Histopathological, morphological, and molecular characterization of fish-borne zoonotic parasite Eustrongylides Excisus infecting Northern pike (Esox lucius) in Iran.

Eustrongylides excisus is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite known to infect various fish species, including Northern pike (Esox Lucius). This nematode, belonging to the family Dioctophymatidae, has a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Eustrongylides nematodes in Northern pike (E. Lucius) collected from Mijran Dam (Ramsar, Iran). Between June and October 2023, an investigation was conducted on Northern pike from Mijran Dam in Ramsar, Iran, following reports of reddish parasites in their muscle tissues. Sixty fish were examined at the University of Tehran, revealing live parasites in the muscles, which were then analyzed microscopically and preserved for a multidisciplinary study. The skeletal muscle tissues of 85% (51/60) of fish specimens were infected by grossly visible larvae which were microscopically identified as Eustrongylides spp. In histopathological examination, the lesion was composed of encapsulated parasitic granulomatous myositis. Microscopically, the cystic parasitic granulomas compressed the adjacent muscle fibers, leading to their atrophy and Zenker's necrosis. Moreover, epithelioid macrophages, giant cells and mononuclear inflammatory cells were present around the larvae and between the muscle fibers. Finally, a molecular analysis by examining the ITS gene region, revealed that they belong to the species E. excisus. Eustrongylidiasis in northern Iran necessitates further research into the biology, epidemiology, and control of Eustrongylides nematodes, focusing on various hosts. This study is the first to comprehensively characterize E. excisus in Northern pike in Ramsar, Iran, raising concerns about possible zoonotic transmission.

Nephrectomy in 52 dogs for the treatment of Dioctophyme renale infection - Knowing the enemy to win.

Dioctophyme renale (D. renale) is a nematode that parasitizes the kidney of mammals. Treatment is often surgical, with removal of the affected organ. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and surgical aspects, the interval between diagnosis and treatment, the occurrence of pre- and intraoperative complications, and the postoperative survival time of dogs parasitized by D. renale undergoing therapeutic nephrectomy. Records of fifty-two dogs treated in a single hospital service were analyzed. We collected epidemiological data, laboratory results, diagnostic method, anesthetic protocol, surgical technique and time, type of antimicrobial prophylaxis, pre- and intraoperative complications, location and number of parasites, and postoperative survival time. Of the 52 dogs undergoing right nephrectomy by laparotomy, 61.5 % were female and 63.4 % were adults. Although the most common clinical sign was hematuria (25 %), 61.5 % of the patients were asymptomatic. Eosinophilia and increased serum urea were the only laboratory changes found. The interval between diagnosis and surgery was 27.4 ± 23 days and no patient showed changes suggestive of surgical emergency. The most common surgical approach was the right paracostal (61.5 %), and a continuous suture pattern was predominant. Intraoperative complications occurred in 9.6 % of the procedures, varying from mild to severe hemorrhage. Mean postoperative survival was 835.5 ± 428 days. Dioctophymosis was effectively controlled by nephrectomy of the affected kidney, allowing a mean survival of more than 830 days. No serious complications caused by intervals between diagnosis and treatment have been reported. This is the largest retrospective study evaluating dogs infected with D. renale that were surgically treated.

Dioctophyme renale in wandering dogs in Pelotas, South of Brasil / Dioctophyme renale em cães errantes no município de Pelotas, Sul do Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to verify the occurrence of Dioctophyme renale in stray dogs in the city of Pelotas, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas received 146 wandering dogs for necropsy, sent by the City Hall of Pelotas from March 2012 to January 2020. Among the necropsied animals, seventeen dogs (11.64%) were diagnosed with dioctophymosis. Among these dogs, 11 were parasitized with one specimen in the right kidney, two dogs presented two specimens in the right kidney, and in other two dogs, the parasites were in the abdominal cavity. In one dog, two parasites were found in the left kidney; in another dog, both kidneys were parasitized, with two parasites in the right kidney and one in the left kidney. The data obtained in this study showed that the occurrence of D. renale in stray dogs in the city of Pelotas is high, and D. renale mainly parasitizes the right kidney.

Resumo Este trabalho possui como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de D. renale em cães errantes do município de Pelotas, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Universidade Federal de Pelotas recebeu 146 cães errantes para necropsia, encaminhados pela Prefeitura Municipal de Pelotas, no período de março de 2012 a janeiro de 2020. Dentre os cães necropsiados, 17 animais foram diagnosticados com dioctofimose, determinando uma ocorrência de 11,64%. Desses animais, onze estavam parasitados com um exemplar no rim direito, dois animais possuíam dois exemplares no rim direito. Em dois animais, os parasitas estavam na cavidade abdominal; em um animal havia, dois parasitas no rim esquerdo e noutro animal os dois rins estavam parasitados, tendo dois exemplares no rim direito e um exemplar no rim esquerdo. Os dados obtidos neste trabalho permitem concluir que é elevada a ocorrência de D. renale nos cães errantes do município de Pelotas, parasitando principalmente o rim direito.

Giant Red Kidney Worm (Dioctophyma renale) Screening and Treatment Protocol and Aberrant Worm Migration In Dogs From Ontario and Manitoba, Canada.

The life cycle of Dioctophyma renale involves an intermediate host (oligochaete), a paratenic hosts (fish and frogs), and a definitive host (mustelids and canids). Dogs are at risk of infection with D. renale when they consume paratenic hosts infected with the larval form of D. renale. Water containing the oligochaete intermediate host cannot be disregarded as another source of infection. Infections occur mainly in the right kidney, but worms have also been found in the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. Most dogs appear asymptomatic and infections are usually noted as incidental findings on necropsy. Recently, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Humane Society conducted transports of dogs located in northern remote communities. In 2016, some female dogs were found to be infected with D. renale upon ovariohysterectomy. In response to this discovery, we developed a screening protocol to screen for D. renale infections. In 2018, a total of 130 intact dogs were transferred from 2 northern communities in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. A prevalence of 7.94% (95% confidence interval 3.87-14.11%) was found from dogs from the northern communities. The screening protocol we developed provides a method of screening for dogs that are transported from communities that could be at risk of infection with D. renale.

Dioctophymosis in a free-ranging maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): clinical-therapeutic, ultrasonographic and pathological aspects - case report / [Dioctofimose em um lobo guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus) de vida livre: aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, ultrassonográficos e patológicos - relato de caso]

Dioctophymosis is the disease caused by Dioctophyma renale, a large nematode, popularly known as giant kidney worm, and whose definitive hosts are the domestic dog and many wild mammal species. There are some reports of maned wolf parasitism by D. renale, however, in most cases the reports are restricted to the finding of the parasite during necropsy, without clinical assessment. The present report aimed to describe the clinical-therapeutic, ultrasonographic and pathological aspects of D. renale parasitism in a free-ranging maned wolf, emphasizing the treatment with an association of doramectin, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel that resulted in complete elimination of the parasite.(AU)

A dioctofimose é a doença causada pelo Dioctophyma renale, um nemátodo grande, popularmente chamado de verme gigante do rim e que tem como hospedeiro definitivo o cão doméstico e inúmeras espécies de mamíferos silvestres. Existem alguns relatos do parasitismo do lobo-guará por D. renale, contudo, na maioria das vezes, os relatos se restringem apenas ao achado do parasita durante a necropsia, sem a correlação clínica. O presente relato objetiva descrever os aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, ultrassonográficos e patológicos do parasitismo por D. renale em um lobo-guará de vida livre, enfatizando o tratamento com uma associação de doramectina, praziquantel, pamoato de pirantel e febantel, o que resultou na eliminação completa do parasita.(AU)

Report of rare case of intense parasitism by 34 specimens of Dioctophyme renale in a dog.

Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyme renale, a nematode that usually affects the right kidney of carnivores. The aim of this study was to report on a case of a dog with progressive weight loss and swollen abdomen that was diagnosed as presenting dioctophymosis. The patient underwent surgical treatment through which 34 nematodes were found, of which 18 were female and 16 were male, with a maximum length of 74 centimeters. The parasites were free in the abdominal cavity and inside the right kidney, and had caused peritonitis, free fluid, severe adherences between the abdominal organs and renal perforation. Parasitic diseases with a high number of specimens of this species are uncommon in dogs. The disease progresses with an inflammatory reaction and consequent formation of adherences and granulomatous tissue. This surrounds the eggs that were eliminated in the abdominal cavity by the free parasites. This disease occurs frequently in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where the patient of this report was living. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the case with the largest number of specimens of D. renale removed from a single dog in vivo.

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.

Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda, Dioctophymatoidea) parasitizing Hoplias malabaricus (Actinopterygii: Erythrinidae) collected from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda, Dioctophymatoidea) parasitando Hoplias malabaricus (Actinopterygii: Erythrinidae) coletados do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes, Erythrinidae), trahira, is a neotropical freshwater fish of economic and public health significance. A total of 45 specimens of H. malabaricus commercialized in the municipality of Magé, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were acquired between April 2016 and April 2018 to investigate the presence of nematode larvae. Twenty of the fish were found parasitized by 347 fourth-stage nematode larvae identified taxonomically as Eustrongylides sp. using morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The parasitic indices were: prevalence 44.44%, mean intensity 17.35, mean abundance 7.71, and range of infection 2-40. Infection sites were musculature, mesentery, abdominal cavity, and serosa of intestine, stomach and liver. This is the first report of Eustrongylides sp. larvae parasitizing H. malabaricus in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Resumo Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes, Erythrinidae), traíra, é um peixe neotropical de água doce que tem significante impacto na economia e saúde pública. De abril de 2016 a abril de 2018, foram adquiridos 45 espécimes de H. malabaricus comercializados no município de Magé, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os peixes foram necropsiados e filetados para investigação da presença de larvas de nematoides. Vinte dos peixes coletados estavam parasitados por 347 larvas de nematoides, identificadas taxonomicamente como larvas de quarto estágio de Eustrongylides sp. usando-se dados morfológicos, morfométricos e moleculares, apresentando os seguintes valores: prevalência de 44,44%, intensidade média de 17,35, abundância média de 7,71, e amplitude de variação da infecção de 2-40. Os sítios de infecção foram musculatura, mesentério, cavidade abdominal e serosas do intestino, estômago e fígado. Este é o primeiro registro de larvas de Eustrongylides sp. parasitando H. malabaricus no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Report of rare case of intense parasitism by 34 specimens of Dioctophyme renale in a dog / Relato de caso raro de parasitismo intenso por 34 exemplares de Dioctophyme renale em um cão

Abstract Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyme renale, a nematode that usually affects the right kidney of carnivores. The aim of this study was to report on a case of a dog with progressive weight loss and swollen abdomen that was diagnosed as presenting dioctophymosis. The patient underwent surgical treatment through which 34 nematodes were found, of which 18 were female and 16 were male, with a maximum length of 74 centimeters. The parasites were free in the abdominal cavity and inside the right kidney, and had caused peritonitis, free fluid, severe adherences between the abdominal organs and renal perforation. Parasitic diseases with a high number of specimens of this species are uncommon in dogs. The disease progresses with an inflammatory reaction and consequent formation of adherences and granulomatous tissue. This surrounds the eggs that were eliminated in the abdominal cavity by the free parasites. This disease occurs frequently in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where the patient of this report was living. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the case with the largest number of specimens of D. renale removed from a single dog in vivo.

Resumo A dioctofimose é causada por Dioctophyme renale, um nematódeo que geralmente afeta o rim direito de carnívoros. Este trabalho objetivou relatar o caso de um cão, com perda de peso progressiva e abaulamento abdominal, diagnosticado com dioctofimose. O paciente foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico, o que permitiu o achado de 34 nematódeos, sendo 18 fêmeas e 16 machos, com tamanho máximo de 74 centímetros. Os parasitos encontravam-se livres na cavidade abdominal e no interior do rim direito, causando peritonite, formação de líquido livre, intensas aderências entre os órgãos abdominais e uma perfuração renal. Parasitoses com alto número de exemplares dessa espécie são incomuns em cães. Cursam com reação inflamatória, com consequente formação de aderências e tecido granulomatoso, envolvendo os ovos eliminados na cavidade abdominal pelos parasitos livres. A doença é frequente na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, área de origem da paciente afetada. De acordo com a pesquisa realizada, acredita-se que esse é o caso com o maior número de exemplares de D. renale removidos de um cão in vivo.

First description of parasite load and clinicopathological and anatomopathological changes in a dog naturally coinfected with Dioctophyme renale and Leishmania infantum in Brazil.

This article reports the case of a domestic dog naturally coinfected with the nematode Dioctophyme renale and with the protozoan Leishmania infantum. The dog exhibited no clinical signs but had normocytic hypochromic anemia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hematuria. Necropsy revealed eight D. renale specimens in the abdominal cavity and in right kidney whose parenchyma was atrophied. Histopathological analysis showed glomerular atrophy, fibrosis and a marked diffuse pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate in the right kidney. Moderate multifocal granulomatous peritonitis was observed in the greater omentum. Several Dioctophyme renale eggs were present amidst the inflammatory infiltrate of the right kidney and greater omentum. Leishmania infantum parasites were detected in perirenal adipose tissue of the right kidney, greater omentum, spleen, bone marrow, and popliteal lymph node. The high D. renale load and the severe and uncommon histological alterations associated with the eggs of this parasite may have been influenced by coinfection with L. infantum.

Dioctophyme renale in a domestic cat (Felis catus): Renal location and nephrectomy.

Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyme renale, nematode with indirect life cycle. Its intermediate host is a freshwater oligochaete and its definitive host is a wild or household carnivore. The adult nematode develops in the definite host, generally locating itself in the kidney. This article was meant to describe the first nephrectomy performed in a domestic cat due to renal dioctophymosis in Argentina. The subject showed a non-specific appearance of generally feeling ill, hematuria and mild diarrhea. It was diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound, followed by exploratory celiotomy and nephrectomy. After verifying absence of free specimens, the right kidney was removed. This organ was found to be enlarged in a spheroidal manner in contrast to the left kidney, with significant thickening of the renal capsule, excessive congestion of vessels and adhesions involving the caudal vena cava. An adult nematode was removed from the right kidney and identified as Dioctophyme renale. Reports of feline dioctophymosis are scarce being most of them necropsy findings. In this we are presenting a confirmed case of D. renale removed by surgery from a live cat. The results presented here reinforces the fact that cats are also appropriate definitive hosts for this parasite.

A human case of Dioctophyma renale (giant kidney worm) accompanied by renal cancer and a retrospective study of dioctophymiasis.

Due to the rarity of human cases and the nonspecific clinical symptoms of dioctophymiasis, Dioctophyma renale infection is not well recognized and is easily neglected or misdiagnosed. Recently, we diagnosed a human case of dioctophymiasis accompanied by renal cancer. To enhance the understanding of human dioctophymiasis, this case is presented here, and a retrospective study of this disease was conducted based on relevant papers screened from PubMed and three Chinese databases. In the end, 32 papers describing 37 human cases of dioctophymiasis were assessed. These cases were distributed in ten countries of Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, with the highest number in China (n = 22). The majority of the cases occurred in adults (91.9%, 34/37) and involved the kidneys (83.8%, 31/37). Ectopic parasitism mainly occurred in subcutaneous tissue (83.3%, 5/6). A proportion of 45.9% (17/37) of individuals had a history of eating raw or undercooked fish or frogs. The main clinical manifestations of human dioctophymiasis were loin pain (59.5%) and hematuria (59.5%). All the cases were diagnosed based on the morphological characteristics of eggs or adults in urine or tissue sections. Currently, there is no strictly defined therapeutic approach. This is the first retrospective analysis of human cases of dioctophymiasis. These review data will deepen our understanding of dioctophymiasis and help avoid misdiagnosis in clinical practice.

Occurrence of Dioctophyme renale larvae (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda: Enoplida) in a new host from southern Brazil / Novo hospedeiro de larvas de Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda: Enoplida) no extremo sul do Brasil

Abstract Dioctophymatosis is caused by the giant kidney worm Dioctophyme renale which occurs in dogs, cats, and wild mammals. In Brazil, the disease has been diagnosed in dogs from several states around the country. In the present study, the occurrence of D. renale larvae in snakes from southern of Brazil is reported. Three specimens of Philodryas patagoniensis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) (common names in Brazil: "parelheira", "papa-pinto") roadkill in the county of Capão do Leão, State of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, were necropsied. Two third-stage larvae of D. renale were found in the coelomic cavity of P. patagoniensis. This study reveals a new host for D. renale larvae in the southern region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This particular geographic area of the country has stood out as several cases of D. renale infection have been reported in a number of vertebrates from this region including domestic dogs and cats and wild animals such as carnivores, fish, and freshwater turtles.

Resumo Dioctophyme renale, verme gigante do rim, parasita cães, gatos e mamíferos silvestres, sendo que no Brasil, a dioctofimatose canina vem sendo diagnosticada em diversos estados brasileiros. O estudo tem por objetivo registrar larvas de D. renale parasitando serpente no extremo sul do Brasil. Nesse contexto, foram examinados três espécimes de Philodryas patagoniensis (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) encontradas mortas após atropelamento em uma estrada do município de Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Duas larvas de terceiro estágio de D. renale foram encontradas na cavidade celomática de P. patagoniensis, a qual representa um novo hospedeiro para larvas de D. renale na região sul do RS, a qual vem se destacando devido aos diversos registros do parasito em cães e gatos domésticos, bem como animais silvestres (carnívoros, peixes, quelônios).

First report of Dioctophyma renale (Nematoda, Dioctophymatidae) in Colombia / Primer reporte de Dioctophyma renale (Nematoda, Dioctophymatidae) en Colombia

Dioctophymosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Dioctophyma renale (Goeze, 1782). It is distributed worldwide and it affects a large number of wild and domestic mammals. Here we report the first confirmed case of canine dioctophymosis in Colombia. The animal was found dead in the streets of the municipality of Yondó, Antioquia, and its dead body was taken to the Instituto Universitario de la Paz (UNIPAZ) to carry out a necropsy. A parasite worm was found in the right kidney and sent for identification to the Laboratorio de Parasitología of the Universidad de Santander (UDES). The specimen was identified as a male of D. renale upon observing the typical oval and transversely elongated bell-shaped bursa copulatrix with a spicule and no rays. Another important factor to confirm the diagnosis was the anatomical location in the kidney. This is the first time D. renale is reported in a stray dog in Colombia.

La dioctofimosis es una enfermedad parasitaria zoonótica causada por Dioctophyma renale (Goeze, 1782), de amplia distribución mundial, que afecta a un gran número de mamíferos silvestres y domésticos. Se reporta el primer caso de dioctofimosis canina en Colombia. El animal fue encontrado muerto en las calles del municipio de Yondó, Antioquia. Su cadáver fue llevado al Instituto Universitario de la Paz (UNIPAZ) donde se practicó la necropsia. En el riñón derecho se encontró un parásito, el cual fue enviado al Laboratorio de Parasitología de la Universidad de Santander para su identificación. El espécimen se identificó como un macho de D. renale por la típica bursa copulatriz oval y alargada transversalmente en forma de campana, sin rayos y con una espícula. Otro factor importante para confirmar el diagnóstico fue la ubicación anatómica en el riñón. Se reporta por primera vez la presencia de D. renale en un perro mestizo callejero en Colombia.

Dioctophyme renale (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) in Leopardus geoffroyi (Carnivora: Felidae) in the Neotropical region / Dioctophyme renale (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) em Leopardus geoffroyi (Carnivora: Felidae) na região Neotropical

Abstract Parasitic diseases affecting wild carnivores remain largely unknown or poorly described. Dioctophymosis is a parasitosis caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale that is found worldwide. It affects domestic and wild animals and has been reported frequently in Brazil. This paper reports dioctophymosis in a wild felid for the first time.

Resumo As doenças parasitárias que acometem os carnívoros silvestres ainda são desconhecidas ou pouco descritas. A dioctofimatose, parasitose de distribuição mundial causada pelo nematoide Dioctophyme renale, acomete animais domésticos e silvestres e tem sido relatada com frequência no Brasil. Este estudo reporta o primeiro caso de dioctofimatose em um felídeo silvestre.

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.

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)

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.

Eliminação de Dioctophyme renale pela urina em canino com dioctofimatose em rim esquerdo e cavidade abdominal - Primeiro relato no Rio Grande do Sul / Elimination of Dioctophyme renale to urine in canines with dioctophymosis in the left kidney and abdominal cavity - First report in Rio Grande do Sul

Dioctophyme renale é um parasito que afeta tanto animais como humanos e tem como órgão de eleição o rim direito. Relata-se o caso clínico-cirúrgico de um paciente canino com histórico de eliminação de três exemplares de D. renale pela urina e presença de parasitos no rim esquerdo e na cavidade abdominal. No Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, foram realizados exames pré-cirúrgicos, entre eles a ultrassonografia abdominal, que identificou a localização dos nematódeos, e o exame de Doppler pulsado dos vasos intrarrenais, que demonstrou aumento nos índices resistivos nas regiões avaliadas. O paciente foi conduzido para a realização de laparotomia exploratória, sendo removidos 23 parasitos da cavidade abdominal. A presença de D. renale causa graves lesões nos rins e nos demais órgãos da cavidade abdominal, sendo essencial o diagnóstico precoce e a remoção dos nematódeos para recuperação do paciente.(AU)

Dioctophyme renale is a parasite that attacks animals as well as humans and has the right kidney as a preferred target organ. This document reports the case of a clinical-chirurgical canine patient with a history of elimination of three D. renale samples through its urine and presence of parasites at its left kidney and abdominal cavity. Pre-cirurgical exams were performed at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas. Among these exams, abdominal ultrasonography identified the nematode's location and the Pulse-Doppler of the intrarenal vessels showed an increase in the resistive indices of the evaluated areas. An Exploratory Laparotomy was conducted with the patient who had 23 parasites removed from its abdominal cavity. The presence of D. renale causes severe lesions at kidneys and other organs of the abdominal cavity, for this reason early diagnosis and nematode´s removal are essential for the patient's recovery.(AU)

Dioctophyme renale: prevalence and risk factors of parasitism in dogs of São Cristóvão district, Três Barras county, Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Dioctophyme renale: prevalência e fatores de risco de parasitismo em cães no distrito de São Cristóvão, Três Barras, Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract Dioctophyme renale is a nematode that can be found parasitizing the kidney, peritoneal cavity and, rarely, other organs of canids and mustelids. This disease has high occurrence in the municipality of Três Barras, state of Santa Catarina, thus making this an interesting area to study the epidemiological aspects of infection by D. renale in dogs. Among 197 dogs, 14.2% showed the parasite eggs in urine and 16.4% showed IgG antibodies anti-D. renale in serum samples according to the indirect ELISA method; among seropositive dogs, 15 (37.5%) animals did not show any parasite eggs in their urine. Parasitism was more frequent in females, and there was no finding of interference from age on parasitism. Factors such as water potential and presence of paratenic hosts in the studied region were reported by the owners of dogs and may have contributed to the occurrence of parasitism.

Resumo Dioctophyme renale é nematoda parasita de rins, cavidade peritoneal e, mais raramente, de outros órgãos de canídeos e mustelídeos. Esta parasitose tem ocorrência elevada no Município de Três Barras - SC, tornando essa área interessante para o estudo de aspectos epidemiológicos da infecção por D. renale em cães. De 197 cães examinados, 14,2% apresentaram ovos do parasita na urina e 16,4% apresentaram anticorpos IgG anti-D. renale no soro pelo método de ELISA indireto e, entre estes, 15 (37,5%) não apresentavam ovos do parasita sendo eliminados pela urina. O parasitismo foi mais frequente nas fêmeas, e não houve constatação de interferência da idade no parasitismo. Fatores como potencial hídrico e presença de hospedeiros paratênicos na região estudada foram relatados pelos tutores dos cães e podem contribuir para a ocorrência do parasitismo.