DOCSLIB.ORG

Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Infection in Cats

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Infection in Cats Current Feline Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Cats Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Printed with an Education Grant from IDEXX Laboratories. Photomicrographs courtesy of Bayer HealthCare. © 2014 American Heartworm Society | PO Box 8266 | Wilmington, DE 19803-8266 | E-mail: [email protected] Current Feline Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Cats (revised October 2014) CONTENTS Click on the links below to navigate to each section. Preamble .................................................................................................................................................................. 2 EPIDEMIOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 1. Urban heat island profile. BIOLOGY OF FELINE HEARTWORM INFECTION .................................................................................................. 3 Figure 2. The heartworm life cycle. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Figure 3. Microscopic lesions of HARD in the small pulmonary arterioles. Figure 4. Microscopic lesions of HARD in the alveoli. PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Clinical Signs and Findings DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Microfilariae Serology Thoracic Radiography Echocardiography Necropsy Confirmation Figure 5. Summary of feline heartworm diagnostics. Table1. Interpretation of heartworm diagnostic procedures and tests in cats. TREATMENT ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Medical Options Surgical Options Additional Considerations for Adulticide Therapy Wolbachia Surveillance of Infected Cats PREVENTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Drugs Serologic Testing 2014 Feline Heartworm Guidelines 1 Prepared and approved by the Executive Board of support the transmission of heartworms for brief the American Heartworm Society periods. Thus, the introduction of microfilaremic dogs or wild canids could set up a nidus of infection (Officers: Dr. Stephen Jones, President; Dr. Wallace for local transmission of heartworm in this state. Graham, Past President; Dr. Cristiano von Simson, Such relocation of microfilaremic dogs and Vice President; Dr. Robert Stannard, Secretary- expansion of the territories of microfilaremic wild Treasurer; Dr. Doug Carithers, Editor; Dr. Patricia canids in other areas of the United States continue Payne, Dr. Chris Rehm, Dr. Charles Thomas Nelson, to be important factors contributing to further Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, Dr. Elizabeth Clyde dissemination of the parasite, as the ubiquitous and, Dr. Bianca Zaffarano Board Members; presence of one or more species of vector-competent Dr. Matthew Miller, Symposium Chair; Dr. Clarke mosquitoes makes transmission possible wherever Atkins, Symposium Co-Chair; Dr. John McCall, a reservoir of infection and favorable climatic Co-Editor; Dr. Mike Loenser and Dr. Tony Rumschlag, conditions co-exist. Change in any of these factors Ex Officio Members. can have a significant effect on the transmission Preamble potential in a specific geographic location. These recommendations supersede the previous Environmental changes, both natural climatic edition of these guidelines and are based on the change and those created by humans, and animal latest information presented at the 2013 Triennial movement have increased heartworm infection Symposium of the American Heartworm Society and potential. Commercial and residential real estate recently completed studies. The recommendations development of non-endemic areas and areas of for the prevention, diagnosis, and management low incidence has led to the resultant spread and of heartworm infection in dogs are contained in a increased prevalence of heartworms by altering companion document (http://heartwormsociety.org/ drainage of undeveloped land and by providing veterinary-resources/canine-guidelines.html). water sources in new urban home sites. In the western United States, irrigation and planting of EPIDEMIOLOGY trees has expanded the habitat for Aedes sierrensis (western knot hole mosquito), the primary vector Heartworm infection has been diagnosed around for transmission of heartworms in those states. the globe, including all 50 of the United States. In Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), which the United States, its territories and protectorates, was introduced into the Port of Houston in 1985, heartworm is considered at least regionally endemic has now spread northward, approaching Canada, in each of the contiguous 48 states, Hawaii, Puerto and isolated populations have been identified in Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Heartworm areas in the western states. This urban-dwelling transmission has not been documented in Alaska; mosquito is able to reproduce in small containers however, there are regions in central Alaska that such as flowerpots. Urban sprawl has led to the have mosquito vectors and climate conditions to Figure 1. Sketch of an urban heat island profile. From http://eetd.lbl.gov/eatIsland/HighTemps/ 2 American Heartworm Society formation of “heat islands,” as buildings and parking reflect a shorter transmission season than actually lots retain heat during the day (Figure 1), creating exists. microenvironments with potential to support the development of heartworm larvae in mosquito Once a reservoir of microfilaremic domestic and wild vectors during colder months, thereby lengthening canids is established beyond the reach of veterinary the transmission season. care, the ubiquitous presence of one or more species of vector competent mosquitoes makes transmission As vectors expand their territory, the number possible and eradication becomes improbable. of animals infected will continue to increase. A BIOLOGY OF FELINE HEARTWORM INFECTION pivotal prerequisite for heartworm transmission is a climate that provides adequate temperature and Significant differences exist between feline humidity to support a viable mosquito population, heartworm disease and its classical canine and also sustain sufficient heat to allow maturation counterpart and these are consistent with of ingested microfilariae into the infective, third- characteristics of partially adapted host–parasite stage larvae (L3) within this intermediate host. It relationships. Although cats are susceptible hosts, has been shown that maturation of larvae, within they are more resistant to infection with adult three mosquito species, ceases at temperatures Dirofilaria immitis than are dogs. When dogs not below 57ºF (14ºC). Heartworm transmission does previously exposed to heartworms are injected with decrease in winter months but the presence of 100 L3 larvae, an average of 60 adult worms develop microenvironments in urban areas suggests that in almost 100% of the dogs; in cats, however, 3 to 10 the risk of heartworm transmission never reaches adult worms develop in approximately 75% of the zero. Furthermore, some species of mosquitoes cats. These L3 larvae molt to L4 and juvenile worm overwinter as adults. While heartworm larval (immature adult) with some loss along the way but development in these mosquitoes may cease in cool there is a very high mortality rate of the juvenile temperatures, development quickly resumes with worms as they reach the lungs 3 to 4 months after subsequent warming. infection. Most heartworm infections in cats are comparatively light and consist of less than six The length of the heartworm transmission season adult worms. Although much heavier infections in the temperate latitudes is critically dependent occur occasionally, usually only one or two worms on the accumulation of sufficient heat to incubate are present, and approximately one third of these larvae to the infective stage in the mosquito. The consist of worms of the same sex. Nevertheless, peak months for heartworm transmission in the because of their relatively small body size, cats with Northern Hemisphere are typically July and August. only a few worms are still considered to be heavily Models predict that heartworm transmission in the infected in terms of parasite biomass. Some clinical continental United States is limited to 6 months or surveys and data from experimentally infected less above the 37th parallel at approximately the cats have documented a slight preponderance of Virginia–North Carolina state line. While model- infection in male cats, but it has not been determined based predictions of transmission using climatic conclusively that male cats are at greater risk. No data are academically appealing, they typically fail sex predilection for anti–D immitis host antibody to consider several potentially important factors, seropositivity has been proven within populations such as influence of microclimate, unique biological of naturally exposed cats, nor has
Load more

Recommended publications
  • American Journal of Veterinary Research
    American Journal of Veterinary Research Index for Volume 71 No. 1 – 12 January – December 2010 Published by AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 1931 N MEACHAM RD, SUITE 100, SCHAUMBURG, IL 60173-4360 Index to News A American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) AAHA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines for Dogs and Cats MSU veterinary college ends nonsurvival surgeries, 497 Nutritional assessment guidelines, consortium introduced, 1262 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Abandonment AVMA board, HOD convene during leadership conference, 260 Corwin promotes conservation with pageant of ‘amazing creatures,’ 1115 AVMA seeks input on model practice act, 1403 American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI) CRWAD recognizes research, researchers, 258 Abbreviations FDA targets medication errors resulting from unclear abbreviations, 857 American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) Abuse Organizations to promote veterinary research careers, 708 AVMA seeks input on model practice act, 1403 American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP) Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST) CRWAD recognizes research, researchers, 258 NAVTA announces new surgical technician specialty, 391 American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Accreditation Stakeholders weigh in on competencies needed by veterinary grads, 388 Dates announced for NAVMEC, 131 USDA to restructure accreditation program, require renewal, 131 American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) Education council schedules site
    [Show full text]
  • Dirofilaria Immitis in Cats: Diagnosis and Management*
    CE Article #2 Dirofilaria immitis in Cats: Diagnosis and Management * C. Thomas Nelson, DVM a Animal Medical Centers of Northeast Alabama Anniston, Alabama ABSTRACT: Imaging and laboratory studies can help with the diagnosis of heartworm disease in cats, but no test is definitive. Furthermore, even when the diagnosis can be reliably established, therapy directed at the heartworms does little to help the cat. Rather, management is directed at alleviating clinical signs, with an emphasis on prevention for all. iagnosis is the most challenging part of tions are often single sex. When microfilariae feline heartworm disease because are produced, they are only present for 1 or 2 Dno single test can reliably detect heart - months, at which time the cat’s immune sys - worms at all stages. Veterinarians must be will- tem eliminates them and suppresses further ing to conduct multiple and even repeat tests embryogenesis. 1 (Table 1 and Figure 1 ) to obtain a diagnosis and to correctly interpret and apply the results .b Radiology The most common radiographic finding in DIAGNOSIS feline heartworm disease is an enlargement of Microfilariae the right caudal lobar artery (see Figure 2 in the Filtration tests for microfilariae are virtually companion article beginning on page 382 ). This useless in cats because cats are only transiently is best seen on a ventrodorsal view. A bron - microfilaremic, if at all. To be microfilaremic, a chointerstitial pulmonary pattern (Figure 2) cat must have both a mature male and a may also be noted, but this finding is not mature female worm, and because cats typi - unique to feline heartworm disease.
    [Show full text]
  • Reproduction and Behaviour of European Wildcats in Species Specific Enclosures
    Symposium Biology and Conservation of the European Wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) Germany January 21st –23rd 2005 Abstracts Mathias Herrmann, Hof 30, 16247 Parlow, [email protected], Mobil: ++49 +171 9962910 Introduction More than four years after the last meeting of wildcat experts in Nienover, Germany, the NABU (Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V.) invited for a three day symposium on the conservation of the European wildcat. Since the last meeting the knowledge on wildcat ecology increased a lot due to the field work of several research teams. The aim of the symposium was to bring these teams together to discuss especially questions which could not be solved by one single team due to limited number of observed individuals or special landscape features. The focus was set on the following questions: 1) Hybridization and risk of infection by domestic cat - a threat to wild living populations? 2) Reproductive success, mating behaviour, and life span - what strategy do wildcats have? 3) ffh - reports/ monitoring - which methods should be used? 4) Habitat utilization in different landscapes - species of forest or semi-open landscape? 5) Conservation of the wildcat - which measures are practicable? 6) Migrations - do wildcats have juvenile dispersal? 75 Experts from 9 European countries came to Fischbach within the transboundary Biosphere Reserve "Vosges du Nord - Pfälzerwald" to discuss distribution, ecology and behaviour of this rare species. The symposium was organized by one single person - Dr. Mathias Herrmann - and consisted of oral presentations, posters and different workshops. 2 Scientific program Friday Jan 21st 8:00 – 10:30 registration /optional: Morning excursion to the core area of the biosphere reserve 10:30 Genot, J-C., Stein, R., Simon, L.
    [Show full text]
  • A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations Third Edition | 2018 a CODE of PRACTICE for CANADIAN KENNEL OPERATIONS
    A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations Third edition | 2018 A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CANADIAN KENNEL OPERATIONS Acknowledgements The third edition of this Code took seven years to complete. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) expresses sincere appreciation to Amy Morris of the BC SPCA for her research, coordination, and drafting support, Dr. Sherlyn Spooner and Dr. Colleen Marion for their signifcant contributions to the Code’s development, and Dr. Warren Skippon and Dr. Shane Renwick for their leadership. The CVMA also wishes to express gratitude to the small animal subcommittee members who provided drafting, feedback, and guidance over the seven-year period: Dr. Patricia Turner, Dr. Carol Morgan, Dr. Alice Crook, Dr. Tim Zaharchuk, Dr. Jim Berry, Dr. Michelle Lem, Ms. Barb Cartwright, Dr. Michelle Groleau, Dr. Tim Arthur, Ms. Christine Archer, Dr. Chris Bell, Dr. Doug Whiteside, Dr. Michael Cockram, Dr. Patricia Alderson, Dr. Trevor Lawson, Dr. Gilly Griffn, and Dr. Marilyn Keaney. The CVMA thanks the following organizations and their representatives who were consulted to review the Code and provide comments before publication: provincial veterinary associations and regulatory licensing bodies, Canadian veterinary colleges, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada, the National Companion Animal Coalition, and the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada. © 2018 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. This document or any portion thereof may be quoted or reproduced with proper attribution to the author ‘Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’. Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Third Edition | 2018 i A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CANADIAN KENNEL OPERATIONS Preface Since the release of the Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations second edition in 2007, both our society and science have advanced with respect to the humane treatment of dogs.
    [Show full text]
  • Companion Animals and Tick-Borne Diseases a Systematic Review
    Companion animals and tick-borne diseases A systematic review Systematic Review December 2017 Public Health Ontario Public Health Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health. Public Health Ontario links public health practitioners, frontline health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world. Public Health Ontario provides expert scientific and technical support to government, local public health units and health care providers relating to the following: • communicable and infectious diseases • infection prevention and control • environmental and occupational health • emergency preparedness • health promotion, chronic disease and injury prevention • public health laboratory services Public Health Ontario's work also includes surveillance, epidemiology, research, professional development and knowledge services. For more information, visit publichealthontario.ca. How to cite this document: Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario). Companion animals and tick-borne diseases: a systematic review. Toronto, ON: Queen's Printer for Ontario; 2017. ISBN 978-1-4868-1063-5 [PDF] ©Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2017 Public Health Ontario acknowledges the financial support of the Ontario Government. Companion animals and tick-borne diseases: a systematic review i Authors Mark P. Nelder, PhD Senior Program Specialist Enteric, Zoonotic & Vector-borne Diseases Communicable Diseases, Emergency
    [Show full text]
  • Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Free-Roaming Cats R
    Zoonoses and Public Health REVIEW ARTICLE Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Free-Roaming Cats R. W. Gerhold1 and D. A. Jessup2 1 Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA 2 California Department of Fish and Game (retired), Santa Cruz, CA, USA Impacts • Free-roaming cats are an important source of zoonotic diseases including rabies, Toxoplasma gondii, cutaneous larval migrans, tularemia and plague. • Free-roaming cats account for the most cases of human rabies exposure among domestic animals and account for approximately 1/3 of rabies post- exposure prophylaxis treatments in humans in the United States. • Trap–neuter–release (TNR) programmes may lead to increased naı¨ve populations of cats that can serve as a source of zoonotic diseases. Keywords: Summary Cutaneous larval migrans; free-roaming cats; rabies; toxoplasmosis; zoonoses Free-roaming cat populations have been identified as a significant public health threat and are a source for several zoonotic diseases including rabies, Correspondence: toxoplasmosis, cutaneous larval migrans because of various nematode parasites, R. Gerhold. Center for Wildlife Health, plague, tularemia and murine typhus. Several of these diseases are reported to Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and cause mortality in humans and can cause other important health issues includ- Fisheries, The University of Tennessee, ing abortion, blindness, pruritic skin rashes and other various symptoms. A Knoxville, TN 37996-4563, USA. Tel.: 865 974 0465; Fax: 865-974-0465; E-mail: recent case of rabies in a young girl from California that likely was transmitted [email protected] by a free-roaming cat underscores that free-roaming cats can be a source of zoonotic diseases.
    [Show full text]
  • Presence of Dirofilaria Immitis in Mosquitoes in Southeastern Georgia
    Georgia Southern University Digital Commons@Georgia Southern University Honors Program Theses 2019 Presence of Dirofilaria immitis in mosquitoes in Southeastern Georgia Angelica C. Tumminello Georgia Southern University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses Part of the Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Other Animal Sciences Commons, Parasitology Commons, Small or Companion Animal Medicine Commons, and the Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons Recommended Citation Tumminello, Angelica C., "Presence of Dirofilaria immitis in mosquitoes in Southeastern Georgia" (2019). University Honors Program Theses. 495. https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/495 This thesis (open access) is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. It has been accepted for inclusion in University Honors Program Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Presence of Dirofilaria immitis in mosquitoes in Southeastern Georgia An Honors Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Honors in the Department of Biology by Angelica C. Tumminello Under the mentorship of Dr. William Irby, PhD ABSTRACT Canine heartworm disease is caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by at least 25 known species of mosquito vectors. This study sought to understand which species of mosquitoes are present in Bulloch County, Georgia, and which species are transmitting canine heartworm disease. This study also investigated whether particular canine demographics correlated with a greater risk of heartworm disease. Surveillance of mosquitoes was conducted in known heartworm-positive canine locations using traditional gravid trapping and vacuum sampling. Mosquito samples were frozen until deemed inactive, then identified by species and sex.
    [Show full text]
  • Contagious Pets
    Bellwether Magazine Volume 1 Number 72 Spring 2010 Article 5 Spring 2010 Contagious Pets Kelly Stratton University of Pennsylvania Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/bellwether Recommended Citation Stratton, Kelly (2010) "Contagious Pets," Bellwether Magazine: Vol. 1 : No. 72 , Article 5. Available at: https://repository.upenn.edu/bellwether/vol1/iss72/5 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/bellwether/vol1/iss72/5 For more information, please contact [email protected]. contagiouspets by kelly stratton Being aware of zoonotic diseases – those that can be passed from animal to owner – is the first step in staying healthy The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “zoonoses” it may also be a sign of a curable neurological or even a disorder as “a group of infectious diseases that are naturally transmitted of the jaw.” between vertebrate animals and humans.” More than 200 such Abnormally acting wildlife is also something to watch out diseases have been confirmed notes WHO’s site, www.who.int/ for. “Raccoons and skunks may be more people-oriented when en/, and are caused by a variety of agents, including bacteria, they’re infected,” said Dr. Vite. parasites and viruses. Why do we need to know about it? In 2006, there were It’s true – your attention-seeking, ball-fetching best friend can 505 laboratory-confirmed rabid animals in Pennsylvania. Of those, give you more than wet kisses. He can also infect you with these 61 were found in Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties. not-so-pretty bacteria, viruses and parasites. But, with a little For pets, rabies can be deadly.
    [Show full text]
  • Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Infection in Cats
    Current Feline Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Cats Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Printed with an Education Grant from IDEXX Laboratories. Photomicrographs courtesy of Bayer HealthCare. © 2014 American Heartworm Society | PO Box 8266 | Wilmington, DE 19803-8266 | E-mail: [email protected] Current Feline Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Cats (revised October 2014) CONTENTS Click on the links below to navigate to each section. Preamble .................................................................................................................................................................. 2 EPIDEMIOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 1. Urban heat island profile. BIOLOGY OF FELINE HEARTWORM INFECTION .................................................................................................. 3 Figure 2. The heartworm life cycle. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF FELINE HEARTWORM DISEASE ................................................................................... 5 Figure 3. Microscopic lesions of HARD in the small pulmonary arterioles. Figure 4. Microscopic lesions of HARD in the alveoli. PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Clinical
    [Show full text]
  • Parasites and Your Cat
    PARASITES AND YOUR CAT Fleas On Cats Fleas are tiny insects that feed on blood from animals. Fleas are not only an inconvenience, but they can also cause tremendous anxiety and spread diseases in cats. Flea Facts • Fleas thrive in damp, dark places like shaded outdoor areas and under optimal temperature and humidity conditions, can live in a home year-round • A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in a day. • Immature flea stages will remain dormant in carpeting, bedding, baseboards, etc until conditions are appropriate for development. Fleas may cause and/or transmit • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), also known as flea bite hypersensitivity • Anemia • Tapeworm infection • Bartonella infection Treatment and Control of Fleas • Even if you only see fleas on one pet, you should treat all pets in the home. • Furniture, bedding, and high traffic areas should be cleaned frequently. • Monthly, year-round application of products such as Comfortis, Vectra, etc can keep cats protected against fleas. Ticks On Cats Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that infest many species, including cats. Tick Facts • About 60 different tick species have been reported in the United States. • Ticks are less common on cats than on dogs, due to the frequent grooming behavior of cats. Ticks May Cause or Transmit • Cytauxzoonosis • Bartonella Treatment and Control of Ticks • Cats should be checked for ticks regularly, and ticks should be removed promptly. • Outdoor cats have an increased risk for exposure, but indoor cats should be checked regularly as well. Mites On Cats Mites can cause numerous medical problems in cats, including scabies (notoedric mange), demodectic mange, ear infection, cheyletiellos.
    [Show full text]
  • Toxocara Spp
    GLOBAL WATER PATHOGEN PROJECT PART THREE. SPECIFIC EXCRETED PATHOGENS: ENVIRONMENTAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGY ASPECTS TOXOCARA SPP. Rosemary McManus Independent Consultant Dublin, Ireland Clare Hamilton Moredun Research Institute Penicuik, United Kingdom Celia Holland Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland Copyright: This publication is available in Open Access under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO (CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/igo). By using the content of this publication, the users accept to be bound by the terms of use of the UNESCO Open Access Repository (http://www.unesco.org/openaccess/terms-use-ccbysa-en). Disclaimer: The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization. Citation: McManus, R., Hamilton, C.M. and Holland, C.V. 2018. Toxocara spp. In: J.B. Rose and B. Jiménez-Cisneros, (eds) Global Water Pathogens Project.http://www.waterpathogens.org (Robertson, L (eds) Part 4 Helminths) http://www.waterpathogens.org/book/toxocara Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI, UNESCO. Acknowledgements: K.R.L. Young, Project Design editor; Website Design (http://www.agroknow.com) Last published: April 27, 2018, 6:16 pm Toxocara spp. Summary water. 1.0 Epidemiology of the Disease and Pathogen Toxocara is a genus of nematodes that are cosmopolitan gastrointestinal species of both companion and feral 1.1 Global Burden of Disease animals that act as definitive hosts.
    [Show full text]
  • Updated Canine Infection Rates for Dirofilaria Immitis in Areas of Brazil
    Labarthe et al. Parasites & Vectors 2014, 7:493 http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/7/1/493 RESEARCH Open Access Updated canine infection rates for Dirofilaria immitis in areas of Brazil previously identified as having a high incidence of heartworm-infected dogs Norma Vollmer Labarthe1,2*, Jonimar Pereira Paiva3, Larissa Reifur4, Flavya Mendes-de-Almeida1, Alexandre Merlo5, Carlos Jose Carvalho Pinto6, Paulo Sérgio Juliani7, Maria Angela Ornelas de Almeida8 and Leucio Câmara Alves9 Abstract Background: Canine heartworm infections were frequently diagnosed in Brazil before the new millennium. After the year 2000, the frequency of diagnosis showed a sharp decline; however, a few years later, new evidence indicated that the parasite was still present and that canine infection rates seemed to be increasing. Therefore, an updated survey of canine heartworm prevalence was conducted in several locations in south, southeast, and northeast Brazil. Methods: Dogs from 15 locations having previously reported a high prevalence of heartworm infection were included in the survey according to defined criteria, including the absence of treatment with a macrocyclic lactone for at least 1 year. Blood samples from 1531 dogs were evaluated by an in-clinic immunochromatography test kit (Witness® Heartworm, Zoetis, USA) for detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen. At each location, epidemiologic data, including physical characteristics and clinical signs reported by owners or observed by veterinarians, were recorded on prepared forms for tabulation of results by location, clinical signs, and physical characteristics. Results: The overall prevalence of canine heartworm infection was 23.1%, with evidence of heartworm-infected dogs detected in all 15 locations studied. There was a tendency for higher prevalence rates in environmentally protected areas, despite some locations having less-than-ideal environmental temperatures for survival of vector mosquitoes.
    [Show full text]