Causes of Fatal Cyathostomiasis in Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) from Brazil: Identification of Pathogen and Implications for Management.

Fatal infection by Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci (Nematoda: Syngamidae), was identified in 2 of 52 brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) collected on beaches in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and admitted to the veterinary clinic for rehabilitation. Both infected birds were in poor physical condition, with atrophied pectoral muscles, and died soon after starting treatment. The parasitological and pathological examination of the carcasses revealed the presence of C. (C.) phenisci in the trachea, resulting in tracheitis, as well as severe parasitic granulomatous bronchopneumonia caused by eggs deposited in the lungs. In our opinion, these serious pathological changes were the primary cause of chronic respiratory illness. This is the first description of fatal cyathostomiasis in a fish-eating avian host caused by infection by a member of the subgenus Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma). Therefore, it is reasonable to consider C. (C.) phenisci to be a real threat to a wide range of their definitive hosts, and cyathostomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for fish-eating marine birds, even in cases without respiratory signs. This is also the first record of the genus Cyathostoma in Brazil.

Intratracheal myiasis followed by tracheal-esophageal fistula: report of a rare case and literature review.

BACKGROUND: To enhance awareness of the clinical features and prevention of endotracheal myiasis. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of intratracheal myiasis is reported. A 61-year-old male patient with a history of laryngectomy was admitted to hospital due to tracheostomal hemorrhage of 3 h duration. Intratracheal myiasis was confirmed by bronchoscopy, and the patient underwent bronchoscopic intervention, which was complicated by a tracheal-esophageal fistula and resolved by endotracheal stenting. Twenty months after stent placement, the fistula had not healed. CONCLUSION: Intratracheal myiasis has serious complications and is difficult to treat. For post-tracheostomy patients, healthcare providers and caregivers should pay attention to the care and monitoring of wounds and maintenance of a tidy, clean living environment to prevent intratracheal myiasis.

Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Bufonidae) Versus Rhabdias paraensis (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae): Expanding the View on a Natural Infection.

Amphibian and reptile lungs are frequently infected with Rhabdias parasites, and this condition ultimately leads to reduced survival, performance, and growth because of granulomatous inflammation, nodule formation, and nematodal pneumonia onset. Here we investigate the histopathological features of naturally infected Rhinella marina by the lung nematode Rhabdias paraensis. A total of 10 host animals were captured in peridomiciliar areas in the eastern Brazilian Amazon, and anatomic-histological analyses were performed on both the infected and non-infected lungs of these amphibians. Helminths were usually found within the secondary and primary septa of infected lungs whereas parasites were not detected within vessels or adhering to tissues. In addition, we observed discrete erythrocytes, diapedesis foci, few granulocytes and erythrocytes in the interseptal spaces, discrete cell infiltration, and a small number of melanomacrophages, and no granulomas or cysts were observed. New aspects related to changes in tissue and helminth-host interactions are discussed for the relationship of R. paraensis × Rhi. marina from the Amazon region.

Infection by Toxoplasma gondii, a severe parasite in neonates and AIDS patients, causes impaired anion secretion in airway epithelia.

The airway epithelia initiate and modulate the inflammatory responses to various pathogens. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-mediated Cl(-) secretion system plays a key role in mucociliary clearance of inhaled pathogens. We have explored the effects of Toxoplasma gondii, an opportunistic intracellular protozoan parasite, on Cl(-) secretion of the mouse tracheal epithelia. In this study, ATP-induced Cl(-) secretion indicated the presence of a biphasic short-circuit current (Isc) response, which was mediated by a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel (CaCC) and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. However, the ATP-evoked Cl(-) secretion in T. gondii-infected mouse tracheal epithelia and the elevation of [Ca(2+)]i in T. gondii-infected human airway epithelial cells were suppressed. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR revealed that the mRNA expression level of the P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2-R) increased significantly in T. gondii-infected mouse tracheal cells. This revealed the influence that pathological changes in P2Y2-R had on the downstream signal, suggesting that P2Y2-R was involved in the mechanism underlying T. gondii infection in airways. These results link T. gondii infection as well as other pathogen infections to Cl(-) secretion, via P2Y2-R, which may provide new insights for the treatment of pneumonia caused by pathogens including T. gondii.

Hallazgo de Lophomonas sp. en secreciones del tracto respiratorio de niños hospitalizados con enfermedad pulmonar grave / Lophomonas sp. in respiratory tract secretions in hospitalized children with severe lung disease

Lophomonas sp. es un parásito habitual del tracto intestinal de las cucarachas y que no es reconocido como patógeno humano. Sin embargo, en la literatura mundial existen escasos reportes de Lophomonas sp. en secreciones del tracto respiratorio en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar grave, principalmente en adultos. Presentamos evidencias de Lophomonas sp. en el tracto respiratorio inferior de niños atendidos en el centro de referencia nacional de enfermedades pediátricas de Lima, Perú, en el periodo 2009-2010. Se encontró seis casos, 4/23 provenientes de muestras de lavado broncoalveolar y 2/794 muestras de aspirado traqueal de niños. Cinco de ellos tuvieron neumonía y uno atelectasia, cuatro estuvieron en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Es necesario conocer más sobre la presencia de este organismo en infecciones respiratorias así como su rol patogénico real.

Lophomonas sp. is a habitual parasite of the intestinal tract of the cockroaches and that is not recognized as pathogenic human being. Nevertheless, in the world literature are few reports of Lophomonas sp. in respiratory tract secretions in patients with severe pulmonary disease, mostly in adults. We present evidences of Lophomonas sp. in the respiratory low tract of children attended in the national reference center of paediatric diseases of Lima, Peru, in the period 2009- 2010. We found six cases, 4/23 from broncoalveolar lavage and 2/794 from tracheal aspirate samples of children. Five of them had pneumonia and one atelectasis, four were hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Increase knowledge about the presence of this organism in respiratory infections is needed, as its real pathogenic role.

Surgical removal of a Cuterebra larva from the cervical trachea of a cat.

A case of cervical intratracheal cuterebriasis is reported. The cat was presented with intermittent dyspnea of 3 days' duration. The larva was located during tracheoscopy but was not retrievable. Surgical exploration of the cervical region was performed, and the larva was removed. All clinical signs resolved upon recovery from surgery. The larva was identified as a second instar Cuterebra sp.

Treatment of small lungworm infestation in sheep by using moxidectin.

The use of moxidectin (MXD) in the treatment of small lungworm infestation (Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, Neostrongylus linearis and Protostronglylus rufescens) in sheep, was evaluated. Twenty-one sheep naturally infested with small lungworms, were divided into three groups (n = 7) and treated as follows: group A with moxidectin 1% injectable solution at a dose rate of 0.2mgkg(-1) bodyweight, group B with moxidectin 0.1% oral drench at a dose rate of 0.2 mgkg(-1) bodyweight and group C being controls. Before treatment, mean faecal larval counts were 30.7, 21.1 and 26.7 lpg in group A, B and C, respectively; 14 days after treatment respective counts were 0.4, 2.3 and 63.0 lpg, (percentage reduction after moxidectin administration >96.0%); 60 days after treatment respective counts were 0.0, 0.0 and 26.4 lpg, (percentage reduction after moxidectin administration 100%). It is concluded that treatment of small lungworm infestation of sheep can be effected by using moxidectin.

Pentastomid infections in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, with a description of the males of Alofia simpsoni.

Two Nile crocodiles were obtained from two different localities in the Kruger National Park, one a healthy specimen, the other in a severely debilitated condition. Both were males over 3 m long and both harboured the three pentastome genera Sebekia, Alofia and Leiperia. The genus Sebekia was represented by three species, Sebekia wedli Giglioli, 1922, Sebekia cesarisi Giglioli, 1922 and Sebekia okavangoensis Riley & Huchzermeyer, 1995. Of the genus Alofia two species, Alofia simpsoni Riley, 1994 and Alofia nilotici Riley & Huchzermeyer, 1995 were found. The male of A. simpsoni, formerly unknown, is described and the description of the females emended. Leiperia cincinnalis Sambon, 1922 was the only Leiperia present. Whereas Sebekia and Alofia were recovered from the bronchioles and lung parenchyma, female Leiperia occurred in the trachea and bronchi, and infective larvae as well as immature males and females, were collected from the lungs, the heart and the aorta. Adult Subtriquetra (Family Subtriquetridae) were not present in the nasopharynx of either crocodile. The intensity of infection was low in the healthy crocodile and had no negative effect on the host. In contrast, the debilitated crocodile was heavily infected and its poor condition is ascribed to its high pentastome burden. Histopathology revealed lesions in the tracheal wall and the lungs accompanied by chronic granulomata with secondary fungal infection as well as severe chronic multifocal granulomatous pneumonia.

Respiratory nematodiases in raptors in Quebec.

This is a retrospective study on wild raptors submitted to the Université de Montréal (Quebec, Canada) from 1989 to 1996. Cyathostoma spp. (Nematoda: Syngamidae) adults and/or eggs were found in air sacs, lungs, bronchi, and trachea of 12 raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes) from Quebec, Canada, belonging to eight different species, five of which are first host records for this parasite: barred owl (Strix varia), snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), and broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus). The infection was considered fatal in four birds, while no significant clinical signs were observed in the other cases. Major pathologic changes included diffuse pyogranulomatous air sacculitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. A few unidentified larval nematodes embedded in a granuloma were found in the lungs of an additional Coopers' hawk (Accipiter cooperii); they were not considered clinically significant. A dead nematode, surrounded by necrotic inflammatory cells, was found in the air sac of a northern goshawk. The presence of nematodes in air sacs or lungs should be considered in wild raptors demonstrating respiratory problems.

Treatment of Oslerus osleri infestation in a dog: case report and literature review.

Oslerus osleri (O. osleri), found throughout the world, reportedly is the most common respiratory nematode of wild and domestic dogs. Oslerus osleri infestation was diagnosed in a 1.5-year-old Scottish terrier presenting with a seven-week history of progressive cough. Diagnosis was based upon visualization of characteristic lesions on bronchoscopic evaluation and recovery of O. osleri larvae from tracheal and bronchoalveolar lavage samples on fecal analyses. Therapy was successful using anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone (0.5 mg/kg body weight, per os [PO] every other day) and thiabendazole (35 mg/kg body weight, PO q 12 hrs for five days; then 70 mg/kg body weight, PO q 12 hrs for 21 days).

Lungworm, Filaroides osleri, infection in a dog in Japan.

A 7-month-old male Pomeranian had severe dyspnea for 2 weeks. The lateral bronchogram showed a stenosis of the trachea. Inspite of supportive therapy including supplemental oxygen, the dog died 5 days later. Six pedunculated nodules were recognized in the mucosal surface of the trachea at necropsy. The tracheal nodules were histopathologically granuloma characterized by many coiled parasites containing a little collagen fibers, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Female parasites had a lot of embryonated eggs in the uterus. Immature worms were observed in the dilated lymph vessels of bronchial and bronchiolar wall in the lungs. The worms were identified as Filaroides osleri based on the parasitological examinations.

Respiratory tract cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed rat is associated with an epithelial metaplasia.

Cryptosporidium parvum is an opportunistic protozoa that chronically infects the digestive tract of immunocompromised hosts. Respiratory cryptosporidiosis, which was reported in AIDS patients, is an uncommon feature of mammalian cryptosporidiosis models. In this study, we document the respiratory lesion; observed in an immunosuppressed rat model of cryptosporidiosis. Twenty rats were immunosuppressed with corticosteroids and low protein diet. They were challenged intratracheally with 10(6) C. parvum sporozoites. Lungs and ileums were examined on D3, D6, D10, D14. On D10 and D14, C. parvum were present in the respiratory tract of all animals in association with the progressive appearance of an immature malpighian metaplasia. On D14, an intestinal infection was also detected in 2/4 animals. The respiratory tract appears to be a fully permissive area for the protozoa in immunosuppressed rats. Introduction of parasites on the respiratory mucosa seems a requisite to induce respiratory cryptosporidiosis. This experimental protocol yields a low mortality rate, and so modelizes late and/or chronic stages of respiratory cryptosporidiosis.

Pulmonary lesions in disseminated visceral coccidiosis of sandhill and whooping cranes.

Fifty cranes, consisting of 46 sandhill (Grus canadensis) and four whooping cranes (Grus americana), were studied. Eighteen sandhill cranes and the four whooping cranes were naturally infected with disseminated visceral coccidiosis (DVC). The remaining sandhill cranes were chicks experimentally infected with oocysts of Eimeria reichenowi and/or E. gruis; five chicks served as controls. There were no clinical signs attributed to respiratory infection. Necropsy of naturally infected adult birds revealed nodules in many organs, including the lung, air sacs, trachea and nares. Artificially infected sandhill cranes and the whooping crane chicks that died from DVC had congestion and consolidated areas in the lung with frothy fluid in the airways. Grossly visible nodules were observed from 10 days postinoculation. Granulomatous pneumonia and tracheitis were observed with light microscopy. Lesions were associated with merogonic and gametogonic stages of eimerian coccidia. Granulomas and granulomatous foci contained parasitized large mononuclear cells. Merogonic stages were seen in lymphoid cells by ultrastructural examination. Oocysts were observed in the trachea and bronchial mucosa and admixed with exudate in the airways, indicating that crane eimerians can complete their life cycle at these sites. Of the few eimeriid coccidia that have extraintestinal stages of development in birds and mammals, only the species in cranes complete their life cycle in both the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Cryptosporidiosis in the respiratory tract of turkeys in Saskatchewan.

Developmental stages of Cryptosporidium sp. (Protozoa: Cryptosporiidae) were observed in tracheal epithelium of two groups of turkey poults from a farm in central Saskatchewan. Lesions associated with the parasite included excess mucus, epithelial hyperplasia and metaplasia and necrosis, and macrophage and heterophil infiltration in thickened lamina propria. Infection with the parasite was confirmed by histologic and ultrastructural examination of tracheal tissues.