Coprological study on intestinal helminths in Swiss dogs: temporal aspects of anthelminthic treatment.

Coproscopic examination of 505 dogs originating from the western or central part of Switzerland revealed the presence (prevalence data) of the following helminthes: Toxocara canis (7.1%), hookworms (6.9%), Trichuris vulpis (5.5%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%), Taeniidae (1.3%), Capillaria spp. (0.8%), and Diphyllobothrium latum (0.4%). Potential risk factors for infection were identified by a questionnaire: dogs from rural areas significantly more often had hookworms and taeniid eggs in their feces when compared to urban family dogs. Access to small rodents, offal, and carrion was identified as risk factor for hookworm and Taeniidae, while feeding of fresh and uncooked meat did not result in higher prevalences for these helminths. A group of 111 dogs was treated every 3 months with a combined medication of pyrantel embonate, praziquantel, and febantel, and fecal samples were collected for coproscopy in monthly intervals. Despite treatment, the yearly incidence of T. canis was 32%, while hookworms, T. vulpis, Capillaria spp., and Taeniidae reached incidences ranging from 11 to 22%. Fifty-seven percent of the 111 dogs had helminth eggs in their feces at least once during the 1-year study period. This finding implicates that an infection risk with potential zoonotic pathogens cannot be ruled out for the dog owner despite regular deworming four times a year.

[Fever of unknown origin with granulomatous hepatitis, uveitis and acute renal failure]. / Fièvre d'origine indéterminée avec hépatite granulomateuse, uvéite et insuffisance rénale aiguë.

A 46-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of fever of unknown origin (FUO). Two months before admission, he noted fever, weight loss, and asthenia. Physical examination revealed only mechanical pains of the right shoulder. In the past, patient's father had a tuberculosis. At the age of 29 years, Brucella granulomatous hepatitis and B hepatitis were diagnosed. The past three years, he developed two episodes of uveitis which resolved with local treatment. The hepatic biopsy revealed only a non specific granulomatous hepatitis. Few days after admission, the patient developed acute renal failure without proteinuria or hematuria. The renal biopsy confirmed the presence of noncaseating granulomas. In the context of the patient, we diagnosed a sarcoidosis. All the symptoms resolved with the initiation of prednisone treatment. The FUO differential diagnosis, and the different aspects of renal sarcoidosis are discussed.