Effect of different temperatures on survival and development of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) larvae.

Aim of the study was to get in-depth information on Aelurostrongylus abstrusus first-stage larvae (L1s) survival at different temperatures and to assess the capability of these larvae to develop into the third infective stage (L3s). Faeces of a naturally infected cat were split into two aliquots: the first was divided in subsamples assigned to four groups (F1-F4); from the second aliquot, L1s were extracted by Baermann technique, suspended in water and divided into four groups (W1-W4). Groups were stored at different temperatures (F1/W1 -20 ± 1°C; F2/W2 +4 ± 1°C; F3/W3 +14 ± 1°C; and F4/W4 +28 ± 1°C) and L1s vitality assessed every seven days. The capability of L1s stored in water to develop into L3s in snails was evaluated at the beginning and every 21 days. The L1s of W2 and F2 groups remained viable for a longer period (231 and 56 days, respectively) compared to those of other groups. The capability of L1s to moult into L3s in snails showed a decreasing trend; the group W2's L1s maintained the capability to moult into L3s for the longest time (day 189) compared to the other groups. The time of survival of A. abstrusus L1s is influenced by temperature. However, the species seems to be more resistant to temperature variations than other feline lungworms, and this may explain its wider distribution across Europe.

Severe chronic rhinosinusitis treated with dupilumab, a real-life analysis of early effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of dupilumab in severe uncontrolled type 2 chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of adult patients affected by severe CRSwNP treated with dupilumab. Maxillofacial computed tomography, evaluation of blood eosinophils and serum IgE levels, measurement of nasal polyp score (NPS), smell identification test (SSIT-16), sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) and asthma control test (ACT) were performed. Follow-up was conducted at 2 weeks, and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Adverse events and the efficacy of treatment were monitored. RESULTS: 23 patients were enrolled. After 15 days, scores of the SNOT-22, NPS and SSIT-16 significantly improved. These outcomes were also maintained after 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.001). At this latter follow-up time, SNOT-22 showed a change of -33.10 (p < 0.001), NPS -3.36 (p < 0.001) and SSIT-16 +5.60 (p < 0.001). In all, 26.1% of patients experienced early minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, dupilumab was effective in the treatment of severe uncontrolled CRSwNP, demonstrating a quick significant improvement in both questionnaires and endoscopic evaluation. Only minor complications were observed.

Risk for the introduction of exotic ticks and pathogens into Italy through the illegal importation of tortoises, Testudo graeca.

In April 2008, 585 tortoises illegally imported into Italy from North Africa were examined for the presence of ticks. Of these, 221 tortoises (37.8%) were infested with a mean intensity of 3.9 +/- 3.1 ticks (range 1-17 ticks). A total of 798 ticks (672 males, 125 females and one nymph) were collected and identified as Hyalomma aegyptium (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae). The overall male : female ratio observed was 5 : 1. The prevalence and mean intensity [+/-standard deviation (SD)] of ticks were higher among male (67.4%, 4.0 +/- 3.2) than female (55.6%, 3.8 +/- 3.1) tortoises, although this difference was not significant. By contrast, the prevalence and mean intensity of ticks were significantly higher on tortoises weighing >100 g (61.5%, 4.0 +/- 3.2) compared with tortoises weighing <100 g (12.1%, 2.1 +/- 1.1). Of the infested tortoises, 89.8% had ticks on their hind limbs, 21.0% on forelimbs, 18.6% on the tail and pre-anal area, and 4.8% on the head; thus the hind limbs were evidently the preferred attachment site. The present report highlights the need to develop surveillance systems to prevent the introduction and spreading of exotic ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Italy and other European countries.

Influence of gastrointestinal trichostrongylidosis on ram fertility.

A study on the influence of gastrointestinal trichostrongyles on ram fertility was performed. Two groups of semen donor rams (Sarda breed) were utilized; one was experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta and the other was used as a control group. In all animals, coprological, haematological and reproductive parameters were studied. The results suggest that the parasites had a limited effect with some changes in phosphorus, cholesterol and chlorine levels. In our experience the parasitic burden produced no significant change on ram fertility.

Spirocerca lupi isolated from gastric lesions in foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Sicily (Italy).

Spirocerca lupi (Rudolphi 1809) is a cosmopolitan nematode of dogs and wild carnivores. In the past it has been reported in Italy, mainly in southern regions and in Sicily, where the parasite was observed in foxes in 2005. The parasite typically produces nodular masses in the oesophagus and thoracic aorta. During the 2003-2004 hunting season, the authors investigated a total of 55 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) hunted or killed by car accidents in the provinces of Palermo and Agrigento. All the foxes were subjected to necropsy and 6 (9.16%) had S. lupi nodules located exclusively in the gastric wall. The nature of the nodules was determined by opening them and detecting the nematodes inside, which were identified as S. lupi. Some of the nodules were characterized anatomopathologically and histopathologically. The formation of the parasitic nodule in the stomach only suggests a deviation from the route commonly followed by the nematode to reach the oesophagus, the elective anatomical site for completion of its lifecycle. This survey gives a contribution to the epidemiology of this parasite which is severely outdated in Italy and highlights some distinctive features of the life cycle and parasite migration.

Anisakis spp. larvae in three mesopelagic and bathypelagic fish species of the central Mediterranean Sea.

In this work 437 fish samples of species belonging to the families Myctophidae (Electrona risso and Diaphus metopoclampus) and Phosichthyidae (Vinciguerria attenuata) were examined for the presence of Anisakidae larvae. The study was performed with fishes in the central Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the Strait of Sicily and in the Strait of Messina. The visual inspection and chloro-peptic analysis revealed the presence of nematode parasites with prevalence values between 2.9% in Electrona risso samples and 5.4% in Vinciguerria attenuata samples. A positive correlation was found between standard length (SL) and prevalence of infestation in D. metopoclampus samples (p<0.05). The larvae examined were morphologically ascribed, at genus level, to Anisakis morphotypes I and II and molecularly identified as Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis ziphidarum and Anisakis physeteris, in 67%, 9% and 24% of the fish samples examined. Overall, A. pegreffii and A. ziphidarum larvae were isolated in 14 and 2 specimens of D. metopoclampus respectively, A. physeteris larvae were found in 3 E. risso and 2 V. attenuata. A positive correlation was found between standard length and prevalence of infestation in D. metopoclampus samples (p<0.05). First information is provided on the presence of Anisakis spp. larvae of the myctophid fish species E. risso, D. metopoclampus and V. attenuata from the Central Mediterranean. It is also confirmed the role of lanternfishes (Myctophidae) as paratenic hosts for Anisakis spp.

First record of Gongylonema nepalensis in domestic and wild ruminants in Europe.

The gullet worm, Gongylonema pulchrum, is cosmopolitan in distribution, infecting a variety of mammals including domestic and wild ruminants. Gongylonema nepalensis recently collected from the esophageal epithelium of water buffaloes in Nepal was separated from G. pulchrum based on its distinctly shorter left spicule relative to body length and unique nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox-1). During meat inspections at four abattoirs on Sardinia Island, Italy, 25 Gongylonema worms were collected from one each individual of cattle (n=8), sheep (n=7), goats (n=4), and mouflon (Ovis aries musimon; n=6), and characterized morphologically and genetically. Intriguingly, all of the collected worms from these ruminants were G. nepalensis, exhibiting comparable body lengths to G. pulchrum in cattle from other regions but with significantly shorter left spicules like G. nepalensis (less than 20.9% of the entire body length in contrast to 21.8-65.6%, the reported proportion of G. pulchrum). Furthermore, the rDNA nucleotide sequences of these worms from different ruminant species on Sardinia Island were almost identical to each other and to Nepalese G. nepalensis isolates. With the exception of one worm from a sheep (displaying a single nucleotide substitution), the 369-bp cox-1 nucleotide sequences of all the Sardinian G. nepalensis isolates from the different host sources were absolutely identical, forming a clade with Nepalese G. nepalensis isolates and not G. pulchrum isolates. The present study reveals that G. nepalensis is not a local parasite in the Indian subcontinent (Nepal), but instead has a certain geographical distribution in Europe and takes several ruminant species as a definitive host.

The European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) as reservoir hosts of Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) lungworms.

The increasing reports of Troglostrongylus brevior lungworm in domestic cats from Italy and Spain raised questions on its factual distribution and on the role wildcats play as reservoirs of these parasites. Carcasses of 21 wildcats were collected in natural parks of southern Italy (i.e., Catania, Sicily n=5 and Matera, Basilicata n=16) and biometrically and genetically identified as Felis silvestris silvestris, but two as hybrids. Troglostrongylus brevior and Eucoleus aerophilus lungworms were found in 15 (71.4%) and 7 (33.3%) individuals, respectively, being five (23.8%) co-infected by the two species. Both lungworms showed an aggregated distribution in the host population, assessed by k-index (i.e., 0.69 for T. brevior and 0.42 for E. aerophilus). Although no statistical significant difference was recorded among age, gender and geographical location of wildcats, a larger rate of infection by T. brevior was assessed in yearlings (85.7%) than adults (64.3%). This is the first epidemiological study reporting T. brevior infection in the European wildcat and discusses the potential threat this may represent for the conservation of this endangered species of felids. In addition, given the large frequency of lungworm infection herein recorded, the role of wildcats as reservoir hosts of these parasites to domestic cats is discussed.

Clinicopathological study of canine transmissible venereal tumour in leishmaniotic dogs.

INTRODUCTION: Canine transmissible venereal tumour is occasionally observed in leishmaniotic dogs, and Leishmania amastigotes can be harboured in canine transmissible venereal tumour cells. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to investigate the clinicopathological significance of the association of both diseases. METHODS: Nineteen dogs affected by canine transmissible venereal tumour and canine leishmaniasis were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: In these dogs, the tumour manifested a large size and often aggressive behaviour (42%) and no predictive sign of spontaneous regression was observed. Sporadic Leishmania amastigotes were found within the canine transmissible venereal tumour in three cases, probably transported by infected macrophages often infiltrating the tumour. A high Leishmania parasitisation of canine transmissible venereal tumour was observed in two other cases and verified by immunohistochemistry. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Canine transmissible venereal tumour is a tumour of the dog able to harbour a large number of Leishmania parasites. Alternatively, the systemic disease (canine leishmaniasis) may lower the immune defence against malignancy (canine transmissible venereal tumour).

Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodida, Ixodidae) as intermediate host of a canine neglected filarial species with dermal microfilariae.

The life cycles of filarioids of dogs presenting dermal microfilariae have been little studied. Following the recent retrieval of dermal microfilariae identified as Cercopithifilaria sp. in a dog from Sicily (Italy), this study was designed to assess the role of the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus as an intermediate host of this filarial species. An experimental tick infestation was performed on an infected dog using 300 nymphs of R. sanguineus. Engorged nymphs were collected and examined by both microscopic dissection and molecular analysis at five time points (i.e., the same day of tick detachment and 10, 20, 30 and 50 days post-detachment) to detect the presence and developmental stage of filariae in the ticks. A total of 270 engorged nymphs were collected from the dog and developing filarioid larvae detected in 10 (5%) out of 200 ticks dissected. Infective third-stage larvae were observed in 4 (2%) of the all dissected ticks, 30 days post-detachment. Twelve (6.6%) out of 181 samples molecularly tested were positive for Cercopithifilaria sp. This study demonstrates that nymphs of R. sanguineus feeding on a dog naturally infected by Cercopithifilaria sp. can ingest microfilariae, which develop up to the third infective stage thus suggesting that this tick species might act as an intermediate host of this little known canine filarioid.

Two species of Philometra (Nematoda: Philometridae) from sparid fishes (porgies) off Sicily, Italy, including Philometra obladae sp. n. from the body cavity of Oblada melanura (Sparidae).

Two species of Philometra Costa, 1845 (Nematoda: Philometridae), were, for the first time, recorded from fishes of the family Sparidae (porgies) from the Tyrrhenian Sea off Sicily, Italy: Philometra obladae sp. n. from the body cavity of the saddled seabream Oblada melanura (Linnaeus) and Philometra filiformis (Stossich, Boll Soc Adriat Sci Nat 17:121-136, 1896) from the gonads of the common pandora Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus). The new species (a single gravid female available) is characterised mainly by a large body (335 mm long, 3.4 mm wide), minute cephalic papillae (14 in number) arranged in two circles, a relatively short (1.29 mm) oesophagus with a distinct anterior inflation, a rounded caudal end without any projections and the length of larvae (549-600 mum) from the uterus. A key to species of Philometra with females located in the body cavity of marine and brackish-water fishes is given. Some new data on the female morphology of a little-known gonad-infecting species P. filiformis are provided; new observations revealed, for the first time in this species, the presence of lateral cephalic papillae and the absence of previously reported black intestinal corpuscles in the larvae.

Use of the FLOTAC technique for the diagnosis of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the cat.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a lungworm of the domestic cats distributed worldwide. Its presence, however, is often underestimated due to limitation of common coprological diagnostic techniques. The present study reports, for the first time, the use of the FLOTAC technique for A. abstrusus diagnosis in feline faecal samples with results compared to the following three standard copromicroscopic techniques: the Baermann technique, the McMaster technique and the Wisconsin technique. The comparison study showed that the FLOTAC technique produced mean larvae per gram of faeces significantly (P<0.05) greater than that produced by the other more widely used diagnostic tools. Thus, the FLOTAC technique can be utilised for quantifying lungworm larva burdens in feline faecal samples because of its high sensitivity, as already shown for various parasites of veterinary and human importance.