Feline lungworms: what a dilemma.

Abstract

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is regarded as the major lungworm infecting Felis catus, although other, albeit poorly studied, nematodes have been described from the respiratory system of domestic cats. Recent records of these neglected parasites have renewed the attention of the scientific community, but their actual role in respiratory disease in cats is blurred. The epidemiology, pathogenic role, and diagnosis of Troglostrongylus spp., Oslerus rostratus, and Capillaria aerophila in domestic cats are far from being clarified. Indeed, recent studies have provided novel information but have also given rise to relevant doubts. We discuss here the state of current knowledge regarding felid lungworms together with the dilemmas recently roused in the scientific literature.