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Moraes IDS, Silva VLDB, de Andrade-Silva BE, Gomes APN, de Urzedo NF, Abolis VB, Gonçalves RDS, Arpon KV, de Assis-Silva ZM, da Silva LF, Zago EA, Gonçalves MB, Braga ÍA, Saturnino KC, Colodel EM, Júnior AM, Pacheco RDC, Ramos DGDS. Gastrointestinal Helminths in Wild Felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: Zoonotic Bioindicators in Important Brazilian Biomes. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1622. [PMID: 38891670 PMCID: PMC11171020 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111622] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago de Sá Moraes
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Victória Luiza de Barros Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Beatriz Elise de Andrade-Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Ana Paula Nascimento Gomes
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Nicoly Ferreira de Urzedo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Vitória Breda Abolis
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Renata de Souza Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Karina Varella Arpon
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Zara Mariana de Assis-Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Lizandra Fernandes da Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Ellen Amanda Zago
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Michelle Benevides Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Ísis Assis Braga
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Klaus Casaro Saturnino
- Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil;
| | - Edson Moleta Colodel
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil;
| | - Arnaldo Maldonado Júnior
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Richard de Campos Pacheco
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Dirceu Guilherme de Souza Ramos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
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Nourollahi Fard SR, Akhtardanesh B, Sadr S, Khedri J, Radfar MH, Shadmehr M. Gastrointestinal helminths infection of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in Southeast Iran. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1422. [PMID: 38504628 PMCID: PMC10951621 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population. METHODS From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. RESULTS The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. CONCLUSION Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Baharak Akhtardanesh
- Department of clinical sciencesSchool of veterinary medicineShahid Bahonar University of KermanKermanIran
| | - Soheil Sadr
- Department of PathobiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Javad Khedri
- Department of PathobiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Radfar
- Department of pathobiologySchool of veterinary medicineShahid Bahonar University of KermanKermanIran
| | - Mehdi Shadmehr
- School of Veterinary MedicineShahid Bahonar University of KermanKermanIran
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Bonilla-Aldana JL, Espinosa-Nuñez AC, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Toxocara cati Infection in Cats ( Felis catus): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1022. [PMID: 38612261 PMCID: PMC11011152 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Toxocariasis is an infection caused in canines, felines, humans, and other vertebrates by species of the genus Toxocara, such as T. canis and T. cati. The embryonated eggs of these parasites are the primary means of acquiring the infection for both definitive hosts, dogs and cats, respectively, and for intermediates, such as humans and other vertebrates. When deposited on park soils, environmental contamination becomes a risk to environmental, human, and animal health. Objective: To determine the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats (Felis catus). Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in six databases (Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO and Google Scholar) to evaluate the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats, defined by coproparasitological, histological, and molecular techniques. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A two-tailed 5% alpha level was used for hypothesis testing. Results: Two hundred and eighty-nine studies were included. The global pooled prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats using coproparasitological methods was 17.0% (95.0% CI: 16.2-17.8%). In the subgroup analysis according to country, Nepal had the highest prevalence of T. cati infection (94.4%; 95% CI 89.7-99.2%). The pooled prevalence of T. cati infection by PCR in four studies was 4.9% (95.0% CI: 1.9-7.9%). Conclusions: This systematic review underscores the need for preventive action against toxocariasis due to its widespread prevalence. The interplay between animal and human health should be emphasised, necessitating measures like deworming cats, hygiene practices, and public education to mitigate risks. Safeguarding feline health can also reduce human transmission, benefiting both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Luis Bonilla-Aldana
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootehcnics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de la Amazonia, Florencia 111321, Caquetá, Colombia; (J.L.B.-A.); (A.C.E.-N.)
| | - Alba Cristina Espinosa-Nuñez
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootehcnics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de la Amazonia, Florencia 111321, Caquetá, Colombia; (J.L.B.-A.); (A.C.E.-N.)
| | | | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Masters of Climate Change and Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima 15307, Peru;
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut P.O. Box 36-5053, Lebanon
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Ahmadi A, Oryan A, Alidadi S. Parasites of Stray Cats in Iran: A Parasitological and Histopathological Study. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:664-674. [PMID: 38319448 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00800-7] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Many zoonotic parasitic diseases, including Toxocara cati, may be spread by stray cat populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasites by performing parasitological and histopathological examinations on stray cats in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 106 stray cats from different geographical areas of Shiraz, southern Iran, were examined for the presence of parasites. The overall prevalence was found to be 83.02% (88/106), and eight parasites were found. The parasites included three genera of cestodes [Joyeuxiella echinorhynoides (52.83%), Taenia taeniaeformis (21.70%), and Dipylidium caninum (1.89%)], three nematodes [Physaloptera praeputialis (23.59%), Toxocara cati (15.09%), and Rictularia sp. (1.89%)], one protozoa [Isospora spp. (6.60%)], and one arthropod [Ctenocephalides felis (5.66%)]. The prevalence did not significantly differ between males and females. It did appear, nevertheless, that the age of cats may be regarded as a risk factor for these parasitic infections. Histopathological examination revealed some parasite-induced lesions in the intestine and stomach, including hyperemia, hemorrhage, mucosal destruction and inflammation. The lung tissues showed some histopathological lesions such as hemorrhage, edema, emphysema and mild inflammation, and dormant larvae were found in one tongue sample. The results of the present study showed that parasitic infections and, more importantly, T. cati are relatively prevalent in stray cats, and the people living in this area are at serious risk of this zoonotic disease. The cats in this region need to be monitored, and specific preventive measures should be developed by public health officials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ahmadi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, Ardakan, P.O. Box 184, Iran
- Biology and Animal Reproduction Science Research Institute, Ardakan University, Ardakan, P.O. Box 184, Iran
| | - Ahmad Oryan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soodeh Alidadi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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Carbonara M, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Lia RP, Annoscia G, Iatta R, Varcasia A, Conte G, Benelli G, Otranto D. Squamata reptiles as a potential source of helminth infections when preyed on by companion animals. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:233. [PMID: 37452384 PMCID: PMC10349445 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamate reptiles cohabiting with companion animals may represent a source of helminth infections, especially through predation by dogs and cats with an outdoor lifestyle. METHODS In order to assess the role of reptiles as intermediate/paratenic hosts of trophically transmitted helminths, synanthropic reptiles (n = 245) captured from different ecological settings (i.e., households, dog shelters, urban, peri-urban and rural areas or natural parks) of southern Italy were examined for endoparasites. Parasitic cysts (i.e., larval forms of acanthocephalans, cestodes and nematodes) and free helminths (i.e., adult nematodes and digeneans) were morphologically and molecularly identified, and statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the correlations between reptiles, infections, and ecological settings. RESULTS Overall, 31% of reptiles were positive for at least one helminth, with Podarcis siculus (18.7%) and Tarentola mauritanica (8.1%) being the most frequently infected species. Among the parasites of medical interest, Joyeuxiella echinorhyncoides showed the highest prevalence (19.7%), followed by Diplopylidium acanthotetra (10.5%), Joyeuxiella pasqualei, Mesocestoides lineatus (5.6%) and Physaloptera sp. (3.9%). Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus was detected once. Podarcis siculus and T. mauritanica were associated with cestode infections. CONCLUSIONS The wide range of helminths detected here in reptiles living in sympatry with pets and the fact that many of these helminth species are parasitic and may infect companion animals (e.g., J. pasqualei, J. echinorhyncoides, D. acanthotetra, Physaloptera sp.) and humans (i.e., Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, Mesocestoides lineatus) indicate the potential health risk associated with pets preying on these small vertebrates. Our results indicate the need for complementary investigations of trophically transmitted parasites in dogs and cats living in sympatry with reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Conte
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Schuster RK, Mehmood N, Varcasia A, Veneziano V. Redescription and resurrection of the status of Joyeuxiella gervaisi () (Eucestoda, Dipylidiidae). Helminthologia 2023; 60:166-174. [PMID: 37745224 PMCID: PMC10516474 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A study of the parasite fauna of feral cats in Dubai revealed the presence of two Joyeuxiella species, J. pasqualei (Diamare, 1893) and J. fuhrmanni (Baer, 1924). While the wide distribution of J. pasqualei includes countries of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, J. fuhrmanni was previously reported from felid hosts from southern Africa and has not been found in other cat parasite surveys in the Middle East, except from Dubai. The availability of historical references, however, raised doubts about the correctness of the allocation of the small Joyeuxiella sp. from Dubai cats to J. fuhrmanni and for this reason, a reexamination of stored material in the parasite collection of the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai was carried out. A total of 40 specimens of the small Joyeuxiella sp. with a strobila length between 30 and 60 mm and consisting of 52 to 85 segments obtained from domestic cats and formerly allocated to J. fuhrmanni were studied. In complete specimens, 10 - 13 rows of rostellar hooks were counted. Mature segments were wider than long, round testes were concentrated posterior to coiled vasa deferentia and did not reach the anterior rim of the proglottids. Narrow cirri reached up to 520 μm in length. Gravid segments were longer than wide and egg capsules were restricted to the space between longitudinal excretory vessels. The examination revealed that the morphology of these cestodes matched the main characteristics of J. fuhrmanni. However, the little known cestode, J. gervaisi (Setti, 1895), that had been described from Genetta abyssinica imported from Eritrea 29 years earlier and was declared a species inquirenda met the same main morphological criteria. In this paper, the status of J. gervaisi as a valid species was resurrected and J. fuhrmanni was declared a junior synonym.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. K. Schuster
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, PO Box 597, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - N. Mehmood
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, University Road, 40100Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
- Laboratory of Parasitology & Parasitic Diseases, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100Sassari, Italy
| | - A. Varcasia
- Laboratory of Parasitology & Parasitic Diseases, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100Sassari, Italy
| | - V. Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ProductionUniversity of Naples Frederico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80132Naples, Italy
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Heydarian P, Kia EB, Heidari Z, Sharifdini M, Zarei Z, Zahabiun F. Molecular Characterization of Mesocestoides litteratus (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Mesocestoididae) Tetrathyridium Isolated from Two Species of Rodents from Iran. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:223-230. [PMID: 36637696 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00657-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mesocestoides spp. are Cyclophyllidean tapeworms with zoonotic importance. The current study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of Mesocestoides larvae (tetrathyridium) isolated from the abdominal cavity of persion jird, Meriones persicus, and from the liver of grey hamster, Cricetulus migratorius, in Ardabil Province, northwest Iran. METHODS Genomic DNA of the isolates of Mesocestoides tetrathyridium were extracted, and mitochondrial gene of cytochrome-c oxidase subunit1 (cox1) was amplified. Sequencing of PCR products were performed and phylogenic analysis was run using MEGA 6.0 software. RESULTS Both isolates were identified as Mesocestoides litteratus, showing high identity with M. litteratus sequences available in GenBank. Also, they had 100% homology to each other. Intra-species variation within isolates of M. litteratus were 0-2.4%. The phylogenetic reconstruction based on the partial sequence of the cox1 gene showed that our sequences of M. litteratus were clustered with M. litteratus isolates from Slovakia, Netherlands, Germany and Italy. CONCLUSION This is the first molecular description of M. litteratus from M. persicus and C. migratorius. Phylogenetic analysis illustrated that M. litteratus isolates of the current study had very high identities with the isolates of this species from other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Heydarian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Eshrat Beigom Kia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Zahabiun
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Shamshiri Z, Goudarztalejerdi A, Zolhavarieh SM, Greco G, Sazmand A, Chomel BB. Molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from Hamedan and Kermanshah, Western Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 89:101879. [PMID: 36116272 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella species are emerging vector-borne zoonotic pathogens which infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Cats are the primary reservoir hosts for several zoonotic Bartonella spp., the most common being B. henselae the causative agent of cat scratch disease. Despite the important role of cats in the epidemiology of bartonellosis, there is limited information about the prevalence and species infecting cats in Iran. The aim of present study was molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from two western provinces Hamedan and Kermanshah. From December 2018 to February 2021, 87 cats (n = 26 from Hamedan, n = 61 from Kermanshah) were examined clinically, their bodies were searched for collection of ectoparasites, and cephalic or saphenous blood specimens were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood specimens and conventional PCRs targeting the rpoB, and ITS regions of Bartonella spp. were performed. Positive samples were sequenced and analysed phylogenetically. Bartonella DNA was detected in 11/87 cats (12.64 %). Sequencing results revealed the presence of B. henselae in cats from Hamedan, and B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae in cats from Kermanshah. A statistical association between cat origin and the prevalence of Bartonella spp. was observed in the studied population. This study confirms for the first time the circulation of Bartonella spp. in cats in two western Iranian provinces. Prevention strategies e.g. ectoparasites control, and regular examination of pet and urban cats are suggested for minimising Bartonella infection in cats and subsequently in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shamshiri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978 Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Ali Goudarztalejerdi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978 Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Seyed Masoud Zolhavarieh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978 Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978 Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.
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Kalef DA, Al-Khayat FAAM. A Comparative Study of Some Intestinal Parasites in Fecal Samples of Domestic and Stray Cats in Baghdad, Iraq. COMP PARASITOL 2022; 89. [DOI: 10.1654/21-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Ahmed Kalef
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad city, Iraq. (e-mail: )
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10
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Thuesen IS, Agerholm JS, Mejer H, Nielsen SS, Sandøe P. How Serious Are Health-Related Welfare Problems in Unowned Unsocialised Domestic Cats? A Study from Denmark Based on 598 Necropsies. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050662. [PMID: 35268230 PMCID: PMC8909710 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Free ranging unsocialised domestic cats are widely believed to suffer from a high load of welfare problems. We assessed the validity of this belief by performing necropsies on the corpses of 598 unsocialised cats, originating from all parts of Denmark, that had been euthanised by two Danish cat welfare organisations. We selected a number of variables for health-related cat welfare that could be assessed through necropsy (e.g., gross lesions, ectoparasites and body condition) or by laboratory analysis (e.g., infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and by feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)). Each finding was classified as having either a major or minor welfare impact on the cat. More than 83% of the cats had no major finding, and 54% had no finding indicating a welfare issue at all. More than 83% of the cats had a body condition within normal range. Only 0.3% were emaciated. The most common finding was infestation with ectoparasites, with 15.9% infected with lice, 12.3% with fleas, 4.7% with ticks, and 6.7% with ear mites. FIV and FeLV were detected in 9.2% and 1.2% of the cases, respectively. The most common lesion related to the cats’ teeth. Overall, unsocialised cats in Denmark have a moderate level of health-related welfare problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Sofie Thuesen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2630 Tåstrup, Denmark;
| | - Helena Mejer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Peter Sandøe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-21497292
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11
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Abbas I, El-Alfy ES, Janecek-Erfurth E, Strube C. Molecular characterization of Cysticercus tenuicollis isolates from sheep in the Nile Delta, Egypt and a review on Taenia hydatigena infections worldwide. Parasitology 2021; 148:913-933. [PMID: 33775267 PMCID: PMC11010137 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The predator–prey-transmitted cestode Taenia hydatigena infects a wide range of definitive and intermediate hosts all over the world. Domestic and sylvatic cycles of transmission are considered as well. The parasite has considerable economic importance, particularly in sheep. Here, the molecular characters of T. hydatigena cysticerci in sheep from the Nile Delta, Egypt were investigated for the first time. For this purpose, 200 sheep carcasses and their offal were inspected at the municipal abattoir, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Cysticerci of T. hydatigena were collected and molecularly characterized employing the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Cysticerci were found in 42 (21%) sheep, mostly attached to the omenti, mesenteries and livers. After molecular confirmation, nine isolates were sequenced displaying six different haplotypes. Analysis of the T. hydatigena 12S rRNA nucleotide sequences deposited in GenBank revealed 55 haplotypes out of 69 isolates, displaying high haplotype (0.797) and low nucleotide (0.00739) diversities. For the Tajima D neutrality index, a negative value (−2.702) was determined, indicating the population expansion of the parasite. Additionally, global data summarized in this study should be useful to set up effective control strategies against this ubiquitous parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura35516, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura35516, Egypt
| | - Elisabeth Janecek-Erfurth
- Institute for Parasitology, Center for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Center for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559Hanover, Germany
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12
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Darabi E, Kia EB, Mohebali M, Mobedi I, Zahabiun F, Zarei Z, Khodabakhsh M, Khanaliha K. Gastrointestinal Helminthic Parasites of Stray Cats ( Felis catus) in Northwest Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:418-425. [PMID: 34630587 PMCID: PMC8476725 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i3.7095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stray cats are considered an important source of various human and animal diseases, particularly diseases of parasitic helminths. We aimed to investigate the distribution of zoonotic species of gastrointestinal helminths in stray cats in Meshkin-Shahr district in Ardabil Province in the northwest of Iran. METHODS The gastrointestinal tract of 104 stray cats from villages of Meshkin-Shahr district were provided during 2014-2015. Each gastrointestinal tract was cut into distinct sections, including esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, and each section was examined separately for detection of helminths. Helminths were collected and then identified at the species level after clearing and staining. RESULTS Overall, 88 out of 104 cats (84.6%) were found to be infected with at least one gastrointestinal helminth. The rate of infection for each species was as follows: Toxocara mystax (syn. cati) (49%), Taenia taeniaeformis (44.2%), Joyexiella pasqualei (32.7%), Dipylidium caninum (23.1%), Rictularia cahirensis (4.8%), and Physaloptera praeputialis (4.8%). Among these parasites, only Ph. praeputialis was collected from the stomach, all other helminths were collected from the small intestine. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate a high infection rate of stray cats with zoonotic helminths. The presence of zoonotic species in stray cats, particularly T. mystax, has public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enayat Darabi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eshrat Beigom Kia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Mobedi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Zahabiun
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zabiholla Zarei
- Meshkin-Shahr Station, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Khodabakhsh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Khanaliha
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Maharana BR, Gupta S, Gupta S, Ganguly A, Kumar B, Chandratre GA, Bisla RS. First report of molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Physaloptera praeputialis in naturally infected stray cats from India. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2047-2056. [PMID: 33893552 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes of the genus Physaloptera are globally distributed and infect a multitude of hosts. Their life cycle involves orthopterans and coleopterans as intermediate hosts. The morphological characters alone are inadequate to detect and differentiate Physaloptera spp. from its congeners. Moreover, molecular studies are limited to compare them precisely. The present communication reports the first molecular phylogenetic characterization of feline Physaloptera spp. from India based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) and small subunit ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA). The nematodes were first isolated from the stomach of adult stray cats during necropsy examination. Based on the gross and microscopic characters, the worms were identified as P. praeputialis. Morphological identification was further confirmed through PCR targeting the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (MT-COI) gene, using nematode-specific primers cocktail followed by species specific primers targeting partial COX1 and 18S rRNA genes. Generated sequences were submitted in NCBI GenBank (MW517846, MW410927, MW411349), and phylogenetic trees were constructed using the maximum likelihood method. When compared with other sequences of Physaloptera species across the globe, the present isolates showed 85.6-97.7% and 97.3-99% nucleotide homology based on COX1 and 18S rRNA gene, respectively. BLASTn analysis revealed a strong identity to other Physaloptera spp., and the phylogenetic tree placed all Physaloptera spp. in the same cluster. This study again indicates the usefulness of molecular techniques to substantiate the identity of species that may lack adequate descriptions and impart new insight for the potentially overlooked significance of P. praeputialis infections in felines.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Maharana
- Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India.
| | - Snehil Gupta
- Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - Surbhi Gupta
- Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - A Ganguly
- Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Binod Kumar
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, 362001, India
| | - G A Chandratre
- Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, 125001, India
| | - R S Bisla
- Referral Veterinary Diagnostic and Extension Centre, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
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14
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A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Toxocariasis in Iran: Is it Time to Take it Seriously? Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:569-584. [PMID: 32319035 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00195-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is one of the neglected zoonosis with considerable public health importance around the world. The current study aimed to elucidate the overall prevalence of Toxocara infection in human and definitive hosts and also the contamination of soil and raw vegetables with the ova of these parasites, in Iran, using systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Six English and Persian databases were explored from 2000 to 2017 using the terms toxocariasis, Toxocara spp., visceral larva migrans, Iran, epidemiology, and prevalence. This meta-analysis conducted using STATA, and for all statistical tests, a p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The random-effects model was used to the report of the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS The pooled prevalence of toxocariasis in human was calculated as 11% (95% CI 8-13%). In terms of definitive hosts, the pooled prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs and cats were calculated as 17% (95% CI 14-20%) and 37% (95% CI 26-48%), respectively. Also, the pooled prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in the soil and raw vegetable samples were calculated as 18% (95% CI 13-23%) and 2% (95% CI 1-3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of current study demonstrate that toxocariasis should be taken more seriously by health authorities. Implementing an appropriate control program is necessary to reduce the incidence of this disease in Iran.
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15
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Soleyman NM, Darnhofer B, Gruenberger RB, Abnous K, Borji H. Proteomic analysis of soluble protein extract of adult Toxocara cati. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 73:101528. [PMID: 32911377 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101528] [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: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara cati is a cat roundworm and the causative agent of toxocariasis as a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease. As no information has been reported so far, identification of T. cati proteins can be useful for the development of new diagnostic strategies. This study was conducted to identify the major proteins in the adult T. cati tegument using bi-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and shotgun proteomics. A total proteins were identified, among them the metabolic enzymes were the largest group, including: Enolase, triose phosphate isomerase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, aldehyde dehydrogenase. The other important protein groups recognized in T. cati, belong to the HSP-family, the structure and motor proteins, such as actin. The role of these proteins have been implicated in parasite-host interactions and modulating cellular immune response, immune regulation in evasion mechanisms of the host immune response. Characterizing T. cati adult proteins play a key role not only in host-parasite interactions, but also in the discovery of drug targets, subunit vaccines against toxocariasis, immunodiagnostic kits for toxocariasis and the identification of novel immuno-modulators that can form the next generation of therapeutic possibilities for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nooshin Mehra Soleyman
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Ruth Birner Gruenberger
- Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology, Graz, Austria; Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Omics Center Graz, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria; Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran.
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Lee SH, Ock Y, Choi D, Kwak D. Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in Cats in Daegu, Republic of Korea, and Efficacy of Treatment Using Topical Emodepside/Praziquantel Formulation. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:243-248. [PMID: 31284346 PMCID: PMC6616170 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.3.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was 2-fold: 1) to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in cats reared in Daegu, Republic of Korea and 2) to assess the efficacy and safety of a topical emodepside/praziquantel formulation for cats with parasitic infections. The gastrointestinal parasite infections were examined microscopically using the flotation method. Of 407 cats, 162 (39.8%) were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite, including Toxocara cati (63.0%), Toxascaris leonina (31.5%), Taenia taeniaeformis (3.7%), and Cystoisospora felis (1.9%). None of the infected animals had multiple infections. When the data were analyzed according to sex, age, and type of cat, stray cats showed statistically higher prevalence than companion cats (P<0.05). On the 5th day after treatment, no parasitic eggs were detected using microscopic examination. In addition, no adverse effects, such as abnormal behaviors and clinical symptoms, were observed in the cats treated with the drug. These results quantify the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats in Daegu, Republic of Korea, and show that topical emodepside/praziquantel is a safe and effective choice for treating the parasitic infections in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hun Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea.,National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | | | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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A Case of Letting the Cat out of The Bag-Why Trap-Neuter-Return Is Not an Ethical Solution for Stray Cat ( Felis catus) Management. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9040171. [PMID: 30995809 PMCID: PMC6523511 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, in which stray cats are captured, neutered and returned to the environment are advocated as a humane, ethical alternative to euthanasia. We review the TNR literature in light of current debate over whether or not there should be further TNR trials in Australia. We revisit the problems arising from stray cats living in association with human habitation and estimate how many stray cats would have to be processed through a scientifically-guided TNR program to avoid high euthanasia rates. We also identify 10 ethical and welfare challenges that have to be addressed: we consider the quality of life for stray cats, where they would live, whether the TNR process itself is stressful, whether TNR cats are vulnerable to injury, parasites and disease, can be medically treated, stray cats' body condition and diet, and their impacts on people, pet cats, and urban wildlife, especially endemic fauna. We conclude that TNR is unsuitable for Australia in almost all situations because it is unlikely to resolve problems caused by stray cats or meet ethical and welfare challenges. Targeted adoption, early-age desexing, community education initiatives and responsible pet ownership have greater promise to minimize euthanasia, reduce numbers rapidly, and address the identified issues.
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EZATPOUR B, TAHERIAN SMR, BAJALAN S, KAYEDI MH, MAHMOUDVAND H, ANBARI K. The Prevalence of Endoparasites in Stray Cats in Western Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 48:779-781. [PMID: 31110994 PMCID: PMC6500544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz EZATPOUR
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Reza TAHERIAN
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran,Corresponding Author:
| | - Saeid BAJALAN
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan KAYEDI
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hossein MAHMOUDVAND
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Khatereh ANBARI
- Department of Social Medicine, Medical School, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Dubey JP. A review of Cystoisospora felis and C. rivolta-induced coccidiosis in cats. Vet Parasitol 2018; 263:34-48. [PMID: 30389022 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Until the discovery of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in cat feces in 1970, little was known of coccidiosis in cats. Until 1970, three coccidian parasites based on different sized oocysts were recognized, the parasite with large oocysts (∼40 μm long and called Isospora felis), medium sized oocysts (∼25 μm long, called Isospora rivolta), and small sized oocysts (14 μm or less, called Isospora bigemina) were known and they were considered not host-specific. Later, it was demonstrated that these parasites were host-specific and had also extra-intestinal stages. The Isospora bigemina turned out to be more than 25 organisms belonging to T. gondii, Hammondia spp., Sarcocystis spp., Besnoitia spp., and Neospora spp.; these subjects have been reviewed previously in detail. The present paper summarizes biology of Isospora felis, and I. rivolta (now transferred to genus Cystoisospora), including taxonomy, life cycle, diagnosis, and treatment. Re-excretion of T. gondii oocysts from chronically infected cats after superinfection with Cystoisospora felis oocysts is discussed. There are only two species of Cystoisospora species in cats, C. felis and C. rivolta; Isospora novocati and Cystoisospora frenkeli named for I. rivolta-like parasites of cats are considered synonym of C. rivolta. Clinical coccidiosis occurs more commonly in recently weaned kittens and C. felis infections are more prevalent than C. rivolta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA.
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Toxocara sero-prevalence and its relationship with allergic asthma in asthmatic patients in north-eastern Iran. J Helminthol 2018; 93:677-680. [PMID: 30270820 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x1800086x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an important neglected tropical disease that has been suggested as a possible etiologic agent of asthma. The objective of the present study was to investigate possible significant association between Toxocara seroprevalence and asthma in a clinic-based case-control study. Blood samples were collected from human subjects aged 5-70 years, 50 of whom had signs of asthma and 50 of whom had no signs of asthma. Risk factors for asthma and Toxocara spp. infection were assessed by a questionnaire given to each patient. Blood samples were analysed to measure levels of anti-Toxocara spp. immunoglobulin G (IgG). Patients with bronchial asthma were observed to have higher Toxocara spp. seropositivity than that of the non-asthmatic controls (6 vs 2%, P = 0.47). The mean anti-Toxocara spp. antibody titre was not significantly higher in patients with bronchial asthma than in individuals without asthma (P = 0.395, 95% CI = 0.579-1.45). There was no significant difference in the mean age, sex, social class, exposure to smoking and presence of domestic dog or cat at home between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). The presence of anti-Toxocara spp. IgG was statistically associated with higher blood eosinophils, but it was not associated with asthma (P ≥ 0.05). The observed relationship between exposure to Toxocara spp. infection and bronchial asthma in Iranian patients warrants further evaluation. An understanding of any potential influence on the pathogenesis of human asthma provides a potential avenue for prevention.
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21
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Hwang J, Kim Y, Lee S, Kim N, Chun M, Lee H, Gottdenker N. Anthropogenic food provisioning and immune phenotype: Association among supplemental food, body condition, and immunological parameters in urban environments. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:3037-3046. [PMID: 29531715 PMCID: PMC5838038 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct or indirect supplemental feeding of free-ranging animals occurs worldwide, resulting in significant impacts on population density or altered demographic processes. Another potential impact of increased energy intake from supplemental feeding is altered immunocompetence. As immune system maintenance is energetically costly, there may be trade-offs between immune responses and other energy-demanding physiological processes in individual animals. Although increased availability of food sources through supplemental feeding is expected to increase the overall immunocompetence of animals, empirical data verifying the association between supplemental feeding and different immune parameters are lacking. Understanding the potential influence of supplemental feeding on immune phenotypes is critical, as it may also impact host-pathogen dynamics in free-ranging animals. Using urban stray cats as a study model, we tested for associations between the intensity of supplemental feeding due to cat caretaker activity (CCA); body condition; and immune phenotype (bacterial killing assay (BKA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and leukocyte counts). Significantly higher bacterial killing ability was observed in cats from high CCA districts, whereas higher IgG concentration and eosinophil counts were observed in cats from low CCA districts. Other leukocyte counts and body condition indices showed no significant association with CCA. We observed varying patterns of different immune components in relation to supplemental feeding. Out data suggest that supplemental feeding influences immune phenotype, not only by means of energy provisioning, but also by potentially reducing exposure rates to parasite infections through stray cat behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusun Hwang
- Department of Veterinary PathologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Yongbaek Kim
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Sang‐Won Lee
- College of Veterinary MedicineKon‐Kuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Na‐Yon Kim
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Myung‐Sun Chun
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Hang Lee
- College of Veterinary MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary PathologyCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
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Sarvi S, Daryani A, Sharif M, Rahimi MT, Kohansal MH, Mirshafiee S, Siyadatpanah A, Hosseini SA, Gholami S. Zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores: A systematic review in Iran. Vet World 2018; 11:58-65. [PMID: 29479158 PMCID: PMC5813513 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.58-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Parasitic infections, especially of the zoonotic-parasitic type, are the most important health, economic, and social problems in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to review systematically the available data on gastrointestinal parasites of carnivores in Iran and their ability to infect humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies reporting intestinal parasites of carnivores were systematically collected from nine electronic English and Persian databases and Proceedings of Iranian parasitology and veterinary congresses published between 1997 and 2015. A total of 26 studies issued from 1997 to 2015 met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS The pooled proportion of intestinal parasites of carnivores was estimated as 80.4% (95% confidence interval=70.2-88.8%). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs, cats, foxes, and jackals were 57.89%, 90.62%, 89.17%, and 97.32%, respectively. Dipylidium caninum (20.45%), Toxocara spp. (18.81%), Taenia hydatigena (15.28%), Mesocestoides lineatus (11.83%), Echinococcus granulosus (10%), and Toxascaris leonina (8.69%) were the most frequently observed parasites. CONCLUSION High prevalence rates of zoonotic intestinal parasites of carnivores particularly Echinococcus spp. and Toxocara spp. increase the risk of acquiring zoonotic infections such as cystic hydatid, alveolar cysts, and visceral or ocular larva migrants in Iranian people. Therefore, it is essential for public health centers to develop more effective control strategies to decrease infections rates in carnivores' populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Rahimi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Kohansal
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Siavash Mirshafiee
- Department of Husbandry, Qaemshahr branch of Islamic Azad University, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Siyadatpanah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed-Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shirzad Gholami
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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23
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Zibaei M, Sadjjadi SM. Trend of toxocariasis in Iran: a review on human and animal dimensions. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2017; 18:233-242. [PMID: 29387094 PMCID: PMC5767628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the neglected soil and/or food-borne diseases with international public health importance is toxocariasis. Human cases are being increasingly reported from Asian, African, Oceania, European and the American countries. Hence, human toxocariasis (HT) is now considered as a major zoonosis with global and regional importance. In Iran, human and animal toxocariasis is an endemic disease with clinical and epidemiologic health problem aspects. Doubtless, understanding the epidemiology and the trend of this important parasitic disease and its affecting factors will provide the establishment of effective prevention and control programs. To better understand the trend of toxocariasis researches in Iran, this study was performed to analyze different aspects of this zoonotic disease including history, life cycle, species, human animals and environmental studies, diagnostic aspects and treatments to find out the gaps, including different aspects of clinical sings in human patients, new and specific recombinant antigens based on the native antigens, new diagnostic tools, especially rapid diagnostic tests, paratenic hosts status and new treatment procedures which is necessary to be investigated in the future studies on this important zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Zibaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - S. M. Sadjjadi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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YAKHCHALI M, HAJIPOUR N, MALEKZADEH-VIAYEH R, ESMAEILNEJAD B, NEMATI-HARAVANI T, FATHOLLAHZADEH M, JAFARI R. Gastrointestinal Helminths and Ectoparasites in the Stray Cats (Felidae: Felis catus) of Ahar Municipality, Northwestern Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 12:298-304. [PMID: 28761492 PMCID: PMC5527042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stray cats are considered as the sources of emerging humans and domestic livestock pathogens and the zoonoses of public health importance. The present study was aimed to elucidate intestinal helminth infections and infestation with ectoparasites of the stray cats of Ahar City, northwestern Iran. METHODS Totally, 51 stray cats were randomly trapped from different parts of the city between Mar and Nov 2013. The cats were assessed for ectoparasites by hair brushing, skin scraping, acetate tape preparation and othic swabs. They were euthanized and inspected for helminths infection. RESULTS Overall prevalence of helminths and flea were 44/51 (86.3%) and 31/51 (60.78%), respectively. The infection rates were significantly different among different age groups (P<0.05). Of the 282 isolated helminths, three species of nematodes (Toxocara cati (86.3%), T. leonina (11.77%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (5.9%)) and four species of cestodes (Taenia taeniaeformis (64.7%), Mesocestoides lineatus (49.02%), Dipylidium caninum (29.41%), T. hydatigena (19.6%)) were identified. The predominant infectious helminths in all the infected cats were T. cati (86.3% with egg per gram of feces 27.75±9). Of the 270 collected fleas, two species of Ctenocephalides felis (80%) and C. canis (20%) were notably frequent in the cats aged 2-3-year-old. The average number of fleas per each infected cat was recorded as 5.29, with no incidence of cross-infection. CONCLUSION The results indicated the high rate of helminths infections and flea infestation in the urban stray cats of which Toxocara cati and Ctenocephalides felis may play important roles as zoonotic agents in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad YAKHCHALI
- Parasitology Division, Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nazlu Campus, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Nasser HAJIPOUR
- Parasitology Division, Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Bijan ESMAEILNEJAD
- Parasitology Division, Dept. of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nazlu Campus, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Taher NEMATI-HARAVANI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad FATHOLLAHZADEH
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rasool JAFARI
- Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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25
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Prevalence of ectoparasites in owned dogs in Kerman city, southeast of Iran. J Parasit Dis 2016; 40:454-8. [PMID: 27413320 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0525-4] [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: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the intensity and distribution of natural infestation of ectoparasites in owned dogs during June to November 2011 in Kerman city, southeast of Iran. One hundred two domestic dogs (63 males, 39 females) with age ranged between 45 days to 13 years were examined for ectoparasites infestation including (tick, lice, flea and mite) in Kerman city. Detailed questionnaire about grooming and bathing interval, keeping place (outdoor, indoor) and purpose of keeping were obtained from owners. After complete skin examination, animals hairs were combed and their skin rubbed with a piece of cotton soaked in alcohol to remove the ectoparasites in apparently normal cases, and deep skin scratching were prepared from all type of lesions in symptomatic dogs. A total number of 149 ectoparasites were collected. The most common ectoparasite was Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which infested 27 of the 102 dogs (26.47 %). Ctenocephalides canis was identified on two dogs (1.96 %) and 5 dogs infested with Hippobosca spp (4.9 %) that the highest infestation rate was seen in September (14.2 %). Studied samples were routinely checked for clinical symptoms. Itching and scratching lesions were the only reported signs which seen in flea infested dogs (6.4 %) and other infested dogs (93.5 %) had no clinical symptoms. Ectoparasites were significantly higher in outdoor dogs in compare with indoor group and the most tick infested location was ear (61.3 %) (P < 0.05).
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Efficacy of a topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel (Broadline(®)) against naturally acquired infections with cestodes of the genus Joyeuxiella in cats. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2679-84. [PMID: 27026504 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5016-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cats are host to dipylidiid cestodes of the genera Diplopylidium, Dipylidium and Joyeuxiella. Broadline(®), a topical broad-spectrum combination parasiticide containing fipronil (8.3 % w/v), (S)-methoprene (10 % w/v), eprinomectin (0.4 % w/v) and the cestocide praziquantel (8.3 % w/v), has previously been shown to be efficacious against Dipylidium caninum and Diplopylidium spp. in cats. To evaluate its efficacy against Joyeuxiella species, a blinded clinical efficacy study was conducted according to GCP. All cats had evidence for naturally acquired dipylidiid cestode infection as confirmed by pre-treatment examination. Cats were allocated randomly to two groups of 13 cats each based on bodyweight: Control (untreated) and Broadline(®) at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight administered once topically. Based on the comparison of helminth counts in the treated and untreated cats seven days post treatment, Broadline(®) demonstrated >99 % efficacy (p < 0.01) against mature J. fuhrmanni and J. pasqualei, with 11 and 13 of the untreated cats harbouring 1 to 102 or 2 to 95 cestodes, respectively. In addition, parasite counts indicated 95.9 % efficacy (p = 0.006) against the rictularoid nematode Pterygodermatites cahirensis.
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Sampaio KO, de Oliveira LMB, Burmann PM, Sousa Filho RP, Evangelista JSAM, Cunha MGMCM. Acetate tape impression test for diagnosis of notoedric mange in cats. J Feline Med Surg 2016; 19:702-705. [DOI: 10.1177/1098612x16632279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of acetate tape impression with skin squeezing and superficial skin scraping methods for the diagnosis of burrowing mites ( Notoedres cati) in cats. Methods Samples were collected from 50 cats showing signs of notoedric mange. The most affected region was selected for sampling using acetate tape impression with skin squeezing, and superficial skin scraping. Results No significant difference was observed in the number of mites found by both methods, regardless of the stage of development of the mite. The tests showed a high correlation to the total number of mites (r = 0.928). However, in two animals it was possible to confirm the presence of N cati only by the acetate tape impression test. Conclusions and relevance We conclude that the acetate tape impression test is a good method for confirming the presence of N cati in cats. In our experience, this technique is as sensitive as superficial skin scraping, even in animals presenting with a low infestation. Moreover, the technique is less traumatic and allows the collection of clinical specimens in more sensitive locations, such as the eyelids, lips and paws.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Marina GMCM Cunha
- Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Ceará State University, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium
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28
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MANSOURI M, SARKARI B, MOWLAVI GR. Helminth Parasites of Wild Boars, Sus scrofa, in Bushehr Province, Southwestern Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 11:377-382. [PMID: 28127344 PMCID: PMC5256055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wild boars, Sus scrofa, of wide distribution considered as a potential source of zoonotic parasites. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of helminth infections in wild boars in the Persian Gulf coastal area (Bushehr Province), Southwestern Iran. METHODS Twenty-five wild boars, including 11 males and 14 females, were collected during a course of vertebrate pest control in the Bushehr Province, southwestern Iran in 2013. The specimen were immediately dissected and carefully searched for the parasites. During necropsy, each organ was examined macroscopically for presence of any helminthic agents. Tissue samples were taken from each organ. Moreover, samples were taken from the content of digestive system. Blood samples were also collected from each boar. All the samples were evaluated for helminth infections by parasitological methods. RESULTS Twenty-two (88%) of the wild boars were infected with at least one helminth. Out of 25 wild boars, 1 (4%) were infected with Cysticercus tenuicollis, the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena, 13 (52%) with Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, 17 (68%) with Metastrongylus spp, and 20 (80%) with Ascarops spp. Hydatid cyst was detected in the lung of one of the wild boars. No Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in any of the tissues of the animals when evaluated by artificial digestion method. In addition, no contamination with microfilaria was detected in any of animals when the blood samples were tested with Knott's method. CONCLUSION Wild boars are contaminated by some helminthes including zoonotic ones. These animals could be involved in the epidemiology of zoonotic helminth by acting as reservoir hosts. This in turn may bring potential risk for locals and residents of the Bushehr Province, Southwestern Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid MANSOURI
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador SARKARI
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Gholam Reza MOWLAVI
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Napoli E, Anile S, Arrabito C, Scornavacca D, Mazzamuto MV, Gaglio G, Otranto D, Giannetto S, Brianti E. Survey on parasitic infections in wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris Schreber, 1777) by scat collection. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:255-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4742-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Hajipour N, Imani Baran A, Yakhchali M, Banan Khojasteh SM, Sheikhzade Hesari F, Esmaeilnejad B, Arjmand J. A survey study on gastrointestinal parasites of stray cats in Azarshahr, (East Azerbaijan province, Iran). J Parasit Dis 2015; 40:1255-1260. [PMID: 27876926 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-015-0663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasites are among the most common parasitic infections found in stray cats, which might act potential helminthic parasites to domestic cats. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in stray cats in the city of Azarshahr, which is located in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 necropsied stray cats, trapped and collected from different geographic regions of Azarshahr. From a total 50 stray cats examined, 15 (30 %) were female and 35 (70 %) were male. Overall 47 cats (94 %) were identified as infected with at least one of the endoparasites. The prevalence of parasites found were: Taenia taeniaeformis (60 %), Dipylidium caninum (58 %), Taenia hydatigera (24 %), Mesocestoides lineatus (78 %), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (14 %), Toxascaris leonina (30 %), Toxocara cati (78 %), Physaloptera praeputialis (10 %), and Syphacia obvelata (10 %). Contamination rate for zoonotic parasites of cat was greater than expected in AzarShahr region. Therefore, appropriate control measures should be taken and preventive methods should be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Hajipour
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Aabbas Imani Baran
- Department of Pathobiology, Parasitology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yakhchali
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | | | | | - Bijan Esmaeilnejad
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Jafar Arjmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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31
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Salant H, Mumcuoglu KY, Baneth G. Ectoparasites in urban stray cats in Jerusalem, Israel: differences in infestation patterns of fleas, ticks and permanent ectoparasites. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 28:314-318. [PMID: 24191942 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In a period cross-sectional study performed to examine ectoparasites on 340 stray cats in Jerusalem, Israel, 186 (54.7%) were infested with the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), 49 (14.4%) with the cat louse, Felicola subrostratus (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae), 41 (12.0%) with the ear mite, Otodectes cynotis (Astigmata: Psoroptidae), three (0.9%) with the fur mite, Cheyletiella blakei (Trobidiformes: Cheyletidae), two (0.6%) with the itch mite Notoedres cati (Astigmata: Sarcoptidae), and 25 (7.3%) with ticks of the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae), Rhipicephalus turanicus or Haemaphysalis adleri (Ixodida: Ixodidae). A higher number of flea infestations was observed in apparently sick cats (P < 0.05) and in cats aged < 6 months (P < 0.05). The proportion of flea-infested cats (P < 0.01), as well as the number of fleas per infested cat (P < 0.01), was higher in autumn than in other seasons. By contrast with findings in cats with flea infestations, rates of infestation with ticks were higher amongst cats with clinical signs (P < 0.01) and cats aged ≥ 6 months (P < 0.05). The high rates of ectoparasite infestation in the cats studied constitute a risk for the spread of vector-borne infections of zoonotic and veterinary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Salant
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Khademvatan S, Abdizadeh R, Rahim F, Hashemitabar M, Ghasemi M, Tavalla M. Stray cats gastrointestinal parasites and its association with public health in ahvaz city, South Western of iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2014; 7:e11079. [PMID: 25485047 PMCID: PMC4255209 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.11079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cats are the hosts for some zoonotic parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. which are important in medicine and veterinary. Studies on the prevalence of intestinal parasites of cats have received little attention in south west of Iran. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parasites in stray cats in Ahvaz. Materials and Methods: Random sampling was carried out from January to May 2012. One hundred and forty fecal samples from stray cats were examined using sucrose flotation method. Results: Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 121 of the 140 (86.4%) examined samples. The parasites detected in stray cats were Toxocara spp. (45%, 63/140), Isospora spp. (21.4%, 30/140), nematode larvae (21.4%, 30/140), Taenia spp. (18.6%, 26/140), Sarcocystis spp. (17.1%, 24/140), Eimeria spp. (15%, 21/140), Blastocystis spp. (14.3%, 20/140), Giardia spp, (10.7%, 15/140), Physaloptera spp. (7.1%, 10/140), and amoeba cyst (5.7%, 8/140) respectively. The prevalence of infection by Joyexiella spp. and hook worms (4.3%, 6/140), for example, Dipylidium caninum (2.9%, 4/140) was similar; and the prevalence of infection by T. gondii and Dicrocoelium dendriticum was similar (1.4%, 2/140). Conclusions: Since the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites such as Toxocara spp. in stray cats is high, there is a need to plan adequate programs to control these zoonotic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Khademvatan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Rahman Abdizadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Toxicology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Mahamoud Hashemitabar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Mahdi Tavalla
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mahdi Tavalla, Department of Medical Parasitology, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 613715794, Ahvaz, IR Iran. Tel: +98-6113367543-50, Fax: +98-6113332036, E-mail:
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Knaus M, Theodore Chester S, Rosentel J, Visser M, Rehbein S. Efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel against experimental infections of Toxascaris leonina in cats. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:40-4. [PMID: 24703075 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of a novel topical fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel combination product (BROADLINE(®), Merial) was evaluated against adult Toxascaris leonina ascarids in experimentally infected cats in two controlled studies under an identical protocol. For each study, 30 nematode-naive, purpose-bred European Short Hair cats were inoculated orally with approximately 300 larvated T. leonina eggs. Twenty-two and 24 cats, respectively, that were shown to be positive for Toxascaris eggs by pre-treatment faecal examination were subsequently included in the two studies. In each study, the animals were allocated randomly to an untreated (control) group or to a treatment group. The treatment was a novel topical combination: fipronil (8.3%, w/v), (S)-methoprene (10%, w/v), eprinomectin (0.4% w/v) and praziquantel (8.3% w/v). Treatment was applied on Day 0 at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight. For parasite recovery and count, cats were euthanized humanely seven days after treatment and necropsied. All untreated cats harboured adult T. leonina (range, 1-31 nematodes). The treatment provided a high level of efficacy against adult T. leonina in both studies (95.8% and 98.1%, respectively p<0.001). All cats accepted the treatment well based on hourly post-treatment observations for 4h and daily observations thereafter. No adverse experiences or other health problems were observed throughout the studies. Thus the data indicate that this novel combination product will provide a safe and effective treatment against T. leonina in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Knaus
- Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany.
| | | | | | - Martin Visser
- Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Steffen Rehbein
- Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany
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Sequence variation in mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 genes of ascaridoid nematodes in cats and dogs from Iran. J Helminthol 2014; 89:496-501. [PMID: 24717402 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x14000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The study was conducted to determine the sequence variation in two mitochondrial genes, namely cytochrome c oxidase 1 (pcox1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (pnad1) within and among isolates of Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Genomic DNA was extracted from 32 isolates of T. cati, 9 isolates of T. canis and 19 isolates of T. leonina collected from cats and dogs in different geographical areas of Iran. Mitochondrial genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Sequence data were aligned using the BioEdit software and compared with published sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Based on pairwise comparison, intra-species genetic diversity within Iranian isolates of T. cati, T. canis and T. leonina amounted to 0-2.3%, 0-1.3% and 0-1.0% for pcox1 and 0-2.0%, 0-1.7% and 0-2.6% for pnad1, respectively. Inter-species sequence variation among the three ascaridoid nematodes was significantly higher, being 9.5-16.6% for pcox1 and 11.9-26.7% for pnad1. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the pcox1 and pnad1 genes indicated that there is significant genetic diversity within and among isolates of T. cati, T. canis and T. leonina from different areas of Iran, and these genes can be used for studying genetic variation of ascaridoid nematodes.
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MIKAEILI F, MIRHENDI H, HOSSEINI M, ASGARI Q, KIA EB. Toxocara nematodes in stray cats from shiraz, southern iran: intensity of infection and molecular identification of the isolates. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 8:593-600. [PMID: 25516741 PMCID: PMC4266124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocara is a common nematode of cats in different parts of Iran. Despite the close association of cats with human, no attempt has been done so far for molecular identification of this nematode in the country. Therefore, current study was performed on identification of some isolates of Toxocara from stray cats in Shiraz, Fars Province, Southern Iran, based on morphological and molecular approaches, and also determination of intensity of infection. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 stray cats trapped from different geographical areas of Shiraz in 2011. Adult male and female worms were recovered from digestive tract after dissection of cats. Morphological features using existing keys and PCR-sequencing of ITS-rDNA region and pcox1 mitochondrial l gene were applied for the delineating the species of the parasites. RESULTS Eight out of 30 cats (26.7%) were found infected with Toxocara nematodes. All the isolates were confirmed as Toxocara cati based on morphological features and the sequence of ribosomal and mitochondrial targets. Intensity of infection ranged from one to a maximum of 39 worms per cat, with a mean of 10.25±12.36, and higher abundance of female nematodes. CONCLUSION The most prevalent ascaridoid nematode of stray cats in the study area was T. cati and female nematodes were more abundant than that of males. This issue has important role in spreading of eggs in the environment and impact on human toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fattaneh MIKAEILI
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein MIRHENDI
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa HOSSEINI
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Qasem ASGARI
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eshrat Beigom KIA
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence
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Becker AC, Rohen M, Epe C, Schnieder T. Prevalence of endoparasites in stray and fostered dogs and cats in Northern Germany. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:849-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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