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Veterinary Research Communications Sep 2023Cardiopulmonary nematodes cause health and fitness disorders in wild and domestic carnivores. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) participates in the spread of these shared...
Cardiopulmonary nematodes cause health and fitness disorders in wild and domestic carnivores. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) participates in the spread of these shared parasites at the domestic-wildlife interface. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of post-mortem diagnostic method for detecting lungworms in carnivores, and its exactness to estimate the parasite intensity of each nematode species. Cardiorespiratory system of fifty-one foxes were examined through three consecutively methodological steps: first, the tracheobronchial tree, pulmonary arteries and their branches were opened (OT); next, lung parenchyma was immersed in water and squeezed (WS); finally, the parenchyma was artificially digested in a pepsin and chlorhydric acid solution (AD). Eucoleus aerophilus, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis and Metathelazia capsulata were identified. The number of recovered nematodes in each step were 454 (OT), 285 (WS) and 141 (AD). The use of OT and WS helped to improve parasite intensity results and decreased false negative cases. Accordingly, when OT and WS were used together, the sensitivity in the detection of parasitized foxes was 96.1%, while the exactness of parasite intensity was 84%. When AD was performed, although sensitivity does not rise, results were more exact, increasing the total number of detected parasites by 16%. Moreover, AD improved the sensitivity in the detection of A. vasorum and M. capsulata, as well as quantifying more exactly the parasite intensity (92.5% and 92.3% of exactness without AD, respectively). Our study provides valuable information that should be taken into account when planning epidemiological studies based on cardiopulmonary nematode detection in carnivores.
Topics: Animals; Nematode Infections; Foxes; Nematoda; Heart; Animals, Wild
PubMed: 36918466
DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10084-3 -
Journal of Current Ophthalmology 2023To report the clinical course and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of ocular angiostrongyliasis.
PURPOSE
To report the clinical course and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of ocular angiostrongyliasis.
METHODS
A 36-year-old female with a history of ingesting regular raw freshwater shrimp and other raw food presented with acute unilateral painless visual loss in the right eye. Her right eye's best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1 ft of the count finger. Fundus examination showed vitritis, generalized retinal pigment epithelial alteration, and a moving roundworm in the vitreous at the 6 o'clock position. Macular OCT of her right eye showed thinning of the retina, loss of the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone, subretinal hyper-reflective material clumping, and hyper-reflective foci at the superficial choroidal layer.
RESULTS
The patient was administered oral and topical prednisolone. The roundworm, identified as , was wholly extracted from the vitreous using a 23G sclerotomy port and pars plana vitrectomy. The final BCVA was 1 ft of the count finger.
CONCLUSION
This case report describes an infrequent presentation and illustrates the clinical course and OCT findings of ocular angiostrongyliasis.
PubMed: 37680295
DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_137_22 -
Journal de Mycologie Medicale Mar 2024Exophiala dermatitidis is a relatively common environmental black yeast with a worldwide distribution that rarely causes fungal infection. Here, we report a case of a... (Review)
Review
Concurrent infection of Exophiala dermatitidis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis in central nervous system of a child with inherited CARD9 deficiency: A case report and literature review.
Exophiala dermatitidis is a relatively common environmental black yeast with a worldwide distribution that rarely causes fungal infection. Here, we report a case of a 6-year-old girl with central nervous system (CNS) encephalitis caused by E. dermatitidis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. E. dermatitidis was identified by both cerebrospinal fluid culture and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection was confirmed by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Whole exome sequencing showed that this previously healthy girl carried a homozygous CARD9 mutation for c.820dupG (p.D274Gfs*61) that underlies invasive fungal and parasite infections. We chose glucocortieoid pulse therapy and anti-infective therapy based on the initial results of laboratory examination and cranial MRI images. With the aggravation of the disease and the evidence of the subsequent etiologic test, the combination of antifungal antiparasitic treatments (voriconazole, fluorocytosine and amphotericin B) were actively used. Unfortunately, the girl finally died due to severe systemic infection. mNGS performs a potential value for diagnosing rare CNS infections, and autosomal recessive CARD9 deficiency should be considered in patient with fatal invasive fungal infections.
Topics: Child; Animals; Female; Humans; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Central Nervous System; Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous; Exophiala; CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
PubMed: 38042015
DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101455 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2023is the main etiological agent of eosinophilic meningitis, a disease that often leads to severe neurological manifestations in mammals and birds. In recent years, the...
is the main etiological agent of eosinophilic meningitis, a disease that often leads to severe neurological manifestations in mammals and birds. In recent years, the prevalence of this zoonotic nematode has dramatically increased as it expands into new territories beyond its native range in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.Its arrival to Europe, the last continent to be invaded, has raised many questions concerning the parasite's life cycle, particularly in the Mediterranean region, where it is now endemic. This study aims to collect evidence about intermediate hosts (snail and slug species) involved in the transmission of the in Mallorca We have conducted a systematic surveillance of gastropods within 2 km radius areas, surrounding the specific locations where infected hedgehogs were found. We employed a sequence-based detection approach that included a species-specific PCR amplification followed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer I (ITS-1). This conservative approach was essential to avoid cross reactions with the numerous metastrongylid species known to be circulating in Mallorca. Overall, we collected and identified 398 gastropods belonging to 17 species, of which 11% tested positive for These gastropods were collected from touristic settlements to agricultural lands. Five gastropod species: , , had been previously incriminated as intermediate hosts, while 6 species: and are newly recorded hosts. The findings of this study have important epidemiological implications, and further measures are discussed to prevent neuroangiostrongylosis cases.
PubMed: 37638211
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100610 -
Parasitology Research Mar 2024Dog faecal samples examined from January 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analysed for frequency of endoparasites. The examinations were performed with several...
Dog faecal samples examined from January 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analysed for frequency of endoparasites. The examinations were performed with several different methods: 29,219 samples were examined by flotation method and sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin concentration (SAFC) technique, 1,330 samples by Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, 12,221 samples using a Giardia coproantigen enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1,180 samples using a Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISA, 1,671 samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Giardia duodenalis and 447 samples by PCR testing for Cryptosporidium spp.. A total of 7.1% of the samples were positive for parasites in the microscopical examination using the flotation method and SAFC technique. The parasites found included Cystoisospora spp. (2.8%), Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), Ancylostomatidae (1.8%), Toxocara canis (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (0.7%), Toxascaris leonina (0.5%), Capillaria spp. (0.2%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.2%), Crenosoma vulpis (0.1%), Taeniidae (0.1%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.03%), Dipylidium caninum (0.01%), Diphyllobothrium latum (< 0.01%), Spirurida (< 0.01%) and Opisthorchiidae (< 0.01%). Using the Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, Angiostrongylus vasorum was found in 0.75% and Crenosoma vulpis in 0.3% of the samples. ELISAs for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. revealed 13.9% and 1.0% positive faecal samples, and Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. PCRs 19.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Dogs in the first year of life were more frequently infected with parasites than older animals. In the microscopic examination using flotation method and SAFC technique, the significantly highest detection rates were found in dogs up to six months of age (p < 0.001).
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Cryptosporidiosis; Retrospective Studies; Cryptosporidium; Dog Diseases; Prevalence; Parasites; Giardia lamblia; Germany; Feces; Angiostrongylus
PubMed: 38480554
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08181-6 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023When the zoonotic parasite of rodents that can cause human neuroangiostrongyliasis, i.e., is found in its natural definitive hosts, it is usually reported in isolation,...
When the zoonotic parasite of rodents that can cause human neuroangiostrongyliasis, i.e., is found in its natural definitive hosts, it is usually reported in isolation, as if the rat lungworm were the only component of its parasite community. In this study, we report the coinfections found in rats naturally infected by in urban populations of and in Valencia, Spain. In addition to the rat lungworms, which were found in 14 of the 125 rats studied (a prevalence of 11.20%), 18 other parasite species (intestinal and tissular protists, microsporidia and helminths) were found, some of them with high burdens. Fourteen of these nineteen species found are potential zoonotic parasites, namely , , spp., , , , spp., larvae, , , , , and . The total predominance of coinfected rats as well as their high parasite loads seem to indicate a trend towards parasite tolerance.
PubMed: 38251336
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010028 -
Parasitology Research Mar 2024Although rare, Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection may be a more prevalent etiology of inflammatory bowel disease than ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease in...
Although rare, Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection may be a more prevalent etiology of inflammatory bowel disease than ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease in endemic areas in Central and South America. The present study reviewed the occurrence of A. costaricensis in Brazil, its clinical presentation and pathology; and proposed diagnostic criteria and case definitions for abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA). Southern and southeastern Brazilian regions are the main endemic areas, and AA affects both genders and all age groups. A review of all 23 published reports of 51 Brazilian patients highlighted the following features that were subsequently classified as minor diagnostic criteria: abdominal pain, palpable mass in the right lower abdominal quadrant, history of exposure, ileocecal tumor, and intestinal perforation with wall thickening. Proposed major criteria include right lower quadrant abdominal pain, blood eosinophilia, positive serology (antibody detection), intense eosinophilic infiltration that involves all strata of the intestinal wall, eosinophilic granulomatous reaction, and eosinophilic vasculitis. In addition to the definitions of suspected and possible cases according to increasing strength of evidence of this infection, demonstration of worms/eggs/larvae in tissues or Angiostrongylus DNA in tissues or serum are required for a confirmed diagnosis. The application of the proposed criteria and definitions may improve patient management, epidemiologic surveillance, and identification of new endemic areas.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Abdominal Pain; Angiostrongylus; Brazil; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 38446236
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08177-2 -
Topics in Companion Animal Medicine 2024To describe an unusual case of spontaneous hemothorax resulting from thymic involution in a dog with suspected acquired bleeding dyscrasia associated with...
OBJECTIVE
To describe an unusual case of spontaneous hemothorax resulting from thymic involution in a dog with suspected acquired bleeding dyscrasia associated with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA).
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 6-month-old spayed female Golden Retriever was referred due to the sudden onset of lethargy, fever (pyrexia), loss of appetite (anorexia), and moderate neck pain. These symptoms emerged six days after an ovariohysterectomy performed by the primary veterinarian. Upon admission, the patient exhibited pale mucous membranes, tachycardia (180 bpm), bilateral muffled heart sounds and tachypnea. Abdominal and thoracic point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) were performed and revealed bilateral pleural effusion. Due to the patient's unstable condition, emergent thoracocentesis and transfusion of packed red blood cells was required. The initial work-up performed included a complete blood cell count (CBC), biochemistry profile, venous blood gas and coagulation panel (PT, APTT, fibrinogen). Pleural effusion analysis was compatible with hemothorax. Bloodwork was unremarkable including the initial coagulation panel. Further coagulation test was performed including buccal mucosal bleeding time, viscoelastic-based clot detection tests (TEG) and Von Willebrand factor antigen measurement. TEG revealed marked hyperfibrinolysis. Angiostrongylus vasorum and 4DX snap test were performed and yielded a negative result. Thoracic CT scan revealed the presence of a soft tissue-attenuating mass in the ventral mediastinum, thymic involution, and enlargement of the sternal and mediastinal lymph nodes. Therapy with tranexamic acid and corticosteroids at anti-inflammatory doses was initiated. Marked clinical improvement was observed within 24 hours, and after three days of hospitalization the patient was discharged. One month later, the dog was referred again for acute pyrexia, hyporexia, and neck pain which progressed to non-ambulatory tetraparesis. Neurological examination was compatible with C6-T2 lesion. MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were performed and revealed a final diagnosis of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) with associated intramedullary hemorrhage. Corticosteroids were started again, and the patient showed a dramatic improvement over the next 24 hours. Three weeks after the diagnosis, the dog returned to a clinically normal state. The treatment was gradually tapered over the following months, guided by regular neurological and clinical examinations and CRP measurements, without any relapses.
NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION
To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first documented case of a dog experiencing spontaneous hemothorax as a result of thymic hemorrhage/involution which, in the absence of other identifiable diseases, was attributed to a hyperfibrinolytic state induced by a severe inflammatory disease such as SRMA.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Female; Dog Diseases; Meningitis; Arteritis; Hemothorax; Thymus Gland
PubMed: 38513795
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2024.100863 -
The Journal of Small Animal Practice Apr 2024Bleeding diathesis is a complication in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. This retrospective study investigated clinical and laboratory haemostatic differences...
OBJECTIVES
Bleeding diathesis is a complication in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. This retrospective study investigated clinical and laboratory haemostatic differences in A. vasorum-positive dogs with and without signs of bleeding and impact of bleeding on survival.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Demographics, type of clinical bleeding, haematocrit and a range of haemostatic tests, including thromboelastography and derived velocity curves were retrospectively registered from A. vasorum-positive dogs. All parameters were compared between dogs with and without signs of bleeding using univariable analyses. Binomial and multinomial regression models were applied to examine specific indicators in the bleeding dogs. P-values were false discovery rate adjusted, and adjusted P<0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS
One hundred and eighty dogs entered the study, including 65 dogs (36.1%) presenting with bleeding diathesis. Different types of cutaneous and mucosal bleeding were the most common clinical findings. Twenty dogs presented with neurological signs associated with intracranial and intra-spinal bleeding. One hundred and thirty-seven dogs had haematological and/or haemostatic laboratory analyses performed. Haematocrit, platelet count, thromboelastographic angle, maximum amplitude, global clot strength, maximum rate of thrombin generation and total thrombin generation were decreased, while prothrombin time was prolonged in bleeding dogs. Survival rate of bleeding dogs was lower at hospital discharge (76.9%) and 1 month after diagnosis (66.0%) than in dogs without signs of bleeding (94.8% and 90.1% at discharge and at 1 month, respectively).
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Several haemostatic aberrations were detected in A. vasorum-positive dogs with bleeding diathesis. Bleeding was identified as an important negative prognostic indicator in A. vasorum-positive dogs.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Hemostatics; Angiostrongylus; Thrombin; Disease Susceptibility; Retrospective Studies; Dog Diseases; Strongylida Infections; Blood Coagulation Disorders
PubMed: 38332620
DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13701 -
Biomedical Journal Apr 2024We investigated the effects of combination therapy albendazole and doxycycline in Angiostrongylus cantonensis-infected mice during early and late treatment.
BACKGROUND
We investigated the effects of combination therapy albendazole and doxycycline in Angiostrongylus cantonensis-infected mice during early and late treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: (i) uninfected, (ii) infected with A. cantonensis, (iii) infected + 10 mg/kg albendazole, (iv) infected + 25mg/kg doxycycline, and (v) infected + 10 mg/kg albendazole + 25 mg/kg doxycycline. We administered drugs in both early treatments started at 7-day post infections (dpi) and late treatments (14 dpi) to A. cantonensis-infected C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. To assess the impact of these treatments, we employed the Morris water maze test to evaluate spatial learning and memory abilities, and the rotarod test to measure motor coordination and balance in C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, we monitored the expression of the cytokine IL-33 and GFAP in the brain of these mice using western blot analysis.
RESULTS
In this study, A. cantonensis infection was observed to cause extensive cerebral angiostrongyliasis in C57BL/6 mice. This condition significantly affected their spatial learning and memory abilities, as assessed by the Morris water maze test, as well as their motor coordination, which was evaluated using the rotarod test. Early treatment with albendazole led to favorable recovery outcomes. Both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice express IL-33 and GFAP after co-therapy. The differences of levels and patterns of IL-33 and GFAP expression in mice may be influenced by the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals within the immune system.
CONCLUSIONS
Combination therapy with anthelmintics and antibiotics in the early stage of A. cantonensis infection, in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice resulted in the death of parasites in the brain and reduced the subsequent neural function damage and slowed brain damage and neurobehavior impairment. This study suggests a more effective and novel treatment, and drug delivery method for brain lesions that can decrease the neurological damage of angiostrongyliasis patients.
PubMed: 38636898
DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100727