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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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Maia C, Catarino AL, Almeida B, Ramos C, Campino L, Cardoso L. Emergence of Thelazia callipaeda Infection in Dogs and Cats from East-Central Portugal. Transbound Emerg Dis 2014; 63:416-21. [PMID: 25382165 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) infects domestic animals, wildlife and human beings, and is considered an emerging pathogen in Europe. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of T. callipaeda infection in dogs and cats from east-central Portugal, a region where the parasite was previously detected in two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Thelazia callipaeda was found in 22 (3.8%) of 586 dogs and in four (23.5%) of 17 cats. A total of 178 adult worms (71.9% of females and 28.1% of males) were collected from the conjunctiva of the infected dogs. The number of worms collected per dog ranged from 1 to 35 (average ± standard deviation: 8.08 ± 9.49), with four dogs (18.2%) harbouring only a single parasite. Worms were gathered from dogs throughout all months of the year. A total of 17 adult worms (64.7% of females and 35.3% of males) were obtained from cats. The number of worms per cat ranged from 1 to 14 (4.3 ± 6.5), with three cats (75.0%) having a single parasite. Eyeworm infection was statistically more prevalent in pastoral and farm dogs, in those dogs with contact with other animals and in dogs with ocular manifestations. T. callipaeda is endemic in the east-central part of Portugal, reportedly infecting domestic (dogs and cats) and wild carnivores (red foxes) and evidencing a southerly dissemination. Future investigations should be focused on determining the local distribution and density of the insect vector (Phortica variegata) in this geographical area. This emergent zoonosis should be included by veterinarians, physicians and ophthalmologists in the differential diagnosis of ocular manifestations in their patients, particularly in areas where T. callipaeda is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Maia
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal.,Centro de Malária e outras Doenças Tropicais, IHMT-UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A L Catarino
- VetCoa - Serviços Veterinários, Sabugal, Portugal
| | - B Almeida
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C Ramos
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L Campino
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - L Cardoso
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Parasite Disease Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
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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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55
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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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56
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Calero-Bernal R, Sánchez-Murillo JM, Alarcón-Elbal PM, Sánchez-Moro J, Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Resolution of canine ocular thelaziosis in avermectin-sensitive Border Collies from Spain. Vet Parasitol 2013; 200:203-6. [PMID: 24412357 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda is an emerging disease that affects primarily dogs, but also cats, foxes and other wild carnivores, as well as humans. Three clinical cases of unilateral conjunctivitis caused by Thelazia nematodes were detected in Border Collie, a dog breed intolerant to the macrocyclic lactones. Animals came from southwestern Spain, on the border with Portugal. Eight worms were collected and identified molecularly as T. callipaeda by amplification and sequencing of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Oral treatment with mebendazole 20mg/kg (Telmin(®)) was effective in curing the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Área de Parasitología, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - José Marín Sánchez-Murillo
- Departamento de Parasitología, Laboratorio Regional de Sanidad Animal, Servicio de Sanidad Animal, Gobierno de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - José Sánchez-Moro
- Director Técnico de Agrupación de Defensa Sanitaria Veterinaria, San Vicente de Alcántara, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Maria Stefanía Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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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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58
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Liu GH, Gasser RB, Otranto D, Xu MJ, Shen JL, Mohandas N, Zhou DH, Zhu XQ. Mitochondrial genome of the eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Spirurida), as the first representative from the family Thelaziidae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2029. [PMID: 23383353 PMCID: PMC3561134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thelaziosis is an underestimated parasitic disease caused by Thelazia species (Spirurida: Thelaziidae). The oriental eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda, infects a range of mammalian definitive hosts, including canids, felids and humans. Although this zoonotic parasite is of socio-economic significance in Asian countries, its genetics, epidemiology and biology are poorly understood. Mitochondrial (mt) DNA is known to provide useful genetic markers to underpin fundamental investigations, but no mt genome had been characterized for any members of the family Thelaziidae. In the present study, we sequenced and characterized the mt genome of T. callipaeda. This AT-rich (74.6%) mt genome (13,668 bp) is circular and contains 12 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and two ribosomal RNA genes, but lacks an atp8 gene. All protein-coding genes are transcribed in the same direction; the gene order is the same as those of Dirofilaria immitis and Setaria digitata (Onchocercidae), but distinct from Dracunculus medinensis (Dracunculidae) and Heliconema longissimum (Physalopteridae). Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated amino acid sequence data for all 12 protein-coding genes by Bayesian inference (BI) showed that T. callipaeda (Thelaziidae) is related to the family Onchocercidae. This is the first mt genome of any member of the family Thelaziidae and should represent a new source of genetic markers for studying the epidemiology, ecology, population genetics and systematics of this parasite of humans and other mammals. Human thelaziosis is an underestimated parasitic disease caused by the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae). Although this parasite is of significance in humans in many Asian countries, its genetics, epidemiology and biology are poorly understood. Mitochondrial (mt) DNA can provide useful genetic markers for fundamental investigations, but no mt genome had been characterized for any members of the family Thelaziidae. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the mt genome of T. callipaeda. This circular mt genome is 13,668 bp long and contains 12 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and two ribosomal RNA genes, but lacks an atp8 gene. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated amino acid sequence data for all 12 protein-coding genes by Bayesian inference showed that T. callipaeda is closely related to the family Onchocercidae, consistent with previous study. This is the first mt genome of any member of the family Thelaziidae, and represents a new source of genetic markers for studies of the epidemiology, ecology, population genetics and systematics of this parasite of human and animal health significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (RBG); (XQZ)
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Zootecnia, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Min-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Ji-Long Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Namitha Mohandas
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dong-Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, PR China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, PR China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
- * E-mail: (RBG); (XQZ)
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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: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [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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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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62
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Pimenta P, Cardoso L, Pereira MJ, Maltez L, Coutinho T, Alves MS, Otranto D. Canine ocular thelaziosis caused byThelazia callipaedain Portugal. Vet Ophthalmol 2012; 16:312-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2012.01074.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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63
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Vieira L, Rodrigues FT, Costa A, Diz-Lopes D, Machado J, Coutinho T, Tuna J, Latrofa MS, Cardoso L, Otranto D. First report of canine ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda in Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:124. [PMID: 22720837 PMCID: PMC3431252 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda eyeworms are transmitted by the non-biting insect vector Phortica variegata in Europe and infest the conjunctiva(s) of several mammalians, including dogs and humans. Infested hosts might remain asymptomatic or display clinical manifestations characterized by variable degrees of severity. Methods From July to November 2011, nine dogs were detected with eyeworms at two veterinary clinics in Chaves and Bragança (North of Portugal). Nematodes collected from dogs were morphologically and molecularly characterized at species level. Results Nematodes were identified as T. callipaeda. The number of worms collected from each dog ranged from three to 76 (average = 17.9 ± 26.8) and was not associated with the severity of clinical signs. Ocular discharge and conjunctivitis were observed in all dogs and ocular pruritus occurred in six of them. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of a portion of target cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene further identified all nematodes as haplotype 1. Conclusions This is the first report of T. callipaeda and associated ocular disease in dogs from Portugal, suggesting that thelaziosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of canine ocular affections. The risk of the infestation spreading from Spain and France to Portugal, through domestic dogs or wild mammals, is realistic.
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64
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Vieira L, Rodrigues FT, Costa A, Diz-Lopes D, Machado J, Coutinho T, Tuna J, Latrofa MS, Cardoso L, Otranto D. First report of canine ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda in Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2012. [PMID: 22720837 DOI: 10.1186/1756–3305–5-124] [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 eyeworms are transmitted by the non-biting insect vector Phortica variegata in Europe and infest the conjunctiva(s) of several mammalians, including dogs and humans. Infested hosts might remain asymptomatic or display clinical manifestations characterized by variable degrees of severity. METHODS From July to November 2011, nine dogs were detected with eyeworms at two veterinary clinics in Chaves and Bragança (North of Portugal). Nematodes collected from dogs were morphologically and molecularly characterized at species level. RESULTS Nematodes were identified as T. callipaeda. The number of worms collected from each dog ranged from three to 76 (average = 17.9 ± 26.8) and was not associated with the severity of clinical signs. Ocular discharge and conjunctivitis were observed in all dogs and ocular pruritus occurred in six of them. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of a portion of target cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene further identified all nematodes as haplotype 1. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of T. callipaeda and associated ocular disease in dogs from Portugal, suggesting that thelaziosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of canine ocular affections. The risk of the infestation spreading from Spain and France to Portugal, through domestic dogs or wild mammals, is realistic.
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Therapeutic efficacy of milbemycin oxime/praziquantel oral formulation (Milbemax®) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infested dogs and cats. Parasit Vectors 2012. [PMID: 22541136 DOI: 10.1186/1756–3305–5-85] [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 Over the last few decades, canine and feline thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda eye worms has gained the attention of the veterinary community due to the spread of this ocular infestation in geographical areas previously regarded as non endemic. The therapeutic efficacy of milbemycin oxime/praziquantel tablets (Milbemax®) against T. callipaeda was tested in naturally infested dogs and cats. METHODS From January 2009 to July 2011 a placebo controlled and randomized field study was conducted in T. callipaeda endemic areas of Switzerland (CH) and Italy (ITA) involving client-owned animals. Dogs (n = 56) and cats (n = 31) were physically examined at enrolment Day 0 (D0) and twice afterwards (D7 and D14). Infested animals were orally treated with Milbemax® or with placebo tablets on D0 and, if an animal was found still infested with T. callipaeda, also on D7. On D14 nematodes were flushed from the conjunctiva, identified and counted. RESULTS Out of 56 dogs, 43 were included in the statistical analysis, whereas 13 were excluded because the products under investigation were not administered with food, as required by the label. On D7 and D14, 72.7% and 90.9% of treated dogs were eye worm free, whereas in the placebo group 95.2% and 76.2% still harbored nematodes, resulting in a mean percentage worm count reduction for the Milbemax® group of 86.1% and 96.8%, respectively. Both results were significantly higher (p = 0.0001) than the placebo group. Out of the 31 cats included in the study at D7 and D14, 53.3% and 73.3% treated with Milbemax® were free of T. callipaeda, while 81.3% and 73.3 in the placebo group were still harbouring eye worms, resulting in a mean percentage worm count reduction for the treated group of 62.2% and 80.0%, respectively. Both results were significantly higher (p = 0.0106 and p = 0.0043) than the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS The commercial formulation of milbemycin oxime at the minimal dose of 0.5 mg/kg and 2 mg/k in dogs and cats, respectively, showed a high therapeutic efficacy in curing T. callipaeda infestations. The advantages of an oral application are additionally increased by the large spectrum of activity of praziquantel and milbemycin oxime against Cestodes and Nematodes infesting dogs and cats.
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Motta B, Schnyder M, Basano FS, Nägeli F, Nägeli C, Schiessl B, Mallia E, Lia RP, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Therapeutic efficacy of milbemycin oxime/praziquantel oral formulation (Milbemax®) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infested dogs and cats. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:85. [PMID: 22541136 PMCID: PMC3356600 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last few decades, canine and feline thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda eye worms has gained the attention of the veterinary community due to the spread of this ocular infestation in geographical areas previously regarded as non endemic. The therapeutic efficacy of milbemycin oxime/praziquantel tablets (Milbemax®) against T. callipaeda was tested in naturally infested dogs and cats. Methods From January 2009 to July 2011 a placebo controlled and randomized field study was conducted in T. callipaeda endemic areas of Switzerland (CH) and Italy (ITA) involving client-owned animals. Dogs (n = 56) and cats (n = 31) were physically examined at enrolment Day 0 (D0) and twice afterwards (D7 and D14). Infested animals were orally treated with Milbemax® or with placebo tablets on D0 and, if an animal was found still infested with T. callipaeda, also on D7. On D14 nematodes were flushed from the conjunctiva, identified and counted. Results Out of 56 dogs, 43 were included in the statistical analysis, whereas 13 were excluded because the products under investigation were not administered with food, as required by the label. On D7 and D14, 72.7% and 90.9% of treated dogs were eye worm free, whereas in the placebo group 95.2% and 76.2% still harbored nematodes, resulting in a mean percentage worm count reduction for the Milbemax® group of 86.1% and 96.8%, respectively. Both results were significantly higher (p = 0.0001) than the placebo group. Out of the 31 cats included in the study at D7 and D14, 53.3% and 73.3% treated with Milbemax® were free of T. callipaeda, while 81.3% and 73.3 in the placebo group were still harbouring eye worms, resulting in a mean percentage worm count reduction for the treated group of 62.2% and 80.0%, respectively. Both results were significantly higher (p = 0.0106 and p = 0.0043) than the placebo group. Conclusions The commercial formulation of milbemycin oxime at the minimal dose of 0.5 mg/kg and 2 mg/k in dogs and cats, respectively, showed a high therapeutic efficacy in curing T. callipaeda infestations. The advantages of an oral application are additionally increased by the large spectrum of activity of praziquantel and milbemycin oxime against Cestodes and Nematodes infesting dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Motta
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich, Switzerland
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Colwell DD, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Vector-borne parasitic zoonoses: Emerging scenarios and new perspectives. Vet Parasitol 2011; 182:14-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sohn WM, Na BK, Yoo JM. Two cases of human thelaziasis and brief review of Korean cases. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2011; 49:265-71. [PMID: 22072826 PMCID: PMC3210843 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2011.49.3.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The present study was performed to describe 2 cases of human thelaziasis (HT) which occurred in Gyeongsangnam- do and to briefly review the previously reported Korean cases. A 58-year old woman, residing in Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, came to Gyeongsang National University Hospital (GNUH) complaining of foreign body sensation and itching of the right eye in March 2000. Total 6 adult nematodes of Thelazia callipaeda (2 males and 4 females) were detected in her right eye. A 80-year old man, residing in Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, came to GNUH complaining of foreign body sensation, itching, and pain of the right eye in December 2007. A total of 5 worms (4 females and 1 degenerated) were removed from his right eye. We analyzed characteristics of the total 39 Korean HT cases reported to date, including the present 2 cases. Most of the cases (71.8%) occurred in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do before 2000, and 21 cases (53.8%) were males and 18 (46.2%) were females. The prevalence was higher in younger ages below 30 years (48.7%) than 31-60 years (41.0%) and over 61 years (10.3%). The seasonal prevalence showed a higher incidence in autumn (43.6%) than in other seasons. Most of the cases (94.9%) were conjunctival sac infections and only 2 (5.1%) were intraocular cases. The present 2 HT cases are the first reported cases in Gyeongsangnam-do. Some characteristics of Korean HT cases were analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woon-Mok Sohn
- Department of Parasitology and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju 660-751, Korea.
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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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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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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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Ruytoor P, Déan E, Pennant O, Dorchies P, Chermette R, Otranto D, Guillot J. Ocular thelaziosis in dogs, France. Emerg Infect Dis 2011; 16:1943-5. [PMID: 21122226 PMCID: PMC3294570 DOI: 10.3201/eid1612.100872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
During 2005–2008, veterinary practitioners reported ocular infection by Thelazia spp. nematodes in 115 dogs and 2 cats in southwestern France. Most cases were detected in Dordogne, particularly in 3 counties with numerous strawberry farms, which may favor development of the fruit fly vector. Animal thelaziosis may lead to emergence of human cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Ruytoor
- É cole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, UPEC, Maisons-Alfort, France
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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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Local transmission of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in southern Germany. Parasitol Res 2010; 106:715-7. [PMID: 19937259 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1678-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This report describes the first assumed locally transmitted case of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in a dog living in southern Germany. A 4-year-old male golden retriever from the town of Bühl in north eastern Baden-Württemberg, about 10 km from the German-French border, showed one sided lacrimation for over 2 weeks. Despite the application of antibiotics, there was no improvement, and the dog additionally showed blepharospasmus, epiphora and red conjunctivas. A deepened eye inspection revealed five whitish filiform parasites that were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. The partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1, 605 bp) from one specimen revealed a novel haplotype, which differs by 1.3% from the only one (haplotype 1) identified in Europe so far. Since the infected dog had never been abroad with the exception of two daytrips to the close Alsace region in France, the transmission of T. callipaeda most probably was domestic. With the presence of end hosts and Phortica flies nourishing on lachrymal secretions acting as intermediate hosts and an increasing number of dogs travelling to and coming from endemic regions in the South, the establishment of T. callipaeda in large parts of Europe cannot be excluded.
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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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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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Abstract
This report describes the first assumed locally transmitted case of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in a dog living in southern Germany. A 4-year-old male golden retriever from the town of Bühl in north eastern Baden-Württemberg, about 10 km from the German-French border, showed one sided lacrimation for over 2 weeks. Despite the application of antibiotics, there was no improvement, and the dog additionally showed blepharospasmus, epiphora and red conjunctivas. A deepened eye inspection revealed five whitish filiform parasites that were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. The partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1, 605 bp) from one specimen revealed a novel haplotype, which differs by 1.3% from the only one (haplotype 1) identified in Europe so far. Since the infected dog had never been abroad with the exception of two daytrips to the close Alsace region in France, the transmission of T. callipaeda most probably was domestic. With the presence of end hosts and Phortica flies nourishing on lachrymal secretions acting as intermediate hosts and an increasing number of dogs travelling to and coming from endemic regions in the South, the establishment of T. callipaeda in large parts of Europe cannot be excluded.
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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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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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Therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of milbemycin oxime (Interceptor) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally exposed dogs. Vet Parasitol 2008; 154:351-3. [PMID: 18456409 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2007] [Revised: 03/03/2008] [Accepted: 03/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Two trials were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic and prophylactic activity of milbemycin oxime (Interceptor, Novartis Animal Health) against the eye-worm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) infection. In Trial 1, the therapeutic efficacy of milbemycin oxime was evaluated in 55 naturally infected dogs treated with min. 0.5mg/kg milbemycin oxime. The dogs were clinically examined for the presence of eyeworms before and again 7 days after treatment. Dogs still positive were given a second treatment and re-checked again a week later. Forty-eight of the 55 dogs tested negative 1 week after treatment (87.3% reduction of infection rate). Following the second treatment 6 of these 7 dogs tested negative 1 week later resulting, after two treatments, in a reduction of infection rate of 98.2%. In Trial 2, the prophylactic efficacy of milbemycin oxime was evaluated in 60 uninfected dogs. Thirty dogs were treated with milbemycin oxime monthly from June to November with the recommended dose rate for the prevention of heartworm disease (> or =0.5mg/kg), 30 dogs served as untreated controls. At the end of the trail 1 dog in the treated group and 10 dogs in the control group became infected during the trial. The incidence of infection differed significantly between treated and control dogs (p=0.0056). The efficacy of the prophylactic use of a monthly treatment with milbemycin oxime showed 90% efficacy in reducing T. callipaeda infection rate.
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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: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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Otranto D, Brianti E, Cantacessi C, Lia RP, Máca J. The zoophilic fruitfly Phortica variegata: morphology, ecology and biological niche. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2006; 20:358-64. [PMID: 17199746 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2006.00643.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Flies belonging to the subfamily Steganinae (Drosophilidae) display unusual zoophilic feeding habits at the adult and/or larval stage. Phortica variegata (Fallén) feeds on tears or eye liquid around the eyes of humans and carnivores. When feeding it is a potential vector of Thelazia callipaeda (Railliet and Henry) eyeworms. Adult and larval stages of this fly may be easily confused with other species belonging to the same genus, and little is known on the biology and ecology of P. variegata. In April-November 2005, a total of 969 P. variegata were collected in an area with a high prevalence of canine thelaziosis. The number of flies collected weekly was then related to climatic and environmental parameters (e.g. temperature, relative humidity and total rainfall) recorded daily at the collection site. The highest number of Phortica were collected during July-August. The sex ratio (number of males : females) rose from approximately 0.5 during May-July, to approximately 3.0 in August and 181 during September-October. Distributional data, representing 242 sites at which P. variegata has been collected in Europe, were analysed using a desktop implementation of the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction (GARP) to model ecological requirements across Europe, as well as in Italy. P. variegata is shown to be mainly active at 20-25 degrees C and 50-75% RH. The ecological niche model suggests with a high degree of confidence that large areas of Europe are likely to represent suitable habitat for this species, mostly concentrated in central Europe. The results reported here contribute basic knowledge on the ecology and geographical distribution of P. variegata flies, which will be fundamental to gaining a better understanding of their role as vectors of human and animal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Shen J, Gasser RB, Chu D, Wang Z, Yuan X, Cantacessi C, Otranto D. Human thelaziosis--a neglected parasitic disease of the eye. J Parasitol 2006; 92:872-5. [PMID: 16995411 DOI: 10.1645/ge-823r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The oriental eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), infects a range of definitive hosts, such as dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, and humans. This parasite usually lives under the nictitating membrane of the eye, where the adult females release first-stage larvae into the lachrymal secretions; these larvae are subsequently ingested by the intermediate arthropod host within which they develop to the infective, third-stage larvae. The latter larvae are then deposited into the eyes of the definitive host. Recently, T. callipaeda has been reported to infect dogs, foxes, and/or cats in Europe (Italy, France, and Germany). Human thelaziosis (HT) is considered to be an underestimated parasitic disease, whose prevalence appears to have increased in poor socioeconomic settings in many Asian countries, including China. In humans, the disease can be subclinical or symptomatic, exhibiting epiphora, conjunctivitis, keratitis, excessive lachrymation, corneal opacity, and/or ulcers. Knowledge about HT is presently fragmentary and mainly limited to clinical case reports. This article provides a background on the parasite and its life cycle, reviews cases of human thelaziosis, summarizes key aspects regarding the diagnosis of thelaziosis, and proposes future research and methods of control of the disease in humans, particularly in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Provincial Key Laboratory of Genomic Research, Anhui, China
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85
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Yang CH, Tung KC, Wang MY, Chang SC, Tu WC, Wang KS, Shyu CL, Lee WM. First Thelazia callipaeda infestation report in a dog in Taiwan. J Vet Med Sci 2006; 68:103-4. [PMID: 16462129 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.68.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An ocular Thelazia callipaeda infestation was found in a male domestic dog in Taiwan during regular examination. This is the first report of the parasite from pet animal in Taiwan. The infested dog showed normal bodily condition but slight conjunctival congestion. This parasite has been reported in humans in southeast Asia, China and Korea. In 1998, first human case was reported in the central area of Taiwan. The dogs infected with T. callipaeda may have important implication in the infestation of this parasite to humans as reservoir hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Huan Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, 402 Taichung City, Taiwan
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86
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Otranto D, Cantacessi C, Testini G, Lia RP. Phortica variegata as an intermediate host of Thelazia callipaeda under natural conditions: evidence for pathogen transmission by a male arthropod vector. Int J Parasitol 2006; 36:1167-73. [PMID: 16842795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2006] [Revised: 06/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge about Phortica variegata (Drosophilidae, Steganinae), the intermediate host of the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), is confined to experimental studies. To investigate the role P. variegata plays in the transmission of T. callipaeda under natural conditions, the population dynamics of these flies in the natural environment and their feeding preferences (on vegetables and/or animal lachrymal secretions) were examined. From April to November 2005, a total number of 969 (557 males and 412 females) P. variegata flies were collected weekly in a region of southern Italy with a history of canine thelaziosis. The flies were identified and dissected or subjected to a PCR assay specific for a region within the ribosomal ITS-1 DNA of T. callipaeda. The zoophilic preferences of P. variegata were assessed by collecting flies around the eyes of a person or around a fruit bait. Seven hundred and twenty flies (398 males and 322 females) were dissected under a stereomicroscope; 249 flies (158 males and 91 females) that died prior to the dissection were subjected to molecular investigation. Only P. variegata males were infected with larval T. callipaeda both at dissection (six, 0.83%) and with the specific PCR (seven, 2.81%), representing a total percentage of 1.34% flies infected. Interestingly, only males were collected around the eyes, compared with a male/female ratio of 1:4 around the fruit. This survey indicated that P. variegata males act as intermediate hosts of T. callipaeda under natural conditions in Europe. Both the zoophilic behaviour of P. variegata males on lachrymal secretions and their role as vector of T. callipaeda have been discussed as they represent a peculiarity in medical and veterinary entomology. The synchrony between the fly population dynamics and the biology of the nematode in the definitive host provides an interesting model for exploring the co-evolution of Thelazia spp. with their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Otranto D, Testini G, De Luca F, Hu M, Shamsi S, Gasser RB. Analysis of genetic variability within Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Thelazioidea) from Europe and Asia by sequencing and mutation scanning of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Mol Cell Probes 2005; 19:306-13. [PMID: 16084062 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2005.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2005] [Accepted: 05/02/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated genetic variability within the 'eyeworm'Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Thelazioidea) from Europe and Asia by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-coupled sequencing and mutation scanning of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox 1). Eight different sequence variants of cox 1 (haplotypes) were determined for the 50 individual adult specimens of T. callipaeda (from dogs, foxes or cats from Italy, Germany and the Netherlands and from dogs from China and Korea). Nucleotide variation (0.3--2%) was detected at 23 of 649 positions in the cox 1. Six of these positions were invariable among all 37 individuals from Europe and among the 13 individuals from Asia (irrespective of host origin) but differed (five G<-->A and one C<-->T changes) between Europe and Asia. PCR-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the most variable portion (v-cox 1) of the cox 1 was validated (for a subset of samples) as a tool to rapidly screen for genetic (haplotypic) variability. The results for the SSCP analysis and sequencing were concordant, indicating that the mutation scanning approach provides a useful tool for investigating the population genetics and molecular ecology of T. callipaeda.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, University of Bari, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 7, Str. Prov. per Casamassima Km3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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88
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Otranto D, Lia RP, Cantacessi C, Testini G, Troccoli A, Shen JL, Wang ZX. Nematode biology and larval development of Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in the drosophilid intermediate host in Europe and China. Parasitology 2005; 131:847-55. [PMID: 16336738 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005008395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Revised: 05/12/2005] [Accepted: 05/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda, commonly known as the 'oriental eyeworm', has been recently reported in Italy and other European countries. The insect/s that act as intermediate hosts and details of larval development inside the vector remain unclear. In order to (1) demonstrate the species of fly that may act as vector/s for T. callipaeda in southern Italy (Site A) and China (Site B) and (2) describe the larval development of the nematode in the body of flies, 847 Phortica (Drosophilidae) flies were collected from the above two sites, each with a history of human and/or canine thelaziosis. Flies were identified as Phortica variegata (245 - site A) and Phortica okadai (602 - site B), experimentally infected by 1st-stage larvae (L1), kept at different temperatures and dissected daily until day 180 post-infection (p.i.). Dead flies from site A were subjected to specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect T. callipaeda. To demonstrate the role of Phortica as vectors of T. callipaeda, 3rd-stage larvae (L3) recovered from the proboscis of flies were deposited onto the cornea of the eyes of dogs and rabbits. Following dissection, 3 (2.9%) of P. variegata in site A were found to be infected by L3 in the proboscis on days +14, +21 and +53 p.i., compared with 26 (18.4%) of Phortica flies recorded as being positive by PCR. Sequences from positive PCR products were 99% identical to sequences of the corresponding species available in GenBank (AY207464). At site B, 106 (17.6%) of 602 dissected P. okadai were found to be infected by T. callipaeda larvae (different stages) and in total 62 L3 were recovered from the proboscis of 34 (5.6%) flies. The shortest time in which L3 were found was at day +14, +17, +19, and +50 p.i. respectively, depending on the environmental temperatures. Of 30 flies overwintered for 6 months, 6 L3 were detected at day +180 p.i. in 3 flies (10%). The biology of larval development was reconstructed on the basis of the dissection of 602 P. okadai-infected flies and the morphology of larval stages in the insect body described. The present work provides evidence that P. variegata and P. okadai act as vectors for T. callipaeda in southern Europe and in China, respectively. The phenomenon of overwintering is described here for the first time for T. callipaeda and discussed. Finally, the relationship between T. callipaeda and its fly vector is considered in light of disease prophylaxis and to model its dissemination into habitats and environments favourable to Phortica flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, P.O. Box 7, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Bianciardi P, Otranto D. Treatment of dog thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) using a topical formulation of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5%. Vet Parasitol 2005; 129:89-93. [PMID: 15817208 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2004] [Revised: 12/02/2004] [Accepted: 12/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Canine thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda infects dogs, cats, foxes, rabbits, and humans resulting in conjunctivitis, pain and excessive lacrimation. T. callipaeda live in the eyes under the nictitating membrane and females release first stage larvae which are ingested by flies which act as intermediate hosts. Control of canine thelaziosis is currently based on the removal of nematodes directly from the eyes of affected dogs or on the local instillation of antiparasitic drugs. With the aim of evaluating the efficacy against T. callipaeda of an association of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% by spot-on formulation administered via dermal application, three groups of naturally infected animals were selected: i.e. group A (21 dogs) received a single dose of imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% by spot-on; group B (21 dogs) received a single dose of imidacloprid 10% by spot-on and group C (20 dogs) were left untreated. The efficacy of treatments was established by eye inspection and parasite viability and vitality after 1, 5 and 9 days after animal treatments (groups A and B) and after 9 days only in untreated animals (group C). Imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% in spot-on formulation showed to be effective with regards the control of dog thelaziosis within 5 (90.47%) to 9 (95.23%) days after treatment. Only one dog from group A presented nematodes after treatment. The presence of parasites in the eyes of dogs from groups B (imidacloprid 10%) and C confirm that the anthelmintic efficacy against T. callipaeda in animal from group A (imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5%) was most likely attributable to moxidectin 2.5%. The spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 2.5% is very easy to apply and helps overcome problems linked to the mechanical removal of parasites or to the restraining of the animals for the local instillation of drugs in the eyes.
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90
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Otranto D, Lia RP, Testini G, Milillo P, Shen JL, Wang ZX. Musca domestica is not a vector of Thelazia callipaeda in experimental or natural conditions. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2005; 19:135-9. [PMID: 15958022 DOI: 10.1111/j.0269-283x.2005.00554.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda Railliet and Henry (Spirurida: Thelaziidae), commonly called oriental eyeworm for its widespread presence in the Far East, has been recently found to affect dogs, cats and foxes in northern and southern Italy. Although the biology of T. callipaeda in the definitive hosts has been recently investigated, many doubts still remain about its biology in insect vectors. It has been suggested that more than one species of Diptera, namely Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae) and Amiota okadai Maca (Diptera: Drosophilidae), may be involved in the transmission of T. callipaeda in China. The aim of the work described here was to verify the role of M. domestica as a vector of T. callipaeda both in experimental and natural conditions. A total of 310 m. domestica (Group 1) were put in a cage and allowed to feed for 14 days around the eyes of a dog naturally infected by T. callipaeda. Ten flies were collected daily for 14 days. A total of 149 houseflies (Group 2) were fed with T. callipaeda first stage larvae (L1) and dissected at 1, 2 and 7 days post-infection. From June to August 2003, flies were netted (Group 3) in two different sites every 10 days both from the environment and directly from the periocular region of dogs affected by thelaziosis. Musca flies were examined for eyeworms by dissection and visual inspection of house flies (Groups 1 and 2) and using a molecular approach (Groups 1-3) via a specific amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequence of T. callipaeda. On the whole, 180 pools of M. domestica flies were processed molecularly and all the experimentally infected flies (Groups 1 and 2) were found to be negative both at the visual dissection and at the molecular assay. Similarly, the 234 M. domestica collected from Group 3 were negative for T. callipaeda. The results clearly suggest that M. domestica is unlikely to act as a vector of T. callipaeda in southern Europe, in contrast with a single previous report.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.
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Otranto D, Lia RP, Buono V, Traversa D, Giangaspero A. Biology of Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) eyeworms in naturally infected definitive hosts. Parasitology 2005; 129:627-33. [PMID: 15552407 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182004006018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) eyeworm causes ocular infection in carnivores and humans in the Far East; this infection has been recently reported also in Europe--northern and southern Italy--in dogs, cats and foxes. The natural vector/s of T. callipaeda is/are unknown and the development of the nematode in its definitive hosts is limited to an experimental trial on dogs. To contribute new insights into the development of T. callipaeda in the definitive host in field conditions, eyeworms were collected from naturally infected dogs from an area with a high prevalence of infection (up to 60.14%) in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, from January 2002 to December 2003. Conjunctival secretions were also collected and examined for the presence of immature stages. The presence of blastomerized eggs throughout the period--except for the months from May to November--indicates a seasonality in the reproductive activity of T. callipaeda, coinciding with the presence/absence of the vector. In fact, 1st-stage larvae were found in the lachrymal secretions of dogs in summer (June--July 2002 and 2003), ready to be ingested by flies feeding about the eyes. The evidence of 4th-stage larvae in March 2002 and April, July and October 2003 may be accounted for by the presence of flies that act as intermediate hosts of T. callipaeda from early spring to early autumn. The presence of immature stages in October indicates an overlapping generation of nematodes and a 2nd cycle of vector infection. This basic knowledge of the development of T. callipaeda will hopefully help future epidemiological studies to identify the intermediate hosts and define the likely risk for vectors in field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Otranto D, Traversa D. Molecular Characterization of the First Internal Transcribed Spacer of Ribosomal DNA of the Most Common Species of Eyeworms (Thelazioidea: Thelazia). J Parasitol 2004; 90:185-8. [PMID: 15040692 DOI: 10.1645/ge-115r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Spirurid nematodes of the genus Thelazia cause ocular infection in several mammals and are transmitted by dipteran flies. Of the 10 described species, T. gulosa, T. rhodesi, T. skrjabini (affecting cattle), T. lacrymalis (affecting horses), and T. callipaeda (affecting carnivores and humans) are the most common. The aim of this study was to characterize the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) ribosomal DNA sequences of these 5 species. The length of the ITS1 sequences ranged from 357 bp (T. lacrymalis) to 905 bp (T. callipaeda). Interspecific differences ranged from 35 to 77%. Polymorphic sites were detected in each species. Intraspecific variation varied from 0.3 to 2.5%. The characteristics of the ITS1 of Thelazia spp. show similarities to those of other Spirurida. The findings of this present study show that the ITS1 represent a powerful genetic marker for the molecular identification of eyeworms and a useful tool for developing molecular epidemiological techniques to study Thelazia spp. transmission patterns and prevalence in definitive and intermediate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, P.O. Box 7, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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93
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Lia RP, Traversa D, Agostini A, Otranto D. Field efficacy of moxidectin 1 per cent against Thelazia callipaeda
in naturally infected dogs. Vet Rec 2004; 154:143-5. [PMID: 14979443 DOI: 10.1136/vr.154.5.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R P Lia
- Dipartimento di Sanità e Benessere degli Animali, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Strada Provinciale per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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