Further observations on canine spirocercosis in Kenya

Abstract

The close association of the parasite Spirocerca lupi with oesophageal sarcomas suggests aetiological involvement of S lupi. Further investigations may yield results of significance with respect to comparative oncology. This paper records detailed observations made over an 11 year period, on the incidence and pathological variations of S lupi infections in Kenya.

Spirocerca lupi infection in the dog: A review

“…In a report from Kenya, 42/206 spirocercosis cases had sarcomas, with 17/42 being fibrosarcomas and 25/42 osteosarcomas. Twenty-four of these cases (57%) had worms contained within the sarcomatous tissue (Wandera, 1976). A distinct age predisposition was also noted in this study with dogs younger than 2 years of age having oesophageal fibrosarcoma and those older than 5 years having osteosarcoma.…”

“…Prevalence data also changes over time in a specific region. These factors have been clearly demonstrated in the various studies performed in Kenya ( [Brodey et al, 1977], [Kagira and Kanyari, 2001], [Murray, 1968] and [Wandera, 1976]). The variability in prevalence is attributed to degree of rural development, utilisation of pesticides, efforts at disease control and changing nutritional habits.…”

“…There is no sex or age predilection for infection although due to the nematode lifecycle, dogs under 6 months of age, although infected, have not yet developed oesophageal disease and the classic clinical signs ( [Fox et al, 1988] and [Wandera, 1976]). There does however seem to be a breed predilection.…”

“…The vast majority of cases showing neoplastic transformation have occurred in the typical caudal oesophageal region. Three non-oesophageal S. lupi associated sarcomas have been reported and involved the aorta, lung and vertebra ( [Bailey, 1963], [Stephens et al, 1983] and [Wandera, 1976]). A murine xenograft model of spirocerca-associated sarcoma has been established (Stettner et al, 2005).…”

“…Additional reported complications of spirocercosis include aortic thromboembolism ( [Alvarenga and Saliba, 1971], [Gal et al, 2005] and [Wandera, 1976]), aberrant migration to the vertebral canal ( [Smith and Knottenbelt, 1989], [Tudury et al, 1995] and [du Plessis et al, in press]), secondary megaoesophagus ( [Dvir et al, 2001] and [Londono et al, 2003]), haemopericardium (Pereira et al, 1995), oesophageal obstruction or perforation ( [Chandrasekharon et al, 1958], [Hamir, 1986] and [Klainbart et al, in press]) and gastro-oesophageal intussusception (Rallis et al, 1995).…”