canis - Articles
Heterobilharzia americana
Synonym(s): Canine schistosome, Schistosomiasis, Blood flukes
Introduction
Classification
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia.
- Phylum: Platyhelminthes.
- Class: Trematoda.
- Order: Diplostomida.
- Family: Schistosomatidae.
- Genus: Heterobilharzi.
- Species: americana.
Distribution
- Cases in dogs have been reported throughout the Southeast and South Central United States, extending from Florida along the Gulf Coast into Texas and north at least as far as Kansas.
Significance
- Infection in dogs may present with vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, hepatic and renal failure.
ℹ️Heterobilharzia organism has zoonotic importance since it is one of the agents that can cause cercarial dermatitis/“Swimmer’s itch” in humans after contact with water containing cercariae.
Active forms
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Resting forms
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Clinical effects
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Diagnosis
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Graham A M, Davenport A, Moshnikova V S et al (2021) Heterobilharzia americana infection in dogs: A retrospective study of 60 cases (2010–2019). J Vet Int Med 35, 1361–1367 PubMed.
- Ruth J (2010) Heterobilharzia americana infection and glomerulonephritis in a dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 46, 203-8 PubMed.
- Bishop M, Sucholdolski J & Steiner J (2008) Development of a PCR test for the detection of Heterobilharzia americana DNA in dog feces. J Vet Int Med 22, 2.
Other sources of information
- Companion Animal Parasite Council (2013) Schistosomiasis. CAPC, USA. Website: capcvet.org.
- Bowman D D (2013) Georgis’ Parasitology for Veterinarians. 10th edn. Elsevier, USA.
- Zajac A M & Conboy G A (2012) Eds Veterinary Clinical Parasitology. 8th edn. Wiley Blackwell, USA.
- Georgie J R & Georgie M E (1992) Canine Clinical Parasitology. Lea & Febiger, USA.