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Nematode infections in the urinary tract of domestic cats and dogs are rare, although common in wild predatory animals. Here we report a case of a urinary bladder capillariosis in a cat from Sri Lanka. A three-year-old domestic male cat from the Kalutara District was brought to a private veterinary hospital due to frequent urination, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The physical examinations reported severe emaciation, gasping and abdominal breathing and retarded growth. Successive to urinary sedimentation, Capillaria-type eggs were detected. Blood Urea Nitrogen level of 28.02 Mmol/L and serum creatinine level of 0.42 mmol/L were higher than the normal ranges. Necropsy revealed an enlarged left kidney with oedematous renal parenchyma. Following the histopathological examination, multifocal areas of tubular degeneration and necrosis with multifocal fibroblast proliferation were observed in the renal cortex. The lungs showed diffuse pulmonary oedema and chronic interstitial pneumonia. Molecular analysis with PCR and DNA sequencing of the Capillaria-type eggs in sedimented urine, using an amplicon (18S rRNA) for Capillaria (563 bp) followed by phylogenetic analysis revealed a 100 % identity to Pearsonema collected from the urinary bladder of a raccoon from Japan. Cases of Capillaria in cats are rarely reported because most infected animals do not show clinical signs. This is the first case report of Capillaria syn. Pearsonema sp. identifies and characterizes the species using molecular tools and describes the infection's clinical symptoms., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

We present an interesting and rare case of Capillaria hepatica infection in a 2-year-old boy, who presented with fever, rash, hepatomegaly and peripheral eosinophilia. FNAC of hepatic lesion showed parasitic eggs and PCR from the aspirate confirmed the diagnosis. We describe the cytomorphological features and provide educational multiple-choice questions related to the topic., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Eustrongylides excisus is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite known to infect various fish species, including Northern pike (Esox Lucius). This nematode, belonging to the family Dioctophymatidae, has a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Eustrongylides nematodes in Northern pike (E. Lucius) collected from Mijran Dam (Ramsar, Iran). Between June and October 2023, an investigation was conducted on Northern pike from Mijran Dam in Ramsar, Iran, following reports of reddish parasites in their muscle tissues. Sixty fish were examined at the University of Tehran, revealing live parasites in the muscles, which were then analyzed microscopically and preserved for a multidisciplinary study. The skeletal muscle tissues of 85% (51/60) of fish specimens were infected by grossly visible larvae which were microscopically identified as Eustrongylides spp. In histopathological examination, the lesion was composed of encapsulated parasitic granulomatous myositis. Microscopically, the cystic parasitic granulomas compressed the adjacent muscle fibers, leading to their atrophy and Zenker's necrosis. Moreover, epithelioid macrophages, giant cells and mononuclear inflammatory cells were present around the larvae and between the muscle fibers. Finally, a molecular analysis by examining the ITS gene region, revealed that they belong to the species E. excisus. Eustrongylidiasis in northern Iran necessitates further research into the biology, epidemiology, and control of Eustrongylides nematodes, focusing on various hosts. This study is the first to comprehensively characterize E. excisus in Northern pike in Ramsar, Iran, raising concerns about possible zoonotic transmission., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A comprehensive review of the infection of mammals with the nematode Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda, Dioctophymidae) is presented. Mammals, including man, are the definitive hosts for this parasite. Several aspects of the infection with the parasite in mammals other than humans are critically evaluated: geographical distribution, host species recorded so far and the relative importance of the different hosts, location of parasites within the host, prevalence and intensity of the infection, diagnostic methods, pathology induced by the parasites, epidemiology and the methods of control and treatment. The authors provide an updated review about the infection, based on a extensive bibliographic search worldwide, and point out the most relevant aspects of the biology of the parasite as well as several research topics which need to be explored for a better understanding of the biology of this interesting and important parasitic nematode., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a globally distributed nematode with a high affinity to the liver of a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. Documented reports of the nematode in cats and associated histopathology are rare. Here, we describe a case of C. hepatica infection in a 5-year-old male stray cat from Iran. At post-car accident necropsy, all body parts appeared normal except for the liver, in which a few yellowish-white granulomatous nodules were observed through the capsule and in the organ. Histopathological examination of the tissue revealed a large number of clustered parasite eggs in the parenchyma. The barrel-shaped, un-embryonated eggs (55.19 × 28.37 μm), with inconspicuous caps at both ends, were covered with striated shells. The presence of ova in the liver tissue had resulted in the development of hepatic inflammation with hepatocellular necrosis associated with the development of multifocal granulomas. As predators of small rodents, the cats might have a significant role in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Infection of hosts through ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated water, food, or soil is of major importance in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Since the rare reports of feline infection have come mainly from accidental detection of the parasite, any hepatic disease presenting difficulties to find an etiological agent may virtually be associated with the infection with this little-known nematode.

A 9-month old, female, stray dog was rescued and conducted to a university veterinary hospital. Moderate anemia was observed and abdominal ultrasound revealed pancreatitis. Right kidney was not visualized due to intestinal gas. Urinalysis was normal. Castration was performed three weeks later. Before discharge, abdominal ultrasound was performed for internal sutures examination. A cyst-like structure was present in the right retroperitoneal space with what appeared to be tubular worms inside it, not observed in previous evaluation. An ectopic dioctophymosis diagnosis was made. Two female Dioctophyme renale were surgically removed from the structure. Right kidney was hyperemic but not removed. No sign of peritonitis was observed. The dog recovered well. Laboratory follow-up showed no abnormalities a year after the episode and Doppler ultrasound revealed a mild right nephropathy. This is the first canine ectopic dioctophymosis case with only an abdominal cyst-like structure containing viable nematodes, successfully treated. It represents the rarity and difficulties in diagnosing ectopic dioctophymosis even in enzootic locations, highlighting the importance of ultrasonographic screening for such silent, potentially zoonotic disease., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The genus Eustrongylides includes nematodes known as the etiological agent of the "big red worm disease." The aim of this work was to identify Eustrongylides spp. larvae from fish and adults from great cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo ) sampled at Lake Trasimeno, Italy, by morphological and molecular analysis. Histopathological description of the lesions in birds was also provided. We described adults of Eustrongylides excisus for the first time in Italy, and we also linked larval stages 3 and 4 to adults. The use of molecular tools combined with the traditional taxonomy will help the identification of the species, including species inquirendae. Moreover, molecular analysis can also help to investigate the role of intermediate and paratenic hosts, to deepen the knowledge about geographical distribution of the different Eustrongylides spp. and to define the zoonotic potential of E. excisus , which has not yet been identified as causal agent of human cases.

This article reports the case of a domestic dog naturally coinfected with the nematode Dioctophyme renale and with the protozoan Leishmania infantum. The dog exhibited no clinical signs but had normocytic hypochromic anemia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hematuria. Necropsy revealed eight D. renale specimens in the abdominal cavity and in right kidney whose parenchyma was atrophied. Histopathological analysis showed glomerular atrophy, fibrosis and a marked diffuse pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate in the right kidney. Moderate multifocal granulomatous peritonitis was observed in the greater omentum. Several Dioctophyme renale eggs were present amidst the inflammatory infiltrate of the right kidney and greater omentum. Leishmania infantum parasites were detected in perirenal adipose tissue of the right kidney, greater omentum, spleen, bone marrow, and popliteal lymph node. The high D. renale load and the severe and uncommon histological alterations associated with the eggs of this parasite may have been influenced by coinfection with L. infantum., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Intestinal capillariasis caused by Capillaria philippinensis , a fish-borne nematode, is an important, emerging zoonotic helminthiasis. Cases may be fatal if suitable treatment is not administered in time. We reported a hospital-based study of 85 cases in Thailand, most of which were in the northeast. All patients had a history of eating raw or insufficiently cooked fresh water fish or prawns. The clinical manifestations are characterized by chronic diarrhea, borborygmi, abdominal pain, marked weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, anorexia, and edema, as well as protein and electrolyte loss. Fecal examination revealed C. philippinensis in all patients. Although 16 of the total of 85 (18.8%) cases were initially found to be negative for C. philippinensis using fecal examination, further examination using an immunoblotting technique found them to be positive for the IgG antibody against Trichinella spiralis larval antigen. One day after administration of 400 mg of albendazole, eggs and/or larvae and/or adult C. philippinensis were found in 16 fecal samples. After treatment with mebendazole (200 mg twice a day for 30 days) or albendazole (200 mg twice a day for 10 days), all 85 patients recovered. The potential clues for diagnosis are clinical manifestations, history of eating raw contaminated food, and positive serological test, and fecal examinations under professional. Administration of anthelminthic drugs stimulates the excretion of larvae, eggs, and/or adult worms and can be used as a supportive method for the diagnosis of intestinal capillariasis in areas where serological test is not available.

Capillaria hepatica is a zoonotic nematode that uses rodents and other mammals as hosts, especially rats and mice, and causes hepatic granuloma and eventually fibrosis/cirrhosis. However, C. hepatica infection in nutria, a large semiaquatic rodent, has rarely been reported, and histopathologic features of the infection have not been described in detail. We conducted necropsy on 36 wild nutrias. Some animals were found to have milky spots, parasitic eggs and worms within hepatic microgranuloma involving central calcification with cell debris, macrophages, eosinophils and multinucleated giant cells (MGCs). Interestingly, the eggs were closely surrounded by MGCs and appeared to be destroyed without inducing further chronic changes. Based on microscopical examination, C. hepatica infection was diagnosed, and we describe its histopathological characteristics in wild nutrias.

Urban slum environments in the tropics are conducive to the proliferation and the spread of rodent-borne zoonotic pathogens to humans. Calodium hepaticum (Brancroft, 1893) is a zoonotic nematode known to infect a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are considered the most important mammalian host of C. hepaticum and are therefore a potentially useful species to inform estimates of the risk to humans living in urban slum environments. There is a lack of studies systematically evaluating the role of demographic and environmental factors that influence both carriage and intensity of infection of C. hepaticum in rodents from urban slum areas within tropical regions. Carriage and the intensity of infection of C. hepaticum were studied in 402 Norway rats over a 2-year period in an urban slum in Salvador, Brazil. Overall, prevalence in Norway rats was 83% (337/402). Independent risk factors for C. hepaticum carriage in R. norvegicus were age and valley of capture. Of those infected the proportion with gross liver involvement (i.e. >75% of the liver affected, a proxy for a high level intensity of infection), was low (8%, 26/337). Sixty soil samples were collected from ten locations to estimate levels of environmental contamination and provide information on the potential risk to humans of contracting C. hepaticum from the environment. Sixty percent (6/10) of the sites were contaminated with C. hepaticum. High carriage levels of C. hepaticum within Norway rats and sub-standard living conditions within slum areas may increase the risk to humans of exposure to the infective eggs of C. hepaticum. This study supports the need for further studies to assess whether humans are becoming infected within this community and whether C. hepaticum is posing a significant risk to human health.

Background: Capillariasis, an important parasitic disease of birds is caused at least by seven different genera of trichurid nematodes with clinical outcome ranging from mild enteritis to high mortality., Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the causative agent involved in high mortality associated with severe enteric illness among turkey flocks in an organized commercial poultry farm at Bareilly, India., Materials and Methods: Turkey carcasses (n = 119) and fecal samples from the affected deep litter pen constituted as the study materials. The disease was investigated by systematic necropsy, direct microscopy and histopathology. Representative samples were screened for other enteric pathogens., Results: Microscopic examination of mucosal scraping revealed capillarid worms and their eggs in all the samples. The morphological features of adult worms were typically consistent to Baruscapillaria obsignata. Histopathology exhibited thickened muscular and mucosal layers, mononuclear and heterophilic infiltration in the lamina propria, blunting and clubbing of villi, epithelial denudation and sections of capillarid worms. Administration of levamisole at 80 ppm in drinking water reduced the mortality, clinical illness and worm load after three days of therapy., Conclusions: The capillarid worms in different avian hosts can cause different clinical manifestations and outcomes. From India, this is the first report describing intestinal pathology caused by B. obsignata in turkeys. We conclude that the B. obsignata infection is capable of causing life threatening enteropathy in turkeys and, hence, routine screening, scheduled deworming and good litter management are crucial to control the infection and its associated loss.

Among the nematodes that infect the urinary tract of dogs, the Dioctophyma renale and Capillaria plica are those more frequently reported. For a long time, sedimentation was the only method used to detect eggs of these parasites in urine. The aim of this study was to analyze urine samples (n = 54) of dogs, obtained by bladder catheterization or cystocentesis, by using a modified FLOTAC technique. Animals were divided into two groups, i.e., with (n = 20) and without (n = 34) suspicion of urinary disease. The overall positivity herein observed was 3.8 % (2/54), being all animals (10 %; 2/20) from the group with suspicion of urinary disease. In the first positive sample, a single egg of D. renale was detected, whereas in the second sample two trematode-like eggs were observed. This is the first short survey employed to detect eggs of parasites that inhabit the urinary tract of dogs using a modified FLOTAC technique; in addition, for the first time, eggs of D. renale have been detected using this tool.

The giant kidney worm Dioctophyme renale is normally found in wild carnivores and domestic dogs, with aquatic oligochaetes acting as intermediate hosts. In the present study a prevalence of 50% of third-stage larvae of D. renale was recorded in 60 specimens of the freshwater turtle Trachemys dorbigni from southern Brazil. Larvae were encysted in muscles, the coelomic cavity and mesentery, the serous lining of the stomach and on the surfaces of the lung, heart, liver, pancreas, spleen and intestines. There are no previous records of reptiles being part of the life cycle of D. renale, although fish and amphibians normally act as paratenic hosts. This is the first report of third-stage D. renale larvae in the freshwater turtle, T. dorbigni.

Background: The European perch, Perca fluviatilis L. is a common paratenic host of dioctophymatid nematodes belonging to the genus Eustrongylides. In this host, once infected oligochaetes, which serve as the first intermediate host, are ingested, Eustrongylides migrates through the intestine and is frequently encountered within the musculature, free within the body cavity, or encapsulated on the viscera. The current study details the first Italian record of Eustrongylides sp. with larvae reported in the muscle of P. fluviatilis., Methods: Uninfected and nematode-infected muscle tissues of perch were fixed and prepared for histological evaluation and electron microscopy. Some sections were subjected to an indirect immunohistochemical method using anti-PCNA, anti-piscidin 3 and anti-piscidin 4 antibodies., Results: A total of 510 P. fluviatilis (TL range 15-25 cm) from Lake Trasimeno, Perugia were post-mortemed; 31 individuals had encysted nematode larvae within their musculature (1-2 worms fish(-1)). Histologically, larvae were surrounded by a capsule with an evident acute inflammatory reaction. Muscle degeneration and necrosis extending throughout the sarcoplasm, sarcolemmal basal lamina, endomysial connective tissue cells and capillaries was frequently observed. Within the encapsulating reaction, macrophage aggregates (MAs) were seen. Immunohistochemical staining with the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) revealed numerous PCNA-positive cells within the thickness of the capsule and in the immediate vicinity surrounding Eustrongylides sp. larvae (i.e. fibroblasts and satellite cells), suggesting a host response had been initiated to repair the nematode-damaged muscle. Mast cells (MCs) staining positively for piscidin 3, were demonstrated for the first time in response to a muscle-infecting nematode. The piscidin 3 positive MC's were seen principally in the periphery of the capsule surrounding the Eustrongylides sp. larva., Conclusions: A host tissue response to Eustrongylides sp. larvae infecting the musculature of P. fluviatilis was observed. Numerous fibroblasts, MAs and MCs were seen throughout the thick fibroconnectival layer of the capsule enclosing larvae. PCNA positive cells within the capsule suggest that host repair of nematode damaged muscle does occur, while the presence of the antimicrobial peptide piscidin 3 is shown for the first time. This is first report of Eustrongylides sp. in an Italian population of P. fluviatilis.

Capillaria hepatica which accidentally infects humans is a zoonotic parasite of mammalian liver, primarily rodents and causes hepatic capillariasis. The diagnosis is difficult because of the non-specific nature of clinical symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and can be confirmed only through liver biopsy or on autopsy results. This paper is written with an objective to report a new case of hepatic capillariasis as a rare differential for peripheral eosinophilia and an imaging dilemma for abdominal lymphadenopathy.

Background: Intestinal capillariasis is one of the common causes of malabsorption in the East. Reports emphasizing the roles of clinical, endoscopic and radiologic findings of intestinal capillariasis are limited., Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 26 patients diagnosed with intestinal capillariasis at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between 2001- 2013., Results: Clinical manifestations were chronic watery diarrhea (93%), chronic abdominal pain (70%), significant weight loss (92%), hypoalbuminemia (100%; 85% lower than 2.0 g/dL), and anemia (50%). The median duration of symptoms was 5.5 months (1-60 months). Parasites were found in stool in 15 patients (57%). In patients whose stool tests were initially negative, parasites were discovered in tissue biopsy from endoscopy in 1 from 10 esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD), 0 from 7 colonoscopies, 3 from 5 push enteroscopies, and 3 from 5 balloon-assisted enteroscopies (BAE). Endoscopic findings included scalloping appearance, mucosal cracking, and redness of mucosa. These endoscopic findings affected mostly at jejunum and proximal ileum. They were similar to celiac disease except duodenal involvement which is uncommon in capillariasis. Three patients underwent video capsule endoscopy (VCE) and typical abnormal findings were observed in all patients. Small bowel barium study showed fold thickening, fold effacement, and increased luminal fluid in 80% of patients, mainly seen at distal jejunum and ileum. CT findings were long segment wall thickening, enhanced wall, and fold effacement. Treatment with either albendazole or ivermectin cured all patients with most responding within 2 months., Conclusions: In endemic area, intestinal capillariasis should be considered if patients develop chronic watery diarrhea accompanied by significant weight loss and severe hypoalbuminemia. Stool examination had quite low sensitivities in making diagnosis in our study. Deep enteroscopy with biopsy guided by imaging or VCE may improve diagnostic yield. Empirical therapy may also be justifiable due to the very good response rate and less side effects.

Objective: To understand the prevalence of Capillaria hepatica in rodents from Wuhan section of the Yangtze River marshland., Methods: Rodents were trapped in Jiang'an section of Wuhan marshland of the Yangtze River. The livers of the rodents were examined for pathological changes by unaided eyes and the liver tissues were examined for the eggs of C. hepatica by a microscope., Results: According to the natural conditions, the investigation was carried out in 6 survey areas. Each survey area was placed with 60 mousetraps, and all 360 mousetraps were recovered. A total of 31 rodents (rodent density 8.61%) were captured and examined, including 24 Apodemus agrarius, 3 Rattus norvegicus, 4 Sorex caecutiens, and C. hepatica eggs were found in 1 R. norvegicus (1/3) and not found in A. agrarius, and S. caecutiens., Conclusion: This study has documented a prevalence of C. hepatica in rodents from Wuhan section of the Yangtze River marshland where is a natural epidemic focus of capillariasis hepatica.

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) and Calodium splenaecum (syn. Capillaria splenaecum) are nematodes that infect the liver and spleen, respectively, of mammals. While the host range, distribution, pathology and zoonotic potential of C. hepaticum are well known, very little is known about C. splenaecum. The observed prevalence of these two parasites, the factors associated with prevalence, and the lesions resulting in the different host species were studied in 408 micromammals captured in two periurban areas of Barcelona (NE Spain) from 2011 to 2013. C. hepaticum was found in 4% of 322 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) (with local prevalence up to 16%) and 1 of 2 Norwegian rats (Rattus norvegicus). C. splenaecum was found in 10 % of 38 greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) (local prevalence up to 30%). Neither parasite was detected in 29 Algerian mice (Mus spretus) and 17 black rats (Rattus rattus). Prevalence of C. hepaticum was significantly higher in wood mice captured in natural areas (6.4%) than those from residential areas (0%), and infected mice were in better body condition. No differences in prevalence were found among age and sex groups, years and seasons. Lesions of hepatic capillariasis in wood mice consisted mainly of mild to moderate multifocal granulomas around degenerating adult parasites and/or eggs, while lesions seen in a rat consisted of multifocal granulomatous hepatitis and bridging fibrosis extending from the necrotic areas caused by the parasites. Splenic lesions found in shrews due to C. splenaecum, representing the first histological description of this parasite, were single nodules that corresponded to finely encapsulated clusters of eggs with adult parasites.

OBJECTIVE--To compare ultrasonographic, CT, and surgical findings in dogs infested with giant kidney worms (Dioctophyme renale). DESIGN--Case series. ANIMALS--15 crossbred dogs infected with D renale. PROCEDURES--Immediately after ultrasonography was performed with dogs in dorsal recumbency, sequential transverse images of the abdomen were acquired with a helical CT scanner. After plain CT, contrast CT was performed with a nonionic iodinated contrast agent. Subsequently, exploratory celiotomy was performed. RESULTS--In the corticomedullary area of the right kidney of 12 dogs, ultrasonography revealed several ring-like structures with an echogenic wall and anechoic central area in the transverse plane and arrayed as bands in the longitudinal plane. Similar structures were observed in the abdominal cavity of 10 dogs. In 13 dogs, CT revealed loss of corticomedullary differentiation in the right kidney, with discrete uptake of contrast material in the periphery of the kidney, and several ring-like or elongated structures with a hyperdense wall and hypodense center. In 11 dogs, the same structures were observed free in the abdominal cavity. Surgery revealed that 13 dogs had a damaged right kidney that required nephrectomy. Parasites were found free in the abdominal cavity of 7 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE--Ultrasonography and CT were effective imaging methods for detecting D renale in the kidney and less effective for detecting parasites in the abdominal cavity. Care should be taken to avoid erroneously interpreting normal structures as parasites, especially in the abdominal cavity.

Capillaria plica (syn. Pearsonema plica) is a nematode parasite of the urinary tract of canids, felids and mustelids, which can cause cystitis, pollakiuria, dysuria and hematuria. An eight-month-old female crossbred dog from Switzerland presented a six-month history of frequent urination. During the first clinical examination, C. plica eggs were detected in the urine sediment. Three series of treatments with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg body weight[BW]/day, orally) for 10 days each, three single day treatments with moxidectin-imidacloprid (spot-on) and one single administration of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg BW subcutaneously) were performed within an eight-month period. None of those treatments succeeded in eliminating the C. plica infection or in resolving the clinical signs. An endoscopic examination of the urine bladder still revealed numerous adult viable C. plica worms attached to the bladder mucosa. A two-day treatment with levamisole (7.5 mg/kg BW/day intramuscularly) was subsequently performed. An endoscopic control of the urine bladder two days after this treatment and a urine analysis after two weeks confirmed the elimination of the parasites. The clinical signs disappeared within one month. Levamisole was shown to be effective against C. plica infection in a dog, whereas previous treatments with fenbendazole, moxidectin and ivermectin had failed., (© 2013.)

We encountered an indigenous case of intestinal capillariasis with protein-losing enteropathy in the Republic of Korea. A 37-year-old man, residing in Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, admitted to the Gyeongsang National University Hospital (GNUH) due to long-lasting diarrhea, abdominal pain, anasarca, and weight loss. He recalled that he frequently ate raw fish, especially the common blackish goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) and has never been abroad. Under the suspicion of protein-losing enteropathy, he received various kinds of medical examinations, and was diagnosed as intestinal capillariasis based on characteristic sectional findings of nematode worms in the biopsied small intestine. Adults, juvenile worms, and eggs were also detected in the diarrheic stools collected before and after medication. The clinical symptoms became much better after treatment with albendazole 400 mg daily for 3 days, and all findings were in normal range in laboratory examinations performed after 1 month. The present study is the 6th Korean case of intestinal capillariasis and the 3rd indigenous one in the Republic of Korea.

A female ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and her two cubs held in a zoo in Chile exhibited signs of severe hepatic insufficiency. In spite of supportive treatment, the three animals died a few days after the onset of signs. Postmortem examination revealed ascites and fibrotic lesions in the liver of all the individuals. Histologically, the liver of two of them showed a severe parasitic ova infection and lipidosis, the morphologic characteristics of the parasitic ovas were consistent with Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepatica) eggs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical case report of hepatic capillariasis in prosimians, and its implications are discussed.

Human intestinal capillariasis is caused by Capillaria philippinensis. This disease is endemic in Philippines and Thailand. To the best of our knowledge, we report the third case of human intestinal capillariasis from India and the first case from Andhra Pradesh, which is a non-endemic area. A 40-year-old female presented with diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased urinary output, ascitis, pedal oedema, hypoalbuminemia, and electrolyte imbalance. Microscopic examination of stool sample revealed the presence of ova, larvae, and adult worms of C. philippinensis. Patient recovered from the disease after taking albendazole 400 mg daily for 1 month along with supportive treatment.

Type II mixed cryoglobulinemia is characterized by systemic vasculitis with deposition of cryoprecipitatable-immunoglobulins containing rheumatoid factor. Pathogenesis of type II mixed cryoglobulinemia has not yet been completely clarified because of the lack of an experimental animal. Here, we report an animal model of type II mixed cryoglobulinemia that is induced by experimental infection with Capillaria hepatica in ICR mice. Capillaria hepatica is a nematode that causes necrotic hepatitis in several mammals. In this study, mice experimentally infected with C. hepatica eggs developed cryoglobulinemia at 20 and 30 days post injection. Using immunological analysis, cryoglobulinemia in infected mice was classified as type II mixed cryoglobulinemia by detection of monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factor and IgA in the cryoprecipitate of serum. Using immunofluorescence, we observed an increase in the number of double-positive cells for µ heavy and κ light chains of immunoglobulin in the spleens of infected mice. Histopathologically, this model was characterized by glomerulopathy associated with intense deposition of IgM and IgA filling in capillary lumina. Ultrastructural analysis showed that glomerular deposits consisted of stacks of twisted microtubular structures. These serological and histological features resembled those of type II mixed cryoglobulinemia in human. This is the first experimental animal model of type II mixed cryoglobulinemia that will enable detailed studies on the pathogenesis of cryoglobulinemia.

Capillaria hepatica (syn. for Calodium hepaticum) is a zoonotic nematode parasitizing in the livers of rodents as main hosts and in numerous other mammals including humans. It is the causative agent of the rare conditions of hepatic capillariosis and spurious C. hepatica infections in humans. In this review, 163 reported cases of infestations with this parasite (72 reports of hepatic capillariosis, 13 serologically confirmed infestations and 78 observations of spurious infections) are summarized with an overview on the distribution, symptoms, pathology, diagnosis, serology and therapy of this rare human pathogen.

This paper reported Capillaria philippinensis in an Egyptian child based on clinical and laboratory diagnosis. The patient was successfullly treated with albendazole.

Introduction: The pathogenesis of septal hepatic fibrosis, induced in rats by Capillaria hepatica infection, was studied with the aid of a large collection of stored paraffin blocks, representative of the different evolutive phases of fibrosis which appeared in 100% of infected rats., Methods: Studies were conducted involving histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and morphometric methods, in order to observe the dynamic behavior of the cellular and matrix components of fibrosis, over a one year period of evolution., Results: Observation verified that septal fibrosis originates from several portal spaces simultaneously. Its origin and progression involve blood vessel proliferation (angiogenesis), multiplication of actin-positive cells (pericytes and myofibroblasts) and progressive collagen deposition. By the end of 4-5 months, a progressive decrease in all these components was observed, when signs of regression of septal fibrosis became more evident over time., Conclusions: Besides indicating the fundamental role played by angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, these morphological data concerning the dynamics of this C. hepatica experimental model proved to be adequate for future investigations regarding the functional aspects of fibrosis induction, progression and regression.

Introduction: Septal fibrosis of the liver regularly develops in rats infected with the nematode Capillaria hepatica. Curative treatment of the infection prevents the development of septal fibrosis when intervention occurs up to postinfection day (PID) 15, but not later. The present investigation aimed to demonstrate which parasitic factors are present when the process of septal fibrosis can no longer be prevented by curative treatment., Methods: Wistar rats were infected with 600 embryonated eggs of C. hepatica administered by gavage and treated with ivermectin and mebendazole in separate groups at PIDs 10, 12, 15, 17 or 20. Rats from each group and their nontreated controls, were killed and examined 40 days after the end of treatment., Results: Findings by PID 15 were compatible with the stage of complete maturation of infection, when worms and eggs were fully developed and a complex host-parasite multifocal necroinflammatory reaction showed greater intensity, but with no signs of septal fibrosis, which appeared from PID 17 onward., Conclusions: Since the worms spontaneously died by PID 15, not only septal fibrosis production, but also its maintenance and further development appeared dependent on the presence of eggs, which were the only parasitic factor remaining thereafter.

The bladderworm Pearsonema (syn Capillaria) plica affects domestic dogs and wild carnivores worldwide. A high prevalence in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) has been reported in many European countries. P. plica inhabits the lower urinary tract and is considered to be of low pathogenic significance in dogs mostly causing asymptomatic infections. However, a higher level of pathogenicity has been reported in foxes. A severe cystitis associated with numerous bladderworms was found in a captive arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) originating from the endangered Fennoscandian arctic fox population. To our knowledge this is the first description of P. plica infection in an arctic fox.

Dioctophyme renale larvae have been found in cysts in the gastric wall of 5.17% (3/58) Chaunus ictericus specimens from São Cristóvão district, Três Barras municipality, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. However, larvae of this nematode were not found in sympatric Chaunus schneideri. The larvae caused a mild granulomatous reaction. This is the first report of paratenic hosts for D. renale in Brazil, and probably is also the first in the Neotropical region.

Capillaria hepatica is a nematode parasite of wild rodents and other mammals. Adult worms inhabit the liver. Recently, during the necropsy examination of a group of 160 rabbits from a commercial supplier, firm pale or cystic areas (1-5 mm) were noted on the liver in thirteen animals. On further investigation, these animals were found to be infected with C. hepatica. The histopathological features of the infection in the rabbit are described for the first time and diagnostic features recorded. Lesions were identified predominantly in portal tracts consisting of dilated bile ducts with luminal debris, peribiliary inflammatory cell infiltrates, and fibrosis. Large granulomas (macrogranulomas) were evident in portal areas and involved the bile ducts. Macrogranulomas contained collections of characteristic C. hepatica eggs, macrophages, eosinophils, and lymphocytes. Small granulomas (microgranulomas), characterized by epithelioid macrophages surrounded by lymphocytes and eosinophils, were also identified. C. hepatica eggs were also observed in the lumina of the bile ducts and gall bladder. No adult C. hepatica worms were identified. Oocysts of Eimeria stiedae were also evident in the biliary epithelium in some animals. The unique characteristics of the C. hepatica life cycle are described, and the differential diagnosis of hepatic capillariasis is discussed.

This study reports a case of parasitism by the giant kidney worm, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782), in the abdominal cavity of a domestic cat from Brazil. A female adult cat presenting prostration, dehydration, physical debility, pronounced jaundice and ascitis, was taken to the Department of Animal Parasitology of the Veterinary Institute of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinical signs suggested a case of peritonitis. The cat's clinical condition was grave and death occurred within a few days. During necropsy, a brownish-red nematode, 24.9cm long, was found in the abdominal cavity and was identified as a male adult D. renale. This study reports the first confirmed case of dioctophymatosis in the domestic cat. The parasite's aberrant location in the abdominal cavity suggests that the domestic cat is not a suitable host.

The spleen is an important organ of vertebrates. Splenic mass can change in response to a variety of factors. We tested whether splenic mass of masked shrews, Sorex cinereus, was related to sex, age, time of the year, or intensity of bladder nematode (Liniscus [=Capillaria] maseri) infection, after controlling for host body mass. For females, body mass was a strong predictor of splenic mass. For males, splenic masses were greater later in the year and in more heavily infected males. The latter appeared to represent a threshold response wherein only the most heavily infected individuals had enlarged spleens.

Parasitic nematodes of the family Mermithidae were found within four specimens of Auchenorrhyncha from two families (Cicadellidae and Delphacidae). This appears to be the the first extant example of mermithid parasitism of Auchenorrhyncha in Europe. The insect hosts were collected from agricultural grassland field margins at three locations in Ireland during a farmland biodiversity study in 2007.

Pulmonary capillariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by the cosmopolitan nematode Capillaria aerophila, which circulates among wild carnivorous and omnivorous mammals. Only 11 cases have been documented to date. We describe a cryptic case of pulmonary capillariasis in a Serbian woman that resembled a bronchial carcinoma.

It is known that hepatic fibrosis may regress following partial hepatectomy, since the hepatic parenchyma regenerates very rapidly, but not the excess of fibrous tissue. The present study evaluated this hypothesis by observing the behavior of systematized septal fibrosis induced by either 30 or 90-day-old Capillaria hepatica infection, in rats subjected to partial hepatectomy. The results revealed that the morphology of the fibrosis was unaffected, but its relative quantity within the microscope field appeared significantly decreased, as a consequence of the increased liver tissue mass following regeneration.

A 27-year-old Thai man presented with chronic watery diarrhea for 2 years. The diagnosis of capillariasis was made by enteroscopy after negative repeated stool tests. Here, the authors reported the first case of abnormal endoscopic finding of intestinal capillariasis. It showed segmental erythematous and swelling of proximal jejunal mucosa with an area of superficial erosion covered by exudates. The parasitic eggs were identified in jejunal content and worms were identified in jejunal mucosa. He was successfully treated with albendazole.

Capillaria philippinensis was first reported in 1963 in the Philippines. Major outbreaks have occurred in the Philippines and Thailand. This article reviews the known 30 intestinal capillariasis cases in Taiwan from January 1983 to December 2003. The infected cases were diagnosed each year with the exception of 1984 and 2002, making Taiwan a Capillaria-prevalent area. Two Taiwanese aboriginal tribes, the Ami and Paiwan, presented a high prevalence. The males and elderly also had a high infection rate. Nine cases were diagnosed by histopathological biopsied specimens. About half of the 30 cases denied having consumed raw or undercooked fish. All cases recovered to health after receiving medication, with no deaths or recurrences.

Four Korean squirrels (Tanias siberius) imported in Spain from People's Republic of China died 2 days after their arrival at a pet shop. They had neurological signs associated with generalized toxoplasmosis involving brain, lungs, liver, and the heart. Toxoplasma gondii-like tachyzoites and tissue cysts were found in organs of all four squirrels. The protozoa stained positively with T. gondii polyclonal antibodies and were ultrastructurally similar to T. gondii. Calodium (Capillaria) hepaticum infection was found in the liver of one squirrel.

Septal fibrosis is an important, frequent, and non-specific type of fibrosis associated with chronic liver diseases, but its pathogenesis is still poorly understood. An interesting model of septal fibrosis occurs in rats infected with the nematode Capillaria hepatica. This model was used to investigate the pathogenesis, site of origin, structure, and cell-types of septal fibrosis. Forty young adult Wistar rats were inoculated with 800 embryonated eggs of C. hepatica. Daily liver samples were obtained from the 20th to the 39th day after inoculation to cover the critical period when septal fibrosis usually starts. Routine histology, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and indirect immunofluorescence were applied to the study of liver sections. Septal blood vessels were demonstrated by India ink perfusion of the portal vein system. Prominent angiogenesis was observed to precede collagen deposition. Besides angiogenesis and mesenchymal-cell mobilization, septal fibrosis was seen to originate from portal spaces and to course through acinar zone I in between sinusoids, inducing no alterations in them, with no evident participation of stellate hepatic cells. Septal fibrosis appeared as an adaptative type of response of the liver to chronic injury, which resulted in a new structure that is normal to other species and creates accessory vessels that drain portal blood into hepatic sinusoids.

Calodium hepaticum infection was diagnosed in the Bristol Zoo Gardens in 13 captive rodents of four species that died or were humanely killed over a 40-month period. Of these infected animals, nine were black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomus ludovicianus), representing 45% of the members of this species examined during the study. A wild rat (Rattus norvegicus) found dead in an enclosure was also infected. To date few cases of C. hepaticum infection have been reported in the UK. The number of cases diagnosed in this urban zoo may be explained by the potentially high prevalence of infection in urban rat populations and increased risk of exposure of zoo animals kept in enclosures to which rats have access. As C. hepaticum is potentially zoonotic, members of staff in zoos should be careful to avoid soil-to-mouth contact, particularly in prairie dog enclosures.

Among meat inspectors in Hokkaido, Japan, the term "bovine parasitic hepatitis" (BPH) has long been used to refer to a hepatic disorder characterized by multiple small yellowish lesions. However, the aetiology is unknown. By means of detailed histopathological examination, fragments of parasitic worms resembling Capillaria were detected in nine (2.25%) of 400 livers showing BPH lesions. Histologically, the degenerative lesions showed eosinophilic papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the interlobular veins and eosinophilic membranous structures in the eosinophilic granulomatous areas of inflammation. These characteristic findings differed from those of hepatic capillariasis of other animal species. BPH was found in 5-20% of milk cows examined throughout Hokkaido, and was also detected in cattle from another prefecture and from Australia. Possibly the same parasitic disorder, albeit undiagnosed, is more widespread.

Histological study of the nasal cavities and upper maxillae of Arvicanthis niloticus naturally infected with Trichosomoides nasalis shows that the female worms reside in the epithelial monolayer of the nasal mucosa of the posterior and median cavities. Eggs laid by T. nasalis were infiltrated between the female body wall and the epithelial lining. Small groups of eggs, mixed with mucus and polymorphonuclear cells, were found in the nasal lumen, freed by rupture of the stretched epithelium. Two females and a few eggs were also found in the connective tissues. One male was found in a female uterus and two were apparently in the lumen of the nasal cavity but the surrounding tissues were disrupted. No male was identified in the lamina propria of the mucosa. However, significant inflammatory lesions occurred in the lamina propria, similar to those induced by the males of Anatrichosoma spp. which live in this part of the mucosa. In rodents, the lesions resulted in rhinosinusitis characterised by a lymphocytic infiltration leading to nasal obstruction.

The present investigation is related to the frequency of infection and to the gross and microscopic lesions associated to the presence of trichurid worms in 50 ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) from backyard flocks in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the investigated birds, the overall infection rate was of 74%, with the presence of Eucoleus perforans with 72% of prevalence and 21.2 of mean intensity, in the esophageal and crop mucosa and rarely in the junction of the proventriculus and esophagus, E. annulatus with 2% and 3 in the crop mucosa, Capillaria phasianina, with 12% and 4.3 in the cecum and small intestine and Baruscapillaria obsignata, for the first time referred in this host, with 2% and 1 in the small intestine. Clinical signs were absent. The gross lesions observed in the crop and esophagus of 14 (38.9%) pheasants parasitized with E. perforans were thickening, small nodules, congestion, and petechial haemorrhages in the mucosa. These birds presented a mean infection of 37.5 and a range of infection of 10-82. The microscopic lesions revealed chronic esophagitis with diffuse inflammatory process in the lamina propria characterized mostly by a mononuclear cell infiltrate and also with the presence of granulocytes. In the case of the parasitism of pheasants with C. phasianina, the gross lesions were absent; microscopic lesions were characterized by chronic typhlitis with mononuclear infiltrate. Gross and microscopic lesions were absent in the pheasants parasitized with E. annulatus and B. obsignata.