Dioctophyme renale in a domestic cat (Felis catus): Renal location and nephrectomy.

Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyme renale, nematode with indirect life cycle. Its intermediate host is a freshwater oligochaete and its definitive host is a wild or household carnivore. The adult nematode develops in the definite host, generally locating itself in the kidney. This article was meant to describe the first nephrectomy performed in a domestic cat due to renal dioctophymosis in Argentina. The subject showed a non-specific appearance of generally feeling ill, hematuria and mild diarrhea. It was diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound, followed by exploratory celiotomy and nephrectomy. After verifying absence of free specimens, the right kidney was removed. This organ was found to be enlarged in a spheroidal manner in contrast to the left kidney, with significant thickening of the renal capsule, excessive congestion of vessels and adhesions involving the caudal vena cava. An adult nematode was removed from the right kidney and identified as Dioctophyme renale. Reports of feline dioctophymosis are scarce being most of them necropsy findings. In this we are presenting a confirmed case of D. renale removed by surgery from a live cat. The results presented here reinforces the fact that cats are also appropriate definitive hosts for this parasite.

Effects of temperature and humidity on the development of eggs of Toxocara canis under laboratory conditions.

The influence of temperature and humidity on the survival and development of Toxocara canis eggs in an in vitro model system was investigated. Two soil samples were inoculated with T. canis eggs and maintained at 3% and 50% humidity and temperatures of 19-24 degrees C. Nine soil samples were inoculated with T. canis eggs of which three samples were kept at 4 degrees C with humidities at 3%, 15%, and 30%; three were maintained at 21 degrees C and three more were incubated at 34 degrees C, and at the same three humidity levels. Samples were monitored every 7 days for a total of 2 months, for the presence and development of eggs. With increasing temperature, the number of eggs undergoing development increased (P<0.01); the number of deformed eggs decreased, the number of infective eggs increased (P<0.01), and egg maturation was accelerated. A decrease in the survival of infective eggs occurred at 34 degrees C. An increase in humidity produced a rise in the number of developed eggs at all three temperatures (P<0.01). This study suggests that elevated temperatures accelerated the development as well as the degradation of eggs of T. canis, whereas the range in humidity was directly correlated with egg development.

Distribution of intestinal parasitoses in relation to environmental and sociocultural parameters in La Plata, Argentina.

Environmental parameters influencing the distribution of parasite species in three neighbourhoods of differing socioeconomic conditions in La Plata, Argentina were analysed. Coproparasitological screenings were performed in children up to 14 years old from a marginal zone (100), a suburban neighbourhood (101), and an urban area (91) in 1999--2000. The presence of parasite species in environmental samples (water and soil) and the degree of association among parasite communities was documented and evaluated. The prevalence of infection in each population was 73.0%, 54.4% and 35.2%, respectively. The frequencies of helminths and pathogenic protozoa were both higher in the marginal zone, where sanitary and environmental conditions were significantly inferior compared with the other zones. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites in this infantile population was related to parasitic contamination of the soil and water sources in addition to deficient sanitary and sociocultural conditions. Calculation of an equitability index revealed that the specific richness was less equitable once socioeconomic conditions and hygienic practices were improved. This study demonstrates the need to implement management practices for the control of intestinal parasitoses in accordance with the environmental and sociocultural characteristics of a given ecosystem.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis within three population groups in La Plata, Argentina.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was studied as a function of socioeconomic conditions within La Plata, Argentina. Age, sex, and environmental factors were considered. Thus, from each of three areas within the city - the first a 'marginal' zone, the second a lower-income suburb, the third a middle-income urban district - 100,101, and 91 children up to 14 years old, respectively, were examined for intestinal parasites. Giardia lamblia was the most frequent species found. The respective prevalences of intestinal parasites overall (73, 54.4, and 35.1%), of polyparasitism (61.6, 27.2, and 12.5%), and of helminthic infection (32, 10.9, and 0.0%) were the highest within the population group having significantly inferior sanitary and environmental conditions. A positive statistical association between the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and age was observed in all three of the neighborhoods. We also noted a correspondence between the frequency of such infections and school attendance in the two suburban districts. Management practices in accordance with the specific characteristics of an urban environmental and sociocultural ecosystem are thus important for the control of intestinal-parasite infection within municipal populations.

PIP: The prevalence of intestinal parasites, as a function of socioeconomic conditions, was investigated in 3 urban population groups in La Plata, Argentina. 100 children under 14 years of age from a marginal settlement, 101 children from a lower-income suburb, and 91 children from a middle-income district were enrolled. The overall prevalences of intestinal parasites in these 3 groups were 73%, 54.4%, and 35.1%, respectively. Polyparasitism was present in 61.6%, 27.2%, and 12.5%, respectively, while helminthic infection rates were 32%, 10.9%, and 0.0%. Giardia lamblia was the most frequently identified species. These findings confirmed the hypothesized inverse relationship between intestinal parasitosis and socioeconomic conditions. The marginal zone with the highest rates of parasitic disease was characterized by a lack of running water in the homes, outdoor garbage disposal, primitive latrines, and dirt floors. Parasite prevalence increased with age, and with school attendance rates, in the 2 suburban communities. These findings suggest a need for multidisciplinary sanitation programs and community education to reduce parasite transmission through food, water, and soil, in accordance with the environmental and sociocultural characteristics of each municipal ecosystem.