First Molecular Characterization of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a Naturally Infected Domestic Cat in Belgrade, Serbia: In-Depth Clinical, Radiological and Parasitological Findings.

PURPOSE: In the past decade, the emergence of feline metastrongyloid lungworms has been increasingly recognized across Europe. The parasite is now being reported in previously non-endemic areas, with severe clinical cases described more frequently. This study describes the first molecular identification of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a naturally infected domestic cat in Serbia and treatment efficacy clinical and parasitological follow up.

METHODS

Nested PCR targeting specific 233-bp long fragment of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region was used for species identification, which was further confirmed by sequence analysis. The animal was treated with 50 mg/kg fenbendazole orally during 15 days. The efficacy of treatment was monitored by examining the presence of larvae in faecal samples each day throughout the course of therapy by using Baerman technique.

RESULTS

Fenbendazole has shown to be effective in eliminating parasites, with larvae being completely absent from faecal samples by the 13th day of treatment. A worsening of clinical signs was observed following the initiation of therapy. The period of the highest larval burden in faecal samples correlated with the most intense coughing, which was also consistent with radiographic findings in the form of alveolar patterns. An additional experiment was done, showing that larvae can survive fluctuating daily temperatures in liquid environment for up to 51 days.

CONCLUSION

The findings in this study indicate the emergence of feline lungworms and underscore its inclusion in differential diagnoses of feline respiratory syndrome. The importance of close monitoring during therapy highlights the need for further research, particularly in relation to treatment and prevention.