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Orioles M, Fabbri D, Miani G, Pesaro S, Dorigo L, Bregoli M, Saccà E, Tomè P, Beraldo P. Double trouble: Co-infection of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis in golden jackal ( Canis aureus) in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100969. [PMID: 39165606 PMCID: PMC11334653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
This study reports the first co-infection of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis, two nematodes affecting canid cardiopulmonary systems, in golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Italy. Data on golden jackal carcasses, recovered in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) from 2020 to 2023, were recorded using InfoFaunaFVG wildlife monitoring network. Out of 60 necropsied golden jackals, 24 tested positive for either pathogen, with 3 animals displaying co-infection. Pathological findings included verminous pneumonia, abdominal and thoracic bleeding, and adult individuals in the heart and pulmonary arteries. The recent expansion of the golden jackal in northern Italy may favour the establishment and spread of these nematodes, posing challenges for disease containment and surveillance. Given the increasing prevalence of angiostrongylosis and cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in Europe, health monitoring of wild canids is essential to reduce their potential impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Orioles
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Daniele Fabbri
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanna Miani
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Pesaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Luca Dorigo
- Museo Friulano di Storia Naturale, Via C.G. Sabbadini, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Bregoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Elena Saccà
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Paolo Tomè
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Paola Beraldo
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via Sondrio, 33100, Udine, Italy
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Lundsgaard K. Epidemiology of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis infection in dogs in Denmark. J Small Anim Pract 2024. [PMID: 38973253 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the risk factors (age and breed group) associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis infection in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Faecal examinations obtained in dogs from January 2016 to December 2021 as part of routine clinical practice at two veterinary clinics in the Odsherred region of Zealand, Denmark, were included in this study. Faecal samples were analysed using the Baermann technique for nematode detection. Samples were collected from two clinics located in Northwestern Zealand, Denmark. Multinomial regression analysis, quasi-Poisson models and a generalised additive model for linearity were used to analyse the data. RESULTS A total of 2,013 faecal samples were included in the study. Age was a significant risk factor for a positive Baermann, with a negative linear relationship observed (A. vasorum odds ratio: 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 0.91, C. vulpis odds ratio: 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91 to 0.99, both nematodes: odds ratio: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.77 to 0.99). Breed group analysis considering retrievers and flushing and water dog as reference group, demonstrated that sheep- and cattle dogs had a reduced risk of C. vulpis infection (odds ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.24 to 0.97), whereas dachshunds had an increased risk of A. vasorum infection (odds ratio: 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.14 to 9.47). Variations in the number of nematodes was found, with companion and toy dogs exhibiting higher numbers of C. vulpis (incidence rate ratio: 21.40, 95% confidence interval: 2.88 to 159) and sheep- and cattle dogs displaying higher numbers of A. vasorum (incidence rate ratio: 30.20, 95% confidence interval: 7.33 to 125). The prevalence rates of C. vulpis and A. vasorum were estimated at 14.50% (95% confidence interval: 13 to 16.10) and 3.40% (95% confidence interval: 2.70 to 4.30), respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE There are significant risk factors for nematode infection in dogs that can be considered for proper preventive care of this condition.
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Barker EN, Payne JR, Wilson H. Control line failure in Angiostrongylus vasorum point-of-care serology test in dogs with angiostrongylosis due to suspected hook effect. J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:243-250. [PMID: 38438331 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Angiostrongylosis is a significant differential for a diverse range of clinical signs in dogs, many of whom present acutely and sometimes with fatal consequences. Point-of-care diagnostic assays include a commercially available Angiostrongylus vasorum qualitative direct lateral flow assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS Case records from one referral centre from dogs with an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay, comprising an absent control line alongside a visible test line, were reviewed. As control line failure was hypothesised to be due to antigen excess; where available the A. vasorum lateral flow assay was repeated using dilutions of the original serum. RESULTS Six dogs had an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay result. Five dogs had presented with acute-onset, severe clinical disease consistent with angiostrongylosis, and one dog was a clinically healthy in-contact. Clinical suspicion of angiostrongylosis was confirmed using alternative diagnostic testing and/or response to treatment. Repetition of the A. vasorum lateral flow assay, in four cases, using diluted plasma (10% to 12.5% v/v) resulted in the appearance of a control line alongside the visible test line. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE A heavy burden of A. vasorum infection resulting in angiostrongylosis should be suspected in dogs with compatible clinical signs and an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay result due to control failure alongside a visible test line. Repetition of the test with a diluted serum may be considered to account for the hook effect, also known as the postzone phenomenon, as a possible cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- E N Barker
- Langford Vets, Small Animal Referral Hospital, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - J R Payne
- Langford Vets, Small Animal Referral Hospital, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - H Wilson
- Langford Vets, Small Animal Referral Hospital, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK
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Lopes-Torres EJ, de Oliveira Simões R, Mota EM, Thiengo SC. A Structural Analysis of Host-Parasite Interactions in Achatina fulica (Giant African Snail) Infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Pathogens 2023; 13:34. [PMID: 38251341 PMCID: PMC10821159 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010034] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a nematode parasite that resides in the pulmonary arteries of rodents, serving as its definitive hosts. The life cycle involves several species of non-marine gastropods as intermediate hosts, and the African giant snail Achatina fulica is considered one of the most important around the world. Experimental data concerning A. cantonensis infection in the African giant snail remains notably limited. This helminth causes eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans, representing an emergent zoonosis in Brazil. Understanding the host-parasite relationship through the application of new tools is crucial, given the complex interaction between zoonosis and the intricate mechanisms involving wild/human hosts, parasite adaptation, and dispersion. The objective of this study was to employ SEM as a novel methodology to understand the structural organization of the host tissue, particularly the granuloma formation. This sheds light on the complex balance between A. fulica and A. cantonensis. Nine three-month-old snails were randomly selected and exposed for 24 h to a concentration of 2000 L1/dose of A. cantonensis. A necropsy was performed 37 days after the infection, and the samples were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The histopathological results revealed third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis associated with granulomas distributed throughout the head-foot mass, mantle, and kidney. Scanning electron microscopy of the histological section surface showed that the granuloma is surrounded by a cluster of spherical particles, which are distributed in the region bordering the larvae. This reveal details of the nematode structure, demonstrating how this methodology can enhance our understanding of the role of granulomas in molluscan tissue. The structural characteristics of granuloma formation in A. fulica suggest it as an excellent invertebrate host for A. cantonensis. This relationship appears to provide protection to the parasite against the host's immune defense system while isolating the snail's tissue from potential exposure to nematode antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J. Lopes-Torres
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Roberto Lascasas Porto, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Raquel de Oliveira Simões
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil;
| | - Ester M. Mota
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil;
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Oehm AW, Schnyder M. Adult parasite burden and excretion of first-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs: Methodologically relevant diagnostic aspects and associations with serological detection of parasite antigen and specific antibodies. Vet Parasitol 2022; 312:109814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zoia A, Drigo M, Caldin M, Simioni P, Piek CJ. Fibrinolysis in Dogs with Intracavitary Effusion: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192487. [PMID: 36230236 PMCID: PMC9558497 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In blood vessels there is a balance between clot formation and its dissolution. Fibrinolysis normally allows the breakdown of blood clots during the healing of injured blood vessels. This process is mediated by the activation of a blood enzyme (plasmin) which breaks down a meshed protein (fibrin) which holds blood clots at the site of the vessel injury. In some diseases, the activation of plasmin becomes excessive, leading to bleeding tendencies (hyperfibrinolysis). Under normal conditions, abdominal and thoracic cavities are filled with a small amount of fluid deriving from the blood. The results of recent studies have shown that, in dogs, all types of pathologic intracavitary fluids have an increased fibrinolytic activity. This increased fibrinolytic activity is also present in their blood, in some cases reaching a hyperfibrinolytic state. Hyperfibrinolysis and bleeding tendencies have also been documented in cardiopathic dogs with ascites. The latter result is surprising considering that thrombotic events are commonly documented in humans and cats with some cardiac diseases. Abstract Physiologic fibrinolysis is a localized process in which stable fibrin strands are broken down by plasmin in response to thrombosis. Plasmin activation can also take place separately from the coagulation process, resulting in pathologic fibrinolysis. When plasmin activation exceeds the neutralizing capacity of plasmin inhibitors, severe bleeding can potentially take place. Although the processes which regulate coagulation and fibrinolysis in the blood are well known, it is less clear as to what extent the same processes take place in the body cavities and whether they influence systemic hemostasis. The results of the studies herein cited demonstrate that coagulation followed by fibrinogenolytic/fibrinolytic activity takes place in all kinds of canine ascitic and pleural fluids. Moreover, systemic clotting abnormalities suggesting primary fibrinolysis/primary hyperfibrinolysis (i.e., elevated plasma fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products [FDPs] and normal D-dimer concentrations with fibrinogen concentrations ≤ 100 mg/dL or above this cut-off, respectively) occur in dogs with intracavitary effusion. Enhanced fibrinolytic activity in dogs with intracavitary effusion can also be detected using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), although the degree of agreement between ROTEM and FDPs, D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations is poor. Finally, contrary to the thrombotic events commonly documented in some humans and cats with cardiac diseases, bleeding tendencies due to primary fibrinolysis/primary hyperfibrinolysis have been documented in dogs with cardiogenic ascites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zoia
- Division of Internal Medicine, San Marco Veterinary Clinic, Viale dell’Industria 3, 35030 Veggiano, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8561098
| | - Michele Drigo
- Department of Medicina Animale, Produzione e Salute, Padua University, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marco Caldin
- Laboratorio d’Analisi Veterinarie San Marco, Viale dell’Industria 3, Veggiano, 35030 Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Simioni
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua Medical School, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Christine J. Piek
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 8 Heidelberglaan, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Nationwide Seroprevalence Survey of Angiostrongylus vasorum-Derived Antigens and Specific Antibodies in Dogs from Colombia. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081565. [PMID: 36013983 PMCID: PMC9415501 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a cardiopulmonary nematode, causing several clinical manifestations in dogs, e.g., severe respiratory signs, coagulopathy, and gastrointestinal or neurological signs. In the last decades, this parasite has been described to spread and emerge in Europe and North America. Scant studies on A. vasorum occurrence in South America exist. Recently, A. vasorum was detected in gastropod intermediate hosts in Colombia, where data on definitive host prevalence, e.g., dogs and wild canids, are still limited. Therefore, the sera of 955 dogs, varying in age and breed from seven different departments all over Colombia, were collected and analysed for A. vasorum antigens and parasite-specific antibodies by ELISA. In total, 1.05 % (n = 10; 95 % CI 0.40–1.69) of the samples were antigen-positive and 2.62 % (n = 25; 95 % CI 1.61–3.63) were antibody-positive. These results confirm the presence of A. vasorum in Colombia, although positive results in antigen and antibody reactions in the same dog were not detected. This study is the first large-scale survey on A. vasorum seroprevalences in dogs from Colombia.
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Gurltia paralysans: A Neglected Angio-Neurotropic Parasite of Domestic Cats (Felis catus) and Free-Ranging Wild Felids (Leopardus spp.) in South America. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070792. [PMID: 35890036 PMCID: PMC9324590 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gurltia paralysans is a neglected and re-emerging metastrongyloid angio-neurotropic nematode causing severe chronic meningomyelitis in domestic cats (Felis catus) as well as in free-ranging small wild felids such as kodkods (Leopardus guigna), margays (Leopardus wiedii) and the northern tiger cat (Leopardus triginus) in South America. Within these definitive hosts (DH), adult males and females of G. paralysans parasitize the leptomeningeal veins of the subarachnoid space and/or the meningeal veins of spinal cord parenchyma, inducing vascular alterations. Feline gurltiosis has been associated with progressive thrombophlebitis of the meningeal veins, resulting in ambulatory paraparesis, paraplegia, ataxia, hindlimb proprioceptive deficit, uni- or bilateral hyperactive patellar reflexes, faecal and urinary incontinence, and tail paralysis. The complete life cycle of G. paralysans has not been elucidated yet, but most probably involves gastropods as obligate intermediate hosts (IH). In terms of epidemiology, G. paralysans infections in domestic and wild felids are scattered around various South American countries, with hyperendemic areas in southern parts of Chile. Etiological diagnosis of G. paralysans still represents a challenge for clinicians due to a lack of evidence of the excretion of either eggs or larvae in faeces or in other body fluids. Diagnosis is based on clinical neurological signs, imaging findings through computed tomography (CT), myelography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and post mortem examination. Nonetheless, novel diagnostic tools have been developed, including semi-nested PCR for detecting circulating G. paralysans DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid, serum and blood samples as well as in serological diagnostic kits detecting parasite-derived antigens, but these need validation for routine usage. The hypothetical life cycle of G. paralysans is addressed in this article, including the exogenous stages (i.e., eggs, and first- (L1), second- (L2) and third-stage (L3) larvae) and obligate gastropod IH and/or paratenic hosts (PH), and we propose possible anatomical migration routes of infective L3 that reach the leptomeningeal veins in vivo. Finally, the pro-inflammatory endothelium- and leukocyte-derived innate immune reactions of the host against G. paralysans, which most likely result in thrombophlebitis and meningomyelitis, are briefly touched on.
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