Fatal Patent Troglostrongylosis In A Litter of Kittens.

Parasitic nematodes affecting the respiratory system of cats are gaining much attention in the scientific community and new knowledge has recently been acquired on their epizootiology, biology, and clinical aspects. In particular, in the past few years different studies have indicated that the metastrongyloid lungworm Troglostrongylus brevior can be vertically transmitted in cats, although information on its basic biology is still poor. The present paper describes a case of troglostrongylosis in a litter of 3 suckling kittens, with a focus on anatomo-pathological and biological features of the infection in 2 of these 3 animals. The third kitten survived the infection and clinical and therapeutic aspects are presented. New insights into the transmission and biology of T. brevior are discussed along with potential strategies for an efficacious treatment and control of this life-threatening parasitosis of cats.

Risk factors for human heartworm infections (dirofilariasis) in the South.

Human pulmonary dirofilariasis (HPD) is caused by the transmission of infective third stage larvae of the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, during blood-feeding by several species of infected mosquitoes. Since humans are incidental hosts and cannot support the parasite's life cycle, infective larvae die after migrating to the pulmonary vascular bed, where an initial subclinical inflammatory reaction is typically followed by a single pulmonary granuloma. The resulting nodular granuloma is described radiographically as a "coin lesion" that resembles a neoplastic lesion, which must be ruled out by invasive lung biopsy. Since HPD cases have been reported mainly from regions with high canine heartworm prevalence, such as the southern United States (US), the objectives of this review were (1) to describe the microbiology of the parasite; (2) to resolve any misconceptions regarding the pathophysiology and outcomes of canine versus human heartworm infections; (3) to describe the prevalence and parasite burden of canine dirofilariasis in the South compared to other areas; (4) to describe the prevalence of HPD in the South; (5) to identify the most important species of mosquito vectors of dirofilariasis based on seroprevalence rates of infection and transmission efficiency; (6) to identify the key risk factors for HPD in the South; and (7) to recommend new strategies for the diagnosis, management, control, and prevention of HPD. Future investigations should focus on targeting specific mosquito species for improved vector control of D. immitis transmission and on developing new immunologic and molecular methods for diagnosing HPD and eliminating the need for invasive diagnostics for differential diagnosis of innocuous, parasitic "coin lesions".

Lophomonas blattarum and bronchopulmonary disease.

The natural habitat of the multiflagellate protozoon Lophomonas blattarum is as an endocommensal in the hindgut of insects such as cockroaches. However, it also causes bronchopulmonary disease in humans. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on this organism in the context of respiratory disease. The biology epidemiology, route of transmission, pathogenic mechanisms and diagnosis methods are also described. A total of 61 cases were identified in the literature. The majority of these reports were from China, with some cases from Peru and Spain. Most cases were adult males, although paediatric cases were reported in Peru. Clinical presentation was non-specific, including symptoms such as fever, cough and breathless. Antiprotozoal therapy was generally effective.

Evidence for direct transmission of the cat lungworm Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae).

Metastrongyloids of cats are emerging pathogens that may cause fatal broncho-pulmonary disease. Infestation of definitive hosts occurs after ingestion of intermediate or paratenic hosts. Among metastrongyloids of cats, Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) have recently been described as agents of severe broncho-pulmonary disease. Here, we provide, for the first time, observational evidence suggesting the direct transmission of T. brevior from queen cat to suckling kittens. This new knowledge will have a significant impact on current scientific information of this parasite and shed new light into the biology and epidemiology of metastrongyloid nematodes.

Trematode infections: liver and lung flukes.

Food-borne trematodiases are an emerging public health problem in Southeast Asia and Latin America and of growing importance for travel clinics in Europe and North America. The disease is caused by chronic infections with liver, lung, and intestinal flukes. This article focuses on the most important liver and lung flukes that parasitize man, namely Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola gigantica, Fasciola hepatica, Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, and Paragonimus spp. The article describes the epidemiology of major liver and lung fluke infections, including current distribution, burden, life cycle, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and current tools for prevention, treatment, and control.

Canine pulmonary angiostrongylosis: the influence of climate on parasite distribution.

The geographic range of Angiostrongylus vasorum is expanding, leading to increased disease. Although observed cases of canine pulmonary angiostrongylosis have been dutifully reported in the literature, the state of biological knowledge remains too poor to predict future patterns of spread with any confidence. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to identify areas that are likely to be suitable for parasite establishment. Preliminary attempts to do this using a climatic envelope approach suggest that several new areas are open to colonisation, even without invoking climate change. The risk of parasite importation into these areas should be mitigated, e.g. by restricting movement of dogs unless tested or treated for A. vasorum, and monitored by focused surveillance of definitive and intermediate hosts. These efforts will benefit from newly developed diagnostic tests.

Pulmonary toxocariasis masquerading as metastatic tumor nodules in a child with osteosarcoma.

A 14-year-old male, who completed chemotherapy following limb salvage surgery for osteosarcoma approximately 2 years ago, was seen for routine follow-up. A CT scan revealed new scattered multifocal nodular lesions. An ultrasonography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy was done to confirm pulmonary metastasis of the underlying osteosarcoma. The lung biopsy showed findings of eosinophilic pneumonia with no evidence of malignancy. Peripheral eosinophilia was also noted. When a more thorough history revealed frequent intake of raw cow liver, we diagnosed pulmonary toxocariasis by ELISA for specific serum IgG antibody.

Transmission of lungworms (Muellerius capillaris) from domestic goats to bighorn sheep on common pasture.

Four domestic goats (Capra hircus) that were passing first-stage dorsal-spined larvae of Muellerius capillaris were copastured on a 0.82-ha pasture for 11 mo from May 2003 to April 2004 with seven Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) that were not passing dorsal-spined larvae. During the 11-mo experiment, two bighorn sheep died from pneumonia caused by Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica biotype A, serotype 2. The remaining five bighorn sheep and the four domestic goats remained healthy throughout the experiment. Muellerius larvae were detected from all domestic goats on a monthly basis throughout the experiment and were first detected from all five surviving bighorn sheep approximately 5 mo after the copasturing began. Once the bighorn sheep began passing Muellerius larvae, larvae were detected in low numbers from all bighorn sheep every month thereafter for the 6 mo the goats were still in the enclosure and continued to pass larvae for more than 3 yr after the goats were removed from the experiment. Six bighorn sheep in two similar enclosures that did not contain goats did not pass Muellerius larvae before, during, or after the experimental period. Results of this experiment indicate that M. capillaris from domestic goats is capable of infecting bighorn sheep when animals are copastured together on a common range.

[Focus of canine heartworm disease in Marajó Island, North of Brazil: A risk factor for human health]. / Focos de dirofilariose canina na Ilha do Marajó: um fator de risco para a saúde humana.

The occurrence of human pulmonary dirofilariasis maintains a relation with the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in the canine population. Several mosquito species are vectors of this nematode. Canine blood samples collected in Pingo d'Agua and União villages, Salvaterra municipality (Marajó Island, Pará), in June, 2004 (n = 34) and April, 2005 (N = 90) were analyzed. Parasitological and immunological (ELISA--kit SNAP(R) 3DX Biobrasil) diagnoses were compared following the examination of 34 samples. The prevalence in the population (N = 90) was evaluated by means of ELISA. ELISA revealed more positive samples (25/34; 73.5%) than thick smears (23/34, 67.6%) or Knott (21/34, 61.8%), but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). The frequency of D. immitis infection was 58% in dogs ranging from 0-2 years old, whereas in older dogs it was 100%. The prevalence of canine dirofilariasis was high in Pingo d'Agua and Vila União (53.5%), indicating the risk of parasite transmission to the people in this area.

Focos de dirofilariose canina na Ilha do Marajó: um fator de risco para a saúde humana / Focus of canine heartworm disease in Marajó Island, North of Brazil: a risk factor for human health

A ocorrência de dirofilariose pulmonar humana relaciona-se com a prevalência de infecção por Dirofilaria immitis na população canina. Várias espécies de mosquitos são vetores desse nematóide. Analisaram-se amostras de sangue canino coletados nas vilas Pingo d'Agua e União, município de Salvaterra (Ilha do Marajó, PA), em junho, 2004 (n=34) e abril, 2005 (N=90). Os diagnósticos parasitológico e imunológico (ELISA - kit SNAP® 3DX™, Biobrasil) foram comparados (chi2, alfa=0,05) no exame de 34 amostras. A prevalência na população (N=90) foi avaliada pelo ELISA. O ELISA revelou mais positivos (25/34; 73,5 por cento) que a gota espessa (23/34, 67,6 por cento) e o Knott (21/34, 61,8 por cento), mas a diferença não foi significativa (p>0,05). A freqüência de infecção por D. immitis na faixa de 0 a 2 anos foi 58 por cento, enquanto em cães mais velhos foi 100 por cento. A prevalência da dirofilariose canina em Pingo d'Agua e Vila União foi alta (53,5 por cento), indicando risco de transmissão do parasito às pessoas nessa área.

The occurrence of human pulmonary dirofilariasis maintains a relation with the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in the canine population. Several mosquito species are vectors of this nematode. Canine blood samples collected in Pingo d'Agua and União villages, Salvaterra municipality (Marajó Island, Pará), in June, 2004 (n=34) and April, 2005 (N=90) were analyzed. Parasitological and immunological (ELISA - kit SNAP® 3DX™, Biobrasil) diagnoses were compared following the examination of 34 samples. The prevalence in the population (N=90) was evaluated by means of ELISA. ELISA revealed more positive samples (25/34; 73.5 percent) than thick smears (23/34, 67.6 percent) or Knott (21/34, 61.8 percent), but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). The frequency of D. immitis infection was 58 percent in dogs ranging from 0-2 years old, whereas in older dogs it was 100 percent. The prevalence of canine dirofilariasis was high in Pingo d'Agua and Vila União (53.5 percent), indicating the risk of parasite transmission to the people in this area.

Guinea worm cause of adult onset asthmatic attack, a radiological diagnosis.

A case report of a fifty years old Hausa male from Sokoto town, Nigeria an endemic region of guinea worm infestation, who presented with sudden adult onset of asthmatic attack and was evaluated radiologically and the diagnosis of acute obstructive airway disease was confirmed. It was noted, that there were associated calcified chain of guinea worms in the lung parenchyma. A rare association of acute asthmatic attack. Patient responded there-after to an anti-asthmatic regime of management.

[Paragonimiasis: a rare little known disease]. / La paragonimose: une affection rare à ne pas méconnaître.

BACKGROUND: Paragonimiasis, caused by a lung fluke, is an parasitic disease rarely encountered in France. CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old man developed dyspnea, cough, mild fever and chest pain. Pleural effusion suggested possible pulmonary embolism or tuberculosis. Cell counts in blood and pleural effusion fluid revealed major eosinophila in this patient who had recently returned from a trip to Japan. Paragonimiasis was confirmed by ELISA. Treatment with praziquantel led to complete clinical and radiographic recovery. DISCUSSION: The clinical and radiographic features of paragonimiasis are often similar to tuberculosis with pleuropneumopathy, mild fever and dyspnea. ELISA has now replaced parasitologic diagnosis. Cure is achieved with praziquantel.

[A case of paragonimiasis westermani].

A 45-year-old man, who had eaten fried fresh water crabs (Geothelphusa dehaani), was admitted to our hospital because of productive cough and bloodysputum. Blood chemistry showed increased levels of white blood cells and C-reactive protein, but peripheral blood eosinophil counts and serum IgE values were not elevated. Chest roentgenogram and chest computed tomographic scan revealed infiltration of the right middle and left upper lung fields. He was diagnosed as having pneumonia, but his symptoms and radiological examination findings did not improve with antibiotics. The diagnosis of paragonimiasis was confirmed by immunoserological examination and detection of ova in sputum, stool and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed infiltration and degranulation of eosinophils. The patient was treated with praziquantel for 3 days at a daily dosage of 75 mg/kg. After uneventful completion of treatment all clinical symptoms and radiological abnormalities disappeared. This is the first case in which ova of paragonimiasis westermani were identified in Nagano prefecture.

[Endemic area of paragonimiasis in Vietnam]. / Un foyer de paragonimose au Viet Nam.

We studied 155 patients with chronic pulmonary disease from a mountainous area in north-west Vietnam, in March, 1993. Sputum was collected from patients and examined for the presence of Paragonimus eggs using a light microscope. Forty four of the patients (approximately 28%) were diagnosed with and treated for human paragonimiasis. Forty two of these cases were purely pleural-pulmonary forms whereas the remaining two cases also involved problems with the central nervous system. Most of the patients had eaten freshwater crabs (Ranguna luangprabangensis) which had been insufficiently cooked. This appears to be the main source of infection as these crustaceans are often highly contaminated with metacercariae. Most of the patients were children (aged 11 +/- 5 years) and male (30 of the 44). Sputum samples were also collected from 225 healthy people from the same area during the period March 1993 to April 1996. The samples were examined using a light microscope and 11 (approximately 5%) were found to contain Paragonimus eggs. A number of animals were also tested. Three pet dogs (of 14 tested), 2 wild dogs (of 2 tested) and 2 domestic pigs (of 15 tested) were found to be infected with the fluke. This is the first report of an area with endemic paragonimiasis in Vietnam. Human infections probably also occur in other areas. They are a threat to public health and may be confused with tuberculosis.

Pulmonary toxoplasmosis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: case report and review.

We report an isolated case of toxoplasma pneumonitis in a 27-year-old man. This acute infection occurred after induction chemotherapy for AMLo relapsing 3 years post-allogeneic BMT. The detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the bronchoalvolar lavage (BAL), by culture in fibroblast cell line MRC5 enabled us to make the diagnosis. Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine were effective.

[Possibilities of contagion of gastrointestinal and lung nematode infections of fallow deer for cattle, sheep and goats raised in the same fenced area as fallow deer]. / Ansteckungsmöglichkeiten mit Magen-Darm- und Lungen-Nematoden von Damwild für Rind, Schaf und Ziege bei gemeinsamer Haltung mit Damwild in einem Wildgehege.

Cattle as well as sheep and goats may be infected with parasitic nematodes of fallow deer under natural conditions, but heavy infections do not occur. Most nematode species were recorded in goats, cattle harboured the fewest number of species. The specific abomasal parasites of fallow deer (Spiculopteragia asymmetrica, Apteragia quadrispiculata, Skrjabinagia ryjikovi, Ostertagia drozdzi) were only seen in goats in greater number while both cattle and sheep were only poor susceptible. Capillaria bovis was observed in goats and sheep, cattle and sheep harboured Cooperia pectinata and Nematodirus roscidus. Oesophagostomum venulosum was recorded in cattle, sheep and goats. Oesophagostomum sikae was recovered only from fallow deer. Dictyocaulus eckerti was seen in fallow deer and in one cattle.