Metastrongyloids of cats are emerging pathogens that may cause fatal broncho-pulmonary disease. Infestation of definitive hosts occurs after ingestion of intermediate or paratenic hosts. Among metastrongyloids of cats, Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) have recently been described as agents of severe broncho-pulmonary disease. Here, we provide, for the first time, observational evidence suggesting the direct transmission of T. brevior from queen cat to suckling kittens. This new knowledge will have a significant impact on current scientific information of this parasite and shed new light into the biology and epidemiology of metastrongyloid nematodes.
Evidence for direct transmission of the cat lungworm Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae).
LATROFA, MARIA STEFANIA;GIANNELLI, ALESSIO;DANTAS TORRES, FILIPE;OTRANTO, Domenico
2013-01-01
Abstract
Metastrongyloids of cats are emerging pathogens that may cause fatal broncho-pulmonary disease. Infestation of definitive hosts occurs after ingestion of intermediate or paratenic hosts. Among metastrongyloids of cats, Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) have recently been described as agents of severe broncho-pulmonary disease. Here, we provide, for the first time, observational evidence suggesting the direct transmission of T. brevior from queen cat to suckling kittens. This new knowledge will have a significant impact on current scientific information of this parasite and shed new light into the biology and epidemiology of metastrongyloid nematodes.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
