Toxocara canis- and Toxocara cati-Induced Neurotoxocarosis is Associated with Comprehensive Brain Transcriptomic Alterations

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are globally occurring zoonotic roundworms of dogs and cats. Migration and persistence of Toxocara larvae in the central nervous system of paratenic hosts including humans may cause clinical signs of neurotoxocarosis (NT). As pathomechanisms of NT and host responses against Toxocara larvae are mostly unknown, whole-genome microarray transcription analysis was performed in cerebra and cerebella of experimentally infected C57Bl/6J mice as paratenic host model at days 14, 28, 70, 98, and 120 post-infection. Neuroinvasion of T. cati evoked 220 cerebral and 215 cerebellar differentially transcribed genes (DTGs), but no particular PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) pathway was affected. In T. canis-infected mice, 1039 cerebral and 2073 cerebellar DTGs were identified. Statistically significant dysregulations occurred in various pathways, including cholesterol biosynthesis, apoptosis signaling, and the Slit/Robo mediated axon guidance as well as different pathways associated with the immune and defense response. Observed dysregulations of the cholesterol biosynthesis, as well as the Alzheimer disease-amyloid secretase pathway in conjunction with previous histopathological neurodegenerative findings, may promote the discussion of T. canis as a causative agent for dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, results contribute to a deeper understanding of the largely unknown pathogenesis and host-parasite interactions during NT, and may provide the basis for prospective investigations evaluating pathogenic mechanisms or designing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

NGHIÊN CỨU ĐẶC ĐIỂM LÂM SÀNG, CẬN LÂM SÀNG Ở NGƯỜI BỆNH ẤU TRÙNG GIUN ĐŨA CHÓ, MÈO TẠI TRUNG TÂM MEDIC THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH NĂM 2018 - 2019

Bệnh nhiễm Toxocara spp. là bệnh ký sinh trùng lây truyền từ động vật sang người do sự di chuyển của ấu trùng Toxocara canis ở chó và Toxocara cati ở mèo, đang trở thành vấn đề sức khỏe cộng đồng quan trọng. Việc chẩn đoán bệnh ấu trùng giun đũa chó, mèo ở người còn gặp nhiều khó khăn do biểu hiện lâm sàng không đặc hiệu, có thể dẫn đến bệnh kéo dài và gây các biến chứng. Mục tiêu: Nghiên cứu nhằm mô tả triệu chứng lâm sàng, các thay đổi cận lâm sàng ở người bệnh ấu trùng giun đũa chó, mèo. Phương pháp: Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang và phân tích. Kết quả: Tuổi trung bình là 41 ± 15 tuổi, nhóm tuổi 20 - < 60 tuổi chiếm 75,9%. Tỷ lệ phân bố giới nữ nhiều hơn nam. Các triệu chứng thường gặp nhất ở da, niêm mạc (77,5%), sau đó là các biểu hiện thần kinh (35,0%), tiêu hóa (31,7%) và hô hấp (21,7%). Tất cả bệnh nhân đều có tăng số lượng bạch cầu ái toan trong máu ngoại biên nhưng 91,7% tăng mức độ nhẹ (từ 500 - < 1.500 tế bào/mm3). Nồng độ IgE toàn phần trong huyết thanh trung bình là 764,7 ± 630,6 IU/mL, 43,3% có IgE tăng dưới 4 lần giới hạn bình thường (từ 130 - < 520 IU/mL). Mật độ quang của anti-Toxocara spp. IgG trung bình là 1,51 ± 0,85, phân bố giá trị từ 0,36 - 3,50. Kết luận: Triệu chứng lâm sàng bệnh ấu trùng giun đũa chó, mèo ở người đa dạng, biểu hiện ở nhiều cơ quan. Bạch cầu ái toan trong máu ngoại biên, nồng độ IgE toàn phần huyết thanh và kháng thể kháng Toxocara spp. IgG là các thông số cận lâm sàng quan trọng chẩn đoán bệnh ấu trùng giun đũa chó, mèo ở người.

Prevalensi Kecacingan pada Anjing dan Kucing di Klinik Smilevet Kelapa Gading Periode Januari 2020 - Januari 2021

Anjing dan kucing merupakan hewan yang hidup berdampingan dengan manusia sebagai hewan peliharaan. Infeksi parasit cacing merupakan masalah yang umum pada hewan peliharaan namun data tentang prevalensi kejadian kecacingan di Indonesia masih sedikit. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prevalensi dan faktor risiko kecacingan pada anjing dan kucing serta tindakan preventif untuk mencegah infeksi parasit cacing. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan merekap rekam medik yang ada di klinik Smilevet Kelapa Gading pada Januari 2020 – Januari 2021. Seluruh data rekam medik di klinik Smilevet Kelapa Gading periode Januari 2020 – Januari 2021 berjumlah 2.259 yang terdiri atas 976 pasien anjing dan 1.283 pasien kucing. Total kasus kecacingan pada anjing dan kucing berjumlah 18 kasus. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif kuantitatif. Prevalensi kecacingan pada anjing dan kucing di klinik Smilevet Kelapa Gading pada Januari 2020 – Januari 2021 kurang dari 1%. Spesies cacing yang teridentifikasi pada pasien kucing adalah Toxocara cati. Faktor risiko kejadian kecacingan pada anjing dan kucing dipengaruhi oleh jenis kelamin, breed, dan umur. Antelmintika yang banyak digunakan memiliki zat aktif febantel, praziquantel, dan pirantel embonate. Pemberian antelmintika secara rutin menjadi tindakan preventif untuk mencegah kejadian kecacingan pada anjing dan kucing Kata kunci: anjing, antelmintik, helmithiasis, kucing, faktor risiko

Detection of Toxocara cati from Fecal Samples of Domestic Pet Cats at Pet Clinic Surabaya and Durability of Toxocara cati Eggs with In Vitro Media

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of Toxocara cati eggs in the feces of Domestic pet cats at the Surabaya Animal Clinic and the durability of Toxocara cati eggs with in vitro media. Total fecal samples taken were 30 cat feces from 5 animal clinics in Surabaya, then detected Toxocara cati eggs using an enlargement microscope 100 times, followed by counting eggs per gram of feces. The eggs used were approximately 200 eggs in each petri dish, then positive feces of Toxocara cati with various in vitro media using 0.9% NaCl, 1% PBS and 1% CMC for 24 hours and 48 hours. The results showed that two fecal samples positive Toxocara cati from 30 samples fecal and durability Toxocara cati eggs on medium in vitro over 24 showed 28% NaCl; PBS 68%; CMC 5% and at 48 hours showed 23.7% NaCl; PBS 58%; CMC 17.3%. Based on these results, the conclusion is two fecal (6,67 %) positive T.cati from 30 fecal samples, and the best medium in the test of the durability of Toxocara cati egg is 1% PBS.

Reversibility of clinical and computed tomographic lesions mimicking pulmonary fibrosis in a young cat

Background In humans with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), specific thoracic computed tomographic (CT) features in the correct clinical context may be used in lieu of histologic examination. Cats develop an IPF-like condition with similar features to humans. As few cats have invasive lung biopsies, CT has appeal as a surrogate diagnostic, showing features consistent with architectural remodeling supporting “end-stage lung”. Case presentation A 1-year-old female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat presenting with progressive respiratory clinical signs and thoracic CT changes (reticular pattern, parenchymal bands, subpleural interstitial thickening, pleural fissure thickening, subpleural lines and regions of increased attenuation with traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion) consistent with reports of IPF was given a grave prognosis for long-term survival. The cat was treated with prednisolone, fenbendazole, pradofloxacin and clindamycin. Five months later, while still receiving an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisolone, the cat was re-evaluated with owner-reported absent respiratory clinical signs. Thoracic CT demonstrated resolution of lung patterns consistent with fibrosis. Conclusions Fibrotic lung disease is irreversible. Despite this cat having compatible progressive respiratory signs and associated lung patterns on thoracic CT scan, these abnormalities resolved with non-specific therapy and time, negating the possibility of IPF. While the cause of the distinct CT lesions that ultimately resolved was not determined, infection was suspected. Experimental Toxocara cati infection shows overlapping CT features as this cat and is considered a treatable disease. Improvement of CT lesions months after experimental heartworm-associated respiratory disease in cats has been documented. Reversibility of lesions suggests inflammation rather than fibrosis was the cause of the thoracic CT lesions. This cat serves as a lesson that although thoracic CT has been advocated as a surrogate for histopathology in people with IPF, additional studies in cats are needed to integrate CT findings with signalment, other clinicopathologic features and therapeutic response before providing a diagnosis or prognosis of fibrotic lung disease.

Polinfecção parasitária por Toxocara cati e Ancylostoma sp. em gato doméstico (Felis catus) / Parasitic polyinfection by Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma sp. in a domestic cat (Felis catus)

As parasitoses gastrintestinais são enfermidades de grande relevância na Clínica Médica de Pequenos Animais, sendo os felinos hospedeiros de uma variedade de parasitas, dentre eles os nematoides Toxocara cati e Ancylostoma sp.. São parasitas causadores de quadros severos de anemia que podem levar o animal ao óbito. Diante da relevância desses parasitos na Clínica Médica o presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar uma co-infecção por Toxocara cati e Ancylostoma sp. em gato doméstico. Foi atendida na Clínica Escola de Medicina Veterinária do Cesmac uma gata adulta SRD. Ao exame clínico observou-se mucosas hipocoradas, sugestivo de anemia e abdome distendido. Posteriormente, foi solicitado o hemograma e o coproparasitológico. Foi coletada uma amostra de fezes e encaminhada para o Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias do Centro Universitário Cesmac, em seguida, a amostra foi submetida à técnica de flutuação com solução saturada de sacarose e realizada a pesquisa utilizando a metodologia descrita por Willis-Mollay. Constatou-se a presença de 503 ovos de Toxocara cati e 95 ovos de Ancylostoma sp., caracterizando uma alta carga parasitária. No hemograma foi diagnosticada anemia e eosinofilia. Posteriormente, o animal retornou a Clínica e foi prescrito Petzi gatos 1comp/4kg. É imprescindível que seja realizado o exame coproparasitológico a fim de diagnosticar e prevenir as helmintoses, prezando a qualidade de vida e o bem-estar do animal.

Detection of Toxocara cati Larvae from Ostrich and Wild Boar Meat Intended for Human Consumption

Toxocara cati is a common roundworm of cats and wild felids and, together with T. canis, it is the main causative agent of human toxocariasis. Humans may become infected by ingestion of embryonated eggs via contaminated soil, food, or water, or by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat of paratenic hosts that are infected by Toxocara larvae. In this study, we report the detection of T. cati larvae from meat samples of ostriches and wild boars. These samples were inspected by enzymatic digestion, as part of the trichinellosis surveillance. As ostrich meat is intended for “carpaccio” preparation, a traditional Italian raw meat preparation, there is the need to make the consumption of this meat safe. For this purpose, it is recommended to freeze the meat before preparation. Our findings confirmed that T. cati larvae can contaminate muscle tissues of paratenic hosts, increasing the risk of infection due to the consumption of raw or undercooked meat.

A review study for Toxocariasis

Many researchers reported rates of infected dogs with T. canis and cats with Toxocara cati all over the world. The degree of tissue damage in the host and the concomitant elicitation of signs and symptoms are varied in different invaded tissues. The liver, lungs and central nervous system, including the eyes, are considered the most sensitive organs. In addition, the number of migrating juveniles and the age of the host. Inflammation manifests as eosinophilic granulomas. The immediate hypersensitivity responses to dying and dead larvae in the viscera, including the lungs, liver and brain, produce symptoms characteristic of VLM. The current review discusses the Toxocara sp. infection from the historical background, taxonomy, lifecycle, pathogeneses, clinical signs, epidemiology, diagnosis, control and treatment. And provides an overview of existing literature and data on the Toxocaraiasis with their references.

Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection on Stray Cat and Pet Cat at Blitar Regency, East Java Province

The purpose of this study was to find out the parasite species and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite on stray cat and pet cat at Blitar. In an amount of 90 cats feces were collected from two different types of sample, those are stray cat and pet- cat from three sub-districts located at Blitar Regency. Cats feces were analyzed with native, sedimentation and float techniques. The result showed that prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection on cat at Blitar was amounted to 71% at stray cat and 40% at pet cat. The parasite that was found in this research are Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma sp. and Isospora sp.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with cat parasites in Italy: a multicenter study

Background Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk. Results The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment. Conclusions Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human–animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept. Graphical abstract