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Home / Equine Research Bank / Parasitol Res / Biotechnological advances in the diagnosis of little-known p...
Parasitology research2008; 104(2); 209-216; doi: 10.1007/s00436-008-1290-z

Biotechnological advances in the diagnosis of little-known parasitoses of pets.

Abstract: Dogs, cats, and horses are popular pets in many countries of the World and they have lived in close proximity with human beings for thousands of years. The effect of pet ownership on human health is well known and there is significant merit in preserving the health and welfare of these animals. Some infections caused by parasitic nematodes and arthropods of dogs, cats, and horses are now spreading in several areas of the world. This is the case of canine spirocercosis, feline aelurostrongylosis, and equine gastro-intestinal and nasal nematode and botfly infections. These diseases affect animal health and welfare and may be life-threatening. In spite these infections causing illnesses of major importance in clinical practice are spreading in new geographical foci, they are little known and underestimated also as an effect of difficulties in traditional diagnostics. Importantly, the limited reliability of conventional methodologies has also limited our knowledge of epidemiology, ecology, and biology of these parasitoses. This article reviews the DNA-based assays that have been recently developed for diagnosing these neglected pet parasitic diseases focusing on the advantages they have over classical techniques. Moreover, the opportunities for further epidemiological, ecological, and biological investigations are discussed.
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Publication Date: 2008-12-06 PubMed ID: 19066963DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1290-zGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on the development and effectiveness of advanced, DNA-based diagnostic methodologies for less-known parasitic infections in pets including dogs, cats, and horses.

Understanding the Problem

  • Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Their health impacts the health and well-being of human owners.
  • Certain parasitic infections, caused by nematodes and arthropods, are spreading globally, affecting various types of pets. These infections can have severe health consequences and can even be fatal.
  • These diseases, which include canine spirocercosis, feline aelurostrongylosis, and equine gastro-intestinal and nasal nematode and botfly infections, are relatively unknown and often underestimated due to difficulties associated with traditional diagnostic methods.
  • The reliability of conventional diagnostic techniques has been a limiting factor in understanding these parasites’ epidemiology, ecology, and biology.

The Solution: DNA-Based Assays

  • The recent development of DNA-based assays has provided a more accurate diagnostic tool for these parasitic diseases in pets.
  • This research paper reviews these new diagnostic methodologies, focusing on the advantages they provide over traditional diagnostic techniques.
  • This advancement brings with it further opportunities to study the epidemiology, ecology, and biology of these parasitic diseases.

Concluding Remarks

  • Efficient diagnosis and treatment of these parasitic diseases can contribute significantly to the health and welfare of pets, reducing potential adverse effects for pet owners.
  • DNA-based diagnostics represents an effective tool for veterinarians, providing accurate and quicker disease identification followed by targeted treatment plans.
  • Moreover, these new assays will have a crucial role in furthering our understanding of these parasitic diseases, paving the way for future research to develop more effective preventive measures and therapies.

Cite This Article

APA
Traversa D, Otranto D. (2008). Biotechnological advances in the diagnosis of little-known parasitoses of pets. Parasitol Res, 104(2), 209-216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1290-z

Publication

Parasitology research
ISSN: 0932-0113
NlmUniqueID: 8703571
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 104
Issue: 2
Pages: 209-216

Researcher Affiliations

Traversa, Donato
  • Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy. dtraversa@unite.it
Otranto, Domenico

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Animals, Domestic / parasitology
    • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
    • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / diagnosis

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 2 times.
    1. Pérez JM. Parasites, Pests, and Pets in a Global World: New Perspectives and Challenges.. J Exot Pet Med 2009 Oct;18(4):248-253.
      doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2009.09.003pubmed: 32288671google scholar: lookup
    2. Di Cesare A, Castagna G, Otranto D, Meloni S, Milillo P, Latrofa MS, Paoletti B, Bartolini R, Traversa D. Molecular detection of Capillaria aerophila, an agent of canine and feline pulmonary capillariosis.. J Clin Microbiol 2012 Jun;50(6):1958-63.
      doi: 10.1128/JCM.00103-12pubmed: 22442326google scholar: lookup
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