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Cotuțiu VD, Ionică AM, Dan T, Cazan CD, Borșan SD, Culda CA, Mihaiu M, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD. Diversity of Thelazia spp. in domestic cattle from Romania: epidemiology and molecular diagnosis by a novel multiplex PCR. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:400. [PMID: 37924115 PMCID: PMC10623811 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06012-8] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thelaziosis is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by parasitic nematode worms of the genus Thelazia which affects various hosts. Limited attention has been given to ungulate-associated Thelazia species. Current diagnosis of thelaziosis and the identification/differentiation of species heavily relies on morphological features. Therefore, we conducted an epidemiological study in Romanian cattle, with the aim to obtain morphological and molecular data that can be used for species identification. METHODS The eyes of 705 slaughtered cattle were sampled and subjected to morphological identification, morphometric analysis, and molecular characterization. PCR amplification and sequence analysis were performed based on the cytochromec oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. Statistical tests assessed the correlations between infection parameters and ecological or biogeographical factors. A novel PCR method was developed based on the consensus sequence from each species. Specific forward primers were designed for each of the three species, and a reverse primer (COIintR) was used for all reactions. A consensus thermal profile was established by gradient PCR amplification of each species separately. RESULTS Of the sampled cattle, 19.3% were infected with Thelazia spp. Prevalence varied significantly with ecogeographical factors. A total of 585 Thelazia nematodes were recovered, with T. rhodesi being the most abundant, followed by T. skrjabini and T. gulosa. Morphometric and molecular analyses supported the morphological identification, yielding unique sequences for each species. From the 59 T. rhodesi specimens sequenced, 29 unique sequences were obtained, with a 99.1-99.85% nucleotide identity to the only other COI sequence present in GenBank®. All nine T. gulosa isolates were unique (99.37-100% nucleotide identity to other sequences), while T. skrjabini specimens displayed 98.47-100% nucleotide identity to the sole available sequence. CONCLUSIONS Bovine thelaziosis is prevalent in Romania, raising concerns for animal welfare and potential economic impacts. Infected cattle grazing alongside vulnerable wild ruminants, such as the European bison, may affect conservation efforts. Our newly developed multiplex PCR shows promise as a valuable surveillance tool, enabling the detection of occult infections in apparently healthy animals through lachrymal secretion testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad-Dan Cotuțiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases Cluj-Napoca, Iuliu Moldovan Street nr 23, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Dan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Silvia Diana Borșan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carla Andreea Culda
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marian Mihaiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
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Maggi RG, Halls V, Krämer F, Lappin M, Pennisi MG, Peregrine AS, Roura X, Schunack B, Scorza V, Tasker S, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Bowman DD, Breitschwerdt EB, Capelli G, Cardoso L, Dantas-Torres F, Dobler G, Ferrer L, Gradoni L, Irwin P, Jongejan F, Kempf VAJ, Kohn B, Little S, Madder M, Maia C, Marcondes M, Miró G, Naucke T, Oliva G, Otranto D, Penzhorn BL, Pfeffer M, Sainz Á, Shin S, Solano-Gallego L, Straubinger RK, Traub R, Wright I. Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:415. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLarge populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat’s lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.
Graphical Abstract
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Cotuțiu VD, Mihalca AD, Hołówka KA, Ionică AM, Cazan CD, Gherman CM. European Hares, Lepus europaeus, Represent a Reservoir Host for Thelazia callipaeda in Romania. Pathogens 2022; 11:1225. [PMID: 36364976 PMCID: PMC9693048 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda is an emerging disease in Europe. Only two reports of naturally infected lagomorphs have been published so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of the Romanian populations of European brown hares, Lepus europaeus as reservoir hosts for T. callipaeda. Between November 2019 and November 2021, the eyes of 326 L. europaeus carcasses were examined for the presence of ocular parasites. Nematodes were stored in plastic vials with physiological saline, followed by morphological and molecular identification. QGis 3.20 and EpiInfoTM 7 were used for mapping and statistical analysis. Four (1.23%) hares harbored T. callipaeda infection, with a total of 84 nematodes collected (mean intensity 21 nematodes/host), with 45 males, 39 females (two sexually immature, seven with only eggs, and 30 with eggs and larvae). One specimen from each host was successfully sequenced resulting in a 100% similarity with several other sequences of T. callipaeda haplotype 1. Statistical analysis revealed no significant results. The current study represents a first report of T. callipaeda in the European brown hare in Romania, and the second in Europe, also reiterating the role of lagomorphs as reservoir hosts for this zoonotic ocular nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad-Dan Cotuțiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Katarzyna Anna Hołówka
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit (CDS-9), University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, Iuliu Moldovan Street Nr. 23, 400003 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit (CDS-9), University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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do Vale B, Lopes AP, da Conceição Fontes M, Silvestre M, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Systematic review on infection and disease caused by Thelazia callipaeda in Europe: 2001-2020. Parasite 2020; 27:52. [PMID: 32996882 PMCID: PMC7526429 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cases of thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda have been increasing considerably in Europe throughout the 21st century, with recent emphasis on Eastern Europe. A systematic review was conducted using defined search terms across three major databases and, additionally, with the examination of the references of the 56 articles selected. Available information about epidemiological and clinical features of all cases of thelaziosis by T. callipaeda in companion animals, wildlife and humans was extracted, evaluated and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. In all cross-sectional studies about dogs, cats and red foxes, males were more frequently infected than females (dogs: p = 0.0365; cats: p = 0.0164; red foxes: p = 0.0082). Adult dogs seem to be more prone to infection (p < 0.0001), as well as large-sized dogs (p < 0.0001), and companion animals that live exclusively outdoors (p < 0.0001). Dogs and red foxes involved in these cross-sectional studies harboured significantly more female than male nematodes (p < 0.0001). Thelaziosis by T. callipaeda is far from controlled in Europe. Only through updated epidemiological data, knowledge improvement and awareness can correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment and prevention be ensured to tackle this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz do Vale
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
| | - Maria da Conceição Fontes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
| | - Mário Silvestre
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Department of Zootechnics, ECAV, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
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Spain as a dispersion model for Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm in dogs in Europe. Prev Vet Med 2020; 175:104883. [PMID: 31935667 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) causes ocular infection in carnivorous animals and humans. While growing numbers of companion dogs and sometimes cats are being diagnosed with thelaziosis, little is known about its real spread. As it has been also diagnosed in wild animals and human beings, it is considered a potential emerging zoonotic disease. This study provides information about the spread of the parasite in dogs in Spain since its initial description in 2010 until 2018. The first detection of T. callipaeda in the Principality of Andorra in 2017 is also reported. Two different studies were conducted: a) a survey in which clinical cases from veterinary practices were collected and b) a prevalence study in two endemic areas in western and central Spain (Site 1 La Vera region, Cáceres, and Site 2 El Escorial municipality, Madrid). In total, 1114 cases of thelaziosis were detected in 121 municipalities of Spain and 6 municipalities of Andorra. In 92 out these 127 municipalities, reports were of autochthonous cases. Six hundred twenty-three out of 1114 presented data collection sheet and were included in the statistical analysis: 510 cases identified by veterinarians in Spain and Andorra in Study 1, and 113 cases detected among the 234 dogs (48.3 %) examined in the prevalence study (Study 2). Prevalences were 61.3 % (84/137) for Cáceres and 29.9 % (29/97) for Madrid, being Site 1 significantly more risky (P < 0.0001, odds ratio: 3.72, CI: 2.14-4.47 %) compared to Site 2. Our study updates data for canine thelaziosis reported in the last decade in Spain and Andorra. Results highlight the urgent need for prevention strategies to control the spread of this potential zoonotic disease.
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do Vale B, Lopes AP, da Conceição Fontes M, Silvestre M, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Thelaziosis due to Thelazia callipaeda in Europe in the 21st century-A review. Vet Parasitol 2019; 275:108957. [PMID: 31630050 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda was first described at the beginning of the 20th century in Asia, but this eyeworm is now frequently reported in Europe in the 21st century. To date, thelaziosis has been described in the following European countries (in order of appearance): Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Austria. The infected vertebrate host species include domestic carnivores (dogs and cats), wild carnivores (red foxes, wolves, beech martens, wildcats and golden jackals), lagomorphs (brown hares and wild European rabbits) and humans. In Europe, 11 cases of human thelaziosis have been reported, the majority of which are autochthonous. However, some of them have been imported, a fact which highlights the importance of surveillance policies to restrict cross-border spread of the parasite. The objectives of this article are to review key aspects of the epidemiology of T. callipaeda, summarise animal and human cases in Europe and emphasise the importance of education and awareness among veterinarians, physicians (particularly ophthalmologists) and animal, in order to owners to tackle this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz do Vale
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria da Conceição Fontes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Silvestre
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Zootechnics, ECAV, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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Ionică AM, Deak G, D'Amico G, Stan GF, Chișamera GB, Constantinescu IC, Adam C, Lefkaditis M, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD. Thelazia callipaeda in mustelids from Romania with the European badger, Meles meles, as a new host for this parasite. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:370. [PMID: 31349861 PMCID: PMC6660946 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3631-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is a vector-borne zoonotic eye worm with a broad host spectrum. In Europe, it is an emerging threat, having greatly expanded its geographical distribution during the past two decades. In Romania, T. callipaeda has been previously reported in domestic and wild canids and felids. The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of T. callipaeda in mustelids in the country. Methods Between March 2015 and April 2019, 77 road-killed mustelids (3 pine martens, Martes martes; 6 European polecats, Mustela putorius; 13 beech martens, Martes foina; and 55 European badgers, Meles meles) were examined by necropsy. If present, all ocular nematodes were collected and stored in absolute ethanol, for subsequent morphological and molecular identification. Results Two animals were found to be infected with T. callipaeda: one European badger and one beech marten. The molecular analysis revealed a 100% nucleotide similarity to T. callipaeda haplotype h1 for all the sequenced specimens. Conclusions To our knowledge, the present study demonstrates for the first time the occurrence of T. callipaeda in mustelids from Romania, records the easternmost locality of the parasite in Europe, and represents the first report of T. callipaeda in the European badger, Meles meles, extending the known host range for this parasite in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Florin Stan
- Department of Anatomy, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Bogdan Chișamera
- "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History, Sos. Kiseleff no. 1, 011341, Bucharest 1, Romania
| | | | - Costică Adam
- "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History, Sos. Kiseleff no. 1, 011341, Bucharest 1, Romania
| | - Menelaos Lefkaditis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Ocular thelaziosis due Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) in Romania: first report in domestic cat and new geographical records of canine cases. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:4037-4042. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Thelazia callipaeda, an Endemic Parasite of Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) in Western Romania. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:829-833. [PMID: 29791293 DOI: 10.7589/2017-10-251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is a vector-borne zoonotic nematode parasite of the conjunctival sac of a large spectrum of hosts, currently having an expanding distribution range throughout Europe. In Romania, the parasite has a relatively large distribution range and host spectrum. However, the presence of T. callipaeda in red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) has not yet been confirmed. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and geographical distribution of T. callipaeda in red foxes from Romania. A total of 514 animals originating from 10 counties of western Romania were evaluated for the presence of T. callipaeda. Overall, 151 red foxes (29.38%) were positive. No significant differences were noticed between sex and age groups of positive foxes. In total, 3,350 adult nematodes were recovered. The intensity of infection had a mean value of 23.2, while the sex ratio was 2.2:1 in favor of females. In 91 foxes, both eyes were affected, while 60 harbored unilateral infection. Sequence analysis of the cox 1 gene of one nematode from each positive fox ( n=151) revealed the exclusive presence of haplotype h1. We report a relatively high prevalence and distribution range of T. callipaeda infection in red foxes in Romania, highlighting their potential role as a wildlife reservoir.
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Čabanová V, Miterpáková M, Oravec M, Hurníková Z, Jerg S, Nemčíková G, Červenská MB. Nematode Thelazia callipaeda is spreading across Europe. The first survey of red foxes from Slovakia. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:160-166. [PMID: 29351059 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Canine thalaziosis caused by the spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda has started to spread across Western and Central Europe during the last decade. In Slovakia, the first autochthonous cases of this infection were recorded in 2016 in four dogs from the south-eastern part of the country. In August 2017 other autochthonous case, again from the same locality, was reported. Seeing that red foxes are considered the main reservoir hosts for T. callipaeda, their examination could provide an integrated view of the real parasite distribution. Within the present study, 523 red foxes were examined by necropsy, and T. callipaeda nematodes were recovered from the conjunctival sacs of 7 animals, which represents an overall positivity of 1.3%. Six infected foxes originated in eastern Slovakia, which is consistent with the area where positive dogs were recently found. Also, single positive red fox was found in north-western Slovakia. Regarding morphology and morphometry, the specimens recovered from the foxes in this study were evaluated as larger in size when compared to nematodes isolated from Slovak dogs as well as dogs and foxes from other studies. BLAST analyses of the cox1 gene showed that all specimens isolated from Slovak red foxes were identified as haplotype 1 which circulated also in other European countries. Considering that majority of the infected animals, dogs and foxes, came from Košice region, we can presume that this area might become endemic in a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Oravec
- Veterinary and Food Institute, Hlinkova 1/A, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hurníková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Slavomír Jerg
- Veterinary Institute, Pod Dráhami 915/5, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Nemčíková
- Veterinary and Food Institute, Botanická 15, 842 52 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Mihalca AD, Ionică AM, D'Amico G, Daskalaki AA, Deak G, Matei IA, Șimonca V, Iordache D, Modrý D, Gherman CM. Thelazia callipaeda in wild carnivores from Romania: new host and geographical records. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:350. [PMID: 27316971 PMCID: PMC4912765 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda is a vector-borne zoonotic nematode parasitizing the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, rabbits and humans, with a vast distribution in Asia and the former Soviet Union. In Europe, the nematode has an emerging trend, being reported in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, Greece and Serbia, with human cases known in Italy, France, Spain, Serbia and Croatia. In Romania, the infection was so far reported only in dogs, whereas there are no reports in wildlife despite the large numbers of wild carnivores in the country. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of wild carnivores in the natural cycle of T. callipaeda in Romania. Methods Between 2014 and 2016, 89 wild carnivores (64 golden jackals, Canis aureus, 13 grey wolves, Canis lupus, nine wildcats, Felis silvestris and three Eurasian lynxes, Lynx lynx) have been examined. During the necropsy, both eyes of all the examined animals have been thoroughly inspected for the presence of parasites. If present, all nematodes were collected in absolute ethanol (for molecular analysis of the partial cox1 gene) or in 4 % formalin (for morphological identification). Results In total, three animals were found to be infected with T. callipaeda: a grey wolf, a golden jackal and a wildcat. The BLAST analysis of all the sequences showed a 100 % similarity to T. callipaeda haplotype h1. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of T. callipaeda in golden jackals, and the first study on T. callipaeda in wildlife from Romania. Conclusion Our data broaden the host spectrum and geographical distribution of T. callipaeda, highlighting the role of wild carnivores as natural reservoirs for the infection and confirming the ongoing expanding trend of this zoonotic nematode in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Aikaterini Alexandra Daskalaki
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Vasile Șimonca
- Department of Forest Mensuration and Wood Study, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Daniel Iordache
- Department of Game and Wildlife, Faculty of Silviculture and Forestry Engineering, Transilvania University, Şirul Beethoven 1, Brașov, 500123, Romania
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.,CEITEC -VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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