title: Relation between Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae excretion, respiratory and radiographic signs in naturally infected cats.
abstract: A study was carried out to assess the possible relation between the number of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae per gram of feces (LPG) with respiratory signs and radiographic findings in naturally infected cats. Out of 196 owned cats, 52 (26.5%) were found infected with A. abstrusus. Positive cats were divided into 4 age groups (1, 2-6 months; 2, 7-11 months; 3, 1-5 years and, 4, >6 years). Thoracic radiographs in double orthogonal views were carried out and cats were ranked on the basis of the respiratory signs (0, no symptoms; 1, mild; 2, moderate and 3, severe symptoms) and radiographic changes. Data showed that increasing LPGs were associated with higher probability to develop more severe symptoms, although some asymptomatic cats had high number of LPGs. Radiographic score and LPGs decreased with increasing cat age. A. abstrusus should be included in the differential diagnosis of lung diseases also in cats with mild respiratory symptoms.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Genchi
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fonti
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: De Francesco
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piazza
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Viglietti
mesh_terms: D000801:Angiostrongylus / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology*; D002415:Cats; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva; D008174:Lung Diseases, Parasitic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*