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Latrofa MS, Louzada-Flores VN, Maia C, Kelly MA, Verocai GG, Cantacessi C, Otranto D. Development of an indirect ELISA for the serodiagnosis of canine infection by Onchocerca lupi. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3348. [PMID: 38336818 PMCID: PMC10858053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi is a zoonotic filarioid parasite of dogs and cats with widespread distribution. A specific non-invasive diagnostic assay for the detection of O. lupi infections remains unavailable. This study aimed to assess the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of an ELISA test designed using nine peptides from two O. lupi proteins. Sera (n = 54) collected from O. lupi infected dogs from endemic areas (Portugal and USA), alongside sera from dogs positive for Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, Cercopithifilaria bainae, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum (n = 53) from a non-endemic area for O. lupi, as well as from helminth-free dogs (n = 60), were tested. The checkerboard titration method was applied for the optimization of peptide concentrations and conjugate anti-dog dilutions. Sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off values were calculated using ROC curve analysis. All peptides reacted against sera of O. lupi, with no correlation between optic density (OD) values and microfilariae (mfs) loads. Sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 85.45 to 100%, and 88.89% to 100%, respectively, were recorded for all peptides examined, with 100% specificity and sensitivity observed for peptides 40_3, 40_5, 130_3, 120_3 and 40_1, 130_5, respectively. The maximum cut-off value was observed for peptides 40_5 (0.765) and 40_3 (0.708). Testing of sera from dogs positive for other filarioids resulted in lower OD values (up to 1.565) for peptides 40_3 and 40_5 when compared with O. lupi (up to 2.929). The availability of this assay will be of value in epidemiological studies of canine O. lupi infection in both endemic and non-endemic areas, and in assessing the risk for zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua de Junqueira 100, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maureen A Kelly
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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2
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Unterköfler MS, Huck A, Silbermayr K, Fuehrer HP. Autochthonous Onchocerca lupi infection of a domestic dog in Austria. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 36726184 PMCID: PMC9893681 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05681-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi is an emerging canine ocular pathogen with zoonotic potential. In Europe, known endemic areas are the Iberian Peninsula and Greece, but the parasite has also been found in Romania, Hungary, and Germany. A 5-year-old Irish Wolfhound was presented in August 2021 with ocular discharge. A subconjunctival granulomatous nodule containing several nematode fragments was removed. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene confirmed the presence of O. lupi genotype 1. This is the first report of autochthonous O. lupi infection in a dog from Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Huck
- Small Animal Practice Dr. Alexandra Huck, Ziegelgasse 20, Güttenbach, 7536 Güssing, Austria
| | - Katja Silbermayr
- grid.486422.e0000000405446183Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer Gasse 5-11, 1121 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Jones KEV, Terhaar HM, Jeffries C, Moore AR, Lappin MR, de Linde Henriksen M. What is your diagnosis? Impression smear of a conjunctival mass in a dog. Vet Clin Pathol 2022; 52 Suppl 2:103-106. [PMID: 35365878 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina E V Jones
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Hannah M Terhaar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Christina Jeffries
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - A Russell Moore
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Michala de Linde Henriksen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Rojas A, Morales-Calvo F, Salant H, Otranto D, Baneth G. Zoonotic Ocular Onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:331-341. [PMID: 34211352 PMCID: PMC8223538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic filarioid Onchocerca lupi causes ocular disease characterized by conjunctivitis and nodular lesions. This nematode was first described in 1967 in a wolf from Georgia, and since then cases of infection from dogs and cats with ocular onchocercosis and sporadically from humans also with subcutaneous and cervical lesions caused by O. lupi have been reported from the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Due to its zoonotic potential, this parasitic infection has gained attention in the past 20 years. Phylogenetic studies have highlighted the recent divergence of O. lupi from other Onchocerca spp. and the importance of domestication in the evolutionary history of this worm. Moreover, the finding of an O. lupi genotype associated with subclinical and mild infection in the Iberian Peninsula, raises important questions about the pathogenicity of this presently enigmatic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica,To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
Alicia Rojas, Laboratorio de Helmintología, Facultad de Microbiología,
Universidad de Costa Rica, Sede Rodrigo Facio, Montes de Oca, San José Costa
Rica, 11501-2060; Tel: +(506)2511-8645;
; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2007-7198
| | - Fernando Morales-Calvo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University,
Hamedan, Iran
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Otranto D, Colella V, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Cavalera MA, Pereira A, Schaper R, Maia C. Efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Onchocerca lupi microfilariae in naturally infected dogs from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:199. [PMID: 33849643 PMCID: PMC8042703 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerca lupi and Cercopithifilaria spp. are vector-borne filarioids of dogs, which harbour skin microfilariae (mfs), the former being of zoonotic concern. Proper treatment studies using compounds with microfilaricidal activity have not been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a commercially available spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of O. lupi or Cercopithifilaria spp. skin-dwelling mfs in naturally infected dogs. METHODS Privately owned dogs (n = 393) from southern Portugal were sampled via skin biopsies to identify and count mfs in 20 µl of skin sediment. A total of 22 mfs-positive dogs were allocated to treatment group (n = 11; G1) or left untreated as a control (n = 11; G2). As a pilot investigation to test the treatment efficacy, five dogs assigned to G1 were treated four times at monthly intervals with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation on SDs 0, 28 (± 2), 56 (± 2), and 84 (± 2). Based on the negative results for both O. lupi and/or Cercopithifilaria spp. mfs of dogs in the pilot study from SD28 onwards, the remaining six dogs in G1 were treated at SD0 and assessed only at SD28. RESULTS Of the 393 animals sampled, 78 (19.8%) scored positive for skin-dwelling mfs. At the pilot investigation, a mean number of 19.6 mfs for O. lupi was recorded among five infected dogs whereas no mfs were detected at SD28. At SD0, the mean number of Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae was 12.6 for G1 and 8.7 for G2. The mean number of mfs for G2 was 20.09. CONCLUSIONS Results herein obtained suggest that a single treatment with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation is efficacious against skin-dwelling mfs in dogs. The microfilaricidal effect of moxidectin could also be useful in reducing the risk of O. lupi infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Vito Colella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
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Latrofa MS, Palmisano G, Annoscia G, Pierri CL, Chandrashekar R, Otranto D. Major antigen and paramyosin proteins as candidate biomarkers for serodiagnosis of canine infection by zoonotic Onchocerca lupi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009027. [PMID: 33566799 PMCID: PMC7875354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) is a filarial worm parasitizing domestic carnivores and humans. Adult nematodes usually localize beneath in the sclera or in the ocular retrobulbar of infected animals, whilst microfilariae are found in the skin. Therefore, diagnosis of O. lupi is achieved by microscopic and/or molecular detection of microfilariae from skin biopsy and/or surgical removal of adults from ocular tissues of infected hosts. An urgent non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of O. lupi in dog is mandatory. In this study, an immunoproteomic analyses was performed using a combination of immunoblotting and mass spectrometry techniques. Onchocerca lupi major antigen (Ol-MJA) and paramyosin (Ol-PARA) proteins were identified as potential biomarkers for serodiagnosis. Linear epitopes were herein scanned for both proteins using high-density peptide microarray. Sera collected from dog infected with O. lupi and healthy animal controls led to the identification of 11 immunodominant antigenic peptides (n = 7 for Ol-MJA; n = 4 for Ol-PARA). These peptides were validated using sera of dogs uniquely infected with the most important filarioids infesting dogs either zoonotic (Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis) or not (Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Cercopithifilaria bainae). Overall, six antigenic peptides, three for Ol-MJA and for Ol-PARA, respectively, were selected as potential antigens for the serological detection of canine O. lupi infection. The molecular and proteomic dataset herein reported should provide a useful resource for studies on O. lupi toward supporting the development of new interventions (drugs, vaccines and diagnostics) against canine onchocercosis. The diagnosis of Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae), a zoonotic nematode of domestic animals, is currently based on microscopic examination of skin snip sediments and on the identification of adults embedded in ocular nodules or by molecular assays. An urgent non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of O. lupi in dogs is mandatory. In this context, combined immunoblotting and mass spectrometry-based analyses have been performed to identify two proteins, major antigen and paramyosin, of O. lupi. Peptides herein identified represent suitable candidate biomarker for the development of a specific diagnostic test for canine onchocercosis. An accurate, minimally invasive diagnostic method could prove useful for the control of the canine diseases, for establishing large sero-surveys, for mapping the distribution of the infection in endemic areas as well as in areas where information on the disease is not available and for the reduction of risks for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, ICB, Glycoproteomics Laboratory, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Felestin Sq., Hamedan, Iran
- * E-mail:
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7
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de Oliveira CS, Savadelis MD, McLean NJ, Verocai GG. Assessing the potential cross-reactivity using a commercial heartworm ELISA kits of serum from dogs naturally infected with Onchocerca lupi. Vet Parasitol 2020; 280:109070. [PMID: 32247934 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi is an emerging zoonotic parasite of dogs, endemic to the southwestern USA and areas of the Old World. Currently, there are no specific serological diagnostic tests able to detect O. lupi infection. Recent literature has demonstrated that commercially available heartworm antigen tests, despite being highly sensitive, may cross-react with infections by other filarid nematodes. There is no information on potential cross-reactivity of such tests in serum of dogs infected with O. lupi. Our objective was to assess serum samples of dogs naturally-infected with O. lupi for potential cross-reactivity before and after heat-treatment using a commercial heartworm ELISA kit. We obtained serum from 23 dogs naturally-infected with O. lupi. These dogs presented with ocular disease, and were consulted to schedule either surgical removal of ocular nodules due to infection or enucleation. Samples were tested in triplicate using the DiroCHEK® Heartworm Antigen Test kit (Synbiotics Corporation, Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) following the manufacturers' protocol pre- and post-heat-treatment. Samples were heat-treated using a dry heat block at 103 °C for 10 min and then centrifuged at 1818×g for 20 min. Out of a total of 23 dogs, 19 (82.6 %) had no antigen detected regardless of heat-treatment, three dogs tested positive before and after heat-treatment, and a single dog turned positive after heat-treatment. These three dogs that were positive before and after heat-treatment were confirmedly co-infected with Dirofilaria immitis by the veterinarians responsible for these cases, and we were unable to get the history or follow up with the dog that turned positive post-heat-treatment only. Our data suggest that O. lupi infections should not result in false-positives when using the DiroCHEK® in dog serum, before or after heat-treatment. Dogs with clinical ocular onchocercosis that test antigen-positive in DiroCHEK® are likely co-infected with D. immitis, and should be further tested, including evaluation of microfilariae in blood and diagnostic imaging. If heartworm infection is confirmed, the animals should be enrolled in the recommended treatment protocol in accordance to the guidelines of the American Heartworm Society or other local organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sobotyk de Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Molly D Savadelis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Nancy Johnstone McLean
- Ophthalmology, VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87111, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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Tahir D, Davoust B, Parola P. Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update. Vet World 2019; 12:1630-1643. [PMID: 31849426 PMCID: PMC6868252 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1630-1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The scale of VBDs is increasing worldwide, including in the Mediterranean Basin, a region exposed to climate changes. Indeed, weather conditions may influence the abundance and distribution of vectors. The vector-borne nematode diseases of dogs and cats, such as dirofilariosis, onchocercosis, thelaziosis, Cercopithifilaria, and Acanthocheilonema infections, are some of these vectorized diseases, several of which are zoonoses. They are all caused by parasitic nematodes transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes (Dirofilaria spp.), black flies (Onchocerca lupi), drosophilids (Thelazia callipaeda), ticks (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and Cercopithifilaria bainae), and fleas and lice (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The control and prevention of these infections and diseases require a multidisciplinary approach based on strengthening collaboration between the different actors in the fields of health, research, sociology, economics, governments and citizens, to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health. This is the concept of "one health." The review aimed to provide a general update on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne nematodes diseases affecting companion animals and humans, as well as the vectors involved in the Mediterranean area. Simultaneously, certain epidemiological parameters, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases based on the "one health" concept will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Tahir
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections, Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Edelmann ML, Jager M, Espinheira F, Ledbetter EC. In vivo confocal microscopy for detection of subconjunctival Onchocerca lupi infection in a dog. Vet Ophthalmol 2017; 21:632-637. [PMID: 29277087 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A seven-year-old male castrated mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with bilateral subconjunctival masses. In vivo confocal microscopy facilitated visualization of Onchocerca lupi adult nematodes and their characteristic cuticular morphology. Long, thin, white nematodes were extracted during excisional biopsy. Histopathologic and parasitologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of O. lupi. In addition to surgical debulking of the parasitic granulomas, the dog received systemic doxycycline, prednisone, and ivermectin therapy. In vivo confocal microscopy was repeated one year after initial diagnosis, and no remaining nematodes were visible. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of use of in vivo confocal microscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic and monitoring tool for canine onchocerciasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele L Edelmann
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Mason Jager
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Filipe Espinheira
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Eric C Ledbetter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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10
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McLean NJ, Newkirk K, Adema CM. Canine ocular onchocerciasis: a retrospective review of the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of 16 cases in New Mexico (2011-2015). Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 20:349-356. [PMID: 27624855 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical exam findings, treatment and outcomes of 16 dogs diagnosed with ocular onchocerciasis in New Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of dogs diagnosed by the primary author were reviewed (2011-2015). Records that were accessible and included a diagnosis of Onchocerca lupi by histopathologic or molecular identification of the nematode were included. RESULTS Sixteen cases were included. 3/16 dogs were treated with year-round heartworm prophylaxis prior to infection. Clinical exam findings included conjunctival hyperemia and/or episcleral injection (16/16), focal subconjunctival mass(es) (14/16), retinal detachment (7/16), corneal edema (4/16), chemosis (3/16), corneal opacity (2/16), exophthalmia (1/16), glaucoma (1/16), strabismus (1/16), blepharospasm (1/16), and vitreal degeneration (1/16). Ocular involvement was unilateral in 7/16 dogs and bilateral in 9/16 dogs. The diagnosis was confirmed via histologic identification of the nematodes and/or PCR. Treatment consisted of medical management or a combination medical and surgical management. Known or suspected recurrence of disease was documented in 10 dogs. CONCLUSIONS Canine ocular onchocerciasis is endemic in New Mexico. Histopathology and molecular identification are useful diagnostic tools. Medical management alone was successful in many cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Johnstone McLean
- Ophthalmology, VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, 9901 Montgomery Boulevard NE, 87111, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kimberly Newkirk
- Anatomic Pathobiology, Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Room A205, 37996-4542, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Coenraad M Adema
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Castetter Hall Biology MSC03 2020, 87112-0001, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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11
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Campbell B, Cortes H, Annoscia G, Giannelli A, Parisi A, Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Cardoso L, Otranto D. Paramyosin of canine Onchocerca lupi: usefulness for the diagnosis of a neglected zoonotic disease. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:493. [PMID: 27604904 PMCID: PMC5013582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1783-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of increasing importance to the medical and veterinary communities is the zoonotic filarioid nematode Onchocerca lupi. Onchocercosis, thus far found in wolves, dogs, cats and humans, is diagnosed via skin snips to detect microfilariae and surgical removal of adults from the eye of the host. These methods are time-consuming, laborious and invasive, highlighting the need for new tools for the diagnosis of O. lupi in susceptible hosts. Symptoms related to the presence of the adults in the eye can range from none apparent to severe, including blindness. No reliable chemotherapeutic protocols are available, as yet, to eliminate the infection. Paramyosin, an invertebrate-specific protein, has been well-studied as an allergen, diagnostic marker and vaccine candidate. The aim of this study, therefore, was to isolate and characterise paramyosin from O. lupi to assess its suitability for the development of a serological diagnostic assay. METHODS The adult and microfilarial stages of O. lupi were isolated from the eyes and skin of a 3-year-old male dog. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into single stranded cDNA. Reverse-transcription PCR was used to isolate a full-length paramyosin cDNA from adult worms and to investigate the temporal expression patterns of this gene. All amplicons were sequenced using dideoxy chain termination sequencing. Bioinformatics was used to predict the amino acid sequence of the gene, to compare the DNA and protein sequences with those available in public databases and to investigate the phylogenetic relationship of all molecules. Antibody binding sites were predicted using bioinformatics and mapped along with published antigenic epitopes against the O. lupi paramyosin protein. The native protein, and three smaller recombinantly expressed peptides, were subjected to western blot using serum from dogs both positive and negative for O. lupi. RESULTS Paramyosin of O. lupi was herein molecularly characterized, encoded by a transcript of 2,643 bp and producing a protein of 881 amino acids (101.24 kDa). The paramyosin transcript was detected, by reverse transcription PCR, in adults and microfilariae, but not in eggs. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this molecule clusters with paramyosins from other filarioids to the exclusion of those from other taxa. A total of 621 unique antibody binding epitopes were predicted for this protein and another 28 were conserved in other organisms. This information was used to design three peptides, for recombinant expression, to identify the antibody binding epitope(s) and reduce potential cross-reactivity with serum from dogs infected with other filarioid nematodes. Native paramyosin, purified from microfilariae and adults, was detected by antibodies present in serum from dogs with known O. lupi infections. CONCLUSIONS Data provided herein may assist in the development of a serological diagnostic test, based on antibodies to O. lupi paramyosin, for the diagnosis of this infection, in order to gain more information on the real distribution of this little known filarioid of zoonotic concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Campbell
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Helder Cortes
- Victor Caeiro Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Parisi
- IZS Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Puglia e Basilicata, Putignano, Italy
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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12
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Cantey PT, Weeks J, Edwards M, Rao S, Ostovar GA, Dehority W, Alzona M, Swoboda S, Christiaens B, Ballan W, Hartley J, Terranella A, Weatherhead J, Dunn JJ, Marx DP, Hicks MJ, Rauch RA, Smith C, Dishop MK, Handler MH, Dudley RWR, Chundu K, Hobohm D, Feiz-Erfan I, Hakes J, Berry RS, Stepensaski S, Greenfield B, Shroeder L, Bishop H, de Almeida M, Mathison B, Eberhard M. The Emergence of Zoonotic Onchocerca lupi Infection in the United States--A Case-Series. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 62:778-83. [PMID: 26611778 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This case-series describes the 6 human infections with Onchocerca lupi, a parasite known to infect cats and dogs, that have been identified in the United States since 2013. Unlike cases reported outside the country, the American patients have not had subconjunctival nodules but have manifested more invasive disease (eg, spinal, orbital, and subdermal nodules). Diagnosis remains challenging in the absence of a serologic test. Treatment should be guided by what is done for Onchocerca volvulus as there are no data for O. lupi. Available evidence suggests that there may be transmission in southwestern United States, but the risk of transmission to humans is not known. Research is needed to better define the burden of disease in the United States and develop appropriately-targeted prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Cantey
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica Weeks
- Indian Health Service - Navajo Area, Window Rock, Arizona
| | | | - Suchitra Rao
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - G Amin Ostovar
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Walter Dehority
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque
| | | | - Sara Swoboda
- Indian Health Service - Navajo Area, Window Rock, Arizona
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christiana Smith
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Megan K Dishop
- Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Michael H Handler
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Roy W R Dudley
- Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kote Chundu
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Dan Hobohm
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Iman Feiz-Erfan
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Joseph Hakes
- San Juan Regional Medical Group, Farmington, New Mexico
| | - Ryan S Berry
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque
| | - Shelly Stepensaski
- Division of Dermatopathology, Pathology Associates of Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | | | - Henry Bishop
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marcos de Almeida
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Blaine Mathison
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mark Eberhard
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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13
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Grácio AJS, Richter J, Komnenou AT, Grácio MA. Onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca lupi: an emerging zoonotic infection. Systematic review. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2401-13. [PMID: 25990062 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4535-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Globalization has increased circulation of people, their food, livestock and pets in the world, and changes in the environment, climate and human behaviour have led to the rapid expansion of emerging infections throughout the world. One of the reasons of a new pathogen affecting humans is the passage from an animal to a human being. Onchocerca (O.) lupi, a filarial worm first described in a wolf in 1967, is an emerging pathogen which has been incriminated as the etiological agent for 205 canine, 2 feline and 18 human infections in Europe, Tunisia, Turkey, Iran and the USA. Most frequent findings in animals and humans are monolateral or asymmetrical variably painful subconjunctival swellings and nodules containing immature or mature worms affecting the eye and/or adjacent tissues accompanied by conjunctival hyperemia. Occasionally, subcutaneous nodules and masses affecting the spinal cord have been observed in humans. Diagnosis of O. lupi is achieved by microscopy of excised adult female worms which exhibit a particular cuticular structure and molecular analysis. Treatment consists in worm removal accompanied by antihelminthic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- António J Santos Grácio
- Medical Parasitology Unit/Medical Entomology Group, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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14
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Otranto D, Giannelli A, Scotty Trumble N, Chavkin M, Kennard G, Latrofa MS, Bowman DD, Dantas-Torres F, Eberhard ML. Clinical case presentation and a review of the literature of canine onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi in the United States. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:89. [PMID: 25884672 PMCID: PMC4346121 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Onchocerca lupi, a filarioid of zoonotic concern, infects dogs and cats causing ocular lesions of different degrees, from minor to severe. However, infected animals do not always display overt clinical signs, rendering the diagnosis of the infection obscure to the majority of veterinarians. Canine onchocercosis has been reported in the Old World and the information on its occurrence in the United States, as well as its pathogenesis and clinical management is still meagre. This study reports on the largest case series of O. lupi infection from the United States and reviews previous cases of canine onchocercosis in this country. Methods Information on the clinical history of a series of eight cases of O. lupi infection in dogs diagnosed in Minnesota, New Mexico, Colorado and Florida, from 2011 to 2014, was obtained from clinical records provided the veterinary practitioners. Nematodes were morphologically identified at species level and genetically analyzed. Results All dogs displayed a similar clinical presentation, including subconjunctival and episcleral nodules, which were surgically removed. Each dog was subjected to post-operative therapy. Whitish filaria-like parasites were morphologically and molecularly identified as O. lupi. Conclusions This study confirms that O. lupi is endemic in the United States, indicating that the distribution of the infection is probably wider than previously thought. With effect, further studies are urgently needed in order to improve the diagnosis and to assess the efficacy of therapeutic protocols, targeting the parasite itself and/or its endosymbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Matt Chavkin
- VRCC Animal Eye Specialists, Englewood, Colorado, USA.
| | | | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Mark L Eberhard
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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15
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Franchini D, Giannelli A, Di Paola G, Cortes H, Cardoso L, Lia RP, Campbell BE, Dantas-Torres F, Lenoci D, Assad EA, Ricciardi M, Valastro C, Cavaliere L, Di Bello A, Otranto D. Image diagnosis of zoonotic onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:91-5. [PMID: 24685021 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi, a zoonotic nematode infecting the eyes of carnivores, has been increasingly reported in dogs from Europe and the USA. In order to improve the current status of knowledge on this neglected filarioid, diagnostic imaging tools (i.e., ultrasound scan, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) are herein used to diagnose canine onchocercosis in two dogs, which scored positive for O. lupi microfilariae at the skin snip test and to assess the anatomical location of the nematode within the ocular apparatus. Results indicate that ultrasound tools are useful to address the diagnosis of O. lupi in dogs and to evaluate the localization of nodules or cysts containing the adult nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Franchini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Di Paola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Helder Cortes
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia Victor Caeiro, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal; Parasite Disease Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Aggeu Magalhães Research Institute, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Carmela Valastro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonardo Cavaliere
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Bello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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