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Dirofilarial nodule as a differential diagnosis for subcutaneous lumps in children. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 39:55. [PMID: 36542175 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05348-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Subcutaneous nodules in children are commonly caused by pilomatrixoma, dermoid cysts, soft tissue tumors, etc. Parasitic infections are reported to cause subcutaneous nodules and are infrequently described, mostly in the adult literature. We aim to describe the clinicopathological features of subcutaneous lumps caused by dirofilarial infestation in children in an endemic country. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients presenting with the above condition to Lady Ridgeway Hospital from 2018 to 2022 and their relevant details were captured in a proforma. RESULTS There were 55 patients with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The mean age at presentation was 50 months (7-156 months). The mean duration was 97 days (1-820 days). The common sites involved were scrotum (30.9%), back (14.5%), abdominal wall (102.7%) and face (10.9%). The majority had a painless nodule (70.9%), while ten (18.2%) had features of acute inflammation. Thirty (55.5%) had preoperative ultrasonography which showed features of parasitic nodules in 26 (47.3%). Parasite was demonstrated in histopathological analysis only in 30 patients (54.5%). CONCLUSION Dirofilarial nodule should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous lumps in children, especially in the endemic areas.
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Morganti G, Miglio A, Moretta I, Misia AL, Rigamonti G, Cremonini V, Antognoni MT, Veronesi F. Retrospective Longitudinal Survey on Canine Vector-Borne Pathogens: Trends and Challenges of 10 Years of Activities of a Veterinary Blood Bank. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060274. [PMID: 35737326 PMCID: PMC9228790 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) represent a challenge for veterinary transfusion medicine, since some can be transmitted by blood transfusion and are of zoonotic concern. Epidemiological data on CVBPs, obtained during 10 years of pre-donor screening (2012−2021) by a veterinary blood bank in central Italy, were used to conduct a retrospective epidemiological longitudinal survey. The results were obtained using the Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) conducted on sera in order to assess IgG antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocythophilum, Babesia canis, and Rickettsia conorii; the modified Knott’s test and an ELISA kit were used to detect Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. In total, 324 out of the 1260 canine blood donors (25.71%) tested seropositive for at least one pathogen. The highest overall positive rate was detected for L. infantum (12.22%), followed by E. canis (2.30%), A. phagocytophilum (1.19%), D. repens (0.95%), D. immitis (0.32%), and B. canis (0.16%). From 2012 to 2014, a prevalence of 20.12% was recorded for R. conorii. Mixed infections were recorded in 21 dogs. For all the CVBPs investigated, significant differences (p < 0.05) were not observed over the period studied. The results evidenced a non-negligible prevalence of CVBPs in canine donors, which were selected based on strict criteria concerning regular endo- and ectoparasite controls. The results confirmed that the blood bank could be a reliable local epidemiological observatory. The need for implemented screening is discussed.
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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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Velev V. Several Cases of Ocular Dirofilariasis in Bulgaria. Med Princ Pract 2020; 29:588-590. [PMID: 32460293 PMCID: PMC7768147 DOI: 10.1159/000508960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we describe ocular dirofilariasis in Bulgaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 7 patients with a subconjunctival or periorbital form of Dirofilaria repens infection during 2010-2019. Morphological, serological, and paraclinical diagnostic methods were used. RESULTS The patients (6 females, 1 male) were aged between 23 and 72 years. In 3 patients, subcutaneous nodules were detected in the area of the upper eyelid, in 1 patient the location was suborbital. In 3 other patients, a subconjunctival location was found. All patients were cured definitively by removal of the larva, without etiologic treatment. CONCLUSION The most reliable and easily accessible diagnostic method is morphological analysis by microscopy of histological preparations of the parasite. In dirofilariasis, ocular location is the most common in humans, and it deserves special attention of clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeri Velev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, University Hospital "Prof. Iv. Kirov", Sofia, Bulgaria,
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Stoyanova H, Carretón E, Montoya-Alonso JA. Stray Dogs of Sofia (Bulgaria) Could be an Important Reservoir of Heartworm ( Dirofilaria Immitis). Helminthologia 2019; 56:329-333. [PMID: 31708674 PMCID: PMC6818634 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) is a zoonotic and an emerging disease, expanding in Europe. In Bulgaria, the presence of the parasite has been described in many regions. However, canine heartworm has hardly been evaluated in the capital of the country and, therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of canine heartworm in Sofia. Eighty stray dogs from the city of Sofia and the metropolitan area were analysed for circulating D. immitis antigens. The prevalence was 31.25 %, being 34.7 % in the metropolitan area and 25.8 % in the city of Sofia. The current results are among the highest reported in the country. This could be due to the lack of prophylactic measures against infection in these dogs, but also to the spread of D. immitis into non-endemic countries. Stray dogs may act as an important reservoir of heartworm being a risk for client-owned animals and for the development of pulmonary dirofilariosis in inhabitants. The results show the need to establish further epidemiological studies and prophylactic campaigns for stray and client-owned animals, as well as to create awareness campaigns about the severity and importance of this disease for both animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Stoyanova
- Ashleigh Veterinary Centre, M16 0DE- Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - E. Carretón
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001-Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J. A. Montoya-Alonso
- Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35001-Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Human Dirofilariasis in Bulgaria Between 2009 and 2018. Helminthologia 2019; 56:247-251. [PMID: 31662696 PMCID: PMC6799580 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autochthonous Dirofilaria repens infections have been found in dogs and other carnivores in most European countries. In the same countries, reports of human dirofilariasis are becoming increasingly prevalent. We present 18 cases of people infected with D. repens for a 10-year period traced in our hospital. The data was collected from the observations and tests of all 18 patients from the whole country treated at the Specialized Hospital for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Sofia in the period 2009 - 2018. We used a morphological method, serology test and Knott's method for microfilariae. The patients were 11 to 74 years of age, 12 female and 6 male. In most cases, patients have subcutaneous nodules or face, eyelid and eyes localization. The trend of increasing incidence in Bulgaria continues, with age and sex distribution and localization of the larva being similar to those in other European countries.
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Momčilović S, Gabrielli S, Golubović M, Smilić T, Krstić M, Đenić S, Ranđelović M, Tasić-Otašević S. Human dirofilariosis of buccal mucosa - First molecularly confirmed case and literature review. Parasitol Int 2019; 73:101960. [PMID: 31442663 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
When presented in unusual manner, human dirofilariosis is hard to recognize and often leads to misdiagnosis and unjustified use of various medications. Herein, we report a rare case of Dirofilaria infection localized in buccal mucosa. A 45-year-old male, residing in the Central Serbia, developed striking edema of buccal mucosa followed by leucocytosis, with both neutrophylia and eosinophylia. Thirty days after first symptoms occurred, nodule was formed along the lateral edge of right maxilla. Therefore, patient underwent surgical extirpation and subsequent histopathological analysis of the specimen revealed the presence of a nematode. Based on morphological characteristics of detected parasite, the diagnosis of submucosal Dirofilaria repens-like infection was made. The diagnosis was confirmed, being the first case in the world analyzed by molecular methods. So far, only 13 such cases have been reported worldwide and our paper brings attention to rare form of this zoonosis and updates the data about human dirofilariosis in buccal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Momčilović
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, Niš 18000, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia.
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Milan Golubović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia
| | - Tanja Smilić
- Center for Radiology, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, Niš 18000, Serbia
| | - Miljan Krstić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia
| | - Saša Đenić
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia
| | - Marina Ranđelović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia
| | - Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, Niš 18000, Serbia
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8
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Velev V, Popov M, Pavlova M, Karageorgiev M, Mangarov A. Tongue infection caused by Dirofilaria repens. QJM 2019; 112:619-620. [PMID: 31168630 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcz135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V Velev
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases and Parasitology, University Hospital for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 'Prof. Iv. Kirov', Medical University of Sofia, 1000, Blvd. 'Geshov'17, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - M Popov
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases and Parasitology, University Hospital for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 'Prof. Iv. Kirov', Medical University of Sofia, 1000, Blvd. 'Geshov'17, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - M Pavlova
- Department of Microbiology, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Disease, 1000, Blvd 'Y. Sakazov' 25, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - M Karageorgiev
- Department of Microbiology, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Disease, 1000, Blvd 'Y. Sakazov' 25, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Surgery, General Hospital "Silistra", str. 'Mutafchiev' 80, Silistra, Bulgaria
| | - A Mangarov
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases and Parasitology, University Hospital for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 'Prof. Iv. Kirov', Medical University of Sofia, 1000, Blvd. 'Geshov'17, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Rydzanicz K, Golab E, Rozej-Bielicka W, Masny A. Screening of mosquitoes for filarioid helminths in urban areas in south western Poland-common patterns in European Setaria tundra xenomonitoring studies. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:127-138. [PMID: 30535561 PMCID: PMC6329736 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, numerous studies screening mosquitoes for filarioid helminths (xenomonitoring) have been performed in Europe. The entomological monitoring of filarial nematode infections in mosquitoes by molecular xenomonitoring might serve as the measure of the rate at which humans and animals expose mosquitoes to microfilariae and the rate at which animals and humans are exposed to the bites of the infected mosquitoes. We hypothesized that combining the data obtained from molecular xenomonitoring and phenological studies of mosquitoes in the urban environment would provide insights into the transmission risk of filarial diseases. In our search for Dirofilaria spp.-infected mosquitoes, we have found Setaria tundra-infected ones instead, as in many other European studies. We have observed that cross-reactivity in PCR assays for Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis, and S. tundra COI gene detection was the rule rather than the exception. S. tundra infections were mainly found in Aedes mosquitoes. The differences in the diurnal rhythm of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes did not seem a likely explanation for the lack of S. tundra infections in Culex mosquitoes. The similarity of S. tundra COI gene sequences found in Aedes vexans and Aedes caspius mosquitoes and in roe deer in many European studies, supported by data on Ae. vexans biology, suggested host preference as the most likely cause of the mosquito genus-biased infections. High diversity of the COI gene sequences isolated in the city of Wroclaw in south western Poland and the presence of identical or almost identical sequences in mosquitoes and roe deer across Europe suggests that S. tundra has been established in most of Europe for a very long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Rydzanicz
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Golab
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Wioletta Rozej-Bielicka
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Aleksander Masny
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warszawa, Poland
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Velev V, Pelov T, Garev T, Peev S, Kaftandjiev I, Harizanov R. Epididymal Dirofilariasis in a Child: First Case Report from Bulgaria. Med Princ Pract 2019; 28:96-98. [PMID: 30332673 PMCID: PMC6558333 DOI: 10.1159/000494619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present case of a child with epididymal dirofil-ariasis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION An 11-year-old boy was admitted to the Clinic of Pediatric Urology for elective surgery treatment of epididymal cyst on the left side. After removal, the cyst was sent for histological examination. Microscopic examination of the histological slides revealed cross-sections of a nematode belonging to Dirofilaria spp., differentiated morphologically as D. repens. After surgery, the patient recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS In most parts around the world, dirofilariasis is a rare and neglected infection. Nevertheless, the clinicians and pathologists must be informed about it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeri Velev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases "Prof. Iv. Kirov," Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Teofil Pelov
- Department of Pediatric Urology, University Hospital for Emergency Medicine "Pirogov,", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tzvetomir Garev
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital for Emergency Medicine "Pirogov,", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stoyan Peev
- Department of Pediatric Urology, University Hospital for Emergency Medicine "Pirogov,", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iskren Kaftandjiev
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria,
| | - Rumen Harizanov
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Doltrário AB, Valim NC, Dellaspora EAPB, Gaspar GG, Puga FG, Fabro AT, Brunaldi MO, Martinez R. Human pulmonary dirofilariasis with secondary myocarditis. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2019; 52:e20180461. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0461-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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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: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [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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Tomazatos A, Cadar D, Török E, Maranda I, Horváth C, Keresztes L, Spinu M, Jansen S, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Tannich E, Lühken R. Circulation of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:392. [PMID: 29973297 PMCID: PMC6032792 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilariosis is an emerging vector-borne parasitic disease in Europe. Monitoring of wild and domestic carnivores demonstrated circulation of Dirofilaria spp. in Romania in the past. For the implementation of control measures, knowledge on the native mosquito community responsible for Dirofilaria spp. transmission is required. METHODS Mosquito samples originated from a longitudinal study previously performed in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Mosquito pools were screened for Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The samples comprised 240,572 female mosquito specimens collected every ten days between April and September in 2014 at four different trapping sites. In addition, blood samples of 36 randomly selected dogs were collected in 2016 in each of the four mosquito sampling sites. A duplex real-time assay was used to detect the presence of one or both Dirofilaria species for each sample. This assay targets the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and the 16S rRNA gene fragments to differentiate both parasites. RESULTS Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens were detected in mosquito pools at all four trapping sites. In the 2118 mosquito pools tested, D. immitis was identified for eight and D. repens for six of the 14 screened mosquito taxa, with a higher prevalence of D. immitis (4.53% of analysed pools) compared to D. repens (1.09%). Dirofilaria spp. were also identified in dogs from the same sampling sites with a prevalence of 30.56%. For both Dirofilaria species, the highest estimated infection rates (EIRs) were found in Anopheles maculipennis (s.l.) (D. immitis: EIR = 0.206 per 100 specimens, D. repens: EIR = 0.066 per 100 specimens). In contrast, Coquillettidia richiardii and Anopheles hyrcanus as the most frequent taxa had infection rates which were significantly lower: Cq. richiardii (D. immitis: EIR = 0.021; D. repens: EIR = 0.004); An. hyrcanus (D. immitis: EIR = 0.028; D. repens: EIR = 0.006). The number of positive pools per calendar week was positively correlated with the number of screened pools per calendar week, suggesting constant Dirofilaria spp. transmission during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS This study further confirms significant circulation of Dirofilaria spp. in eastern Europe, with high parasite prevalence in domestic canids and mosquitoes. Therefore, systematic monitoring studies are required to better understand the environmental risk factors for Dirofilaria transmission, allowing the implementation of effective surveillance and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Tomazatos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edina Török
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Romanian Academy Institute of Biology, Bucharest, Romania.,Molecular Biology Center, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Maranda
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cintia Horváth
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lujza Keresztes
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marina Spinu
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.
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14
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Macarie SS, Dobre C, Suciu MC, Ionica AM, Cernea MS, Tarcău P, Bodea F. Subconjunctival ocular filariasis -Case report. Rom J Ophthalmol 2018; 61:76-79. [PMID: 29450376 PMCID: PMC5710058 DOI: 10.22336/rjo.2017.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We are presenting the case of a patient who was clinically diagnosed with subconjunctival ocular dirofilariasis, confirmed by the parasitological examination. The treatment consisted in the surgical extraction of the parasite, a local treatment with antibiotics and steroidal anti-inflammatory mydriatic and general treatment with antihelminthic, antibiotic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drugs. The intraoperative and postoperative evolution of the case was favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Simion Macarie
- Department of Ophthalmology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | | | - Angela-Monica Ionica
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihai-Sorin Cernea
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Tarcău
- County Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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15
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Sauda F, Malandrucco L, Macrì G, Scarpulla M, De Liberato C, Terracciano G, Fichi G, Berrilli F, Perrucci S. Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria spp. and other endoparasite infections in kennel dogs in central Italy. Parasite 2018; 25:2. [PMID: 29388550 PMCID: PMC5793702 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence and risk factors of Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria spp. and other potentially zoonotic or canine-specific endoparasite infections were assessed in 639 kennel dogs from central Italy. To this end, individual blood and fecal samples were examined using parasitological, immunological and molecular techniques. The presence of compatible clinical pictures, as well as age and gender were considered as putative risks factors. To evaluate risk factors, multivariable analysis with logistic regression and univariable analysis with a Chi square test and a Fischer's exact test were performed. Overall, 52.6% of dogs (95% CI 48.6-56.5) were found positive, while 39.6% of dogs (95% CI 35.8-43.5) were infected by potentially zoonotic species. Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria repens showed prevalences of 2.5% (95% CI 1.5-4.1) and 2.8% (95% CI 1.7-4.5), respectively. The prevalence of cardiorespiratory parasites was 7.8% (95% CI 5.9-10.3) and included the species Angiostrongylus vasorum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Eucoleus boehmi and D. immitis; the latter showed a prevalence of 0.2% (95% CI 0.001-1). Intestinal parasites were significantly prevalent (38.8%, 95% CI 35-42.7) and they consisted mainly of species of major zoonotic concern, including ancylostomatids, Toxocara canis, Giardia duodenalis, Dipylidium caninum, Taeniidae, Strongyloides stercoralis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Endoparasites were significantly prevalent in clinically suspected dogs. Leishmania infantum and cardiorespiratory nematodes were prevalent in older dogs, while intestinal parasites were prevalent in younger dogs. Results show high dog and public health risks in kennels in central Italy, and suggest the need for more effective control measures.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- Antigens, Helminth/blood
- Dirofilaria/classification
- Dirofilaria/immunology
- Dirofilaria/isolation & purification
- Dirofilariasis/epidemiology
- Dirofilariasis/parasitology
- Dirofilariasis/prevention & control
- Dog Diseases/epidemiology
- Dog Diseases/parasitology
- Dog Diseases/prevention & control
- Dogs
- Feces/parasitology
- Female
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/prevention & control
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary
- Italy/epidemiology
- Leishmania infantum/classification
- Leishmania infantum/immunology
- Leishmania infantum/isolation & purification
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/epidemiology
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/parasitology
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/prevention & control
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/veterinary
- Male
- Microfilariae/classification
- Microfilariae/isolation & purification
- Prevalence
- Regression Analysis
- Risk Factors
- Zoonoses/epidemiology
- Zoonoses/parasitology
- Zoonoses/prevention & control
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sauda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie-Università di Pisa,
Pisa Italy
| | | | - Gladia Macrì
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri (IZSLT),
Rome and Pisa Italy
| | - Manuela Scarpulla
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri (IZSLT),
Rome and Pisa Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri (IZSLT),
Rome and Pisa Italy
| | - Giuliana Terracciano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri (IZSLT),
Rome and Pisa Italy
| | - Gianluca Fichi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri (IZSLT),
Rome and Pisa Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata,
Rome Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE Human dirofilariasis is a helminthic infestation caused by filarial nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria. We report two cases of subconjunctival dirofilariasis in adult Chinese patients. CASE REPORTS Case 1: A 57-year-old woman presented to us with 1-day history of left eye redness and migratory foreign body sensation. Physical examination showed a temporal subconjunctival motile mass in her left eye. Immediate surgical exploration showed a live nonpigmented roundworm measuring 120 mm in length with morphology compatible with Dirofilaria. It was later identified to be Dirofilaria repens by sequence analysis. Case 2: A 69-year-old woman presented with left eye redness and foreign body sensation for 2 weeks. She was treated elsewhere initially with topical antibiotics without any improvement. On slitlamp examination, a mobile subconjunctival mass was noted. Immediate surgical removal was performed under local anesthesia, revealing a live 50-mm-long worm. It was identified as Dirofilaria hongkongensis. Both patients had normal systemic workup results and remained symptom-free after surgical removal of the nematode. Clinical findings, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Ophthalmic dirofilariasis is a rare condition. Clinicians should be aware of this disease entity so that prompt diagnosis and treatment could be offered to the patients.
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17
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Gunathilaka N, Siriwardana S, Wijesooriya L, Gunaratne G, Perera N. Subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens in Sri Lanka: A potential risk of transmitting human dirofilariasis. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2017; 5:2050313X17701373. [PMID: 28491315 PMCID: PMC5406200 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x17701373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Dirofilariasis is a parasitic infection caused by filarial nematodes belonging to the genus Dirofilaria. Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens has been widely reported from European countries. Sri Lanka is the most affected country in Asia with an infection rate of almost 60% in dog population. However, human infection of D. repens remains undiagnosed and many of the cases are not scientifically documented. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to document the presence of dirofilariasis infections in humans. Method: A 1 year and 10 months old boy from Ragama, Gampaha District, Western Province of Sri Lanka, was presented to a private hospital with a painless, non-pruritic and ill-defined subcutaneous nodule on his right hypochondrial region of the anterior abdominal wall for 1 week. On examination, there was a non-tender swelling measuring 2 cm × 2 cm in the anterior abdominal wall, with surrounding mild redness. The patient was referred for ultrasound confirmation. Results: The ultrasound scan revealed a hypoechoic nodular lesion measuring 11 mm × 6 mm in the anterior abdominal wall. Parasitological examination on the excised nodule confirmed the presence of D. repens measuring 10.5 cm in length having characteristic cuticle with longitudinal ridges. Conclusion: It is essential to record the human infections and increase the awareness about this infection, diagnostic tests and vector controlling measures, in order to reduce the disease prevalence through suppressing vector densities, proper diagnosis and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayana Gunathilaka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Shirom Siriwardana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Lakmini Wijesooriya
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Gayana Gunaratne
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
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18
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Masny A, Sałamatin R, Rozej-Bielicka W, Golab E. Is molecular xenomonitoring of mosquitoes for Dirofilaria repens suitable for dirofilariosis surveillance in endemic regions? Parasitol Res 2016; 115:511-25. [PMID: 26490684 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4767-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a parasite of animals and humans, transferred by mosquitoes. The assessment of the presence of D. repens-infected vertebrate hosts in the investigated area can be performed by xenomonitoring—detection of the parasite in blood-feeding arthropods. Our study aimed to evaluate PCR xenomonitoring of mosquitoes as a tool for dirofilariosis surveillance in Poland. We were also interested whether inter-study comparisons at the international level would be possible. Mosquitoes were collected in a single locality in Mazowsze province in Poland, in which between 12 and 20% of dogs were infected with D. repens and autochthonous human dirofilariosis was confirmed. All captured female mosquitoes were divided into pools; alternatively, single mosquitoes were analyzed; DNA was isolated and subjected to PCR and real-time PCR for detection of D. repens. The estimations of infection rates of mosquitoes with D. repens, based on PCR results, varied from 0 to 1.57% even between assays for detection of distinct fragments of the same marker—cytochrome oxidase subunit one gene. Polymorphisms of the DNA sequence within binding sites of the primers used in D. repens xenomonitoring assays, applied in European studies, were identified. Non-specific amplification of Setaria tundra (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) DNA occurred. Surveillance of dirofilariosis by PCR mosquito xenomonitoring is possible; however, the efficiency of the approach on territories where the prevalence of the disease among definitive hosts is lower than 12% remains unknown. Furthermore, mosquito infection rate estimations can be PCR assay dependent, which makes inter-study comparisons difficult. The results obtained in independent European xenomonitoring studies were contradictory. International collaboration would be required to establish a standardized set of assays for sensitive and specific xenomonitoring-based dirofilariosis surveillance.
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- I T Kaftandjiev
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Bulgaria, 1504 Sofia, 26, Yanko Sakazov Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - R N Harizanov
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Bulgaria, 1504 Sofia, 26, Yanko Sakazov Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria.
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20
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Matějů J, Chanová M, Modrý D, Mitková B, Hrazdilová K, Žampachová V, Kolářová L. Dirofilaria repens: emergence of autochthonous human infections in the Czech Republic (case reports). BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:171. [PMID: 27094256 PMCID: PMC4837637 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1505-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human dirofilariasis is a zoonotic infection that continues to spread to previously unaffected areas of Europe. In the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic (CR), imported as well as autochthonous canine infections were recorded in the last decade, and parasite DNA was detected in mosquitoes of Aedes vexans. In the present paper, human Dirofilaria infections are reported from the country for the first time. Case presentation The samples from five patients with suspected tissue helminthiases were investigated. In particular cases, nematodes were isolated from various tissues including skin of lower leg, soft tissues of finger, subcutaneous tissue of hypogastrium, lymph node and peritoneum. The diagnosis was based on light microscopic morphology and/or DNA analysis of the worms. In addition, ELISA examination of patients’ sera for anti-filaria IgG antibodies was performed. Conclusions In the CR, five cases of human dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens were recorded during 2010–2014 (species determination for three of them was confirmed besides morphological also by DNA analysis). At least, three of the cases were of autochthonous origin (the patients are Czech citizens residing in South Moravian Region who have never travelled abroad). The findings confirm the natural setting of D. repens in South Moravian Region of the CR. Dirofilariasis should be therefore considered as endemic in this area where it may represent a significant risk factor for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Matějů
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Reference Laboratory for Tissue Helminthoses, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Chanová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Central European Institute for Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Mitková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Central European Institute for Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- Central European Institute for Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Víta Žampachová
- First Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University - St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Libuše Kolářová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic. .,National Reference Laboratory for Tissue Helminthoses, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
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21
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Tudor P, Turcitu M, Mateescu C, Dantas-Torres F, Tudor N, Bărbuceanu F, Ciuca L, Burcoveanu I, Acatrinei D, Rinaldi L, Mateescu R, Bădicu A, Ionașcu I, Otranto D. Zoonotic ocular onchocercosis caused by Onchocerca lupi in dogs in Romania. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:859-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4816-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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22
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Maia C, Lorentz S, Cardoso L, Otranto D, Naucke TJ. Detection of Dirofilaria repens microfilariae in a dog from Portugal. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:441-3. [PMID: 26486944 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4796-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens causes subcutaneous infection in dogs and cats, and is the main agent of human dirofilariosis in Europe. Detection of D. repens is described in a dog from Portugal, a finding that simultaneously represents the first presumable case of autochthonous infection with the parasite in any animal host species in the country. A mixed D. repens/Dirofilaria immitis infection (20:1 ratio) was found, with an overall density of 1267 microfilariae per millilitre of blood. Morphological features, including morphometry, and acid phosphatase histochemical staining confirmed identity of the two filarioids. Distribution of D. repens in Portugal should be further assessed at the population level both in vertebrate hosts and in vectors. Due to the zoonotic potential of the parasite, preventive measures such as the administration of microfilaricides and insect repellents should be put into practice to protect animals and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susanne Lorentz
- Parasitus Ex e.V., Vollbergstr. 37, 53859, Niederkassel, Germany
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Str. prov. per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Torsten J Naucke
- Department of Zoology, Division of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany.,Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG, Steubenstr. 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
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23
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Case of human Dirofilaria repens infection manifested by cutaneous larva migrans syndrome. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2969-73. [PMID: 25933629 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4499-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens, parasite of subcutaneous tissues of dogs and other carnivores, represents high infection risk for animals and humans in Europe. In men, infection usually presents as nodule in subcutaneous tissues or, less often, the lesions are localised around the eyes. The work presents first confirmed clinical case of human D. repens infection connected with cutaneous larva migrans syndrome. In patient, the migration of the worm caused true signs of creeping eruption, elevated sinuous track under the skin. It was connected with severe pain, burning and erythema of adjacent skin. Symptoms appeared at least three times, approximately once a month, always in the evening or night and lasted from several minutes to several days. In December 2014, during the scratching of residual pruritic lesion, patient removed 6-cm long, whitish worm from the wound. Morphological features (longitudinal ridges) and PCR amplification of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) confirmed Dirofilaria repens as etiological agent of infection. Herein, presented case confirmed that D. repens infection in humans can be associated with real creeping eruption, clinical sign of cutaneous larva migrans and should be included in its differential diagnosis.
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Tasić-Otašević SA, Trenkić Božinović MS, Gabrielli SV, Genchi C. Canine and human Dirofilaria infections in the Balkan Peninsula. Vet Parasitol 2015; 209:151-6. [PMID: 25769471 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens infections are mosquito-borne diseases, mainly of dogs. Both parasites are zoonotic, and they sometimes cause serious infections in humans. The aim of this short review was to examine the situation in the Balkan Peninsula, from where it is not always easy to obtain suitable data, often reported in journals and other publications difficult to be retrieved and with poor or no visibility. The review included data from international and regional literature, doctoral theses, and conference proceedings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana A Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 81, Bul. Dr. Zorana Djindjica, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Public health Nis, 50, Bulvd. Dr. Zorana Djindjica, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Simona V Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Department of Animal Science and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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25
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Suzuki J, Kobayashi S, Okata U, Matsuzaki H, Mori M, Chen KR, Iwata S. Molecular analysis of Dirofilaria repens removed from a subcutaneous nodule in a Japanese woman after a tour to Europe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:2. [PMID: 25619827 PMCID: PMC4306022 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2015002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A premature female Dirofilaria species, subsequently identified as Dirofilaria repens by its morphological features and mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) gene sequence, was removed from a subcutaneous nodule of the right temporal region of the head in a Japanese woman 2 years after she noticed swelling of her left calf following an insect sting during a tour to Europe; headache symptoms were noticed a few months later. The sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes from the organism were almost identical to those of sequences AM779772 (100% homology, 337/337) and AM749233 (99.8% homology, 536/537) of D. repens isolated from humans in Italy. However, the phylogenetic position of the 18S rRNA-internal transcribed spacer 1-5.8S rRNA region was in the same cluster as that of sequence JX290195 of Dirofilaria sp. “hongkongensis” (96.7% homology, 348/360), which was recently reported from Hong Kong as a novel Dirofilaria species. Information on regional genetic variation in D. repens isolated from animals and humans remains scarce. We report the detailed genetic features of this filaria as a reference isolate from a specific endemic area, to enrich the genetic database of D. repens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Suzuki
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Seiki Kobayashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Utako Okata
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
| | - Hitomi Matsuzaki
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
| | - Mariko Mori
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan - Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ko-Ron Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
| | - Satoshi Iwata
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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