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Haematological indices and immune response profiles in dogs naturally infected and co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Babesia canis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2028. [PMID: 36739305 PMCID: PMC9899214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infections with Dirofilaria repens and Babesia canis are rarely reported in the literature and there is very limited knowledge of their impact on canine health. Central Poland is endemic for both parasites, posing a risk of co-infections in dogs. To evaluate the impact of co-infection with B. canis and D. repens on canine health, four groups of dogs were examined: healthy dogs, dogs infected with B. canis, dogs infected with D. repens and dogs co-infected with both species. Blood parameters indicative of anaemia, kidney and liver damage were analysed statistically. Additionally, expression levels of immune response genes were quantified and compared, to define the type of immune response typically encountered in single- and co-infections. In dogs infected with D. repens, no major alterations in blood parameters were observed. Dogs infected with B. canis suffered from anaemia, kidney and liver insufficiency. In contrast, dogs co-infected with D. repens and B. canis showed milder alternation in blood biochemical parameters associated with liver (ALP activity) and kidney (serum urea and creatinine levels) dysfunction, compared to dogs infected only with B. canis. The expression of genes associated with cellular (Th1-mediated) (STAT4 and INF-γ), humoral (Th2-mediated) (STAT6, GATA3, SOCS3, IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10) responses was quantified. For this analysis, dogs infected with B. canis were divided into two groups-'Babesia 1' (mild babesiosis), 'Babesia 2' (severe babesiosis). All the tested factors, except INF-γ, were found to be expressed in dogs infected with D. repens. In 'Babesia 1' dogs, expression of GATA3 was highest, while in 'Babesia 2'-INF-γ and SOCS3 dominated. IL-13 expression was predominant in dogs infected with D. repens, and STAT6 and IL-10 predominated in dogs with co-infections.
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POPULATIONS AND SITE SELECTION OF DIROFILARIA URSI (NEMATODA: ONCHOCERCIDAE) IN AMERICAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS). J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:584-591. [PMID: 35439815 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A total of 4,846 (84.5±87.15, 3-429: mean±SD, range) subadult or adult Dirofilaria ursi were recovered from 56 American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Ontario, 1975-77. Yearling bears had fewer worms than older bears; age classes greater than 2.5 yr had similar numbers of worms. Dead worms comprised 3.7% of all worms. There was one dead worm in total in 10 yearling bears and consistently more dead worms in older bears. The occurrence of worms within local sites in bears differed over time. Increasing numbers of worms appeared first in peritracheal sites (Site 1) following 1-3 seasons of transmission, in abundance in perirenal sites (Site 2) following the second season of transmission, and in lateral and ventral trunk and abdomen plus medio-proximal legs (Site 3) following three and four seasons of transmission. Few worms occupied other sites (Site 4). The proportion of worms recovered from the four sites was 46, 30, 19.8, and 3.9%, respectively. Dead worms comprised only 3.2% of worms in the first three definitive sites but 14% of worms in other sites. These data are consistent with primary, secondary, and tertiary site preferences for mature D. ursi in this species. Circulating microfilaremia in peripheral blood was periodic in 7/10 experiments and revealed a pattern of variable numbers during the day, highest in the evening and lowest during the night. The time of high density of microfilariae in peripheral blood was synchronous with the feeding cycle of Simulium venustum, the vector of D. ursi. Immediately postmortem, microfilariae were at highest densities in blood of lungs regardless of their relative density in peripheral blood. These data can direct diagnostic efforts to maximize detection of adult D. ursi in tissues and larvae in blood samples of naturally infected bears.
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Carvalho Cabral P, Tekade K, Stegeman SK, Olivier M, Cermakian N. The involvement of host circadian clocks in the regulation of the immune response to parasitic infections in mammals. Parasite Immunol 2021; 44:e12903. [PMID: 34964129 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are recurring variations of physiology with a period of ~24 hours, generated by circadian clocks located throughout the body. Studies have shown a circadian regulation of many aspects of immunity. Immune cells have intrinsic clock mechanisms, and innate and adaptive immune responses - such as leukocyte migration, magnitude of inflammation, cytokine production and cell differentiation - are under circadian control. This circadian regulation has consequences for infections including parasitic infections. In the context of Leishmania infection, the circadian clock within host immune cells modulates the magnitude of the infection and the inflammatory response triggered by the parasite. As for malaria, rhythms within the immune system were shown to impact the developmental cycles of Plasmodium parasites within red blood cells. Further, host circadian rhythms impact infections by multicellular parasites; for example, infection with helminth Trichuris muris shows different kinetics of worm expulsion depending on time of day of infection, a variation that depends on the dendritic cell clock. Although the research on the circadian control of immunity in the context of parasitic infections is in its infancy, the research reviewed here suggests a crucial involvement of host circadian rhythms in immunity on the development and progression of parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimaya Tekade
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Sophia K Stegeman
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nicolas Cermakian
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
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Chagas CRF, Binkienė R, Valkiūnas G. Description and Molecular Characterization of Two Species of Avian Blood Parasites, with Remarks on Circadian Rhythms of Avian Haematozoa Infections. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3490. [PMID: 34944267 PMCID: PMC8698112 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian blood parasites are remarkably diverse and frequently occur in co-infections, which predominate in wildlife. This makes wildlife pathogen research challenging, particularly if they belong to closely related groups, resulting in diagnostic problems and poor knowledge about such infections as well as the patterns of their co-occurrence and interactions. This is particularly true due to the periodicity (circadian rhythms) of parasitemia, which means that different parasitemia and parasite stages might be found throughout the day. We analysed blood samples from a Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) and a Song thrush (Turdus philomelos). This study aimed to describe a new avian Lankesterella species and molecularly characterize and redescribe Splendidofilaria mavis, a common avian filarioid nematode. Additionally, it was possible to investigate the circadian rhythms of the avian blood parasites belonging to Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Trypanosoma, which occurred in co-infection in the same avian host individuals. Different circadian rhythms were seen in different parasites, with Plasmodium sp. peaks occurring at midday, Leucocytozoon spp. peaks mainly during the evening and night, and Trypanosoma spp. and microfilariae peaks at midnight. No periodicity was seen in Haemoproteus and Lankesterella species infections. The time of parasitemia peaks most likely coincides with the time of vectors' activity, and this should be beneficial for transmission. Knowledge about the circadian rhythms is needed for better understanding patterns in host-parasite interactions and disease transmission.
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Momčilović S, Gabrielli S, Đenić N, Živković N, Stevanović G, Krstić M, Ranđelović M, Tasić-Otašević S. New cases of human dirofilariosis on the Balkan Peninsula - "Masked intruders" uncovered by a surgeon. Parasitol Int 2021; 86:102482. [PMID: 34673233 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102482] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria spp. nematodes are accidental parasites of humans causing mild to serious, superficial or visceral infections. Superficial dirofilariosis is rather common in Europe and is typically manifested as subcutaneous form. Herein we report 46 new cases of human dirofilariosis (19 patients with subcutaneous, 18 patients with ocular, 4 patients wih genital, 2 patients with submucosal, 2 patients with pulmonary and 1 patient with intramuscular form of infection) that were recorded from the beginning of 2015 to May 2021 on the Balkan Peninsula with a goal to update the prevalence of this parasitosis and point out potential problems in diagnosis and treatment. Besides, given the high possibility of misinterpretation as tumor, our second aim was to encourage the inclusion of this pathogen in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules. Although quite common forms, subcutaneous and ocular dirofilariosis can be very often misdiagnosed in clinical practice due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations. Therefore, raising awareness of clinicians about this zoonosis is needed as well as closer collaboration between physicians and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Momčilović
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nebojša Đenić
- Department of Surgical Diseases, Military Hospital Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica bb, 18 000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Nataša Živković
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Hospital Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica bb, 18 000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Goran Stevanović
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Miljan Krstić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marina Ranđelović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
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Pupić-Bakrač A, Pupić-Bakrač J, Beck A, Jurković D, Polkinghorne A, Beck R. Dirofilaria repens microfilaremia in humans: Case description and literature review. One Health 2021; 13:100306. [PMID: 34466651 PMCID: PMC8385151 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dirofilaria repens is a vector-borne filaroid helminth of carnivorous animals, primarily domesticated dogs. Humans are considered to be accidental hosts in which D. repens rarely reach sexual maturity but induce local inflammation, mainly in subcutaneous and ocular tissues. Methods In the current study, we present the detection of multiple adults of D. repens, endosymbiont Wolbachia sp. and microfilariae by molecular analysis in peripheral tissues and bloodstream of a human host. A subsequent meta-analysis of published literature identified 21 cases of human infection with adult D. repens producing microfilariae. Results Within the study population, there were 13 (59.09%) males, eight (36.36%) females and, in one (4.55%) case, sex was not reported. A total of 11 (50.00%) cases had subcutaneous dirofilariasis, six (27.27%) had ocular dirofiliariasis, with single cases (4.55% each) of genital, mammary, lymphatic and a combination of subcutaneous and pulmonary dirofilariasis described. In one (4.55%) case, the primary anatomical site of adult D. repens could not be found. D. repens microfilariae were detected in the local tissue (local microfilariasis) in 11 (50.00%) cases and the peripheral blood (microfilaremia) in 11 (50.50%) cases. Final identification of D. repens microfilariae was based on morphological detection in 14 (63.64%) cases, and molecular detection in eight (36.36%) cases. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that humans may act as a final host for D. repens, however its role as a source of D. repens infection is less clear. Humans may act as a final host for D. repens Immunodeficiency is not a risk factor for human D. repens microfilaremia. Surgical extirpation of adult D. repens is a mainstay of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pupić-Bakrač
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital Zadar, Bože Peričića 5, 23 000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Jure Pupić-Bakrač
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, General Hospital Zadar, Bože Peričića 5, 23 000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Ana Beck
- Veterinary Pathology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daria Jurković
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, New South Wales Health Pathology, Nepean Blue Mountains Pathology Service, PO Box 63, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Raele DA, Pugliese N, LaBella G, Calvario A, Scarasciulli M, Vasco I, La Salandra G, Cafiero MA. Case Report: Molecular Detection of Dirofilaria repens in an Italian Patient after a Stay in Tanzania. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:2042-2045. [PMID: 33939637 PMCID: PMC8176467 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A 35-year-old man was admitted to a hospital in the south of Italy because of a periocular nodule and subpalpebral edema. The patient reported having been stayed in Tanzania five months before. Hematologic parameters were within the normality range, the Acanthocheilonema viteae ELISA did not detect significant levels of antifilarial IgG, and no further symptoms were described. The surgical inspection of the nodule led to the isolation of two filarioid parasites, identified as Dirofilaria repens by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and then by molecular assays. Knott’s test did not reveal microfilaremia, whereas loop-mediated isothermal amplification and PCR detected D. repens DNA. The patient was treated with doxycycline, and he was found no more positive at the follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Antonio Raele
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Nicola Pugliese
- 2Dipartimento d Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Gianfranco LaBella
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Agata Calvario
- 3Laboratorio di Virologia U.O.C. Microbiologia e Virologia AOU Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Scarasciulli
- 4Laboratorio di Virologia U.O.C. Microbiologia e Virologia, Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vasco
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanna La Salandra
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Cafiero
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
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Carvalho Cabral P, Olivier M, Cermakian N. The Complex Interplay of Parasites, Their Hosts, and Circadian Clocks. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:425. [PMID: 31921702 PMCID: PMC6920103 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites have evolved various mechanisms to favor infection of their hosts and enhance the success of the infection. In this respect, time-of-day effects were found during the course of parasitic infections, which can be caused or controlled by circadian rhythms in the physiology of their vertebrate hosts. These include circadian clock-controlled rhythms in metabolism and in immune responses. Conversely, parasites can also modulate their hosts' behavioral and cellular rhythms. Lastly, parasites themselves were in some cases shown to possess their own circadian clock mechanisms, which can influence their capacity to infect their hosts. A better knowledge of the circadian regulation of host-parasite interactions will help in designing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Carvalho Cabral
- Laboratory of Molecular Chronobiology, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Cermakian
- Laboratory of Molecular Chronobiology, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Cantos-Barreda A, Escribano D, Egui A, López MC, Cerón JJ, Bernal LJ, Martínez-Subiela S. Evaluation of the circadian rhythm of anti-Leishmania IgG2 and IgA antibodies in serum and saliva of dogs with clinical leishmaniosis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 68:101389. [PMID: 31760362 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the circadian rhythm of IgG2 and IgA specific antibodies in serum and saliva samples of 6 dogs experimentally infected with Leishmania infantum was assessed. Sampling was performed at 8.00, 12.00, 16.00, 20.00, and 00.00 h on two consecutive days. Anti-Leishmania antibody levels in serum were expressed without any correction, whereas in saliva were shown in different ways: without any correction, adjusted by protein concentration and corrected by the salivary flow rate. No significant differences in anti-Leishmania IgG2 antibody levels in serum and saliva samples with or without correction were found. Significant differences were found when anti-Leishmania IgA levels were corrected by the salivary flow rate. In addition, a greater intra-individual variation of antibody levels was observed in saliva than in serum. However, this variation did not modify the serological status of the dogs. Therefore, it could be concluded that there is no circadian rhythm in serum and saliva samples and sampling can be performed at any time of the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cantos-Barreda
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Damián Escribano
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Adriana Egui
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Molecular Biology Department, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel C López
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Molecular Biology Department, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - José J Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis J Bernal
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
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Occurrence of canine and feline extra-intestinal nematodes in key endemic regions of Italy. Acta Trop 2019; 193:227-235. [PMID: 30857861 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Extra-intestinal nematodes of companion animals are of growing concern in veterinary medicine for their pathogenic potential and the current expansion throughout Europe. The present study has evaluated the occurrence of major canine and feline extra-intestinal nematodes in regions of Italy having epidemiological relevance. Associations of various recorded parameters related to the examined animals have been statistically evaluated, along with a comparative analysis with the most recent epidemiological data. Overall, 1055 dogs and 1000 cats were tested. Among extra-intestinal nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most common in dogs followed by Capillaria aerophila and Dirofilaria spp.; Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most recorded parasite in cats, followed by C. aerophila and Troglostrongylus brevior. The statistical analysis revealed that outdoor access is associated with A. vasorum, A. abstrusus and T. brevior infections, that were also more prevalent in animals with cardio-respiratory signs. Moreover, cats aged less than 12 months had more chances to be infected by lungworms. The data herein presented confirm the occurrence and the possible risk of expansion of different extra-intestinal parasitoses of dogs and cats in Italy, underlining the importance of a constant epidemiologic vigilance and of appropriate control methods.
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Capelli G, Genchi C, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Brianti E, Cardoso L, Danesi P, Fuehrer HP, Giannelli A, Ionică AM, Maia C, Modrý D, Montarsi F, Krücken J, Papadopoulos E, Petrić D, Pfeffer M, Savić S, Otranto D, Poppert S, Silaghi C. Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:663. [PMID: 30567586 PMCID: PMC6299983 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariosis in the Old World. In the last decades, D. repens has increased in prevalence in areas where it has already been reported and its distribution range has expanded into new areas of Europe, representing a paradigmatic example of an emergent pathogen. Despite its emergence and zoonotic impact, D. repens has received less attention by scientists compared to Dirofilaria immitis. In this review we report the recent advances of D. repens infection in dogs and humans, and transmission by vectors, and discuss possible factors that influence the spread and increase of this zoonotic parasite in Europe. There is evidence that D. repens has spread faster than D. immitis from the endemic areas of southern Europe to northern Europe. Climate change affecting mosquito vectors and the facilitation of pet travel seem to have contributed to this expansion; however, in the authors' opinion, the major factor is likely the rate of undiagnosed dogs continuing to perpetuate the life-cycle of D. repens. Many infected dogs remain undetected due to the subclinical nature of the disease, the lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic tools and the poor knowledge and still low awareness of D. repens in non-endemic areas. Improved diagnostic tools are warranted to bring D. repens diagnosis to the state of D. immitis diagnosis, as well as improved screening of imported dogs and promotion of preventative measures among veterinarians and dog owners. For vector-borne diseases involving pets, veterinarians play a significant role in prevention and should be more aware of their responsibility in reducing the impact of the zoonotic agents. In addition, they should enhance multisectorial collaboration with medical entomologists and the public health experts, under the concept and the actions of One Health-One Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Capelli
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Patrick Bourdeau
- Veterinary School of Nantes ONIRIS, University of Nantes, LUNAM, Nantes, France
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dušan Petrić
- Laboratory for medical and veterinary entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Sven Poppert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre of Vector Entomology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Isle of Riems, Greifswald, Germany
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Kłudkowska M, Pielok Ł, Frąckowiak K, Masny A, Gołąb E, Paul M. Dirofilaria repens infection as a cause of intensive peripheral microfilariemia in a Polish patient: process description and cases review. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:657-663. [PMID: 29975647 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease of dogs and other carnivores transmitted mainly by the mosquitoes of the genera Culex, Aedes, Anopheles. Full life cycle of the Dirofilaria nematodes in humans is extremely rarely observed, usually lacking species determination at the molecular level. We report fully documented unusual clinical manifestation of subcutaneous dirofilariasis with intensive microfilariemia in peripheral blood revealed by the Knott's concentration technique. The identification of the Dirofilaria repens nematode was based on typical morphological findings for adult gravid female nematode found in the histopathological preparations. The morphology of microfilariae obtained from patient's peripheral blood was also typical for D. repens. The final identification was confirmed by the molecular analysis of microfilariae collected from the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matylda Kłudkowska
- Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Poznań, Poland
- H. Święcicki University Hospital, Central Laboratory of Microbiology, Division of Parasitology, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Pielok
- Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Poznań, Poland
| | - Krystyna Frąckowiak
- H. Święcicki University Hospital, Central Laboratory of Microbiology, Division of Parasitology, Poznań, Poland
| | - Aleksander Masny
- National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gołąb
- National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Department of Medical Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Paul
- Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Poznań, Poland
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Peripheral venous vs. capillary microfilariaemia in a dog co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and D. immitis: A comparative approach using triatomine bugs for blood collection. Vet Parasitol 2018; 257:54-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Ionică AM, Matei IA, D'Amico G, Bel LV, Dumitrache MO, Modrý D, Mihalca AD. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens show circadian co-periodicity in naturally co-infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:116. [PMID: 28245837 PMCID: PMC5331712 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne zoonotic filarioids typically infecting dogs, causing a potentially fatal cardiopulmonary disease and dermatological conditions, respectively. The females are larviparous, releasing the larvae (microfilariae) into the bloodstream, which further develop in mosquito vectors. However, microfilaremia greatly fluctuates during a 24-h period. As the sampling time can greatly influence the accuracy of diagnosis, the aim of the present study was to assess the circadian periodicity of D. immitis and D. repens in naturally co-infected dogs in an endemic area of Romania and to investigate possible differences of periodicity between these two species. Methods Overall, four dogs harbouring natural co-infection with D. immitis and D. repens were selected and sampled every two hours for two consecutive days: two dogs in July 2014 and two in July 2015. At each sampling time, a 0.7 ml blood sample was taken. Modified Knott’s test was performed on 0.5 ml, and the remaining 0.2 ml were used for DNA extraction and molecular amplification, both in single and duplex PCR reactions. Microfilariae of both species were morphologically identified and counted in each collected sample, microfilaremia was calculated, and fluctuation was charted. Results The dynamics of microfilaremia showed similar patterns for both Dirofilaria species. In all four dogs, D. immitis was present at all sampling times, with several peak values of microfilaremia, of which one was common for all dogs (1 am), while minimum counts occurred between 5 and 9 am. Similarly, for D. repens, one of the peak values was recorded in all dogs at 1 am, while minimum counts (including zero) occurred at 9 and 11 am. Single species-specific PCR reactions were positive for both D. immitis and D. repens in all collected samples, while duplex PCR failed to amplify D. repens DNA in many cases. Conclusions Both Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens microfilariae are subperiodic, following a similar variation pattern, with peak values of microfilaremia registered during the night in Romania. Duplex PCR fails to identify the infection with D. repens in co-infected dogs when the ratio of microfilaremia is in favour of D. immitis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2055-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia Victoria Bel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Techniques, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budĕjovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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15
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Liesner JM, Krücken J, Schaper R, Pachnicke S, Kohn B, Müller E, Schulze C, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Vector-borne pathogens in dogs and red foxes from the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany. Vet Parasitol 2016; 224:44-51. [PMID: 27270389 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is endemic in eastern and southern European regions but was recently found in Germany in dogs, mosquitoes and one human patient. Since some of the positive dog and mosquito samples were collected in Brandenburg, it was aimed to systematically assess the prevalence of D. repens and other canine vector-borne pathogens in Brandenburg. Dog owners also received a questionnaire and were asked to provide more information about the dogs including travel history. In total, 1023 dog blood samples as well as 195 fox spleen and 179 fox blood samples were collected. DNA was analysed by PCR for the presence of filariae, piroplasms, anaplasmataceae and Rickettsia spp. Filariae were detected in six dogs (0.6%), two were positive for DNA from D. repens, two from Dirofilaria immitis and two from Acanthocheilonema reconditum. One of the D. repens positive dogs originated from an animal shelter in Brandenburg, but the origin of the other one remained unknown. Interestingly, both D. repens ITS-1 sequences showed 100% identity to a D. repens sample obtained from a Japanese woman that travelled in Europe and were 97% identical to a newly proposed species Dirofilaria sp. 'hongkongensis' described from Hong Kong. However, identity to other D. repens sequences from Thailand was considerably lower (81%). Identity of 12S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I to D. repens samples from southern Europe was 99%. Due to the low number of Dirofilaria spp. positive dogs and since the origin of these was unknown, endemic occurrence of Dirofilaria in Brandenburg could not be confirmed. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 15 dogs (1.5%), Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in three dogs (0.3%) and E. canis in one dog (0.1%), which was co-infected with D. repens. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 8 dogs (0.8%), seven were Rickettsia raoultii and one was Rickettsia felis. To the author's knowledge, R. raoultii DNA was detected for the first time in dogs in Germany in this study and Candidatus N. mikurensis for the second time. In spleen samples of red foxes with 47.5% a high prevalence of piroplasms was found. Sequencing of 11 samples identified 10 as Theileria annae. Despite the high prevalence of this pathogen in its reservoir host, it was absent in dog samples. In one dog (0.1%), Babesia canis was detected but there was no further information about the dog's origin. Evaluation of the questionnaire identified a high proportion of dogs (74.2%, n=233) which was not protected by ectoparasiticides. Moreover, 21.2% (n=236) of the dogs originated from inland or abroad shelters, and therefore might potentially come from areas endemic for dirofilariosis or babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana M Liesner
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Schaper
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 50, Monheim, 40789, Germany
| | - Stefan Pachnicke
- Bayer Vital GmbH, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 70, 51373 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Steubenstr. 4, Bad Kissingen, 97688, Germany
| | - Christoph Schulze
- Landeslabor Berlin-Brandenburg, Gerhard-Neumann-Str. 2, Frankfurt (Oder), 15236, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
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Miterpáková M, Iglódyová A, Čabanová V, Stloukal E, Miklisová D. Canine dirofilariosis endemic in Central Europe—10 years of epidemiological study in Slovakia. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2389-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4989-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Jones MK, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. The Increase of Exotic Zoonotic Helminth Infections: The Impact of Urbanization, Climate Change and Globalization. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 91:311-97. [PMID: 27015952 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasitic diseases are increasingly impacting human populations due to the effects of globalization, urbanization and climate change. Here we review the recent literature on the most important helminth zoonoses, including reports of incidence and prevalence. We discuss those helminth diseases which are increasing in endemic areas and consider their geographical spread into new regions within the framework of globalization, urbanization and climate change to determine the effect these variables are having on disease incidence, transmission and the associated challenges presented for public health initiatives, including control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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18
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Čabanová V, Pantchev N, Hurníková Z, Miterpáková M. Recent study on canine vector-borne zoonoses in southern Slovakia - serologic survey. Acta Parasitol 2015; 60:749-58. [PMID: 26408601 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2015-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade a significant spread of Canine Vector Borne Diseases has been recorded in Central Europe. The aim of the study described here, was to collect current data on the occurrence and distribution of three major canine vector-borne pathogens in the veterinary clinical practice by a newly-developed commercial ELISA test for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen as well as specific circulating antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Circulating D. immitis antigen was detected in five of 180 investigated sera samples. Two of D. immitis seropositive dogs revealed also microfilariae of D. repens in the blood and three of them were negative for the presence of microfilariae in the Knott's test. From the practical point of view, the finding of D. immitis occult infections might influence existing knowledge about distribution of this species among dogs in Central European countries. In 11.7% of the tested dogs the presence of specific antibodies against A. phagocytophilum was confirmed. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. were detected in 2.8% of tested sera samples. Coinfection with A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. was observed in two dogs from Košice district in south-eastern Slovakia. Our data point toward the presence of Canine Vector Borne Diseases in the studied area. Therefore, veterinarians should include these diseases in their differential diagnosis and higher awareness should be focused also on prophylactic measures to prevent the pathogens transmission by arthropod vectors.
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19
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Ionică AM, Matei IA, Mircean V, Dumitrache MO, D'Amico G, Győrke A, Pantchev N, Annoscia G, Albrechtová K, Otranto D, Modrý D, Mihalca AD. Current surveys on the prevalence and distribution of Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema reconditum infections in dogs in Romania. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:975-82. [PMID: 25544702 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades, Dirofilaria spp. infection in European dogs has rapidly spread from historically endemic areas towards eastern and northeastern countries, but little or no information is available from these geographical regions. The present study provides a picture of filarial infections in dogs from Romania and compares two tests for the diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis. From July 2010 to March 2011, blood samples were collected from 390 dogs from nine counties of Romania and serological SNAP tests were performed for the detection of D. immitis antigen. The remaining blood clots were subsequently used for DNA extraction followed by multiplex PCR for assessing filarioid species diversity (i.e. D. immitis, Dirofilaria repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum). Based on molecular detection, an overall prevalence of 6.92 % (n = 27; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 4.70-10.03 %) for D. repens, 6.15 % (n = 24; 95 % CI 4.07-9.14 %) for D. immitis and 2.05 % (n = 8; 95 % CI 0.96-4.16 %) for A. reconditum was recorded, with significant variations according to sampling areas. Coinfections of D. immitis and D. repens were recorded in 23.91 % (n = 11) positive dogs. A slightly higher prevalence for D. immitis was detected at the SNAP test (n = 28, 7.17 %; 95 % CI 4.91-10.33 %), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.66). However, only 53.57 % (n = 15) of antigen-positive dogs were confirmed by PCR, while other dogs (n = 9) PCR positive for D. immitis were negative at the serology. The present study shows that Dirofilaria species are endemic in the southern and southeastern areas of Romania, This article also provides, for the first time, an epidemiological picture of the distribution of A. reconditum in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,
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20
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Di Cesare A, Braun G, Di Giulio E, Paoletti B, Aquilino V, Bartolini R, La Torre F, Meloni S, Drake J, Pandolfi F, Avolio S, Traversa D. Field clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of an oral formulation containing milbemycin oxime/praziquantel (Milbemax®, Novartis Animal Health) in the chemoprevention of the zoonotic canine infection by Dirofilaria repens. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:347. [PMID: 25069770 PMCID: PMC4127188 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria repens is the causative agent of subcutaneous dirofilariosis of dogs, other animals and humans. This nematode is transmitted by mosquitoes of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex genera. In dogs, the parasite may cause subclinical infection or cutaneous signs. Recently, D. repens has emerged and spread in different geographical areas, with an increase of cases in dogs and humans. Chemoprevention in dogs in endemic areas is the most reliable approach for controlling this infection. This paper describes a randomized, blocked and multicentric clinical field study investigating the efficacy of an oral, chewable formulation containing milbemycin oxime/praziquantel (Milbemax®, Novartis Animal Health) in the chemoprevention of subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs. METHODS This study was conducted in endemic areas of Italy. A total of 249 dogs, at two sites, negative for D. repens, were allocated into two groups (i.e. Treated -T1 vs Untreated-T2) with a ratio of 1:1, and subjected to clinical visits and blood sampling once monthly until the end of the study. All blood samples were microscopically and genetically examined. Animals belonging to T1 group received a minimum target dose of 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight of milbemycin oxime and 5 mg/kg of praziquantel in commercial tablets (Milbemax®) according body weight once every 4 weeks. Animals of group T2 were not treated with Milbemax® but received, when necessary, specific parasiticide treatments. The study duration was 336 ± 2 days for each dog. RESULTS A total of 219 dogs completed the study (i.e. 111 in T1 and 108 in T2), while 30 dogs (i.e. 13 in T1, 17 in T2) were withdrawn for a variety of reasons unrelated to administration of Milbemax®. The percentages of animals not showing microfilariae of D. repens were 100% (111 animals) in T1 and 94.7% (108 animals out of 114) in group T2. Milbemax® was shown to be safe in treated dogs. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study confirm that the monthly use of Milbemax® in dogs is effective and safe for the prevention of subcutaneous dirofilariosis in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Di Cesare
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriele Braun
- />Klifovet AG, Munich, Geyerspergerstrasse 27, 80689 Munich, Germany
| | - Emanuela Di Giulio
- />Veterinary Practice James Herriot, Via Nazionale 2/g, 64026 Roseto degli Abruzzi Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Paoletti
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Aquilino
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Roberto Bartolini
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco La Torre
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- />Novartis Animal Health S.p.A., Largo Umberto Boccioni 1, Origgio, 21040 Varese, Italy
| | - Silvana Meloni
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Jason Drake
- />Novartis Animal Health, 3200 Northline Ave., Suite 300, Greensboro, NC 27408 USA
| | - Federico Pandolfi
- />Canile Federico I°, Via San Giovanni 12/A, 60010 Ostra Vetere Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Avolio
- />Veterinary Practice James Herriot, Via Nazionale 2/g, 64026 Roseto degli Abruzzi Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- />Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Ionică AM, D'Amico G, Mitková B, Kalmár Z, Annoscia G, Otranto D, Modrý D, Mihalca AD. First report of Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs from Eastern Europe with an overview of their geographic distribution in Europe. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2761-4. [PMID: 24825312 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dogs in Europe may be parasitized by a variety of species of filarioids. While some species have been studied for decades, others have been only recently reported, and their range of distribution is still unknown. The present study was aimed to investigate the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp., whose microfilariae reside in the dermis and are transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. ticks, in a dog population from Romania and to present the current knowledge of their distribution in Europe. Sampling was performed in a rural locality from Danube Delta region of Romania, location chosen due to the presence of the only known vector for these species. Skin samples were collected from 39 dogs. The samples were tested for the presence of Cercopithifilaria spp. by PCR methods. One animal (2.56%) was positive, and the amplified sequence showed a 100% similarity to Cercopithifilaria bainae. This study reports C. bainae for the first time in Eastern Europe, extending the known range of the genus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,
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