Fatal Patent Troglostrongylosis In A Litter of Kittens

Abstract

Parasitic nematodes affecting the respiratory system of cats are gaining much attention in the scientific community and new knowledge has recently been acquired on their epizootiology, biology, and clinical aspects. In particular, in the past few years different studies have indicated that the metastrongyloid lungworm Troglostrongylus brevior can be vertically transmitted in cats, although information on its basic biology is still poor. The present paper describes a case of troglostrongylosis in a litter of 3 suckling kittens, with a focus on anatomo-pathological and biological features of the infection in 2 of these 3 animals. The third kitten survived the infection and clinical and therapeutic aspects are presented. New insights into the transmission and biology of T. brevior are discussed along with potential strategies for an efficacious treatment and control of this life-threatening parasitosis of cats.

Intermediate gastropod hosts of major feline cardiopulmonary nematodes in an area of wildcat and domestic cat sympatry in Greece

“…The life-cycle of these parasites is indirect: felines shed first-stage larvae (L1) that continue their development in a terrestrial gastropod mollusc to develop to second-stage (L2), and subsequently third-stage (L3) larvae, that is infective for the definitive host; paratenic hosts (small vertebrates) also play an important role in the biological cycle of these nematodes [ 1 , 3 ]. Because of their veterinary significance and apparently expanding distribution both in enzootic and previously non-enzootic regions, these parasites are gaining scientific interest [ 1 , 4 – 8 ].…”

Pilot study evaluating the efficacy of a topical formulation containing emodepside and praziquantel in the treatment of natural feline troglostrongylosis

“…Additionally, a vertical route of transmission has been described [6–9]. Although it is not definitively proven how T. brevior is vertically transmitted, it is likely that the infection takes place in the first days after birth, likely via the colostrum or milk [8].…”

“…anorexia, dehydration, poor general condition, depression) [4, 9, 11, 12]. The severity of clinical signs is greater in younger cats and, especially in animals only a few weeks- or months-old, the infection is life-threatening [2, 4, 7, 8, 13].…”

Efficacy of a topical combination of eprinomectin, praziquantel, fipronil and (S)-methoprene against developing and adult Troglostrongylus brevior lungworms (Nematoda, Crenosomatidae) in cats

“…The cats in this study, however, were clinically unremarkable during the daily observations despite harbouring up to 52 T. brevior lungworms. Given that the majority of young cats which were reported as fatal cases of troglostrongylosis harboured only few lungworms ( Brianti et al, 2012 , Brianti et al, 2013 , Giannelli et al, 2014 , Traversa et al, 2015 , Traversa et al, 2018 ), it can be assumed that in the course of T. brevior infections, similar with respiratory nematode infections in other mammals, secondary pulmonary infections with microbial pathogens play a role and/or other conditions which are prone to enhance the susceptibility of cats to infections in general and/or to compromise their immune status (e.g. underlying disease, overpopulation situations, insufficient care, undernourishment, stray cats) may affect the general health status and condition of the animals.…”

“…The increasing number of records in domestic cats of T. brevior and the diagnosis of infection associated with clinical respiratory disease and even death in naturally infected very young cats ( Brianti et al, 2012 , Brianti et al, 2013 , Giannelli et al, 2014 , Giannelli et al, 2017 , Tamponi et al, 2014 , Traversa et al, 2014 , Traversa et al, 2015 , Traversa et al, 2018 , Crisi et al, 2015 , Crisi et al, 2017 , Crisi et al, 2018 , Di Cesare et al, 2015b , Cavalera et al, 2018 ) stimulated the interest of practicing veterinarians and parasitologists in troglostrongylosis and highlighted the desire in an authorized treatment.…”