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Gross, microscopic, radiologic, echocardiographic and haematological findings in rats experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2020

Matthew K. Wun Open the ORCID record for Matthew K. Wun [Opens in a new window] ,
Sarah Davies ,
Derek Spielman ,
Rogan Lee ,
Doug Hayward  and
Richard Malik Open the ORCID record for Richard Malik [Opens in a new window]
Matthew K. Wun*
Affiliation:
Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
Sarah Davies
Affiliation:
Veterinary Imaging Associates, 52–56 Atchison St, St Leonards, NSW2065, Australia
Derek Spielman
Affiliation:
Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
Rogan Lee
Affiliation:
Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, NSW2145, Australia
Doug Hayward
Affiliation:
Vetnostics, 60 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, NSW2113, Australia
Richard Malik
Affiliation:
Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW2678, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Matthew K. Wun, E-mail: mwun8768@uni.sydney.edu.au
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Abstract

Although the gross and microscopic pathology in rats infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been well described, corresponding changes detected using diagnostic imaging modalities have not been reported. This work describes the cardiopulmonary changes in mature Wistar rats chronically infected with moderate burdens of A. cantonensis using radiology, computed tomography (CT), CT angiography, echocardiography, necropsy and histological examinations. Haematology and coagulation studies were also performed. Thoracic radiography, CT and CT angiography showed moderately severe alveolar pulmonary patterns mainly affecting caudal portions of the caudal lung lobes and associated dilatation of the caudal lobar pulmonary arteries. Presumptive worm profiles could be detected using echocardiography, with worms seen in the right ventricular outflow tract or straddling either the pulmonary and/or the tricuspid valves. Extensive, multifocal, coalescing dark areas and multiple pale foci affecting the caudal lung lobes were observed at necropsy. Histologically, these were composed of numerous large, confluent granulomas and fibrotic nodules. Adult worms were found predominantly in the mid- to distal pulmonary arteries. An inflammatory leukogram, hyperproteinaemia and hyperfibrinogenaemia were found in most rats. These findings provide a comparative model for A. cantonensis in its accidental hosts, such as humans and dogs. In addition, the pathological and imaging changes are comparable to those seen in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum, suggesting rats infected with A. cantonensis could be a model for dogs with A. vasorum infection.

Keywords

Angiostrongylus cantonensiscomputed tomographypathologyradiologyratsultrasonography
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 148 , Special Issue 2: 6th International Workshop on Angiostrongylus and Angiostrongyliasis, Hilo, Hawai'i, USA, January, 2020 , February 2021 , pp. 159 - 166
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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