1
|
The First Report of Elaphostrongylus cervi Infection in Two Imported Wapitis ( Cervus canadensis) in Slovenia. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9010019. [PMID: 35051103 PMCID: PMC8777883 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes two female wapitis (Cervus canadensis) with neurological signs associated with an Elaphostrongylus cervi (E. cervi) infection. The original host of the nematode parasite is the Eurasian red deer (Cervus elaphus), although other cervids and small ruminants may also be affected. The two wapitis imported from Canada were kept in an enclosure with the Slovenian red deer herd. After developing debilitating neurological signs, the wapitis were euthanized and examined for possible causes. A histopathological examination of the brain of the first wapiti revealed severe diffuse perivascular meningoencephalitis with chronic vasculitis, and some cross-sections of nematodes were found in the leptomeninges. A necropsy of the second wapiti revealed severe pachymeningitis and leptomeningitis, where several adult nematode parasites were found. E. cervi was confirmed by molecular methods. The prevalence of E. cervi in the European red deer population is high, but no study has been conducted to assess its prevalence in Slovenia. This was the first confirmation of E. cervi in Slovenia and the first infection with this parasite described in Europe in a wapiti. Elaphostrongylus cervi should also be considered as a differential diagnosis in Europe for all ruminants grazing on pastures frequented by red deer and showing neurological clinical signs.
Collapse
|
2
|
Świsłocka M, Ratkiewicz M, Borkowska A. Simultaneous Infection of Elaphostrongylus Nematode Species and Parasite Sharing between Sympatrically Occurring Cervids: Moose, Roe Deer, and Red Deer in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:1344. [PMID: 34684292 PMCID: PMC8540609 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to assess the distribution of parasite species across wildlife populations, to design strategies for game management and effective disease control in nature. In this project we quantified the prevalence of Elaphostrongylus species in eight moose populations. We used molecular methods for identification of parasite species and host individual genotypes from fecal samples. We also demonstrated sharing of parasite species between three cervid hosts sympatrically occurring in the Biebrza River valley, North-Eastern Poland, which is occupied by the largest autochthonous, non-harvested moose population in Central Europe. Nematode species from the genus Elaphostrongylus are ubiquitous in the studied moose populations. The presence of a single parasite species (e.g., E. alces) in moose individuals was more common than simultaneous infection with E. alces and E. cervi. The prevalence of both E. alces and E. cervi was higher in males than females. The distribution of E. alces and E. cervi prevalence in moose, roe deer, and red deer were in accordance with the membership of a host to a subfamily. Simultaneous occurrences of both Elaphostrongylus species were significantly more frequently noted in red deer fecal samples than those collected from moose or roe deer. Thus, we consider red deer to play a dominant role in sharing of those nematodes to other cervids. Our findings promote applications of molecular methods of identifying parasite species and the assessment of the exchange of parasite community between wild ruminant species in management and health monitoring of game animal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Świsłocka
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland; (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kuchboev AE, Krücken J, Ruziev BH, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Molecular phylogeny and diagnosis of species of the family Protostrongylidae from caprine hosts in Uzbekistan. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1355-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
4
|
Verocai GG, Hoberg EP, Vikøren T, Handeland K, Ytrehus B, Rezansoff AM, Davidson RK, Gilleard JS, Kutz SJ. Resurrection and redescription of Varestrongylus alces (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae), a lungworm of the Eurasian moose (Alces alces), with report on associated pathology. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:557. [PMID: 25518921 PMCID: PMC4326405 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varestrongylus alces, a lungworm in Eurasian moose from Europe has been considered a junior synonym of Varestrongylus capreoli, in European roe deer, due to a poorly detailed morphological description and the absence of a type-series. METHODS Specimens used in the redescription were collected from lesions in the lungs of Eurasian moose, from Vestby, Norway. Specimens were described based on comparative morphology and integrated approaches. Molecular identification was based on PCR, cloning and sequencing of the ITS-2 region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Phylogenetic analysis compared V. alces ITS-2 sequences to these of other Varestrongylus species and other protostrongylids. RESULTS Varestrongylus alces is resurrected for protostrongylid nematodes of Eurasian moose from Europe. Varestrongylus alces causes firm nodular lesions that are clearly differentiated from the adjacent lung tissue. Histologically, lesions are restricted to the parenchyma with adult, egg and larval parasites surrounded by multinucleated giant cells, macrophages, eosinophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes. The species is valid and distinct from others referred to Varestrongylus, and should be separated from V. capreoli. Morphologically, V. alces can be distinguished from other species by characters in the males that include a distally bifurcated gubernaculum, arched denticulate crura, spicules that are equal in length and relatively short, and a dorsal ray that is elongate and bifurcated. Females have a well-developed provagina, and are very similar to those of V. capreoli. Morphometrics of first-stage larvae largely overlap with those of other Varestrongylus. Sequences of the ITS-2 region strongly support mutual independence of V. alces, V. cf. capreoli, and the yet undescribed species of Varestrongylus from North American ungulates. These three taxa form a well-supported crown-clade as the putative sister of V. alpenae. The association of V. alces and Alces or its ancestors is discussed in light of host and parasite phylogeny and host historical biogeography. CONCLUSIONS Varestrongylus alces is a valid species, and should be considered distinct from V. capreoli. Phylogenetic relationships among Varestrongylus spp. from Eurasia and North America are complex and consistent with faunal assembly involving recurrent events of geographic expansion, host switching and subsequent speciation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Eric P Hoberg
- US Department of Agriculture, United States National Parasite Collection, Agricultural Research Service, BARC East No. 1180, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA.
| | - Turid Vikøren
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, N-0454, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kjell Handeland
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, N-0454, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bjørnar Ytrehus
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, N-0454, Oslo, Norway.
- Present address: Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. box 5685, Sluppen, N-7485, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Andrew M Rezansoff
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Rebecca K Davidson
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ullevålsveien 68, N-0454, Oslo, Norway.
- Present address: Norwegian Defence Research Institute, Postboks 25, 2027, Kjeller, Norway.
| | - John S Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Susan J Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Alberta Node, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Elaphostrongylus cervi in a population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and evidence of cerebrospinal nematodiasis in small ruminants in the province of Varese, Italy. J Helminthol 2010; 85:313-8. [PMID: 20923583 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x10000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-one faecal samples were collected from red deer in the northern area of Varese, in the Italian region of Lombardy, between August and October 2008. The animals had either been hunted or accidently killed. Examination for internal parasites showed a prevalence of 45.2% for Elaphostrongylus cervi larvae and species identification was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ninety-seven faecal samples were also collected from two goat flocks grazing in the same area between December 2007 and May 2008. These showed a prevalence of 74.7% for lungworms. Furthermore, the central nervous systems from five goats and one sheep from this area with a history of neurologically related lameness were examined. Histopathology confirmed E. cervi cerebro-spinal nematodiasis in five cases out of six. This study demonstrates E. cervi transmission from wild to domestic ruminants when the animals graze in the same area, and the possible occurrence of clinical disease in infected goats and sheep associated with high prevalence in deer.
Collapse
|
6
|
Panayotova-Pencheva M, Alexandrov M. Morphometric characteristics of first stage Elaphostrongylus cervi (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) larvae from Bulgaria. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-008-0206-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
7
|
Huby-Chilton F, Chilton NB, Lankester MW, Gajadhar AA. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis as a new diagnostic tool to distinguish dorsal-spined larvae of the Elaphostrongylinae (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) from cervids. Vet Parasitol 2006; 135:153-62. [PMID: 16185812 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2005] [Revised: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 08/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was used to genetically differentiate morphologically indistinguishable first-stage larvae (L(1)) of the six species of elaphostrongyline nematodes. A partial fragment (317-336bp) of the first internal transcribed spacer (pITS-1) plus 5' flanking region (76bp of the 18S gene) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was amplified from individual L(1) of known identity and subjected to SSCP. The results showed that the four species of elaphostrongylines found in North American cervids, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, P. andersoni, P. odocoilei and Elaphostrongylus rangiferi, could be distinguished from one another based on their distinct (i.e. species-specific) SSCP profiles. In addition, E. alces, a species that occurs in moose in Fennoscandinavia, also had a distinct SSCP profile with respect to the other species of elaphostrongylines. However, the SSCP profiles of E. cervi could not be distinguished from those of E. rangiferi because of a lack of interspecific sequence differences in this region of the ITS-1. The distinct SSCP profiles for the other species were consistent with the interspecific differences in ITS-1 sequences, which ranged from 2 (between P. tenuis and P. andersoni) to 59bp (between genera). The pITS-1 SSCP approach was also used to identify unknown elaphostrongyline L(1) from different hosts and localities in North America. The ability to distinguish between L(1) of the four elaphostrongyline species that occur in North American cervids has important diagnostic and epidemiological implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Huby-Chilton
- Centre for Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 2R3
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Valcárcel F, Romero CG. First report of Elaphostrongylus cervi in Spanish red deer Cervus elaphus hispanicus. J Helminthol 2002; 76:91-3. [PMID: 12018203 DOI: 10.1079/joh200190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Elaphostrongylus cervi Cameron, 1931 was identified in six Cervus elaphus hispanicus sampled in Cuenca, central Spain. A total of 23 adult worms were found in the central nervous system with a mean of 3.8. Although E. cervi is reported to be widespread in cervids, this is the first time it has been recorded in Spanish red deer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Valcárcel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Animal, Servicio de Investigación y Tecnologia Agraria, Toledo, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Duffy MS, Waldrup KA, Mackintosh CG, Pearse AJ, Taylor MJ, Labes RE, Burt MDB. Natural and experimental nematode infections in red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) and the potential for antemortem serodiagnosis of the tissue worm Elaphostrongylus cervi. CAN J ZOOL 2001. [DOI: 10.1139/z01-187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) were exposed to a variety of nematodes, either naturally on pasture (n = 12) or experimentally under controlled conditions (n = 30). Experimental exposures included a combination of one or more of Elaphostrongylus cervi, Dictyocaulus sp., and Muellerius capillaris. The prepatent period of E. cervi infections was 92133 days post exposure (dpe) in 12 deer each given 2042 infective larvae (L3) and maintained under controlled conditions. Adult E. cervi were recovered from all 12 animals at necropsy. The prepatent period of Dictyocaulus sp. was 2337 dpe in 10 deer each given 100 L3 and maintained under controlled conditions. Adult Dictyocaulus sp. were recovered from seven animals at necropsy. No animal exposed to 4254 M. capillaris L3 developed patent infections, nor were adult worms recovered at necropsy. There was no evidence of neurologic signs in any deer at any time during the experiment. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using somatic protein extracts of adult E. cervi or those from the closely related nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis was evaluated. Although the ELISA was sensitive, it lacked specificity with heterologous infections. However, the close phylogenetic relationship of E. cervi to P. tenuis, and our ELISA results, suggest that molecules from P. tenuis may represent a viable alternative source for use in the future development of a reliable antemortem serodiagnostic assay for E. cervi.
Collapse
|
10
|
Handeland K, Gibbons LM. Aspects of the life cycle and pathogenesis of Elaphostrongylus alces in moose (Alces alces). J Parasitol 2001; 87:1054-7. [PMID: 11695364 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2001)087[1054:aotlca]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspects of the migratory life cycle and pathogenesis of Elaphostrongylus alces were studied in 7 randomly selected moose calves and 7 yearlings killed during August to November. One calf and 1 yearling were uninfected. The 6 infected calves had recent infections, whereas the 6 yearlings showed older infections from the summer of the previous year. The 2 calves killed in September had a total of 26 adult E. alces in the epidural space of the caudal vertebral canal and none in the skeletal muscles, whereas the remaining calves killed 1 to 2 mo later had 25 nematodes in the caudal and cranial vertebral canal and 7 in the skeletal muscles. The yearlings had a total of 101 adult E. alces in the skeletal muscles and 2 in the vertebral canal. There were no findings indicating involvement of the central nervous system in the life cycle of E. alces. Our findings suggest that E. alces migrates directly from the gut to the epidural space of the caudal vertebral canal where development to the adult stage takes place. During development, the nematode produces inflammation of the epidural tissue and spinal nerves. Development in the caudal vertebral canal is followed by some anterior dispersion of nematodes along the canal, and migration into skeletal muscles. Here the nematodes seem to live in reproductive pairs and groups. The predilection site for E. alces in moose is the muscles of the thigh.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Handeland
- Section of Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Five goats aged 4 months were each inoculated with approximately 300 third-stage larvae of Elaphostrongylus alces, and killed for post-mortem examination after 14-150 days. No clinical signs of disease were observed during the experiment. Pathological examination revealed that the larvae penetrated the walls of the abomasum and small intestine and migrated towards the caudal vertebral canal. However, the great majority of larvae were apparently destroyed along the migratory route, and development to adult parasites in the vertebral canal was not seen. During migration, the larvae caused focal inflammation and necrosis in the gastrointestinal wall, liver, mesentery and lungs. The study suggests that the only effect of E. alces infection on goats is the formation of focal visceral lesions during abdominal larval migration; it also confirms the infectivity of E. alces for domestic ruminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Handeland
- Section of Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Oslo, N-0033, Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Handeland K, Gibbons LM, Skorping A. Experimental Elaphostrongylus cervi infection in sheep and goats. J Comp Pathol 2000; 123:248-57. [PMID: 11041994 DOI: 10.1053/jcpa.2000.0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis and migratory life cycle of Elaphostrongylus cervi were studied in four sheep and six goats killed and examined 6 days to 5 months after inoculation with infective third-stage larvae (L3). Detailed histological studies demonstrated that the L3 followed a porto-hepatic, and probably also a secondary lymphatic, migratory route from the abomasum and small intestine to the lungs, with subsequent spread via the general circulation to the central nervous system (CNS) and other tissues. In addition, the results suggested that haematogenously spread L3, arrested in arterial vessels outside the spinal cord, migrated into the cord along the spinal nerves. During migration, the L3 caused focal inflammation and necrosis in the organs and along the spinal nerve roots, and infarcts occurred in the myocardium, kidneys and CNS. Nematode development took place in the CNS. During development, there was a gradual die-off of nematodes and patent infections were not observed. However, in one animal many mature nematodes were demonstrated in the CNS. In the nervous system, the nematodes caused encephalomyelitis, focal traumatic encephalomalacia, gliosis, meningitis, choroiditis, radiculitis and perineuritis. Two goats and one sheep displayed long-lasting paraparesis starting 6 weeks after inoculation. The signs apparently resulted from nematode-induced spinal nerve root lesions. From 19 weeks after inoculation the sheep also showed signs of severe brain disturbances due to traumatic and inflammatory lesions caused by adult E. cervi in the cerebral parenchyma. We conclude that E. cervi represents a potential cause of neurological disease in small ruminants grazing areas inhabited by red deer. This is the first report confirming the infectivity of E. cervi for domestic ruminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Handeland
- Section of Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Handeland K, Gibbons LM, Skorping A. Aspects of the life cycle and pathogenesis of Elaphostrongylus cervi in red deer (Cervus elaphus). J Parasitol 2000; 86:1061-6. [PMID: 11128481 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2000)086[1061:aotlca]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspects of the migratory life cycle and pathogenesis of Elaphostrongylus cervi were studied in red deer (Cervus elaphus) using 2 farmed calves experimentally infected with 450 third-stage larvae killed 40 and 45 days postinfection and using 3 wild calves and 3 wild yearlings with natural infections killed during autumn hunting. A full necropsy was carried out on the experimental calves, but only the head, eviscerated carcass, and lungs were examined from the naturally infected animals. Histological examination included extensive studies of the central nervous system (CNS), spinal nerve roots, and lungs. The experimental calves had prepatent infections, with many immature adult nematodes in the CNS, whereas the wild calves showed CNS lesions indicating a very recent E. cervi infection. The yearlings had patent infections, with many mature E. cervi in their skeletal muscles, reflecting acquisition of infection during the previous summer. Our findings showed that E. cervi develop to the adult stage in the CNS (subarachnoid spaces) and subsequently migrate into the skeletal muscles, where the mature nematodes live in reproductive pairs and groups. In the nervous system, the nematode caused encephalomyelitis, focal encephalomalacia and gliosis, meningitis, radiculitis, ganglionitis, and perineuritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Handeland
- Section of Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lankester MW, Olsson IMC, Stéen M, Gajadhar AA. Extra-mammalian larval stages ofElaphostrongylus alces(Nematoda: Protostrongylidae), a parasite of moose (Alces alces) in Fennoscandia. CAN J ZOOL 1998. [DOI: 10.1139/z97-168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dimensions and illustrations of the first-, second-, and third-stage larvae of Elaphostrongylus alces are presented for the first time. First-stage larvae were 417 ± 16 µm long (mean ± SD) (range 377-445 µm) and similar in size to those of E. cervi (420 ± 13 µm long; range 392-445 µm) and E. rangiferi, the other recognized members of the genus. The mean length of third-stage E. alces larvae (714 ± 23 µm long; range 675-756 µm) recovered from gastropod intermediate hosts was significantly less than that of E. cervi (831 ± 78 µm long; range 669-954 µm) and E. rangiferi, providing further evidence of the distinct status of E. alces, a recently described species from moose in Fennoscandia.
Collapse
|
15
|
Stéen M, Blackmore CG, Skorping A. Cross-infection of moose (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) with Elaphostrongylus alces and Elaphostrongylus rangiferi (Nematoda, Protostrongylidae): effects on parasite morphology and prepatent period. Vet Parasitol 1997; 71:27-38. [PMID: 9231986 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(97)00013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Moose (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) were experimentally cross-infected with Elaphostrongylus rangiferi and Elaphostrongylus alces, respectively. Both Elaphostrongylus species completed their development in the alternate hosts but produced fewer larvae than in their usual host species. Reindeer infected with Elaphostrongylus alces developed patent infections after 39-130 days. In moose, the prepatent period of this parasite was 39-73 days. Elaphostrongylus rangiferi infections were patent in moose after 133 days. The male morphological characteristic of E. alces in moose and reindeer, and E. rangiferi in moose and their migration pattern retained regardless of the host species. These results provide further evidence that E. alces and E. rangiferi are two distinct species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Stéen
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Handeland K, Skorping A. Experimental cerebrospinal elaphostrongylosis (Elaphostrongylus rangiferi) in goats: I. Clinical observations. ZENTRALBLATT FUR VETERINARMEDIZIN. REIHE B. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. SERIES B 1993; 40:141-7. [PMID: 8322546 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.1993.tb00121.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Clinical observations of 17 goat kids inoculated with 100-1000 infective larvae of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi and autopsied 21-154 days post inoculation (p.i.) are reported. Pruritus was common in the period 4-10 weeks p.i. Six animals displayed neurological signs starting 35 to 94 days p.i. The most frequent sign was posterior paresis. Other signs included cranial nerve paresis, ataxia, lameness, scoliosis, reduced vision, abnormal behaviour, depression and mental confusion. Recoveries were recorded. An apparent dose-response related eosinophilia was observed at days 14 and 32 p.i. None of the experimentally infected kids shed E. rangiferi first-stage larvae in the faeces, indicating that the nematode will not complete its life-cycle in goats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Handeland
- State Veterinary Laboratory for Northern Norway, Harstad
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Handeland K, Sparboe O. Cerebrospinal elaphostrongylosis in dairy goats in northern Norway. ZENTRALBLATT FUR VETERINARMEDIZIN. REIHE B. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. SERIES B 1991; 38:755-63. [PMID: 1796688 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.1991.tb00940.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ten carcasses and three vertebral columns from north Norwegian dairy goats, which had been killed due to clinical signs of severe neurologic disease, were received for necropsy. Pathological examination revealed nematodes and nematode ova in the central nervous system (CNS) of nine goats. Worms found by gross examination were identified as Elaphostrongylus rangiferi Mitskevich, 1960. Focal traumatic encephalomyelomalacia, apparently caused by migrating worms, perivascular cuffing, eosinophilic leptomeningitis and perineural infiltrations and granulomas, could be demonstrated in CNS sections from all 13 animals examined. Clinical signs reported were initial pruritus followed by motor weakness, lameness, paresis, reduced vision, circling, abnormal head position, bulging eyes and scoliosis. The disease occurred from September to January in regions with a considerable migrant reindeer population. It was concluded that the reported outbreaks of neurologic disease represented seasonal occurrence of cerebrospinal elaphostrongylosis caused by Elaphostrongylus rangiferi, the elaphostrongyloid nematode of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Handeland
- State Veterinary Laboratory for Northern Norway, Harstad
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Handeland K. Cerebrospinal elaphostrongylosis in sheep in northern Norway. ZENTRALBLATT FUR VETERINARMEDIZIN. REIHE B. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. SERIES B 1991; 38:773-80. [PMID: 1796689 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.1991.tb00942.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pathologic examination of four sheep from northern Norway exhibiting neurologic signs of paresis, paralysis and vestibular system disease revealed nematodes in the central nervous system (CNS). The worms were identified as Elaphostrongylus rangiferi Mitskevich, 1960, the elaphostrongylid nematode of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). Microscopic lesions found in the CNS were focal traumatic encephalomyelomalacia caused by migrating worms, eosinophilic meningitis and choroiditis, lymphohistiocytic and nematode granulomas, and perineural infiltrations. The disease occurred in November and December 1990, after the sheep had been on pasture in areas frequented by considerable numbers of reindeer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Handeland
- State Veterinary Laboratory for Northern Norway, Harstad
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
GIBBONS LYNDAM, HALVORSEN O, STUVE G. Revision of the genus Elaphostrongylus Cameron (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea) with particular reference to species of the genus occurring in Norwegian cervids. ZOOL SCR 1991. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6409.1991.tb00272.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
20
|
Stuve G, Skorping A. Attempts to transfer Elaphostrongylus alces from moose (Alces alces) to sheep and goats. Acta Vet Scand 1990. [PMID: 2099618 DOI: 10.1186/bf03547522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Six 1 year old female and 6 four months old male goats were inoculated different numbers of E. alces third-stage larvae. Protostrongylid larvae were not detected in the faeces of these animals during the experiment. At the end of the experimental period the animals were euthanized and autopsied. Neither parasites nor pathological lesions related to larval or adult stages of E. alces could be demonstrated.
Collapse
|