild carnivores. In Europe, the number of infected individuals is increasing, being located in central and southern countries. In Spain, several studies have reported high prevalence of A. vasorum in wild animals. However, there are no studies addressing the current situation of the disease or its distribution in domestic dogs, and reports from veterinary personnel are very limited. Considering these facts, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of A. vasorum in different areas of Spain. Methods Between November 2018 and October 2019, blood was sampled from a total of 2024 domestic dogs from six zones of Spain with a climate that favours the establishment of the disease, where all dogs included in the study lived outdoors or had regular access to areas with vegetation and none had travelled outside the study area of interest in the past year. Details about their sex and age were collected. All dogs were tested for the presence of A. vasorum circulating antigens using Angio DetectTM. Results The overall prevalence of canine angiostrongylosis in the studied areas of Spain was 1.73%. No differences in overall prevalence were found between males and females, neither between age groups. Regarding eco-epidemiological areas, the highest prevalence was recorded in the zones located in the north and northwest of Spain (1.86–2.74%), which correspond to the wetter climates and most abundant vegetation, and the lowest prevalence was detected in the zones located in the center and west of Spain (0.93–0.99%). Conclusions Our data suggest that angiostrongylosis is present in Spain in domestic dogs where previously infected wild animals existed or where climatic conditions are favourable for the establishment of the disease.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. .,Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno s/n, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José A Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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13
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Di Francesco CE, Smoglica C, Paoletti B, Angelucci S, Innocenti M, Antonucci A, Di Domenico G, Marsilio F. Detection of selected pathogens in Apennine wolf ( Canis lupus italicus) by a non-invasive GPS-based telemetry sampling of two packs from Majella National Park, Italy. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019; 65:84. [PMID: 32214950 PMCID: PMC7088344 DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a multi-pathogens survey was conducted to verify the sanitary status of two Italian wolf packs of Majella National Park. Twenty fecal samples (10/pack) were collected using a sampling protocol, based on the combining data from radio-collared wolves with geographic information system (GIS) analysis, allowing to mark off the home range of packs and to recover group-specific and high-quality specimens. Virological screening against the most prevalent canine viruses (protoparvovirus, distemper virus, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses) was carried out by molecular methods, while parasites were detected by means of copromicroscopic and molecular analysis. Canine parvovirus type 2b (CPV-2b) is the most prevalent virus in both packs (7/20), followed by canine adenovirus type 2 (CAdV-2), while no sequences of canine distemper virus and coronaviruses were detected. The sequence analysis of the viruses demonstrated the domestic origin of the infection, highlighting the importance of vaccination of local dogs in order to reduce the risk of exposure of wildlife to these pathogens. Fourteen samples resulted positive for parasites. Capillaria aerophila (sin. Eucoleus aerophilus), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria, Trichuris vulpis eggs, Sarcocystis spp., Cystoisospora canis, and Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae were identified. Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (ovine genotype G1) and Giardia duodenalis(canid-specific Assemblage C) were also characterized, providing insights into the wolves' diet and their effects on environmental contamination. The sampling protocol applied in this study, based on a multidisciplinary approach, represents an innovative tool for the survey of Apennine wolf, able to integrate sanitary data with the ecological and demographic features of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina E Di Francesco
- 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Camilla Smoglica
- 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Paoletti
- 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Fulvio Marsilio
- 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano D'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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14
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Prevalence of zoonotic parasites in an endangered Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) population in Portugal. Mamm Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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15
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Martínez-Rondán FJ, Ruiz de Ybáñez MR, López-Beceiro AM, Fidalgo LE, Berriatua E, Lahat L, Sacristán I, Oleaga Á, Martínez-Carrasco C. Cardiopulmonary nematode infections in wild canids: Does the key lie on host-prey-parasite evolution? Res Vet Sci 2019; 126:51-58. [PMID: 31437776 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes are among the most pathogenic parasites of domestic and wild canids. The aim of this study was to describe the species diversity, prevalence and infection intensity of these parasites in the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. 257 foxes and 74 wolves were necropsied between 2008 and 2014. Four nematode species were identified: Angiostrongylus vasorum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Crenosoma vulpis and Filaroides hirthi. This last species was only found in wolves, being the first time that is cited worldwide in this wild canid. The overall parasite prevalence was significantly higher in foxes (70%) than in wolves (28%). Specifically, prevalences in foxes and wolves were, respectively, 43% and 22% for A. vasorum, 33% and 5% for E. aerophilus, and 30% and 9% for C. vulpis. The prevalence of F. hirthi was 16%. The A. vasorum intensity was significantly higher in foxes than in wolves. Differences between host species in the risk of infection would be associated to diverging feeding behavior, and possibly reflects a parasite-host adaptation related to host's hunting strategies and cardiorespiratory requirements. This study revealed an association between infection and environmental factors, and highlighted a wide variation in the spatial distribution of A. vasorum. Our results indicate that cardiopulmonary parasites are widespread in wild canids in northwest Spain, and further agrees with other studies indicating the expansion of A. vasorum in Europe and, therefore, the urgent need to investigate infection in dogs in sympatric areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José Martínez-Rondán
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rocío Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Ana María López-Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Liron Lahat
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Irene Sacristán
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- SERPA, Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A., 33203 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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16
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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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