Roland Schaper - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Roland Schaper

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis and Tick-Borne Infections Caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis in Domestic Dogs in France: Results of a Countrywide Serologic Survey

Parasitology Research, 2009

The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in Fren... more The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in French dogs has been analysed based on 1,050 blood samples. Serum samples of 919 dogs (group A) were sent for a variety of diagnostic investigations, further 131 dogs (group B) were tested for a tentative diagnosis of heartworm disease. All samples were tested for D. immitis antigen. Samples in group A were also tested for specific antibodies against three tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis). Results were plotted in geographical maps. Occurrence of D. immitis antigen in group A (0.22%; 95 % CI: 0.03-0.78%) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than in group B (6.87%; 95% CI: 3.19-12.64%). Heartworm infections in both groups were regionally restricted to the areas of Bouches-du-Rhône in the South of France and Corsica. In group A, the calculated seroprevalence was 2.72% (95% CI: 1.77-3.99%) for A. phagocytophilum, 1.09% (95% CI: 0.52-1.99%) for B. burgdorferi and 0.33% (95% CI: 0.07-0.95%) for E. canis with a distribution of the positive cases throughout the country. This study represents the first data of A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence in the French dog population.

Research paper thumbnail of Serological detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in a countrywide survey in dogs in Poland

Parasitology Research, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Toward the formation of a Companion Animal Parasite Council for the Tropics (CAPCT)

Parasites & Vectors, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence and regional distribution of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats in Germany

Parasitology Research, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Observations on Giardia Infection in Dogs from Veterinary Clinics in Germany

Parasitology Research, 2007

ABSTRACT Recent studies have shown that dogs in Germany harbour different genotypic assemblages, ... more ABSTRACT Recent studies have shown that dogs in Germany harbour different genotypic assemblages, predominantly C and D, but also the assemblage A, which has been confirmed as a pathogenic human genotype. To determine the prevalence of assemblage A, a first study was conducted in dogs which showed clinical signs of diarrhoea or other symptoms indicating a possible infection with Giardia. A total of 92 dogs were identified positive for Giardia by a coproantigen test, of which 65 samples were positive for cysts of Giardia using theMIFC technique.These samples were genotyped, 50 Giardia isolates were identified as assemblage D, 33 as assemblage C and eight as a mixture of both. One dog harboured a mixture of assemblage D and A. It was concluded that the predominant dog-specific assemblages C and D in this first study might be more commonly associated with GI disorders than the zoonotic genotype A. Alternatively the coproantigen test used in this study might select assemblages C + D in dogs. Therefore, in a second study randomly selected dogs presented at local veterinary clinics were examined for cysts of Giardia using theMIFC technique. A total of 58 samples of Giardia-positive dogs were genotyped: 57% belonged to assemblage D, 36% to assemblage C and 7% could be identified as the zoonotic genotype assemblage A. Comparing the 65 MIFC-positive samples from the first study with the 58 samples of the second study a significantly higher prevalence of assemblage A (P = 0.0467) was found in randomly selected dogs.

Research paper thumbnail of Barutzki Schaper 2012 Occurrence and regional distribution of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats in Germany

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy of Emodepside plus Praziquantel Topical Solution against Immature Stages of Nematodes ( Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.) in Cats

Parasitology Research, 2007

To evaluate the efficacy of emodepside against immature stages (L4) of Ancylostoma sp. 18 healthy... more To evaluate the efficacy of emodepside against immature stages (L4) of Ancylostoma sp. 18 healthy kittens less than six months of agewere orally infected with approximately 300 infective Ancylostoma sp. larvae each, over two successive days. On day 7 after the first infection, ten kittens were dermally treated with emodepside 1.98 % w/w plus praziquantel 7.94% w/w at a dose

Research paper thumbnail of Die Giardiose des Hundes - eine weit verbreitete Erkrankung in Deutschland

Research paper thumbnail of The epidemiology of infections with Giardia species and genotypes in well cared for dogs and cats in Germany

Parasites & vectors, Jan 6, 2015

Background Giardia is now considered the most common enteric parasite in well cared for dogs and ... more Background Giardia is now considered the most common enteric parasite in well cared for dogs and cats in developed countries. The ecology, epidemiology and clinical impact of infections with this parasite in such animals is still not fully understood due to variable results across different studies.MethodsFaecal samples were collected between 2009 and 2012 from privately owned cats and dogs in Germany presented to local veterinarians for a variety of reasons. Giardia positive samples were identified by microscopy and coproantigen methods. Total faecal DNA was extracted from Giardia positive samples and multilocus genotyping methods (18S rDNA, ß-giardin, GDH) were applied. Relationships between host age, sex, and breed, season of presentation and the different species of Giardia detected were assessed.ResultsA total of 60 cat and 130 dog samples were identified as Giardia positive. Potentially zoonotic Giardia was identified in both animal species. Cats had a similarly high rate of i...

Research paper thumbnail of A pilot trial evaluating the efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/2.5% moxidectin spot-on formulation in the treatment of natural nasal capillariosis in dogs

Veterinary Parasitology, 2014

The efficacy and safety of a spot-on formulation containing 10% imidacloprid and 2.5% moxidectin ... more The efficacy and safety of a spot-on formulation containing 10% imidacloprid and 2.5% moxidectin (Advocate(®), Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany) were evaluated in a pilot trial for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis caused by Capillaria boehmi (syn. Eucoleus boehmi). Sixteen dogs copromicroscopically positive for C. boehmi eggs were confirmed, either by rhinoscopy or species-specific PCR-coupled sequencing assays, as being affected by nasal capillariosis. The animals were randomly allocated to two different study groups, i.e. one (Group T) treated with Advocate(®) and one (Group C) left untreated, in a ratio of 1:1. The animals underwent clinical examination and quantitative copromicroscopy for C. boehmi eggs on Days -6 and -2 (baseline) and Day 28 ± 2 (post-baseline). Animals in Group T received Advocate(®) on Day 0. On Day 28 ± 2 the efficacy of the treatment (Group T) or the persistence of the infection (Group C) was confirmed by rhinoscopy or, alternatively, by molecular procedures. Seven of the eight dogs in Group T were negative on Day 28 ± 2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 99.14%), while for one dog a second treatment on Day 28 ± 2 was necessary to clear the infection, as demonstrated on Day 56 ± 2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 100% in Group T). Seven animals in Group C received a rescue dose of Advocate(®) on Day 28 ± 2 and scored microscopically and molecularly negative for the parasite on Day 56 ± 2, thus increasing the reduction of post-baseline egg counts to 99.57% after a single administration. These promising results show that Advocate(®) spot-on is an effective formulation for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis under field conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Imidacloprid plus Moxidectin to Prevent Heartworm Infection (Dirofilaria immitis) in Ferrets

Parasitology Research, 2007

Ferrets are susceptible to Dirofilaria immitis infection and develop a disease comparable to that... more Ferrets are susceptible to Dirofilaria immitis infection and develop a disease comparable to that in cats and dogs. Treatment options are limited, thus prevention would be a viable alternative. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of 10% w/v imidacloprid plus 1.0% w/v moxidecin spot-on to prevent patent D. immitis infection in experimentally infected ferrets when

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment of Naturally Occurring, Asymptomatic Giardia sp. in Dogs with Drontal® Plus Flavour Tablets

Parasitology Research, 2009

The administration of three consecutive daily doses of the recommended 1x dose of Drontal Plus fl... more The administration of three consecutive daily doses of the recommended 1x dose of Drontal Plus flavour tablets (Bayer) was examined for its effect on Giardia sp. cyst-shedding in 7 treated and 7 untreated random-source dogs. Dogs were treated on study days 0, 1 and 2. Cysts were quantified using direct immunofluorescent labelling on days -7, -5, -3 and -2, and daily from day 1 through 11. Three treated dogs never shed cysts again during the study, one shed again only on day 4, and the remaining three dogs started to shed again on days 8, 9 and 11. The mean numbers of cysts per gramme in the faeces of the treated dogs were significantly reduced (t-tests using log(10)(counts)) on days 1 and 2 (geometric means: controls = 447,000; treated = 1,050; p = 0.004) and days 3 to 8 (geometric means: controls = 23,400; treated 5.0; p < 0.001). Four controls that had been consistently positive, changed to negative status on day 11, and thus, on the final day of the trial, there were only three positive control and three positive treated dogs. Three consecutive days of treatment with Drontal Plus flavour tablets halted Giardia sp. cyst shedding by dogs. But starting six days post third treatment, some of the dogs started shedding cysts again. Since the prepatent period of Giardia sp. can be as short as 4 days, shedding of Giardia sp. cysts 6 days after treatment could be caused by a reinfection.

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis and Tick-Borne Infections Caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis in Domestic Dogs in France: Results of a Countrywide Serologic Survey

Parasitology Research, 2009

The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in Fren... more The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in French dogs has been analysed based on 1,050 blood samples. Serum samples of 919 dogs (group A) were sent for a variety of diagnostic investigations, further 131 dogs (group B) were tested for a tentative diagnosis of heartworm disease. All samples were tested for D. immitis antigen. Samples in group A were also tested for specific antibodies against three tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis). Results were plotted in geographical maps. Occurrence of D. immitis antigen in group A (0.22%; 95 % CI: 0.03-0.78%) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than in group B (6.87%; 95% CI: 3.19-12.64%). Heartworm infections in both groups were regionally restricted to the areas of Bouches-du-Rhône in the South of France and Corsica. In group A, the calculated seroprevalence was 2.72% (95% CI: 1.77-3.99%) for A. phagocytophilum, 1.09% (95% CI: 0.52-1.99%) for B. burgdorferi and 0.33% (95% CI: 0.07-0.95%) for E. canis with a distribution of the positive cases throughout the country. This study represents the first data of A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence in the French dog population.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy and Safety of Emodepside 2.1 %/Praziquantel 8.6% Spot-on Formulation in the Treatment of Feline Aelurostrongylosis

Parasitology Research, 2009

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiparasitic s... more The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiparasitic spot-on formulation containing emodepside 2.1%/praziquantel 8.6% (Profender, Bayer) in the treatment of natural feline infection with the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida). Efficacy of Profender given once at the licensed dose was tested in comparison to a control oral formulation containing fenbendazole 18.75% (Panacur, Intervet) given over three consecutive days at the licensed dose. Efficacy assessment was based on larvae per gramme of faeces (LPG) counts, measured on days 28 +/- 2 following treatment and compared to counts on days -6 to -2. In total 24 cats treated either with Profender (n = 12) or with Panacur (n = 12) were included in the assessment of efficacy and safety. Mean LPG post-baseline counts (days 28 +/- 2) were 1.3 LPG for both Profender and Panacur, demonstrating similar efficacy of 99.38% for Profender and 99.29% for the control product. No treated animals showed adverse events. This trial demonstrated that both Profender spot-on formulation and oral paste Panacur are safe and effective in the treatment of aelurotrongylosis in cats. Future practical perspectives in feline medicine and the major advantages of the spot-on product compared to the oral paste are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment and Prevention of Vertical Transmission of Toxocara cati in Cats with an Emodepside/Praziquantel Spot-on Formulation

Parasitology Research, 2009

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of emodepside 2.14%/praziquantel 8.58% topical solutio... more This study aimed to determine the efficacy of emodepside 2.14%/praziquantel 8.58% topical solution (Profender, Bayer) in the prevention and treatment of lactogenic Toxocara cati infections. Eight pregnant cats were orally infected with T. cati eggs during late pregnancy. Four queens were treated on day 60 post conception and four queens were left untreated. The kittens of two untreated queens were treated 28 days after birth. The two other negative control litters were left untreated. The efficacy of emodepside was determined by faecal egg counts. While faecal samples of queens and litters in the control group became positive for T. cati, egg shedding was completely prevented in all four treated queens, in their litters and in the kittens from the two litters which were treated four weeks after birth. The untreated mothers of the latter stayed also coproscopically negative, which might be explained by an oral uptake of emodepside through grooming. The treatment was well tolerated by pregnant queens as well as by four-weeks-old kittens.To our knowledge, this is the first publication that focuses on the prevention of lactogenic transmission of T. cati.

Research paper thumbnail of Natural Infections of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis in Dogs in Germany (2007–2009)

Parasitology Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Age-Dependant Prevalence of Endoparasites in Young Dogs and Cats up to One Year of Age

Parasitology Research, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Serological Detection of Circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum Antigen- and Parasite-Specific Antibodies in Dogs from Poland

Parasitology Research, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of A light and electron microscopic study on the synergistic effect of pyrantel and the febantel metabolite febendazole on adult Toxocara canis in vitro

Parasitology Research, 2003

In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects on the motility and morphology of tiss... more In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects on the motility and morphology of tissues and organs of Toxocara canis of the two drug components of Drontal Plus and Welpan, pyrantel and fenbendazole (the active metabolite of the prodrug febantel), both alone and in combination. Although there was no significant difference observable between the effects of the single drugs and the drug combination on worm motility, the synergistic effect of pyrantel and fenbendazole was manifested by morphological alterations seen by light and electron microscopy. Thus, an earlier onset of damage to worm tissues and organs could be observed compared to the application of the individual drugs. In addition, a higher degree of damage and an increased number of vital organs were involved. There was dramatic, significantly greater and irreversible damage to the hypodermis, longitudinal muscle, intestine, nerve cords and genital organs induced by the pyrantel/fenbendazole combination. We hypothesise that these synergistic effects will also take place when dogs are treated either with Drontal Plus or Welpan in which lower dosages will be sufficient to destroy the worms.

Research paper thumbnail of Synergistic effects of pyrantel and the febantel metabolite fenbendazole on adult Toxocara canis

Parasitology Research, 2003

Pyrantel embonate and febantel are both constituents of Drontal Plus and Drontal Puppy broad spec... more Pyrantel embonate and febantel are both constituents of Drontal Plus and Drontal Puppy broad spectrum anthelmintics for dogs. The effects of pyrantel and the febantel metabolite fenbendazole were investigated against Toxocara canis in-vitro by studying changes in worm motility and tissue damage. Pyrantel and fenbendazole were added to worms incubated in media for 8 h at the following concentrations: pyrantel: 12.2 microg, 25 microg, or 50 microg; fenbendazole: 50 microg, 100 microg or 200 microg; mixture of pyrantel and fenbendazole: 12.2 microg p + 50 microg f, 25 microg p + 100 microg f, 50 microg p + 200 microg f. Following this 8 h incubation period, one group of the worms was immediately fixed and studied by light- and electron microscopical examination. Other groups have been observed for further 8 h periods up to 56 hours and then studied in the same way.

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis and Tick-Borne Infections Caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis in Domestic Dogs in France: Results of a Countrywide Serologic Survey

Parasitology Research, 2009

The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in Fren... more The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in French dogs has been analysed based on 1,050 blood samples. Serum samples of 919 dogs (group A) were sent for a variety of diagnostic investigations, further 131 dogs (group B) were tested for a tentative diagnosis of heartworm disease. All samples were tested for D. immitis antigen. Samples in group A were also tested for specific antibodies against three tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis). Results were plotted in geographical maps. Occurrence of D. immitis antigen in group A (0.22%; 95 % CI: 0.03-0.78%) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than in group B (6.87%; 95% CI: 3.19-12.64%). Heartworm infections in both groups were regionally restricted to the areas of Bouches-du-Rhône in the South of France and Corsica. In group A, the calculated seroprevalence was 2.72% (95% CI: 1.77-3.99%) for A. phagocytophilum, 1.09% (95% CI: 0.52-1.99%) for B. burgdorferi and 0.33% (95% CI: 0.07-0.95%) for E. canis with a distribution of the positive cases throughout the country. This study represents the first data of A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence in the French dog population.

Research paper thumbnail of Serological detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen in a countrywide survey in dogs in Poland

Parasitology Research, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Toward the formation of a Companion Animal Parasite Council for the Tropics (CAPCT)

Parasites & Vectors, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence and regional distribution of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats in Germany

Parasitology Research, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Observations on Giardia Infection in Dogs from Veterinary Clinics in Germany

Parasitology Research, 2007

ABSTRACT Recent studies have shown that dogs in Germany harbour different genotypic assemblages, ... more ABSTRACT Recent studies have shown that dogs in Germany harbour different genotypic assemblages, predominantly C and D, but also the assemblage A, which has been confirmed as a pathogenic human genotype. To determine the prevalence of assemblage A, a first study was conducted in dogs which showed clinical signs of diarrhoea or other symptoms indicating a possible infection with Giardia. A total of 92 dogs were identified positive for Giardia by a coproantigen test, of which 65 samples were positive for cysts of Giardia using theMIFC technique.These samples were genotyped, 50 Giardia isolates were identified as assemblage D, 33 as assemblage C and eight as a mixture of both. One dog harboured a mixture of assemblage D and A. It was concluded that the predominant dog-specific assemblages C and D in this first study might be more commonly associated with GI disorders than the zoonotic genotype A. Alternatively the coproantigen test used in this study might select assemblages C + D in dogs. Therefore, in a second study randomly selected dogs presented at local veterinary clinics were examined for cysts of Giardia using theMIFC technique. A total of 58 samples of Giardia-positive dogs were genotyped: 57% belonged to assemblage D, 36% to assemblage C and 7% could be identified as the zoonotic genotype assemblage A. Comparing the 65 MIFC-positive samples from the first study with the 58 samples of the second study a significantly higher prevalence of assemblage A (P = 0.0467) was found in randomly selected dogs.

Research paper thumbnail of Barutzki Schaper 2012 Occurrence and regional distribution of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats in Germany

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy of Emodepside plus Praziquantel Topical Solution against Immature Stages of Nematodes ( Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.) in Cats

Parasitology Research, 2007

To evaluate the efficacy of emodepside against immature stages (L4) of Ancylostoma sp. 18 healthy... more To evaluate the efficacy of emodepside against immature stages (L4) of Ancylostoma sp. 18 healthy kittens less than six months of agewere orally infected with approximately 300 infective Ancylostoma sp. larvae each, over two successive days. On day 7 after the first infection, ten kittens were dermally treated with emodepside 1.98 % w/w plus praziquantel 7.94% w/w at a dose

Research paper thumbnail of Die Giardiose des Hundes - eine weit verbreitete Erkrankung in Deutschland

Research paper thumbnail of The epidemiology of infections with Giardia species and genotypes in well cared for dogs and cats in Germany

Parasites & vectors, Jan 6, 2015

Background Giardia is now considered the most common enteric parasite in well cared for dogs and ... more Background Giardia is now considered the most common enteric parasite in well cared for dogs and cats in developed countries. The ecology, epidemiology and clinical impact of infections with this parasite in such animals is still not fully understood due to variable results across different studies.MethodsFaecal samples were collected between 2009 and 2012 from privately owned cats and dogs in Germany presented to local veterinarians for a variety of reasons. Giardia positive samples were identified by microscopy and coproantigen methods. Total faecal DNA was extracted from Giardia positive samples and multilocus genotyping methods (18S rDNA, ß-giardin, GDH) were applied. Relationships between host age, sex, and breed, season of presentation and the different species of Giardia detected were assessed.ResultsA total of 60 cat and 130 dog samples were identified as Giardia positive. Potentially zoonotic Giardia was identified in both animal species. Cats had a similarly high rate of i...

Research paper thumbnail of A pilot trial evaluating the efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/2.5% moxidectin spot-on formulation in the treatment of natural nasal capillariosis in dogs

Veterinary Parasitology, 2014

The efficacy and safety of a spot-on formulation containing 10% imidacloprid and 2.5% moxidectin ... more The efficacy and safety of a spot-on formulation containing 10% imidacloprid and 2.5% moxidectin (Advocate(®), Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany) were evaluated in a pilot trial for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis caused by Capillaria boehmi (syn. Eucoleus boehmi). Sixteen dogs copromicroscopically positive for C. boehmi eggs were confirmed, either by rhinoscopy or species-specific PCR-coupled sequencing assays, as being affected by nasal capillariosis. The animals were randomly allocated to two different study groups, i.e. one (Group T) treated with Advocate(®) and one (Group C) left untreated, in a ratio of 1:1. The animals underwent clinical examination and quantitative copromicroscopy for C. boehmi eggs on Days -6 and -2 (baseline) and Day 28 ± 2 (post-baseline). Animals in Group T received Advocate(®) on Day 0. On Day 28 ± 2 the efficacy of the treatment (Group T) or the persistence of the infection (Group C) was confirmed by rhinoscopy or, alternatively, by molecular procedures. Seven of the eight dogs in Group T were negative on Day 28 ± 2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 99.14%), while for one dog a second treatment on Day 28 ± 2 was necessary to clear the infection, as demonstrated on Day 56 ± 2 (reduction of baseline faecal egg counts by 100% in Group T). Seven animals in Group C received a rescue dose of Advocate(®) on Day 28 ± 2 and scored microscopically and molecularly negative for the parasite on Day 56 ± 2, thus increasing the reduction of post-baseline egg counts to 99.57% after a single administration. These promising results show that Advocate(®) spot-on is an effective formulation for the treatment of canine nasal capillariosis under field conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Imidacloprid plus Moxidectin to Prevent Heartworm Infection (Dirofilaria immitis) in Ferrets

Parasitology Research, 2007

Ferrets are susceptible to Dirofilaria immitis infection and develop a disease comparable to that... more Ferrets are susceptible to Dirofilaria immitis infection and develop a disease comparable to that in cats and dogs. Treatment options are limited, thus prevention would be a viable alternative. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of 10% w/v imidacloprid plus 1.0% w/v moxidecin spot-on to prevent patent D. immitis infection in experimentally infected ferrets when

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment of Naturally Occurring, Asymptomatic Giardia sp. in Dogs with Drontal® Plus Flavour Tablets

Parasitology Research, 2009

The administration of three consecutive daily doses of the recommended 1x dose of Drontal Plus fl... more The administration of three consecutive daily doses of the recommended 1x dose of Drontal Plus flavour tablets (Bayer) was examined for its effect on Giardia sp. cyst-shedding in 7 treated and 7 untreated random-source dogs. Dogs were treated on study days 0, 1 and 2. Cysts were quantified using direct immunofluorescent labelling on days -7, -5, -3 and -2, and daily from day 1 through 11. Three treated dogs never shed cysts again during the study, one shed again only on day 4, and the remaining three dogs started to shed again on days 8, 9 and 11. The mean numbers of cysts per gramme in the faeces of the treated dogs were significantly reduced (t-tests using log(10)(counts)) on days 1 and 2 (geometric means: controls = 447,000; treated = 1,050; p = 0.004) and days 3 to 8 (geometric means: controls = 23,400; treated 5.0; p < 0.001). Four controls that had been consistently positive, changed to negative status on day 11, and thus, on the final day of the trial, there were only three positive control and three positive treated dogs. Three consecutive days of treatment with Drontal Plus flavour tablets halted Giardia sp. cyst shedding by dogs. But starting six days post third treatment, some of the dogs started shedding cysts again. Since the prepatent period of Giardia sp. can be as short as 4 days, shedding of Giardia sp. cysts 6 days after treatment could be caused by a reinfection.

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis and Tick-Borne Infections Caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis in Domestic Dogs in France: Results of a Countrywide Serologic Survey

Parasitology Research, 2009

The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in Fren... more The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in French dogs has been analysed based on 1,050 blood samples. Serum samples of 919 dogs (group A) were sent for a variety of diagnostic investigations, further 131 dogs (group B) were tested for a tentative diagnosis of heartworm disease. All samples were tested for D. immitis antigen. Samples in group A were also tested for specific antibodies against three tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia canis). Results were plotted in geographical maps. Occurrence of D. immitis antigen in group A (0.22%; 95 % CI: 0.03-0.78%) was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than in group B (6.87%; 95% CI: 3.19-12.64%). Heartworm infections in both groups were regionally restricted to the areas of Bouches-du-Rhône in the South of France and Corsica. In group A, the calculated seroprevalence was 2.72% (95% CI: 1.77-3.99%) for A. phagocytophilum, 1.09% (95% CI: 0.52-1.99%) for B. burgdorferi and 0.33% (95% CI: 0.07-0.95%) for E. canis with a distribution of the positive cases throughout the country. This study represents the first data of A. phagocytophilum seroprevalence in the French dog population.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy and Safety of Emodepside 2.1 %/Praziquantel 8.6% Spot-on Formulation in the Treatment of Feline Aelurostrongylosis

Parasitology Research, 2009

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiparasitic s... more The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antiparasitic spot-on formulation containing emodepside 2.1%/praziquantel 8.6% (Profender, Bayer) in the treatment of natural feline infection with the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida). Efficacy of Profender given once at the licensed dose was tested in comparison to a control oral formulation containing fenbendazole 18.75% (Panacur, Intervet) given over three consecutive days at the licensed dose. Efficacy assessment was based on larvae per gramme of faeces (LPG) counts, measured on days 28 +/- 2 following treatment and compared to counts on days -6 to -2. In total 24 cats treated either with Profender (n = 12) or with Panacur (n = 12) were included in the assessment of efficacy and safety. Mean LPG post-baseline counts (days 28 +/- 2) were 1.3 LPG for both Profender and Panacur, demonstrating similar efficacy of 99.38% for Profender and 99.29% for the control product. No treated animals showed adverse events. This trial demonstrated that both Profender spot-on formulation and oral paste Panacur are safe and effective in the treatment of aelurotrongylosis in cats. Future practical perspectives in feline medicine and the major advantages of the spot-on product compared to the oral paste are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Treatment and Prevention of Vertical Transmission of Toxocara cati in Cats with an Emodepside/Praziquantel Spot-on Formulation

Parasitology Research, 2009

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of emodepside 2.14%/praziquantel 8.58% topical solutio... more This study aimed to determine the efficacy of emodepside 2.14%/praziquantel 8.58% topical solution (Profender, Bayer) in the prevention and treatment of lactogenic Toxocara cati infections. Eight pregnant cats were orally infected with T. cati eggs during late pregnancy. Four queens were treated on day 60 post conception and four queens were left untreated. The kittens of two untreated queens were treated 28 days after birth. The two other negative control litters were left untreated. The efficacy of emodepside was determined by faecal egg counts. While faecal samples of queens and litters in the control group became positive for T. cati, egg shedding was completely prevented in all four treated queens, in their litters and in the kittens from the two litters which were treated four weeks after birth. The untreated mothers of the latter stayed also coproscopically negative, which might be explained by an oral uptake of emodepside through grooming. The treatment was well tolerated by pregnant queens as well as by four-weeks-old kittens.To our knowledge, this is the first publication that focuses on the prevention of lactogenic transmission of T. cati.

Research paper thumbnail of Natural Infections of Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis in Dogs in Germany (2007–2009)

Parasitology Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Age-Dependant Prevalence of Endoparasites in Young Dogs and Cats up to One Year of Age

Parasitology Research, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Serological Detection of Circulating Angiostrongylus vasorum Antigen- and Parasite-Specific Antibodies in Dogs from Poland

Parasitology Research, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of A light and electron microscopic study on the synergistic effect of pyrantel and the febantel metabolite febendazole on adult Toxocara canis in vitro

Parasitology Research, 2003

In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects on the motility and morphology of tiss... more In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects on the motility and morphology of tissues and organs of Toxocara canis of the two drug components of Drontal Plus and Welpan, pyrantel and fenbendazole (the active metabolite of the prodrug febantel), both alone and in combination. Although there was no significant difference observable between the effects of the single drugs and the drug combination on worm motility, the synergistic effect of pyrantel and fenbendazole was manifested by morphological alterations seen by light and electron microscopy. Thus, an earlier onset of damage to worm tissues and organs could be observed compared to the application of the individual drugs. In addition, a higher degree of damage and an increased number of vital organs were involved. There was dramatic, significantly greater and irreversible damage to the hypodermis, longitudinal muscle, intestine, nerve cords and genital organs induced by the pyrantel/fenbendazole combination. We hypothesise that these synergistic effects will also take place when dogs are treated either with Drontal Plus or Welpan in which lower dosages will be sufficient to destroy the worms.

Research paper thumbnail of Synergistic effects of pyrantel and the febantel metabolite fenbendazole on adult Toxocara canis

Parasitology Research, 2003

Pyrantel embonate and febantel are both constituents of Drontal Plus and Drontal Puppy broad spec... more Pyrantel embonate and febantel are both constituents of Drontal Plus and Drontal Puppy broad spectrum anthelmintics for dogs. The effects of pyrantel and the febantel metabolite fenbendazole were investigated against Toxocara canis in-vitro by studying changes in worm motility and tissue damage. Pyrantel and fenbendazole were added to worms incubated in media for 8 h at the following concentrations: pyrantel: 12.2 microg, 25 microg, or 50 microg; fenbendazole: 50 microg, 100 microg or 200 microg; mixture of pyrantel and fenbendazole: 12.2 microg p + 50 microg f, 25 microg p + 100 microg f, 50 microg p + 200 microg f. Following this 8 h incubation period, one group of the worms was immediately fixed and studied by light- and electron microscopical examination. Other groups have been observed for further 8 h periods up to 56 hours and then studied in the same way.