This study documents the first case of feline ocular onchocercosis caused by Onchocerca lupi in Romania, contributing valuable insights into the zoonotic potential of this parasitic infection. Onchocerca lupi (O. lupi), a nematode typically affecting dogs, wolves, and occasionally humans, has been increasingly identified in domestic animals, including cats. This parasite is known to cause significant ocular damage, as the adult worms embed in eye tissues, leading to inflammation and, in severe cases, potential blindness. In the reported case, a 5-year-old cat from southern Romania presented with a subconjunctival mass in the right eye, which was examined through clinical, histological, and molecular analyses to confirm the presence of O. lupi.
The morphological and genetic identification revealed strong similarities between this strain and others found in Europe and the USA, underlining its expanding geographic range. The study also highlights the unique challenge posed by the transmission cycle of O. lupi, as the exact vector responsible for transferring the parasite to cats remains unidentified, though blackflies and certain mosquito species are suspected. The growing incidence of O. lupi in Eastern Europe underscores the need for increased awareness and diagnostic measures among veterinarians to detect and manage this infection early, reducing the risk of transmission to other animals and humans.
This research calls for further studies on potential vectors and the epidemiology of O. lupi to better understand and control its spread. As a zoonotic pathogen, O. lupi presents a potential public health concern, and enhanced collaboration between veterinary and medical fields is essential to mitigate risks associated with its transmission.
Find more here – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001706X22004156
