Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) as agents of broncho-pulmonary infestation in domestic cats

Abstract

BackgroundAelurostrongylus abstrusus is currently regarded as the main metastrongyloid infesting domestic cats, whereas the reports of Troglostrongylus spp. in domestic and wild felids largely remain anecdotic. This paper reports on pulmonary infestation caused by Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus in two kittens and describes, for the first time, associated clinical presentations and pathological features. Morphometrical, molecular and phylogenetic analyses have also been conducted to differentiate here the examined Troglostrongylus species from A. abstrusus, towards a clearer delineation of metastrongyloids affecting cats.MethodsTwo kittens were referred for respiratory distress and hospitalized with a diagnosis of severe aelurostrongylosis, based on the presence of metastrongyloid larvae in the faeces. Despite prompt treatment, kittens died within 48 hours. Both kittens were submitted to necropsy to determine the cause of death.ResultsAt necropsy, nematode specimens were found in the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles and were associated with respiratory signs (i.e., dyspnoea, polypnea, severe coughing and nasal discharge). Morphology and measurements of adult parasites found allowed the unequivocal identification of T. brevior and T. subcrenatus, even if first stage larvae were rather similar to those of A. abstrusus. Briefly, T. brevior and T. subcrenatus larvae were shorter in length and lacking the typical knob-like terminal end of A. abstrusus. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses corroborated morphological identification and provided data on mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA genes of T. brevior.ConclusionsData presented here indicate that T. brevior and T. subcrenatus may cause major respiratory distress in domestic cats. Consequently, these two species should be included, along with A. abstrusus, in the differential diagnosis of cat bronchopulmonary affections and treatment protocols need to be evaluated. Through research on the biology, epidemiology and control of Troglostrongylus spp. infestations in domestic cats are advisable to implement current knowledge on these neglected metastrongyloids.

Efficacy of Emodepside/Praziquantel Spot-on (Profender®) against adult Aelurostrongylus abstrusus Nematodes in Experimentally Infected Cats

“…infestations in domestic cats. Various authors speculated that especially T. brevior infections might have been confused with A. abstrusus in the past due to the extremely similar morphological features of the L1 and the fact that diagnosis is routinely based on faecal examinations (Brianti et al 2012, Otranto et al 2013, Traversa and Di Cesare 2013. In fact, this is what has happened in the studies presented here.…”

Endoparasites of wildcats in Croatia

“…The parasite identifications and staining were based on the available descriptions (MEHLHORN et al, 1993;HRČKOVA et al, 2011;BRIANTI et al, 2012;SChMÄSChke, 2013 (Fig. 2 -Fig.…”

Diagnosis and management of lungworm infections in cats

“…The administration of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% (Advocate) in a cat appeared unsuccessful, 23 but this may have been due to the severe clinical signs and extensive lung lesions already present at the point of referral. A kitten infected with T brevior returned negative scores upon both copromicroscopic and biomolecular examinations for 3 months after a single administration of Advocate and showed a corresponding improvement in severe cardiorespiratory signs.…”

“…The first report of troglostrongylosis in a domestic host was from the last century when a feral cat was found to harbour T brevior. 21 Since 2010, however, T brevior has been described in domestic cats from several European islands (ibiza, Sicily, Sardinia, Crete), [22][23][24][25] and in central and southern Apennine regions of italy. 10,[26][27][28] This increased detection rate in domestic cats has raised questions regarding the origin and actual distribution of T brevior in felid populations.…”

“…Such studies should take into account the observation that anthelmintic efficacy in treating T brevior seems greatly dependent on the age of the cat, parasite burden, timing and number of administrations, presence and severity of lung damage, and/or host immunity. 23,26,27,54 New avenues for control The potential efficacy of parasiticides in the prevention of meta strongyloid infections opens new avenues for the control of cat lungworms. As a key example, spot-on moxidectin has proved effective in preventing (and treating) infection caused by the closely related parasite A vasorum.…”