Abstract

Gurltia paralysans is a metastrongyloid nematode which belongs to the Angiostrongylidae family and presents tropism for veins of the subarachnoid space in vivo of domestic and wild felids causing a progressive and chronic clinical manifestation of paraparesis/paraplegia. The geographic distribution of G. paralysans includes rural and periurban areas of South America and was recently reported in Europe. To date, a definitive diagnosis of feline gurltiosis is still conducted by post-mortem examination of the spinal cord in affected animals. A presumptive diagnosis of feline gurltiosis can also be achieved based on data of compatible clinical signs and associated epidemiological risk factors. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the commercial serological test Angio Detect TM(R) (IDEXX Laboratories) as a possible diagnostic method of feline gurltiosis in vivo. For the study, 10 domestic felines (Felis catus) which originated from a high endemic area of Southern Chile, were analyzed. All felines presented chronic paraparesis or severe paraplegia. Subsequently, commercial Angio Detect TM(R) serological tests for the detection of closely related Angiostrongylus vasorum in canids were performed according to manufacturer's instructions. Conducted serological tests were positive in seven of ten felines showing paraplegia/paraparesis and presumably infected with G. paralysans, and four of them were additionally necropsied, and presented macroscopic findings compatible with feline gurltiosis. Furthermore, the presence of adult female and male G. paralysans specimens at the level of the subarachnoid vasculature in affected spinal cord segments were observed during necropsy. Histopathology demonstrated severe eosinophilic meningomyelitis, coagulopathies with thrombosis in G. paralysans-parasitized leptomeningeal veins. Results of this preliminary study suggest a cross-reaction between A. vasorum-specific antigens, which also parasitize blood vessels in vivo, and G. paralysans when using an Angio Detect TM(R) test, which suggests its helpful use as a new diagnostic method for feline gurltiosis in live domestic felines. Additional specific antigen research will be required in order to better understand the sensitivity and specificity of A. vasorum antigens used in this test and for existing cross-reactivity with G. paralysans-derived antigens for future a suitable intra vitam immunodiagnosis of neglected feline gurltiosis.