Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lungworm infections causing coughing in cats from Ibiza Spain
By Jefferies, Ryan et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2010·School of Biological Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus sp. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) infections in cats inhabiting Ibiza, Spain.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Seven cats in Ibiza were brought in for coughing and other breathing problems, which suggested they might have a lungworm infection. Tests on their feces revealed two types of lungworm larvae, specifically Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and a new species of Troglostrongylus. The study highlighted the importance of using advanced testing methods to accurately identify these infections, as different lungworm species can look similar under a microscope. Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, which may involve medications to eliminate the parasites and relieve respiratory symptoms.
People also search for: cat coughing treatment · lungworm infection in cats · Aelurostrongylus abstrusus symptoms
Abstract
Multiple species of metastrongylid lungworm (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) have been reported to infect members of the Felidae. This study describes two metastrongylid species infecting cats in Ibiza, Spain, including clinical features of infection and diagnosis via morphological and molecular characterisation of larval stages. Cats (n=7) presented with suspect lungworm infection, exhibiting coughing and other respiratory signs of infection. Faecal samples were collected from each cat and were subjected to the Baermann method for the detection of first stage larvae. In four cats, two different species of larvae were observed on the basis of morphology and were further molecularly characterised by PCR and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Sequence data confirmed the presence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and an unknown species of Troglostrongylus. Molecular characterisation of Oslerus rostratus is also reported for the first time. Given the diversity of metastrongylid species capable of infecting cats, and morphological similarity of larval stages, an emphasis should be placed on the use of molecular characterisation for accurate diagnosis of infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20674179/