Larval survival of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus lungworm in cat litters.

OBJECTIVES: The dehydrating power of cat litters may reduce the vitality of first-stage larvae (L1s) of feline lungworms, limiting copromicroscopical diagnosis. This study assessed the effect of the most commonly used cat litters on Aelurostrongylus abstrusus L1 survival. METHODS: Four types of cat litters were used: clumpling clay (group A); non-clumpling clay (group B); silica crystals (group C); and biodegradable (group D). A control group without litter (group E) was also included. On study day 0 (T0), L1s were obtained by the Baermann-Wetzel technique from the faeces of a naturally infected cat and ~100 larvae were injected in each of the 20 lungworm larvae-free faecal samples (~2 g each). Thereafter, four faecal samples per group were transferred into plastic cups containing the four different types of cat litters, or into empty cups (group E). The survival of L1s was assessed in each group after 3 (T3), 6 (T6), 12 (T12) and 24 (T24) h, using the Baermann-Wetzel technique. RESULTS: A decreasing trend of L1 survival was observed in all groups, with highest significant values at T0 compared with T3, T6, T12 and T24 (P <0.001). However, at T24, a significantly higher number (P <0.05) of L1s was extracted from faeces of the control group compared with the four groups with cat litters. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates how the survival of A abstrusus L1s, and therefore diagnosis, may be negatively influenced by the litter. The effect is time dependent, with a reduction in the number of vital larvae according to the type of litter, over time. False-negative results may be obtained, especially in cases of low parasitic load or when the sample is collected many hours after the emission.

Apex Predators, Rockshelters, and Zoonoses in the Patagonian Holocene.

Carnivorous mammals are a trophic guild with an important role in the dissemination of parasite infective stages (larvae, eggs, cysts, and oocysts). In the present study, new samples of coprolites attributed to carnivorous mammals, obtained from 2 archaeological caves, were analyzed for the presence of parasites with the aim to increase the knowledge about parasites in rockshelters that could have spread to humans and other mammals. To this purpose, fragments of 3 coprolites from Cerro Casa de Piedra, cave 5 and cave 7, were examined. Coprolites were rehydrated in aqueous trisodium phosphate and processed by spontaneous sedimentation. High parasite richness was observed and new parasite species for archaeological contexts were found. The parasitological findings in Puma concolor coprolites associated with caves suggest the importance of these carnivores in the dissemination of parasites in areas with high re-use of space and steady conditions of temperature, humidity, and radiation.

Infection levels of protostrongylid nematodes in definitive caprine and intermediate gastropod hosts from Uzbekistan.

Morphological analysis of lungworms collected among Caprinae from Uzbekistan resulted in the identification of four species of Protostrongylidae: Protostrongylus rufescens, Protostrongylus hobmaieri, Spiculocaulus leuckarti and Cystocaulus ocreatus. The following species were recorded as definitive hosts: Ovis aries, Ovis ammon, Ovis vignei, Capra hircus, Capra falconeri and Capra sibirica. The prevalence of P. rufescens reached 45.3%, followed by S. leuckarti and C. ocreatus with 31.7% and P. hobmaieri with 16.9%. The sex ratio ranged between 1:3.1 and 1:6.2, with P. hobmaieri showing the strongest predominance of females over males. The prevalence of infection of small ruminants with protostrongylid nematodes increased with the age of the hosts. Protostrongyles use terrestrial gastropods as intermediate hosts, and infective larvae were found in the species Vallonia costata, Gibbulinopsis signata, Pupilla muscorum, Pseudonapaeus albiplicata, Pseudonapaeus sogdiana, Leucozonella ferghanica, Xeropicta candacharica, Candaharia levanderi and Macrochlamys sogdiana. Xeropicta candacharica was the most abundant gastropod and had the highest prevalence of infection with protostrongylids. Adult X. candacharica had a significantly higher infection intensity than juveniles. The epidemiology of protostrongylid infections is dynamic and subject to considerable changes. Further characterization of the interaction of protostrongylid parasites with their terrestrial gastropods as intermediate hosts and Caprinae as definitive hosts is required to understand these processes and to monitor the effects of changing ecological contexts.

Multiparasitism in a wild cat (Leopardus colocolo) (Carnivora: Felidae) in southern Brazil / Multiparasitismo em um felino silvestre (Leopardus colocolo) (Carnivora: Felidae) no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Parasitic diseases reflect the health and balance of ecosystems, affecting not only individuals but also entire populations or communities. The aim of this study was to report on the diversity of parasitic helminths detected in the feces of a wild feline in southern Brazil. Parasites were obtained from fecal samples, and four techniques were used for parasitological examination: direct examination, centrifugal flotation with zinc sulfate (Faust technique), simple sedimentation (Hoffman technique) and Baermann-Moraes. The parasites were identified through micrometry and morphology, as follows: Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuridae, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Alaria sp., and Spirometra sp. We recorded the genus Ancylostoma parasitizing L. colocolo for the first time.

Resumo Doenças parasitárias refletem a saúde e o equilíbrio dos ecossistemas, influenciando não só um indivíduo e sim uma população ou comunidade. Este trabalho teve por objetivo relatar a diversidade de helmintos encontradas nas fezes de um felino silvestre na região Sul do Brasil. Os parasitos foram obtidos a partir de amostras fecais, sendo utilizadas quatro técnicas para os exames parasitológicos: exame direto, centrífugo-flutuação com sulfato de zinco (Técnica de Faust), sedimentação simples (Técnica de Hoffman) e Baermann-Moraes. Os parasitos foram identificados através de micrometria e morfologia, sendo esses: Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuridae, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Alaria sp. e Spirometra sp. Estudos da fauna parasitária de animais silvestres são relevantes, tanto para o equilíbrio e saúde desses animais, como para o controle e prevenção de doenças transmitidas ao homem. Ancylostoma spp. foi identificado pela primeira vez em L. colocolo.

Case-control study of pathogens involved in piglet diarrhea.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea in piglets directly affects commercial swine production. The disease results from the interaction of pathogens with the host immune system and is also affected by management procedures. Several pathogenic agents such as Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., group A rotavirus (RV-A), coronaviruses (transmissible gastroenteritis virus; porcine epidemic diarrhea virus), as well as nematode and protozoan parasites, can be associated with disease cases. RESULTS: All bacterial, viral, protozoan, and parasitic agents here investigated, with the exception of Salmonella spp. as well as both coronaviruses, were detected in varying proportions in piglet fecal samples, and positive animals were equally distributed between case and control groups. A statistically significant difference between case and control groups was found only for Cystoisospora suis (p = 0.034) and Eimeria spp. (p = 0.047). When co-infections were evaluated, a statistically significant difference was found only for C. perfringens ß2 and C. suis (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pathogens in piglets alone does not determine the occurrence of diarrhea episodes. Thus, the indiscriminate use of antibiotic and anthelminthic medication should be re-evaluated. This study also reinforces the importance of laboratory diagnosis and correct interpretation of results as well as the relevance of control and prophylactic measures.

Fenbendazole treatment for Mammomonogamus species infection of a domestic cat on St Kitts, West Indies.

A 7-month-old, female, domestic shorthair, indoor/outdoor cat on the island of St Kitts was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine as part of a student training spay-neuter program. Observation of diarrhea prompted a double centrifugation fecal analysis. Ova of Mammomonogamus species, in addition to Ancylostoma species, Trichuris species and Platynosomum species, were found. Mammomonogamus ierei is a parasitic nematode found on many Caribbean islands for which treatment is not well documented. Five days of fenbendazole (50 mg/kg bodyweight) was administered, and fecal analyses gave negative results for Mammomonogamus species eggs 1 week after the last fenbendazole treatment.

Evaluation of enhanced virgin coconut oil and senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum) as anthelmintics against caprine strongyle nematodes.

A study was conducted to evaluate the anthelmintic properties of enhanced virgin coconut oil (EVCO) and senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum) plant against strongyle nematodes in goats. Two preparations of 10% EVCO dissolved in 90% virgin coconut oil and 10% EVCO dissolved in 90% palm oil, were given orally to two groups of mixed breeds goats. The efficacy test indicated that EVCO was insufficiently active as an anthelmintic. Four concentrations of senduduk solution (1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg ml(-1)) were compared with a control and albendazole in an in vitro test for larvicidal effect. There was no significant larval mortality using senduduk solution. An in vivo test of senduduk was conducted by comparing three groups of goats, namely control, levamisole and treatment groups that were given a daily oral dose of senduduk crude extract with 1g kg(-1) from Day 0 to Day 12 and 2 g kg(-1) from Day 13 to Day 30. This efficacy test with senduduk also gave negative results. The findings obtained indicated that EVCO and senduduk were ineffective as anthelmintics against caprinestrongyle nematodes at the concentrations used.

Detecting Aelurostrongylus abstrusus-specific IgG antibody using an immunofluorescence assay.

Diagnosis of feline lungworm, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is typically achieved by identifying larvae in feces following concentration through flotation or using the Baermann technique. This work presents observations on the usefulness of an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for detection of antibodies to this parasite in the sera of infected cats. Using first-stage larvae of A abstrusus and sera from both experimentally and naturally infected cats, it was determined that the test was fairly sensitive and did not cross-react with serum from an Ancylostoma braziliense (hookworm)-infected cat.

Endoparasites of cats from the Tirana area and the first report on Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) in Albania.

Following the recovery of first-stage nematode larvae indicative of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in the faeces of free-roaming cats from the greater Tirana area, examination of 18 cats at necropsy revealed nine of them harbouring adult A. abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) in the lungs (prevalence, 50%; range, 1-11). In addition to A. abstrusus, Eucoleus aerophilus (16.7%; 1-9) was isolated from the lungs, and Toxocara cati (83.3%; 2-33), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (44.4%; 1-20), Dipylidium caninum (83.3%; 1-164), Joyeuxiella pasqualei (11.1%; 1-3) and one specimen of an acanthocephalan (5.5%) were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, oocysts of Cystoisospora felis and C. rivolta were found in the rectal faeces of 5.6% and 11.1% of the cats, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence of endoparasite infection in free-roaming cats in Tirana can be considered to be high. The occurrence of A. abstrusus, which may cause respiratory distress in cats, is reported for the first time in Albania.

Species composition and morphology of protostrongylids (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) in ruminants from Bulgaria.

Lungs of 52 ruminants from different regions of Bulgaria, 16 from goats (Capra aegagrus f. domestica L.), 15 from sheep (Ovis ammon f. domestica L.), 11 from mouflons (Ovis musimon L.), and 10 from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.), were investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the species composition of small lungworms in these hosts. The obtained results are summarized with those of previous studies, and a picture of the present status of the species composition of protostrongylids in ruminants from Bulgaria is forwarded. Morphometric data about the species Muellerius capillaris, Cystocaulus ocreatus, Neostrongylus linearis, Protostrongylus brevispiculum, and Protostrongylus rufescens are presented. The data on the morphology of these five species are supplied for the first time both for Bulgaria and the south-east part of the European continent.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae in the colon of two cats.

A 12-year-old male domestic shorthair cat with a history of depression, aggression, and fever was presented for necropsy, and formalin-fixed tissues from a second male domestic shorthair cat of unknown age were submitted for histopathologic examination to the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Both cats had granulomatous pneumonia associated with large numbers of parasite eggs and larvae, consistent with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Both cats also had larvae within glands in the colon that were identified morphologically as A. abstrusus first-stage larvae.

A preliminary survey of gastrointestinal and haemoparasites of beef cattle in the tropical livestock farming system in Nan Province, northern Thailand.

Parasitism is a primary cause of production losses in most cattle-producing countries of the world, including Thailand. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine baseline data on the prevalence of gastrointestinal and haemoparasites of beef cattle in Nan Province, northern Thailand and to investigate the factors associated with the prevalence of parasitic infections. A total of 207 faecal and 162 blood samples were collected during the summer of 2005. The basic data of management were recorded, including the number of animals on the farm or in the village, major animal health problems, deworming programme and veterinary service. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 61% (126/207). The most common helminth infections in this study were rumen flukes 28% (58), followed by strongyles 27% (55), and the rest were due to Strongyloides 1% (2) and Trichuris 1% (2). The common protozoan infections were Buxtonella cysts 2% (5) and coccidia oocysts 2% (4). Of the 162 blood samples examined, 50% (81) contained Theileria sp., 2% (4) trypanosome, and 1% (1) microfilariae. The high rate of parasitic infections in these areas might be related to the poor management by the farmers, such as sharing the same grazing pasture.

Estrutura das infracomunidades de nematoides estrongilídeos (nematoda: strongylidae) do ceco de equus caballus naturalmente infectados, provenientes da regiao metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Estructure of infracommunities of strongylid nematodes (nematoda: strongylidae) of cecum of equus caballus naturally infected, from metropolitana region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Analisou-se a estructura das infracomunidades de nematóides stronglidae en equinos, proveniente da Regiao Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, observando-se padroes na diversidade parasitária e relacoes interespecíficas. Além disto, a prevalencia a e abundancia dos nematóides strongylidae foram calculados. Trinta e tres equinos foram necropsiados. Coletou-se 8640 helmintos do conteúdo cecal, desde total 6078 espécimes pertencentes a família strongylidae. Coronocyclus coronatus (90,9 por cento; 60), cylicostephanus calicatus (87,9 por cento; 48,9) e strongylus culgaris (84,8 por cento; 24) foram as espécies mais prevalentes e abundantes, respectivamente. Cylicocyclus brevicapsulatus apresentou um dos maiores índices de dispersao e agregacao. Tres infrapopulacoes (2, 3 e 15) apresentaram a mesma riqueza parasitária (3), contudo, os valores obtidos para os índices de Shannon e Pielou foram diferentes, devido a distinta equitabilidade das amostras. De 182 pares de espécies associados, somente oito foram significativos para associacao e correlacao

Human syngamosis: the first case in Korea.

Parasites of the genus Mammomonogamus affect the respiratory tract of domestic mammals but have only rarely been reported in humans. In this case report the diagnosis of human syngamosis is described following bronchoscopic examination of a patient whose initial symptoms were simply of community acquired pneumonia. The patient had a persistent and productive cough with intermittent fever during 10 days of observation. After bronchoscopic extraction of the parasites and treatment with albendazole he recovered fully. This is one of the first recognised cases of human syngamosis in Korea.

Assessment of the severity of natural infections of kids and adult goats by small lungworms (Protostrongylidae, Nematoda) using macroscopic lesion scores.

Assessment of the severity of natural infections of kids and adult goats by small lungworms using macroscopic lesion scores was carried out on 476 lungs originating from the Rabat area of Morocco. The prevalence of infection was 98% in kids and 100% in adult goats. The diaphragmatic lobes were the preferential site for protostrongylids. The average number of nodules (mostly Muellerius capillaris) and lobular lesions (mostly Protostrongylus rufescens and Cystocaulus ocreatus) was 174 and 9 per pair of lungs respectively, indicating that the amount of lung tissue rendered inactive in heavy infections was considerable. Up to 19.9% kids or 34.2% adult goats had heavy infection based on nodular lesions (more than 200 nodules); 61% and 68% of kids and adult goats respectively had heavy infection based on lobular lesions (more than four lobular lesions per pair of lungs). The proportion of the total lung surface occupied by protostrongylid lesions was 35.1% in kids and 23.5% in adult goats, suggesting that small lungworm infections may significantly contribute to the debilitation of infected caprines in the area.

Alveolar mastocytosis and eosinophilia in lambs with naturally acquired nematode infections of Protostrongylus rufescens and Haemonchus contortus.

Specific-pathogen-free Dorset and St. Croix lambs were placed on pasture contaminated with Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae and slugs carrying third stage larvae of Protostrongylus rufescens for an entire grazing season to evaluate breed differences in acquired resistance to these nematodes. Lambs were evaluated for clinical signs, clinical pathology and histopathologic lesions associated with these infections. Both breeds acquired natural infections with H. contortus and lungworm when allowed to graze contaminated pastures for 5 months during the summer and fall in central Maryland. Dorset sheep maintained heavy abomasal worm burdens of H. contortus throughout the grazing period when compared to St. Croix breed sheep. Seven of 12 Dorset sheep and three of 12 St. Croix sheep on pasture acquired heavy lungworm infections after at least 15 weeks of exposure, as evidenced by shedding of first stage larvae in feces and numerous subpleural lung lesions containing adult P. rufescens found at necropsy. All lungworm infected animals had mild respiratory and gastrointestinal signs, and two of five Dorset sheep with both infections had chronic anemia. All lungworm and H. contortus infected Dorset sheep had decreased numbers of circulating white blood cells. There was mastocytosis in the lungs of lungworm infected Dorset and St. Croix sheep when compared to age- and breed-matched control sheep prevented from acquiring both lungworm and trichostrongyle infections. No difference was noted in the number of mast cells in the abomasum, duodenum and skin of infected and non-infected Dorset sheep. A morphologic range of mast cell forms was observed in the lungs of infected sheep including transitional cells and globular leukocytes. The number of eosinophils was significantly greater in the lungs but not in the abomasum of infected sheep. Despite the pronounced cellular infiltrates surrounding the adult lungworms, they were viable on recovery and appeared undamaged when examined histologically.

Relationship between the excretion of protostrongylid larvae in sheep in north-west Spain and climatic conditions.

The relationship between different climatic factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) and the pattern of lungworm larval excretion was studied in sheep under a continuous grazing pattern in North-west Spain, where the climate is intermediate between sub-humid Mediterranean with an Atlantic tendency and European Atlantic. Over a period of one year, 44 animals were sampled once a month at random from a flock of 80 Galician breed sheep, all over 4 years old. Faeces were taken directly from the rectum and the number of first stage larvae per gram of faeces was determined for each animal, and the species of Protostrongylidae (Nematoda) identified. Larval excretion was irregular during the study. The prevalence and intensity of infection were greater in the colder months (40.9%; x = 12.3 +/- 40.4) and less in the warmer months (21.9%; mean = 0.7 +/- 2.7). The species of Protostrongylidae identified and prevalences (%) were Neostrongylus linearis (71.5), Muellerius capillaris (18.8) and Cystocaulus ocreatus (9.7). Between November and March, with low temperatures, the prevalence and intensity of parasitism with N. linearis and M. capillaris were greater than in the months with high temperatures (May to September). Multiple linear regression analysis showed statistical correlation between temperature, relative humidity and rainfall considered together and the number of N. linearis larvae per gram of faeces. Linear regression showed a correlation between the temperature and the percentage of sheep that passed M. capillaris. In general, the prevalence and intensity of infection of the sheep with N. linearis, M. capillaris and C. ocreatus larvae decrease when the temperature increases and increase when the relative humidity and rainfall increases.