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Briciu V, Kalmár Z, Ieremia A, Lupșe M, Flonta M, Muntean M, Cismaru C, Horvat M, Rădulescu A, Topan A, Jianu C, Ionică AM. Serological evidence of human exposure to foodborne zoonotic parasites in Romanian patients and possible association with food habits and hygiene. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 36:e00240. [PMID: 39220615 PMCID: PMC11363570 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2024.e00240] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans may become accidental dead-end hosts for a series of zoonotic foodborne parasites, of which Toxoplasma gondii, Echinococcus spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichinella spiralis are of major public health interest, due to their potential pathological implications. The aims of the study were to evaluate the exposure to these pathogens in north-western Romania, and to investigate their potential association to risk factors. From June 2022 to January 2024, 554 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in north-western Romania were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii, Echinococcus spp., Toxocara canis, and T. spiralis by ELISA, and potential risks were assessed using a questionnaire. Overall, 225 samples (40.6%) were positive for at least one pathogen. The highest seroprevalence for IgG was found for T. gondii (33.9%), followed by Echinococcus spp. (9.1%), T. spiralis (2.9%), and T. canis (1.1%). For T. spiralis, raw meat consumption was associated with positivity. For T. gondii, increased age, rural environment, contact with cats, consumption of unwashed fruits/vegetables and drinking water from unverified sources were significantly associated to seropositivity. The present study provides new insights into the epidemiological status of zoonotic foodborne parasite in Romania, underlining the need to increase awareness on the importance of water, sanitation and food habits in relation with this neglected pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Briciu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zsuzsa Kalmár
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Epidemiology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Ieremia
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lupșe
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirela Flonta
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Muntean
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Cismaru
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Melinda Horvat
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Amanda Rădulescu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Topan
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4000348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Jianu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Grellet A, Mila H. Endoparasitic Diseases in Breeding Kennels: A Frequent and Complex Problem Requiring a Holistic Approach. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2357. [PMID: 39199890 PMCID: PMC11350786 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162357] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infestations in dogs are frequent, particularly in breeding kennels, being a cause of suffering in animals and economic loss for breeders. In breeding bitches, some parasites may cause abortion, and in puppies they may be responsible for neonatal mortality, weaning diarrhea, or neurological clinical signs. This review aims to investigate the factors of predisposition, diagnostics, and control in relation to the most frequent parasitic diseases in breeding kennels. It highlights that the control of parasitic diseases in dogs at the population level is complex. A holistic multidisciplinary and pluritechnical approach is thus needed to deal with endoparasitoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna Mila
- NeoCare, Reproduction, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France;
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Konyaev S, Ponomareva N, Serbina E, Prilepsky Y, Krivopalov A, Yurlova N. Prevalence of opisthorchiid and other endoparasitic infections among cats and dogs in Novosibirsk oblast (Western Siberia, Russia). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 53:101075. [PMID: 39025551 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
To determine the current reservoir status and prevalence of Opisthorchis felineus infection in opisthorchiosis-endemic areas, feces samples were collected from 103 cats and 101 dogs admitted to shelters or discount sterilization centers from various districts of Novosibirsk city and from villages and towns along the Ob River (Novosibirsk Oblast). The feces samples were evaluated using two methods simultaneously: the formalin-ether sedimentation assay and a modified flotation assay. The prevalence of opisthorchiid infection was higher among cats (12.6%; 95% confidence interval 6.9-20.6%) than among dogs (4.0%; 95% confidence interval 1.1-9.8%). Overall prevalence of endoparasites among cats was 42.7% (five helminthic and four protozoan species) and among dogs 51.5% (eight helminthic and five protozoan species). Among the parasites found in the dogs, the prevalence of Sarcocystis sp. was the highest (16.8%), and in cats, the highest prevalence was shown by Giardia sp. and Toxocara cati (14.6% for each species). These results confirm the considerable contribution of stray cats and dogs to the maintenance of opisthorchiid eggs in the environment; these data should be taken into account for the development of effective control and education programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Konyaev
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia Ponomareva
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena Serbina
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yuri Prilepsky
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anton Krivopalov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Natalia Yurlova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.
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Taha NM, Sabry MA, El-Bahy MM, Ramadan RM. Awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Cairo, Egypt. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101025. [PMID: 38772640 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Egyptians are becoming more interested in owning and raising pets; however, most of them lack essential awareness about the risk of zoonotic parasites that could be transmitted. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the degree of awareness Egyptian pet owners possess concerning zoonotic parasitic diseases, the risk of transmission, and preventative measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an e-survey. Among 246 pet owners, 64.2% (158) were females, and 67.9% (167) belonged to the 20-30 age group. The majority, 78.9% (194), were raising cats. Only 13.8% (34) visited the veterinarian regularly, with significantly higher results among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 31.3% (77) participants were regularly deworming their pets, and 19.9% (49) were giving their pets prophylaxis against ectoparasites, with significantly higher results among those who visited the veterinarian regularly (p < 0.0001) and among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 54.1% (133) had heard about the term "zoonoses" before, and about 8.9% (22) of participants showed a history of zoonotic parasitic diseases, with significantly higher results among those who allowed their animals to play with other animals of neighbors and friends (p < 0.05). The obtained results concluded that the surveyed group had a relatively good degree of knowledge regarding pets as a source of zoonotic illness; raising pet owners' awareness regarding the importance of routine medical examinations and minimizing the contact of pets with other stray animals is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Madbouly Taha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Maha Ahmed Sabry
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M El-Bahy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Reem M Ramadan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
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Toews E, Musiani M, Smith A, Checkley S, Visscher D, Massolo A. Risk factors for Echinococcus multilocularis intestinal infections in owned domestic dogs in a North American metropolis (Calgary, Alberta). Sci Rep 2024; 14:5066. [PMID: 38429417 PMCID: PMC10907371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human alveolar echinococcosis is increasingly documented in Alberta, Canada. Its causative agent, Echinococcus multilocularis (Em), can be transmitted to humans by infected dogs. We assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors for Em infections in domestic dogs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In this cross-sectional study that coupled collection and assessment of dog feces with a survey on potential risk factors, 13 of 696 (Bayesian true prevalence, 2.4%; 95% CrI: 1.3-4.0%) individual dogs' feces collected during August and September 2012 were qPCR positive for Em. Sequencing two of these cases indicated that both were from the same Em European strain responsible for human infections in Alberta. Likelihood of intestinal Em was 5.6-times higher in hounds than other breeds, 4.6-times higher in dogs leashed at dog parks than those allowed off-leash, 3.1-times higher in dogs often kept in the backyard during spring and summer months than those rarely in the yard, and 3.3-times higher in dogs living in neighbourhoods bordering Bowmont park than those in other areas of Calgary. This situation warrants surveillance of dog infections as a preventative measure to reduce infections in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Toews
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Musiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anya Smith
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sylvia Checkley
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Darcy Visscher
- Department of Biology, The King's University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, Université Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.
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Tylkowska A, Mocha N, Kołnierzak MM, Szenejko M. Risk Factors Associated with Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Dog Feces That Contaminate Public Areas of Warsaw, Poland. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:450. [PMID: 38338093 PMCID: PMC10854816 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030450] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A constant increase in dog numbers, especially in large towns, has been observed recently. The presence of dogs in urban spaces increases the risk of pollution by dogs' feces, which may contain growth forms of parasites including canine, soil-transmitted helminths (cSTHs), most of which have a proven zoonotic potential. This study assessed the frequency of occurrence and estimated the potential risk associated with the presence of cSTHs in dogs' feces left uncollected in urban areas. The study material consisted of 200 fecal samples obtained from city and dog parks situated in selected Warsaw districts. Each fecal sample was processed using the flotation technique. Eggs of cSTHs, including Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, and hookworms from the Ancylostomatidae family were found in 23 (11.5%) of the examined fecal samples. The most prevalent species were hookworms from the family Ancylostomatidae (8%). The presence of parasites was confirmed in 14 out of 20 studied locations (70%), including eight city parks (72.7%) and six dog parks (66.7%). City and dog parks did not differ significantly in the frequency of parasite occurrence. This study indicated that dogs' feces, left uncollected, may cause environmental contamination with cSTHs. It also indicated that the presence of dogs' feces in public areas and the associated presence of parasites is still a problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Tylkowska
- Department of Biology of Animal Environment, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (A.T.)
| | - Natalia Mocha
- Department of Biology of Animal Environment, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (A.T.)
| | - Marta Małgorzata Kołnierzak
- Department of Biology of Animal Environment, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (A.T.)
| | - Magdalena Szenejko
- Department of Environmental Ecology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland;
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Holland CV. A walk on the wild side: A review of the epidemiology of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in wild hosts. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:216-228. [PMID: 37964985 PMCID: PMC10641444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara species are cosmopolitan nematode parasites of companion, domestic and wild hosts. Of the 26 known species of Toxocara, only Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are definitively zoonotic. The significance of wild carnivores as definitive hosts of T. canis and T. cati respectively, has received far less attention compared to domestic dogs and cats. Complex environmental changes have promoted increasing contact between wildlife, domestic animals and humans that can enhance the risk of pathogen spillover. This review lists a total of 19 species of wild canid host that have been shown to act as definitive hosts for T. canis and a total of 21 species of wild felid host. In general, the number of publications focusing on felid host species is fewer in number, reflecting the general paucity of data on T. cati. The wild canids that have received the most attention in the published literature include the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the wolf (Canis lupus), and the golden jackal (Canis aureus). The wild felid species that has received the most attention in the published literature is the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). Some non-canid and non-felid hosts also act as definitive hosts of Toxocara species. Certainly, red foxes would appear to be the most significant wild species in terms of their potential to transmit Toxocara to domestic dogs and humans via environmental contamination. This can be explained by their increasing population densities, encroachment into urban areas and their dietary preferences for a wide range of potential paratenic hosts. However, a major challenge remains to assess the relative importance of wild hosts as contributors to environmental contamination with Toxocara ova. Furthermore, one major constraint to our understanding of the significance of wildlife parasitism is a lack of access to samples, particularly from rare host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia V. Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Massetti L, Traub RJ, Rae L, Colella V, Marwedel L, McDonagh P, Wiethoelter A. Canine gastrointestinal parasites perceptions, practices, and behaviours: A survey of dog owners in Australia. One Health 2023; 17:100587. [PMID: 37415719 PMCID: PMC10320617 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100587] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many species of canine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are known to be zoonotic meaning that dog owners' management and practices are key to preventing exposure of humans and dogs as well as contamination of the environment. As Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, we administered an online questionnaire to dog owners across the nation to assess their perceptions, practices, and behaviours towards canine GI parasites. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarise perceptions and management practices. Factors associated with the suitability of parasiticide treatments applied were investigated using uni- and multivariable ordinal regression. Just over a half of dog owners considered parasites as very or extremely important for their dog's health (59%) and less than a half as very or extremely important for human health (46%). Although the majority of dog owners stated that they deworm their dogs (90%), only the 28% followed best practice guidelines, i.e. administered a monthly prophylactic treatment all-year round. A large proportion of respondent dog owners administered prophylactic treatment at an inappropriate frequency (48%) or did not treat for canine GI parasites at all (24%). Attending vet visits at least once a year or once every six months and having a very comfortable or prosperous financial position were significantly associated with following best deworming prophylaxis guidelines. This study demonstrates that a proportion of dog owners in Australia is not complying with best practice regarding the control of canine GI parasites and is potentially exposing themselves and their dogs to the risk of infections. Veterinarians are called to implement dog owner's education, raise their awareness on the threats canine parasitic diseases pose to both dogs and humans and finally, encourage them to follow a monthly prophylactic treatment for canine GI parasites all year round.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massetti
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca J. Traub
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Louise Rae
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lara Marwedel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Phillip McDonagh
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Stege PB, Hordijk J, Sandholt AKS, Zomer AL, Viveen MC, Rogers MRC, Salomons M, Wagenaar JA, Mughini-Gras L, Willems RJL, Paganelli FL. Gut Colonization by ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in Dogs Is Associated with a Distinct Microbiome and Resistome Composition. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0006323. [PMID: 37404183 PMCID: PMC10434115 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00063-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome of humans and animals acts as a reservoir of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC). Dogs are known for having a high prevalence of ESBL-EC in their gut microbiota, although their ESBL-EC carrier status often shifts over time. We hypothesized that the gut microbiome composition of dogs is implicated in ESBL-EC colonization status. Therefore, we assessed whether ESBL-EC carriage in dogs is associated with changes in the gut microbiome and resistome. Fecal samples were collected longitudinally from 57 companion dogs in the Netherlands every 2 weeks for a total of 6 weeks (n = 4 samples/dog). Carriage of ESBL-EC was determined through selective culturing and PCR and in line with previous studies, we observed a high prevalence of ESBL-EC carriage in dogs. Using 16s rRNA gene profiling we found significant associations between detected ESBL-EC carriage and an increased abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Enterococcus, Lactococcus, and the shared genera of Escherichia-Shigella in the dog microbiome. A resistome capture sequencing approach (ResCap) furthermore, revealed associations between detected ESBL-EC carriage and the increased abundance of the antimicrobial resistance genes: cmlA, dfrA, dhfR, floR, and sul3. In summary, our study showed that ESBL-EC carriage is associated with a distinct microbiome and resistome composition. IMPORTANCE The gut microbiome of humans and animals is an important source of multidrug resistant pathogens, including beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC). In this study, we assessed if the carriage of ESBL-EC in dogs was associated with changes in gut composition of bacteria and antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs). Therefore, stool samples from 57 dogs were collected every 2 weeks for a total of 6 weeks. Sixty eight percent of the dogs carried ESBL-EC during at least one of the time points analyzed. By investigating the gut microbiome and resistome composition, we observed specific changes at time points when dogs were colonized with ESBL-EC compared to time points whenESBL-EC were not detected. In conclusion, our study highlights the importance to study the microbial diversity in companion animals, as gut colonization of particular antimicrobial resistant bacteria might be an indication of a changed microbial composition that is associated with the selection of particular ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B. Stege
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Hordijk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arnar K. S. Sandholt
- Utrecht University, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aldert L. Zomer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Campylobacter and Antimicrobial Resistance from an One Health Perspective/OIE Reference Laboratory for Campylobacteriosis, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marco C. Viveen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Malbert R. C. Rogers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Moniek Salomons
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A. Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Campylobacter and Antimicrobial Resistance from an One Health Perspective/OIE Reference Laboratory for Campylobacteriosis, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Utrecht University, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob J. L. Willems
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fernanda L. Paganelli
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Routine preventive worming. Vet Rec 2023; 193:81-82. [PMID: 37477326 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats from the Kvarner Region in Croatia. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2023. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2023-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats may affect their health with a significant zoonotic risk to public health. Therefore, establishing an efficient control program should pass through the determination of the diversity, prevalence, and pathogenicity of those parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats and proceed to infection comparisons between young and adult animals. The detection of parasites in fecal samples was determined using flotation and immunofluorescent methods across 320 dogs and 64 cats from the Kvarner region in Croatia. The prevalence was calculated for each detected parasite in its host. Differences in prevalence between young animals and adults were analyzed. Parasites were detected in 32 dogs and 34.4% of cats. In total, 12 different genera were detected; Giardia spp. was the most prevalent parasite in both species, infecting 24.7% and 18.8% of investigated dogs and cats, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. and Toxocara cati had a prevalence of (18.4%) and (6.3%), respectively. Prevalences of Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Cystoisospora spp. were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in puppies compared to adult dogs. Pentatrichomonas hominis (P. hominis) was detected in one puppy. In addition to the first report of P. hominis, a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in the Kvarner region of Croatia was recorded, posing a potential zoonotic risk.
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Pet Ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand: A National Survey of Cat and Dog Owner Practices. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040631. [PMID: 36830418 PMCID: PMC9951667 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040631] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study used an online survey distributed between January and March 2019 to adults residing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) to investigate cat and dog owner practices. Of the 2385 respondents, 885 (37%) owned both cat/s and dog/s, while 652 (28%) and 609 (26%) owned cat/s only or dog/s only, respectively. Nine percent of respondents (n = 212) did not own a cat or dog when the survey was administered. Gaps were identified in the practices of NZ pet owners with regard to regular grooming, immunizations, and deworming treatments. It was also found that many pets, especially cats, were allowed to wander freely both inside and outside the house. Collectively, these gaps in practice raise parasitology and infection concerns which may impact negatively on animal welfare and may increase the prevalence of zoonotic diseases. This study also revealed the need to improve desexing practices, particularly in dogs. Respondents in the survey expressed the wish to have pets regardless of the financial strain they may impose, indicating that future research should focus on reducing the financial burden of pet ownership along with promoting positive pet ownership practices. Our findings suggest the need for better education resources about pet ownership which are easily accessible and target diverse populations. The findings of this study will aid in developing appropriate educational resources to promote animal welfare and increase pet-related knowledge among the NZ populace.
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Sherlock C, Holland CV, Keegan JD. Caring for Canines: A Survey of Dog Ownership and Parasite Control Practices in Ireland. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020090. [PMID: 36851394 PMCID: PMC9960321 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are an important part of life for many people. Dog ownership can confer various health benefits to their owners, but it also presents some risks. In order to establish if dog owners were aware of these risks, an online survey of dog ownership practices was carried out. The survey was open during the month of January 2022 and received 662 responses regarding 850 individual dogs. Overall, 52% of people reported deworming their dog between zero and twice a year, which is unlikely to reduce the risk of infection to humans. The majority of dog owners (71%) reported disposing of faeces correctly; however, when comparing urban and rural environments, 33% of those in rural environments did not dispose of their dogs' faeces at all, compared with 3% of people in urban locations. People who obtained their dog during the pandemic brought their dog to the vet and dewormed them more frequently than those who obtained their dog before the pandemic. There were no differences in how faeces was disposed of between these groups. These results indicate that we, as researchers and veterinarians, have much work to do in terms of educating dog owners about the ways in which we can reduce the risk of infection to ourselves and our communities.
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Airs PM, Brown C, Gardiner E, Maciag L, Adams JP, Morgan ER. WormWatch: Park soil surveillance reveals extensive Toxocara contamination across the UK and Ireland. Vet Rec 2023; 192:e2341. [PMID: 36352759 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocarosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease, but sources of infection are not well documented over large geographical scales. To determine levels of environmental contamination, soil from 142 parks and recreational areas across the UK and Ireland was assessed for the presence of Toxocara. METHODS Toxocara ova (eggs) were isolated from soil samples by sieving and flotation and then enumerated. Individual eggs were isolated and imaged, and a subset was characterised by species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Characteristic Toxocara-type eggs were found in 86.6% of parks, with an average of 2.1 eggs per 50 g of topsoil. Representative eggs were confirmed as Toxocara canis by Sanger sequencing, with many eggs containing developed larvae, hence being viable and potentially infective. Positive samples were more common, and egg density was higher, in parks with greater perceived levels of dog fouling. LIMITATIONS Samples were collected at a single timepoint and with limited spatial mapping within parks. Further study is needed to discern spatiotemporal differences within parks and recreational areas. CONCLUSION Toxocara is widespread in soil in public parks, indicating a need for further efforts to reduce egg shedding from pet dogs. Standardised methods and large-scale surveys are required to evaluate risk factors for egg presence and the impact of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Airs
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Claire Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Erica Gardiner
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Liz Maciag
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough, UK
| | - Jamie P Adams
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK, Bracknell, UK
| | - Eric R Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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15
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Bourgoin G, Callait-Cardinal MP, Bouhsira E, Polack B, Bourdeau P, Roussel Ariza C, Carassou L, Lienard E, Drake J. Prevalence of major digestive and respiratory helminths in dogs and cats in France: results of a multicenter study. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:314. [PMID: 36068597 PMCID: PMC9446561 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The local distribution of helminths in dogs and cats and the evaluation of risk of contamination represent an important challenge for veterinarians due to their effects on animal health and their potential zoonotic risk. The overall goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the digestive and respiratory helminths infecting client-owned dogs and cats in France. Methods Faecal samples were collected from 414 pet dogs and 425 pet cats at 20 study sites during 2017–2018 and analysed by coproscopy. The samples included specimens collected from animals of both genders and various breeds and ages from a variety of living environments, and with different lifestyles and feeding regimes. Associations between parasitic infection and qualitative factors were explored. Results Overall, 125 (14.9%) samples (15.2% in dogs and 14.6% in cats) were positive for at least one of the species of helminths identified. Infection rates were highest for Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati (8.5% and 11.3%, respectively), while Toxascaris leonina was found only in one cat (0.2%). The apparent prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala in dogs was 1.7% and 4.3%, respectively. No hookworms were found in cats. Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) were identified in 2.7% of the dogs. Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taeniidae) were rarely found (< 1% in dogs and < 3% in cats). The prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum Crenosoma vulpis, and Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats and Eucoleus spp. / Capillaria spp. in both dogs and cats was < 1%. Significantly higher fecal parasite emission rates were identified in young individuals, in animals with outdoor access, in animals living in the countryside and in intact animals (especially in cats). In addition, cats not fed exclusively with commercial diets and living with other animals (dogs and/or cats) were at higher risk for parasites. For dogs, hunting/herding and walking off-leash were found to be additional risk factors. Furthermore, pets with no reported history of deworming or dewormed > 1 year before the study were positive for parasites significantly more often than pets dewormed < 1 year before study participation. Conclusions The overall prevalence of helminths (some of which are zoonotic), the risk factors and the reportedly low deworming frequencies identified in this study (20.5% animals having never been dewormed and only 26.4% dewormed ≥ 3 times/year) illustrate the need for improving pet owners’ adherence to anthelmintic guidelines in France. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05368-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Bourgoin
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.,Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR-CNRS 5558, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Callait-Cardinal
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Vétérinaire, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.,Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR-CNRS 5558, Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- Innovations thérapeutiques et résistances (InTheRes), INRAE, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Polack
- BioPôle Alfort Secteur Parasitologie, Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Patrick Bourdeau
- Laboratoire de Dermatologie/Parasitologie/Mycologie de LABONIRIS, Ecole Vétérinaire de Nantes site la Chantrerie d'Oniris, Université de Nantes, 44307, Nantes Cedex, CP, France
| | - Clarisse Roussel Ariza
- Elanco Animal Health, Crisco Uno, Bâtiment C, 3-5 avenue de la cristallerie, 92310, Sèvres, France
| | - Lisa Carassou
- Elanco Animal Health, Crisco Uno, Bâtiment C, 3-5 avenue de la cristallerie, 92310, Sèvres, France
| | - Emmanuel Lienard
- Innovations thérapeutiques et résistances (InTheRes), INRAE, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, 23 chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse, France
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA.
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16
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Drake J, Sweet S, Baxendale K, Hegarty E, Horr S, Friis H, Goddu T, Ryan WG, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Detection of Giardia and helminths in Western Europe at local K9 (canine) sites (DOGWALKS Study). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:311. [PMID: 36057606 PMCID: PMC9440314 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasite contamination from infected dogs can place other dogs and humans at risk. A study was initiated to estimate the prevalence of canine intestinal parasitism by collecting fecal samples in cities across Western Europe. METHODS Fresh fecal samples were collected from 2469 dogs visiting 164 parks in 33 cities across 12 countries. Each owner responded to a questionnaire focusing on their dog's signalment and recent anthelmintic treatment history. The collected samples were examined for hookworms, whipworms, ascarids and Giardia using a coproantigen diagnostic immunoassay and microscopy following centrifugal flotation. RESULTS Nematodes or Giardia were detected in at least one sample from 100% of cities and in 93.3% of parks. Nematodes were detected in 57% of parks. Overall, 22.8% of dogs tested positive for an intestinal parasite, with Giardia being the most commonly identified parasites (17.3% of dogs, 83.5% of parks). For nematode infection, 7.6% of all dogs tested positive, with 9.9% of dogs aged < 1 year infected, 7.7% of those aged 1-3 years, 7.3% of those aged 4-6 years and 6.6% of those aged ≥ 7 years. Among the nematodes detected, ascarids were the most prevalent (3.6% of dogs, parks, 28.7% of parks), being most common in dogs aged < 1 year but also present in older dogs, including those aged ≥ 7 years. Hookworms and whipworms were detected in 3.2% and 2.3% of dogs of all ages, respectively, and in 37.2% and 17.7% of parks, respectively. A larger proportion of fecal samples tested positive with the coproantigen immunoassay than with centrifugal flotation. Positive test results for Giardia were sevenfold higher when both diagnostic tests were used than when centrifugal flotation alone was used, and there were 60% more positive test results for nematodes when both tests were used than when flotation alone was used. Overall, 77.2% of owners reported previous anthelmintic treatment, among whom at least 62.7% failed to follow recommended treatment frequency. Dogs receiving anthelmintic within the previous month had a lower percentage of nematode infection than those in which > 1 month had passed since the previous dose. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence estimates of intestinal parasite infections in dogs reported here highlight the need for owner education concerning guidelines for regular testing and treatment, even in older dogs. Failure to adhere to guidelines can result in ongoing transmission of these infections, including those with zoonotic potential. Combining coproantigen immunoassay with centrifugal flotation for diagnostic testing and regular anthelmintic treatment are important measures for ensuring optimal intestinal parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Sarah Sweet
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | | | - Evan Hegarty
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Stephanie Horr
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Hanne Friis
- IDEXX Europe B.V, Scorpius 60, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Troy Goddu
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - William G Ryan
- Ryan Mitchell Associates LLC, Westfield, NJ, 07090, USA.
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Abadilla MEG, Paller VGV. T oxocara canis prevalence in soil, dog stool, and human serum samples from a rural village in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:889-895. [PMID: 36091278 PMCID: PMC9458842 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01507-0] [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: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara spp. from dogs and cats. The Philippines is among the countries recorded to have abundant stray cats and dogs; however, few studies have been done to elucidate the transmission dynamics and the potential risks associated with toxocariasis. This study was conducted in a rural village in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines to determine the prevalence of toxocariasis among selected public schoolchildren and identify some risk factors that can contribute to the transmission dynamics of toxocariasis in the study site. To elucidate this, serum samples from 50 public school children (ages 8-13) were tested using a Toxocara canis IgG ELISA kit, while 60 randomly selected households were chosen for collection of soil and dog samples. Sixty soil and dog fecal samples were collected and processed through modified sucrose flotation technique and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, respectively. Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey was conducted per household to determine potential risk factors. Results revealed that 60% of the public-school children examined were positive for anti-Toxocara canis antibodies, while 38.3% of the soil samples and 28% of the dog fecal samples were found positive for contamination with Toxocara ova. Deworming of pets was found to be significantly correlated to risk factors of infection (p < 0.05). This study highlights the potential risks of toxocariasis infection of residents in rural communities. Strict implementation of ordinances related to responsible pet ownership as well as promotion of sanitation and hygiene should be employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Edric G. Abadilla
- Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4030 Laguna, Philippines
| | - Vachel Gay V. Paller
- Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4030 Laguna, Philippines
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18
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Massetti L, Wiethoelter A, McDonagh P, Rae L, Marwedel L, Beugnet F, Colella V, Traub RJ. Faecal prevalence, distribution and risk factors associated with canine soil-transmitted helminths contaminating urban parks across Australia. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:637-646. [PMID: 36007621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dog parks provide an ideal urban space where dogs and their owners can exercise, play, and socialize in a safe environment. However, these parks can also increase the risk of exposure to a series of infectious agents including canine soil-transmitted helminths (cSTHs) such as hookworms, roundworms, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris vulpis, which are endemic to Australia. In this study, we collected 1581 canine faecal samples in 190 urban parks across Australia and subjected these to faecal floatation and multiplex real-time PCRs (qPCR) to detect a range of cSTHs. In total, 44.2% of the parks sampled were contaminated with at least one species of cSTH, with hookworms being the most prevalent parasites (10.2%) followed by Trichuris spp. (1.3%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.2%). This is the first large-scale study investigating the contamination of urban parks with cSTHs in Australia, and the first nation-wide study to demonstrate the occurrence of Strongyloides spp. in canine faecal samples from urban areas in the country. This study reveals a high rate of contamination with cSTHs in dog parks in urban Australia, most of which having proven zoonotic potential. Preventive measures, including awareness-raising educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership, should be encouraged to minimise the health risks associated with cSTHs for both dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massetti
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia.
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Phillip McDonagh
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Louise Rae
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Lara Marwedel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | | | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
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19
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Protective response mediated by immunization with recombinant proteins in a murine model of toxocariasis and canine infection by Toxocara canis. Vaccine 2022; 40:912-923. [PMID: 35012775 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis of global importance. The development of a formulation that can be used as a vaccine would help the definitive control of the infection. Preclinical studies selected two recombinant T. canis proteins (rTcVcan and rTcCad) which significantly protected mice against larval migration. In the present work, these proteins plus three adjuvants (Alhydrogel®, PAM3CSK4®, and Quil-A®) were used to immunize mice against toxocariasis; blood samples were collected three times to measure IgG (total, IgG1, IgG2a), IgA, and IgE via indirect ELISA. Cytokines (IL-5, TNF-α, and IL-10) were measured in splenocytes supernatant, and T. canis larvae were quantified in tissues. The best protein + adjuvant pair found (rTVcan + QuialA®) was then used to immunize T. canis-free puppies (n = 18) that were experimentally infected with T. canis and T. canis naturally-infected puppies (n = 6). Immunoglobulin (IgA, IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a), parasite load (eggs in feces), number of expelled adults and eggs extracted from the female uterus, and their fertility percentages were analyzed. In mice, it was observed a highly significant reduction (73%) of tissue larvae, a mixed cytokine profile (Th1/Th2), and anti-T. canis antibody titers (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a) using rTVcan + QuialA® mix. In canines, rTVcan + QuialA® promoted reduction in the parasite eggs in feces (95%) and eggs reduction obtained from the uteri of pharmacologically expelled adult females (58.38%). In our knowledge this is the first canine clinical trial of a vaccine with T. canis recombinant proteins. The formulation used has been shown to efficiently stimulate the production of antibodies against infection by T. canis. In the canine, a significant reduction in the number of eggs expelled by the experimental animals that received the formulation prophylactically was evidenced. Future tests should be developed to evaluate the duration of the protective effect and analyze other immune pathways that could be stimulated by the formulation used.
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20
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Hosseini H, Zibaei M, Miahipour A, Hatami Z, Firoozeh F, Badri M. Toxocara Species Infection in Pet Dogs and Cats Ensured by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENTERIC PATHOGENS 2021. [DOI: 10.34172/ijep.2021.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease with global distribution. Many paratenic or transport hosts have been identified as the sources of infection, including vertebrates such as birds and humans. The definitive hosts of Toxocara are dogs and cats whose parasites live in their guts. Hence, the diagnosis of the disease in these animals is important. Objective: The present study was performed using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to diagnose toxocariasis. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 60 samples of pet feces were collected and subsequently evaluated by direct smear, formalin-ether, and LAMP. Results: Toxocara infection in dogs by microscopic and formal ether methods and LAMP method was 10% and 13.3%, respectively, while feline infection with this parasite was not observed either microscopically or molecularly. Conclusion: The present findings revealed that pet dogs can be considered as a source of infection for humans. Therefore, it is recommended that animal owners receive the necessary training to prevent the risks of transmitting zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zibaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Miahipour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zahra Hatami
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Firoozeh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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21
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Snyder DE, Wiseman S, Crawley E, Wallace K, Bowman DD, Reinemeyer CR. Effectiveness of a novel orally administered combination drug product containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio ® Plus) for the treatment of larval and immature adult stages of Ancylostoma caninum in experimentally infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:255. [PMID: 34001200 PMCID: PMC8127199 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04761-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, is a common and important zoonotic intestinal nematode parasite that infects dogs globally. Both the immature and adult stages of A. caninum ingest large volumes of blood during the feeding process and can cause severe anemia and death in young dogs, even before patent infections can be diagnosed using routine faecal examination methods. Thus, effective treatment of any pre-patent stages of immature hookworms can reduce or eliminate the risk of clinical disease in infected dogs and additionally reduce environmental contamination of eggs and infective larvae. Two randomized, blinded, GCP-compliant, pivotal laboratory dose confirmation studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new novel combination of lotilaner and milbemycin oxime tablets (Credelio Plus®) administered orally to dogs experimentally infected with immature (L4 and immature adult [L5]) stages of A. caninum. METHODS Treatments using the intended global commercial tablet formulation of Credelio Plus were administered in a time frame relative to inoculation with infective larvae so that effectiveness could be assessed against each specific immature stage of A. caninum. In each study, dogs were randomized to one of six (study 1) or four (study 2) treatment groups. Each treatment group contained 8 (study 1) or 10 (study 2) dogs that had been experimentally inoculated with infective A. caninum larvae on day 0 and were dosed once on day 7 or day 11. Enrolled subjects were administered placebo tablets, Credelio Plus tablets, or lotilaner mono tablets to provide minimum dosages of 0.75 mg/kg of milbemycin oxime and 20 mg/kg of lotilaner. All dogs were necropsied 5 days after their respective treatment. All nematodes recovered from the gastrointestinal tract at necropsy were counted by species and stage. RESULTS For both dose confirmation studies and based on geometric mean worm counts, efficacy of Credelio Plus was ≥ 97.3% against L4 larval stage of A. caninum and ≥ 98.7% against immature adult (L5) A. caninum. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrated that the orally administered Credelio Plus combination tablet was highly efficacious in treating immature (L4 and immature adult [L5]) stages of A. caninum in experimentally infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Snyder
- Daniel E. Snyder DVM PhD. Consulting, LLC, Indianapolis, IN, 46229, USA.
| | - Scott Wiseman
- Elanco Animal Health, Priestley Road Basingstoke, Hants, RG24 9NL, UK
| | - Elizabeth Crawley
- Elanco Animal Health Research and Development, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Kim Wallace
- Elanco Animal Health Research and Development, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Dwight D Bowman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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22
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Young LM, Wiseman S, Crawley E, Bowman DD, Reinemeyer CR, Snyder DE. Effectiveness of Credelio ® Plus, a novel chewable tablet containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner for the treatment of larval and immature adult stages of Toxocara canis in experimentally infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:256. [PMID: 34001224 PMCID: PMC8127296 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ascarid, Toxocara canis, is a common and important zoonotic intestinal nematode parasite that infects dogs globally. An effective treatment that kills any pre-patent stages of immature T. canis could additionally reduce or eliminate the development of patent infections that can result in clinical disease in infected dogs and would further reduce environmental contamination of eggs. Two randomized, blinded, GCP-compliant, pivotal laboratory dose confirmation studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of a new novel combination of lotilaner and milbemycin oxime tablets (Credelio Plus) administered orally to dogs that were experimentally infected with immature (L4 or immature adult [L5]) stages of T. canis. METHODS The commercial tablet formulation of Credelio Plus® was administered in a time frame relative to inoculation with infective eggs. This allowed for effectiveness to be assessed against each specific immature stage of T. canis. In each study, dogs were randomized and allocated to one of four treatment groups. Each treatment group contained ten dogs that had been experimentally inoculated on Day 0 with infective T. canis eggs and then were dosed once on Day 14 or Day 24 using either placebo tablets or Credelio Plus tablets (IP) to provide minimum dosages of 0.75 mg/kg of milbemycin oxime and 20 mg/kg of lotilaner. All dogs were necropsied 5 or 6 days after their respective treatment. At necropsy, all nematodes recovered from the gastrointestinal tract were counted by species and stage. RESULTS In both dose confirmation studies using geometric mean worm counts, effectiveness of Credelio Plus was ≥ 98.6% and ≥ 96.8% against L4 larval stage T. canis and immature adult [L5] T. canis in both studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrated that the Credelio Plus combination tablet administered orally to dogs was highly efficacious against experimental infections with L4 and immature adult [L5] stages of T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Young
- Elanco Animal Health Research and Development, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Scott Wiseman
- Elanco Animal Health, Priestley Road Basingstoke, Hants, RG24 9NL, UK
| | - Elizabeth Crawley
- Elanco Animal Health Research and Development, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Dwight D Bowman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Daniel E Snyder
- Daniel E. Snyder, DVM PhD. Consulting, LLC, Indianapolis, IN, 46229, USA.
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Hayes B, Wiseman S, Snyder DE. Field study to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a novel orally administered combination drug product containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio ® Plus) against natural intestinal nematode infections in dogs presented as veterinary patients in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:258. [PMID: 34001223 PMCID: PMC8127225 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A randomised, blinded, positive controlled, multicentre, Good Clinical Practice-compliant, pivotal field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new combination of lotilaner + milbemycin oxime tablets (Credelio® Plus; Elanco Animal Health) administered orally to client-owned dogs naturally infected with intestinal nematodes. METHODS Client-owned dogs presenting to veterinary clinics from households in France, Hungary and Germany were screened for intestinal nematodes. Dogs with an initial positive faecal egg count that was subsequently confirmed with a follow-up faecal examination to demonstrate the presence of naturally occurring mixed or mono-infections with Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis or Ancylostoma caninum were enrolled on Day 0 into the study. Households were randomised in an approximately 2:1 ratio to receive either an investigational product (IP; Credelio Plus tablets) or control product (CP; Nexgard Spectra® tablets) as treatment. Dogs were administered the IP (n = 278) or CP (n = 117) once on Day 0 at a dose rate of 0.75-1.56 mg/kg bodyweight milbemycin oxime and 20.0-41.5 mg/kg bodyweight lotilaner (IP) or as recommended (CP). Effectiveness of the IP and CP treatments was based on the post-treatment reduction in geometric mean faecal egg counts on Day 8 (range Day 7-10) after treatment as compared to their pre-treatment nematode faecal egg counts. RESULTS Geometric mean (GM) faecal egg counts for T. canis, A caninum and T. vulpis were reduced by ≥ 97.2% in the Credelio Plus group and by ≥ 95.3% in the afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime group. There were insufficient data to calculate a percentage reduction in GM faecal egg counts between Day 0 and Day 8 for T. leonina due to low prevalence. Credelio Plus was well tolerated in this field study. Of the 355 total doses administered, 82.3% were accepted free choice in the IP group compared to 80.8% in the CP group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated effectiveness (≥ 97.2% reduction), safety and tablet acceptance of a combination of milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio Plus) administered orally to dogs with natural intestinal infections of T. canis, A. caninum and T. vulpis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Hayes
- Elanco Animal Health, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9XA, UK
| | - Scott Wiseman
- Elanco Animal Health, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9XA, UK
| | - Daniel E Snyder
- Daniel E. Snyder DVM PhD Consulting, LLC, Indianapolis, IN, 46229, USA.
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Human density, economic level and frequency of canine helminths in Buenos Aires. J Helminthol 2021; 95:e20. [PMID: 33820570 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x21000055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore through cross-sectional study the variation in the prevalence of parasitic helminths in canine faeces collected from green spaces of Buenos Aires according to the human density (HD) and economic level (EL) in the surroundings. HD and EL were considered as independent variables with three categories each. Twenty public squares (one hectare of surface) were randomly selected for each existing combination of the two independent variables. Ten random samples of fresh canine faeces were obtained in each square and analysed for helminths by the sedimentation and flotation techniques. The prevalence for each of the species was analysed using generalized linear models (GLM). The prevalence was modelled with a binomial error distribution and a logit link function. Helminth eggs were detected in 45 out of the 200 (22.5%) faecal samples collected and in 18 of the 20 green spaces sampled. The species observed were Ancylostoma caninum (13% of samples), Trichuris vulpis (8%) and Toxocara canis (4.5%). The GLM indicated that the prevalence of A. caninum in the slum areas (very high HD and very low EL) was higher than that in the other areas studied. However, the HD seemed to contribute more than the EL to the variations in the prevalence of A. caninum in faecal samples. The GLM showed no differences in the prevalence of the other parasite species for the different levels of the independent variables.
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Systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk potential of zoonotic toxocariasis from soil contamination of public places in India. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 24:100560. [PMID: 34024376 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic zoonoses despite of their potential threats to human health remain neglected especially in developing countries. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati worms are considered important zoonotic parasites and the ability of their infective ova to sustain longer in suitable edaphic environments poses constant risk of infection to humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to highlight the burden and importance of soil borne toxocariasis in India. A total of 14 primary prevalence studies spanned over a period from 1985 to 2017 were included in this study. Due to expected variation between studies, a random-effects model was applied by using MetaXL add-on. The apparent prevalence based on the soil samples tested positive was found in the range of 2.11 to 31.0% while the weighted pooled prevalence was estimated as 11.26 (95% CI 07.59 - 15.54%). A high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 93.39 and Q = 227.024, p = 0.00) confirmed the diversity of the populations under study. This meta-analysis highlights the need of more studies on soil transmission of zoonotic toxocariasis in India.
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Morandi B, Sabetti MC, Veronesi F, Morganti G, Pietra M, Poglayen G, Linta N, Conboy G, Galuppi R. A case of a dog refractory to different treatments for pulmonary capillariasis. Parasitol Res 2020; 120:1137-1141. [PMID: 33103217 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06940-9] [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: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary capillariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Eucoleus aerophilus which affects wild and domestic carnivores. Currently, there are no anthelmintics approved for use in the treatment of dogs infected with E. aerophilus. The use of several anthelmintics has been reported in a few case reports and field efficacy studies in cats; much less is known on the treatment of dogs infected with E. aerophilus. The paper describes a case of a 4-month-old, mixed breed intact male referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Medical Science of the University of Bologna for a routine vaccination and tested positive for E. aerophilus. The dog has not been responding to three different administered treatments, such as moxidectin, fenbendazole, and milbemycin oxime. Eighteen months after the first fecal examination, owner has brought in the dog for a routine visit; a coprological examination was requested and performed resulting negative for parasites. Veterinary practitioners, parasitologists, diagnostic laboratories, and dog owners need to be aware of the increased danger of possible treatment failure when attempting to control parasitic infections for which there are no approved anthelmintics with established efficacies available for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Morandi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy.
| | - Maria Chiara Sabetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Pietra
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Giovanni Poglayen
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Nikolina Linta
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Gary Conboy
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
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Lempereur L, Nijsse R, Losson B, Marechal F, De Volder A, Schoormans A, Martinelle L, Danlois F, Claerebout E. Coprological survey of endoparasite infections in owned dogs and owners' perceptions of endoparasite control in Belgium and the Netherlands. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100450. [PMID: 33308762 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Infections with endoparasites are common in dogs. Some of these parasites are potentially zoonotic and therefore a public health concern. A survey was conducted in twenty-six small animal practices to evaluate the prevalence of endoparasites in Belgian and Dutch owned dogs older than 6 months as well as risk factors associated with infection. Out of 239 faecal samples screened (168 in Belgium and 71 in the Netherlands), 18 dogs were tested positive for at least one type of endoparasite with three dogs co-infected with two parasitic species. Toxocara sp. was the most frequently found endoparasite (4.6%). Three other dogs were positive for Angiostrongylus vasorum (1.4%) using the Baermann method and confirmed in one dog by the Angiodetect® test. Age and predation behaviour were identified as two risk factors associated with endoparasite infection. Although the majority (77%) of the owners in this study reported to administer at least one anthelmintic treatment per year, only a minority of them (24.3%) were aware of the risk to human health, indicating that owner awareness is sub-optimal. For dog owners, human toxocarosis and other potential zoonoses remain an underestimated health concern. The implementation of sustainable parasite control strategies should be promoted taking also into account the public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lempereur
- FPS Health, Food chain Safety & Environment, Corporate Strategy, Place Victor Horta, 40 box 10, 1060 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - R Nijsse
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, P.O. box 80.165, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - B Losson
- Liège University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - F Marechal
- Liège University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - A De Volder
- Liège University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Centre for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - A Schoormans
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, P.O. box 80.165, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L Martinelle
- Liège University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Experimental Station CARE - FePex, Center for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - F Danlois
- Boehringer Ingelheim, Animal Health Belgium SA, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Claerebout
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Parasitology, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Zhang S, Angel C, Gu X, Liu Y, Li Y, Wang L, Zhou X, He R, Peng X, Yang G, Xie Y. Efficacy of a chlorocresol-based disinfectant product on Toxocara canis eggs. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3369-3376. [PMID: 32556502 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06769-2] [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: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a common parasite of dogs and can cause zoonotic toxocariasis in humans. As a part of control programs for this agent, optimized hygiene including chemical disinfection is considered essential in the prevention and control of zoonotic toxocariasis in humans. However, commonly used disinfectants at present mostly fail to inhibit the embryogenesis and viability of T. canis eggs. To this effect, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of a chlorocresol-based disinfectant product Neopredisan®135-1 (NP) on embryonic development of T. canis eggs in vitro and to investigate the infectivity of exposed eggs by assessing larval establishment in a mouse model. Under in vitro conditions, NP at a final concentration of 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, or 4% all exhibited significant killing effect on T. canis embryogenesis compared with the control eggs (P < 0.05), regardless of contact times (30, 60, 90, or 120 min). Such killing activity increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with a maximum killing efficacy of 95.81% at 4% concentration and 120 min exposure time. Comparisons between low and high concentrations and between short and long contact times concluded that a protocol using the 1% concentration of NP with a 90-min contact could be the most suitable for practical application. Additionally, the lower larval recovery in mice inoculated with eggs treated by either 0.25 or 0.5% NP than that from their corresponding controls (P < 0.05) verified once again that NP had an adverse impact on the larval development of T. canis eggs even at a low concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the effect of the chlorocresol-based disinfectant NP on the embryonation and larval development of T. canis eggs, and the results presented here would contribute to environmental clearance and control of toxocariasis by providing an alternative disinfectant resource. However, it is highlighted that the clearance of the novel and existing sources of infection including larvated eggs in places treated with NP is not guaranteed and therefore continuous monitoring and additional disinfection are still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senzhao Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Christiana Angel
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunjian Liu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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Pennelegion C, Drake J, Wiseman S, Wright I. Survey of UK pet owners quantifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:218. [PMID: 32336273 PMCID: PMC7184696 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04086-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dogs and cats in the UK are exposed to many internal parasites which can pose risks to the health of both the pet and their owners. By understanding these endemic parasites and the risks they pose, we can assess the lifestyle of pets and recommend the correct deworming frequency. Studies identifying risk factors were discussed in the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) guidelines. To this date, there has been very little information on how pet owners in the UK deworm their pets and if the protocols they follow align with ESCCAP recommendations. The objective of this study was to look at the current deworming protocols of UK cat and dog owners in conjunction with their lifestyle and risk. Methods An online survey was conducted in the UK targeting pet owners who own at least one dog and/or cat and were responsible for product purchase, the pet’s health care and veterinary visits. These survey results were analysed against the ESCCAP guidelines and each pet placed into a risk category. By comparing the current deworming frequency with that recommended for their risk category, the compliance of UK pet owners with ESCCAP recommendations was evaluated. Results A total of 500 dog owners and 500 cat owners completed surveys. Overall, the study found none of the pets fell into risk group A, with all pets meeting the risk level for at least deworming four times a year (risk group B and above). The majority of animals fell into the highest risk category D with 97% of dogs and 68% of cats. The average deworming per year in the UK was 3.1 for dogs and 3.1 cats, below the minimum recommended by ESCCAP. Conclusions For both felines and canines, the dosing frequencies are lower than recommended to both reduce zoonotic risk for reducing Toxocara spp. egg-shedding and improve pet health. This research highlights the need for improved education around dog and cat patient risk assessments and greater adherence to recommended deworming aligned with the ESCCAP guidelines.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA.
| | - Scott Wiseman
- Elanco Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NL, UK
| | - Ian Wright
- Mount Veterinary Practice, 1 Harris St, Fleetwood, FY7 6QX, UK.,ESCCAP UK & Ireland, PO Box 358, Malvern, WR14 9HQ, UK
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Seroprevalence of Larval Toxocarosis in the Czech Republic. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:68-76. [PMID: 31586285 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00121-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larval toxocarosis (LT), a zoonotic disease transmitted by dogs, cats, and other carnivores, is caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. Humans become infected by ingesting embryonated eggs of this parasite. In this study, we present data on the seroprevalence of LT in the Czech Republic collected by the National Reference Laboratory for Tissue Helminthoses in 2012-2016. METHODS Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a total of 4428 adults and children with or without clinical symptoms were examined for the presence of IgG antibodies against Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens. RESULTS Of all the persons examined, specific Toxocara antibodies were detected in 160 (3.6%) individuals. There were, however, significant differences between various regions, with seropositivity rates ranging from 1.4 to 7.5%. CONCLUSION In comparison to studies from 1998 and 2004, our results suggest a decrease in overall Toxocara seroprevalence in the Czech population, whereby the rates are similar to or even lower than rates in some other Central European countries.
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Rostami A, Riahi SM, Hofmann A, Ma G, Wang T, Behniafar H, Taghipour A, Fakhri Y, Spotin A, Chang BCH, Macpherson CNL, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Global prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:561-583. [PMID: 32381218 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dogs serve as the most important definitive hosts for Toxocara canis-a causative agent of human toxocariasis and one of the most widespread zoonotic helminth worldwide. The present study was undertaken to assess the global prevalence of T. canis infection in dogs. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and SciELO were searched to identify relevant studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalences across studies, and heterogeneity was assessed via the I2 test. The data were categorized according to WHO-region, different types of dogs, risk factors and environmental variables. From a total of 4370 peer-reviewed publications, 229 articles that studied 13,010,004 dogs in 60 countries met the final inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs was 11.1% (95% CI, 10.6-11.7%). The estimated prevalence in the different WHO-regions ranged from 6.4% to 19.2%: Eastern Mediterranean (19.2%, 13.7-25.5%), Africa (18.5%, 13.7-23.9%), South-East Asia (11.9%, 6.8-18.2%), North America (11.1%, 10.6-11.7%), South America (10.9%, 7.6-14.6%), Europe (10.8%, 8.9-12.9%) and Western Pacific (6.4%, 3.3-10.2%). Young (<1 year of age), stray, rural and male dogs had a significantly (P<0.001) higher prevalence of infection than older, pet, urban or female dogs. The prevalence was higher in low income countries and regions at a low geographical latitude, close to the equator, characterized as having tropical climates. From this review, it is estimated that ≥100 million dogs are infected with Toxocara around the world. This highlights the need for an increased focus on implementing affordable, appropriate control programs to reduce the public health threat of toxocariasis as a zoonosis of global importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Calum N L Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, WINDREF, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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32
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Overgaauw P, Nijsse R. Prevalence of patent Toxocara spp. infections in dogs and cats in Europe from 1994 to 2019. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:779-800. [PMID: 32381226 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of Toxocara prevalences in dogs and cats in Europe from the last 25 years. METHOD Systematic review of the literature. RESULTS Over the past 25 years, prevalence studies of Toxocara spp. have been published from 26 European countries. The average prevalences were 14.6% for T. canis in all dogs and 24.5% for T. cati in all cats. Specified for young dogs until 6 months old this was 41.2%, for young cats until 6 months old 25%, adult owned dogs 11.1%, adult owned cats 16.3%, stray dogs 17.6%, and stray cats 33.5%. A recent study in seven European countries showed a prevalence of 3.4% for adult dogs and 4.2% for adult cats. The prevalences seem not to decrease over the years. CONCLUSION The prevalence of patent Toxocara infections over the last 25 years did not show a distinct declining trend. Prevalence data provided by recent modern antigen tests showed much lower results than from older studies. Results from studies using less diverse methods and well-defined study-populations could provide more clarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Overgaauw
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Rolf Nijsse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Uiterwijk M, Nijsse R, Kooyman FNJ, Wagenaar JA, Mughini-Gras L, Ploeger HW. Host factors associated with Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs across multiple diagnostic tests. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:556. [PMID: 31752993 PMCID: PMC6873540 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3810-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess potential associations between Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs, as determined by three diagnostic tests, and dog’s group of origin, fecal consistency, age, sex, neuter status, and co-infections with other gastrointestinal parasites. Methods Fecal samples from 1291 dogs from four groups (household, shelter, hunting and clinical dogs) were tested with qPCR, rapid enzyme immunochromatographic assay (IDEXX SNAP®Giardia), and direct immunofluorescence (DFA, Merifluor) for presence of G. duodenalis. Moreover, fecal samples were tested with centrifugation sedimentation flotation (CSF) coproscopical analysis for presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Associations were expressed as odds ratios (ORs). Results Several significant associations were found, of which a few were consistent for all three tests and Giardia positivity in general (positive with at least one of these tests). Dogs older than one year were significantly less likely to test positive for Giardia than younger dogs. Group-housed dogs, especially hunting dogs, were significantly more likely to test positive for Giardia compared to household and clinical dogs. A consistently significant association with Trichuris appeared to be driven by the high prevalence in hunting dogs. Although there was no significant association between loose stool and Giardia infection in the overall population, household dogs were significantly more likely to test Giardia-positive when having loose stool. Overall, Giardia-positive dogs with loose stool shed significantly more cysts, both determined semi-quantitatively with CSF and quantitatively by qPCR, than positive dogs with no loose stool. When other gastrointestinal parasites were present, significantly fewer cysts were detected with CSF, but this was not confirmed with qPCR. Conclusion Giardia is the most common gastrointestinal parasite in Dutch dogs, except for hunting dogs, in which Trichuris and strongyle-type eggs (hookworms) prevailed. Giardia infection was not significantly associated with loose stool, except for household dogs. Young dogs and group-housed dogs were significantly more often Giardia-positive. These associations were consistent across diagnostic tests. Young dogs, clinical dogs and dogs with loose stool shed Giardia cysts in the highest numbers. If another gastrointestinal parasite was present lower numbers of cysts were observed by microscope (CSF), but not with a molecular method (qPCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Uiterwijk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Centre Monitoring Vectors, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf Nijsse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans N J Kooyman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harm W Ploeger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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French national survey of dog and cat owners on the deworming behaviour and lifestyle of pets associated with the risk of endoparasites. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:480. [PMID: 31610795 PMCID: PMC6792328 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endoparasites in dogs and cats are a concern related to pet health and zoonotic risks. Several determinants may affect the endoparasite transmission and infection of dogs and cats such as pet’s lifestyle or regional parasite distribution. Although different zoonotic endoparasites, such as Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus spp., have been identified in France, little information exists about the deworming behaviors of owners or the frequency of occurrence of risk factors associated with endoparasite infection or transmission. Deworming guidelines, such as those created by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), recommend a deworming frequency according to the risk of infection of every pet and the potential risk for zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were to explore how lifestyles of dogs and cats from France were related to a particular risk of endoparasites and assess whether deworming frequencies complied with ESCCAP recommendations. Methods French data were extracted from a database created during a recent European pet owner survey regarding endoparasitic infection risk. Dogs and cats were grouped into risk categories based upon the ESCCAP guidelines. The compliance between the actual and recommended deworming frequencies were explored among the regions surveyed. Results The majority of dogs and cats were older than 6 months, had outdoor access, had contact with children or elderly people, and lived in rural and town areas. Most of the dogs were in contact with other dogs, snails or prey (83%), and ate slugs, snails, grass or dug in the garden (68%). Likewise, most of the cats hunted outside (57%) and caught prey animals (52%). Consequently, most of the dogs (89%) and cats (53%) were considered to be in the highest-risk category (D). However, independent of the region, the average deworming compliance for dogs was poor (6%). While deworming compliance for cats in category A (low-risk) was excellent (94%), for cats in category D it was poor (6%). Conclusions Deworming compliance is needed to enhance pet health and reduce zoonotic risks. Future studies are warranted to thoroughly investigate the compliance and effectiveness of deworming protocols, and the risk factors associated with endoparasites in France.
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Morales-Yánez F, Trashin S, Hermy M, Sariego I, Polman K, Muyldermans S, De Wael K. Fast One-Step Ultrasensitive Detection of Toxocara canis Antigens by a Nanobody-Based Electrochemical Magnetosensor. Anal Chem 2019; 91:11582-11588. [PMID: 31429269 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b01687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis (HT) is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease caused by the migration of the larval stage of the roundworm Toxocara canis. Current HT diagnostic methods do not discriminate between active and past infections. Here, we present a method to quantify Toxocara excretory/secretory antigen, aiming to identify active cases of HT. High specificity is achieved by employing nanobodies (Nbs), single domain antigen binding fragments from camelid heavy chain-only antibodies. High sensitivity is obtained by the design of an electrochemical magnetosensor with an amperometric read-out. Reliable detection of TES antigen at 10 and 30 pg/mL level was demonstrated in phosphate buffered saline and serum, respectively. Moreover, the assay showed no cross-reactivity with other nematode antigens. To our knowledge, this is the most sensitive method to quantify the TES antigen so far. It also has great potential to develop point of care diagnostic systems in other conditions where high sensitivity and specificity are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Morales-Yánez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences , Institute of Tropical Medicine , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Stanislav Trashin
- AXES Research Group, Department of Chemistry , University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Marie Hermy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , Institute of Tropical Medicine , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Idalia Sariego
- Department of Parasitology , Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí , Havana , Cuba
| | - Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , Institute of Tropical Medicine , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Research Group, Department of Chemistry , University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
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Rostami A, Ma G, Wang T, Koehler AV, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Macpherson CN, Gasser RB. Human toxocariasis - A look at a neglected disease through an epidemiological 'prism'. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 74:104002. [PMID: 31412276 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis, a disease caused by infection with larvae of Toxocara canis, T. cati and/or congeners, represents clinical syndromes in humans including visceral and ocular larva migrans, neurotoxocariasis and covert/common toxocariasis. It is reported to be one of the most widespread public health and economically important zoonotic parasitic infections that humans share with dogs, wild canids, including foxes, and possibly other mammals. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs, or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Most infections are asymptomatic, and human disease may go unnoticed, as clinical investigation is often not pursued and/or diagnostic testing not conducted. Sometimes toxocariasis can be associated with complications, such as allergic and/or neurological disorders, possibly including cognitive or developmental delays in children. There is no anti-toxocariasis vaccine, and chemotherapy in humans varies, depending on symptoms and location of larvae, and may include the administration of albendazole or mebendazole, together with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Some recent studies indicate that toxocariasis is having an increased, adverse impact on human health in some, particularly underprivileged, tropical and subtropical communities around the world. Although tens of millions of people, especially children, are expected to be exposed to, or infected with Toxocara species, there is limited precise epidemiological data or information on the relationship between seropositivity and disease (toxocariasis) on a global scale. To gain an improved insight into this area, the present article reviews salient clinical aspects of human toxocariasis and the epidemiology of this disease, with particular reference to seroprevalence, and discusses future research and approaches/measures to understand and prevent/control this socioeconomically important, yet neglected zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Calum N Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, St. George's University, Grenada; School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada; Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, Grenada
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Abstract
Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782) is a zoonotic nematode commonly parasitizing dogs worldwide with great public health importance as the aetiological agent of human toxocariasis. In this respect, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of six disinfectant products commonly used in kennels, veterinary clinics and as household cleaning products on the embryogenesis and viability of T. canis eggs. The composition of active ingredients in these commercial disinfectants was sodium hypochlorite (A); a mix of N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropan-1.3-diamine and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (B); sodium dichloroisocyanurate dehydrate (C); a mix of glutaraldehyde, quaternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-c12-18-alkyldimethyl and chlorides (D); a mix of 2-propanol, ethanol, benzalkonium chloride and glucoprotamin (E); a mix of pentapotassium bis (peroxymonosulphate) bis (sulphate), sodium C10-13-alkylbenzenesulphonate, malic acid, sulphamidic acid, sodium toluenesulphonate, dipotassium peroxodisulphate and dipentene (F). After dilution, the tested disinfectants had the maximal concentration recommended by the manufacturer in order to achieve a biocidal effect. Each product was tested on approximately 10,000 T. canis eggs, having five different contact times (5, 10, 15, 30, 60 min). Three replicates were tested for each diluted disinfectant and for each contact time. After the treatment, eggs were washed and incubated in distilled water at 27 °C for 2 weeks. None of the tested products had a significant inhibitory effect on the embryogenesis and viability of T. canis eggs, regardless of the contact time. Moreover, after 2 weeks, in all tested samples, eggs containing motile infective larvae were identified, showing that routinely used disinfectants do not eliminate risk of infection by T. canis.
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Strube C, Neubert A, Springer A, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Survey of German pet owners quantifying endoparasitic infection risk and implications for deworming recommendations. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:203. [PMID: 31053079 PMCID: PMC6500039 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3410-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs and cats can transmit zoonotic helminths to humans, e.g. Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis. Strategic deworming may help minimize this risk. Studies in several European countries have shown that pets are dewormed less frequently against roundworms and tapeworms than recommended by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP). The objective of this study was to identify percentages of dogs and cats falling into the different risk categories defined by the German ESCCAP guidelines and to evaluate whether deworming frequency and parasite monitoring in Germany follows these guidelines. RESULTS According to questionnaire results from 500 dog and 500 cat owners, deworming of dogs in Germany averages 2.07 times/year while for cats this average is 1.72 times/year. In contrast, evaluation of risk factors placed only 2% (10/500) of dogs in ESCCAP category A with a recommended deworming/examination frequency of 1-2 times per year, while 4.8% (24/500) were placed in category B (4 treatments/examinations per year recommended), 30.8% (154/500) in category C (12 treatments/examinations per year against tapeworms and 4 treatments/examinations per year against roundworms recommended) and 62.4% (312/500) in category D (12 treatments/examinations per year recommended). All cats were placed either in risk group A [52.8% (264/500)] or D [47.2% (236/500)]. Generalized linear models indicated that risk group D cats were treated significantly more often against helminths than risk group A cats. There were no significant differences in deworming frequency between risk groups in dogs. The most important factor influencing deworming frequency was the frequency of veterinary visits. Dogs and cats were treated significantly more often if owners visited their veterinarian more than once yearly. CONCLUSIONS The percentage distribution of risk groups considerably varied between dogs and cats. Nevertheless, 62% of dogs and 47% of cats were assigned to category D for which monthly treatments/examinations are recommended by the ESCCAP guidelines. Veterinarians play a key role in instructing pet owners with regard to helminthoses and their prevention, and should take the time for adequate risk assessments. The reported low deworming frequencies despite the high potential parasite infection risk suggests that pet owner advice through veterinarians needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ann Neubert
- Elanco Deutschland GmbH, Werner-Reimers-Strasse 2-4, 61352 Bad Homburg, Germany
- Present Address: Fridolinweg 5, 12683 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- ESCCAP Deutschland e.V., c/o Vetproduction, Domstraße 28, 50668 Koeln, Germany
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McNamara J, Drake J, Wiseman S, Wright I. Survey of European pet owners quantifying endoparasitic infection risk and implications for deworming recommendations. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:571. [PMID: 30382932 PMCID: PMC6211546 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3149-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zoonotic endoparasites pose risks to pets and people. The European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) created risk groupings for dogs (A-D) and for cats (A-B), with the highest risk pets (Group D dogs and Group B cats) receiving the most frequent testing and/or deworming recommendations. Little information exists on current deworming behaviours across Europe, alignment to accepted guidelines and the percentage of dogs and cats falling into ESCCAP groups. The study objectives were to evaluate the reported infection-risk behaviours of dogs and cats and assesses whether deworming frequency reported by pet owners complied with recommended deworming frequencies. Methods A total of 5001 pet owners from five different countries (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the UK) were surveyed regarding endoparasite infection risk and the frequency of deworming of dogs and cats. For the purposes of this study, ESCCAP risk groups for cats (A-B) were converted into four risk groups (A-D) using the additional risk factors outlined in the ESCCAP guidelines. This allowed direct comparison between cats and dogs as well as grouped higher risk cats into the appropriate deworming frequency. Results The three most common risk factors identified for dogs were contact with: other dogs, snails or prey; children or the elderly; going off lead outside their own garden. 85–98% of all dogs had risks putting them into Group D, the highest risk group. The three most common risk factors identified for cats were: hunting; catching prey; contact with children or the elderly. Using these revised groups, 33–68% of cats were in Group D. Despite the majority of dogs and cats falling into a risk category where ESCCAP recommends monthly deworming, dogs and cats averaged 2.3 and 2.2 dewormings per year, respectively. This frequency was less than the four times a year dosing frequency demonstrated to be required to reduce zoonotic Toxocara spp. ova shedding. Conclusions Overall, 93% of dogs and 54% of cats fell into Group D, the highest risk group. Deworming frequencies were considerably less than recommended by ESCCAP or required to both reduce zoonotic risk and improve pet health. Improved treatment compliance is needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3149-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica McNamara
- Elanco Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NL, UK
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA.
| | - Scott Wiseman
- Elanco Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NL, UK
| | - Ian Wright
- Mount Veterinary Practice, 1 Harris St, Fleetwood, FY7 6QX, UK.,ESCCAP UK & Ireland, PO Box 358, Malvern, WR14 9HQ, UK
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A Toxocara canis infection influences the immune response to house dust mite allergens in dogs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 202:11-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Uiterwijk M, Nijsse R, Kooyman FNJ, Wagenaar JA, Mughini-Gras L, Koop G, Ploeger HW. Comparing four diagnostic tests for Giardia duodenalis in dogs using latent class analysis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:439. [PMID: 30064472 PMCID: PMC6069568 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To accurately diagnose giardiosis in dogs, knowledge of diagnostic test characteristics and expected prevalence are required. The aim of this work was to estimate test characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) of four commonly used diagnostic tests for detection of Giardia duodenalis in dogs. Methods Fecal samples from 573 dogs originating from four populations (household dogs, shelter dogs, hunting dogs and clinical dogs) were examined with centrifugation sedimentation flotation (CSF) coproscopical analysis, direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA, Merifluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia®), a rapid enzyme immunochromatographic assay (IDEXX SNAP Giardia®) and qPCR (SSU rDNA) for presence of G. duodenalis. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to determine test performance characteristics and to estimate G. duodenalis prevalence of each of the four dog populations. Results All tests were highly specific. IDEXX SNAP Giardia® showed the highest specificity (99.6%) and qPCR the lowest (85.6%). The sensitivities were much more variable, with qPCR showing the highest (97.0%) and CSF the lowest (48.2%) sensitivity. DFA was more sensitive than IDEXX SNAP Giardia®, but slightly less specific. Prevalences of G. duodenalis differed substantially between populations, with the hunting dogs showing the highest G. duodenalis prevalence (64.9%) and the household dogs the lowest (7.9%). Conclusions This study identifies qPCR as a valuable screening tool because of its high sensitivity, whereas methods using microscopy for cyst identification or cyst wall detection should be used in situations where high specificity is required. G. duodenalis is a prevalent gastro-intestinal parasite in Dutch dogs, especially in dogs living in groups (hunting and shelter dogs) and clinical dogs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3014-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Uiterwijk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Present address: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf Nijsse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans N J Kooyman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Koop
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harm W Ploeger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Scaramozzino P, Carvelli A, Iacoponi F, De Liberato C. Endoparasites in household and shelter dogs from Central Italy. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6:45-47. [PMID: 30255077 PMCID: PMC6148681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal and respiratory parasites are among the most common pathogens in dogs and some of them are recognized as zoonotic agents. In Italy, various taxa have been reported, with variable prevalence estimates depending on study area, dog category and coprological exam technique. In this paper, we report the results of six years of passive surveillance. In the period January 2006-December 2012, 2,775 dog faecal samples from Lazio Region (Central Italy), were examined for parasites, 1,156 from household and 1,619 from shelter dogs, respectively. The following parasites were detected: Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Eucoleus böhmi, Eucoleus aerophilus, Mesocestoides sp., Taeniidae and Dipylidium caninum. Helminths were more frequent than protozoa, with total prevalences of 29.1% and 10.7%, respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were the most common parasites, with prevalences of 9.9% and 9.6% respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were significantly more prevalent in shelter dogs than in household ones. T. canis and Cystoisospora sp. were significantly more frequent in household dogs. The assessment of the prevalence in sheltered and in household dogs is useful to infer the occurrence of different parasites in the origin population and to plan possible control intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Carvelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Iacoponi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
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Liberato CD, Berrilli F, Odorizi L, Scarcella R, Barni M, Amoruso C, Scarito A, Filippo MMD, Carvelli A, Iacoponi F, Scaramozzino P. Parasites in stray dogs from Italy: prevalence, risk factors and management concerns. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:27-32. [PMID: 29351076 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are among the most common pathogens recorded in dogs. High prevalence rates are usually reported in stray and shelter dogs, as these animals are less likely to be tested and treated. In this study a survey was carried out on intestinal and lung parasites of stray dogs at the moment of the admission in a shelter in Central Italy. In the period June 2014-June 2015, 262 individual faecal samples were examined. Twelve parasitic taxa were detected. Helminths were more prevalent than protozoa (61.8% and 25.6%, respectively). Ancylostomatidae showed the higher prevalence (40.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (21.4%), Toxocara canis (20.6%) and Trichuris vulpis (17.6%). Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most prevalent lungworm (12.6%), Crenosoma vulpis being recorded just in one dog. G. duodenalis had a high prevalence, probably because of the diagnostic techniques adopted, actually the most sensitive available for its detection. Nevertheless, the zoonotic potential of this parasite in dogs appears reduced, as all the isolates were identified as C (24.0%) and D (76.0%) dog specific assemblages. Taeniidae constituted a high potential zoonotic risk, as from the eggs it is impossible to exclude they were Echinococcus granulosus, the most relevant zoonotic parasite in Europe. The present study underline the importance of stray dogs control, aimed at preventing or minimizing parasitic spread and zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina traslazionale, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Livio Odorizi
- La Fattoria di Tobia Shelter, 00036 Palestrina (Roma), Italy
| | | | | | - Cristina Amoruso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessia Scarito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Carvelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Iacoponi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
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Ma G, Holland CV, Wang T, Hofmann A, Fan CK, Maizels RM, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Human toxocariasis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e14-e24. [PMID: 28781085 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes of the genus Toxocara are socioeconomically important zoonotic pathogens. These parasites are usually directly transmitted to the human host via the faecal-oral route and can cause toxocariasis and associated complications, including allergic and neurological disorders. Although tens of millions of people are estimated to be exposed to or infected with Toxocara spp, global epidemiological information on the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Recent findings suggest that the effect of toxocariasis on human health is increasing in some countries. Here we review the salient background on Toxocara and biology, summarise key aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of toxocariasis, describe what is known about its geographic distribution and prevalence, and make some recommendations for future research towards the prevention and control of this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Celia V Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine & Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Baede VO, Broens EM, Spaninks MP, Timmerman AJ, Graveland H, Wagenaar JA, Duim B, Hordijk J. Raw pet food as a risk factor for shedding of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in household cats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187239. [PMID: 29095871 PMCID: PMC5667807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Close contact between pets and owners provides the opportunity for transmission of antimicrobial resistant organisms like extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/AmpC beta-lactamase (AmpC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, posing a risk to public health. Objectives To investigate whether raw feed is a risk factor for household cats to shed ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, a cohort study was designed. Additionally, raw and non-raw commercial pet food products were screened for the presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Methods Weekly fecal samples of 17 cats in the control group and 19 cats in the exposed group were collected for three weeks and analyzed for the presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Questionnaires were obtained to determine additional risk factors. Fecal samples were cultured on MacConkey agar supplemented with 1 mg/L cefotaxime. PCR and sequence analysis was used for screening for ESBL genes in suspected isolates. Pet food samples were cultured in LB broth supplemented with 1 mg/L cefotaxime and processed as described above. Results In the cohort study, ESBL-producing bacteria were isolated from 3 of 51 (5.9%) samples in the control group compared to 37 of 57 (89.5%) samples in the exposed group. A significant association was found between ESBL shedding and feeding raw pet food products (OR = 31.5). No other risk factors were identified in this study. ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 14 of 18 (77.8%) raw pet food products and 0 of 35 non-raw pet food products. Conclusions This study shows a strong association between shedding of ESBL-producing bacteria in household cats and feeding raw pet food. Raw pet food was often contaminated with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie O. Baede
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Els M. Broens
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mirlin P. Spaninks
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen J. Timmerman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Haitske Graveland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap A. Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Birgitta Duim
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Hordijk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Examination of anonymous canine faecal samples provides data on endoparasite prevalence rates in dogs for comparative studies. Vet Parasitol 2017; 245:106-115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Studzińska MB, Demkowska-Kutrzepa M, Borecka A, Meisner M, Tomczuk K, Roczeń-Karczmarz M, Kłapeć T, Abbass Z, Cholewa A. Variations in the Rate of Infestations of Dogs with Zoonotic Nematodes and the Contamination of Soil in Different Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14091003. [PMID: 28862690 PMCID: PMC5615540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14091003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Companion animals are an important aspect in human life. However, they may also be considered a source of pathogens. An example of zoonotic parasitoses is toxocarosis or cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). The aim of the study was to detect zoonotic nematodes of dogs living in different areas and the intensity of contamination in parasite polluted environments that are hazardous to human health. The fecal samples were examined using standard flotation and decantation methods as well as McMaster's quantitative technique. The soil samples in urban and rural areas were examined using a modified flotation method as described by Quinn et al. Statistical analyses were performed by IBM SPSS Statistics Version 23. The overall prevalence of parasites in dogs was 38%, 17.02% and 56.60% from urban and rural areas, respectively. The percentage values of nematodes important for human health (Toxocaracanis, Ancylostomatidae, Trichurisvulpis) remained at the same level (16%). The infected dogs were dominated by a single parasite species, the main was T.canis (28.95%). In total, 54.30% of the soil samples were contaminated with parasite eggs. The contamination of urban and rural sandpits was 40% and 60%, respectively. The molecular examinations of soil samples using LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) confirmed the presence of nematode eggs of the species T.canis in all samples previously classified as positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bernadeta Studzińska
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Marta Demkowska-Kutrzepa
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Borecka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Kozielska, 4, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Meisner
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie, 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Tomczuk
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Monika Roczeń-Karczmarz
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Teresa Kłapeć
- Department of Biological Hazard and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Jaczewskiego, 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Zahrai Abbass
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Muthanna University, Samawa 66007, Iraq.
| | - Alicja Cholewa
- Department of Biological Hazard and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Jaczewskiego, 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
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Farmer A, Beltran T, Choi YS. Prevalence of Toxocara species infection in the U.S.: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005818. [PMID: 28759601 PMCID: PMC5552322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most common neglected infections of poverty in the U.S. with a reported National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994) seroprevalence of 13.9% based on enzyme immunoassay testing. We reviewed NHANES data from 2011–2014 to assess current levels. Sera collected from NHANES 2011–2014 participants six years and older were tested for exposure using rTc-CTL-1 antigen, a more sensitive and specific recombinant antigen for IgG antibodies for Toxocara spp. These results were subdivided into children (age 6–17) and adults (age ≥ 18) and then compared between various sociodemographic characteristics. Given prior associations of Toxocara exposure with atopic disease and lead exposure, we also reviewed laboratory values including complete blood counts and blood and urine lead levels. Data from 13,509 individuals with Toxocara antibody results were examined including 3337 children (15.2%) and 10172 adults (84.8%). Overall seroprevalence was 5.1%. In adults increased antibody positivity occurred with non-White ethnicity, male gender, less than college-level education and lower income. Among children, increased antibody positivity was solely related to a lack of health insurance. Additionally, seropositivity was associated with increased blood lead and eosinophil levels in adults and both blood and urine lead levels in children. Relative to NHANES III (1988–1994), current data suggest an overall decrease in Toxocara spp. seroprevalence from 13.9% to 5.1%, however this may be artificially lowered due to difference in testing methods used. Persistent disparities appear to be associated with at-risk populations such as minority ethnicity and low socioeconomic status. Toxocariasis is a pervasive helminth infection transmitted to humans via embryonated eggs from soil contaminated by the feces of dogs and cats (Toxocara canis and T. cati, respectively). The most recent seroprevalence study of Toxocara infection in the United States used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III data collected from 1988 to 1994. At-risk groups identified included male gender, non-White ethnicity and low education and socioeconomic status. Since the original study, dogs and cats have increased in number and an improved testing platform has been created using rTc-CTL-1 antigen to Toxocara spp. with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 99%, respectively. In this study, we assessed current seroprevalence based on the NHANES data from 2011 to 2014 using the more specific testing platform. Although overall seroprevalence appears to have decreased from 13.9% to 5.1%; persistent disparities remain associated with at-risk populations including minority ethnicity and low socioeconomic status. Continued work is needed to improve awareness of disease transmission and treatment amongst the general population as well as veterinarians who may care for dogs and cats within the United States and take responsibility for education of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Farmer
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Beltran
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Young Sammy Choi
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States of America
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Merigueti YFFB, Santarém VA, Ramires LM, da Silveira Batista A, da Costa Beserra LV, Nuci AL, de Paula Esposte TM. Protective and risk factors associated with the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs in dog hair. Vet Parasitol 2017; 244:39-43. [PMID: 28917315 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic zoonoses in the world. The disease is principally caused by the nematode Toxocara canis, whose definitive host is the dog. The transmission of toxocariasis to humans is mainly caused by accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs of the parasite, present in the soil. Studies have shown that dog hair has the capacity to harbor eggs of the parasite and represents a risk for transmission of the zoonosis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and factors associated with the contamination of dog hair by Toxocara spp. of animals attended and/or abandoned at a Veterinary-Teaching Hospital in Southeast Brazil. The hair samples were collected from the perineal region, and upper and lower tail regions. For analysis of the samples and recovery of Toxocara spp., the material was washed in Tween 20 and then filtered through sieves of 300μm, 212μm, and 38μm. Hair samples from 165 dogs were analyzed. Of the analyzed samples, 59 (35.8%) were from puppies and 106 (64.2%) from adult animals. In the sample evaluation, 6.7% of the dogs (11/165) were contaminated, with a mean of 12.2 eggs per animal (1-70 eggs/animal) and 57.5 eggs/gram of hair. All the recovered eggs were not embryonated. There was an influence of age (puppies), breed (without defined breed), and origin (stray) of the dogs. On the other hand, deworming was a protective factor. Our results show that the risk of transmission of toxocariasis by direct contact, mainly in well-cared dogs, is low. Thus, prophylactic anthelmintic treatment and correct care regarding the hygiene of animals, especially puppies, should be recommended to reduce any risk of transmission of toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yslla Fernanda Fitz Balo Merigueti
- Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching-Hospital (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching-Hospital (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lívia Magosso Ramires
- Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching-Hospital (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline da Silveira Batista
- Post-Graduate Program in Animal Science, Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching-Hospital (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Layron Vinícus da Costa Beserra
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching-Hospital, Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amábyle Lopes Nuci
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching-Hospital, Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita Mirella de Paula Esposte
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching-Hospital, Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
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Stull JW, Kasten JI, Evason MD, Sherding RG, Hoet AE, O'Quin J, Burkhard MJ, Weese JS. Risk reduction and management strategies to prevent transmission of infectious disease among dogs at dog shows, sporting events, and other canine group settings. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017; 249:612-27. [PMID: 27585099 DOI: 10.2460/javma.249.6.612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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