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Kuručki M, Sukara R, Ćirković V, Ćirović D, Tomanović S. Molecular Detection and Genetic Variability of Hepatozoon canis in Golden Jackals ( Canis aureus L. 1758) in Serbia. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:411. [PMID: 38927291 PMCID: PMC11201132 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan tick-borne parasite infecting domestic and wild canids, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. It is mainly found in dogs but has also been detected in several wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. Host transmission primarily occurs through the ingestion of infected ticks, typically Rhipicephalus sanguineus, with documented instances of transplacental transmission from infected females to cubs. In Serbia, the golden jackal is common throughout the country, and its population has increased in recent years. Previous research has documented the presence of several vector-borne pathogens in the jackal population in Serbia, so we conducted this study to determine the presence, prevalence, and genetic variability of H. canis. Over eleven years (2010-2020), 114 animal samples were collected from 23 localities in Serbia. A total of 90/114 (78.95%) jackals were positive for H. canis, and they came from 22 localities. Among 15 juveniles, almost half (6/15 (40%)) tested positive for H. canis. In addition to the high prevalence, high genetic variability of the pathogen was also found. According to the mutated positions, four sequence types (S4-S7) of H. canis were determined. Based on our earlier research on the grey wolf and on this study, it can be observed that various sequence types of H. canis circulate within wild canid populations in Serbia. The prevalence of H. canis infection in wild carnivores raises significant concerns for wildlife conservation and animal health. Infected animals may act as reservoirs for the disease, posing a potential risk to domestic animals by acting as a source of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Kuručki
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.S.); (V.Ć.); (S.T.)
| | - Valentina Ćirković
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.S.); (V.Ć.); (S.T.)
| | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.S.); (V.Ć.); (S.T.)
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RAMÍREZ-ALVARADO AR, RUEDA-GARCÍA V, RONDÓN-BARRAGÁN IS. Molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Ibagué, Tolima. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:612-618. [PMID: 38684410 PMCID: PMC11187595 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.24-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Hepatozoon consists of apicomplexan protozoans that affect mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. In dogs, the Hepatozoon species include H. canis and H. americanum, which are transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick and cause nonspecific signs, such as fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and blood disorders. These protozoans have a worldwide distribution in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America, including Colombia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with H. canis in the urban and rural areas of Ibagué, Colombia. Blood samples were collected from 308 dogs (180 rural areas and 128 urban areas). Collected data included dog breed, sex, age, environmental factors, and the presence of ectoparasites. A fragment of the 18S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR for detection of the pathogen and confirmed by sequencing. Among the 308 samples, 14 were positive (14/308, 4.5%) for the presence of H. canis. The partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene showed identity values >98% with H. canis, forming a cluster with sequences from Latin America. An epidemiological survey found two protective factors: most of the time at home (P=0.055) and overnight stay at home (P=0.03). This is the first molecular study of the prevalence and phylogeny analysis of H. canis in Ibagué, Colombia. The findings may help determine risk factors and enhance our understanding of the geographic distribution of H. canis in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Rocio RAMÍREZ-ALVARADO
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory
of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics,
University of Tolima, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Valentina RUEDA-GARCÍA
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory
of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics,
University of Tolima, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Iang Schroniltgen RONDÓN-BARRAGÁN
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory
of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics,
University of Tolima, Tolima, Colombia
- Poultry Research Group, Laboratory of Immunology and
Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Tolima,
Tolima, Colombia
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Veinović G, Sukara R, Mihaljica D, Penezić A, Ćirović D, Tomanović S. The Occurrence and Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Small Mammals from Serbia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:285-292. [PMID: 38346321 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite abundance of small mammals in Serbia, there is no information on their role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). This retrospective study aimed to identify different tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in small mammals in Serbia collected during 2011. Materials and Methods: A total of 179 small mammals were collected from seven different localities in Serbia. The five localities belong to the capital city of Serbia-Belgrade: recreational areas-Ada Ciganlija, Titov gaj, and Košutnjak as well as mountainous suburban areas used for hiking-Avala and Kosmaj. The locality Veliko Gradište is a tourist place in northeastern Serbia, whereas the locality Milošev Do is a remote area in western Serbia with minor human impact on the environment. Results: The results of the presented retrospective study are the first findings of Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia microti, Hepatozoon canis, and Coxiella burnetii in small mammals in Serbia. The presence of R. helvetica was confirmed in two Apodemus flavicollis, the presence of one of the following pathogens, R. monacensis, B. afzelii, H. canis, Ba. microti, and N. mikurensis was confirmed in one A. flavicollis each, whereas the presence of B. miyamotoi was confirmed in one Apodemus agrarius. Coinfection with B. afzelii and Ba. microti was confirmed in one A. flavicollis. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in 3 of 18 pools. Conclusions: The results confirm that detected pathogens circulate in the sylvatic cycle in Serbia and point to small mammals as potential reservoir hosts for the detected TBPs. Further large-scale studies on contemporary samples are needed to clarify the exact role of particular small mammal species in the epidemiology of TBDs caused by the detected pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorana Veinović
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Darko Mihaljica
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kapo N, Zuber Bogdanović I, Gagović E, Žekić M, Veinović G, Sukara R, Mihaljica D, Adžić B, Kadriaj P, Cvetkovikj A, Djadjovski I, Potkonjak A, Velo E, Savić S, Tomanović S, Omeragić J, Beck R, Hodžić A. Ixodid ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of the Western Balkans. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:45. [PMID: 38297327 PMCID: PMC10832161 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are distributed across all countries of the Western Balkans, with a high diversity of species. Many of these species serve as vectors of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Given the scattered data from Western Balkan countries, we have conducted a comprehensive review of available literature, including some historical data, with the aim to compile information about all recorded tick species and associated zoonotic pathogens in this region. Based on the collected data, the tick fauna of the Western Balkans encompasses 32 tick species belonging to five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. A range of pathogens responsible for human diseases has also been documented, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. In this review, we emphasize the necessity for integrated surveillance and reporting, urging authorities to foster research by providing financial support. Additionally, international and interdisciplinary collaborations should be encouraged that include the exchange of expertise, experiences and resources. The present collaborative effort can effectively address gaps in our knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naida Kapo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Ema Gagović
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Žekić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gorana Veinović
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Darko Mihaljica
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojan Adžić
- Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Përparim Kadriaj
- Vector Control Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Igor Djadjovski
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Enkelejda Velo
- Vector Control Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jasmin Omeragić
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Yin F, Guo C, Li D, Tian Z, Li F. Molecular Survey and Genetic Characteristics of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Dogs from Four Regions of China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1867. [PMID: 37889788 PMCID: PMC10251890 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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