New Cases of Thelazia callipaeda Haplotype 1 in Dogs Suggest a Wider Distribution in Romania.

Thelazia callipaeda is an emerging vector-borne zoonotic helminth parasitizing the conjunctival sac of a broad spectrum of definitive hosts, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, wild carnivores, and humans. Its presence is associated with mild to severe ocular disease. Here, we report two new clinical cases in dogs originating from western and southern Romania, with no travel history. On clinical examination, the nematodes were retrieved from the conjunctival sac and identified using morphological keys and molecular tools. Twenty-two adult nematodes (8 males, 14 females) were collected and were identified as T. callipaeda by morphology. The molecular analysis revealed a 100% identity with haplotype h1 of T. callipaeda. This study describes the occurrence of new autochthonous cases of thelaziosis in Romania, reinforcing the spreading trend of this zoonotic eyeworm and highlighting the need for increased awareness among medical and veterinary practitioners. Moreover, we provide additional molecular evidence for the exclusive distribution of haplotype 1 of T. callipaeda in Europe.

[1]  L. Campino,et al.  Emergence of Thelazia callipaeda Infection in Dogs and Cats from East-Central Portugal. , 2016, Transboundary and emerging diseases.

[2]  A. di Cesare,et al.  Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae): first report in Greece and a case of canine infection , 2015, Parasitology Research.

[3]  A. Mihalca,et al.  Further spreading of canine oriental eyeworm in Europe: first report of Thelazia callipaeda in Romania , 2015, Parasites & Vectors.

[4]  Stevanović Jevrosima,et al.  Canine and Feline Thelaziosis Caused by Thelazia Callipaeda in Serbia , 2014 .

[5]  A. Alić,et al.  The spread of zoonotic Thelazia callipaeda in the Balkan area , 2014, Parasites & Vectors.

[6]  D. Otranto,et al.  Vector-borne helminths of dogs and humans in Europe , 2013, Parasites & Vectors.

[7]  T. Garate,et al.  Thelaziosis in Humans, a Zoonotic Infection, Spain, 2011 , 2012, Emerging infectious diseases.

[8]  D. Otranto,et al.  Therapeutic efficacy of milbemycin oxime/praziquantel oral formulation (Milbemax®) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infested dogs and cats , 2012, Parasites & Vectors.

[9]  D. Otranto,et al.  Vector-borne parasitic zoonoses: emerging scenarios and new perspectives. , 2011, Veterinary parasitology.

[10]  D. Otranto,et al.  Thelazia callipaeda: infection in dogs: a new parasite for Spain , 2011, Parasites & Vectors.

[11]  D. Otranto,et al.  Ocular Thelaziosis in Dogs, France , 2010, Emerging infectious diseases.

[12]  M. Schnyder,et al.  Local transmission of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in southern Germany , 2010, Parasitology Research.

[13]  D. Otranto,et al.  Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in wild animals: report of new host species and ecological implications. , 2009, Veterinary parasitology.

[14]  D. Otranto,et al.  Emergence of canine ocular Thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda in southern Switzerland. , 2008, Veterinary parasitology.

[15]  D. Otranto,et al.  Human Thelaziasis, Europe , 2008, Emerging infectious diseases.

[16]  C. Cantacessi,et al.  First reports of autochthonous eyeworm infection by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in dogs and cat from France. , 2007, Veterinary parasitology.

[17]  C. Cantacessi,et al.  The zoophilic fruitfly Phortica variegata: morphology, ecology and biological niche , 2006, Medical and veterinary entomology.

[18]  C. Cantacessi,et al.  Phortica variegata as an intermediate host of Thelazia callipaeda under natural conditions: evidence for pathogen transmission by a male arthropod vector. , 2006, International journal for parasitology.

[19]  R. Gasser,et al.  Human Thelaziosis—A Neglected Parasitic Disease of the Eye , 2006, The Journal of parasitology.

[20]  D. Otranto,et al.  Thelazia eyeworm: an original endo- and ecto-parasitic nematode. , 2005, Trends in parasitology.

[21]  B. Herrmann,et al.  First case of Thelazia callipaeda infection in a dog in Germany , 2004, Veterinary Record.

[22]  D. Otranto,et al.  Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) of carnivores and humans: morphological study by light and scanning electron microscopy. , 2003, Parassitologia.

[23]  R. C. Anderson.  Nematode parasites of vertebrates: their development and transmission. 2nd edition. Introduction. , 1993 .

[24]  L. Rossi,et al.  Presence of Thelazia callipaeda Railliet & Henry, 1910, in Piedmont, Italy. , 1989, Parassitologia.