Evidence for direct transmission of the cat lungworm Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae)

Parasitology. 2013 Jun;140(7):821-4. doi: 10.1017/S0031182013000188. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

Metastrongyloids of cats are emerging pathogens that may cause fatal broncho-pulmonary disease. Infestation of definitive hosts occurs after ingestion of intermediate or paratenic hosts. Among metastrongyloids of cats, Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) have recently been described as agents of severe broncho-pulmonary disease. Here, we provide, for the first time, observational evidence suggesting the direct transmission of T. brevior from queen cat to suckling kittens. This new knowledge will have a significant impact on current scientific information of this parasite and shed new light into the biology and epidemiology of metastrongyloid nematodes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / parasitology*
  • Cat Diseases / transmission*
  • Cats
  • DNA, Helminth / chemistry
  • DNA, Helminth / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / chemistry
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / chemistry
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / parasitology
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / transmission
  • Lung Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Strongylida / genetics
  • Strongylida / isolation & purification*
  • Strongylida Infections / parasitology
  • Strongylida Infections / transmission
  • Strongylida Infections / veterinary*

Substances

  • DNA, Helminth
  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Electron Transport Complex IV