First report of Dirofilaria repens infection in a microfilaraemic cat from Romania

The present study describes the first report of Dirofilaria repens infection with the presence of both microfilariae and adult nematodes in a cat from Northeastern Romania. Briefly, a 5-year-old male mixed breed cat was presented to a veterinary clinic in Iasi (Romania), for neutering, in early February 2020. During the surgery, two whitish worms were removed from the internal part of the scrotum. Two adult nematodes, one female and one male, were identified, on the basis of morphological features, as D. repens with whitish, cylindrical bodies, measuring 12.5 cm and 6.5 cm in length, respectively. At histology, the female nematode showed two cavitated structures containing myriads of variably arranged microfilariae. The male had a transversal diameter of 350 μm, a 10 μm thick cuticle and a ridge-period of 10 Μm. multiplex PCR confirmed the diagnosis of D. repens from both nematodes. The Knott's test revealed the presence of microfilariae of D. repens. Routine biochemistry panel was within range with one exception, urea serum level slightly increased. The haematology results revealed an increased number of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. The cat had an infection with Otodectes cynotis as well. The cat was discharged with the following therapy recommended: oral doxycycline (10 mg/kg) for 30 days and topical moxidectin, monthly doses. After six months, the Knott's test gave negative results. Further studies should include new insights of D. repens infection in cats concerning its epidemiology, diagnosis and control

Causes and timing of death during long-term follow-up after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis at high risk for surgery. Identification of causes of death after TAVR may help improve patient selection and outcome. Methods We enrolled 874 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR at 3 centers using all approved bioprostheses and different access routes. Clinical outcomes during follow-up were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definitions. Causes of deaths were carefully investigated. Results Mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 23.5% 15.3%; Society of Thoracic Surgery score, 9.0% +/- 8.2%. The Corevalve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) was used in 41.3%; the Edwards Sapien (Edwards Lifesciences Inc., Irvine, CA) in 57.3%. Vascular access was transfemoral in 75.7%. In-hospital mortality was 5.0%. Cumulative mortality rates at 1 to 3 years were 12.4%, 23.4%, and 31.5%, respectively. Landmark analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular (CV) death in the first 6 months of follow-up and a significantly higher incidence of non-CV death thereafter. At Cox regression analysis, the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were acute kidney injury grades 2 to 3 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.41) life-threatening bleeding (HR 4.26), major bleeding (HR 4.61), and myocardial infarction (HR 3.89). The independent predictors of postdischarge mortality were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.48), left ventricular ejection fraction at discharge (HR 0.98), and glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) (HR 1.64). Conclusions Around a third of patients treated with TAVR in daily practice die within the first 3 years of follow-up. Early mortality is predominantly CV, whereas late mortality is mainly non-CV, and it is often due to preexisting comorbidity

Why is Southern African canine babesiosis so virulent? An evolutionary perspective

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Canine babesiosis is a common, highly virulent disease in Southern Africa with even pups and juveniles being severely affected. This contrasts with bovine babesiosis, for example, where host, parasite and vector co-evolved and young animals develop immunity after infection without showing clinical signs. <it>Babesia rossi</it>, the main causative organism of canine babesiosis in sub-Saharan Africa, was first described from a side-striped jackal (<it>Canis adustus</it>) in Kenya. Although data are meagre, there is evidence that indigenous African canids, such as jackals and wild dogs (<it>Lycaon pictus</it>), can harbour the parasite without showing untoward effects. Dogs are not indigenous to Africa. The vast majority of dogs presented at veterinary facilities in South Africa represent recently introduced European, Asian or American breeds. The contention is that <it>B. rossi </it>is a new challenge to which these dogs have not adapted. With intensive treatment of clinical cases, natural selection is effectively negated and the status quo will probably be maintained indefinitely. It is postulated that <it>Babesia vogeli</it>, which frequently results in unapparent infections or mild manifestations in dogs, represents or is closely related to the ancestral form of the canine parasite, possibly originating from wolves (<it>Canis lupus</it>).</p