Diagnosis and management of lungworm infections in cats

Abstract

Practical relevance: Respiratory parasites infecting domestic cats are attracting increased attention in feline clinical practice. In addition to the most commonly recognised ‘cat lungworm’ Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior and Capillaria aerophila are now considered important pathogens of the respiratory tract of cats. Global importance: These parasites are being increasingly diagnosed in several regions of the world and a continuous update on epidemiological changes and advances in diagnosis and control is of practical importance. Aims: This article reviews current knowledge of lungworms affecting cats, with a special focus on recent insights into diagnosis and management of the diseases they cause. The article also explores some potential new avenues for control of feline parasitic respiratory diseases, and highlights some key areas requiring further research.