New epidemiological and molecular insights into feline lungworm infection

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida) lives in the terminal respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts of cats. The infection may present with respiratory signs of varying severity and can be life threatening. Despite the importance of A. abstrusus in feline medicine and recent reports of clinical cases of aelurostrongylosis in Italy, epidemiological data are sparse and molecular information available on the parasite are lacking. The present work reports recent insights into the epidemiology of feline lungworm infection in Italy and contributes to the molecular knowledge of A. abstrusus. Individual stool samples were collected from 100 animals and examined with flotation and Baermann methods. The risk factors were analyzed by binary logistic multiple-regression models. All positive fecal samples (n= 16) were subjected to the PCR-coupled sequencing of the rDNA internal trancribed spacer 2 (ITS2). The detected infection rate differs significantly from data reported in the literature, and stray and free-ranging cats and the presence of respiratory symptoms were risk factors for the infection. The molecular characterization showed that the ITS2 sequence is a promising genetic target for a holistic approach to the study of cat lungworm infection. Epidemiological and molecular insights and avenues are discussed.