Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The Emergence of Zoonotic Onchocerca lupi Infection in the United States--A Case-Series.
- Journal:
- Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- Cantey, Paul T et al.
- Affiliation:
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria · United States
Plain-English summary
This report discusses six cases of a parasite called Onchocerca lupi, which typically infects cats and dogs, that have been found in humans in the United States since 2013. Unlike cases seen in other countries, these American patients did not develop nodules in their eyes but instead had more serious issues like nodules in the spine and under the skin. Diagnosing this infection is difficult because there isn't a specific blood test available. Treatment for Onchocerca lupi is suggested to follow the same approach used for a related parasite, Onchocerca volvulus, since there is no specific information for O. lupi. More research is needed to understand how common this infection is in the U.S. and to create effective prevention methods.
Abstract
This case-series describes the 6 human infections with Onchocerca lupi, a parasite known to infect cats and dogs, that have been identified in the United States since 2013. Unlike cases reported outside the country, the American patients have not had subconjunctival nodules but have manifested more invasive disease (eg, spinal, orbital, and subdermal nodules). Diagnosis remains challenging in the absence of a serologic test. Treatment should be guided by what is done for Onchocerca volvulus as there are no data for O. lupi. Available evidence suggests that there may be transmission in southwestern United States, but the risk of transmission to humans is not known. Research is needed to better define the burden of disease in the United States and develop appropriately-targeted prevention strategies.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26611778/