Image diagnosis of zoonotic onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi

Vet Parasitol. 2014 Jun 16;203(1-2):91-5. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.007. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Abstract

Onchocerca lupi, a zoonotic nematode infecting the eyes of carnivores, has been increasingly reported in dogs from Europe and the USA. In order to improve the current status of knowledge on this neglected filarioid, diagnostic imaging tools (i.e., ultrasound scan, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) are herein used to diagnose canine onchocercosis in two dogs, which scored positive for O. lupi microfilariae at the skin snip test and to assess the anatomical location of the nematode within the ocular apparatus. Results indicate that ultrasound tools are useful to address the diagnosis of O. lupi in dogs and to evaluate the localization of nodules or cysts containing the adult nematode.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Diagnostic imaging; Dog; Magnetic resonance imaging; Onchocerca lupi; Ultrasound scan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dogs
  • Eye / parasitology
  • Female
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Male
  • Onchocerca / physiology*
  • Onchocerciasis, Ocular / diagnosis
  • Onchocerciasis, Ocular / diagnostic imaging
  • Onchocerciasis, Ocular / veterinary*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
  • Ultrasonography