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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; 54124 Thessaloniki Greece
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Graham-Brown J, Gilmore P, Colella V, Moss L, Dixon C, Andrews M, Arbeid P, Barber J, Timofte D, McGarry J, Otranto D, Williams D. Three cases of imported eyeworm infection in dogs: a new threat for the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 2017; 181:346. [PMID: 28870975 PMCID: PMC5738592 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In July 2016 we described the first known case of canine ocular thelaziosis in the UK in a dog recently imported from Romania. Here we confirm our initial diagnosis using PCR followed by sequence analysis, and we report a further two clinical cases in dogs with recent history of travel to Italy and France. In view of the presence in the UK of the vector for Thelazia callipaeda, namely Phortica spp, we discuss the significance of these three cases in the context of the UK government’s pet travel scheme, disease control and both animal and public health in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Graham-Brown
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Gilmore
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lyndsay Moss
- Veterinary Vision Ltd Ophthalmic Referrals, Penrith, UK
| | - Chris Dixon
- Veterinary Vision Ltd Ophthalmic Referrals, Penrith, UK
| | | | | | - Jackie Barber
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dorina Timofte
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
| | - John McGarry
- Pathology and Paraclinical Department, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Diana Williams
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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53
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Čabanová V, Kocák P, Víchová B, Miterpáková M. First autochthonous cases of canine thelaziosis in Slovakia: a new affected area in Central Europe. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:179. [PMID: 28407785 PMCID: PMC5390348 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, also called the “Oriental eyeworm”, is the causative agent of canine and human ocular thelaziosis. In the past few years it has started to spread across central Europe and new endemic areas have been established. The present study reports on the first four autochthonous cases of canine ocular thelaziosis in the territory of Slovakia, Central Europe. Results All cases were recorded in dogs living in eastern Slovakia, near the border with the Ukraine. All worms collected were investigated morphologically and their identification further confirmed at the molecular level by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Nucleotide sequences of partial T. callipaeda cox1 and 28S rDNA gene fragments isolated from Slovak dogs were submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers KY476400 and KY476401, respectively. Conclusions Considering that all four cases were diagnosed in animals that had never travelled abroad, there is clear evidence of an autochthonous occurrence and thereby the further spread of T. callipaeda across Europe. Moreover, at latitude of 48°N, these cases might be considered as the northernmost recorded cases of autochthonous in western and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kocák
- Private Veterinary Practice, Pekárenská 1, 071 01, Michalovce, Slovakia
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia.
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54
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Čabanová V, Kocák P, Víchová B, Miterpáková M. First autochthonous cases of canine thelaziosis in Slovakia: a new affected area in Central Europe. Parasit Vectors 2017. [PMID: 28407785 DOI: 10.1186/s13071–017–2128–2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, also called the "Oriental eyeworm", is the causative agent of canine and human ocular thelaziosis. In the past few years it has started to spread across central Europe and new endemic areas have been established. The present study reports on the first four autochthonous cases of canine ocular thelaziosis in the territory of Slovakia, Central Europe. RESULTS All cases were recorded in dogs living in eastern Slovakia, near the border with the Ukraine. All worms collected were investigated morphologically and their identification further confirmed at the molecular level by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Nucleotide sequences of partial T. callipaeda cox1 and 28S rDNA gene fragments isolated from Slovak dogs were submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers KY476400 and KY476401, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Considering that all four cases were diagnosed in animals that had never travelled abroad, there is clear evidence of an autochthonous occurrence and thereby the further spread of T. callipaeda across Europe. Moreover, at latitude of 48°N, these cases might be considered as the northernmost recorded cases of autochthonous in western and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kocák
- Private Veterinary Practice, Pekárenská 1, 071 01, Michalovce, Slovakia
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia.
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Papadopoulos E, Komnenou A, Thomas A, Ioannidou E, Colella V, Otranto D. Spreading of Thelazia callipaeda in Greece. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:248-252. [PMID: 28239956 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), the so-called oriental eyeworm, has been increasingly reported as an agent of infection in animals and humans from many European countries. Clinical signs range from subclinical to moderate or severe ocular disorders (e.g., epiphora, photophobia, conjunctivitis, keratitis, ulcers). The disease has been also diagnosed in animals from countries of the Balkan area (e.g., Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia), but only a single case of canine thelaziosis, presumably autochthonous, was reported in Northern Greece. In this study, we provide robust information of the occurrence of thelaziosis in Greece by reporting autochthonous cases of thelaziosis in dogs (n = 46), cats (n = 3) and in one rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) living in Northern and Central regions of Greece. The occurrence of a single haplotype of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene confirms that the same zoonotic haplotype of the parasite circulating in Europe is also spreading in Greece. The increased awareness of this parasitosis is crucial to limit the risk of further infections in both humans and animals in European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Papadopoulos
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Komnenou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Thomas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Ioannidou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - D Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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56
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Otranto D, Colella V, Crescenzo G, Solari Basano F, Nazzari R, Capelli G, Petry G, Schaper R, Pollmeier M, Mallia E, Dantas-Torres F, Lia RP. Efficacy of moxidectin 2.5% and imidacloprid 10% in the treatment of ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infected dogs. Vet Parasitol 2016; 227:118-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Gama A, Pires I, Canado M, Coutinho T, Lopes AP, Latrofa MS, Cardoso L, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. First report of Thelazia callipaeda infection in wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:236. [PMID: 27160400 PMCID: PMC4862226 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode that affects the eyes of domestic and wild animals, including dogs, cats and red foxes. This parasitic eye worm is transmitted by Phortica variegata, which is a zoophilic fruit fly spread in Europe. Two wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) found dead in north-eastern Portugal were submitted to necropsy. Results Both animals presented gross lesions compatible with haemorrhagic viral disease. Eye examination revealed the presence of six worms (three in each animal, on both eyes). Out of the six nematodes, five females and one male were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda. Conclusions This is the first report of T. callipaeda in wild rabbits from Portugal, which reveals a new host for this parasite in southern Europe and emphasizes the importance of including thelaziosis in the differential diagnosis of ocular alterations in both animals and humans from areas where the eye worm is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Gama
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Histology and Pathology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Histology and Pathology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Teresa Coutinho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal. .,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.,Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
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Ioniţă M, Mitrea IL, Ionică AM, Morariu S, Mihalca AD. New Cases of Thelazia callipaeda Haplotype 1 in Dogs Suggest a Wider Distribution in Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:172-5. [PMID: 26854520 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda is an emerging vector-borne zoonotic helminth parasitizing the conjunctival sac of a broad spectrum of definitive hosts, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, wild carnivores, and humans. Its presence is associated with mild to severe ocular disease. Here, we report two new clinical cases in dogs originating from western and southern Romania, with no travel history. On clinical examination, the nematodes were retrieved from the conjunctival sac and identified using morphological keys and molecular tools. Twenty-two adult nematodes (8 males, 14 females) were collected and were identified as T. callipaeda by morphology. The molecular analysis revealed a 100% identity with haplotype h1 of T. callipaeda. This study describes the occurrence of new autochthonous cases of thelaziosis in Romania, reinforcing the spreading trend of this zoonotic eyeworm and highlighting the need for increased awareness among medical and veterinary practitioners. Moreover, we provide additional molecular evidence for the exclusive distribution of haplotype 1 of T. callipaeda in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ioniţă
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases and Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest , Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioan Liviu Mitrea
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases and Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest , Bucharest, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- 2 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca , Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sorin Morariu
- 3 Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Timişoara , Timişoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- 2 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca , Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Eyeworm infections in dogs and in a human patient in Serbia: A One Health approach is needed. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 45:20-2. [PMID: 27012916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm has been frequently reported parasitizing humans in Asia. In Europe, the parasite is endemic in wild and domestic carnivores and only eight cases have been reported in humans so far. We describe the first case of human thelaziosis in Serbia, along with two cases in dogs from the same area. A One Health approach, based on cooperation amongst veterinarians and physicians, is strongly advised for this emerging infection in order to assess the risk for and prevent of the zoonotic infection.
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Thelazia callipaeda--first human case of thelaziosis in Croatia. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2015; 128:221-3. [PMID: 26542130 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-015-0889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A case of the first ocular thelaziosis in a human male patient in Croatia is presented. Thelaziosis is a zoonosis caused by the nematodes of the genus Thelazia. In all, two types of the genus have been described as causes of infection in humans, Thelazia callipaeda and Thelazia californiensis. This zoonosis, called "oriental eye worm" is very rare in humans in European countries, with high incidence in Asian countries, especially in China, Thailand, and Japan.
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61
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López Medrano R, Guerra Calleja G, Díez Morrondo C, Panadero Fontán R. Thelaziosis ocular, una zoonosis emergente en España. Med Clin (Barc) 2015; 145:317-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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62
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Otranto D. Diagnostic challenges and the unwritten stories of dog and cat parasites. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Transmission of the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda: between fantasy and reality. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:273. [PMID: 25966940 PMCID: PMC4435927 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda is transmitted by Phortica variegata, a drosophilid that feeds on lachrymal secretions of mammals. Scientific information on human thelaziosis is still relatively limited, mainly for physicians and ophthalmologists. Indeed, the literature is full of misleading information on the transmission of T. callipaeda to humans. Findings A recent paper reported a case of human intraocular infestation in a patient from Karnataka. The information presented in that article as well as in other articles in the international literature is outdated and incorrect in several instances, mostly regarding to the localization of T. callipaeda in the host, its biology and routes of transmission. Conclusions Physicians and ophthalmologists should be aware that T. callipaeda is larviparous and transmitted exclusively by secretophagous flies. These flies buzz around the eyes of animals and humans at the daytime, landing on the eyes and releasing the infective larvae on the host conjunctiva. That is the only possible way of transmission of T. callipaeda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Immunology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50740465, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Transmission of the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda: between fantasy and reality. Parasit Vectors 2015. [PMID: 25966940 DOI: 10.1186/s13071–015–0881–7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thelazia callipaeda is transmitted by Phortica variegata, a drosophilid that feeds on lachrymal secretions of mammals. Scientific information on human thelaziosis is still relatively limited, mainly for physicians and ophthalmologists. Indeed, the literature is full of misleading information on the transmission of T. callipaeda to humans. FINDINGS A recent paper reported a case of human intraocular infestation in a patient from Karnataka. The information presented in that article as well as in other articles in the international literature is outdated and incorrect in several instances, mostly regarding to the localization of T. callipaeda in the host, its biology and routes of transmission. CONCLUSIONS Physicians and ophthalmologists should be aware that T. callipaeda is larviparous and transmitted exclusively by secretophagous flies. These flies buzz around the eyes of animals and humans at the daytime, landing on the eyes and releasing the infective larvae on the host conjunctiva. That is the only possible way of transmission of T. callipaeda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Immunology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50740465, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Otranto D, Cantacessi C, Dantas-Torres F, Brianti E, Pfeffer M, Genchi C, Guberti V, Capelli G, Deplazes P. The role of wild canids and felids in spreading parasites to dogs and cats in Europe. Part II: Helminths and arthropods. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:24-37. [PMID: 26049678 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, ecological factors, combined with everchanging landscapes mainly linked to human activities (e.g. encroachment and tourism) have contributed to modifications in the transmission of parasitic diseases from domestic to wildlife carnivores and vice versa. In the first of this two-part review article, we have provided an account of diseases caused by protozoan parasites characterised by a two-way transmission route between domestic and wild carnivore species. In this second and final part, we focus our attention on parasitic diseases caused by helminth and arthropod parasites shared between domestic and wild canids and felids in Europe. While a complete understanding of the biology, ecology and epidemiology of these parasites is particularly challenging to achieve, especially given the complexity of the environments in which these diseases perpetuate, advancements in current knowledge of transmission routes is crucial to provide policy-makers with clear indications on strategies to reduce the impact of these diseases on changing ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB3 0ES Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz-PE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Universita' degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene & Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanita' Pubblica, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Vittorio Guberti
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Tzimoulia S, Tzimoulias I, Traversa D. Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae): first report in Greece and a case of canine infection. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2771-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4457-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Tzimoulia S, Tzimoulias I, Traversa D. Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae): first report in Greece and a case of canine infection. Parasitol Res 2015. [PMID: 25843574 DOI: 10.1007/s00436–015–4457–4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
The eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda has been reported in different European countries, i.e. Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Romania. The present article describes the first autochthonous case of ocular thelaziosis in a dog from Greece, thus revealing a new spot of infection in Europe. The dog in this case report, most likely infected at the northern borders of Greece, was referred to a private veterinary practice with conjunctivitis, oedema, keratitis, epiphora and mucoid discharge in both eyes. Seventy-seven nematodes were removed from both eyes, and the dog was treated with two subcutaneous injections of ivermectin 14 days apart, in combination with a topical antimicrobial medication. The parasites were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda. Although in Greece there is no information about the presence and distribution of the fruit fly Phortica variegata, i.e. the intermediate host of T. callipaeda, the location where the dog was infected is environmentally suitable for its development. The present report of this zoonotic parasitosis indicates that in Greece, along with endemic areas in Spain and Italy, T. callipaeda is currently reaching its southernmost distribution limit in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,
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Mihalca AD, D'Amico G, Scurtu I, Chirilă R, Matei IA, Ionică AM. Further spreading of canine oriental eyeworm in Europe: first report of Thelazia callipaeda in Romania. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:48. [PMID: 25623605 PMCID: PMC4316761 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0663-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing number of reports of autochthonous cases of ocular thelaziosis in dogs in several European countries, and the evident emergence of human cases, the distribution and spreading potential of this parasite is far for being fully known. In Romania, despite intensive surveillance performed over recent years on the typical hosts of T. callipaeda, the parasite has not been found until now. METHODS In October 2014 a German Shepherd was presented for consultation to a private veterinary practice from western Romania with a history of unilateral chronic conjunctivitis. Following a close examination of the affected eye, nematodes were noticed in the conjunctival sac. The specimens collected were used for morphological examination (light microscopy) and molecular analysis (amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene, followed by sequencing). RESULTS Thirteen nematodes were collected, all identified morphologically as T. callipaeda. The history of the dog revealed no travel outside Romania, and during the last year, not even outside the home locality. The BLAST analysis of our sequence showed a 100% similarity T. callipaeda haplotype h1. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of T. callipaeda in Romania, which we consider to be with autochthonous transmission. These findings confirm the spreading trend of T callipaeda and the increased risk of emerging vector-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Iuliu Scurtu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Ramona Chirilă
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, Strada General Magheru, Oradea, 410048, Romania.
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
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Mihalca AD, D'Amico G, Scurtu I, Chirilă R, Matei IA, Ionică AM. Further spreading of canine oriental eyeworm in Europe: first report of Thelazia callipaeda in Romania. Parasit Vectors 2015. [PMID: 25623605 DOI: 10.1186/s13071–015–0663–2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing number of reports of autochthonous cases of ocular thelaziosis in dogs in several European countries, and the evident emergence of human cases, the distribution and spreading potential of this parasite is far for being fully known. In Romania, despite intensive surveillance performed over recent years on the typical hosts of T. callipaeda, the parasite has not been found until now. METHODS In October 2014 a German Shepherd was presented for consultation to a private veterinary practice from western Romania with a history of unilateral chronic conjunctivitis. Following a close examination of the affected eye, nematodes were noticed in the conjunctival sac. The specimens collected were used for morphological examination (light microscopy) and molecular analysis (amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene, followed by sequencing). RESULTS Thirteen nematodes were collected, all identified morphologically as T. callipaeda. The history of the dog revealed no travel outside Romania, and during the last year, not even outside the home locality. The BLAST analysis of our sequence showed a 100% similarity T. callipaeda haplotype h1. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of T. callipaeda in Romania, which we consider to be with autochthonous transmission. These findings confirm the spreading trend of T callipaeda and the increased risk of emerging vector-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Iuliu Scurtu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Ramona Chirilă
- Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, Strada General Magheru, Oradea, 410048, Romania.
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
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71
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Fankhauser B, Irwin JP, Stone ML, Chester ST, Soll MD. Repellent and insecticidal efficacy of a new combination of fipronil and permethrin against stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans). Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:61. [PMID: 25627104 PMCID: PMC4316405 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0688-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A laboratory study was conducted to assess the repellent and insecticidal efficacy of a new combination of fipronil and permethrin (Frontline Tri- Act/Frontect Merial) against Stomoxys calcitrans (stable flies). METHODS Sixteen dogs were allocated to two treatment groups. Eight dogs were treated with a new topical spot-on formulation containing 6.76% w/v fipronil + 50.48% w/v permethrin on Day 0 and eight dogs served as untreated controls. Each dog was exposed to approximately 100 stable flies on Days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. After a one-hour exposure period, live flies were carefully aspirated into a vial, anesthetized with CO2 and crushed to determine feeding status (fed or unfed). Any dead flies remaining on the dog or in the cage were crushed to determine feeding status and counted as fed or unfed. Repellency was defined as the percent reduction in the number of fed flies in the treated group as compared to the untreated control group, and insecticidal efficacy was defined as the reduction in the number of live flies at the end of each exposure period in the treated group as compared to the control group. RESULTS Percent repellency was ≥96.6% through Day 28, and 88.7% on Day 35. Percent insecticidal efficacy was ≥ 98.3% through Day 35. CONCLUSIONS A single topical administration of a new combination of fipronil and permethrin provides protection (repellency and insecticidal efficacy) from S. calcitrans on dogs for at least 5 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Morgan L Stone
- Merial Limited, 3239 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA, 30096, USA.
| | | | - Mark D Soll
- Merial Limited, 3239 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA, 30096, USA.
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72
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Máca J, Otranto D. Drosophilidae feeding on animals and the inherent mystery of their parasitism. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMID: 25404259 DOI: 10.1186/s13071–014–0516–4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect evolution, from a free to a parasitic lifestyle, took eons under the pressure of a plethora of ecological and environmental drivers in different habitats, resulting in varying degrees of interactions with their hosts. Most Drosophilidae are known to be adapted to feeding on substrates rich in bacteria, yeasts and other microfungi. Some of them, mainly those in the Steganinae subfamily, display a singular behaviour, feeding on animal tissues or secretions. This behaviour may represent an evolving tendency towards parasitism. Indeed, while the predatory attitude is typical for the larval stages of a great proportion of flies within this subfamily, adult males of the genera Amiota, Apsiphortica and Phortica display a clearly zoophilic attitude, feeding on the lachrymal secretions of living mammals (also referred as to lachryphagy). Ultimately, some of these lachryphagous species act as vectors and intermediate hosts for the spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, which parasitizes the eyes of domestic and wild carnivores and also humans. Here we review the scientific information available and provide an opinion on the roots of their evolution towards the parasitic behaviour. The distribution of T. callipaeda and its host affiliation is also discussed and future trends in the study of the ecology of Steganinae are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Máca
- Czech Entomological Society, Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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73
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Máca J, Otranto D. Drosophilidae feeding on animals and the inherent mystery of their parasitism. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:516. [PMID: 25404259 PMCID: PMC4243723 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0516-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect evolution, from a free to a parasitic lifestyle, took eons under the pressure of a plethora of ecological and environmental drivers in different habitats, resulting in varying degrees of interactions with their hosts. Most Drosophilidae are known to be adapted to feeding on substrates rich in bacteria, yeasts and other microfungi. Some of them, mainly those in the Steganinae subfamily, display a singular behaviour, feeding on animal tissues or secretions. This behaviour may represent an evolving tendency towards parasitism. Indeed, while the predatory attitude is typical for the larval stages of a great proportion of flies within this subfamily, adult males of the genera Amiota, Apsiphortica and Phortica display a clearly zoophilic attitude, feeding on the lachrymal secretions of living mammals (also referred as to lachryphagy). Ultimately, some of these lachryphagous species act as vectors and intermediate hosts for the spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, which parasitizes the eyes of domestic and wild carnivores and also humans. Here we review the scientific information available and provide an opinion on the roots of their evolution towards the parasitic behaviour. The distribution of T. callipaeda and its host affiliation is also discussed and future trends in the study of the ecology of Steganinae are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Máca
- Czech Entomological Society, Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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74
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Wang XL, Guo JY, Wang XL, Ma XL, Wang Y, An CL. Two cases of human thelaziasis as confirmed by mitochondrial cox1 sequencing in China. Pathog Glob Health 2014; 108:298-301. [PMID: 25253041 DOI: 10.1179/2047773214y.0000000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Two special cases of human thelaziasis were reported in China: an old farmer with heavy infection by 36 worms and a 7-year-old boy with infection by eight worms. Thelazia callipaeda was morphologically identified and confirmed by mitochondrial cox1 gene sequencing.
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Hodžić A, Latrofa MS, Annoscia G, Alić A, Beck R, Lia RP, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. The spread of zoonotic Thelazia callipaeda in the Balkan area. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:352. [PMID: 25078286 PMCID: PMC4124150 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), also known as “oriental eyeworm”, is a small nematode parasite that lives in the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, rabbits and even humans, causing mild (e.g., conjunctivitis, epiphora, and ocular discharge) to severe (e.g., keratitis, and corneal ulcers) ocular disease. This study reports, for the first time, the occurrence of T. callipaeda infection in the Balkan regions (i.e., Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia), it provides genetic evidence on the origin of the infection in that area and discusses potential expansion pathways in the near future. Methods This survey was conducted in two Western Balkan countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. At necropsy, from January 2011 to April 2014, a total of 184 carcasses of red foxes were examined throughout the study area and worms were collected from the conjunctival sac. In the same period, worms were also collected during clinical examination from the conjunctival sac of four dogs and a cat from Bosnia and Herzegovina and two dogs from Croatia. All nematodes collected were morphologically identified and molecularly characterized by sequencing of partial cox1 gene. Results T. callipaeda was observed in 51 (27.71%) foxes and the highest prevalence (50.0%) was in the region of East Bosnia. Beside the 4 cases of hyperemia (7.84%), most of the infected animals had no signs of ocular infection (n = 47, 92.15%). A total of 417 adult nematodes collected (364 from foxes, 51 from dogs, 2 from cat) were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda haplotype 1. Conclusion This is the first report of autochthonous cases of T. callipaeda infection in red foxes, dogs and cat in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia and data presented here suggest that reports of thelaziosis in other Balkan areas are, as yet, not diagnosed most likely due to the lack of awareness of practitioners. In addition, data regarding the spread of the infection in Europe over the last ten years suggests that an increasing pattern in the distribution of this disease in domestic and wild animals should be expected in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
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Hodžić A, Latrofa MS, Annoscia G, Alić A, Beck R, Lia RP, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. The spread of zoonotic Thelazia callipaeda in the Balkan area. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMID: 25078286 DOI: 10.1186/1756–3305–7-352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), also known as "oriental eyeworm", is a small nematode parasite that lives in the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, rabbits and even humans, causing mild (e.g., conjunctivitis, epiphora, and ocular discharge) to severe (e.g., keratitis, and corneal ulcers) ocular disease. This study reports, for the first time, the occurrence of T. callipaeda infection in the Balkan regions (i.e., Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia), it provides genetic evidence on the origin of the infection in that area and discusses potential expansion pathways in the near future. METHODS This survey was conducted in two Western Balkan countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. At necropsy, from January 2011 to April 2014, a total of 184 carcasses of red foxes were examined throughout the study area and worms were collected from the conjunctival sac. In the same period, worms were also collected during clinical examination from the conjunctival sac of four dogs and a cat from Bosnia and Herzegovina and two dogs from Croatia. All nematodes collected were morphologically identified and molecularly characterized by sequencing of partial cox1 gene. RESULTS T. callipaeda was observed in 51 (27.71%) foxes and the highest prevalence (50.0%) was in the region of East Bosnia. Beside the 4 cases of hyperemia (7.84%), most of the infected animals had no signs of ocular infection (n = 47, 92.15%). A total of 417 adult nematodes collected (364 from foxes, 51 from dogs, 2 from cat) were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda haplotype 1. CONCLUSION This is the first report of autochthonous cases of T. callipaeda infection in red foxes, dogs and cat in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia and data presented here suggest that reports of thelaziosis in other Balkan areas are, as yet, not diagnosed most likely due to the lack of awareness of practitioners. In addition, data regarding the spread of the infection in Europe over the last ten years suggests that an increasing pattern in the distribution of this disease in domestic and wild animals should be expected in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
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Motta B, Nägeli F, Nägeli C, Solari-Basano F, Schiessl B, Deplazes P, Schnyder M. Epidemiology of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in cats from southern Switzerland. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:287-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
Human thelaziasis is a zoonotic eye disease caused by a nematode parasite called Thelazia. In India, seven human cases of Thelazia have been reported earlier. This is the first case report of an infant infected with Thelazia. During the month of July, 2012, the infant was presented with an eye problem to the eye clinic from a village of Dibrugarh. Five worms (three female and two male) were recovered from the left eye of the infant. Thelazia infection is rare in infant, and report of this case is suggestive of prevalence of infection in the area and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - A M Khan
- Division of Entomology and Filariasis, Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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Soares C, Ramalho Sousa S, Anastácio S, Goreti Matias M, Marquês I, Mascarenhas S, João Vieira M, de Carvalho LM, Otranto D. Feline thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:528-31. [PMID: 23611041 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is a nematode that lives in the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, rabbits and humans causing mild to severe symptoms (e.g., conjunctivitis, lacrimation, epiphora, blepharospasm, keratitis and even corneal ulceration) in infected animals. This report describes an autochthonous case of thelaziosis in a cat from the central region of Portugal, representing the most occidental record of thelaziosis in Europe. Adult nematodes recovered from alive animal were morphological identified as T. callipaeda. A portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox 1) from nematode specimens was amplified by PCR. Cox1 sequences of all specimens were identical to T. callipaeda haplotype 1. Additionally to these findings, a recent description of thelaziosis in the northern region of Portugal suggests that T. callipaeda has successfully established in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Soares
- Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra, Portugal
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80
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Brianti E, Traversa D, Petrić D, Genchi C, Capelli G. Vector-borne helminths of dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:16. [PMID: 23324440 PMCID: PMC3564894 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Presently, 45% of the total human population of Europe, as well as their domestic and companion animals, are exposed to the risk of vector-borne helminths (VBH) causing diseases. A plethora of intrinsic biological and extrinsic factors affect the relationship among helminths, vectors and animal hosts, in a constantly changing environment. Although canine dirofilarioses by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are key examples of the success of VBH spreading into non-endemic areas, another example is represented by Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm, an emergent pathogen of dogs, cats and humans in several regions of Europe. The recent finding of Onchocerca lupi causing canine and human infestation in Europe and overseas renders the picture of VBH even more complicated. Similarly, tick-transmitted filarioids of the genus Cercopithifilaria infesting the skin of dogs were recently shown to be widespread in Europe. Although for most of the VBH above there is an increasing accumulation of research data on their distribution at national level, the overall impact of the diseases they cause in dogs and humans is not fully recognised in many aspects. This review investigates the reasons underlying the increasing trend in distribution of VBH in Europe and discusses the diagnostic and control strategies currently available. In addition, this article provides the authors' opinion on some topics related to VBH that would deserve further scientific investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
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81
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Caron Y, Premont J, Losson B, Grauwels M. Thelazia callipaeda
ocular infection in two dogs in Belgium. J Small Anim Pract 2012; 54:205-8. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Caron
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; B-4000 Liège Belgium
| | - J. Premont
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; B-4000 Liège Belgium
| | - B. Losson
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; B-4000 Liège Belgium
| | - M. Grauwels
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; B-4000 Liège Belgium
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Rodrigues FT, Cardoso L, Coutinho T, Otranto D, Diz-Lopes D. Ocular thelaziosis due to Thelazia callipaeda in a cat from northeastern Portugal. J Feline Med Surg 2012; 14:952-4. [PMID: 22968199 PMCID: PMC11108008 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x12459645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Cases of feline thelaziosis have seldom been published in the scientific literature. We report the first autochthonous case of feline ocular thelaziosis in Portugal caused by Thelazia callipaeda and suggest that this infestation should be included among differential diagnoses of ocular diseases in cats from this country.
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83
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Papadopoulos E, Petrić D, Ćupina AI, Bain O. Tracking the vector of Onchocerca lupi in a rural area of Greece. Emerg Infect Dis 2012; 18:1196-200. [PMID: 22709878 PMCID: PMC3376829 DOI: 10.3201/eid1807.ad1807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Zootecnia, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
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84
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Nguyen VD, Thanh HL, Chai JY. The first human case of Thelazia callipaeda infection in Vietnam. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2012; 50:221-3. [PMID: 22949749 PMCID: PMC3428567 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2012.50.3.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A 26-year-old man residing in a village of Thai Nguyen Province, North Vietnam, visited the Thai Nguyen Provincial Hospital in July 2008. He felt a bulge-sticking pain in his left eye and extracted 5 small nematode worms by himself half a day before visiting the hospital. Two more worms were extracted from his left eye by a medical doctor, and they were morphologically observed and genetically analyzed on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene. The worms were 1 male and 1 female, and genetically identical with those of Thelazia callipaeda. By the present study, the presence of human T. callipaeda infection is first reported in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van De Nguyen
- Department of Parasitology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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85
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Miró G, Montoya A, Hernández L, Dado D, Vázquez MV, Benito M, Villagrasa M, Brianti E, Otranto D. Thelazia callipaeda: infection in dogs: a new parasite for Spain. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:148. [PMID: 21791108 PMCID: PMC3158752 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), eyeworms, are known as the causative agents of thelaziosis, initially described in Asia and, later on, over the last decade, also in some European countries (e.g., Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland). In June 2010, the first case of canine thelaziosis was observed in central western Spain (La Vera region, Cáceres) and subsequent epidemiological investigation is reported in the present study. Results This study describes the first autochthonous cases of infection by T. callipaeda in dogs from central western Spain where the first case of eyeworm infection was reported. A total of 456 dogs was examined in this geographical area. Thelazia callipaeda eyeworms were observed in 182 (39.9%) animals, of which 28 showed apparent clinical signs (i.e., conjunctivitis, oedema, epiphora and petechiae). A total of 762 adult nematodes (214 males, 548 females; mean infection rate of 4.18; SD 4.74) were collected with cotton swabs or by flushing of the conjunctival sac of infected animals using physiological saline solution. Nematodes were identified as T. callipaeda according to the morphological keys and molecular analysis of sequences of a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The sequences were identical to those representing T. callipaeda haplotype 1, previously reported in Europe. Conclusions The high infection rate of canine thelaziosis herein reported suggests that practitioners should include this eye infection amongst differential diagnoses of ocular diseases in dogs from this area of Spain or those moving across this area of Spain. Based on the high infection prevalence recorded, the potential public health risk to humans from this region is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, de Madrid, Spain.
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86
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), eyeworms, are known as the causative agents of thelaziosis, initially described in Asia and, later on, over the last decade, also in some European countries (e.g., Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland). In June 2010, the first case of canine thelaziosis was observed in central western Spain (La Vera region, Cáceres) and subsequent epidemiological investigation is reported in the present study. RESULTS This study describes the first autochthonous cases of infection by T. callipaeda in dogs from central western Spain where the first case of eyeworm infection was reported.A total of 456 dogs was examined in this geographical area. Thelazia callipaeda eyeworms were observed in 182 (39.9%) animals, of which 28 showed apparent clinical signs (i.e., conjunctivitis, oedema, epiphora and petechiae). A total of 762 adult nematodes (214 males, 548 females; mean infection rate of 4.18; SD 4.74) were collected with cotton swabs or by flushing of the conjunctival sac of infected animals using physiological saline solution. Nematodes were identified as T. callipaeda according to the morphological keys and molecular analysis of sequences of a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox 1) gene. The sequences were identical to those representing T. callipaeda haplotype 1, previously reported in Europe. CONCLUSIONS The high infection rate of canine thelaziosis herein reported suggests that practitioners should include this eye infection amongst differential diagnoses of ocular diseases in dogs from this area of Spain or those moving across this area of Spain. Based on the high infection prevalence recorded, the potential public health risk to humans from this region is also discussed.
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87
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Otranto D, Eberhard ML. Zoonotic helminths affecting the human eye. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:41. [PMID: 21429191 PMCID: PMC3071329 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowaday, zoonoses are an important cause of human parasitic diseases worldwide and a major threat to the socio-economic development, mainly in developing countries. Importantly, zoonotic helminths that affect human eyes (HIE) may cause blindness with severe socio-economic consequences to human communities. These infections include nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, which may be transmitted by vectors (dirofilariasis, onchocerciasis, thelaziasis), food consumption (sparganosis, trichinellosis) and those acquired indirectly from the environment (ascariasis, echinococcosis, fascioliasis). Adult and/or larval stages of HIE may localize into human ocular tissues externally (i.e., lachrymal glands, eyelids, conjunctival sacs) or into the ocular globe (i.e., intravitreous retina, anterior and or posterior chamber) causing symptoms due to the parasitic localization in the eyes or to the immune reaction they elicit in the host. Unfortunately, data on HIE are scant and mostly limited to case reports from different countries. The biology and epidemiology of the most frequently reported HIE are discussed as well as clinical description of the diseases, diagnostic considerations and video clips on their presentation and surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Zootecnia, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Mark L Eberhard
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, USA
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88
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Roggero C, Schaffner F, Bächli G, Mathis A, Schnyder M. Survey of Phortica drosophilid flies within and outside of a recently identified transmission area of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in Switzerland. Vet Parasitol 2010; 171:58-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Revised: 03/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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89
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy: current situation and perspectives. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:2. [PMID: 20145730 PMCID: PMC2818618 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 01/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In Italy, dogs and cats are at risk of becoming infected by different vector-borne pathogens, including protozoa, bacteria, and helminths. Ticks, fleas, phlebotomine sand flies, and mosquitoes are recognized vectors of pathogens affecting cats and dogs, some of which (e.g., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Dipylidium caninum, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens) are of zoonotic concern. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of fleas as vectors of pathogens of zoonotic relevance (e.g., Rickettsia felis) in this country. While some arthropod vectors (e.g., ticks and fleas) are present in certain Italian regions throughout the year, others (e.g., phlebotomine sand flies) are most active during the summer season. Accordingly, control strategies, such as those relying on the systematic use of acaricides and insecticides, should be planned on the basis of the ecology of both vectors and pathogens in different geographical areas in order to improve their effectiveness in reducing the risk of infection by vector-borne pathogens. This article reviews the current situation and perspectives of canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Zootecnia, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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90
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Mallia E, DiGeronimo PM, Brianti E, Testini G, Traversa D, Lia RP. Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in wild animals: Report of new host species and ecological implications. Vet Parasitol 2009; 166:262-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 08/22/2009] [Accepted: 08/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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91
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Traversa D, Avolio S, Modrý D, Otranto D, Iorio R, Aroch I, Cringoli G, Milillo P, Albrechtová K, Mihalca AD, Lavy E. Copromicroscopic and molecular assays for the detection of cancer-causing parasitic nematode Spirocerca lupi. Vet Parasitol 2008; 157:108-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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92
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Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm is a nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies to carnivores in Europe. It has also been reported in the Far East in humans. We report T. callipaeda infection in 4 human patients in Italy and France.
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93
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Malacrida F, Hegglin D, Bacciarini L, Otranto D, Nägeli F, Nägeli C, Bernasconi C, Scheu U, Balli A, Marenco M, Togni L, Deplazes P, Schnyder M. Emergence of canine ocular Thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda in southern Switzerland. Vet Parasitol 2008; 157:321-7. [PMID: 18774229 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 07/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In Europe, Thelazia callipaeda has been reported in Italy and France in the eyes of dogs, cats and foxes and, recently, also in humans. In southern Switzerland (Ticino), the first case of T. callipaeda in a dog was detected in 2000 and because of an increasing number of dog thelaziosis, a survey in veterinary practices was carried out. A total of 106 Thelazia-positive dogs from a retrospective analysis and from ongoing cases between 2005 and 2007 as well as five positive cats were reported. For a cross-sectional study, 529 randomly selected dogs (from six veterinary practices), to which anaesthesia was given for other medical reasons, were additionally checked for the presence of adult specimens of Thelazia in 2006: 28 dogs were found positive indicating an overall prevalence of 5.3%. Thelazia-infection was furthermore diagnosed in 7 of 126 foxes (5.6%) shot in Ticino in winter 2005-2006. Affected foxes, dogs and cats originated from the same regions up to 863m of altitude. The cats and 57.9% (55/95) of the infected dogs had never crossed the Swiss border. Collected nematodes were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda, and this diagnosis was confirmed by the analysis of a part of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), revealing haplotype 1, the only one so far found in Europe. Animals harboured 1-23 eye worms. The most common symptoms were conjunctivitis and epiphora, while keratitis was present only in a low number of animals. Young and small sized dogs were significantly less involved than large animals and over 3 years of age. The results indicate that thelaziosis is endemic in that area.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Malacrida
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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94
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Cantacessi C, Traversa D, Testini G, Lia RP, Cafarchia C, Máca J, Otranto D. Molecular identification of Phortica variegata and Phortica semivirgo (Drosophilidae, Steganinae) by PCR-RFLP of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I gene. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:727-30. [PMID: 18581143 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1027-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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95
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Otranto D, Stevens JR, Cantacessi C, Gasser RB. Parasite transmission by insects: a female affair? Trends Parasitol 2008; 24:116-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2007] [Revised: 11/19/2007] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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96
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Otranto D, Stevens JR, Testini G, Cantacessi C, Máca J. Molecular characterization and phylogenesis of Steganinae (Diptera, Drosophilidae) inferred by the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 22:37-47. [PMID: 18380652 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00714.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The subfamily Steganinae (Diptera, Drosophilidae) includes flies which display zoophilic feeding behaviour in the larval and/or adult stages, some of which act as vectors of Spirurida eyeworms, which infect both carnivores and humans. To date, the taxonomy and phylogeny of the subfamily Steganinae has been studied only superficially and many aspects of their systematics remain unresolved. Thus, the present study aimed to provide a molecular dataset to facilitate the identification and phylogenetic analysis of Steganinae species based on partial ( approximately 700 basepairs) mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences. A total of 134 flies belonging to 13 species and eight genera of Steganinae were subjected to molecular and phylogenetic analyses. The mean nucleotide variation within the Steganinae subfamily was 8.1%, with a variation within genera for which more than one species was examined ranging from 1.6% (in Phortica spp.) to 21.8% (in Amiota spp.). Interspecific pairwise divergence ranged from 1.6% (Phortica variegata vs. Phortica semivirgo) to 24.8% (Cacoxenus indagator vs. Amiota alboguttata) and intraspecific variation ranged from 0% to 1%. Seventy of the 233 amino acids were variable, including 26 parsimony informative sites and 44 singleton sites, with some highly conserved residues identified within the genera Stegana and Amiota. Parsimony and maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic analyses provided strong support for the genus Phortica, phylogenetically distinct from the genus Amiota. Gitona distigma was placed in an unresolved position adjacent to the outgroup taxa, Drosophila yakuba and Drosophila melanogaster. The molecular data reported here represent the first molecular dataset based on cox1 of Steganinae flies and provide a base for further investigations into the evolutionary relationships among this little-studied subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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97
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Dorchies P, Chaudieu G, Siméon LA, Cazalot G, Cantacessi C, Otranto D. First reports of autochthonous eyeworm infection by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in dogs and cat from France. Vet Parasitol 2007; 149:294-7. [PMID: 17854998 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2007] [Revised: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is a small nematode living in the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, rabbits and humans causing lacrimation, epiphora, conjunctivitis, keratitis and even corneal ulcers. The first autochthonous cases of thelaziosis affecting four dogs and one cat living in South Western France (Dordogne area) are reported and described. Nematodes recovered from the animals were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda and a partial region of the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene (cox1) was amplified by PCR from nematode specimens (from two dogs and the cat). In each case, this was shown to have an identical sequence to the haplotype 1 (h1) of T. callipaeda. So far, the arthropod acting as intermediate host of T. callipaeda eyeworms has not been identified in France although it might be Phortica variegata (Steganinae, Drosophilidae) as recently described in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ph Dorchies
- Ecole vétérinaire de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, 31076 Toulouse Cedex, France.
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