Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye worm infection in US dogs linked to Onchocerca lupi
By Labelle, Amber L et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2013·Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine ocular onchocercosis in the United States is associated with Onchocerca lupi.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with eye problems was found to have a type of infection called ocular onchocerciasis, which is caused by a parasite known as Onchocerca lupi. This condition can lead to serious eye issues and has been reported in dogs in the United States. Researchers used advanced genetic testing to confirm that this specific parasite was responsible for the eye problems, which was a new finding compared to earlier reports that suggested a different parasite. Understanding this connection can help veterinarians provide better treatment options for affected dogs.
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Abstract
Canine ocular onchocerciasis has a worldwide distribution and has been associated in Europe with Onchocerca lupi based on morphologic and molecular analysis. In the United States, canine ocular onchocerciasis is reportedly associated with Onchocerca lienalis. This association is based solely on histopathologic examination of ocular tissues. The purpose of this study was to use molecular analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine ocular tissue to determine the genetic identity of Onchocerca associated with canine ocular onchocerciasis in the United States. PCR and DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (cox1) and NADH hydrogenase 5 (nd5) genes demonstrated >99% similarity between the sequences obtained from canine ocular tissues previously diagnosed with onchocerciasis. The obtained sequences were most similar to O. lupi (>99% similarity). This report confirms for the first time that O. lupi is associated with canine ocular onchocerciasis in the United States, contrary to previously published reports.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23276598/