Diagnosis and therapy of Capillaria plica infection: report and literature review

Unusual parasitoses in urban dogs: Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis, cases report

Parasitic diseases caused by uncommonly diagnosed parasites may pose a threat to companion animals' health in urban environments where they are least expected. The pentastomid Linguatula serrata (tongue worm) and the capillarid Pearsonema plica (syn. Capillaria plica) are parasites with an indirect life cycle, infecting both domestic and wild carnivores. The present report describes two cases: the first one of urinary capillariosis and the other of linguatulosis, in two dogs living in the urban environment of Athens, Greece. In the case of capillariosis, the dog never lived out of the city, so it was presumably infected in the urban environment. On the contrary, in the case of linguatulosis, the dog was adopted at a young age from a rural environment but remained asymptomatic for several months while living in the city. Both dogs had mild symptoms, compatible with these infections. Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis are uncommon in owned, pet dogs, living in cities due to epizootiological characteristics, i.e. need for wildlife reservoir for P. plica and consumption of raw infected viscera for L. serrata. Different factors contribute to the fact that such infections may occur in scenarios where they are least expected. Recent studies show a progressive worldwide increase in the number of uncommon parasitoses in pet animals, that in some cases, such as linguatulosis, are of zoonotic relevance. Regular parasitological examinations and preventive antiparasitic schemes are necessary in order to treat and prevent infections in pet animals and safeguard the health of both animals and humans under the concept of One Health.

An unexpected cause of dysuria in a cat in Poland

Background

Urinary tract infestation by Capillaria spp. in domestic cats is rather rare, but can cause clinical symptoms and affect behaviour. To our knowledge, this report is the first to describe a case of urinary capillariosis in a cat in Poland.

Case presentation

A female formerly stray cat aged about 1.5 years showing dysuria, stranguria, periuria and lethargy was presented at the veterinary clinic. Urinalysis revealed the presence of Capillaria plica eggs in the sediment. The cat was treated successfully with three topical doses of Broadline (Merial, Toulouse, France).

Conclusions

C. plica is a nematode whose definitive hosts are carnivores, which are infected by eating earthworms (the intermediate hosts). Thus, C. plica infestation is more frequent in wild carnivores and dogs, and rare in cats. Symptomatic bladder capillariosis in cats is very rarely diagnosed and described.

Urinary capillariasis: Case report of Pearsonema (syn. Capillaria) plica infection in a dog in Greece

Pearsonema (syn. Capillaria) plica is a nematode that resides in the urinary bladder of canids, felids and mustelids (definitive hosts) and is classified in the same class as Trichuris spp. Epidemiological and clinical data on Pearsonema plica infection in domestic animals are limited. The nematode has an indirect lifecycle that involves earthworms as intermediate hosts. A six-year-old crossbred dog from Greece, presented a history of intermittent pollakiuria and hematuria. At urine analysis, P. plica eggs were found in the urine sediment. The dog was successfully treated with a double dose of milbemycin. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of urinary capillariasis diagnosed in a domestic animal in Greece.

Capillaria plica in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Serbia: Epidemiology and Diagnostic Approaches to Urinary Capillariosis in Domestic Carnivores

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the presence of C. plica in red foxes and to point out the possibilities of different diagnostic methods, that could be used for diagnosis of urinary capillariosis in domestic carnivores.

METHODS

Seventeen red foxes from hunting grounds in the Kolubara District, Republic of Serbia, were examined in February 2019. Animals to be shot were selected based on the criteria of gamekeepers and the permission of the competent Ministry. After hunting, the foxes were examined by ultrasound and autopsied. After the necropsy, biochemical and sediment analysis of urine morphological identification of isolated adult parasites, and macroscopic/microscopic examination of the urinary bladder and kidney tissue were performed.

RESULTS

Adults of C. plica were detected in 3/17 foxes (17.6%) by ultrasound imaging and in 6/17 foxes (35.3%) by necropsy examination. Parasite eggs were found in the urinary sediment of 9/17 foxes (52.9%). The predominant histopathologic changes were amyloid degeneration of the renal glomeruli and proximal tubules (8/17 foxes-47%) as well as acute cystitis (7/17 foxes-41.2%). The occurrence of C. plica was determined in 12/17 (70.6%) of the examined foxes.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first record of the C. plica in red foxes in the Republic of Serbia. Diagnostic methods used in this study could make possible the early revealing of capillariosis in domestic carnivores and could provide reliable clinical and parasitological screening of suspect animals.

CONCLUSION

The study presents the first report of urinary capillariosis in a fox population in Serbia. The established high prevalence of C. plica in foxes could presume its higher prevalence in domestic and wild carnivores in the future.

A case of Pearsonema eggs in the urine sediment of a cat in Trinidad

Nematodes of the urinary tract of domestic dogs and cats are a rare occurrence. The discovery of the eggs on urine sediment examination is usually an incidental finding. A twenty-one month old intact queen presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of a serosanguinous vaginal discharge and reddish colour urine for the last ten days. Complete blood count and biochemistry analysis revealed an inflammatory leukogram and a hyperproteinaemia. A urogenital tract infection was diagnosed as haematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, proteinuria and alkaline urine were evident on urinalysis examination. Microscopic examination of the urine sediment also detected eggs with asymmetrical bipolar plugs characteristic for Pearsonema species. A distended uterus as well as a raised lesion in the mucosal layer of the urinary bladder were observed with ultrasonography. A routine ovariohysterectomy was performed. The cat was also treated with ivermectin and amoxicillin. The cat improved with the eventual resolution of the red colour urine and serosanguinous vaginal discharge.

Pearsonema spp. (Family Capillariidae, Order Enoplida) Infection in Domestic Carnivores in Central-Northern Italy and in a Red Fox Population from Central Italy

Simple Summary

Pearsonema spp. nematodes live in the urinary bladder and sometimes in the ureters and renal pelvis of domestic and wild carnivores, in which they may be responsible for urinary capillariosis. While the red fox is considered a reservoir of Pearsonema plica, the occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic carnivores is still poorly known. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in privately owned cats and dogs from central (Tuscany) and northern Italy (Piedmont and Lombardy) alongside its occurrence in a red fox population from central Italy (Tuscany). Among the examined animals, 2/26 cats (7.7%), 1/83 dogs (1.2%), and 38/42 foxes (90.5%) were found positive. Recurrent cystitis, pollakiuria, and hematuria were the main clinical signs in symptomatic dogs and cats. This is the first study on Pearsonema spp. infection of domestic carnivores examining a large number of privately owned pet animals. Obtained results confirm the role of the red fox as a reservoir for P. plica in Europe and suggest a possible high occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic cats of central Italy.

Abstract

Pearsonema spp. nematodes infect the urinary bladder of domestic and wild carnivores. The red fox is considered a reservoir of Pearsonema plica, while the prevalence of Pearsonema spp. in domestic carnivores is still poorly known. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in privately owned cats (26) and dogs (83) from central and northern Italy alongside occurrence in red foxes (42) from central Italy. In positive dogs and cats, associated clinical signs were also evaluated. Urine samples were first examined under a stereomicroscope; then, they were centrifuged and microscopically examined after a flotation test. As for foxes, the urinary bladders were opened and urine was collected and processed as above, while collected nematodes were identified at the species level. Among examined animals, 2/26 cats (7.7%), 1/83 dogs (1.2%), and 38/42 foxes (90.5%) scored positive. Recurrent cystitis, pollakiuria, and hematuria were the main clinical signs in symptomatic dogs and cats. This is the first study on Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic carnivores examining a large number of privately owned pet animals. Obtained results confirm the role of the red fox as a reservoir for P. plica and suggest a possible high occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic cats of central Italy.

First Documented Cases of Pearsonema Plica (syn. Capillaria Plica) Infections in Dogs from Western Slovakia

Three clinical cases of dogs with Pearsonema plica infection were detected in the western part of Slovakia. All cases were detected within five months. Infections were confirmed after positive findings of capillarid eggs in the urine sediment in following breeds. The eight years old Jack Russell Terrier, one year old Italian Greyhound, and eleven years old Yorkshire terrier were examined and treated. In one case, the infection was found accidentally in clinically healthy dog. Two other patients had nonspecific clinical signs such as apathy, inappetence, vomiting, polydipsia and frequent urination. This paper describes three individual cases, including the case history, clinical signs, examinations, and therapies. All data were obtained by attending veterinarian as well as by dog owners.

Urinary capillariosis in a cat from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Clinical, morphological and phylogenetic characterization

Capillaria spp. infections of the urinary tract of domestic carnivores are uncommon worldwide. Infections are rarely diagnosed and are typically asymptomatic. This study aimed to evaluate a case of capillariosis in a cat from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A seven-year-old female cat with apathy and reduced appetite was presented. Urine analysis revealed C. plica eggs in urine sediment, and cystitis was evidenced by the presence of bacteria, pyuria, proteinuria and hematuria. The subject was treated with 50 mg/kg fenbendazole for five days. Urine samples were frozen for molecular analysis and species confirmation. Polymerase chain reaction for amplification of the 18S rRNA gene followed by sequencing confirmed the occurrence of Capillaria sp. There has been limited phylogenetic study of Capillaria spp. in cats, so further studies are needed to identify the species present in different locations and associated with feline pathogenesis.

Urinary bladder worm (Pearsonema sp.) infection in domestic dogs and cats in Mexico at a high altitude

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

Cystitis due to capillaria infection in a dog and its treatment

Capillaria spp infection was diagnosed in a 3 year old dog with history of pollakiuria, dysuria and haematuria. Confirmatory diagnosis was done by demonstration of the parasitic ova in the urinary sediment, cystitis by ultrasonography, presence of proteins and leukocytes in the urine. Dog was successfully treated with fenbendazole and ivermectin along with supportive therapy. Recovery was noticed after 2 weeks of treatment with clear and transparent urine and absence of parasitic ova in urinary sediment.

Urinary capillariosis in six dogs from Italy

Canine urinary capillariosis is caused by the nematode Pearsonema plica. P. plica infection is seldomly detected in clinical practice mainly due to diagnostic limitations. This report describes six cases of urinary capillariosis in dogs from Italy. Recurrent cystitis was observed in one dog, whereas another patient was affected by glomerular amyloidosis. In the remaining animals, the infection was considered an incidental finding. Immature eggs of the parasite were observed with urine sediment examination in 3/6 patients. Increased awareness of the potential pathogenic role of P. plica and clinical disease presentation could help identify infected animals.