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Teixeira JBDC, dos Santos KC, Guedes PEB, Vitor RC, Bitar TV, Harvey TV, Sevá ADP, Carlos RSA. Tungiasis: Participation of Cats and Chickens in the Dispersion and Maintenance of the Disease in an Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:456. [PMID: 37888584 PMCID: PMC10611092 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunga spp. are fleas commonly found in impoverished tropical regions. In Vila Juerana, a tourist community in Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil, where tungiasis is endemic, dogs are the main host of fleas during their life cycle. However, there is no information about the role of cats and chickens in tungiasis in the village. Of the 272 households investigated, 112 had domestic animals, 48 had only dogs, 28 had only cats, and nine had only chickens. Of the 27 households with cohabitation among species, 16 had cats and dogs, eight had chickens and dogs, and three had dogs, cats, and chickens. The injuries due to tungiasis were ranked according to the Fortaleza classification, considering stages I, II, and III as viable lesions. The paws/feet of 71/111 (63.9%) cats and 173/439 (39.4%) chickens were inspected. Dogs that lived with positive cats and chickens also were inspected. Among the 38% (27/7; 95% IC 26.74-49.32) positive cats, 16 cohabited houses with infected dogs but none lived with positive chickens. Of the chickens, 2.3% (4/173; 95% IC 0.07-4.5) had lesions caused by tungiasis. In each household where a cat was infected, the dog was also positive. Two chickens cohabited with an infected dog and the other two did not coexist with other species. Cohabitation with infected dogs and the absence of house confinement restrictions in Vila Juerana make cats important carriers that spread tungiasis in this community. Chickens had a low frequency of tungiasis lesions despite living in proximity to infected dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamille Bispo de Carvalho Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Katharine Costa dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Paula Elisa Brandão Guedes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Rebeca Costa Vitor
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Thammy Vieira Bitar
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil;
| | | | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
| | - Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal—PPGCA, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus 45662-900, Bahia, Brazil; (J.B.d.C.T.); (K.C.d.S.); (P.E.B.G.); (R.C.V.); (A.d.P.S.)
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Saboyá-Díaz MI, Nicholls RS, Castellanos LG, Feldmeier H. Current status of the knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e124. [PMID: 36060204 PMCID: PMC9426953 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. To present the state-of-the-knowledge on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Region of the Americas. Methods. A search of publications on the epidemiology of tungiasis in the Americas was performed in PubMed and LILACS databases from January 2007 to June 2021. In addition, a manual literature search on articles on the epidemiology of tungiasis was performed. Results. A total of 83 articles were analyzed which contained relevant information on tungiasis cases and their geographical distribution, prevalence and risk factors, life cycle, sites where transmission takes place, and zoonotic aspects. The on-host and off-host life cycles have been researched in detail. In certain contexts, the whole life cycle is completed indoors enabling transmission around the whole year. Cases were reported from 10 countries; 71% of them were from Brazil. In the general population, the prevalence varied between 1.0% and 82.6% according to the settings. Age-specific prevalence indicated that children and the elderly bear the highest disease burden. Risk factor studies indicate that tungiasis is associated with severe poverty. Conclusions. In the Americas, there are important gaps in information and knowledge of tungiasis. Understanding the burden, epidemiology, distribution, magnitude, related risk factors, and reservoirs, among others, is needed to develop and implement integrated control measures tailored to the context and patterns of transmission in the affected communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Pan American Health Organization Washington, DC United States of America Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Rubén Santiago Nicholls
- Pan American Health Organization Washington, DC United States of America Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Luis Gerardo Castellanos
- Pan American Health Organization Washington, DC United States of America Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- University Medicine Berlin Berlin Germany University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Harvey TV, Linardi PM, Carlos RSA, Heukelbach J. Tungiasis in domestic, wild, and synanthropic animals in Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106068. [PMID: 34331896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease of humans and warm-blooded animals caused by fleas of the genus Tunga (Jarocki, 1938). Dogs, cats, pigs, and synanthropic rodents are the main animal reservoirs. Of the 14 known species, 12 are found in Latin America and, among these, eight are found in Brazil, including the two zoonotic species Tunga penetrans and Tunga trimamillata. Tunga penetrans predominates among humans and Brazilian pets, where the dog is the most affected species, and its presence is a risk factor associated with the disease in humans. Tunga spp. are widely distributed throughout the national territory, with T. penetrans being the most dispersed and the most frequent in animals from endemic areas, especially in underprivileged communities. Infections in animals, associated with inadequate management, favor the spread and perpetuation of the disease. Intense injuries can result in sequelae and serious clinical conditions, compromising the health, welfare, and productivity of animals, as well as leading to death. Health precariousness, lack of control and neglect in the management of populations of domestic and synanthropic animals, poor hygiene habits of individuals, lack of information from both the population and related professionals, lack of effective treatment, and of perception of tungiasis as a disease are among the main challenges for the control of this parasitosis. As recommended for other zoonotic Neglected Tropical Diseases, strategies based on the concept of One Health can guarantee more effective results in the fight against human and animal tungiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiani Vitor Harvey
- Autonomous Veterinarian, 16 Aberdeen Avenue, Cambridge, MA, Zipcode 02138, United States.
| | - Pedro Marcos Linardi
- UFMG. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Caixa Postal 486, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos
- UESC. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Soane Nazaré de Andrade. Rodovia Jorge Amado Km 16. Bairro Salobrinho. Ilhéus, Bahia, CEP 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60.430-140, Brazil.
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Clinical implications and treatment options of tungiasis in domestic animals. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4113-4123. [PMID: 33818640 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Tunga penetrans, Tunga trimamillata and Tunga hexalobulata are the three species of sand fleas which cause tungiasis in domestic animals. Tunga penetrans and T. trimamillata are zoonotic in the tropical and sub-tropical endemic communities of Latin America and Africa. Tungiasis in animals frequently occurs alongside human tungiasis. Currently, most of the attention given to tungiasis is focusing on the human disease, and animal tungiasis is extremely neglected despite its public health and animal health significance. This review highlights recent findings concerning the clinical implications and treatment options but also summarises the occurrence, major features, public health and economic significance of tungiasis in domestic animals. Pigs, dogs, cats and domestic ruminants have been reported to harbour high intensities of sand fleas in endemic communities. High infection intensities cause significant animal morbidity which is often exacerbated by excoriations and secondary bacterial infections which are potentially fatal. In addition to the potential economic losses accruing from tungiasis-related morbidity, infected domestic animals contribute to transmission and persistence of sand fleas and eventually also to severe human disease. Although control of animal tungiasis is possible by adoption of proper husbandry practices, affected communities may not afford the resources required to implement them. Also, there are no widely acceptable and affordable insecticides for treatment of tungiasis in animals. Extension services aiming at increasing awareness on tungiasis and its control should be intensified. Also, available commercial insecticides should be evaluated for therapeutic and prophylactic properties against animal tungiasis.
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Moreira TF, Nicolino RR, Meneses RM, Fonseca GV, Rodrigues LM, Facury Filho EJ, Carvalho AU. Risk factors associated with lameness and hoof lesions in pasture-based dairy cattle systems in southeast Brazil. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10369-10378. [PMID: 31495614 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-16215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cattle lameness is an important welfare concern that also has an economic impact on the dairy industry. It can be a significant problem among pasture-based herds. Our objectives were to identify cow- and herd-level factors related to lameness and hoof lesions in dairy cows grazing year-round in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We performed a cross-sectional study in 48 pasture-based dairy herds, visiting each farm in a single visit. We evaluated 2,262 cows for mobility score (0-3) and 392 cows for hoof lesions. We used a questionnaire and checklist to capture herd management data. All information obtained was used to build multivariable models. The factors associated with lameness were low body condition score, longer time spent in the corral, being kept in paddocks during the drought period, and poor hygiene. For hoof lesions, track features were the most significant factor in determining the likelihood of heel horn erosion, white line fissure, and sole hemorrhage-by more than 3 times. Different factors related to unhygienic conditions such as leg cleanliness, frequency of cleaning, and longer time spent in the corral were associated with infectious hoof lesions. Poor human-animal relationship was related to sole hemorrhage, but patient handling of cows on the track was a protective factor against interdigital hyperplasia. The results of this study suggest that improving hygiene conditions, track features, and cow handling can improve dairy cattle mobility scores in pasture-based farms under tropical conditions. These findings also represent a first step toward planning actions aimed at decreasing lameness and hoof lesions in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago F Moreira
- Universidade Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Vila Velha, Brazil 29102-920.
| | - Rafael R Nicolino
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha Mucuri, Av. Ver. João Narciso 1380, Unaí, Brazil 38610-000
| | - Rodrigo M Meneses
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Guilherme V Fonseca
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Letícia M Rodrigues
- Universidade Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Vila Velha, Brazil 29102-920
| | - Elias J Facury Filho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
| | - Antônio U Carvalho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 31275-035
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Prevalence of lameness and hoof lesions in all year-round grazing cattle in Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1829-1834. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1626-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Mutebi F, Krücken J, Mencke N, Feldmeier H, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Waiswa C. Two Severe Cases of Tungiasis in Goat Kids in Uganda. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2016; 16:iew016. [PMID: 27012871 PMCID: PMC4806713 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iew016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Tungiasis ensues from the penetration and burrowing of female sand fleas (Tunga spp.; Siphonaptera: Tungidae) in the skin of mammals. There are few case reports of severe tungiasis in goats and in these cases the Tunga species were not in most cases clearly identified. Two cases of severe tungiasis caused by Tunga penetrans in goat kids from tungiasis-endemic rural Uganda are reported. These are the first severe cases of tungiasis in goats reported from outside South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mutebi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda (; ),
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Street 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany (; )
| | | | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Street 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany (; )
| | - Charles Waiswa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda (; )
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Mutebi F, Krücken J, Feldmeier H, Waiswa C, Mencke N, Sentongo E, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Animal Reservoirs of Zoonotic Tungiasis in Endemic Rural Villages of Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004126. [PMID: 26473360 PMCID: PMC4608570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal tungiasis is believed to increase the prevalence and parasite burden in humans. Animal reservoirs of Tunga penetrans differ among endemic areas and their role in the epidemiology of tungiasis had never been investigated in Uganda. METHODS AND FINDINGS To identify the major animal reservoirs of Tunga penetrans and their relative importance in the transmission of tungiasis in Uganda, a cross sectional study was conducted in animal rearing households in 10 endemic villages in Bugiri District. T. penetrans infections were detected in pigs, dogs, goats and a cat. The prevalences of households with tungiasis ranged from 0% to 71.4% (median 22.2) for animals and from 5 to 71.4% (median 27.8%) for humans. The prevalence of human tungiasis also varied among the population of the villages (median 7%, range 1.3-37.3%). Pig infections had the widest distribution (nine out of 10 villages) and highest prevalence (median 16.2%, range 0-64.1%). Pigs also had a higher number of embedded sand fleas than all other species combined (p < 0.0001). Dog tungiasis occurred in five out of 10 villages with low prevalences (median of 2%, range 0-26.9%). Only two goats and a single cat had tungiasis. Prevalences of animal and human tungiasis correlated at both village (rho = 0.89, p = 0.0005) and household (rho = 0.4, p < 0.0001) levels. The median number of lesions in household animals correlated with the median intensity of infection in children three to eight years of age (rho = 0.47, p < 0.0001). Animal tungiasis increased the odds of occurrence of human cases in households six fold (OR = 6.1, 95% CI 3.3-11.4, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Animal and human tungiasis were closely associated and pigs were identified as the most important animal hosts of T. penetrans. Effective tungiasis control should follow One Health principles and integrate ectoparasites control in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Mutebi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Charles Waiswa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Elizabeth Sentongo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Belaz S, Gay E, Robert-Gangneux F, Beaucournu JC, Guiguen C. Tungiasis Outbreak in Travelers From Madagascar. J Travel Med 2015; 22:263-6. [PMID: 26031478 DOI: 10.1111/jtm.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Seven patients from a group of 16 travelers were diagnosed at our institution with one or more sand fleas on their toes, 1 day to 3 weeks after returning from Madagascar. A questionnaire was sent to the whole group to collect clinical and epidemiological information, which showed that 9 of 13 (69%) had received pre-travel medical advice, but none were aware of sand flea; thus prevention measures were rarely applied. Five of seven (71%) patients wore open sandals throughout the trip. Overall, 10 sand fleas were extracted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorya Belaz
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine, et Institut de Parasitologie de l'Ouest, Rennes, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Immunologie parasitaire, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Rennes, France
| | - Eugénie Gay
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Immunologie parasitaire, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Rennes, France
| | - Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine, et Institut de Parasitologie de l'Ouest, Rennes, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Immunologie parasitaire, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Claude Beaucournu
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine, et Institut de Parasitologie de l'Ouest, Rennes, France
| | - Claude Guiguen
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine, et Institut de Parasitologie de l'Ouest, Rennes, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Immunologie parasitaire, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Rennes, France
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Marin RE, Houston R, Omanska-Klusek A, Alcaraz A, Garcia JP, Uzal FA. Pathology and diagnosis of proliferative and ulcerative dermatitis associated with Tunga penetrans infestation in cattle. J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 27:80-5. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638714559597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tunga penetrans is the smallest biting flea known. In cattle, infestation by T. penetrans (tungiasis) typically affects the skin of the distal legs, udder, prepuce, and perianal area. A detailed clinical and pathologic description of bovine tungiasis, together with electron microscopy and molecular diagnostics to establish the identity of the parasite are described. Ninety percent of the cows and heifers and 80% of the bulls in a herd in northwest Argentina had proliferative and ulcerative skin lesions affecting the coronary band, interdigital space, heels, and rudimentary toes of the fore and/or rear limbs, teats, and/or prepuce. These proliferative lesions had multiple large cavities filled with hemorrhagic fluid, necrotic debris, and Tunga spp. parasites. Histologically, the skin showed diffuse papillary epithelial hyperplasia with severe orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, and it was multifocally ulcerated and inflamed. Multifocally, sections of arthropod parasites were observed embedded in the epidermis and dermis with the posterior end toward the surface. Images of wet mounts and scanning electron microscopy of the parasite showed morphologic characteristics compatible with Tunga spp. Polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II and the internal transcribed spacer region indicated 99% homology to published T. penetrans sequences. Tungiasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for proliferative lesions in skin of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul E. Marin
- private practice, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin)
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Houston), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology (Omanska-Klusek), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino branch (Garcia, Uzal), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA (Alcaraz)
| | - Robin Houston
- private practice, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin)
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Houston), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology (Omanska-Klusek), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino branch (Garcia, Uzal), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA (Alcaraz)
| | - Alicja Omanska-Klusek
- private practice, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin)
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Houston), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology (Omanska-Klusek), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino branch (Garcia, Uzal), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA (Alcaraz)
| | - Ana Alcaraz
- private practice, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin)
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Houston), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology (Omanska-Klusek), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino branch (Garcia, Uzal), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA (Alcaraz)
| | - Jorge P. Garcia
- private practice, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin)
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Houston), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology (Omanska-Klusek), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino branch (Garcia, Uzal), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA (Alcaraz)
| | - Francisco A. Uzal
- private practice, Jujuy, Argentina (Marin)
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (Houston), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology (Omanska-Klusek), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory, San Bernardino branch (Garcia, Uzal), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA (Alcaraz)
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Linardi PM, Beaucournu JC, de Avelar DM, Belaz S. Notes on the genus Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) II--neosomes, morphology, classification, and other taxonomic notes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:68. [PMID: 25514594 PMCID: PMC4270284 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the neosomes, morphology, and taxonomy of adult species of the genus Tunga, complementing the previously published data on the phylogeny, ecology, and pathogenic role. Neosomes are structures formed after penetration of adult females into the skin of hosts resulting in significant enlargement, being the most characteristic and most frequently observed form in hosts. Neosomes can be differentiated by shape, measurements, and sites of attachment to principal hosts. The taxonomic value and morphometric data of the most widely used characteristics to separate species – such as frontal curvature, head chaetotaxy, preoral internal sclerotization, ventral and dorsal genal lobes, eyes, maxillary palps, fusion of pronotum and mesonotum, metacoxae, metatarsi chaetotaxy, spermatheca (females), manubrium, basimere, telomere, and phallosome (males) – are comparatively analyzed. The sexes, individual variations, undescribed species, higher taxa, as well as a proposal for division of the genus into two subgenera (Tunga and Brevidigita) are presented (as previously given by Wang). A key for females, males, and gravid females (neosomes) also is included for identifying the 13 known species. Data on host specificity and geographical distribution may also support the identification of Tunga species because some sand fleas and their hosts may have co-evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marcos Linardi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jean-Claude Beaucournu
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine 2, avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France - Institut de Parasitologie de l'Ouest, Faculté de Médecine 2, avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Daniel Moreira de Avelar
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sorya Belaz
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Zoologie appliquée, Faculté de Médecine 2, avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France - Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Immunologie parasitaire, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, 2 rue Henri Le Guilloux, 32033 Rennes Cedex, France
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Neosomes of tungid fleas on wild and domestic animals. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3517-33. [PMID: 25141814 PMCID: PMC4172993 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Tunga is the most specialized genus among the Siphonaptera because adult females penetrate into the skin of their hosts and, after mating and fertilization, undergo hypertrophy, forming an enlarged structure known as the neosome. In humans and other warm-blooded animals, neosomes cause tungiasis, which arises due to the action of opportunistic agents. Although its effects on humans and domestic animals are well described in the literature, little is known about the impact of tungiasis on wild animals. This review focuses on the morphology, taxonomy, geographical distribution, hosts, prevalence, sites of attachment, and impact of tungid neosomes on wild and domestic animals. Because neosomes are the most characteristic form of the genus Tunga and also the form most frequently found in hosts, they are here differentiated and illustrated to aid in the identification of the 13 currently known species. Perspectives for future studies regarding the possibility of discovering other sand flea species, adaptation to new hosts, and the transfer of tungids between hosts in natural and modified habitats are also presented.
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