A case of ocular infection with Onchocerca lupi in a dog from Germany

Abstract

Onchocerca lupi is an emerging zoonotic parasite infecting the ocular connective tissue of dogs, cats and humans. The only known case of canine ocular onchocerciasis in Germany was documented in 2002 in a shelter dog. However, the species of Onchocerca causing the infection could not be identified. Here, we report a case of the ocular infection with O. lupi in a dog, confirmed by PCR and sequencing of the cox1 gene. Further investigations are required to assess the risk factors for transmission and spread of the parasite in Germany.

International dog travelling and risk for zoonotic Onchocerca lupi

“…Attempted treatments included various combination and dosages of melarsomine, ivermectin, topical and systemic antibiotics (Otranto et al., ), and oxfendazole (Colella et al, ), although studies proving the efficacy of these compounds are lacking. Likewise, surgical treatment did not prove successful in curing canine onchocercosis, which is in line with previous reports of recurrent disease in dogs relocating from endemic regions (Hodžić et al., ; Verocai et al., ). While recognizing the efforts of non‐profit organizations dealing with pet's adoption/relocation, an increased awareness of the veterinary community to promptly diagnose canine onchocercosis is fundamental to limit the introduction of O. lupi with international transportation of animals from disease‐endemic areas.…”

“…International O. lupi ‐infected dog transportation poses a threat for the introduction of this zoonosis in non‐endemic areas and for the clinical consequences on human health. This nematode displays a very long lifespan ranging from 3 (Verocai et al., ) to 8 years (Hodžić et al., ) in non‐endemic countries. Similarly, Onchocerca volvulus can live in human nodules for approximately 15 years (https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/onchocerciasis/index.html).…”

“…This is paramount considering that O. lupi can live for a long time and its offspring can be available to a vector species, even in non‐endemic areas where the infection could potentially establish. However, the risk for the introduction of O. lupi with travelling dogs cannot be assessed in the absence of information about the presence of the vector(s) in a given area (Hodžić et al., ; Verocai et al., ). Attempted treatments included various combination and dosages of melarsomine, ivermectin, topical and systemic antibiotics (Otranto et al., ), and oxfendazole (Colella et al, ), although studies proving the efficacy of these compounds are lacking.…”

A SIX6 Nonsense Variant in Golden Retrievers with Congenital Eye Malformations

“…Eye diseases in dogs may be caused by different pathogeneses, including neoplasia, trauma, infectious diseases, and genetics [6,7,8,9]. Furthermore, eye changes may occur secondary to systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus [10] or hypothyroidism [11].…”

Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores

“…Conversely, the zoonotic potential of O. lupi has only recently been recognised (Otranto et al, 2011b) and, since then, human cases have been reported in Europe, Middle East regions and US (Mowlavi et al, 2014; Otranto et al, 2015c; Cantey et al, 2016). Since the first report of the parasite in a Caucasian wolf ( Canis lupus ) from Gruziya (Georgia, former USSR, Rodonaja, 1967), which was the main reason for naming the nematode as O. lupi , the infection has been diagnosed in dogs and cats from Portugal, Spain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and Romania (Széll et al, 2001; Komnenou et al, 2002; Hermosilla et al, 2005; Faísca et al, 2010; Maia et al, 2015; Tudor et al, 2015; Hodžić et al, 2017), as well as in the U.S. and Canada (Labelle et al, 2011, 2013; Otranto et al, 2015c).…”