Efficacy of a topical formulation containing eprinomectin, esafoxolaner and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in the treatment of natural respiratory capillariosis of cats.

Feline pulmonary capillariosis is a significant disorder due to its distribution and clinical impact. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of two administrations 28 days apart of a topical solution containing esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in treating Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) infection in naturally infected cats. Cats were allocated to two groups: G1 cats (n = 23) received two treatments at study days (SDs) 0 and 28 (±2) and were evaluated for 6 weeks, and G2 cats (n = 17) served as a negative control for 6 weeks and were then treated twice on SDs 42 (±2) and 70 (±2), allowing for an additional 6-week assessment of efficacy. Each cat was subjected to McMaster coproscopy at SDs -7/0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for both groups, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. Clinical examination and chest radiographic images were performed at SDs 0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for G1 and G2, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. The comparison of EPG (eggs per gram of feces), clinical (CS), and radiographic scores (RS) at each time-point was used as a criterion. The efficacy based on the EPG reduction was 99.5% (G1) and 100% (G2) after two administrations of NexGard® Combo 2 weeks apart. At SD 0, no significant differences for CS and RS were recorded between G1 and G2, while a significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed post-treatment for CS, RS, oculo-nasal discharge, auscultation noises, and cough. Two doses of NexGard® Combo 28 days apart stopped egg shedding and significantly improved clinical alterations in cats infected by E. aerophilus.

Title: Efficacité d'une formulation topique contenant de l'éprinomectine, de l'esafoxolaner et du praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) dans le traitement de la capillariose respiratoire naturelle du chat. Abstract: La capillariose pulmonaire féline est un trouble important, de par sa répartition et son impact clinique. Cette étude a évalué l'innocuité et l'efficacité de deux administrations à 28 jours d'intervalle d'une solution topique contenant de l'esafoxolaner, de l'éprinomectine et du praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) dans le traitement de l'infection à Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) chez des chats naturellement infectés. Les chats ont été répartis en deux groupes : les chats G1 (n = 23) ont reçu deux traitements aux jours d'étude (JE) 0 et 28 (±2) et ont été évalués pendant 6 semaines et les chats G2 (n = 17) ont servi de contrôle négatif pendant 6 semaines, puis ont été traités deux fois aux JE 42 (±2) et 70 (±2), permettant une évaluation supplémentaire de l'efficacité sur 6 semaines. Chaque chat a été soumis à une coproscopie McMaster aux JE −7/0, 28 (±2) et 42 (±2) pour les deux groupes, 70 (±2) et 84 (±2) uniquement pour G2. L'examen clinique et les images radiographiques thoraciques ont été réalisés aux JE 0, 28 (±2) et 42 (±2) pour G1 et G2, 70 (±2) et 84 (±2) uniquement pour G2. La comparaison des nombres d'œufs par gramme de matières fécales (OPG), score clinique (SC) et score radiographique (SR) à chaque point ont été utilisées comme critères d'efficacité. L'efficacité basée sur la réduction de OPG était de 99,5 % (G1) et de 100 % (G2) après deux administrations de NexGard Combo à deux semaines d'intervalle. À JE 0, aucune différence significative pour SC et SR n'a été enregistrée entre G1 et G2, tandis qu'une réduction significative (p < 0,05) a été observée après le traitement pour SC, SR, écoulements oculo-nasaux, bruits d'auscultation et toux. Deux doses de NexGard® Combo à 28 jours d'intervalle arrêtent l'excrétion des œufs et améliorent considérablement les altérations cliniques chez les chats infectés par E. aerophilus.

Efficacy of a combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infected cats.

This clinical study assessed the efficacy of a topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in treating cats naturally infected with the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda, Thelaziidae). On Study Day (SD) 0, sixteen client-owned cats with eyeworm infection were allocated to an untreated control group (G1, 8 cats) or to a NexGard® Combo treated group (G2, 8 cats) and subjected to ocular examination. Cats in G2 received the treatment as per label recommendations. On SD 7 and 14 (±1), cats were examined for the presence of eyeworms and clinical signs. On SD 14, eyeworms were collected and counted. On SD 7 and 14, all cats in G1 were still infected with eyeworms, while G2 cats were free from eyeworms on SD 7 and 14, demonstrating 100% efficacy (p < 0.0001). All collected eyeworms were morphologically and molecularly confirmed to be T. callipaeda. On SD 0, fifteen out of the sixteen cats (7 in G1 and 8 in G2) displayed inflammatory ocular signs. On SD 7, all eight untreated cats and seven treated cats displayed inflammatory ocular signs. On SD 14, five out of eight G2 treated cats had recovered, while the eight untreated cats still displayed inflammatory ocular signs. The treatment significantly reduced lacrimation and conjunctivitis (p = 0.0001). No adverse reactions occurred. This clinical study provides evidence that NexGard® Combo is highly safe and effective for the treatment of T. callipaeda infection in cats under field conditions.

Title: Efficacité d'une association d'esafoxolaner, d'éprinomectine et de praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) contre Thelazia callipaeda chez le chat naturellement infecté. Abstract: Cette étude clinique a évalué l'efficacité d'une association topique d'esafoxolaner, d'éprinomectine et de praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) dans le traitement des chats naturellement infectés par le ver oculaire Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda, Thelaziidae). Au jour d'étude (JE) 0, seize chats appartenant à des clients et atteints d'une infection par le ver oculaire ont été attribués à un groupe témoin non traité (G1, 8 chats) ou à un groupe traité NexGard® Combo (G2, 8 chats) et soumis à un examen oculaire. Les chats du groupe G2 ont reçu le traitement conformément aux recommandations de l'étiquette. Aux JE 7 et 14 (±1), les chats ont été examinés pour détecter la présence de vers oculaires et de signes cliniques. Au JE 14, les vers oculaires ont été collectés et comptés. Aux JE 7 et 14, tous les chats du G1 étaient toujours infectés par des vers oculaires, tandis que les chats du G2 étaient exempts de vers oculaires aux JE 7 et 14, démontrant une efficacité de 100 % (p < 0,0001). Tous les vers oculaires collectés ont été confirmés morphologiquement et moléculairement comme étant T. callipaeda. Au JE 0, quinze chats sur seize (7 en G1 et 8 en G2) présentaient des signes oculaires inflammatoires. Au JE 7, les huit chats non traités et les sept chats traités présentaient des signes oculaires inflammatoires. Au JE 14, cinq des huit chats traités par G2 s'étaient rétablis tandis que les huit chats non traités présentaient toujours des signes oculaires inflammatoires. Le traitement a réduit de manière significative le larmoiement et la conjonctivite (p = 0,0001). Aucun effet indésirable n'est survenu. Cette étude clinique indique que NexGard® Combo est hautement sûr et efficace pour le traitement de l'infection à T. callipaeda chez les chats dans des conditions de terrain.

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.

Efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus) in the prevention of cat aelurostrongylosis under field conditions.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most important respiratory nematode of domestic cats. Effective control options are crucial to protect health and welfare of cats and to reduce the spread of aelurostrongylosis in both enzootic and free regions. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus, MSD) in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis in cats under field conditions. One hundred and fifty-two cats from Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria, were randomly divided in two groups, one treated with Bravecto® Plus on Study Days (SDs) 0 and 84 (74 cats, IVP Group) and one left untreated (78 cats, control group). Faecal samples were collected from all animals on SDs 42 ± 4, 84, 126 ± 4 and 168 ± 4 and subjected to the Baermann's technique and species-specific PCR for A. abstrusus. Each cat was subjected to a clinical examination on SDs 0, 84 and 168 ± 4 to check health condition and possible adverse events. The results of the faecal analysis were statistically analyzed for treatment group differences in the percentage of cats negative to the Baermann's test and PCR and percentage of reduction of fecal larvae counts as the primary and secondary efficacy criteria, respectively. The percentage of negative cats was higher in the IVP group compared to the control group and the percentage of reduction of fecal larvae counts in the IVP group compared to the control group was 100%. These results show that two administrations of Bravecto Plus® spot-on 12 weeks apart were safe and effective in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis for a period of almost 6 months.

Use of In-Clinic Diagnostic Kits for the Detection of Seropositivity to Leishmania infantum and Other Major Vector-Borne Pathogens in Healthy Dogs.

Canine Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBDs) are widespread in Europe and enzootic in many other countries. Though severe illnesses may occur, dogs living in enzootic areas often show vague or no clinical signs of CVBDs. Undiagnosed infections/co-infections in subclinically infected animals favor the spread of CVBDs and increase the risk of transmission to other animals and, in some cases, humans. This study has evaluated the exposure of dogs living in key enzootic countries, i.e., Italy and Greece, to major CVBDs via the use of in-clinic diagnostic kits. Overall, 300 privately owned dogs without/with single mild clinical signs living in different regions of Italy (n. 150) and Greece (n. 150) were included in the study. As part of a clinical examination, a blood sample was collected from each dog and subjected to two serological rapid tests, i.e., the SNAP® 4Dx®Plus (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Dirofilaria immitis antigen and the SNAP®Leishmania (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania infantum. In all, 51 dogs (17%; 95% CI 12.9-21.7) were seropositive to at least 1 pathogen, i.e., 4 in Italy (2.7%; 95% CI 1.4-13.1) and 47 in Greece (31.3%; 95% CI 24-39.4). Dirofilaria immitis antigens were found in 39 dogs (13%; 95% CI 9.4-17.3), while antibodies against Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Leishmania were detected in 25 (8.3%; 95% CI 5.5-12.1), 8 (2.7%; 95% CI 1.2-5.2) and 5 (1.7%; 95% CI 0.5-3.8) dogs, respectively. None of the dogs tested seropositive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations between exposure to CVBDs and possible risk factors. The present results indicate that dogs living in enzootic areas may be seropositive for one or more CVBDs in absence of clinical signs. Rapid kits are among first line tools for the detection of CVBDs in clinical settings, as they are cost-effective, straightforward and quick to use. Also, in-clinic tests used herein allowed detection of co-exposure to CVBDs investigated.

Seroexposure to Zoonotic Anaplasma and Borrelia in Dogs and Horses That Are in Contact with Vulnerable People in Italy.

Equine and canine anaplasmosis and borreliosis are major tick-borne zoonotic diseases caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and various species of Borrelia (the most important being Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.), respectively. This study evaluated the seroexposure to Anaplasma and Borrelia in dogs and horses used in Animal-Assisted Interventions or living in contact with children, elderly people or immunocompromised persons. A total of 150 horses and 150 dogs living in Italy were equally divided into clinically healthy animals and animals with at least one clinical sign compatible with borreliosis and/or anaplasmosis (present at clinical examination or reported in the medical history). Serum samples were tested with ELISA and immunoblot for the presence of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l., and the association between seropositivity and possible risk factors was analyzed using multivariate and univariate tests. Overall, 13 dogs (8.7%) and 19 horses (12.7%) were positive for at least one of the two pathogens. In addition, 1 dog (0.7%) and 12 horses (8%) were positive for antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, while 12 dogs (8.0%) and 10 horses (6.7%) had antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. Tick infestation in the medical history of the dogs was significantly associated with seropositivity to at least one pathogen (p = 0.027; OR 7.398). These results indicate that, in Italy, ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum and/or B. burgdorferi circulate in places where horses and dogs are in contact with people at risk of developing severe diseases. Awareness should be increased, and adequate control plans need to be developed to protect human and animal health, especially where vulnerable, at-risk individuals are concerned.

Comparison of Different Copromicroscopic Techniques in the Diagnosis of Intestinal and Respiratory Parasites of Naturally Infected Dogs and Cats.

Several copromicroscopic techniques, including tools belonging to the FLOTAC group, are available for the qualitative and/or quantitative diagnosis of canine and feline parasitoses. The present study was carried out to compare the diagnostic performance of different copromicroscopic methods for detecting common intestinal and extra-intestinal parasites of dogs and cats. Fecal samples of 100 dogs and 105 cats were randomly selected from different regions of Italy. All samples were subjected to conventional flotation, McMaster, Mini-FLOTAC, and Baermann. Fifty-six dogs and twenty-five cats were found positive to at least one technique, and, among them, flotation (55% and 20.9% of the dogs and cats, respectively) and Mini-FLOTAC (52% and 20.9% of the dogs and cats, respectively) detected the highest number of positive samples. Larvae of the feline metastrongyloids Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior were identified only using the Baermann test in two (1.9%) and one (0.9%) cat respectively. No larvae were found with the Baermann examination of dog feces or any of the other methods. The present results show that the Mini-FLOTAC represents a possible alternative to conventional flotation in clinical settings for the detection of intestinal and respiratory parasites e.g., Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostomatidae, Cystoisospora spp., Trichuris vulpis and Capillaria spp., although Baermann's test remains the most recommended technique for the diagnosis of infections caused by metastrongyloid lungworms.

Occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats in Vilhena, Rondônia, Brazil.

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.

A Comparison of Copromicroscopic and Molecular Methods for the Diagnosis of Cat Aelurostrongylosis.

The gold standard method for the diagnosis of cat aelurostrongylosis is the detection of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus first stage larvae with the Baermann's examination. Nevertheless, molecular assays have shown higher diagnostic performances compared to copromicroscopy. This study evaluated the usefulness of an A. abstrusus species-specific PCR on different biological samples collected in clinical settings from 100 privately-owned cats in Italy (n. 60) and Greece (n. 40). A fecal sample was collected from each animal and a pharyngeal swab was also obtained for cats from Italy. All stool samples were subjected to flotation and Baermann's test. The cats were categorized in three groups based on the results of copromicroscopy, i.e., Group A (n. 50 cats with A. abstrusus infection regardless of positivity for other helminths), Group B (n. 25 cats negative for A. abstrusus but positive for at least one of any other helminth), Group C (n. 25 cats negative for any helminth). DNA was extracted from individual aliquots of feces, flotation supernatant, Baermann's sediment and the pharyngeal swab and then subjected to a PCR specific for A. abstrusus. At least one fecal aliquot or the pharyngeal swab scored positive by the A. abstrusus-specific PCR for 48/50 (96%) cats enrolled in Group A; in particular, 38/50 (76%), 35/50 (70%), 41/50 (82%) and 21/25 (84%) DNA extracts from feces, flotation supernatant, Baermann's sediment and pharyngeal swabs were positive by PCR. These results confirm that molecular tools are highly sensitive and specific and indicate that pharyngeal swabs are the most suitable sample for molecular analysis in clinical settings.

Zoonotic intestinal helminthes diagnosed in a 6-year period (2015-2020) in privately owned dogs of sub-urban and urban areas of Italy.

Intestinal helminthes of dogs have a relevant role for health and welfare of canine populations and many of them are zoonotic. Thus, a constant surveillance is pivotal to safeguard companion dogs and human health. Data from faecal examinations of pet dogs obtained in the last six years during the routine activity of the laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic diseases of the University Teaching Veterinary Hospital of the University of Teramo, Italy, are here reported. From 2015 to 2020 a total of 1083 individual faecal samples from privately owned dogs were examined using conventional copro-microscopic techniques. Endoparasite elements were found in 278 (25.7%) dogs, and among them, eggs of intestinal zoonotic helminthes were detected in 184 (17%) samples. The most common zoonotic parasites were Toxocara canis and hookworms (8.9% positivity rate for both). Most dogs (88%) were positive for a single zoonotic parasite while 12% of the positive animals harbored two or more zoonotic helminthes. A statistical analysis showed a significant association between dogs with less than one year of age and positivity to at least one intestinal zoonotic helminth, and that infections by T. canis are significantly more prevalent in dogs under one year of age. Despite being well known in canine clinical practice, these results indicate that zoonotic helminthes are still frequent in owned dogs. Thus, increased awareness of veterinary practitioners and pet owners is necessary to implement current diagnostic and control strategies to minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission of intestinal helminthes.

Efficacy of a spot-on combination containing 10% w/v imidacloprid and 1% w/v moxidectin for the treatment of troglostrongylosis in experimentally infected cats.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic bronchopneumonia in domestic cats in Europe, which can manifest with moderate to severe clinical signs, is frequently caused by Troglostrongylus brevior. Data on epizootiological and clinical relevance of cat troglostrongylosis have been published in the last decade but treatment options are still limited. Promising effectiveness data have been generated from clinical cases and field trials for a spot-on formulation containing 1% w/v moxidectin and 10% w/v imidacloprid (Advocate®, Elanco Animal Health). Therefore, two studies have been conducted to confirm under experimental conditions the efficacy of moxidectin 1% contained in Advocate® for the treatment of cat troglostrongylosis. METHODS: Sixteen and 20 cats experimentally infected with T. brevior were included in two separate studies, i.e., Study 1 and 2, respectively. Cats were infected with T. brevior third-stage larvae via gastric tube. In both studies cats were randomized to untreated (control, Group 1) and treatment (Group 2) groups. In Study 1 and Study 2, the two groups comprised eight and 10 cats each. Treated cats received Advocate® spot-on twice at a 4-week interval. The primary efficacy criterion was the number of viable adult T. brevior counted at necropsy. Throughout the trial, the fecal shedding of first-stage larvae (L1) was assessed in treated and untreated control cats. RESULTS: The experimental model was successful in both studies, as all cats started shedding T. brevior L1 within 25 days post-infection. At necropsy, T. brevior adults were found in 4/8 and 4/10 cats of the control groups in Study 1 and 2, respectively, while none of the treated cats harbored adult worms. The necropsy worm counts in controls did not meet relevant guideline requirements for adequacy of infection, with fewer than six infected cats in the control groups, thus limiting conclusions on treatment efficacy. The fact that 6/8 and 8/10 control cats in Study 1 and 2, respectively, shed L1 up to necropsy while larval shedding ceased in all treated animals after the first treatment provides supporting evidence on the level of efficacy. No remarkable adverse events were recorded in the two studies. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Advocate® spot-on is a safe and effective option for treating cats infected by T. brevior.

Hemorrhagic Meningoencephalomyelitis Due to Ectopic Localization of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a Cat: First Case Report.

The lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is one of the main causes of respiratory diseases in cats worldwide. This report describes the unusual case of a kitten infected with A. abstrusus and presented to a veterinary clinic in Brazil with lethargy, dysphagia, non-ambulatory tetraplegia, and pelvic limbs bilateral myoclonus. The clinical picture of the kitten worsened with generalized flaccid tetraplegia and death a few days after hospitalization. At necropsy, hemorrhagic necrosis and subarachnoid hemorrhages were detected in several areas of the central nervous system. Nematode stages were found at post-mortem histological examinations in lungs, cerebellum, subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord. Microscopic and molecular (PCRs-coupled-sequencing protocols) examination showed the presence of A. abstrusus in histological samples. This study describes the first neurological aelurostrongylosis due to ectopic localization of adult worms in the central nervous system of a cat, causing acute hemorrhagic multifocal meningoencephalomyelitis. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether unusual localizations and the migration of A. abstrusus are more frequent than expected.

An Uncommon and Severe Clinical Case of Sarcoptes scabiei Infestation in a Cat.

The burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei causes sarcoptic mange in dogs and other mammals, including humans. Despite S. scabiei infests several animals, little is known about the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment of sarcoptic mange in cats. A few reports have shown that clinical signs of S. scabiei infestation in cats may vary from non-pruritic crusted lesions to itchy and mild lesions, while severe signs are very infrequent. The present report describes a severe case of S. scabiei infestation in a stray cat from Italy, characterized by bilateral alopecia, diffuse and multifocal hyperpigmented, crusted, erythematous, scaled, and exfoliated lesions. The cat was FIV-positive and also infected by the cestode Dipylidium caninum. After treatment with a broad-spectrum parasiticide and an antibiotic, the cat showed an almost complete clinical recovery in 4 weeks. Unfortunately, no further clinical examinations were performed due to the lack of compliance of the owner and to the death of the cat for causes unrelated to sarcoptic mange. This clinical case indicates that under certain circumstances, S. scabiei can reproduce and cause severe clinical signs in cats which are usually considered non-permissive hosts for this mite, and in which the disease is usually self-limiting. Clinic-pathological, epidemiological, and zoonotic implications are discussed.

Highly Variable Clinical Pictures in Dogs Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum.

Canine angiostrongylosis by Angiostrongylus vasorum is increasingly reported in both enzootic and previously free areas. The complex pathogenesis of the disease makes the clinical workup challenging. Infected dogs show highly variable clinical pictures, characterized by subclinical to life-threatening general, cardio-respiratory, neurological and/or gastrointestinal signs. The present study reports the high variability of clinical pictures from 36 dogs across central and southern Italy that were naturally infected by A. vasorum. Of them, 23 (63.9%) presented at least one clinical sign, while 13 (36.1%) were subclinically infected and apparently healthy. Overall, 19 dogs (52.8%) showed cardiorespiratory signs, 14 (38.9%) had non-specific abnormalities, 2 (5.6%) presented coagulation disorders and 1 (2.8%) had a severe neurological condition. Importantly, four dogs presenting with clinical signs had neither cough nor dyspnea. These results underline that angiostrongylosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, even when dogs display only non-specific clinical signs. The proportion of apparently healthy dogs highlights the relevance of routine copromicroscopic and/or antigenic tests in enzootic areas to avoid the sudden onset of potentially life-threatening signs.

Potential Role of Hepatozoon canis in a Fatal Systemic Disease in a Puppy.

Canine hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis is an emerging disease in Europe. Clinical pictures vary from subclinical to life-threatening and non-specific clinical signs are predominantly reported. A 2-month-old female puppy originating from Southern Italy was adopted and moved to Northern Italy. Then, the dog was brought to a local veterinary practice for gastrointestinal signs, migrating lameness and pruritic dermatitis, and then tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. gamonts at the blood smear. After treatment with imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline, the dog showed an initial clinical improvement. However, gastrointestinal signs recurred, and diffuse superficial pyoderma appeared on the thoracolumbar region, along with fever, lethargy, and weight loss. Eight months from the first onset of clinical signs, the dog was referred to a veterinary clinic and subjected to complete blood count, urine and fecal analysis, along with abdominal ultrasonography, whole-body CT and gastroduodenal endoscopy. Skin biopsies and blood samples were subjected to a PCR-coupled sequencing protocol, which scored both positive for H. canis. Alterations were consistent with a pre-existing cholangiohepatitis and multiple acquired extrahepatic shunts secondary to portal hypertension. The dog was euthanatized due to a clinical worsening two months later. The potential role of H. canis in the systemic disease observed, clinic-pathological findings and epizootiological implications are discussed.

Simultaneous Exposure to Angiostrongylus vasorum and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Italy.

Several drivers have recently fostered the expansion of Angiostrongylus vasorum throughout Europe, where Vector-Borne Pathogens (VBPs) are also spreading. However, the level of simultaneous risk of infection is still unknown in canine populations. This study evaluated the simultaneous exposure to A. vasorum and major canine VBPs in dogs of Italy. Sera of 294 dogs were subjected to two ELISAs, detecting A. vasorum circulating antigens and antibodies against the parasite, and to the following assays: (i) SNAP® 4DX (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) detecting Dirofilaria immitis antigens, and antibodies vs. Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and (ii) IFAT for the detection of antibodies vs. Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis and Rickettsia conorii. Twenty-two (7.5%, CI: 4.8-11.1%) and six (2%, CI: 0.7-4.4%) dogs scored positive for circulating A. vasorum antibodies and antigens, respectively. Seventeen dogs (5.8%, CI: 3.4-9.1%) were positive for A. vasorum antibodies + at least one VBP, three (1%, CI: 0.2-3%) for A. vasorum antigen + at least one VBP, while one dog (0.3%, CI: 0.01-1.88%) was positive for A. vasorum antigen + A. vasorum antibodies + B. canis antibodies. These results show that dogs living in different regions of Italy are at risk of simultaneous infections with both A. vasorum and VBPs. Despite the same scenario being likely in other countries of Europe, the current knowledge is scant. Therefore, further studies are warranted to amplify current epizootiological information and to understand whether control programs should be improved.

The Influence of Temperature on the Larval Development of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in the Land Snail Cornu aspersum.

The metastrongyloid Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has an indirect lifecycle involving gastropod intermediate hosts. The widespread snail Cornu aspersum is an efficient intermediate host of A. abstrusus. As the temperature may influence the developmental rate of metastrongyloids from first (L1) to the third infective larval stage (L3) inside molluscs, this study evaluated the effect of two controlled temperatures on the development of A. abstrusus in C. aspersum. Overall, 300 snails were infected with 500 L1 of A. abstrusus and kept at ∼25 °C. Fifteen days post infection (D15), the overall developmental rate to L3 (0.8%) was assessed in a subset of 20 snails. The remaining gastropods were divided in 2 groups, i.e., 180 still kept at ∼25 °C (G1) and 100 hibernated at ∼4 °C (G2). On D30, the larval development was evaluated in 20 snails from each group, while another batch of 80 snails was selected random from G1 and hibernated at ∼4 °C (G3). The larval developmental rate was determined digesting 20 snails from each of the three groups on D45, D60, and D75. The higher mean developmental rate was registered in G1 (3.8%) compared to G2 (1.9%) and G3 (2.3%), indicating that the development to L3 of A. abstrusus in C. aspersum is positively influenced by the increase of temperature.

Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health.

Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.

First Case of Clinical Cat Aelurostrongylosis in the Brazilian Amazon: Clinical and Molecular Insights.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most important respiratory parasite infecting domestic cats worldwide. Nevertheless, most records and epizootiological data come from Europe, whilst poor and fragmentary information are available for other regions, including the Americas. The present article describes the first description of cat aelurostrongylosis from Amazonia, Brazil. Eighty-one cats, 13 from a shelter and 68 admitted at the Teaching and Research Unit in Veterinary Medicine (UV) at the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), Brazil, were included in the study. For all cats, three faecal samples from consecutive defecations were examined using the Baermann's technique. Nematode first stage larvae (L1), retrieved in 2/81 (2.5%) samples, were microscopically identified as A. abstrusus and then subjected to a molecular assay able to identify the three most important species of metastrongyloids infecting felids. This test confirmed the A. abstrusus identity in one sample, while the second scored negative. The cat with confirmed aelurostrongylosis showed radiographic changes, i.e., an interstitial pattern, compatible with the infection. The other cat, which scored positive at the Baermann's examination, was apparently healthy at the physical examination and showed no thoracic alterations. The occurrence of A. abstrusus in domestic cats from Brazilian Amazon is herein demonstrated for the first time. Clinical, epizootiological and molecular implications are discussed.

Tritrichomonas foetus in cats from Central Italy: Clinical signs and risk factors.

Tritrichomonas foetus (Trichomonadida, Tritrichomonadidae) is a parasitic protozoan which causes a diarrheic disease in domestic cats worldwide. The epizootiological and pathogenic impact of this parasite in many geographic locations is still to be unraveled; thus, the present study has investigated the occurrence of T. foetus in cats from central Italy, along with the analysis of risk factors and clinical signs. One hundred and five cats referred to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Teramo were tested with copromicroscopic techniques for common intestinal and extra-intestinal parasites and a specific PCR for T. foetus. A statistical analysis evaluating associations between T. foetus positivity and possible risk factors was performed. One animal scored positive for Giardia (0.95%), 2 for Toxocara cati (1.90%), 1 for Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) (0.95%), 9 for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (8.57%) and 1 for Dipylididum caninum (0.95%), while T. foetus was molecularly recorded in 18/105 (17.14%) of the study cats. In two cats, T. foetus was found in association respectively with Giardia and A. abstrusus. Animals with chronic gastrointestinal signs were more significantly infected by T. foetus (40.90% vs 10.84%; p < 0.01; 95% CI = 1.90-17.04; OR = 5.69) in comparison to cats with no gastrointestinal distresses. No other statistically significant associations were found. This study confirms that T. foetus is enzootic in cats in Italy and that it should be included in the differential diagnosis of feline chronic gastrointestinal diseases.