Find of Eggs of the Nematode Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda, Dioctophymidae) from the Late Holocene of Northwestern Siberia.

A parasitological analysis was carried out with 29 samples of dog coprolites, soil, and manure obtained from the cultural layer of the Mangazeya settlement (66°42´N, 82°16´E), which dates back to 1601-1670 (end of the Late Holocene). Eggs of the nematode Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782), which infests the kidneys of carnivores, were found in coprolites of dogs (Canis familiaris L., 1758) for the first time in Northwestern Siberia. The nematode species has not been detected in the modern helminth fauna of the region. The giant kidney worm could have entered the region with dogs brought by Russian migrants from European Russia during the development of Siberia. However, the introduction of the helminth did not lead to the formation of a new stable natural focus of dioctophymiasis.

Dioctophimosis: A Parasitic Zoonosis of Public Health Importance.

Dioctophyme renale, the giant kidney worm, is a renal nematode from domestic and wild mammals that has zoonotic potential. In humans, dioctophimosis has been reported in several countries, mainly on the Asian continent, totaling more than 40 cases, which describe the parasite mainly infecting the kidneys, bladder, urethra and skin. Infection in animals and humans is related to the ingestion of the infective larva (L3) present in the aquatic oligochaete annelid (mandatory intermediate host) or fish and anurans (facultative paratenic hosts). Thus, the infection is related to the habit of drinking water contaminated with the mandatory intermediate host, as well as raw or undercooked meat from the facultative paratenic hosts. Dioctophimosis destroys the renal parenchyma and, in some cases, can cause the death of its hosts. In this chapter, we discuss the main topics regarding dioctophimosis in humans, domestic and wild animals, highlighting its importance in public health.

Case report: Is bilateral renal dioctophymosis and severe uremia in a dog synonymous of euthanasia? Not today.

A dog with bilateral renal dioctophymosis presented with stage 5 acute kidney injury, weight loss, vomiting, apathy, and hematuria. Laboratory tests showed creatinine of 17.2 mg/dL and Dioctophyme renale eggs in the urine. It underwent a 30-min session of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning at a pressure of 2 ATA. Subsequently, bilateral nephroscopy was performed, without warm ischemia, using Amplatz-type renal dilators. Five parasites were removed, three females from the right kidney, one female from the left kidney, and one male from the abdominal cavity. After surgery, the patient continued doing daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions and clinical therapy. Postoperative care consisted of analgesics, antimicrobials, antioxidants, gastric protector and fluid therapy. Ultrasound monitoring showed a reduction in the area of renal dilation and the hematological and biochemical tests showed rapid recovery from acute kidney injury. There was no bacterial growth in the urine sample collected directly from the kidneys. The patient had an excellent clinical progression and was discharged from hospital 7 days postoperatively, with creatinine values of 2.9 mg/dL. This is the first report of the use of nephroscopy in the treatment of dioctophymosis and indicates excellent chances of cure even in severe cases of bilateral parasitosis. HBOT was shown to be an ally in the clinical therapy of patients with D. renale by helping with stabilization and postoperative recovery.

Dioctophyme renale: in vitro culture, production of excretory and secretory antigens, and their use in immunodiagnosis.

The nematode Dioctophyme renale affects mainly the right kidney of domestic and wild mammals, in addition to having zoonotic potential. Therefore, this study aimed to produce excretion and secretion antigens of adult D. renale (DES) to diagnose canine dioctophimosis. To obtain the excretion and secretion antigens (DES), five D. renale adults were maintained for three weeks in supplemented RPMI medium with weekly supernatant collections. After the DES concentration, 2200 mL of the collected supernatant was used, which was centrifuged, followed by two filtrations and dialyzed, resulting in 12.5 mL of DES with a protein concentration of 0.59 mg/mL. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of the DES antigen showed fractions with molecular weights ranging from 30 to 250 Kda. In the indirect ELISA with the DES antigen, the mean absorbance of the positive sera (38) was 0.839 ± 0.267, and the mean of the negative control sera (7) was 0.208 ± 0.083; the specificity and sensitivity of the ELISA were 100 and 97.4 %, respectively, being as effective as the surgical method in the presence of viable parasites. Thus, for the first time, this study describes the production of excretion and secretion antigens of adult D. renale and standardizes an indirect ELISA to diagnose dioctophimosis.

A rare case of ectopic dioctophymosis in Leopardus pardalis (Carnivora, Felidae) in Paraguay.

An adult female Leopardus pardalis from Jardín Botánico y Zoológico de Asunción, Paraguay was brought in from the wild, and inspected for a parasitic structure attached to the vulva. The parasite was removed and was identified as a Dioctophyme renale female. Blood samples and ultrasound did not show abnormalities in any organ, confirming the ectopic presentation of the parasite. This is the first report of D. renale in the L. pardalis and a first time for ectopic location in vagina and spontaneous elimination in a felid.

REVIEW OF DIOCTOPHYME RENALE: ETIOLOGY, MORPHOLOGY, BIOLOGY, ECOEPIDEMIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS, SYMPTOMATOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION.

Dioctophyme renale has a worldwide distribution and has been diagnosed in several wild and domestic animals as well as in humans. As numerous reports in the literature exist concerning the presence of D. renale in different animal species, as well as its diagnosis, treatment, and confirmation in new geographic areas, we reviewed existing information to contribute to the knowledge of the etiology, biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of D. renale. Results of dioctophymosis may range from asymptomatic infection to even death of the host. Diagnosis is based on data from morphology, imaging, and antibody testing, with surgical treatment being the most effective. A high potential for infection of pets exists when there is overlap with wild parasitized animals; given common risk factors for infections in humans, D. renale should be considered as having zoonotic potential.

Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda, Dioctophymidae) parasitic in mammals other than humans: A comprehensive review.

A comprehensive review of the infection of mammals with the nematode Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda, Dioctophymidae) is presented. Mammals, including man, are the definitive hosts for this parasite. Several aspects of the infection with the parasite in mammals other than humans are critically evaluated: geographical distribution, host species recorded so far and the relative importance of the different hosts, location of parasites within the host, prevalence and intensity of the infection, diagnostic methods, pathology induced by the parasites, epidemiology and the methods of control and treatment. The authors provide an updated review about the infection, based on a extensive bibliographic search worldwide, and point out the most relevant aspects of the biology of the parasite as well as several research topics which need to be explored for a better understanding of the biology of this interesting and important parasitic nematode.

Abdominal dioctophymosis in a domestic cat from the Peruvian rainforest confirmed morphologically and molecularly.

A case of abdominal dioctophymosis in a domestic cat was found in San Juan Bautista district, the Peruvian rainforest, in the Loreto department of Peru. The pet went to a veterinary clinic for a routine ovariohysterectomy during which a large nematode was found in the abdominal cavity. The nematode was morphologically identified as an adult female of Dioctophyme sp. A few morphological parameters, such as the vagina distance from the anterior part and the egg size, were different than D. renale. Partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and the small subunit 18S ribosomal RNA genes were compared with the references from public sequence database and showed a genetic identifies of 89.25% and 99.65% with D. renale, respectively. This is the first mitochondrial molecular analysis of a Dioctophyme specimen from South America and the results showed up to 12.5% nucleotide sequence variation in cox 1 gene of D. renale.

Ectopic dioctophymosis in a dog - Clinical, diagnostic and pathological challenges of a silent disease.

A 9-month old, female, stray dog was rescued and conducted to a university veterinary hospital. Moderate anemia was observed and abdominal ultrasound revealed pancreatitis. Right kidney was not visualized due to intestinal gas. Urinalysis was normal. Castration was performed three weeks later. Before discharge, abdominal ultrasound was performed for internal sutures examination. A cyst-like structure was present in the right retroperitoneal space with what appeared to be tubular worms inside it, not observed in previous evaluation. An ectopic dioctophymosis diagnosis was made. Two female Dioctophyme renale were surgically removed from the structure. Right kidney was hyperemic but not removed. No sign of peritonitis was observed. The dog recovered well. Laboratory follow-up showed no abnormalities a year after the episode and Doppler ultrasound revealed a mild right nephropathy. This is the first canine ectopic dioctophymosis case with only an abdominal cyst-like structure containing viable nematodes, successfully treated. It represents the rarity and difficulties in diagnosing ectopic dioctophymosis even in enzootic locations, highlighting the importance of ultrasonographic screening for such silent, potentially zoonotic disease.

Ectopic infection by Dioctophyme renale in a dog from Georgia, USA, and a review of cases of ectopic dioctophymosis in companion animals in the Americas.

We report a case of ectopic dioctophymosis in an outdoor, eight-year-old spayed female, Coonhound-mix dog from Murrayville, Hall County, Georgia, USA. The dog presented to the clinic with an apparent puncture wound on her right, most caudal mammary gland, draining a serosanguinous discharge along with significant edema and thickening of the surrounding tissues. After initial physical examination the dog was placed into a cage awaiting diagnostic procedures. A couple of hours later, a bright red, live nematode was found in the bottom of the cage and submitted to the Parasitology Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Infectious Diseases of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. The specimen was morphologically identified as a female Dioctophyme renale, measuring 30 cm in length. The wound was cleaned with chlorhexidine solution. The patient was started on cefpodoxime 100 mg orally, once daily for 10 days. The dog had recent history of a mammary tumor on the left chain. After a week, an ultrasound examination confirmed integrity of the kidneys. Herein, we also provide a review on cases of ectopic dioctophymosis in companion animals in the Americas. Such cases are not uncommon, and nematodes may be found in various organs and tissues including the abdominal and thoracic cavities, scrotum, uterus, and mammary glands.

Occurrence of dioctophymosis in canines within a riparian zone of the Río de La Plata watercourse, in Ensenada, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.

Dioctophymosis is a parasitic disease occasioned by the so-called "giant kidney worm", Dioctophyme renale, a nematode with an indirect life cycle. This parasite's definitive host is the mink, Mustela vison, though numerous wild and domestic mammals as well as man can serve as final hosts. The worms also can be in ectopic locations in the body. We surveyed 692 canines by ecography, urine sampling, surgery, necropsy, and clinical examination and diagnosed 244 cases of dioctophymosis (35.3%). Of the cases of dioctophymosis identified, 30.7% were obtained by ecography, 45.9% by urinalysis, and 17.6% by both those techniques -in addition to positive findings through surgery (2.5%), necropsy (2.5%), and the spontaneous elimination of the parasites (0.8%). Cases of dioctophymosis were observed in animals as young as 4months of age up to 15years. The frequency of D. renale diagnosis throughout the sampling period varied significantly. There was a statistically significant association between risk factors (swimming in the river, eating frogs, fish or eels, drinking ditch water) and the prevalence of infection. It was discussed the period missing after infection in canines.

Identification and characterization of the major pseudocoelomic proteins of the giant kidney worm, Dioctophyme renale.

BACKGROUND: The giant kidney worm, Dioctophyme renale, is a debilitating and potentially lethal parasite that inhabits and destroys, typically host's right kidney, and may also be found in ectopic sites. It is circumglobally distributed, mainly in dogs, and is increasingly regarded as a threat to other domestic animals and humans. There is little information on the parasite's true incidence, or immune responses to it, and none on its biochemistry and molecular biology. RESULTS: We characterised the soluble proteins of body wall, intestine, gonads and pseudocelomic fluid (PCF) of adult parasites. Two proteins, P17 and P44, dominate the PCF of both male and females. P17 is of 16,622 Da by mass spectrometry, and accounts for the intense red colour of the adult parasites. It may function to carry or scavenge oxygen and be related to the 'nemoglobins' found in other nematode clades. P44 is of 44,460 Da and was found to associate with fatty acids by thin layer chromatography. Using environment-sensitive fluorescent lipid probes, P44 proved to be a hydrophobic ligand-binding protein with a binding site that is highly apolar, and competitive displacement experiments showed that P44 binds fatty acids. It may therefore have a role in distributing lipids within the parasites and, if also secreted, might influence local inflammatory and tissue responses. N-terminal and internal peptide amino-acid sequences of P44 indicate a relationship with a cysteine- and histidine-rich protein of unknown function from Trichinella spiralis. CONCLUSIONS: The dominant proteins of D. renale PCF are, like those of large ascaridids, likely to be involved in lipid and oxygen handling, although there is evidence of strong divergence between the two groups.

Dioctophymatosis as cause of dyspnea in a dog / Dioctofimatose como causa de dispnéia em cão

ABSTRACT: Dioctophyme renale is a parasite of the nematode class that can infect various species, including humans and dogs. Usually, the parasite migrates to the right kidney of the definitive host. Although, aberrant migrations have been previously reported, they mainly occur without clinical manifestations. No reports of dyspnea secondary to D. renale infestation has been found in the reported literature. The aim of this paper is to report intense respiratory distress caused by the presence of the parasite in the thoracic cavity of a dog. Radiographic images revealed multiple circular structures with a cavity with a radiopaque, thick contour in the thorax, which raised the suspicion of pulmonary bullae. Ultrasound examination revealed nematode infestation in the right kidney, scrotum, and thoracic cavity. Subsequently, right nephrectomy, orchiectomy and trans-sternal thoracotomy were performed to remove the parasites. The patient exhibited recovery after the procedures.

RESUMO: Dioctophyme renale é um parasita da classe de nematoda que pode infectar diferentes espécies, incluindo humanos e cães. Normalmente, o parasita migra para o rim direito do hospedeiro definitivo. Embora migrações erráticas tenham sido relatadas anteriormente, estas geralmente ocorrem sem manifestações clínicas. Não foram encontrados relatos de dispnéia secundária à infestação de D. renale. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a presença do parasita na cavidade torácica de um cão, causando angústia respiratória. As imagens radiográficas revelaram a presença de múltiplas estruturas circulares com aspecto de cavidade e contorno espesso radiopaco no tórax, o que suscitou a suspeita de bullae pulmonar. O exame de ultra-som foi determinante na revelação de infestação múltipla por nematódeos, no rim direito, escroto e cavidade torácica. Posteriormente, como medida terapêutica, foram realizadas os procedimentos de nefrectomia direita, orquiectomia e toracotomia transesternal para remoçãodos parasitas. O paciente evoluiu clinicamente bem após os procedimentos.

The first genetically confirmed case of Dioctophyme renale (Nematoda: Dioctophymatida) in a patient with a subcutaneous nodule.

We describe a nematode larva in a subcutaneous nodule excised from a 44-year-old Chinese male who had been living in Japan for 15 years. Morphological features suggested that the worm was a dioctophimatid nematode. PCR amplification and sequencing of small subunit ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial cytochrome subunit c oxidase genes allowed us to identify the larva as the giant kidney worm, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1972). This is the first molecularly confirmed human case of a dermal D. renale infection.

Dioctofimatose renal bilateral e disseminada em cão / Bilateral and disseminated renal dioctophimatosis in dog

Este trabalho descreve dioctofimatose renal bilateral e disseminada em canino no município de Pelotas, na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma cadela sem raça definida, de dois anos de idade e semi-domiciliada foi submetida a exame ultrassonográfico observando-se alterações sugestivas de parasitismo por Dioctophyme renale. O animal veio à morte antes de ser conduzido para nefrectomia e remoção dos parasitas. Foi encaminhado para necropsia no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da UFPel. Macroscopicamente, ao corte do rim direito observou-se atrofia do parênquima com formações císticas e exsudato serosanguinolento com quatro exemplares fêmeas de D. renale. A cápsula renal media 0,4cm de espessura, e apresentava placas multifocais esbranquiçadas, irregulares e de consistência dura, medindo até 2cm de diâmetro. Na pelve do rim esquerdo, havia um parasita macho de 22cm. A bexiga possuía conteúdo escurecido e pastoso. Ainda, livre na cavidade abdominal, próximo ao rim direito havia outro parasita macho de 30cm. No fígado havia região cicatricial no lobo em contato com o parasita. No tórax identificou-se livre na cavidade e formando impressão sob a gordura pericárdica, um parasita macho de D. renale, medindo 20cm. Histologicamente, além de lesões características da enfermidade, observou-se metaplasia óssea na capsula renal direita.(AU)

This paper describes a bilateral and disseminated renal dioctophymiasis in a canine in the municipality of Pelotas, southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. The two-year-old female dog with no defined race was semi-domiciled and was submitted to ultrasound examination presenting alterations suggestive of parasitism by Dioctophyme renale. The patient died before being led for nephrectomy and removal of the parasites. It was referred for necropsy at the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the UFPel Veterinary School. Macroscopically, at the cut of the right kidney, atrophy of the parenchyma with cystic formations and serosanguinous exudate with four female specimens of D. renale were observed. The renal capsule was 0.4cm thick and had irregular, hard, multifocal regions measuring up to 2cm in diameter. In the pelvis of the left kidney, there was a 22cm long male parasite. The bladder had darkened and pasty contents. Also, free in the abdominal cavity, near to the right kidney there was another male parasite of 30cm. In the liver there was a cicatricial region in the lobe in contact with the parasite. In the thorax, a male parasite of D. renale measuring 20cm, was identified free in the cavity and forming an impression under the pericardial fat. Histologically, in addition to the characteristic lesions of the disease, bone metaplasia was observed in the right renal capsule.(AU)

Morphology of eggs of Dioctophyme renale Goeze, 1782 (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) and influences of temperature on development of first-stage larvae in the eggs / Morfologia de ovos de Dioctophyme renale Goeze, 1782 (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) e influência da temperatura no desenvolvimento de larvas de primeiro estágio nos ovos

This study aims to provide information on morphological data of D. renale eggs, as well as on first-stage larvae development into eggs kept at different temperatures. Eggs were obtained by centrifugation of infected dog urine, placed in Petri dishes, and stored in BOD chamber for a 90-day period. Each treatment (GI - 15 ºC, GII - 20 ºC, and GIII - 26 ºC) was repeated five times. Eggs showed average measures of 67.23 x 42.78 µm, and the mean incubation time was inversely proportional to the incubation temperature. Larvae motility was observed one week after being observed in eggs.

Este estudo teve a finalidade de fornecer dados morfológicos de ovos de D. renale e do desenvolvimento de larvas de primeiro estádio em ovos mantidos em diferentes temperaturas. Os ovos foram obtidos por centrífugação da urina de cães parasitados e colocados em placas de Petri em estufa BOD, durante 90 dias. O experimento consistiu de três tratamentos (GI - 15 ºC, GII - 20 ºC e GIII - 26 ºC) com cinco repetições cada. Os ovos apresentaram tamanho médio de 67,23 x 42,78 µm, e o tempo médio de incubação foi inversamente proporcional à temperatura de incubação e as larvas apresentaram motilidade por aproximadamente uma semana após sua formação.