References
CPD article: Felid lungworms: from complete strangers to major parasites
Abstract
The parasitic nematodes Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior and Capillaria aerophila affect the respiratory system of cats and are a primary cause of respiratory disease in cats in many countries. While they have been underestimated for a long time, in recent years academics and veterinarians have become more aware of their importance, and now felid lungworms are recognised as primary agents of respiratory disease. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment, and efficacious prevention methods are a priority in feline clinical practice. Recent data have unveiled many features of diseases caused by these nematodes, and this article reviews and discusses practical and clinical knowledge, as well as recent updates on clinical management of aelurostrongylosis, troglostrongylosis and capillariosis in cats.
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (the ‘cat lungworm’), Troglostrongylus brevior and Capillaria aerophila are the three most important nematodes inhabiting the airways of cats. In the last decade they have attracted the attention from academics, veterinary practitioners and nurses from many countries in Europe and overseas (Traversa et al, 2021).
The adult life stages of A. abstrusus take place in the bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveoli of domestic cats and, seldom, some wild felids. Adults of T. brevior usually affect the bronchi and bronchioles of the European wildcat but in some regions, it has spread to populations of domestic cats as well. Their life cycles are indirect and involve terrestrial gastropods (slugs and snails) as intermediate hosts. While A. abstrusus is endemic throughout Europe, including the UK, T. brevior is prevalent in countries of the Mediterranean basin and eastern Europe (Traversa et al, 2021).
First-stage larvae (L1), passed from the respiratory system to the intestinal tract, are shed in the environment via the faeces. In the intermediate host, L1 develop to second (L2) and third-stage larvae (L3), also known as the infective stage. Cats become infected by preying and ingesting paratenic hosts, including rodents, birds, small reptiles, and less oft en by ingesting slugs and snails (Traversa and Di Cesare, 2013; 2016). Moreover, T. brevior can be transmitted from infected cats to kittens, probably via lactation (Traversa et al, 2018).
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