Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Strongyloides parasite infection found in two dogs in temperate
By Kirkwood, N & Šlapeta, J·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2024·Sydney School of Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Strongyloides stercoralis in two dogs from a household in temperate Australia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A household in Sydney, Australia, had two dogs diagnosed with a parasite called Strongyloides stercoralis. One dog showed chronic gastrointestinal signs like diarrhea, while the other appeared healthy. The sick dog was diagnosed through a fecal test, and both dogs were treated with ivermectin, a medication not typically used for this type of infection. After treatment, follow-up tests showed that the parasite was no longer present. This case highlights the importance of being aware of this parasite, even in cooler areas.
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Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is parasite affecting both humans and dogs and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia. This case report describes two dogs from a household in Sydney, New South Wales, one with chronic gastrointestinal signs and the other who was asymptomatic who were subsequently diagnosed with S. stercoralis. Diagnosis can be challenging in humans and dogs due to intermittent shedding and low worm burdens and in this case the symptomatic dog had Strongyloides spp. rhabitiform larvae detected on a direct faecal smear and PCR, the asymptomatic dog on PCR only. Obtained sequences from the symptomatic dog confirmed the presence of the S. stercoralis clade affecting both dogs and humans. Infection does not respond to commonly used deworming drugs for dogs. Treatment in both cases was undertaken using off-label doses of ivermectin and follow-up PCR testing was negative. This case report should increase practitioner awareness of this parasite as present and transmissible in temperate areas of Australia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38506222/