An unexpected cause of dysuria in a cat in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infestation by Capillaria spp. in domestic cats is rather rare, but can cause clinical symptoms and affect behaviour. To our knowledge, this report is the first to describe a case of urinary capillariosis in a cat in Poland. CASE PRESENTATION: A female formerly stray cat aged about 1.5 years showing dysuria, stranguria, periuria and lethargy was presented at the veterinary clinic. Urinalysis revealed the presence of Capillaria plica eggs in the sediment. The cat was treated successfully with three topical doses of Broadline (Merial, Toulouse, France). CONCLUSIONS: C. plica is a nematode whose definitive hosts are carnivores, which are infected by eating earthworms (the intermediate hosts). Thus, C. plica infestation is more frequent in wild carnivores and dogs, and rare in cats. Symptomatic bladder capillariosis in cats is very rarely diagnosed and described.

Capillaria Ova and Diagnosis of Trichuris trichiura Infection in Humans by Kato-Katz Smear, Liberia.

We examined human stool samples from Liberia for soil-transmitted helminth ova by Kato-Katz smear and by quantitative PCR. Twenty-five samples were positive for Trichuris trichiura by smear but negative by quantitative PCR. Reexamination of samples showed that they contained Capillaria eggs that resemble T. trichiura in Kato-Katz smears.

Capillaria hepatica (Calodium hepaticum) infection in a horse: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Capillaria hepatica is a zoonotic parasite in humans and animals and has a worldwide distribution. However, infections in mammals apart from rodents, which are natural hosts of the parasite, have rarely been reported. This report describes the first known case of C. hepatica infection in a horse in Japan. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-year-old filly without clinical signs was presented at a slaughterhouse in Japan. Gross examination revealed white to tan nodules 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter in the parenchyma of the liver. Histologically, the nodules had mature fibrous capsules and consisted of multifocal to coalescing granulomatous inflammations with numerous nematode eggs. The eggs were barrel shaped with an opercular plug on each end and double-layered shells; these findings are consistent with the features of C. hepatica eggs. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case of C. hepatica infection in a horse in Japan. The pathological findings confirmed the presence of this pathogen in this part of the world, and they highlight the importance of this nematode in the differential diagnosis of hepatic granulomatous lesions in horses.

Development and evaluation of a rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic device to detect antibodies in sera from intestinal capillariasis cases.

Intestinal capillariasis, a fish-borne nematodiasis, is an important emerging zoonotic disease. Patients present clinical symptoms of borborygmus chronic diarrhea, intermittent abdominal pain, weight loss, and several degrees of painless lower-leg edema. Death may occur in cases of misdiagnosis and improper treatment. Diagnosis is difficult because of the atypical clinical symptoms and diagnostic confusion with diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal cancer, opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus patients, and hyperthyroidism. In addition, parasite eggs are not always found in stool examination. Serology can provide a supportive diagnostic tool. We have produced a rapid and simple immunochromatographic test (ICT) kit for diagnosis of intestinal capillariasis by detection of diagnostic antibodies in human sera. Serum samples from healthy volunteers and patients with proven intestinal capillariasis and other parasitic diseases were evaluated with the Trichinella spiralis larval extract antigen absorbed ICT strips. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 100, 96.6, 90.2, and 100%, respectively. The ICT kit is simple and rapid to use and can supplement stool examination in clinical diagnosis of intestinal capillariasis. The test can be completed in 15 min without a need for any sophisticated instruments or reagents.

Use of the FLOTAC technique to diagnosing parasites of the urinary tract of dogs.

Among the nematodes that infect the urinary tract of dogs, the Dioctophyma renale and Capillaria plica are those more frequently reported. For a long time, sedimentation was the only method used to detect eggs of these parasites in urine. The aim of this study was to analyze urine samples (n = 54) of dogs, obtained by bladder catheterization or cystocentesis, by using a modified FLOTAC technique. Animals were divided into two groups, i.e., with (n = 20) and without (n = 34) suspicion of urinary disease. The overall positivity herein observed was 3.8 % (2/54), being all animals (10 %; 2/20) from the group with suspicion of urinary disease. In the first positive sample, a single egg of D. renale was detected, whereas in the second sample two trematode-like eggs were observed. This is the first short survey employed to detect eggs of parasites that inhabit the urinary tract of dogs using a modified FLOTAC technique; in addition, for the first time, eggs of D. renale have been detected using this tool.

Molecular detection of Capillaria philippinensis: An emerging zoonosis in Egypt.

Human infection with Capillaria philippinensis is accidental; however, it may end fatally if not diagnosed and treated in the proper time. The first case was detected in the Philippines in 1963, but later reported in other countries around the world, including Egypt. In this report, molecular diagnosis using a specific nested PCR for detection of C. philippinensis in faeces is described based on the amplification of small ribosomal subunit. The test showed sensitivity and specificity, as it detected all the positive cases and gave no cross-reaction with human DNA and DNA of other tested parasites. This method can be very useful not only for improvement of diagnosis, but also to understand the different environmental routes of transmission by detection of C. philippinensis DNA-stages in the possible fish intermediate hosts and reservoir animal host, helping to improve strategies for surveillance and prevention of human disease.

Intestinal capillariasis in the 21st century: clinical presentations and role of endoscopy and imaging.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal capillariasis is one of the common causes of malabsorption in the East. Reports emphasizing the roles of clinical, endoscopic and radiologic findings of intestinal capillariasis are limited. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of 26 patients diagnosed with intestinal capillariasis at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between 2001- 2013. RESULTS: Clinical manifestations were chronic watery diarrhea (93%), chronic abdominal pain (70%), significant weight loss (92%), hypoalbuminemia (100%; 85% lower than 2.0 g/dL), and anemia (50%). The median duration of symptoms was 5.5 months (1-60 months). Parasites were found in stool in 15 patients (57%). In patients whose stool tests were initially negative, parasites were discovered in tissue biopsy from endoscopy in 1 from 10 esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD), 0 from 7 colonoscopies, 3 from 5 push enteroscopies, and 3 from 5 balloon-assisted enteroscopies (BAE). Endoscopic findings included scalloping appearance, mucosal cracking, and redness of mucosa. These endoscopic findings affected mostly at jejunum and proximal ileum. They were similar to celiac disease except duodenal involvement which is uncommon in capillariasis. Three patients underwent video capsule endoscopy (VCE) and typical abnormal findings were observed in all patients. Small bowel barium study showed fold thickening, fold effacement, and increased luminal fluid in 80% of patients, mainly seen at distal jejunum and ileum. CT findings were long segment wall thickening, enhanced wall, and fold effacement. Treatment with either albendazole or ivermectin cured all patients with most responding within 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: In endemic area, intestinal capillariasis should be considered if patients develop chronic watery diarrhea accompanied by significant weight loss and severe hypoalbuminemia. Stool examination had quite low sensitivities in making diagnosis in our study. Deep enteroscopy with biopsy guided by imaging or VCE may improve diagnostic yield. Empirical therapy may also be justifiable due to the very good response rate and less side effects.

High occurrence of Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) spurious infection in a village in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil.

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a nematode of the Capillariidae family that infects rodents and other mammals. In Brazil, human spurious infections of C. hepaticum have been detected in indigenous or rural communities from the Amazon Basin, but not in the southern states of the country. Here, we report the highest occurrence (13.5% of 37 residents) of C. hepaticum human spurious infection detected in Brazil and the first record in a southern region, Guaraqueçaba. The finding is explained by the area being located in the Atlantic Forest of the state of Paraná, surrounded by preserved forests and because the inhabitants consume the meat of wild mammals.

Dioctophymatosis renalis in humans: first case report from India.

Dioctophymatosis is an infestation by Dioctophyma renalis (the giant kidney worm), a relatively uncommon parasitic roundworm that infects carnivorous mammals. Since the early 1900s, dioctophymatosis has been confirmed in < 20 humans worldwide. A 70-year-old man attended our Hospital, complaining of having expelled 2 large worms while urination along with haematuria 2 days post-admission. On MR UROGRAM we confirmed it as dioctophyma renale.wet mount preparation of urine under microscopy showed eggs specific for the parasite. On review of literature we found that this was the first case reported in india.

Unusual parasitoses in urban dogs: Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis, cases report.

Parasitic diseases caused by uncommonly diagnosed parasites may pose a threat to companion animals' health in urban environments where they are least expected. The pentastomid Linguatula serrata (tongue worm) and the capillarid Pearsonema plica (syn. Capillaria plica) are parasites with an indirect life cycle, infecting both domestic and wild carnivores. The present report describes two cases: the first one of urinary capillariosis and the other of linguatulosis, in two dogs living in the urban environment of Athens, Greece. In the case of capillariosis, the dog never lived out of the city, so it was presumably infected in the urban environment. On the contrary, in the case of linguatulosis, the dog was adopted at a young age from a rural environment but remained asymptomatic for several months while living in the city. Both dogs had mild symptoms, compatible with these infections. Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis are uncommon in owned, pet dogs, living in cities due to epizootiological characteristics, i.e. need for wildlife reservoir for P. plica and consumption of raw infected viscera for L. serrata. Different factors contribute to the fact that such infections may occur in scenarios where they are least expected. Recent studies show a progressive worldwide increase in the number of uncommon parasitoses in pet animals, that in some cases, such as linguatulosis, are of zoonotic relevance. Regular parasitological examinations and preventive antiparasitic schemes are necessary in order to treat and prevent infections in pet animals and safeguard the health of both animals and humans under the concept of One Health.

Case report of hepatic calodiosis in a rescued dog.

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a nematode responsible for parasitic zoonosis that can cause granulomatous lesions in the liver. Although murids are the main hosts, C. hepaticum has been documented in a wide range of mammals. Here, we report a case of hepatic calodiosis in a 6-month-old dog that was rescued in the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso state, midwestern Brazil. Even after being attended at a Veterinary Hospital, the case resulted in animal death. Necroscopic examination revealed significant macroscopic changes in the spleen, liver, and encephalus. Microscopic examination revealed parasitic eggs, identified as Calodium cf. hepaticum, that were rounded to oval with a bilamellar cuticle, radially striated, and with bipolar plugs. Considering the difficulty to diagnose this parasite, and the existence of diverse possible hosts in Mato Grosso due to the biodiversity of the state, further investigation is required to understand the true prevalence of C. hepaticum and the importance of this nematode in public health.

Gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites in captive mammals at Rabat zoo, with the first record of Capillaria spp. in the Fennec fox (Vulpes zerda).

The aim of the present study was to broaden the understanding of parasitism in captive wild mammals in Morocco. For this purpose, an investigation on gastrointestinal and respiratory parasites in African mammals from Rabat Zoo was carried out. A total of 47 fecal samples were collected from 30 species from November 2021 to March 2022 and examined macroscopically and microscopically. Parasites were detected in 21 species at a prevalence of 70%, with a parasite positivity rate of 89% in artiodactyls, 50% in perissodactyls, 67% in both carnivores and primates. No parasitic infection was detected in proboscideans. The most frequent infection was by nematodes with a percentage of 50%, followed by both protozoa and mixed infection with a prevalence of 10%. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that parasite prevalence remains high, even in enclosed spaces like zoos. Therefore, in order to ensure animal welfare and staff safety, sanitary measures should be implemented in such facilities, including routine diagnostic tests followed by appropriate treatment.

Molecular detection of Capillaria aerophila, an agent of canine and feline pulmonary capillariosis.

Capillaria aerophila, a trichuroid nematode causing pulmonary infections in wild and domestic carnivores, is occasionally and potentially poorly recognized in infections of humans due to clinicopathological mimicry and a lack of accurate, robust laboratory diagnostics. The present work evaluated the efficiency of a DNA-based assay amplifying a partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of C. aerophila in the diagnosis of lung capillariosis. Fecal samples from 34 dogs and 10 cats positive at parasitological examination for C. aerophila and other endoparasites (i.e., other lungworms, whipworms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and/or coccidia) and from 44 animals negative for C. aerophila but positive for other endoparasites were molecularly examined. Of the 44 samples positive for C. aerophila at copromicroscopy, 43 scored positive (i.e., 33/34 dogs and 10/10 cats) in seminested PCR, resulting in a sensitivity of 97 to 100%. Samples that were copromicroscopy negative for C. aerophila although positive for other endoparasites never produced a PCR product or nonspecific amplicons. The specific PCR amplification of C. aerophila (i.e., specificity of 100%) was confirmed by a nucleotide sequence analysis of the cox1 amplicons. The potential implications of the molecular diagnosis of lung capillariosis are discussed.

GIANT RED KIDNEY WORM (DIOCTOPHYMA RENALE) INFECTION IN PUPPIES LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS OF AGE FROM NORTHERN CANADA.

In this article, we present 2 case reports of puppies less than 4 mo of age at the time of infection with the nematode known as giant red kidney worm (Diotophyma renale). The first puppy was prepared for an ovariohysterectomy that evolved into an exploratory laparotomy. An inflamed omentum was observed, and D. renale infection was suspected due to the puppies' place of origin. The algorithm developed by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the diagnosis and treatment of D. renale infections in dogs was followed. Both puppies had a history of origin from northern Manitoba, Canada. Due to the puppies' ages, the authors suspect that the transmission of infection for both puppies could be transmammary, transplacental, or ingestion of paratenic hosts or that these cases challenge what is thought to be the current prepatent period. In addition, D. renale infections in dogs, especially from northern communities, could be common.

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.

High Prevalence of Intestinal Capillariasis in Chronic Diarrhea Patients in Thailand: Serological Screening Using a Rapid Lateral-Flow Immunochromatographic Assay.

Intestinal capillariasis is an emerging fish-borne helminthic disease caused by the round worm Capillaria philippinensis. Chronic infection may lead to death if the disease is misdiagnosed and inappropriate treatment is given. We used a rapid lateral-flow immunochromatographic test for screening of intestinal capillariasis in patients with chronic diarrhea. We screened 292 chronic diarrhea patients who had visited hospitals in Thailand. Sixty-six (22.6%) cases were positive according to the kit. All positive patients received mebendazole at 200 mg twice per day for 30 consecutive days or albendazole at 200 mg twice per day for 10 consecutive days. Later, stool concentration techniques, used to examine stool samples from all serologically positive individuals on three consecutive days, revealed C. philippinensis eggs, larvae, and/or adults. The kit is useful for screening and rapid diagnosis of intestinal capillariasis in chronic diarrhea patients in an endemic area for prevention of serious disease and facilitates treatment.

Capillaria hepatica in man--an overview of hepatic capillariosis and spurious infections.

Capillaria hepatica (syn. for Calodium hepaticum) is a zoonotic nematode parasitizing in the livers of rodents as main hosts and in numerous other mammals including humans. It is the causative agent of the rare conditions of hepatic capillariosis and spurious C. hepatica infections in humans. In this review, 163 reported cases of infestations with this parasite (72 reports of hepatic capillariosis, 13 serologically confirmed infestations and 78 observations of spurious infections) are summarized with an overview on the distribution, symptoms, pathology, diagnosis, serology and therapy of this rare human pathogen.

Ova of Dioctophyme renale in a canine struvite urolith.

This report describes light and scanning electron microscopic appearance of an ovum from the giant kidney worm, Dioctophyme renale found in the nidus and stone layer of a struvite calculus. The stone had been surgically removed from the bladder of a 4-year-old spayed female mixed breed dog from northern Ontario.