Helminths of free-ranging dogs and cats in an urban natural reserve in Mexico City and their potential risk as zoonotic agents.

In the Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal of San Ángel, located in the south of Mexico City, Mexico, free-roaming dogs and cats coexist with 148 bird, 33 of mammal, 23 of reptile and seven amphibian species, that represent a remnant of the original fauna of the Mexican Plateau. The negative impact that dogs and cats have on local fauna is unobjectionable, however, the role that these introduced vertebrates play as potential transmitters of infectious diseases for native fauna and humans, is much less understood. Information about parasitic infections in native and introduced animals in this location is scarce. In order to ameliorate this lack of information, the objective of this study is to characterize the helminth fauna of the free-ranging dogs and cats of the ecological reserve. Between 2018 and 2023, 36 Felis silvestris catus and 7 Canis lupus familiaris were studied from the helminthological perspective. Endoparasites were obtained from the digestive tract and were identified to the species level using morphological and molecular evidence. Hosts were parasitized by eight species of helminths: in cats the cestodes Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia rileyi and the nematode Toxocara cati were recorded, while in dogs, the cestode Taenia pisiformis and the nematodes Ancylostoma caninum, and Uncinaria stenocephala were found. The only species shared between cats and dogs was the cestode Dipylidium caninum. These free-ranging animals act as definitive hosts of 5 species known to have zoonotic potential; their presence in the area may generate a public and animal health problem if programs of dog and cat population control are not continued.

First record of Hydatigera taeniaeformis in Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) in Brazil.

Leopardus geoffroyi (Geoffroy's cat) is a neotropical feline considered globally threatened. In Brazil, it occurs exclusively in the Pampa biome. Its predatory habits contribute to the infection, dispersion, and continuation of the life cycle of various pathogens, including helminths, within ecosystems. However, few studies involving cestodes in wild felines are found in the literature, especially in Brazil. Therefore, we aimed to report the first case of parasitism by Hydatigera taeniaeformis in L. geoffroyi. The helminths were found in the small intestine of the necropsied feline. Specimens were analyzed morphometrically and subjected to molecular analyses for taxonomic identification. The molecular phylogeny based on the analysis of the mitochondrial gene (COX1) allowed the identification of these parasites. Thus, this is the first description of H. taeniaeformis parasitizing L. geoffroyi in Brazil. Consequently, the number of known host species parasitized by this helminth in the country and the world is increased. Additionally, a new molecular sequence is being provided, contributing to the knowledge of Hydatigera in South America.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in wild bivalves from the Kerguelen and Galapagos archipelagos: influence of proximity to cat populations, exposure to marine currents and kelp density.

Oocysts of the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii are found in felid feces and can be washed into coastal waters, where they persist for months, attaching to algae and accumulating in invertebrates. We used wild bivalves to assess contamination of coastal waters of the Kerguelen and Galapagos archipelagos by this zoonotic parasite. Additionally, we leveraged the contrasting situations of these archipelagos to identify some potential drivers of contamination. In the Galapagos, with a cat density reaching 142 per km2, 15.38% of the sampled oysters (Saccostrea palmula) tested positive for T. gondii by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) (n = 260), and positive samples were found in all eight sampling sites. In Kerguelen, with 1-3 cats per km2, 40.83% of 120 tested mussels (Mytilus edulis platensis) were positive, and positive samples were found in four out of the five sampling sites. These findings provide evidence of T. gondii contamination in the coastal waters of these archipelagos. Furthermore, T. gondii-positive bivalves were found on islands located 20 km away (Galapagos) and 5 km away (Kerguelen) from the nearest cat population, indicating that T. gondii oocysts can disperse through waterborne mechanisms over several kilometers from their initial deposition site. In the Galapagos, where runoff is infrequent and all sites are exposed to currents, the prevalence of qPCR-positive bivalves did not show significant variations between sites (p = 0.107). In Kerguelen where runoff is frequent and site exposure variable, the prevalence varied significantly (p < 0.001). The detection of T. gondii in Kerguelen mussels was significantly correlated with the site exposure to currents (odds ratio (OR) 60.2, p < 0.001) and the on-site density of giant kelp forests (OR 2.624, p < 0.001). This suggests that bivalves can be contaminated not only by oocysts transported by currents but also by consuming marine aggregates containing oocysts that tend to form in kelp forests.

Molecular, morphological and histopathological evidence of Spirometra mansoni in wild and domestic animals from Costa Rica.

Spirometra mansoni is a diphyllobothroid cestode and one of the causing agents of sparganosis, a zoonotic foodborne and waterborne infection in humans. This parasite has an indirect life cycle with domestic and wild canids or felids as definitive hosts. The last report of S. mansoni in Costa Rica was done in 2004 by morphological assessment of worms, whereas molecular evidence of this species was obtained recently in the Americas. Herein, we present seven cases of spirometrosis in four dogs, three cats and a coyote from different regions of Costa Rica occurring in a time span of a year. Dog cases presented vomiting, hyporexia, lethargy and diarrhea, whereas cats were mostly asymptomatic. Moreover, the coyote was found with Spirometra sp. proglottids incidentally. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences of eggs or proglottids derived from all cases were analyzed with a Bayesian Inference phylogenetic tree and a haplotype network. These analyses showed the clustering of S. mansoni from Costa Rica with other sequences derived from Asia and America. Moreover, cox1 sequences clustered in two separate haplotypes, suggesting the high genetic diversity of the species. The present cases represent the first molecular evidence of the parasite in Central America; thus, extending its known range in the American continent.

Gurltia paralysans infection in a domestic cat in the São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil

Gurltia paralysans is a nematode first described in 1933 in Chile, causing a syndrome called feline crural parasitic paraplegia. Insects, mollusks, frogs, lizards, and rodents are paratenic hosts of this nematode, and cats probably become infected by ingesting them. This report aims to discuss the main anatomopathological findings of gurltiosis in a cat submitted to necropsy in a laboratory in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil, being the first case reported in this state. The main necroscopic findings were extramedullary reddened areas below the leptomeninges in the cervical and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. The histopathological examination showed marked thickening of the leptomeninges in the lumbar segment of the spinal cord, with marked neovascularization and fibrosis associated with eosinophilic and mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, as well as the presence of intravascular nematodes. The diagnosis of this lesion was chronic segmental meningomyelitis associated with intralesional parasites. Although uncommon, feline gurltiosis is a neglected parasitic disease that should be included as a differential diagnosis of paraparesis in domestic cats.(AU)

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) diagnosed by different coproparasitological techniques in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro / Prevalência de parasitos gastrointestinais gatos de domésticos (Felis catus) diagnosticados por diferentes técnicas coproparasitológicas no município de Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro

The objectives of this work were to investigate the occurrence of parasites in feces of cats, compare different coproparasitological techniques for their diagnosis and determine associations with parasitism. The samples were processed using three different coproparasitological techniques: centrifugal flotation in sucrose, centrifugal flotation in ZnSO4 and simple sedimentation. The parasitic association between parasitism and variables such as age, sex and fecal consistency was performed using the chi-square test or the G test with a significance level of 5%. A total of 237 samples were analyzed, of which 93 (39.2%) were positive, being Ancylostoma spp. (17.3%), Giardia intestinalis (12.2%), Platynosomum illiciens (8.0%), Cystoisospora spp. (6.3%), Toxoplasma gondii/ Hammondia hammondi (3.4%), Diphyllobothriidae (2.1%), Toxocara spp. (1.7%), Dipylidium caninum (1.3%) and Mesocestoides spp. (0.8%). In the parasitism association analysis, it was possible to verify a statistical difference in the age category for Cystoisospora spp. (p=0.001) observing a strong relationship between parasitism and young animals, the association with sex proved to be important for P. illiciens (p<0.001) with a higher frequency of parasitized females and fecal consistency revealed to be related to the parasites G. intestinalis (p=0.007) and P. illiciens (p=0.033) showing a higher number of positive animals for these parasites with normal fecal consistency. In conclusion, we observed a higher occurrence of Ancylostoma spp. and G. intestinalis in fecal samples from domestic cats received in routine diagnoses and the presence of other parasites with zoonotic potential, as well as the relationship of these diagnosed parasites with the categories sex, age and fecal consistency.(AU)

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram investigar a ocorrência de parasitos em fezes de gatos, comparar diferentes técnicas coproparasitológicas para o seu diagnóstico e determinar as associações com o parasitismo. As amostras foram processadas usando três diferentes técnicas coproparasitológicas: centrífugo-flutuação em sacarose, centrífugo-flutuação em ZnSO4 e sedimentação simples. A associação parasitária entre o parasitismo e variáveis, como idade, sexo e consistência fecal, foi realizada pelo teste de qui-quadrado ou teste de G com nível de significância de 5%. No total, foram analisadas 237 amostras, das quais 93 (39,2%) foram positivas, sendo diagnosticados os parasitos Ancylostoma spp. (17,3%), Giardia intestinalis (12,2%), Platynosomum illiciens (8,0%), Cystoisospora spp. (6,3%), Toxoplasma gondii/ Hammondia hammondi (3,4%), Diphyllobothriidae (2,1%), Toxocara spp. (1,7%), Dipylidium caninum (1,3%) e Mesocestoides spp. (0,8%). Na análise de associação entre o parasitismo e as outras variáveis, foi possível verificar diferença estatística na categoria idade para Cystoisospora spp. (p=0,001), observando forte relação entre o parasitismo e animais jovens. A associação com o sexo demonstrou ser importante para P. illiciens (p<0,001), com maior frequência de fêmeas parasitadas. E a consistência fecal revelou ter relação com os parasitos G. intestinalis (p=0,007) e P. illiciens (p=0,033), com maior frequência de fezes com consistência normal nos animais positivos para esses parasitos. Em conclusão, foi observada uma maior ocorrência de Ancylostoma spp. e G. intestinalis em amostras fecais de gatos domésticos, recebidas em diagnósticos de rotina e a presença de outros parasitos com potencial zoonótico, como também, a relação desses parasitos diagnosticados com as categorias sexo, idade e consistência fecal.(AU)

Inquérito epidemiológico sobre Lagoquilascaríase em Felinos da Serra Gaúcha / Epidemiological survey on Lagoquilascariasis in felines of Serra Gaucha

O nematoide Lagochilascaris sp. pertencente à família Ascarididae é um parasito cujo o hospedeiro definitivo pode ser o gato. Considerada uma zoonose rara na medicina veterinária, a lagoquilascaríase é responsável por causar lesões luminais e possui um tropismo particular pela região cervical e cabeça. A infecção ocorre através da ingestão da carne de animais silvestres mal cozida pelo homem e através da caça pelos felinos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar um levantamento dos casos de lagoquilascaríase ocorridos em gatos domésticos nas cidades de Bento Gonçalves, Farroupilha e Caxias do Sul, localizadas na região da Serra Gaúcha. Foi realizada uma pesquisa através de questionário encaminhado por e-mail, durante os meses de abril a julho de 2020, a 44 médicos veterinários dos municípios de Bento Gonçalves, Farroupilha e Caxias do Sul, sendo 13 (29,54%) veterinários de Bento Gonçalves, 10 (22,73%) de Farroupilha e 21 (47,73%) de Caxias do Sul. Destes profissionais, 17 (38,63%) já atenderam casos de animais parasitados por este nematódeo; 9 (20,45%) em Bento Gonçalves; 3 (6,81%) em Farroupilha e 5 (11,36%) em Caxias do Sul. No total foram atendidos 36 casos de lagoquilascaríase no período de 2016 a 2020, sendo que a maior ocorrência foi na cidade de Bento Gonçalves, com 25 casos, seguida por Caxias do Sul com 6 casos e Farroupilha com apenas 5 casos relatados. Apesar da literatura considerar a lagoquilascaríase uma doença rara, este levantamento mostra que há vários casos acontecendo na espécie felina na Serra Gaúcha.

The nematode Lagochilascaris sp. belonging to the family Ascarididae is a parasite whose definitive host may be the cat. Considered a rare zoonosis in veterinary medicine, lagochilascariasis is responsible for causing luminal lesions and has a particular tropism for the cervical region and head. Infection occurs through the ingestion of undercooked meat from wild animals by humans and through hunting by felines. This work aims to carry out a survey of cases of lagochilascariasis that occurred in domestic cats in the cities of Bento Gonçalves, Farroupilha and Caxias do Sul, located in the Serra Gaúcha region. A survey was carried out through a questionnaire sent by email, during the months of April to July 2020, to 44 veterinarians from the municipalities of Bento Gonçalves, Farroupilha and Caxias do Sul, of which 13 (29.54%) were veterinarians from Bento. Gonçalves, 10 (22.73%) from Farroupilha and 21 (47.73%) from Caxias do Sul. Of these professionals, 17 (38.63%) have already treated cases of animals parasitized by this nematode; 9 (20.45%) in Bento Gonçalves; 3 (6.81%) in Farroupilha and 5 (11.36%) in Caxias do Sul. In total, 36 cases of lagochilascariasis were treated in the period from 2016 to 2020, with the highest occurrence being in the city of Bento Gonçalves, with 25 cases, followed by Caxias do Sul with 6 cases and Farroupilha with only 5 reported cases. Although the literature considers lagochilascariasis a rare disease, this survey shows that there are several cases happening in feline species in Serra Gaúcha.

Infestação por piolhos Felicola subrostratus em felino domiciliado no município de Parnaíba, Piauí / Infestation by Felicola subrostratus in a feline domiciled in the municipality of Parnaíba, Piauí / Infestación de piojos Felicola subrostratus en felino domiciliado en el municipio de Parnaíba, Piauí

O piolho da espécie Felicola subrostratus é um inseto mastigador responsável por causar a pediculose em felinos e, apesar de ser cosmopolita, tem sua ocorrência pouco descrita na rotina clínica. A transmissão ocorre através do contato direto entre os animais ou por fômites contaminados. Os gatos parasitados podem ser assintomáticos quando em baixa parasitemia, porém em altas infestações podem apresentar prurido, alopecia, dermatites e possibilitar a ocorrência de infecções secundárias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a infestação por piolhos da espécie Felicola subrostratus em um felino domiciliado no município de Parnaíba, Piauí. O animal era um macho castrado, de dois anos de idade, sem raça definida (SRD), que foi atendido em uma clínica veterinária da cidade, apresentando como queixa principal uma dermatite por lambedura no membro posterior direito, além de prurido, alopecia, apatia, diminuição de apetite e perda de peso. No exame físico, observou-se a dermatite no membro, sendo realizado raspado cutâneo e coleta de pelos da região, verificando a presença de ectoparasitos. Os insetos foram colocados em recipientes com álcool 70ºGL e enviados ao Laboratório de Parasitologia da Universidade Federal do Piauí, que por meio da morfologia revelou ser piolhos da espécie Felicola subrostratus, confirmando o diagnóstico primário de pediculose felina, sendo essencial um diagnóstico precoce para direcionar a um tratamento adequado.(AU)

The lice from the Felicola subrostratus species is a chewing insect responsible for causing pediculosis in felines and, despite being cosmopolitan, its occurrence has been little described in the clinical routine. Transmission occurs through direct contact between animals or through contaminated fomites. The parasitized cats can be asymptomatic when in low parasitemia, but in high infestations, they can present pruritus, alopecia, dermatitis and allow the occurrence of secondary infections. The purpose of this study was to report the infestation by lice of the Felicola subrostratus species in a feline domiciled in the municipality of Parnaíba, in the state of Piauí, Brazil. The animal was a neutered male, two years old, of mixed breed, which was treated at a veterinary clinic in the city, presenting as main complaint a lick dermatitis on the right hind limb, in addition to pruritus, alopecia, apathy, decreased appetite and weight loss. On physical examination, dermatitis was observed on the limb. Skin scraping was performed and fur was collected from the region, verifying the presence of ectoparasites. The insects were placed in recipients with 70ºGL alcohol and sent to the Parasitology Laboratory at the Federal University of Piauí, which through morphology revealed to be lice of the Felicola subrostratus species, confirming the primary diagnosis of feline pediculosis, being essential an early diagnosis to guide the appropriate treatment.(AU)

El piojo de la especie Felicola subrostratus es un insecto masticador responsable de causar pediculosis en felinos y, a pesar de ser cosmopolita, su ocurrencia ha sido poco descrita en la rutina clínica. La transmisión ocurre a través del contacto directo entre animales o por fómites contaminados. Los gatos parasitados pueden ser asintomáticos cuando están en baja parasitemía, pero en altas infestaciones pueden presentar prurito, alopecia, dermatitis y permitir la aparición de infecciones secundarias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue relatar la infestación por piojos de la especie Felicola subrostratus en un felino domiciliado en el municipio de Parnaíba, Piauí. El animal era un macho castrado, de dos años de edad, sin raza definida (SRD), que fue atendido en una clínica veterinaria de la ciudad, presentando como principal síntoma una dermatitis por lamido en el miembro posterior derecho, además de prurito, alopecia, apatía. disminución del apetito y pérdida de peso. En el examen físico se observó dermatitis en la extremidad, se realizó raspado de piel y se recolectó cabello de la región, verificando la presencia de ectoparásitos. Los insectos fueron colocados en recipientes con alcohol 70ºGL y enviados al Laboratorio de Parasitología de la Universidad Federal de Piauí, que por morfología reveló ser piojos de la especie Felicola subrostratus, confirmando el diagnóstico primario de pediculosis felina, siendo fundamental un diagnóstico precoz para orientar el tratamiento adecuado.(AU)

Lagoquilascariasis in domestic cat (Felis catus domesticus): case report / [Lagoquilascaríase em felino doméstico (Felis catus domesticus): relato de caso]

Lagoquilascariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by a nematode parasite of the genus Lagochilascaris (Family Ascarididae), with the ingestion of contaminated rodents being the main source of infection. The main clinical signs are dysphagia and the presence of ulcerated nodules in the cervical region. The objective was to describe a case of lagaroquilascariasis in a domestic cat, in the city of Caxias do Sul / RS. A young adult male feline, without defined breed presented lethargy, dehydration, bilateral fistulas in the oropharynx cavity, right eyeball with exophthalmos, corneal opacity, third eyelid prolapse and periocular ulcerated skin lesion in the upper medial region. The diagnosis was made through the visualization and microscopic identification of the parasite Lagochilascaris minor and coproparasitological examination with the presence of eggs. Treatment was based on the use of doramectin and sanitary measures. According to the current literature, there are few reports of lagoquilascariasis in felines with clinical presentation similar to this case, since the most common is the formation of an abscess in the neck region. Morover, it is the first case described in the municipality, thus contributing to the epidemiology of the disease.

A lagoquilascaríase é uma doença zoonótica causada por um parasita nematoide do gênero Lagochilascaris (família Ascarididae), sendo a ingestão de roedores contaminados a principal fonte de infecção. Os principais sinais clínicos são disfagia e presença de nódulos ulcerados em região cervical. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever um caso de lagoquilascaríase em um felino doméstico, na cidade de Caxias do Sul/RS. Um felino, macho, sem raça definida, adulto jovem, apresentou letargia, desidratação, fístulas bilaterais em cavidade orofaringe, globo ocular direito com exoftalmia, opacidade de córnea, prolapso de terceira pálpebra e lesão cutânea ulcerada periocular em região superior medial. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio da visualização e identificação microscópica do parasita Lagochilascaris minor e de exame coproparasitológico com presença de ovos. O tratamento baseou-se no uso de doramectina e de medidas sanitárias. De acordo com a literatura atual, existem poucos relatos de lagoquilascaríase em felinos com apresentação clínica semelhante a este caso, visto que o mais comum consiste na formação de abscesso na região de pescoço. Além disso, é o primeiro caso descrito no município, contribuindo, assim, para a epidemiologia da doença.

SAG3 Toxoplasma gondii cloning reveals unexpected fivefold infection in the blood of feral cats in the Mexican Caribbean.

BACKGROUND: Currently, more than 300 genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) have been described throughout the world, demonstrating its wide genetic diversity. The SAG3 locus is one of the genes included in the genotyping panel of this parasite. It is associated with its virulence since it participates during the invasion process of the host cells. Therefore, cloning, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were used to deepen the understanding of the SAG3 locus genetic diversity of T. gondii in blood samples from feral cats. RESULTS: Six different SAG3 sequences were detected, five of which were detected in one feline. Three sequences were first reported here; one of them was an intragenic recombinant. In the cladogram, four out of ten SAG3 sequences did not share nodes with others reported worldwide. CONCLUSIONS: Cloning and sequencing of samples with more than one restriction pattern by PCR-RFLP were very helpful tools to demonstrate the presence of more than three genotypes of T. gondii in the blood of feral cats from southeastern Mexico. This suggests a potential mixed infection of multiple T. gondii strains and high genetic diversity of the parasites in felines in this tropical region of Mexico.

Aspectos epidemiológicos da infecção por Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys e Mycoplasma spp. em gatos domésticos / Epidemiological aspects of infection by Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Mycoplasma spp. in domestic cats

Hemoparasitoses vêm se tornando cada vez mais importantes na clínica médica de pequenos animais. Dentre os agentes causadores encontramos Ehrlichiacanis, Anaplasmaplatys., e Mycoplasma spp., torna-se de grande importância conhecer a epidemiologia nos gatos domésticos. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa fazer um levantamento retrospectivo de fichas de gatos advindos de consultas no Hospital Veterinário Mário Dias Teixeira (HOVET) que realizaram exame de Reação de Cadeia da polimerase (PCR) no laboratório de biologia molecular, na Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, no ano de 2018 e 2019. No total foram 72 amostras de gatos domésticos processadas, sendo 33 machos e 39 fêmeas, 70 animais SRD e 2 Siameses, todos com trombocitopenia, além de outros sinais clínicos que os levaram a precisar de atendimento veterinário, foram categorizados os meses de entrada e processamento das amostras, bairros dos animais e grupos etários. De todos os animais testados, 34,7% obtiveram diagnóstico positivo para uma das enfermidades, sendo o gênero Mycoplasma spp. o que mais prevaleceu em amostras positivas, com maior frequência em fêmeas adultas, bem como foi descrita ocorrência de E. canis apenas nesse sexo, já A. platysfoi descrito com maior frequência em machos, além de achados de infecções concomitantes observado entre os agentes Anaplasmae Mycoplasma. Concluímos que os gatos atendidos no HOVET possuíam parasitismo por diferentes agentes infecciosos.

Hemoparasitosis have become increasingly important in the small animals' internal medicine. Among the causal agents, there are Ehrlichiacanis, Anaplasmaplatys. and Mycoplasma spp., which give the understanding of the epidemiology in domestic cats a great significance. This research aimed to make a retrospective survey of records from cats that came from appointments at the Veterinary Hospital Mário Dias Teixeira (HOVET) and underwent the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at the molecular biology laboratory, at the Amazônia Federal Rural University (UFRA), in the years of 2018 and 2019. In total, 72 samples of domestic cats were processed, from which 33 were males and 39 females, 70 of them were mongrel cats and 2 siamese, all of them showed thrombocytopenia amongst other clinical signs that led them to need a veterinary appointment, the months of admission, processing of the samples, districts the animals came from and age group were categorized. 34,7% of all the animals tested showed positive results for one of the diseases, with the genus Mycoplasma spp. being the most prevalent in positive samples, showing a higher rate in adult females, as the occurrence of E. canis was reported only in females, while A. platys was reported with a higher rate in males, as well as concomitant infections following the observation of the agents Anaplasma and Mycoplasma. In conclusion, the cats admitted at HOVET showed parasitism by different infectious agents.

Occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil / Ocorrência de Aelurostrongylus abstrusus em gatos domésticos no município de Vilhena, Rondônia, Brasil

Aelurostrongylosis, caused by the metastrongylid nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is an underestimated feline respiratory disease. Cats infected by A. abstrusus may show subclinical to severe clinical signs. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has a worldwide distribution. Nevertheless, studies on this parasite in Brazil are scarce, and most have been conducted in the southern regions. This study investigated the occurrence of A. abstrusus in cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil, from April 2020 to February 2021. Three consecutive individual fecal samples from 101 cats were examined using Baermann and Hoffman tests. Two cats (1.98%) scored positive for A. abstrusus, one with the Baermann examination, and one with the Hoffman technique. No other lungworms were retrieved. The clinicopathological and epizootiological implications are described and discussed.(AU)

A aeluroestrongilose, causada pelo nematoide metastrongilídeo Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, é uma doença respiratória subestimada. Os gatos infectados pelo A. abstrusus podem ser assintomáticos ou apresentarem sinais graves. O A. abstrusus possui distribuição cosmopolita. Apesar disso, estudos sobre esse parasita no Brasil são escassos, e a maioria deles são realizados na região Sul. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de A. abstrusus em gatos de Vilhena, Rondônia, Brasil. De abril de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021, foram avaliadas três amostras consecutivas de fezes de 101 felinos, utilizando-se as técnicas de Baermann e de a Hoffman. Dois gatos (1,98%) foram positivos para A. abstrusus, um pela técnica de Baermann e outro pela técnica de Hoffman. Não foram encontrados outros parasitas pulmonares. Os achados clínicos dos gatos positivos foram descritos, e os resultados deste estudo discutidos sob aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos.(AU)

Contribuição da ultrassonografia no diagnóstico da platinosomose felina / Contribution of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of platinosome feline / Contribución de la ultrasonografía en el diagnóstico de platinosomosis felina

A platinosomose é uma importante enfermidade hepatobiliar parasitária que acomete felinos, sendo eles de vida livre ou semi domiciliados. O agente etiológico é o trematódeo Platynosomum spp. E a doença é popularmente conhecida como "envenenamento por lagartixa". As manifestações clínicas da platinosomose são inespecíficas assim como é incomum a observação de lesões hepáticas, o que dificulta o diagnóstico. Felinos possuem o hábito de caça e ao ingerir esses pequenos invertebrados, podem dar continuidade ao ciclo da platinosomose, uma vez que esses animais são os hospedeiros definitivos deste parasito. Esse trematódeo se aloja com frequência no trato biliar dos gatos, causando lesões e possível obstrução do ducto biliar. O grau de comprometimento das lesões hepáticas está na dependência tanto da imunidade, quanto da carga parasitária do animal. O diagnóstico de eleição é o exame parasitológico de fezes, embora ainda seja considerado pouco sensível, sendo relevante a utilização de outras ferramentas diagnósticas. O exame ultrassonográfico permite a observação de alterações hepáticas e até mesmo do próprio parasito no interior do ducto biliar, contribuindo para elucidação dessa enfermidade. Foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", um felino com histórico de icterícia, e ao exame clínico observou-se escore corporal magro e desidratação em 8%. Após avaliação clínica do animal, o mesmo foi encaminhado para o setor de Diagnóstico por Imagem para avaliação ultrassonográfica abdominal, durante o exame visibilizou-se aumento das dimensões hepáticas, edema de parede em vesícula biliar e a presença pequena de estrutura filiforme, hiperecogênica, em seu interior.(AU)

Platinosomiasis is an importante parasitic hepatobiliary disease that affects felines, whether they live freely or semi-domiciled. The etiological agent is the trematode Platynosomum spp. And the disease is popularly known as "lizard poisoning". The clinical manifestations of platinosomiasis are non-specific and the observation of liver lesions observed are, which makes the diagnosis difficult. Felines have a hunting habit and by ingesting these small invertebrates, they can continuing the platinosomiasis cycle, since these animals are the definitive hosts of this parasite.This trematode frequently lodges in the biliary tract of cats, causing injury and possible obstruction of the bile duct. The degree of involvement of liver lesions is in dependence on both immunity and the parasite load of the animal. The diagnosis of choice is the parasitological examination of feces, although it is still considered not very sensitive, and the use of other diagnostic tools is relevant. The ultrasonographic examination allows the observation of hepatic alterations and even the parasite itself inside the bile duct, contributing to the elucidation of this disease. He was treated at the "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", a feline with a history of jaundice, and the clinical examination showed a lean body score and dehydration of 8%. After clinical evaluation of the animal, he was referred to the Diagnostic Imaging Department for abdominal ultrasonography evaluation, during the exam it was seen an increase in the hepatic dimensions, edema of the gallbladder wall and the small presence of a filiform, hyperecogenic structure inside.(AU)

La platinosomosis es una importante enfermedad parasitaria hepatobiliar que afecta a los gatos, ya sean de vida libre o semi-domiciliados. El agente etiológico es el trematodo Platynosomum spp. Y la enfermedad se conoce popularmente como "envenenamiento por gecko". Las manifestaciones clínicas de la platinosomosis son inespecíficas y la observación de lesione hepáticas es poco frecuente, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico. Los felinos tienen el hábito de la caza y al ingerir estos pequeños invertebrados pueden continuar el ciclo de platinosomosis, ya que estos animales son los hospedadores definitivos de este parásito. Este trematodo se aloja con frecuencia en el tracto biliar de los gatos, provocando lesiones y posible obstrucción del conducto biliar. El grado de afectación de las lesiones hepáticas depende tanto de la inmunidad como de la carga parasitaria del animal. El diagnóstico de elección es el examen parasitológico de heces, aunque todavía se considera insensible, siendo relevante el uso de otras herramientas diagnósticas. El examen ecográfico permite la observación de alteraciones hepáticas e incluso del propio parásito fuera de la vía biliar, contribuyendo al esclarecimiento de esta enfermedad. Un felino con antecedentes de ictericia, fue atendido en el Hospital Veterinario "Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira", y el examen clínico mostró un índice corporal magro y deshidratación en 8%. Después de la evaluación clínica del animal, se derivó al sector de Diagnóstico por Imagen para evaluación de ecografía abdominal, durante el examen se observó aumento de las dimensiones hepáticas, edema de la pared vesicular y pequeña presencia de una estructura filiforme hiperecogénica em su interior.(AU)

Demodicidose em felinos domésticos - revisão / Demodicosis in domestic cats - a review / Demodicosis en gatos domésticos - revisión

A demodicidose é uma doença incomum na rotina clínico-dermatológica de felinos. Ela pode ser causada pelo ácaro Demodex gatoi ou pelo Demodex cati, e há relatos de uma nova espécie ainda não nomeada. Inúmeras formas de diagnóstico e protocolos terapêuticos relativos à demodicidose canina vêm sendo relatados há anos. Contudo, há poucos trabalhos atuais sobre o tema em felinos. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre essa dermatopatia, com a descrição da sua etiologia, da epidemiologia, dos sinais clínicos, do diagnóstico e das formas de tratamento atuais, pois a demodicidose felina é difícil de tratar e diagnosticar, por ser uma enfermidade rara e de baixa incidência. Ainda há necessidade de trabalhos futuros para que o estudo da doença possa ser aprofundado e para que se defina um protocolo terapêutico mais conciso, incluindo padronização de doses e frequência de administração.(AU)

Demodicosis is an uncommon disease in the clinical-dermatological routine of felines. It can be caused by the Demodex gatoi or Demodex cati, and a new, as yet unnamed species has been reported. Numerous forms of diagnosis and therapeutic protocols have been reported for canine demodicosis for years. However, there are few current studies on the subject in felines. Therefore, the present work aims to carry out a literature review on this skin disease, with a description of its etiology, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and current forms of treatment, as feline demodicosis still has a therapeutic and diagnostic difficulty because it is a rare and low-incidence disease. Future studies are still needed to reach a better understand of the disease and to define a more concise therapeutic protocol, including standardization of doses and frequency of administration.(AU)

La demodicosis es una enfermedad poco común en la rutina clínico- dermatológica de los felinos. Puede ser causada por los ácaros Demodex gatoi o Demodex cati, y se ha informado de una nueva especie, aún sin nombre. Numerosas formas de diagnóstico y protocolos terapéuticos para la demodicosis canina han sido utilizados durante años. Sin embargo, existen pocos trabajos actuales sobre el tema en felinos. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre esta enfermedad de la piel, con una descripción de su etiología, epidemiología, signos clínicos, diagnóstico y formas de tratamiento actuales, ya que la demodicosis felina aún presenta una dificultad terapéutica y diagnóstica por ser una enfermedad rara y de baja incidencia. Se requiere estudo futuro para profundizar el conocimiento de la enfermedad y definir un protocolo terapéutico más conciso, que incluya estandarización de dosis y frecuencia de administración.(AU)

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and cats in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reveals potentially zoonotic species and genotype.

Intestinal cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by protists of genus Cryptosporidium that infect a wide variety of hosts, primarily vertebrates. Due to the close contact between humans and their companion animals, especially dogs and cats, there is concern about the potential for zoonotic transmission of this enteric protozoan parasite by infected animals. This study aimed to perform a microscopic and molecular diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples from domiciled dogs and cats. One hundred and nineteen fecal samples were processed using sugar centrifugal flotation followed by molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. DNA using nested PCR. Subtyping of isolates positive for C. parvum was performed by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (GP60). Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 7.8% (5/64) and 5.4% (3/55) of the fecal samples from dogs and cats, respectively. Cryptosporidium canis (n = 3) and C. parvum (n = 2) were the main species found in dogs, whereas C. felis (n = 3) was prevalent in cats. Subtype IIaA17G2R2 (potentially zoonotic) was identified in samples positive for C. parvum. Despite the low prevalence of Cryptosporidium observed in the domiciled dogs and cats, the presence of potentially zoonotic C. parvum in dogs evidences a public health concern. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology, source, and potential impacts of Cryptosporidium infection in cats and dogs.

Lynxacarus radovskyi (Acari: Listrophoridae) in a domestic cat from Espírito Santo, Brazil / Lynxacarus radovskyi (Acari: Listrophoridae) em gato doméstico no Espírito Santo, Brasil

Lynxacarus radovskyi is of uncommon occurrence and there are few reports in the state of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil. The purpose of the present note is to record the occurrence of L. radovskyi in a Persian domestic cat in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The animal was asymptomatic, without evidence of dermatological signs. The present report can be informative, once the lack of knowledge in relation to the ectoparasite presence and potential of spread in the regional cat population is constant in the veterinary medicine practice,may cause underreporting of infestations.

Lynxacarus radovskyi é de ocorrência incomum e existem poucos relatos no estado do Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil. O objetivo do presente relato foi reportar a ocorrência de L. radovskyi em felino doméstico da raça Persa em Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brasil. O animal apresentava-se assintomático à infestação, sem evidências de alterações dermatológicas. Este relato pode ser informativo, uma vez que a falta de conhecimento em relação à presença e potencial disseminativo deste ectoparasito é constante na prática da Medicina Veterinária, podendo causar subnotificações das infestações.

Lynxacarus radovskyi (Acari: Listrophoridae) in a domestic cat from Espírito Santo, Brazil / Lynxacarus radovskyi (Acari: Listrophoridae) em gato doméstico no Espírito Santo, Brasil

Lynxacarus radovskyi is of uncommon occurrence and there are few reports in the state of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil. The purpose of the present note is to record the occurrence of L. radovskyi in a Persian domestic cat in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The animal was asymptomatic, without evidence of dermatological signs. The present report can be informative, once the lack of knowledge in relation to the ectoparasite presence and potential of spread in the regional cat population is constant in the veterinary medicine practice,may cause underreporting of infestations.

Lynxacarus radovskyi é de ocorrência incomum e existem poucos relatos no estado do Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil. O objetivo do presente relato foi reportar a ocorrência de L. radovskyi em felino doméstico da raça Persa em Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brasil. O animal apresentava-se assintomático à infestação, sem evidências de alterações dermatológicas. Este relato pode ser informativo, uma vez que a falta de conhecimento em relação à presença e potencial disseminativo deste ectoparasito é constante na prática da Medicina Veterinária, podendo causar subnotificações das infestações.

Chagas disease in urban and peri­urban environment in the Amazon: Sentinel hosts, vectors, and the environment.

Chagas disease is an anthropozoonosis, caused by a flagellated protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, in which the enzootic cycle occurs between mammals and triatomines. Two dogs with a history of sudden death were necropsied at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). One dog had a pale area in the myocardium, which on histopathological examination showed a T. cruzi amastigote nest; immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis characterized it as acute Chagas disease (ACD). The second dog showed no macroscopic changes. Microscopically, a few cardiomyocytes were replaced by adipocytes, and IHC result was negative for T. cruzi. However, results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the cardiac tissue of both dogs was positive for T. cruzi DNA. After that, an epidemiological study was conducted in the region. For this study, we selected four areas in Castanhal. One of the four areas (Area 1) is where one of the dogs lived. The other three areas were chosen because they were recently deforested for housing. Blood samples were collected from dogs, cats, wild small mammals (marsupials and rodents), and the digestive tract of triatomines. Nested PCR was performed on all the blood samples and the triatomine digestive tracts. In Area 1, T. cruzi DNA was detected in 50% (12/24) of the tested dogs, in the only tested cat (1/1), 50% (1/2) of the tested marsupials (Didelphis marsupials), and 100% of the captured triatomines (Rhodnius pictipes) (2/2). In Area 2, T. cruzi DNA was not detected in any of the 11 (0/11) dogs and two marsupials tested (0/2), and no triatomines were found in this area. In Area 3, T. cruzi DNA was detected in 42.25% (30/71) of the dogs, in 66,6% (2/3) of the cats, the only captured marsupial (D. marsupialis) (1/1), and all three triatomines (3/3) (R. pictipes) tested. In Area 4, the two dogs tested were negative (0/2), 25% (1/4) of the captured marsupials (D. marsupialis) was positive, and no triatomine was captured in this area. The data demonstrate the importance of detecting T. cruzi in dogs, cats, small rodents, and marsupials in the Amazon metropolitan areas, where ecotopes carry reservoirs and vectors capable of participating in the Chagas disease cycle. The proximity between humans and T. cruzi vectors in these places might contribute to increased disease transmission risk and maintenance of agents. It was noted that high-standard condominiums, previously thought to reduce the risk for this disease, presented a new epidemiological risk. The presence of T. cruzi DNA in a dog who, a year earlier had tested negative, when another dog in the same house died of ACD, shows that the transmission cycle is present and active, with a high possibility of disease transmission to animals and humans.

Parasitos gastrintestinais em fezes de gatos domiciliados no município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a frequência de ovos, cistos e oocistos de parasitos gastrintestinais em gatos domésticos no município de Pelotas RS Brasil. Foram analisadas 60 amostras fecais, destas 43 (71,7%) eram procedentes de animais adultos e 17 (28,3%) de filhotes. O material foi processado pelas técnicas de Willis & Mollay (1921), Faust (1938) e Hoffmann Pons e Janer (1934). Destas amostras 22 (36,7%) foram positivas para pelo menos um gênero de parasito sendo 17 (77,3%) com contaminaçao simples e 5 (22,7%) com associação de parasitos. Ovos de parasitos do gênero Ancylostoma e Toxocara foram os mais observados estando presentes em 8 amostras cada (13,3%). Nos animais jovens houve maior frequência de Toxocara spp. enquanto nos adultos, predominou Ancylostoma spp. Foram observados ainda ovos dos cestódeos Dipylidium caninum Taenia Taeniaeformis e Spirometra sp., além de cistos de Giardia spp. e oocistos de Cystoisospora spp. A ocorrência de um número significativo de parasitos e a proximidade entre os animais e o homem mostra a necessidade de um controle mais efetivo para que ocorra a redução da carga parasitária dos animais e consequentemente do ambiente.

Lynxacarus radovskyi (Acari: Listrophoridae) in a domestic cat from Espírito Santo, Brazil / Lynxacarus radovskyi (Acari: Listrophoridae) em gato doméstico no Espírito Santo, Brasil

Lynxacarus radovskyi is of uncommon occurrence and there are few reports in the state of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil. The purpose of the present note is to record the occurrence of L. radovskyi in a Persian domestic cat in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The animal was asymptomatic, without evidence of dermatological signs. The present report can be informative, once the lack of knowledge in relation to the ectoparasite presence and potential of spread in the regional cat population is constant in the veterinary medicine practice,may cause underreporting of infestations.(AU)

Lynxacarus radovskyi é de ocorrência incomum e existem poucos relatos no estado do Espírito Santo, Sudeste do Brasil. O objetivo do presente relato foi reportar a ocorrência de L. radovskyi em felino doméstico da raça Persa em Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brasil. O animal apresentava-se assintomático à infestação, sem evidências de alterações dermatológicas. Este relato pode ser informativo, uma vez que a falta de conhecimento em relação à presença e potencial disseminativo deste ectoparasito é constante na prática da Medicina Veterinária, podendo causar subnotificações das infestações.(AU)