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Observations on the development of Echinococcus multilocularis in cats
R C A Thompson1, P Deplazes, J Eckert
1WHO Collaborating Centre,Western Australian Biomedical Research Institute, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Murdoch University,Australia. andrew_t@central.murdoch.edu.au
The Journal of Parasitology
|December 3, 2003
Summary
Dogs are highly susceptible to Echinococcus multilocularis infection, showing greater worm recovery than cats. While cats develop fewer worms, they can still transmit the parasite, posing a risk to other hosts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Helminthology
Background:
- Echinococcus multilocularis is a significant zoonotic parasite causing alveolar echinococcosis.
- Understanding parasite development in definitive hosts is crucial for disease control.
- Canids and felids are definitive hosts, but their susceptibility varies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the development of a European Echinococcus multilocularis isolate in domestic cats and dogs.
- To assess worm recovery rates and developmental stages in both species at the prepatent period's end.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of cats and dogs with a European isolate of Echinococcus multilocularis.
- Necropsy and worm recovery at the end of the prepatent period.
- Comparative analysis of worm burden and developmental maturity between species.
Main Results:
- Echinococcus multilocularis successfully established in all infected dogs and cats.
- Significantly higher worm recovery was observed in dogs compared to cats.
- Worms in cats showed less advanced development and maturation than in dogs, but no stunted forms were noted.
Conclusions:
- Dogs exhibit high susceptibility to Echinococcus multilocularis, while cats show lower, more variable recovery rates.
- Despite lower worm burdens, cats can produce infective eggs, making them potential sources of Echinococcus multilocularis transmission.
- The precise epidemiological role of cats in Echinococcus multilocularis transmission requires further investigation.