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Burden DJ, Bartley DJ, Besier RB, Claerebout E, Elliott TP, Höglund J, Rehbein S, Torres-Acosta JFJ, Van Wyk JA, Yazwinski T. World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.): Third edition of the guideline for evaluating efficacy of anthelmintics in ruminants (bovine, ovine, caprine). Vet Parasitol 2024; 329:110187. [PMID: 38728835 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110187] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
This guideline is aimed at those who are involved in the assessment of anthelmintic efficacy in ruminant livestock species (bovine, ovine and caprine). The intent is to provide a framework that can be adopted worldwide for the testing of anthelmintics in ruminants, such that studies carried out in different countries can be compared and thereby unnecessary duplication can be reduced. Recommendations are made for the selection, housing and feeding of study animals, the type of studies required, the method used to conduct those studies, the assessment of results and the standards for defining anthelmintic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Burden
- Duilio Veterinary Parasitology, The Vicarage, Church Lane, Churcham, Gloucester, UK.
| | - D J Bartley
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, UK
| | - R B Besier
- College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - E Claerebout
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - T P Elliott
- Centre for Animal Research and Teaching, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - J Höglund
- Section for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S Rehbein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - J F J Torres-Acosta
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - J A Van Wyk
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - T Yazwinski
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Wangboon C, Martviset P, Jamklang M, Chumkiew S, Penkhrue W, Rangdist S, Jirojwong R, Phadungsil W, Chantree P, Grams R, Krenc D, Piyatadsananon P, Geadkaew-Krenc A. Microscopic and molecular epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy and beef cattle in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. Vet World 2024; 17:1035-1043. [PMID: 38911081 PMCID: PMC11188888 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1035-1043] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infection remains an important problem in livestock, particularly cattle. The infection may lead to serious health complications and affect animal products. The objective of this study was to investigate GI nematode infection and its associated risk factors in dairy and beef cattle farmed in Pak Chong District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeast Thailand. Materials and Methods Fecal specimens were collected from 101 dairy cattle and 100 beef cattle. Formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques were used to process the samples and the samples were observed under a light microscope. Samples were subjected to molecular identification of specific genera using conventional polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. Results The overall prevalence of GI nematode infection was 33.3%. The strongyle nematode was the most significant GI nematode in this area with a prevalence of 28.4%. The prevalence of strongyle nematodes was 58.0% in beef cattle and only 7.9% in dairy cattle. Trichuris spp. was another nematode found in both types of cattle with an overall prevalence of 5.0% with 9.0% in beef cattle and 1.0% in dairy cattle. The results of the epidemiological study indicate that the age of cattle, food, water sources, farming system, and housing floor are the most important risk factors. Among the strongyle nematodes, Ostertagia spp. was the most prevalent (82.0%), followed by Haemonchus spp. (62.3%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (8.2%), respectively. Conclusion Infection with GI nematodes still exists in this area, particularly in beef cattle. Our reported data may benefit local parasitic control policies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chompunoot Wangboon
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Pongsakorn Martviset
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Mantana Jamklang
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Sirilak Chumkiew
- School of Biology, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Watsana Penkhrue
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Sainamthip Rangdist
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Ruttiroj Jirojwong
- Department of Livestock Development, Bureau of Veterinary Biologics, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130, Thailand
| | - Wansika Phadungsil
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Pathanin Chantree
- Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rudi Grams
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Dawid Krenc
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Pantip Piyatadsananon
- School of Geoinformatics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Amornrat Geadkaew-Krenc
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
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Opsal T, Toftaker I, Robertson L, Woolsey I, Hektoen L. Comparison of diagnostic methods for assessment of Ostertagia ostertagi exposure in Norwegian dairy herds. Acta Vet Scand 2023; 65:52. [PMID: 38031126 PMCID: PMC10687923 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00712-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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) Ostertagia ostertagi can cause severe disease in first season grazers (FSG) and impaired performance due to subclinical infections in adult cows. Diagnostic methods to assess exposure include faecal egg count and detection of specific antibodies using antibody-ELISAs resulting in an optical density ratio (ODR). Using the ELISA test on bulk tank milk (BTM) allows for a herd level diagnosis. Appropriate use of diagnostic methods for evaluation of O. ostertagi exposure is required to optimize herd parasite surveillance and aid in a sustainable control regime. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between different diagnostic tests used to assess GIN exposure in Norwegian production systems. A cross-sectional field study was carried out in twenty herds in Norway in the fall of 2020. Serum and faecal samples were taken from 380 individuals, of which 181 were FSG and 199 were cows. In addition, milk was collected from every cow and one BTM sample was taken from each herd. Faecal egg counts were performed. The distribution of ODR values in individual samples within and between herds and the associations between BTM ODR and individual ODR values were described. The data were analysed using visual assessment of scatter plots, Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression. RESULTS A high variability of the within-herd individual ODR values in serum and milk in every herd was detected. The ODR in BTM explained a low degree of the variation in the individual serum and milk samples. When plotting the ODR results in milk or serum according to four BTM categories, the distribution of ODR values were notably different in the highest and lowest BTM categories. The correlation between individual milk and serum samples was moderate (r = 0.68), while the highest correlation (r = 0.81) was between the BTM ODR and the group average individual milk samples. CONCLUSIONS A poor predictive ability for BTM ODR to assess individual ODR values in both FSG and cows was demonstrated. However, the study indicates that the evaluation by ELISA test on BTM to assess exposure to GIN could be useful in herds with a very high or low BTM ODR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonje Opsal
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway.
| | - Ingrid Toftaker
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Lucy Robertson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Ian Woolsey
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Hektoen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway
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Baltrušis P, Höglund J. Digital PCR: modern solution to parasite diagnostics and population trait genetics. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:143. [PMID: 37098569 PMCID: PMC10131454 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic approaches has steadily increased in the field of parasitology in recent decades. The most recent large-scale technological modification of the PCR formula, also known as third-generation PCR, came in the form of digital PCR (dPCR). Currently, the most common form of dPCR on the market is digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Unlike quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the digital format allows for highly sensitive, absolute quantification of nucleic acid targets and does not require external standards to be included in the developed assays. Dividing each sample into thousands of compartments and using statistical models also eliminates the need for technical replicates. With unprecedented sensitivity and enforcement of binary endpoint reactions, ddPCR not only allows the use of tiny sample volumes (especially important when working with limited amounts of DNA) but also minimises the impact of variations in amplification efficiency and the presence of inhibitors. As ddPCR is characterised by excellent features such as high throughput, sensitivity and robust quantification, it is widely used as a diagnostic tool in clinical microbiology. Due to recent advances, both the theoretical background and the practical, current applications related to the quantification of nucleic acids of eukaryotic parasites need to be updated. In this review, we present the basics of this technology (particularly useful for new users) and consolidate recent advances in the field with a focus on applications to the study of helminths and protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulius Baltrušis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Charlier J, Williams DJ, Ravinet N, Claerebout E. To treat or not to treat: diagnostic thresholds in subclinical helminth infections of cattle. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:139-151. [PMID: 36526548 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Helminth infections of cattle place significant burdens on livestock production and farm economic efficiency. Heavy infections are relatively easy to detect and treat with anthelmintics. However, subclinical infections have major but often hidden impacts on animals, necessitating more refined diagnostics to detect them and ideally inform farmers about the likely impact of anthelmintic treatment on animal and herd performance. Here, we review recent advances in diagnosing three major cattle helminth infections - gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), liver flukes, and lungworms - and the search for subclinical infection thresholds to guide treatment decisions. Combining refined diagnostic thresholds with farm-specific information on grazing systems and animal history enables farmers to tailor helminth treatments to specific epidemiological circumstances, thereby limiting anthelmintic resistance (AR) and boosting agricultural efficiency and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana J Williams
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Rinaldi L, Krücken J, Martinez-Valladares M, Pepe P, Maurelli MP, de Queiroz C, Castilla Gómez de Agüero V, Wang T, Cringoli G, Charlier J, Gilleard JS, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Advances in diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock and companion animals. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 118:85-176. [PMID: 36088084 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock and companion animals has been neglected for years and there has been an historical underinvestment in the development and improvement of diagnostic tools, undermining the undoubted utility of surveillance and control programmes. However, a new impetus by the scientific community and the quickening pace of technological innovations, are promoting a renaissance of interest in developing diagnostic capacity for nematode infections in veterinary parasitology. A cross-cutting priority for diagnostic tools is the development of pen-side tests and associated decision support tools that rapidly inform on the levels of infection and morbidity. This includes development of scalable, parasite detection using artificial intelligence for automated counting of parasitic elements and research towards establishing biomarkers using innovative molecular and proteomic methods. The aim of this review is to assess the state-of-the-art in the diagnosis of helminth infections in livestock and companion animals and presents the current advances of diagnostic methods for intestinal parasites harnessing (i) automated methods for copromicroscopy based on artificial intelligence, (ii) immunodiagnosis, and (iii) molecular- and proteome-based approaches. Regardless of the method used, multiple factors need to be considered before diagnostics test results can be interpreted in terms of control decisions. Guidelines on how to apply diagnostics and how to interpret test results in different animal species are increasingly requested and some were recently made available in veterinary parasitology for the different domestic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - J Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Martinez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - P Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - M P Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - C de Queiroz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3331 Hospital Drive, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, St Georges University, Grenada
| | - V Castilla Gómez de Agüero
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - T Wang
- Kreavet, Kruibeke, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - J S Gilleard
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3331 Hospital Drive, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - G von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Wichianchot S, Hongsrichan N, Maneeruttanarungroj C, Pinlaor S, Iamrod K, Purisarn A, Donthaisong P, Karanis P, Nimsuphan B, Rucksaken R. A newly developed droplet digital PCR for Ehrlichia canis detection: comparisons to conventional PCR and blood smear techniques. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:831-840. [PMID: 35473801 PMCID: PMC9246678 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0086] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis infection is a life-threatening vector-borne disease in dogs worldwide. Routine blood smear has very low sensitivity and cannot accurately provide a quantitative result. Conventional PCR (cPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) are widely used as molecular methods for E. canis detection. qPCR is quantitative but relies on standard curves of known samples. To overcome this difficulty, this study developed a new E. canis quantitative detection method, using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). ddPCR was evaluated against cPCR and blood smears. PCR amplicons and genomic DNA (gDNA) from 12 microscopic positive samples were used to identify the limits of detection (LODs) in ddPCR and cPCR. Our ddPCR was assessed in 92 field samples, it was compared with cPCR and blood smears. ddPCR showed LOD = 1.6 copies/reaction, or 78 times more sensitive than cPCR (LOD = 126 copies/reaction), using PCR amplicons as a template, whereas both ddPCR and cPCR had equal LODs at 0.02 ng gDNA/reaction. In addition, ddPCR had 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity for E. canis detection compared to cPCR and no cross-reaction with other blood pathogens was observed. ddPCR identified more positive samples than cPCR and blood smear. ddPCR improved the overall performance of E. canis detection, with a better LOD and comparable sensitivity and specificity to cPCR. The technique might be helpful for diagnosis of E. canis in light infection, evaluating the number of E. canis and follow-up after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakulchit Wichianchot
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University
| | | | - Cherdsak Maneeruttanarungroj
- Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang.,Bioenergy Research Unit, School of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
| | - Somchai Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
| | - Kantapong Iamrod
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
| | - Andaman Purisarn
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University
| | - Peerawich Donthaisong
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne.,University of Nicosia Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences
| | - Burin Nimsuphan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University
| | - Rucksak Rucksaken
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University
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Mancusi A, Giordano A, Bosco A, Girardi S, Proroga YTR, Morena L, Pinto R, Sarnelli P, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Capuano F, Maurelli MP. Development of a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction tool for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in meat samples. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1467-1473. [PMID: 35230549 PMCID: PMC8993784 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infection in humans has usually been related to the consumption of raw, undercooked or cured meat. The aim of this study was to develop a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR)-based assay for the detection and quantification of T. gondii in meat samples. To optimize the ddPCR, T.gondii reference DNA aliquots at five known concentrations: 8000 cg/µl, 800 cg/µl, 80 cg/µl, 8 cg/µl were used. Moreover, results obtained by ddPCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were compared using 80 known samples (40 positive and 40 negative), as well as 171 unknown diaphragm tissue samples collected at slaughterhouses. The ddPCR showed a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 100%, with a detection limit of 8 genomic copy/µl of T. gondii. A nearly perfect agreement (κ = 0.85) was found between results obtained by ddPCR and qPCR for both positive and negative known samples analysed. On the 171 diaphragm tissue samples from field, 7.6% resulted positive by ddPCR and only 1.2% by qPCR. Therefore, this innovative method could be very useful for the detection of T. gondii in meat samples, aiming to prevent human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancusi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Angela Giordano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Santa Girardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | | | - Luigi Morena
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Renato Pinto
- UOD Prevenzione E Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Sarnelli
- UOD Prevenzione E Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy.
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9
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Assessment of three DNA extraction kits for the absolute quantification of strongyle nematode eggs in faecal samples. Acta Vet Scand 2022; 64:5. [PMID: 35139862 PMCID: PMC8826664 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haemonchus contortus is one of the most pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants. The current diagnostic approach for the detection of this species relies on coproscopic methods, which both have low sensitivity and are time consuming. Methods employing detection through DNA amplification, such as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), offer an advantageous approach to the diagnosis of H. contortus. However, DNA extraction protocols need to be constantly updated for the optimal retrieval of diagnostically usable template. Here, we describe the evaluation of three genomic DNA extraction kits for the detection and quantification of H. contortus ITS2 amplicon DNA from faecal samples, using droplet digital PCR. Results DNA samples, extracted from faecal material with the Nucleospin DNA Stool kit, produced the highest amounts of ITS2 amplicon copies and had the lowest coefficient of variation across different dilutions and sample types (fresh or frozen) out of the tested kits (Nucleospin DNA Stool, E.Z.N.A.® Stool DNA Kit and QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini Kit). Furthermore, the protocol of this kit has the fewest number of steps and the price of DNA extraction per sample is reasonable (2.77 €). Conclusions The Nucleospin DNA Stool kit is an attractive option for the detection and quantification of H. contortus DNA in faecal samples of small ruminants in a diagnostic setting.
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Tarbiat B, Enweji N, Baltrusis P, Halvarsson P, Osterman-Lind E, Jansson DS, Höglund J. A novel duplex ddPCR assay for detection and differential diagnosis of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum eggs from chickens feces. Vet Parasitol 2021; 296:109499. [PMID: 34144378 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since the EU ban on battery cages, many studies have listed Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum as the most common roundworms in the European laying hen population. A complicating factor is that the eggs of these parasites are almost identical. Thus, lack of molecular diagnostic approaches has driven epidemiological studies to take on necropsy for species discrimination, which is labor and cost intensive. Here, we describe a novel diagnostic tool based on droplet digital PCR for simultaneous identification and absolute quantification of the eggs of both of these ascarids in chickens' droppings using two different genus-specific primer-probe sets targeting the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-2) in the nuclear ribosomal (rRNA) gene array. No cross-reaction was observed when different combinations of DNA and species-specific primers and probes were tested. The lowest obtained frequency threshold for the detection of H. gallinarum in the presence of a constant A. galli DNA concentration was determined to be 0.8 %. After validation, we used the assay to analyze field samples collected from several Swedish laying hen farms. Out of 134 samples, 86 (64 %) were positive for A. galli while 11 (8.3 %) samples were positive for H. gallinarum. These samples were initially analyzed with flotation technique for detection of ascarid eggs. The results of the Cohen's kappa indicated substantial agreement (85.8 %) between the two tests. In conclusion, we have validated a novel molecular-based diagnostic tool for quantification and differentiation between intestinal parasites of major importance in chickens with high precision. Although this study focuses on identification of parasites of laying hens, the findings may well have a bearing on all types of chicken production systems. The present study lays the groundwork for future research into epidemiology of these two important chicken parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Tarbiat
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - N Enweji
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P Baltrusis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P Halvarsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Osterman-Lind
- Department of Microbiology, Section for Parasitological Diagnostics, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - D S Jansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE751 89, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Högberg N, Hessle A, Lidfors L, Baltrušis P, Claerebout E, Höglund J. Subclinical nematode parasitism affects activity and rumination patterns in first-season grazing cattle. Animal 2021; 15:100237. [PMID: 34091226 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickness behaviour has been suggested as an applicable indicator for monitoring disease. Deviating feeding behaviour and activity can provide information about animals' health and welfare status. Recent advances in sensor technology enable monitoring of such behaviours and could potentially be utilized as an indicator of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. This study investigated activity and rumination patterns in first-season grazing steers exposed to subclinical infection levels of the GIN Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora. At turnout, animals were allocated to one of four experimental groups and were faced with "high" (H1, n = 15; H2, n = 17) or "low" (L1, n = 17; L2, n = 11) levels of parasite exposure by grazing in similar enclosures contaminated with overwintering third stage (L3) GIN larvae. Animals in H1 and H2 (HP) received a 1:1 mix of approximately 10,000 O. ostertagi and C. oncophora L3 at turnout; whereas the animals in L1 and L2 (LP) were treated monthly with ivermectin. Activity and rumination patterns were monitored by fitting animals with leg- (IceQube) and neck-mounted (Heatime) sensors. BW was recorded every fortnight, whereas faecal and blood samples were examined every four weeks for nematode faecal egg count and serum pepsinogen concentrations (SPCs). There was an interaction effect of exposure level and period (P < 0.0001) on average lying daily time across the entire grazing time. A higher mean daily lying time (P = 0.0037) was found in HP compared with LP during the first 40 days on pasture. There was also interaction effects of treatment and day since turnout on rumination time (P < 0.0001) and rumination change (P = 0.0008). Also mean daily steps (P < 0.0001) and mean daily motion index (P < 0.0001) were markedly higher in HP during days 62-69, coinciding with peaking SPC in HP. Strongyle eggs were observed both in HP and LP from 31 days after turnout. Eggs per gram (EPG) differed between parasite exposure levels (P < 0.0001), with mean EPG remaining low in LP throughout the experiment. Similarly, an increase in SPC was observed (P < 0.0001), but only in HP where it peaked at day 56. In contrast, no difference in BW gain (BWG) (P = 0.78) between HP and LP was observed. In conclusion, this study shows that behavioural measurements monitored with sensors were affected even at low infection levels not affecting BWG. These combined results demonstrate the potential of automated behavioural recordings as a tool for detection of subclinical parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas Högberg
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Parasitology Unit, Box 7036, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Anna Hessle
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - Lena Lidfors
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - Paulius Baltrušis
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Parasitology Unit, Box 7036, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Parasitology, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Johan Höglund
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Parasitology Unit, Box 7036, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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12
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Baltrušis P, Charvet CL, Halvarsson P, Mikko S, Höglund J. Using droplet digital PCR for the detection of hco-acr-8b levamisole resistance marker in H. contortus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 15:168-176. [PMID: 33799059 PMCID: PMC8044644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Haemonchus contortus is one of the most prevalent and pathogenic parasites in small ruminants. Although usually controlled using anthelmintics, the development of drug resistance by the parasite has become a major issue in livestock production. While the molecular detection of benzimidazole resistance in H. contortus is well developed, the molecular tools and protocols are far less advanced for the detection of levamisole resistance. The hco-acr-8 gene encodes a critical acetylcholine susceptible subunit that confers levamisole-sensitivity to the receptor. Here, we report the development of a droplet digital PCR assay as a molecular tool to detect a 63 bp deletion in the hco-acr-8 that has been previously associated with levamisole resistance. Sanger sequencing of single adult H. contortus yielded 56 high-quality consensus sequences surrounding the region containing the deletion. Based on the sequencing data, new primers and probes were designed and validated with a novel droplet digital PCR assay for the quantification of the deletion containing “resistant” allele in genomic DNA samples. Single adult worms from six phenotypically described isolates (n = 60) and from two Swedish sheep farms (n = 30) where levamisole was effective were tested. Even though a significant difference in genotype frequencies between the resistant and susceptible reference isolates was found (p = 0.01), the homozygous “resistant” genotype was observed to be abundantly present in both the susceptible isolates as well as in some Swedish H. contortus samples. Furthermore, field larval culture samples, collected pre- (n = 7) and post- (n = 6) levamisole treatment on seven Swedish sheep farms where levamisole was fully efficacious according to Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test results, were tested to evaluate the frequency of the “resistant” allele in each. Frequencies of the deletion ranged from 35 to 80% in the pre-treatment samples, whereas no amplifiable H. contortus genomic DNA was detected in the post-treatment samples. Together, these data reveal relatively high frequencies of the 63 bp deletion in the hco-acr-8 both on individual H. contortus and field larval culture scales, and cast doubt on the utility of the deletion in the hco-acr-8 as a molecular marker for levamisole resistance detection on sheep farms. Acr8b – levamisole resistance marker investigated in single worms and larval cultures. Individuals homozygous for acr8b found more commonly, even in susceptible isolates. Levamisole treatment efficacy was unaffected by increased acr8b frequencies in larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulius Baltrušis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Peter Halvarsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofia Mikko
- Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Yu Z, Zhao Z, Chen L, Li J, Ju X. Development of a Droplet Digital PCR for Detection of Trichuriasis in Sheep. J Parasitol 2021; 106:603-610. [PMID: 32997756 DOI: 10.1645/20-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichuriasis is a serious threat to the economic development of animal husbandry. This research aimed to establish a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method to detect Trichuris spp. for the early diagnosis and prevention of trichuriasis in sheep. The real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ddPCR methods were used for the detection of nematodes by targeted amplification of the ITS gene. Each means was evaluated to optimize the limit of detection and reproducibility. For a recombinant plasmid, the qPCR results showed that the detection limit was 31.7 copies per reaction. In contrast to qPCR, ddPCR was able to detect concentrations below 3.17 copies per reaction. Both assays exhibited good reproducibility. However, the ddPCR method was more stable for low-copy-number detection. This new assay was specific for Trichuris spp. and did not cross-react with other relevant gastrointestinal nematodes. A total of 98 clinical samples were tested with both assays. The results showed that the positive rate of ddPCR (80.6%) was higher than that of qPCR (72.4%). This method could be used as an efficient molecular biology tool to test for Trichuris spp. and could be a new valuable tool for the clinical diagnosis and prevention of trichuriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Yu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, Guangdong, China.,Technology Center, Hohhot Customs District, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhao
- Technology Center, Hohhot Customs District, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Linjun Chen
- Technology Center, Hohhot Customs District, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Junyan Li
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, 010031, China
| | - Xianghong Ju
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, Guangdong, China
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14
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Skorpikova L, Reslova N, Magdalek J, Vadlejch J, Kasny M. The use of high resolution melting analysis of ITS-1 for rapid differentiation of parasitic nematodes Haemonchus contortus and Ashworthius sidemi. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15984. [PMID: 32994528 PMCID: PMC7525508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Among gastrointestinal nematodes, haematophagous strongylids Haemonchus contortus and Ashworthius sidemi belong to the most pathogenic parasites of both domestic and wild ruminants. Correct identification of parasitic taxa is of crucial importance in many areas of parasite research, including monitoring of occurrence, epidemiological studies, or testing of effectiveness of therapy. In this study, we identified H. contortus and A. sidemi in a broad range of ruminant hosts that occur in the Czech Republic using morphological/morphometric and molecular approaches. As an advanced molecular method, we employed qPCR followed by High Resolution Melting analysis, specifically targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) sequence to distinguish the two nematode species. We demonstrate that High Resolution Melting curves allow for taxonomic affiliation, making it a convenient, rapid, and reliable identification tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Skorpikova
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic.
| | - Nikol Reslova
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Magdalek
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, 165 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Vadlejch
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, 165 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kasny
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
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