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1.
Parasitol Res ; 123(1): 29, 2023 Dec 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38082034

ABSTRACT

Spirocercosis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi that affects several canids around the world. In Costa Rica, few spirocercosis cases have been reported; however, it is suspected that the infection is currently underdiagnosed. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has sped up the spread of scientific knowledge, raising practioner's awareness of the epidemiology and signs and manifestations of infections. The aim of this work was to use social media as a tool for increasing awareness of spirocercosis among veterinarians and investigate the frequency of cases occurring in Costa Rica. Infographic material about the infection was disseminated by Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram from January 2021 to July 2022 using a public account of the Laboratory of Helminthology of the University of Costa Rica. In addition, Google Forms questionnaires were completed by veterinarians to report the number of spirocercosis cases in their clinics, associated manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the disease. Remarkably, since 2020, a six-fold increase in the number of cases per year was noted. Clinical manifestations matched those reported elsewhere, and one of every three dogs infected with S. lupi died spontaneously or required euthanasia because of the infection. This work suggests that S. lupi infection in Costa Rica may have been underdiagnosed in the last decade, and the knowledge and awareness of clinical personnel play a major role in the detection of this and other infectious diseases.


Subject(s)
Canidae , Dog Diseases , Nematode Infections , Social Media , Spirurida Infections , Thelazioidea , Humans , Dogs , Animals , Pandemics , Nematode Infections/veterinary , Spirurida Infections/diagnosis , Spirurida Infections/epidemiology , Spirurida Infections/veterinary , Dog Diseases/parasitology
2.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 29: 100695, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35256122

ABSTRACT

Spirocerca lupi is the etiological agent of spirocercosis in canids from tropics and subtropics in the world. This parasite can lead to life threatening complications, including the formation of fibro and osteosarcomas. A 5-year-old crossbreed Maltese dog from Costa Rica was presented to a veterinary clinic with two nodules in the subcutaneous tissues of the cervical region. One of the nodules resolved with intramuscular antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment. However, the other nodule persisted and became purulent. The content of the nodule was excised releasing two coiled 3-cm reddish worms. Identity of the specimens was confirmed by amplifying an 850 bp fragment of the 18S rDNA. The obtained sequence showed 99.96% similarities with S. lupi from Hungary. The present study highlights the need of veterinary clinicians' awareness towards nematode aberrant migrations, and the require of molecular studies to gain insight into the parasite's evolutionary history.


Subject(s)
Dog Diseases , Nematode Infections , Spirurida Infections , Thelazioidea , Animals , Costa Rica , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dogs , Nematode Infections/veterinary , Spirurida Infections/diagnosis , Spirurida Infections/parasitology , Spirurida Infections/veterinary , Subcutaneous Tissue
3.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 23: 100510, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33678365

ABSTRACT

Spirocerca lupi is the etiologic agent of spirocercosis in canids from the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. A 1-year-old dog was presented with weight loss and diarrhea. Upon examination, thickened limbs, a mass in the lung's right middle lobe and an esophageal mass were found. The pulmonary mass aspirate revealed S. lupi eggs surrounded by a purulent infiltrate. Limb bone biopsies showed irregular mineralization and cartilaginous metaplasia. Treatment with doramectin resolved the initial clinical signs. However, regurgitation was reported 5 months later. Therefore, the dog received additional doramectin and later vomited a worm morphologically consistent with a S. lupi adult. Herein we report the esophageal migration of S. lupi with egg deposition to the lung parenchyma, accompanied by secondary hypertrophic osteopathy. This report highlights the presence of S. lupi in Costa Rica and the importance of including this parasite as a differential diagnosis when compatible signs are identified.


Subject(s)
Dog Diseases , Spirurida Infections , Thelazioidea , Animals , Costa Rica , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dogs/parasitology , Lung , Spirurida Infections/diagnosis , Spirurida Infections/veterinary
4.
Pathogens ; 10(2)2021 Jan 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33530324

ABSTRACT

Spirocerca lupi is a parasitic nematode of canids that induces a myriad of clinical manifestations in its host and, in 25% of infections, leads to the formation of sarcomas. The description of the protein composition of the excretory and secretory products (Sl-ESP) of S. lupi has shed light on its possible interactions with the host environment, including migration within the host and mechanisms of immunomodulation. Despite this, the process by which S. lupi induces cancer in the dog remains poorly understood, and some hypotheses have arisen regarding these possible mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the role of specific ESP from the carcinogenic helminths Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini and Schistosoma haematobium in inducing chronic inflammation and cancer in their host's tissues. The parasitic worms Taenia solium, Echinococcus granulosus, Heterakis gallinarum, Trichuris muris and Strongyloides stercoralis, which have less-characterized mechanisms of cancer induction, are also analyzed. Based on the pathological findings in spirocercosis and the mechanisms by which other parasitic helminths induce cancer, we propose that the sustained inflammatory response in the dog´s tissues produced in response to the release of Sl-ESP homologous to those of other carcinogenic worms may lead to the malignant process in infected dogs.

5.
J Parasit Dis ; 42(3): 449-454, 2018 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30166794

ABSTRACT

Lesions compatible with spirocercosis were found in the esophagus and aorta of an Andean fox from Cuzco, Peru. The esophageal and aortic lesions were 5.5 and 1.5 cm in diameter, respectively. A total of 12 adult nematodes (6 males and 6 females) were collected from the esophageal lesion, and all were identified as Spirocerca lupi by morphological and molecular methods. Molecular characterization was performed by analyzing two sources of the cox1 gene, and the sequences were compared with previous S. lupi sequences from other work deposited in GenBank. Analysis of the partial cox1 gene from S. lupi (n = 3) showed 2 haplotypes and had 95-99% nucleotide similarity to previously described sequences. Also, molecular analysis showed that S. lupi is a very diverse group, due to the genetic variability of the partial sequences of the cox1 gene of Spirocerca. This study is the first to report finding of spirocercosis in the Andean fox.

6.
Acta sci. vet. (Impr.) ; 46(supl): 1-4, 2018. ilus
Article in English | VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1457926

ABSTRACT

Background: Spirocercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Spirocerca lupi. This pathology affects canid carnivores, especially domestic dogs. Early diagnosis has been proven challenging and most infected animals are diagnosed when disease is in advanced stage. Exams such as computed tomography scans or radiographs can aid in disease confirmation. Radiographic exam frequently reveals the presence of a mass located in mediastinal region, which can be erroneously diagnosed as pulmonary mass. The aim of this study was to report the differential diagnosis between paraesophageal granuloma, possibly due to spirocercosis, and pulmonary metastasis in a dog with a history of neurofibrosarcoma.Case: A 8 year-old male Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 17.4 kg, was presented with anterior limb suspension and a recurrent nodule of 2.0 cm diameter, located on the main pad, with previous diagnosis of neurofibrosarcoma (malignant Schwannoma). Routine evaluation work-up included thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound for clinical staging, electrocardiogram, complete blood count (CBC), coagulogram, renal and hepatic function tests, with results within the normal range for the species. The dog submitted to left anterior limb amputation due to recurrent neurofibrosarcoma in the carpal region. Histopathological exam confirmed recurrent neurofibrosarcoma without vascular invasion. Considering neoplasm biological behavior and clean surgical margins, only routine follow-up was established, with clinical exams. The dogwas presented to the Veterinary Hospital five months after surgical treatment and it was presented with fever, prostration, and history of vomiting. Radiographic exam showed a circumscribed mass in caudal mediastinal area. Computed tomography scan was performed to best evaluate the mass and the result was compatible with paraesophageal abscess.[...]


Subject(s)
Male , Animals , Dogs , Esophagus , Granuloma/diagnostic imaging , Spirurida Infections/veterinary , Neoplasm Metastasis , Neurofibrosarcoma/diagnostic imaging , Thelazioidea , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/diagnostic imaging , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging
7.
Acta sci. vet. (Online) ; 46(supl): 1-4, 2018. ilus
Article in English | VETINDEX | ID: vti-726513

ABSTRACT

Background: Spirocercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Spirocerca lupi. This pathology affects canid carnivores, especially domestic dogs. Early diagnosis has been proven challenging and most infected animals are diagnosed when disease is in advanced stage. Exams such as computed tomography scans or radiographs can aid in disease confirmation. Radiographic exam frequently reveals the presence of a mass located in mediastinal region, which can be erroneously diagnosed as pulmonary mass. The aim of this study was to report the differential diagnosis between paraesophageal granuloma, possibly due to spirocercosis, and pulmonary metastasis in a dog with a history of neurofibrosarcoma.Case: A 8 year-old male Cocker Spaniel dog, weighing 17.4 kg, was presented with anterior limb suspension and a recurrent nodule of 2.0 cm diameter, located on the main pad, with previous diagnosis of neurofibrosarcoma (malignant Schwannoma). Routine evaluation work-up included thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound for clinical staging, electrocardiogram, complete blood count (CBC), coagulogram, renal and hepatic function tests, with results within the normal range for the species. The dog submitted to left anterior limb amputation due to recurrent neurofibrosarcoma in the carpal region. Histopathological exam confirmed recurrent neurofibrosarcoma without vascular invasion. Considering neoplasm biological behavior and clean surgical margins, only routine follow-up was established, with clinical exams. The dogwas presented to the Veterinary Hospital five months after surgical treatment and it was presented with fever, prostration, and history of vomiting. Radiographic exam showed a circumscribed mass in caudal mediastinal area. Computed tomography scan was performed to best evaluate the mass and the result was compatible with paraesophageal abscess.[...](AU)


Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Dogs , Granuloma/diagnostic imaging , Esophagus , Neoplasm Metastasis , Thelazioidea , Spirurida Infections/veterinary , Neurofibrosarcoma/diagnostic imaging , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/diagnostic imaging
8.
Acta sci. vet. (Online) ; 44(supl): 01-05, 2016. ilus
Article in English | VETINDEX | ID: vti-993

ABSTRACT

Background: Spirocercosis is considered to be an emerging pathological condition within veterinary medicine. The disease has worldwide distribution, although the greatest prevalence has been described in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection rate is affected by the interrelationships between the density of the dog population and intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was report the morphological and histopathological characteristics of natural infection by Spirocerca lupi in dogs from Distrito Federal, Brazil. Cases: Records were obtained from 10 dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis at the Pathology Sector, School of Veterinary Medicine, União Pioneira de Integração Social (UPIS), in Brasília, Federal District. For six animals, the diagnosis was confirmed through necropsy. Two dogs presented aortic rupture, thus resulting in hemothorax and consequent hypovolemic shock. Another animal presented gastric nodules, erratic migration to the lungs and renal and splenic infarction due to aortic thromboembolism. One dog presented neoplastic transformation of the esophageal granuloma to osteosarcoma. The age of the dogs ranged from one to eight years and the weight ranged from 15 to 40 kg. The clinical histories were similar: regurgitation (10/10), emesis (5/10), dysphagia (7/10), weight loss (10/10), weakness (3/10) and dyspnea (4/10). Esophageal nodules measured 1 to 5 cm in [...](AU)


Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Thelazioidea/parasitology , Hemothorax/veterinary , Hypovolemia/veterinary , Thromboembolism/veterinary , Oman , Parasitic Diseases/economics
9.
Acta sci. vet. (Impr.) ; 44(supl): 01-05, 2016. ilus
Article in English | VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1457522

ABSTRACT

Background: Spirocercosis is considered to be an emerging pathological condition within veterinary medicine. The disease has worldwide distribution, although the greatest prevalence has been described in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection rate is affected by the interrelationships between the density of the dog population and intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was report the morphological and histopathological characteristics of natural infection by Spirocerca lupi in dogs from Distrito Federal, Brazil. Cases: Records were obtained from 10 dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis at the Pathology Sector, School of Veterinary Medicine, União Pioneira de Integração Social (UPIS), in Brasília, Federal District. For six animals, the diagnosis was confirmed through necropsy. Two dogs presented aortic rupture, thus resulting in hemothorax and consequent hypovolemic shock. Another animal presented gastric nodules, erratic migration to the lungs and renal and splenic infarction due to aortic thromboembolism. One dog presented neoplastic transformation of the esophageal granuloma to osteosarcoma. The age of the dogs ranged from one to eight years and the weight ranged from 15 to 40 kg. The clinical histories were similar: regurgitation (10/10), emesis (5/10), dysphagia (7/10), weight loss (10/10), weakness (3/10) and dyspnea (4/10). Esophageal nodules measured 1 to 5 cm in [...]


Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Hemothorax/veterinary , Hypovolemia/veterinary , Oman , Thelazioidea/parasitology , Thromboembolism/veterinary , Parasitic Diseases/economics
10.
Acta sci. vet. (Impr.) ; 44(supl): 01-06, 2016. ilus
Article in English | VETINDEX | ID: biblio-1457554

ABSTRACT

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that causes nodules in the esophagus and aortic aneurysms in dogs. Animals are infected by eating intermediate host (beetle) containing infective larvae or consuming viscera containing parasitic cysts from paratenic hosts. Dogs commonly have a subclinical presentation, but the most common signs are vomiting and regurgitation. Visualizing nodules or neoplastic masses via esophagoscopy and the presence of S. lupi eggs in feces are the best diagnostic methods. Milbemycin oxime is effective as a treatment for S. lupi. The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic and medical management of a patient with dysphagia secondary to esophageal S. lupi nodules.Case: A 7-year-old male German shepherd dog was referred for endoscopic examination. The animal presented with chronic severe dysphagia and weight loss with a presumptive diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body. At palpation of the neck, the dog was painful just dorsal to the cricoid cartilage and had submandibular lymphadenomegaly. The animal also exhibited a dropped jaw which could be returned to its normal position by manipulation. Radiographic examination demonstrated a radiopaque image compatible with a mass in the cranial esophagus just caudal to the upper esophageal sphincter. A fluoroscopy study was performed and confirmed the presence of a mass apparently within the [...]


Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Oximes/therapeutic use , Thelazioidea/parasitology , Deglutition Disorders/pathology , Deglutition Disorders/veterinary , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Biopsy/veterinary , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/therapy , Endoscopy/veterinary
11.
Acta sci. vet. (Online) ; 44(supl): 01-06, 2016. ilus
Article in English | VETINDEX | ID: vti-483729

ABSTRACT

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that causes nodules in the esophagus and aortic aneurysms in dogs. Animals are infected by eating intermediate host (beetle) containing infective larvae or consuming viscera containing parasitic cysts from paratenic hosts. Dogs commonly have a subclinical presentation, but the most common signs are vomiting and regurgitation. Visualizing nodules or neoplastic masses via esophagoscopy and the presence of S. lupi eggs in feces are the best diagnostic methods. Milbemycin oxime is effective as a treatment for S. lupi. The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic and medical management of a patient with dysphagia secondary to esophageal S. lupi nodules.Case: A 7-year-old male German shepherd dog was referred for endoscopic examination. The animal presented with chronic severe dysphagia and weight loss with a presumptive diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body. At palpation of the neck, the dog was painful just dorsal to the cricoid cartilage and had submandibular lymphadenomegaly. The animal also exhibited a dropped jaw which could be returned to its normal position by manipulation. Radiographic examination demonstrated a radiopaque image compatible with a mass in the cranial esophagus just caudal to the upper esophageal sphincter. A fluoroscopy study was performed and confirmed the presence of a mass apparently within the [...](AU)


Subject(s)
Animals , Dogs , Deglutition Disorders/pathology , Deglutition Disorders/veterinary , Thelazioidea/parasitology , Oximes/therapeutic use , Endoscopy/veterinary , Biopsy/veterinary , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/therapy , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
12.
J Vet Diagn Invest ; 26(6): 815-7, 2014 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25319031

ABSTRACT

The current report describes granulomatous pneumonia due to Spirocerca lupi in 2 free-ranging maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Both wolves had multiple, white, 1-1.5 cm in diameter, soft, encapsulated granulomas in the caudal lung lobes, which contained centrally placed parasites on cut sections. Microscopically, there was granulomatous inflammation with numerous intralesional sections of spirurid nematodes. Representative complete adult specimens of nematodes derived from these lesions were submitted for parasitological exam and identified as the spirurid S. lupi. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no published reports of S. lupi in maned wolves.


Subject(s)
Canidae , Granuloma/veterinary , Pneumonia/veterinary , Spirurida Infections/veterinary , Thelazioidea/isolation & purification , Animals , Brazil , Diagnosis, Differential , Granuloma/diagnosis , Granuloma/parasitology , Granuloma/pathology , Lung/parasitology , Lung/pathology , Male , Pneumonia/diagnosis , Pneumonia/parasitology , Pneumonia/pathology , Spirurida Infections/diagnosis , Spirurida Infections/parasitology , Spirurida Infections/pathology
13.
J Parasit Dis ; 36(2): 273-6, 2012 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24082542

ABSTRACT

A 7-years-old intact female mixed breed dog was referred to the private veterinary clinic because of history of intense food regurgitation. The plain X-ray examination and the contrast-enhanced X-ray using barium sulfate revealed the presence of a radio-opaque mass in the final third of the esophagus. Stool samples were collected and the coproparasitological test was done, which showed thick-shelled eggs from Spirocerca lupi. As the canine died, the necropsy was performed, showing nodular lesions in the esophagus, compatible with the typical lesions of spirocercosis. The histopathological analysis showed the proliferation of spindle-shaped cells, process compatible with fibrosarcoma. This is the first official report of the presence of canine spirocercosis in Guapimirim city, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and can serve as a warning to veterinary practitioners, about this probably endemic region for S. lupi.

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