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T. gondii is a highly prevalent parasite worldwide, with cats serving as its final host. However, few studies have investigated the impact of T. gondii infection on cat gut microbiota. Therefore, this study examined the influence of T. gondii infection on the gut microbiota of stray cats and identified potential pathogens in their feces. This study examined T. gondii infection through blood of stray cats and the influence of microbiota in their feces using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results revealed significant differences in gut microbiota composition and diversity between the T. gondii seropositive and seronegative groups. Seropositive samples displayed a lower number of operational taxonomic units and reduced Shannon index than the seronegative samples. The seropositive and seronegative groups exhibited enrichment of taxa, including Escherichia and Enterobacteriaceae and Collinsella, Bifidobacterium, and Roseburia, respectively. Furthermore, potential pathogen species, including Campylobacter, Escherichia, and Streptococcus, were identified in the fecal samples. These findings suggest that T. gondii infection significantly impacts gut microbiota composition and diversity in stray cats. Additionally, an increased potential pathogen load, represented by Escherichia spp., was observed. These results underscore the importance of monitoring the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in stray cats, as they can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The order Piroplasmida, including the genera Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria is often referred to as piroplasmids and comprises of dixenous hemoprotozoans transmitted by ticks to a mammalian or avian host. Although piroplasmid infections are usually asymptomatic in wild animals, in domestic animals, they cause serious or life-threatening consequences resulting in fatalities. Piroplasmids are particularly notorious for the enormous economic loss they cause worldwide in livestock production, the restrictions they pose on horse trade, and the negative health impact they have on dogs and cats. Furthermore, an increasing number of reported human babesiosis cases are of growing concern. Considerable international research and epidemiological studies are done to identify existing parasite species, reveal their phylogenetic relationships, and develop improved or new drugs and vaccines to mitigate their impact. In this review, we present a compilation of all piroplasmid species, isolates, and species complexes that infect domestic mammals and which have been well defined by molecular phylogenetic markers. Altogether, 57 taxonomic piroplasmid entities were compiled, comprising of 43 piroplasmid species, 12 well-defined isolates awaiting formal species description, and two species complexes that possibly mask additional species. The extrapolation of the finding of at least 57 piroplasmid species in only six domestic mammalian groups (cattle, sheep, goat, horse, dog, and cat) allows us to predict that a substantially higher number of piroplasmid parasites than vertebrate host species exist. Accordingly, the infection of a vertebrate host species by multiple piroplasmid species from the same and/or different phylogenetic lineages is commonly observed. Molecular phylogeny using 18S rRNA genes of piroplasmids infecting domestic mammals results in the formation of six clades, which emerge due to an anthropocentric research scope, but not due to a possibly assumed biological priority position. Scrutinizing the topology of inferred trees reveals stunning insights into some evolutionary patterns exhibited by this intriguing group of parasites. Contrary to expectations, diversification of parasite species appears to be dominated by host-parasite cospeciation (Fahrenholz's rule), and, except for piroplasmids that segregate into Clade VI, host switching is rarely observed. When only domestic mammalian hosts are taken into account, Babesia sensu lato (s.l.) parasites of Clades I and II infect only dogs and cats, respectively, Cytauxzoon spp. placed into Clade III only infect cats, Theileria placed into Clade IV exclusively infect horses, wheras Theileria sensu stricto (s.s.) of Clade V infects only cattle and small ruminants. In contrast, Babesia s.s. parasites of Clade VI infect all farm and companion animal species. We outline how the unique ability of transovarial transmission of Babesia s.s. piroplasmids of Clade VI facilitates species diversification by host switching to other host vertebrate species. Finally, a deterioration of sequence fidelity in databases is observed which will likely lead to an increased risk of artifactual research in this area. Possible measures to reverse and/or avoid this threat are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cats infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively, were taken to two different private practitioners for a clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the first cat revealed a microfilaraemia due to D. repens of 66 mfs/mL by a modified Knott's test. No clinical signs of D. repens infection were observed in the cat. The animal was euthanised because of a lymphoma condition, and two adult females of D. repens were found in the subcutaneous tissue of the lumbar and left scapular regions at the post-mortem examination. The second cat showed severe abnormalities in the white blood cells, including eosinophil count. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in the blood smear, with an average length (n = 2) of 296.2 μm. These clinical cases represent the first reports of feline dirofilarioses in southern Italy and are indicative of a common occurrence of dirofilarial infection in the local canine population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) are hematophagous pests present in urban environments across the globe. It is widely established that they have a strong host preference for humans. However, there are records of C. lectularius feeding upon a range of mammalian and avian hosts, including rodents, in the field. There is little information available about how frequently common bed bugs feed on alternative hosts in residential settings, but understanding this phenomenon has implications for both management of infestations and public health. Here, we examined cohorts of C. lectularius collected from 13 different dwellings in the state of New Jersey, USA, that were known to be simultaneously infested with house mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Host-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to determine if blood meals were taken from mice, while 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to screen the bed bugs for the presence of zoonotic bacterial pathogens. We found no evidence that any of the bed bugs we collected fed on mice. Furthermore, the insects harbored depauperate bacterial communities that did not include known human pathogens. However, host-specific qPCR detected feline DNA in a pool of bed bugs from one dwelling, suggesting that interaction with domestic pets should be further investigated. Although sampling in this study was limited, the approach described herein will be useful for additional studies of the interactions between bed bugs and alternative blood meal hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite capable of infecting a large number of warm-blooded animals and causes serious health complications in immunocompromised patients. T. gondii infection of the feline small intestine is critical for the completion of the life cycle and transmission of T. gondii. Protein acetylation is an important posttranslational modification, which plays roles in the regulation of various cellular processes. Therefore, understanding of how T. gondii reprograms the protein acetylation status of feline definitive host can help to thwart the production and spread of T. gondii. Here, we used affinity enrichment and high-resolution liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to profile the alterations of the acetylome in cat small intestine 10 days after infection by T. gondii Prugniuad (Pru) strain. Our analysis showed that T. gondii induced significant changes in the acetylation of proteins in the cat intestine. We identified 2606 unique lysine acetylation sites in 1357 acetylated proteins. The levels of 334 acetylated peptides were downregulated, while the levels of 82 acetylated peptides were increased in the infected small intestine. The proteins with differentially acetylated peptides were particularly enriched in the bioenergetics-related processes, such as tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and oxidation-reduction. These results provide the first baseline of the global acetylome of feline small intestine following T. gondii infection and should facilitate further analysis of the role of acetylated protein in the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection in its definitive host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea) causes verminous pneumonia in cats worldwide. This study evaluated the seroprevalence of A. abstrusus antibodies in 220 stray and free-roaming cats from insular (Mykonos, Crete, Skopelos) and continental (Thessaloniki, Attica) Greece. The results were compared with morphological and biomolecular identification of first-stage larvae (L1) in faeces. Positive cats were observed in all 5 areas: 13/97 (13.4%), 1/32 (3.1%), 7/26 (26.9%), 3/18 (16.7%) and 5/47 (10.6%) cats tested positive for A. abstrusus L1 by Baermann examination, and 33/97 (34.0%), 7/32 (21.9%), 6/26 (23.1%), 3/18 (16.7%) and 11/47 (23.4%) were seropositive, in Mykonos, Crete, Skopelos, Thessaloniki and Attica, respectively. Troglostrongylus brevior L1 were found in 12/97 (12.4%), 3/26 (11.5%) and 2/47 (4.3%) cats from Mykonos, Skopelos and Attica respectively. Six of the 220 cats (2.7%), i.e. 4/97 (4.1%) from Mykonos and 2/26 (7.7%) from Skopelos, shed L1 of both A. abstrusus and T. brevior. Sixty samples were ELISA-positive (27.3%, 95% CI: 21.5–33.7%), of which 21 (35%) tested copromicroscopically positive (19 monospecific infections and 2 mixed with Troglostrongylus brevior), and 5 were positive for T. brevior L1 only. Among seronegative cats (n = 140), L1 of A. abstrusus were additionally detected in 8 (5.7% out of 140) cats (i.e. 4 monospecific infections and 4 mixed with T. brevior), and in 6 (4.3% out of 140) cats, L1 of T. brevior as monospecific infection were detected. This study confirms the presence of lungworms in Greece and suggests that the number of cats infected with/exposed to metastrongylids is higher than detected by faecal examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first case of feline ocular Thelazia callipaeda infection and two new canine imported infections in West Germany are here described. The three animals had a history of recent travel to/from other countries. The young adult cat imported from Spain presented an intermittent unilateral ocular discharge. During in-depth ophthalmic examination, a single alive nematode was removed from the conjunctival compartment of the affected eye. Referring to the canine cases, an adult female dog originated from Kenya presented epiphora and mucous whitish-grey discharge of the right eye. During flushing of the nasolacrimal duct two small, thin and long nematodes were removed. Furthermore, a male Borzoi racing dog with regular visit to racing tracks in different countries presented ocular mucous discharge. At ophthalmologic examination, two transparent-whitish vital nematodes were removed. All nematode specimens of the three cases were morphologically identified as adult T. callipaeda parasites. The animals were treated orally with milbemycin oxime (2.0 mg/kg; cat) or milbemycin oxime/praziquantel (0.5 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg; dogs) twice with 1-week interval resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. The repeated introduction of patent T. callipaeda-infected animals, especially from southern and eastern endemic countries, will ease the establishment of ophthalmic thelaziosis in Northern Europe. The male fruit fly, Phortica variegata, an intermediate host of T. callipaeda, is endemic within European countries. Considering the clinical and zoonotic relevance of ophthalmic thelaziosis, enhanced disease awareness of European medical and veterinarian doctors and in-depth eye examination for proper detection of T. callipaeda are crucial for appropriate anthelmintic treatments and to limit spreading of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsporidia is a group of spore-forming microorganisms with zoonotic potential. This study aimed to compare intestinal microsporidia infections in cat owners and non-pet owners. In total, 210 fecal samples were collected from indoor cats, cat owners, and non-pet owners. DNA extraction was performed and the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified. To characterize the genotypes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragment was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic trees were drawn to evaluate the relationship among Enterocytozoon bieneusi isolates. Two (2.9%) and one (1.4%) fecal samples from cat owners and one (1.4%) and two (2.9%) fecal samples from non-pet owners were positive for E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, respectively. E. bieneusi was detected in two cat samples (2.9%). Same infection was not seen between infected cats and their owners. There was no significant difference between the prevalence rate of microsporidia among the cat owners and non-pet owners. Indeed, the genotypes L and type IV were seen in cats, while the genotype D was only detected in human. In this study, E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis were more prevalent among the cat owners and non-pet owners, respectively. Indeed, the higher prevalence of E. bieneusi in cats and their owners might be resulted from the worldwide distribution of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence data of Leishmania infantum infection in cats are characterized by a large variability mainly attributed to the differences in diagnostic techniques. In the absence of consensus about the method of choice for diagnosing feline leishmaniosis, the performance of a new immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was herein analytically described by the comparison with IFAT commonly used for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis (i.e., IFAT-OIE) and a laboratory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera of cats living in visceral leishmaniosis–endemic (n = 105) and visceral leishmaniosis–non-endemic (n = 50) areas were tested by the above methodologies and real-time PCR (qPCR). The most frequent result was represented by triple negativity to the three tests (IFAT-OIE, ELISA, and qPCR) in 42.9% and 80% cats from endemic and non-endemic areas, respectively. Bayes latent class analysis gave an output probability of 34.1% (posterior standard deviation, psd = 5.4%) of true L. infantum cases (TCL) which represent the true estimated prevalence of infection. The sensitivity of each variable contributing to define the TCL was 24% (psd = 6.3%) for qPCR, 78.8% (psd = 8.7%) for ELISA and 91.8% (psd = 5.2%) for IFAT-OIE. The probability to be a TCL was 94.5% for the sample from an endemic area. The cross-validation of the new IFAT by a logistic model correctly identified as positive 80.7% of subjects defined as TCL and negative 89.9% as not TCL, respectively, by the Bayesian model. The study results estimate a good accuracy of the IFAT in predicting cats exposed to L. infantum. Therefore, this procedure may be beneficial for screening cat populations for a better understanding of the epidemiology of feline leishmaniosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north (n = 700), the centre (n = 227) and the south (n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4–10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5–9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0–9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7–29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area (p < 0.05). The risk of lungworm infection in cats was significantly associated with age less than 6 months (i.e. 24.4%, p < 0.05) and FIV infection (p < 0.05). This large-scale serological survey confirms the exposure of cats to lungworm infections in Italy and that serological tests can be used to assess the distribution of lungworm infections in large populations of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic cats and other felids are definitive hosts for the zoonotic protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Serology is widely used in epidemiological studies conducted to estimate the proportion of domestic cats that have encountered the parasite. However, a limited number of such studies are available from some regions, including eastern parts of Europe and Russia. Various serological tests have been applied for T. gondii serology for feline samples. Seropositivity indicates previous exposure, and seropositive cats are presumed to have shed oocysts of the parasite earlier and to be chronically infected. In this study, we included a random sample of 200 sera and plasma samples from a larger sampling frame comprising samples from domestic cats from Estonia, where T. gondii is common. The samples, which had been previously screened for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies using a commercial modified direct agglutination test (DAT: Toxo-Screen DA; bioMérieux SA, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), were screened using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA: VectoToxo-antibodies [VektoTokso-antytila], VectorBest, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation). The cut-off for seropositivity with DAT was titer of 40. Of the 200 samples, 120 (60.0%) tested positive with DAT and 114 (57.0%) tested positive with ELISA; 112 samples (56.0%) tested positive with both tests. Percent agreement of 95.0% and Kappa 0.8971 indicated an almost perfect agreement between the screening results using the two methods. The results of this study can be useful for comparison, evaluation, and interpretation of results obtained with these two tests in seroepidemiological studies and may encourage more studies on the topic from eastern parts of Europe and Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 30 years, Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) has increasingly been reported as an agent of ocular infections in animals and humans throughout Europe. Following the cases of canine ocular thelaziosis recently recorded in Austria for the first time, in the present paper, we describe the first case of T. callipaeda infection in an Austrian cat with no history of traveling abroad. This finding further supports the occurrence of the parasite's autochthonous transmission cycle in the country. The cat showed serous ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and mild conjunctival edema in the right eye. Mechanical removal of the parasite from the cat's eye, in combination with milbemycin oxime/praziquantel oral treatment and topical use of tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops led to complete resolution of the clinical signs within 2 weeks. Results presented in the current study are of great importance for the local veterinarians who seemed largely unaware of this zoonotic parasite. Therefore, increased awareness of medical and veterinary communities is imperative for preventing further infections in both animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary bladder worm infection is relatively uncommon in pet dogs and cats in the Americas. This report describes the diagnosis of lower urinary tract infection by Pearsonema plica in two asymptomatic dogs and P. feliscati in a cat with lower urinary tract clinical signs diagnosed between 2002 and 2015, and the first report of this type of parasitism in domestic small animals in Mexico at an altitude above 2600 m above sea level. The studied cases demonstrate the need to consider a urinary bladder worm infection in domestic small animals, both stray animals and those with controlled access to the streets. Although a definitive host as foxes does not exist among the urban wildlife in cities of the Americas, stray dogs and cats should be considered as potential reservoir hosts of Pearsonema, which requires future epidemiological studies in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated for the first time the occurrence of pulmonary and intestinal parasites of cats in Cyprus. Cats from five districts of Cyprus (Lefkosia, Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos and Ammochostos) were examined by classical parasitological methods and the identity of lungworm larvae, whenever present, was confirmed by PCR-coupled sequencing. A total of 185 cats, 48 living exclusively indoors and 137 with outdoor access, were included in the study. Parasites were found in 66 (35.7%) of the examined cats, i.e. Toxocara cati (12%), Cystoisospora rivolta (12%), Joyeuxiella/Diplopylidium spp. (7%), Giardia spp. (6.5%), Troglostrongylus brevior (5%), Cystoisospora felis (2.5%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (2%), Taenia spp. (0.5%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.5%). Mixed infections were recorded in 18 cats. Cats that lived exclusively indoors or had received an antiparasitic treatment in the last 6 months were less likely to be infected ( p < 0.05). Moreover, cats younger than 1 year old were more likely to shed first-stage larvae of T. brevior ( p = 0.04). The present study shows that cats in Cyprus are infected at a high percentage by a variety of parasites that potentially affect their health and also, in some cases (i.e. T. cati, D. caninum, Giardia spp.), may have an impact on human health. Moreover, it was revealed that T. brevior, a lungworm of emerging significance, is present on the island, rendering Cyprus the easternmost distribution border of this parasite in Europe to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe five cases of myiasis of domestic cats, Felis silvestris catus L. (Carnivora: Felidae), reported in 2016 in northern Italy and caused by three Diptera species: Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Sarcophagidae), Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy and Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Calliphoridae). Three were cases of traumatic myiasis, one by S. argyrostoma and two by L. sericata, one was a case of auricular myiasis by C. vicina and one was a case of ophthalmomyiasis caused by an association of L. sericata and C. vicina. The myiasis by S. argyrostoma is the first reported case of this species in a cat, whereas the two myiases by C. vicina are the first reported cases in cats in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop T -shift genotyping method for detection of cat-derived Giardia lamblia, two sets of primers with two GC-rich tails of unequal length attached to their 5′-end were designed according to two SNPs (BG434 and BG170) of β-giardin ( bg) gene, and specific PCR products were identified by inspection of a melting curve on real-time PCR thermocycler. A series of experiments on the stability, sensitivity, and accuracy of T -shift method was tested, and clinical samples were also detected. The results showed that two sets of primers based on SNP could distinguish accurately between assemblages A and F. Coefficient of variation of T values of assemblage A and F was 0.14 and 0.07% in BG434 and 0.10 and 0.11% in BG170, respectively. The lowest detection concentration was 4.52 × 10 and 4.88 × 10 ng/μL samples of assemblage A and F standard plasmids. The T -shift genotyping results of ten DNA samples from the cat-derived G. lamblia were consistent with their known genotypes. The detection rate of clinical samples by T -shift was higher than that by microscopy, and their genotyping results were in complete accordance with sequencing results. It is concluded that the T -shift genotyping method is rapid, specific, and sensitive and may provide a new technological mean for molecular detection and epidemiological investigation of the cat-derived G. lamblia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cats are host to dipylidiid cestodes of the genera Diplopylidium, Dipylidium and Joyeuxiella. Broadline, a topical broad-spectrum combination parasiticide containing fipronil (8.3 % w/ v), (S)-methoprene (10 % w/ v), eprinomectin (0.4 % w/ v) and the cestocide praziquantel (8.3 % w/ v), has previously been shown to be efficacious against Dipylidium caninum and Diplopylidium spp. in cats. To evaluate its efficacy against Joyeuxiella species, a blinded clinical efficacy study was conducted according to GCP. All cats had evidence for naturally acquired dipylidiid cestode infection as confirmed by pre-treatment examination. Cats were allocated randomly to two groups of 13 cats each based on bodyweight: Control (untreated) and Broadline at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight administered once topically. Based on the comparison of helminth counts in the treated and untreated cats seven days post treatment, Broadline demonstrated >99 % efficacy ( p < 0.01) against mature J. fuhrmanni and J. pasqualei, with 11 and 13 of the untreated cats harbouring 1 to 102 or 2 to 95 cestodes, respectively. In addition, parasite counts indicated 95.9 % efficacy ( p = 0.006) against the rictularoid nematode Pterygodermatites cahirensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capillaria aerophila is a globally distributed parasite of the respiratory system of carnivores and can be considered the second most common lungworm after Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in domestic cats in the northern hemisphere. To evaluate the efficacy of Broadline® (Merial), a combination of fipronil 8.3 % w/ v, (S)-methoprene 10 % w/ v, eprinomectin 0.4 % w/ v and praziquantel 8.3 % w/ v against C. aerophila, a controlled study with 20 naturally infected cats was conducted. Following blocking by body weight, cats were allocated randomly to two groups of ten animals each: control (untreated) or treated once with Broadline® according to the label instructions. For evaluation of efficacy, faeces were examined for capillarid egg shedding prior to and weekly for 3 weeks after treatment, when the cats were necropsied for C. aerophila recovery. Following single topical administration of Broadline®, faecal capillarid egg counts were significantly reduced by 93.5 to 99.1 % ( p < 0.01) compared to the controls. Cats treated harboured significantly fewer C. aerophila lungworms compared to the untreated controls (efficacy 82.4 %, p = 0.016). Results of this study demonstrate that Capillaria lungworm burdens can be markedly reduced and that faecal egg shedding can be substantially lowered or eliminated following a single treatment with Broadline®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, other parasites belonging to the superfamily Metastrongyloidea, namely Oslerus rostratus, Troglostrongylus brevior and to the family Trichuridae, i.e. Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila), have also been reported as agents of respiratory infection in domestic cats. A case of simultaneous infection by four feline lungworm species in Sardinia is herein described. An adult female cat ( Felis silvestris catus), road-killed in the southeast part of Sardinia (municipality of Villacidro, province of Cagliari), Italy, was referred to the Laboratory of Parasitology of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Sassari. At necropsy, the lungs were examined and dissected under a stereomicroscope for the presence of parasites, and first-stage larvae (L1) of broncho-pulmonary nematodes were searched for in a faecal sample using the Baermann method. Parasites collected in the lungs were morphologically identified as A. abstrusus, E. aerophilus, and O. rostratus. In addition to the above species, L1s of Troglostrongylus spp. were detected at coproscopy but no adult specimen was found in the lungs. The morphological identification was confirmed by the molecular amplification and sequencing of cox1 mitochondrial gene, 18S and ITS2 ribosomal DNA. This finding stands as the first simultaneous infection by four feline lungworm species in the same animal, and as the first report of O. rostratus and E. aerophilus in Sardinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil 8.3 % w/ v, ( S)-methoprene 10 % w/ v, eprinomectin 0.4 % w/ v, and praziquantel 8.3 % w/ v (Broadline®, Merial) was evaluated in 18 cats naturally infested by Notoedres cati in a controlled, blinded clinical efficacy study. Cats were blocked on pretreatment bodyweight and randomly allocated to two groups of nine cats each. One group served as control (untreated) and one group was treated once topically with Broadline® according to the label instructions. Skin scrapings (three scrapings per animal per occasion) were collected prior to treatment and every other week for 8 weeks thereafter and examined for live N. cati mites. In addition, lesions were evaluated at each sampling to monitor the clinical recovery. Based on live mite counts, efficacy against N. cati of a single topical administration with Broadline® was >99 %, and all treated cats recovered from clinical signs of notoedric mange. No treatment-related adverse events were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oslerus rostratus syn. Anafilaroides rostratus (Strongylida: Filaroididae) is a metastrongyloid transmitted by snails, which localizes in peri-bronchial tissues and in the lung parenchyma of wild as well as domestic cats. In Europe, this nematode has been reported only on two occasions, being diagnosed in cats from Majorca Island and in northern Spain. Here, we describe a case of O. rostratus infection in a necropsied 4-year-old cat in Sicily (southern Italy). At the inspection of lungs, slender and greyish nematodes (four females and two males) were found embedded in the peri-bronchial tissues and in the bronchial walls. Parasites were morphological and molecularly identified as O. rostratus, with their 18S sequences being identical among them and showing a high homology (99 %) with those available in public databases. At the histology, nematodes were encapsulated in a pseudo-cystic formation surrounded by an interstitial inflammatory process and fibrous tissue. Lung lesions were mainly represented by peri-luminal fibrosis, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the bronchial mucosa and glands, respectively. This first record of O. rostratus infection from Italy indicates that this parasite should be included in the differential diagnosis of feline of lungworm infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first case of a natural infestation with Troglostrongylus brevior in a kitten in Greece is described here. A ∼40-day-old stray cat was referred to a private veterinary clinic with signs of respiratory distress. First stage larvae of a metastrongyloid nematode were observed in the wet mount faecal preparation. Despite an anthelmintic treatment, the respiratory signs worsened and the kitten died 2 days later. The larvae in the faeces were identified morphologically and genetically as T. brevior. The present evidence suggests a vertical or direct infestation of the kitten and a severe pathogenic role of T. brevior in young cats. This report expands the recent published cases of troglostrongylosis in domestic cats to a wider geographical distribution and opens new questions on the apparent spreading of T. brevior from wild to domestic hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2008 to 2011, faecal samples, ear swabs, and ectoparasites obtained by full body search and total body comb were collected from 252 cats originating from the greater Tirana area. Faecal samples were examined using the McMaster and Baermann techniques, and a subset of 58 samples was tested for Giardia-specific antigen using a coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ear swabs were examined for the presence of parasitic mites. Overall, almost 93 % of the cats were identified harbouring one or more parasites: 59.1 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 53.0-65.0) and 86.9 % (95 % CI, 82.7-91.1) of the cats tested positive for ecto- or endoparasites, respectively; 53.2 % of the cats had evidence for concomitant ectoparasite infestation and endoparasite infection. For ectoparasite infestation, prevalence was 52.0 % for total fleas ( Ctenocephalides felis, 51.2 %; Ctenocephalides canis, 2.0 %; and Leptopsylla segnis, 0.4 %), 8.3 % each for Felicola subrostratus and Otodectes cynotis and 4.0 % for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The most prevalent endoparasites were Toxocara ascarids (48.0 %), followed by Aelurostrongylus lungworms (39.7 %), Capillaria spp. (31.7 %), hookworms (32.9 %), dipylidiid cestodes (27.8 %), Cystoisospora spp. (23.4 %) and taeniid cestodes (2.0 %). One animal was found shedding Pseudamphistomum truncatum eggs. Giardia-specific antigen was detected in 29.3 % of the 58 cats tested. Mixed infections with up to six endoparasites concurrently (excluding Giardia) and mixed infestations with two or three species of ectoparasites were recorded in 73.1 and 22.8 % of the parasite-positive cats, respectively. Cats ≤9 months of age were more frequently tested ( p < 0.05) positive for Toxocara and Cystoisospora infections than cats >9 months while these cats tested more often ( p < 0.05) Aelurostrongylus-positive compared with the younger cats. The prevalence of infestation with ectoparasites did not differ between the cats of these two age groups. Given the impact that some of the parasites may have upon animal health as well as the zoonotic potential of some of them, measures should be taken to minimise the transmission of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. are pathogenic protozoan that can cause gastrointestinal illness in mammalian hosts. As a result of the close contact between humans and cats, there is concern regarding the potential zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. from infected cats; however, few data have been reported regarding the prevalence of this pathogen among cats. Here, we report the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among breeding cattery cats in Japan. A total of 286 fresh fecal samples were collected from breeding cattery cats at seven facilities located across Japan. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene was employed for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Four cats (1.4 %), from two catteries, were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Age and fecal condition were not significantly associated with prevalence. The four positive samples displayed 99-100 % sequence similarity to Cryptosporidium felis sequences. Our findings indicated that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was low among breeding cattery cats in Japan, and therefore the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans was also likely to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]