Keynote Message

Parasitic nematodes infecting the respiratory tract of domestic cats are attracting increased attention in feline clinical practice. In addition to the most commonly recognised 'cat lungworm' Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and the well-known Capillaria aerophila, other parasites (e.g., Troglostrongylus brevior) have been recently acknowledged as important respiratory pathogens of cats. Feline lungworms are being increasingly diagnosed in various geographic areas and a continuous update on epizootiological modifications and advances in diagnosis, therapy, and control is of pivotal importance. In this talk, current knowledge of lungworms affecting cats will be summarised, along with a discussion of recent findings and insights into clinical and diagnostic features of the diseases they cause. The talk will also explore current and potential new avenues for management and control of feline parasitic respiratory diseases.

Key References

1.  Traversa D, Di Cesare A. Feline lungworms: what a dilemma. Trends in Parasitology. 2013;29:423–430. DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.07.004.

2.  Traversa D, Di Cesare A. Cardio-pulmonary parasitic nematodes affecting cats in Europe: unraveling the past, depicting the present, and predicting the future. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2014;1:11. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2014.00011.

3.  Di Cesare A, Veronesi F, Traversa D. Felid lungworms and heartworms in Italy: more questions than answers? Trends in Parasitology. 2015;31:665–675. DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.07.001.

4.  Traversa D, Di Cesare A. Diagnosis and management of lungworm infections in cats: cornerstones, dilemmas and new avenues. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2016;18:7–20. DOI: 10.1177/1098612X15623113.