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Pathak CR, Luitel H, Utaaker KS, Khanal P. One-health approach on the future application of snails: a focus on snail-transmitted parasitic diseases. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:28. [PMID: 38082123 PMCID: PMC10713800 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Snails are fascinating molluscs with unique morphological and physiological adaptive features to cope with various environments. They have traditionally been utilized as food and feed sources in many regions of the world. The future exploitation of alternative nutrient sources, like snails, is likely to increase further. Snails, however, also serve as an intermediate host for several zoonotic parasites. A category of parasitic infections, known as snail-transmitted parasitic diseases (STPDs), is harmful to humans and animals and is mainly driven by various trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes. The environment plays a crucial role in transmitting these parasites, as suitable habitats and conditions can facilitate their growth and proliferation in snails. In light of diverse environmental settings and biologically categorized snail species, this review evaluates the dynamics of significant STPDs of zoological importance. Additionally, possible diagnostic approaches for the prevention of STPDs are highlighted. One-health measures must be considered when employing snails as an alternative food or feed source to ensure the safety of snail-based products and prevent any adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chet Raj Pathak
- Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal.
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, 7713, Steinkjer, Norway.
| | - Himal Luitel
- Center for Biotechnology, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal
| | - Kjersti Selstad Utaaker
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, 7713, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Prabhat Khanal
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, 7713, Steinkjer, Norway.
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Cowie RH, Malik R, Morgan ER. Comparative biology of parasitic nematodes in the genus Angiostrongylus and related genera. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 121:65-197. [PMID: 37474239 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The rise to prominence of some Angiostrongylus species through associated emerging disease in humans and dogs has stimulated calls for a renewed focus on the biology of this genus and three related genera. Although significant research efforts have been made in recent years these have tended to focus on individual species and specific aspects such as diagnosis and treatment of disease or new records of occurrence and hosts. This comprehensive review takes a comparative approach, seeking commonalities and differences among species and asking such questions as: Which species belong to this and to closely related genera and how are they related? Why do only some species appear to be spreading geographically and what factors might underlie range expansion? Which animal species are involved in the life cycles as definitive, intermediate, paratenic and accidental hosts? How do parasite larvae find, infect and develop within these hosts? What are the consequences of infection for host health? How will climate change affect future spread and global health? Appreciating how species resemble and differ from each other shines a spotlight on knowledge gaps and provides provisional guidance on key species characteristics warranting detailed study. Similarities exist among species, including the basic life cycle and transmission processes, but important details such as host range, climatic requirements, migration patterns within hosts and disease mechanisms differ, with much more information available for A. cantonensis and A. vasorum than for other species. Nonetheless, comparison across Angiostrongylus reveals some common patterns. Historically narrow definitive host ranges are expanding with new knowledge, combining with very broad ranges of intermediate gastropod hosts and vertebrate and invertebrate paratenic and accidental hosts to provide the backdrop to complex interactions among climate, ecology and transmission that remain only partly understood, even for the species of dominant concern. Key outstanding questions concern larval dynamics and the potential for transmission outside trophic relations, relations between infection and disease severity in different hosts, and how global change is altering transmission beyond immediate impacts on development rate in gastropods. The concept of encounter and compatibility filters could help to explain differences in the relative importance of different gastropod species as intermediate hosts and determine the importance of host community composition and related environmental factors to transmission and range. Across the group, it remains unclear what, physiologically, immunologically or taxonomically, delimits definitive, accidental and paratenic hosts. Impacts of infection on definitive host fitness and consequences for population dynamics and transmission remain mostly unexplored across the genus. Continual updating and cross-referencing across species of Angiostrongylus and related genera is important to synthesise rapid advances in understanding of key traits and behaviours, especially in important Angiostrongylus species that are emerging causative agents of disease in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Maile Way, Gilmore, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
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Izquierdo-Rodriguez E, Anettová L, Hrazdilová K, Foronda P, Modrý D. Range of metastrongylids (superfamily Metastrongyloidea) of public health and veterinary concern present in livers of the endemic lizard Gallotia galloti of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:81. [PMID: 36890511 PMCID: PMC9997015 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05653-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endemic lizards of the genus Gallotia are of high ecological value to the terrestrial ecosystem of the archipelago of the Canary Islands, being potent seed spreaders as well as an important component of the diet of other vertebrates. The endemic lizard Gallotia galloti in Tenerife has recently been reported to be a paratenic host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, an invasive metastrongylid with zoonotic potential that is associated with rats as definitive hosts. However, microscopic examination of G. galloti tissue samples also revealed the presence of other metastrongylid larvae inside granulomas on the liver of this reptile. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of helminths other than A. cantonensis in tissues of G. galloti from Tenerife. METHODS A multiplex-nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 was designed that enabled the species-specific detection of A. cantonensis, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Crenosoma striatum and Crenosoma vulpis. Liver samples from 39 G. galloti were analysed. RESULTS Five metastrongylids were detected: A. cantonensis (15.4% of samples analysed), A. vasorum (5.1%), Ae. abstrusus (30.8%), C. striatum (30.8%) and undetermined metastrongylid sequences (12.8%). Co-infection was highly prevalent among the lizards which tested positive. CONCLUSIONS The study provides a new specific tool for the simultaneous detection of a range of metastrongylids of veterinary importance as well as new data on the circulation of metastrongylids in an ecosystem dominated by lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.,Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de La Lagunas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Lucia Anettová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Plzeň, Czech Republic
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. .,Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de La Lagunas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources (CINeZ), Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Carretón E, Morchón R, García-Rodríguez SN, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Matos JI, Costa-Rodríguez N, Montoya-Alonso JA. Comprehensive Map of Canine Angiostrongylosis in Dogs in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172217. [PMID: 36077937 PMCID: PMC9454907 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine angiostrongylosis is an emerging disease caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum, mainly affecting wild carnivores and dogs. In Spain, there are studies reporting infections in foxes, wolves, and badgers in different regions of the country. However, there are hardly any publications on its prevalence in dogs. The aim of this study was to complete and update the epidemiologic map of A. vasorum in dogs in Spain. A total of 5619 canine blood samples from all autonomous cities and provinces of Spain were collected and tested for the presence of circulating A. vasorum antigens. The overall apparent prevalence of canine A. vasorum infection in Spain was 1.39%. No significant differences were found for sex or age, but significant differences between outdoor and indoor/outdoor dogs were found. A high prevalence was also observed in the northern third of the country, where an oceanic climate prevails, being humid and rainy and where abundant vegetation can be found, thus favoring the proliferation of intermediate hosts. The results suggest that A. vasorum canine infections are heterogeneously present in a large part of the territory, demonstrating its expansion throughout the country, and therefore, awareness and prevention campaigns for this disease should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carretón
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Nieves García-Rodríguez
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
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Nationwide Seroprevalence Survey of Angiostrongylus vasorum-Derived Antigens and Specific Antibodies in Dogs from Colombia. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081565. [PMID: 36013983 PMCID: PMC9415501 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a cardiopulmonary nematode, causing several clinical manifestations in dogs, e.g., severe respiratory signs, coagulopathy, and gastrointestinal or neurological signs. In the last decades, this parasite has been described to spread and emerge in Europe and North America. Scant studies on A. vasorum occurrence in South America exist. Recently, A. vasorum was detected in gastropod intermediate hosts in Colombia, where data on definitive host prevalence, e.g., dogs and wild canids, are still limited. Therefore, the sera of 955 dogs, varying in age and breed from seven different departments all over Colombia, were collected and analysed for A. vasorum antigens and parasite-specific antibodies by ELISA. In total, 1.05 % (n = 10; 95 % CI 0.40–1.69) of the samples were antigen-positive and 2.62 % (n = 25; 95 % CI 1.61–3.63) were antibody-positive. These results confirm the presence of A. vasorum in Colombia, although positive results in antigen and antibody reactions in the same dog were not detected. This study is the first large-scale survey on A. vasorum seroprevalences in dogs from Colombia.
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Gurltia paralysans: A Neglected Angio-Neurotropic Parasite of Domestic Cats (Felis catus) and Free-Ranging Wild Felids (Leopardus spp.) in South America. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070792. [PMID: 35890036 PMCID: PMC9324590 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gurltia paralysans is a neglected and re-emerging metastrongyloid angio-neurotropic nematode causing severe chronic meningomyelitis in domestic cats (Felis catus) as well as in free-ranging small wild felids such as kodkods (Leopardus guigna), margays (Leopardus wiedii) and the northern tiger cat (Leopardus triginus) in South America. Within these definitive hosts (DH), adult males and females of G. paralysans parasitize the leptomeningeal veins of the subarachnoid space and/or the meningeal veins of spinal cord parenchyma, inducing vascular alterations. Feline gurltiosis has been associated with progressive thrombophlebitis of the meningeal veins, resulting in ambulatory paraparesis, paraplegia, ataxia, hindlimb proprioceptive deficit, uni- or bilateral hyperactive patellar reflexes, faecal and urinary incontinence, and tail paralysis. The complete life cycle of G. paralysans has not been elucidated yet, but most probably involves gastropods as obligate intermediate hosts (IH). In terms of epidemiology, G. paralysans infections in domestic and wild felids are scattered around various South American countries, with hyperendemic areas in southern parts of Chile. Etiological diagnosis of G. paralysans still represents a challenge for clinicians due to a lack of evidence of the excretion of either eggs or larvae in faeces or in other body fluids. Diagnosis is based on clinical neurological signs, imaging findings through computed tomography (CT), myelography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and post mortem examination. Nonetheless, novel diagnostic tools have been developed, including semi-nested PCR for detecting circulating G. paralysans DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid, serum and blood samples as well as in serological diagnostic kits detecting parasite-derived antigens, but these need validation for routine usage. The hypothetical life cycle of G. paralysans is addressed in this article, including the exogenous stages (i.e., eggs, and first- (L1), second- (L2) and third-stage (L3) larvae) and obligate gastropod IH and/or paratenic hosts (PH), and we propose possible anatomical migration routes of infective L3 that reach the leptomeningeal veins in vivo. Finally, the pro-inflammatory endothelium- and leukocyte-derived innate immune reactions of the host against G. paralysans, which most likely result in thrombophlebitis and meningomyelitis, are briefly touched on.
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Segeritz L, Westhoff KM, Schaper R, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Crenosoma vulpis and Troglostrongylus brevior Infections in Native Slug Populations of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070747. [PMID: 35889992 PMCID: PMC9315663 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior can cause severe cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms in companion animals and wildlife. Recently, these nematodes were reported to spread within Europe and South America. The reasons behind this are still unknown, but obligate gastropod intermediate host populations might play a role. Therefore, lungworm infections in terrestrial slug populations in selected geographic areas of the Federal States of Bavaria and of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, were studied. In total, 517 slugs (462 Arion spp., 51 Deroceras reticulatum, one Limax maximus, and three unknown slug species) were collected in the summer and autumn seasons, artificially digested and microscopically and molecularly analyzed for the presence of metastrongyloid lungworm larvae. Overall, gastropods showed a prevalence of 11.61% (60/517) for A. vasorum, 1.74% (9/517) for A. abstrusus, 0.77% (4/517) for C. vulpis and 0.97% (5/517) for T. brevior infections, respectively. In Obrigheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg), a hyperendemic focus of canine angiostrongylosis was identified. Here, gastropod infection rates rose from 13.60% (17/125) to 62.96% (34/54) within a few months. In total, 25.61% (84/328) of analysed terrestrial gastropods from Baden-Wuerttemberg were positive for metastrongyloids. In contrast, Bavarian gastropods showed a much lower prevalence of 4.76% (9/189). For the first time, the presence of T. brevior was confirmed for Arion spp. in Baden-Wuerttemberg via molecular analyses. Overall, the current data confirm that canine angiostrongylosis occurs in hyperendemic foci in certain geographic areas with high infection rates in intermediate host populations. As a result, the prevalence for a specific region can rise remarkably within a short period of time. Thus, for a better understanding of lungworm epidemiology in Germany and to protect dogs from angiostrongylosis in hyperendemic foci, it seems mandatory to enhance current efforts on Metastrongyloidea-targeted monitoring on a geographical and time span-related level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Segeritz
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-99-39746
| | - Katharina Mareike Westhoff
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
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Anettová L, Izquierdo-Rodriguez E, Foronda P, Baláž V, Novotný L, Modrý D. Endemic lizard Gallotia galloti is a paratenic host of invasive Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Tenerife, Spain. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-23. [PMID: 35321776 PMCID: PMC10090600 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000336] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an invasive zoonotic nematode which causes eosinophilic meningitis in accidental hosts – vertebrates including humans – and is known to impact wildlife. Even though the parasite originates in Southeast Asia, it has spread worldwide, especially into fragile island ecosystems. The Canary Islands are a biodiversity hot spot with numerous endemic species affected by biological invasions. Among others, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus threaten many endemic species by predation and may spread invasive pathogens, such as the rat lungworm A. cantonensis , which was first described in Tenerife in 2010. Since it is known that lizards can act as paratenic hosts for A. cantonensis and Gallotia galloti is a lizard abundant in Tenerife, the aim of this study was to reveal the role of these endemic lizards in the parasite's life cycle. Gallotia galloti were captured in Tegueste, Tenerife, and after euthanasia, liver and tail muscle samples were examined for the presence of A. cantonensis . During microscopic examination, 8/36 liver samples (22.2%) contained granulomas with nematode larvae. In total, 10/39 liver samples (25.6%) and 7/36 tail muscle samples (19.4%) were positive for A. cantonensis DNA using qPCR. This is a first report of a reptile endemic to the Canary Islands acting as paratenic host of A. cantonensis . The fact that the parasite is obviously well-established in the island ecosystem and exploits endemic lizards as hosts may have important implications for the parasite's ecoepidemiology. Moreover, the parasite might threaten other species which depend on lizards in the island trophic web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Anettová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Vojtech Baláž
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Novotný
- Finn Pathologists, CVS Group plc, Norfolk, UK
- Novopath Ltd, Ceperka, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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New Insights into Gastrointestinal and Pulmonary Parasitofauna of Wild Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx) in the Harz Mountains of Germany. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121650. [PMID: 34959605 PMCID: PMC8708128 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) represents an endangered wild felid species. In Germany, it currently occurs in three isolated populations in and around the Harz Mountains, the Palatinate Forest and the Bavarian Forest. Lynx parasitic infections affect animal health and might have an influence on population performance. Therefore, we investigated the protozoan and helminth fauna of free-ranging Eurasian lynx of the Harz population with emphasis on zoonotic parasites. Individual scat samples (n = 24) were collected from wild animals between 2019 and 2021 in the Harz National Park and surrounding areas. In total, 15 taxa of endoparasites were detected, including seven nematodes (i.e., Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati, Cylicospirura spp. and Capillaria spp.), one cestode (Diphyllobothriidae) and one trematode (Heterophylidae) as well as six protozoans (i.e., Cystoisospora rivolta, Cystoisospora felis, Toxoplasma gondii/Hammondia spp., Sarcocystis spp., Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp.). Moreover, first-stage larvae (L1) of spurious lungworm, Protostrongylus pulmonalis, originating from lagomorph preys were identified. This work represents the first report on patent A. abstrusus and Angiostrongylus spp. infections in wild German Eurasian lynxes. Some of the identified parasites represent relevant pathogens for lynxes, circulating between these carnivorous definitive hosts and a variety of mammalian and invertebrate intermediate hosts, e.g., Sarcocystis spp., T. gondii/Hammondia spp., T. cati, T. leonina, A. abstrusus and Angiostrongylus spp., while others are considered exclusively pathogenic for wild felids (e.g., Cylicospirura spp., C. rivolta, C. felis). This study provides insights in the occurrence of zooanthroponotically relevant metazoan (i.e., T. cati and U. stenocephala) and protozoan (i.e., G. intestinalis) species in free-ranging lynx. The present work should be considered as a baseline study for future monitoring surveys on endoparasites circulating in wild Eurasian lynx for appropriate management practices in lynx conservation strategies in Europe.
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Gonzálvez M, Ruiz de Ybáñez R. What do we know about Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Spain? Current knowledge and future perspectives in a globalized world. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:3115-3120. [PMID: 34786875 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14393] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important emerging and zoonotic nematode that has been reported worldwide since its first description in Asia 86 years ago. Among places where this parasite has been recently described, insular regions of northwest Africa seem to be particularly relevant. We performed a systematic review in scientific databases to search and extract information about all reports describing cases of A. cantonensis in Spain until July 2021. As a result, seven surveys about the presence of this pathogen in Spanish insular regions were found, especially in the Canary Islands, as well as a non-autochthonous report of A. cantonensis in the mainland Spain. The lack of reliable information about the presence or absence of this nematode in the Iberian Peninsula highlights the need for further studies concerning this emerging pathogen since rodents acting as competent definitive hosts of A. cantonensis are widely distributed in the mainland. Moreover, the high maritime traffic daily registered in Spanish ports could be a main entrance pathway for A. cantonensis or its intermediate hosts in the country due to the frequent and direct connection between these points and regions where this pathogen is endemic. We encourage to focus further efforts on investigating the current epidemiological situation of A. cantonensis in the Iberian Peninsula, just as in other Mediterranean countries with similar epidemiological, ecological and geographical characteristics. In this sense, the relevant implications of this parasite for animal and public health make necessary to act integrating different viewpoints under the One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Rocío Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Departamento Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional 'Campus Mare Nostrum', Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
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Morgan ER, Modry D, Paredes-Esquivel C, Foronda P, Traversa D. Angiostrongylosis in Animals and Humans in Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1236. [PMID: 34684185 PMCID: PMC8538298 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lungworms in the genus Angiostrongylus cause disease in animals and humans. The spread of Angiostrongylus vasorum within Europe and the recent establishment of Angiostrongylus cantonensis increase the relevance of these species to veterinary and medical practitioners, and to researchers in parasitology, epidemiology, veterinary science and ecology. This review introduces the key members of the genus present in Europe and their impacts on health, and updates the current epidemiological situation. Expansion of A. vasorum from localized pockets to wide distribution across the continent has been confirmed by a rising prevalence in foxes and increasing reports of infection and disease in dogs, while the list of carnivore and mustelid definitive hosts continues to grow. The tropically distributed rat lungworm A. cantonensis, meanwhile, has been recorded on islands south of Europe, previously the Canary Islands, and now also the Balearic Islands, although so far with limited evidence of zoonotic disease. Other members of the genus, namely, A. chabaudi, A. daskalovi and A. dujardini, are native to Europe and mainly infect wildlife, with unknown consequences for populations, although spill-over can occur into domestic animals and those in zoological collections. The epidemiology of angiostrongylosis is complex, and further research is needed on parasite maintenance in sylvatic hosts, and on the roles of ecology, behaviour and genetics in disease emergence. Improved surveillance in animals and humans is also required to support risk assessments and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - David Modry
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Claudia Paredes-Esquivel
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain;
| | - Pilar Foronda
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain;
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
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Barrios N, Gómez M, Zanelli M, Rojas-Barón L, Sepúlveda-García P, Alabí A, Adasme M, Müller A, Rosenfeld C, González-Lagos C, Taubert A, Hermosilla C. A Molecular Survey on Neglected Gurltia paralysans and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus Infections in Domestic Cats ( Felis catus) from Southern Chile. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091195. [PMID: 34578227 PMCID: PMC8468845 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gurltia paralysans and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are neglected metastrongyloid nematode species which infect domestic and wild cats in South American countries and in Chile, but no epidemiological studies on concomitant infections have been conducted in Chile so far. The aim of this study was not only to evaluate the occurrence of concomitant infections, but also to identify epidemiological risk factors associated with of G. paralysans and A. abstrusus infections in urban domestic cats (Felis catus) from Southern Chile. Blood samples from clinically healthy domestic cats from three cities of Southern Chile-Temuco, Valdivia, and Puerto Montt-were analyzed by an experimental semi-nested PCR protocol. A total of 171 apparently healthy domestic cats in Temuco (n = 68), Valdivia (n = 50), and Puerto Montt (n = 53) were sampled and analyzed. A total of 93 domestic cats (54.4%) were positive for G. paralysans, and 34 (19.9%) were positive for A. abstrusus infections. From those animals, 34 (19.9%) were co-infected. Cats positive with G. paralysans were found in all three cities; 47.2% in Puerto Montt, 48% in Valdivia, and 64.7% in Temuco. Levels of infection for A. abstrusus in the population under study were 4% (Valdivia), 10% (Puerto Montt), and 32.4% (Temuco). The present large-scale epidemiological study confirmed the presence of these neglected nematodes in domestic cat populations in Southern Chile, and described the possible risk factors associated with feline gurltiosis and aelurostrongylosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Barrios
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (N.B.); (L.R.-B.)
| | - Marcelo Gómez
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (N.B.); (L.R.-B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-6322-21548 or +56-6322-23247
| | - Macarena Zanelli
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomas, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile;
| | - Lisbeth Rojas-Barón
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (N.B.); (L.R.-B.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.T.); (C.H.)
| | - Paulina Sepúlveda-García
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (P.S.-G.); (A.A.); (M.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Amir Alabí
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (P.S.-G.); (A.A.); (M.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Melany Adasme
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (P.S.-G.); (A.A.); (M.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile; (P.S.-G.); (A.A.); (M.A.); (A.M.)
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 42123, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Carla Rosenfeld
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - César González-Lagos
- Departamento de Ciencias, Facultad de Artes Liberales, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.T.); (C.H.)
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.T.); (C.H.)
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