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Liu Z, Yu C, Tan X, Chen N, Jin Y. Epidemiology of Ocular Thelaziosis in Domestic Dogs in Beijing. Pathogens 2024; 13:166. [PMID: 38392904 PMCID: PMC10892172 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020166] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic parasitic nematode that lives in the ocular conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, lagomorphs, and humans, with Phortica spp. as its intermediate host. At present, the important role that domestic dogs play in thelaziosis has been studied in many countries. However, Beijing, which is the first city in China to experience human thelaziosis, has not yet conducted a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of the disease. In this study, we analyzed risk factors (region, season, age, sex, breed, size, living environment, diet, country park travel history, immunization history, anthelmintic treatment history, and ocular clinical symptoms) associated with the prevalence of thelaziosis in domestic dogs in Beijing. The overall prevalence of T. callipaeda in the study area was 3.17% (102/3215 domestic dogs; 95% CI 2.57-3.78%). The results of the risk factor analysis showed that thelaziosis in domestic dogs from Beijing was significantly correlated with regional distribution, seasonal distribution, country park travel history, and anthelmintic treatment history (p < 0.05). In summer and autumn, domestic dogs living in mountainous areas, with a history of country park travel and without deworming were 4.164, 2.382, and 1.438 times more infected with T. callipaeda than those living in plain areas without a history of country park travel and with a history of deworming (OR = 4.164, OR = 2.382, OR = 1.438, respectively). T. callipaeda-infected domestic dogs did not always show any ocular clinical symptoms, while symptomatic domestic dogs were mainly characterized by moderate symptoms. The results indicate that in summer and autumn, preventive anthelmintic treatment should be strengthened for domestic dogs with a country park travel history or those living in mountain areas. At the same time, we should be vigilant about taking domestic dogs to play in country parks or mountainous areas during summer and autumn because this may pose a potential risk of the owner being infected with T. callipaeda.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yipeng Jin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Rd, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.L.); (C.Y.); (X.T.); (N.C.)
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2
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Unterköfler MS, Dengg P, Niederbacher M, Lindorfer S, Eberle A, Huck A, Staufer K, Zittra C, Wortha LN, Hodžić A, Duscher GG, Harl J, Schlüsslmayr G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D, Silbermayr K, Fuehrer HP. Occurrence of Thelazia callipaeda and its vector Phortica variegata in Austria and South Tyrol, Italy, and a global comparison by phylogenetic network analysis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:294. [PMID: 37620902 PMCID: PMC10464191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05913-y] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic nematode Thelazia callipaeda infects the eyes of domestic and wild animals and uses canids as primary hosts. It was originally described in Asia, but in the last 20 years it has been reported in many European countries, where it is mainly transmitted by the drosophilid fruit fly Phortica variegata. We report the autochthonous occurrence of T. callipaeda and its vector P. variegata in Austria. Nematodes were collected from clinical cases and fruit flies were caught using traps, netting, and from the conjunctival sac of one dog. Fruit flies and nematodes were morphologically identified and a section of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) was analysed. A DNA haplotype network was calculated to visualize the relation of the obtained COI sequences to published sequences. Additionally, Phortica spp. were screened for the presence of DNA of T. callipaeda by polymerase chain reaction. Thelazia callipaeda and P. variegata were identified in Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Styria. Thelazia callipaeda was also documented in Vienna and P. variegata in Upper Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. All T. callipaeda corresponded to haplotype 1. Twenty-two different haplotypes of P. variegata were identified in the fruit flies. One sequence was distinctly different from those of Phortica variegata and was more closely related to those of Phortica chi and Phortica okadai. Thelazia callipaeda could not be detected in any of the Phortica specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Dengg
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Niederbacher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Lindorfer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonia Eberle
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Huck
- Small Animal Practice Dr. Alexandra Huck, Güttenbach, Austria
| | - Katalina Staufer
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Licha Natalia Wortha
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Papadopoulos E, Komnenou A, Karamanlidis AA, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D. Zoonotic Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm in brown bears (Ursus arctos): A new host record in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:235-239. [PMID: 34889529 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) eyeworm, a zoonotic parasite transmitted by lachryphagus drosophilids, causes subclinical to clinical ocular disease in a wide range of vertebrates, including humans. In the past 20 years, the infection spread primarily in areas where the vector thrives, and now is endemic in many European countries. Recently, this nematode has been reported also in the United States. Here, we describe the first record of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) as a host of T. callipaeda. Eight (26.7%) out of 30 bears were found to be infected with T. callipaeda adult worms. In addition, the parasite was detected in 13 wolves (Canis lupus) sharing the same environment with the brown bears. At the molecular characterization, all nematodes belonged to the haplotype 1, which is the only one recorded in Europe, as yet. This finding demonstrates that brown bears may act as hosts for this parasite, suggesting its potential role in the maintenance of the cycle not only in the wild but also in captivity. Under the above circumstances, the brown bear may represent a potential zoonotic risk for humans, both in rural and urban areas where other reservoirs may be infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros A Karamanlidis
- ARCTUROS, Civil Society for the Protection and Management of Wildlife and the Natural Environment, Florina, Greece.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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The Neglected Angio-Neurotrophic Parasite Gurltia paralysans (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae): Northernmost South American Distribution, Current Knowledge, and Future Perspectives. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121601. [PMID: 34959555 PMCID: PMC8707030 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121601] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gurltia paralysans is a rare metastrongyloid nematode in South America that has begun to gain relevance in feline internal medicine as a differential diagnosis of progressive degenerative myelopathy disorders. The parasite life cycle has not been fully elucidated but probably involves invertebrate gastropod fauna as obligate intermediate hosts; thus, G. paralysans remaining an extremely neglected parasitosis. Feline gurltiosis intra vitam diagnosis is highly challenging due to lack of evidence in the excretion of G. paralysans eggs and larvae, neither in feces nor in other body secretions because environmental stages and the transmission route of the parasite remain unknown. Unfortunately, no experimental trials for the treatment of feline gurltiosis have been conducted to date. However, there are some reports of the successfully antiparasitic drugs used with different effectiveness and clinical improvement results in diagnosed cats. Further studies are needed to evaluate the parasite occurrence among domestic cats and the neotropical wild felid species distributed within Colombia in addition to the gastropod fauna that may harbor the developing larvae (L1–L3) stages of this underestimated parasite.
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Marino V, Montoya A, Mascuñan C, Domínguez I, Gálvez R, Hernández M, Zenker C, Checa R, Sarquis J, Barrera JP, Portero M, Miró G. Feline thelaziosis ( Thelazia callipaeda) in Spain: state-of-the-art and first prophylactic trial in cats. J Feline Med Surg 2021; 23:1117-1128. [PMID: 33719674 PMCID: PMC10812156 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x21997625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thelaziosis caused by the nematode Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) affects the eyes of domestic and wild carnivores, lagomorphs and even humans. The role of cats in spreading thelaziosis remains unclear. The present study assesses the current status of feline T callipaeda infection in Spain and presents the results of the first prophylactic trial conducted in this species. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the occurrence of feline thelaziosis (study 1), examined its prevalence based on cross-sectional sampling of endemic areas (study 2), and assessed the therapeutic/prophylactic benefits of a spot-on (moxidectin) and therapeutic efficacy of an eye drop (ivermectin) formulation (study 3). RESULTS In study 1, 69 Thelazia-infected cats were examined. Autochthonous cases were detected in 18/26 municipalities surveyed in Spain, which corresponds to 88.4% (n = 61/69) of the total number of cases. In study 2, 74 cats (20 from La Vera region and 54 from Orense province) were examined from 2011 to 2013. Ten of these cats (13.5%) were infected with T callipaeda. The infection prevalence was 40% (n = 8/20) in La Vera and 3.7% (n = 2/54) in Orense. The therapeutic efficacy of ivermectin was assessed over a summer (2011) in 12 cats, while that of moxidectin was examined over a 17-month period in seven cats. Four of these seven cats were subsequently included in an all-year-round prophylaxis trial. Treatment efficacy ranged from 91.7% (ivermectin) on day 28 after treatment to 100% (moxidectin) on day 14. Moxidectin prevented reinfections in cats. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our data confirm the endemic status of T callipaeda infection in Spain, revealing its high prevalence in cats living in known endemic areas. Moxidectin was effective in treating and preventing infection. We strongly recommend the inclusion of thelaziosis in the differential diagnosis of pets and humans presenting with ocular manifestations, along with adequate preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Marino
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Mascuñan
- La Cruz Verde Veterinary Clinic, Miraflores de la Sierra, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Gálvez
- Department of Specific Didactics, School of Education and Teacher Training, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carla Zenker
- La Plaza Veterinary Clinic, El Escorial, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juliana Sarquis
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Barrera
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Portero
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Thelazia callipaeda in Slovakia - From sporadic cases to endemic areas. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102495. [PMID: 34737070 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102495] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, transmitted by the fruit fly Phortica variegata, is a causative agent of an ocular parasitic disease called also canine thelaziosis. Dogs, cats, and wild canids are considered the primary definitive hosts for the parasite, but humans may also serve as aberrant definitive hosts. For long decades the geographic range of T. callipaeda was strictly limited to the territory of Asia, but after the year 2000, the parasite began to spread rapidly through Europe. The first autochthonous infections of dogs and foxes in Slovakia were recorded in 2016. In the present study, the results of a whole-area surveillance for canine thelaziosis are reported. Altogether, 142 cases of infection caused by T. callipaeda were diagnosed by veterinarians in dogs between 2016 and the first quarter of 2021, and two cases of feline thelaziosis were recorded. The majority of the dogs showed mild ocular signs manifested by conjunctivitis; 8.5% of them suffered from more serious mucopurulent discharge, and in two dogs corneal ulceration was recorded. The screening revealed increasing trends in the occurrence of canine thelaziosis from both a temporal and spatial point of view and unambiguously confirms the endemic status of T. callipaeda in Slovakia with the prospect of its further expansion.
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The Vector-Borne Zoonotic Nematode Thelazia callipaeda in the Eastern Part of Europe, with a Clinical Case Report in a Dog in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010055. [PMID: 33435395 PMCID: PMC7826724 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies. It causes ocular thelaziosis, a disease of carnivores, such as dogs, cats, and foxes, and also humans. The parasite has thus far been observed in various areas of Eurasia, including 20 countries within Europe. The present study documents its presence in the south-east region of Poland, near the Ukraine border. An adult nematode was removed from the conjunctival sac of a dog showing ocular inflammation and purulent discharge. The dog’s precise origin is unknown. Based on its localization and morphometrical features, the nematode was identified as a Thelazia callipaeda adult male. The present study is the first report of T. callipaeda in a dog in Poland.
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8
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Lebedewa SL, Tkocz K, Clausen PH, Nijhof AM. Suspected autochthonous Thelazia callipaeda infection in a dog in northern Germany. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4277-4280. [PMID: 33048206 PMCID: PMC7704504 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06920-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A 12-year old Elo dog was presented with recurring symptoms of conjunctivitis in November 2019. A single whitish nematode was found upon inspection of the eye and identified as a Thelazia callipaeda male. The morphological identification of the eye worm was supported by analysis of a partial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) gene sequence. The dog lived in Lower Saxony, northwestern Germany, and had not visited regions known to be endemic for T. callipaeda. This suggests that a local transmission cycle of this zoonotic nematode may exist in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia L Lebedewa
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kevin Tkocz
- Veterinary Practice' Im Kalten Tale, Wolfenbüttel, Germany
| | - Peter-Henning Clausen
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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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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L M R S, Spoerel S, Wiesner L, Klein M, Pantchev N, Taubert A, Hermosilla C. Ophthalmic Thelazia callipaeda infections: first feline and new canine imported cases in Germany. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3099-3104. [PMID: 32627079 PMCID: PMC7431390 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The first case of feline ocular Thelazia callipaeda infection and two new canine imported infections in West Germany are here described. The three animals had a history of recent travel to/from other countries. The young adult cat imported from Spain presented an intermittent unilateral ocular discharge. During in-depth ophthalmic examination, a single alive nematode was removed from the conjunctival compartment of the affected eye. Referring to the canine cases, an adult female dog originated from Kenya presented epiphora and mucous whitish-grey discharge of the right eye. During flushing of the nasolacrimal duct two small, thin and long nematodes were removed. Furthermore, a male Borzoi racing dog with regular visit to racing tracks in different countries presented ocular mucous discharge. At ophthalmologic examination, two transparent-whitish vital nematodes were removed. All nematode specimens of the three cases were morphologically identified as adult T. callipaeda parasites. The animals were treated orally with milbemycin oxime (2.0 mg/kg; cat) or milbemycin oxime/praziquantel (0.5 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg; dogs) twice with 1-week interval resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. The repeated introduction of patent T. callipaeda-infected animals, especially from southern and eastern endemic countries, will ease the establishment of ophthalmic thelaziosis in Northern Europe. The male fruit fly, Phortica variegata, an intermediate host of T. callipaeda, is endemic within European countries. Considering the clinical and zoonotic relevance of ophthalmic thelaziosis, enhanced disease awareness of European medical and veterinarian doctors and in-depth eye examination for proper detection of T. callipaeda are crucial for appropriate anthelmintic treatments and to limit spreading of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silva L M R
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - S Spoerel
- Tierarztpraxis Dr. Kindler, Saarbrücker Allee 7, 65201, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - L Wiesner
- Tierarztpraxis Dr. Kindler, Saarbrücker Allee 7, 65201, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - M Klein
- Tierarztpraxis Dr. Klein, Bahnhofstr. 30, 67251, Freinsheim, Germany
| | - N Pantchev
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestr. 28/3, 71636, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - A Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - C Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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11
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Jirku M, Kuchta R, Gricaj E, Modry D, Pomajbikova KJ. Canine thelaziosis in the Czech Republic: the northernmost autochthonous occurrence of the eye nematode Thelazia callipaeda Railliet et Henry, 1910 in Europe. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2020; 67. [PMID: 32367814 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2020.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The eye nematode Thelazia callipaeda Railliet et Henry, 1910 (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) is a vector-borne zoonotic nematode infecting a range of wild and domestic carnivores as well as humans. It is considered to be a causative agent of emerging and neglected disease and currently invades central part of Europe. Nematodes were collected from the eye of a dog living in Prague, which never travelled outside the Czech Republic. The nematodes were identified based on their morphology and partial sequence of the cox1 gene as T. callipaeda haplotype 1. This finding represents the northernmost record of autochthonous canine thelaziosis in Europe. The insufficient control of imported animals as well as free movement of dogs and wild carnivores within Europe probably facilitates spreading of T. callipaeda throughout the continent. To better understand the spreading of T. callipaeda and to prevent its zoonotic transmissions, information about the risk of this infection in newly invaded countries should be disseminated not only among veterinarians and physicians, but also within the community of pet owners and hunters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirku
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Kuchta
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Gricaj
- Veterinary Clinic Lhotka, Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - David Modry
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Jirku Pomajbikova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic *corresponding authors
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12
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Pombi M, Marino V, Jaenike J, Graham-Brown J, Bernardini I, Lia RP, Beugnet F, Miro G, Otranto D. Temperature is a common climatic descriptor of lachryphagous activity period in Phortica variegata (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from multiple geographical locations. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:89. [PMID: 32070408 PMCID: PMC7029543 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The drosophilid Phortica variegata is known as vector of Thelazia callipaeda, the oriental eyeworm native to Asia that has become an emergent zoonotic agent in several European regions. Unlike almost all other arthropod vectors of pathogens, only P. variegata males feed of lachrymal secretions of animals, ingesting first-stage larvae (L1) of the worm living in the orbital cavities of the host, and allowing with the same behaviour the introduction of infective L3. Despite the increased detection of T. callipaeda in many European countries, information about the length of the lachryphagous activity period of P. variegata and a deep knowledge of the environmental and climatic variables involved are still limited. Methods We herein present the results of a multicentre study involving five sites from four different countries (Italy, Spain, UK and USA) where canine thelaziosis is endemic and/or where it has already been ascertained the presence of P. variegata. Field data have been obtained on a fortnightly basis from mid-April to the end of November 2018 from a contemporary standardized sampling (same sampling effort and time of collection in all sites) of lachryphagous flies collected around the eyes of a human bait using an entomological net. These data have been associated to data collection of local climatic variables (day length, temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure and relative humidity). Results Overall, a total of 4862 P. variegata flies (4637 males and 224 females) were collected, with high differences in densities among the different sampling sites. Significant positive correlations were found between P. variegata male density and temperature and wind speed, while negative correlations were observed for barometric pressure and relative humidity. However, the above significant differences are confirmed in each sampling site separately only for the temperature. Conclusions This multicentre study highlights that temperature is the major common environmental driver in describing the lachryphagous activity of P. variegata in Europe and USA and, therefore, the transmission risk of thelaziosis.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Marino
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - John Graham-Brown
- Department of Livestock Health and Welfare, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ilaria Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo P Lia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Fred Beugnet
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France
| | - Guadalupe Miro
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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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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