Líffræðifélag Íslands
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2015
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V25
Matthías Eydal (1), Karl Skírnisson (1)
1. Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur, Reykjavik, Iceland
Kynnir / Presenter: Matthías Eydal
Tengiliður / Corresponding author: Matthías Eydal (meydal@hi.is)
"Introduction: Strongyloides stercoralis is a nematode primarily known in humans and dogs and has a zoonotic potential. It is endemic in the tropics but also found in several subtropical and temperate regions and can pose serious disease. Material and methods: During 1989-2014 faecal samples from 2900 imported dogs in quarantine in Iceland have been examined for parasites. During 2012-2014 dogs in a big breeding kennel and also 88 household dogs have been subjects of a specific screening for Strongyloides stercoralis. Results: Strongyloides stercoralis has been identified in 15 imported dogs in quarantine; two in 1994, 13 during 2008–2014. The first case outside quarantine was a diseased household puppy purchased from a kennel in 2012. Additional seven puppies from the kennel and two other dogs have been found to be infected. Specific anthelmintic treatments were performed and follow-up examinations indicated a successful removal. In 2012, examination of dogs in the above-mentioned kennel confirmed that dozens of dogs were infected with Strongyloides stercoralis. Follow-up studies indicate that repeated anthelmintic treatments, and other actions undertaken, have significantly reduced the prevalence of infection although some samples have been positive for Strongyloides stercoralis all through 2012-2014. Conclusion: In recent years Strongyloides stercoralis is frequently found in imported dogs in Iceland, including dogs from Finland and Sweden. In spite of anthelmintic treatment of quarantined dogs the nematode is believed to have been brought to a breeding kennel with imported dog/dogs. So far, actions taken to eradicate the nematode in the kennel have not been successful."