Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat lungworm infection risk and antibody survey in Italy
By Cavalera, Maria Alfonsa et al.·Published in Parasitology research·2019·Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serological survey and risk factors of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection among owned cats in Italy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that 9% of cats in Italy tested positive for a lungworm infection called Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, which can cause breathing problems. The survey included over 1,000 cats from different regions, with the highest rates of infection in the south. Young cats under 6 months old and those infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were at greater risk. This research highlights the importance of testing for lungworm infections, especially in areas where the risk is higher.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · lungworm infection in cats · symptoms of FIV in cats
Abstract
Feline lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north (n = 700), the centre (n = 227) and the south (n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4-10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5-9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0-9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7-29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area (p < 0.05). The risk of lungworm infection in cats was significantly associated with age less than 6 months (i.e. 24.4%, p < 0.05) and FIV infection (p < 0.05). This large-scale serological survey confirms the exposure of cats to lungworm infections in Italy and that serological tests can be used to assess the distribution of lungworm infections in large populations of animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31230159/