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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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Uribe M, Payán E, Brabec J, Vélez J, Taubert A, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Hermosilla C. Intestinal Parasites of Neotropical Wild Jaguars, Pumas, Ocelots, and Jaguarundis in Colombia: Old Friends Brought Back from Oblivion and New Insights. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070822. [PMID: 34209062 PMCID: PMC8308835 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neotropical wild felids (NWF) are obligate carnivore species present in Central and South America, and some are considered endangered due to constantly decreasing populations. NWF can become infected by a wide range of protozoan and metazoan parasites, some of them affecting their health conditions and others having anthropozoonotic relevance. Parasitological studies on NWF are still very scarce, and most data originated from dead or captive animals. On this account, the current study aimed to characterize gastrointestinal parasites of free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), and jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), i.e., four out of six NWF species endemic to Colombia. Fecal samples from jaguars (n = 10) and ocelots (n = 4) were collected between 2012 and 2017 as part of the Jaguar Corridor Initiative from six geographic locations in Colombia. In addition, cestode specimens were obtained during puma and jaguarundi necropsies. Scat samples were processed by standardized sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF), sedimentation, and flotation techniques and by carbol fuchsin-stained fecal smears. Morphological evaluation of feces showed the presence of one cestode (Spirometra sp.), a nematode (Toxocara cati), an acanthocephalan (Oncicola sp.), and one cyst-forming coccidian (Cystoisospora-like oocysts). Feces oocysts were submitted to a Toxoplasma gondii-specific PCR for species identification, but no product was amplified. The cestodes isolated from a puma and jaguarundi were molecularly characterized by sequencing cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, identifying them as Taenia omissa and as a T. omissa sister lineage, respectively. These results collectively demonstrate the potential role of NWF as natural reservoir hosts for neglected zoonotic parasites (e.g., Spirometra sp., T. cati) and highlight their possible role in parasite transmission to human communities. Due to public health concerns, the occurrence of these parasites should be monitored in the future for appropriate zoonotic management practices in conservation strategies and wild felid health management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Uribe
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.U.); (J.V.); (A.T.)
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050034, Colombia;
| | | | - Jan Brabec
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Juan Vélez
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.U.); (J.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Anja Taubert
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.U.); (J.V.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.U.); (J.V.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-64-1993-8457
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Hernández SA, Gabrie JA, Rodríguez CA, Matamoros G, Rueda MM, Canales M, Mergl R, Sanchez A. An Integrated Study of Toxocara Infection in Honduran Children: Human Seroepidemiology and Environmental Contamination in a Coastal Community. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030135. [PMID: 32842560 PMCID: PMC7559065 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Infections caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati are considered zoonoses of global importance. Reports from North and South America indicate that human infections are widespread in both continents, but epidemiological information from Central America is still lacking. (2) Methodology: In the present cross-sectional multi-year study, we aimed to undertake the first seroepidemiological and environmental study on toxocariasis in Honduras. This included the determination of seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in children using a Toxocara spp. purified excretory-secretory antigens enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TES-ELISA) and a confirmatory Western blot. As well, through statistical analysis including logistic regression we aimed at identifying relevant biological and epidemiological factors associated with seropositivity. The study also entailed detection of parasites' eggs in the soil samples both through Sheather's concentration method and a nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. (3) Results: The study was undertaken in a coastal community of Honduras in 2 different years, 2015 and 2017. A total of 88 healthy schoolchildren completed the study, with participation of 79% (73/92) and 65% (46/71) of the student body in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Thirty-one children participated in both years (i.e., dual participants). Through both serological tests, seropositivity was confirmed in 88.6% (78/88) of children. Due to the high number of seropositives, logistic regression analysis was not possible for most socio-economic and epidemiological variables. Eosinophilia, on the other hand, was associated with seropositivity, independently of other intestinal helminthic infections. Continued seropositivity was observed in most of the dual participants, while seroconversion was determined in 8 of these children. Microscopic examination of soil samples did not yield any positive results. Through nested PCR-RFLP, 3 of the 50 samples (6%) were positive for Toxocara spp.; two were identified as T. canis and one as T. cati. (4) Conclusions: This work documents for the first time, high levels of human exposure to Toxocara spp. in Honduras. These findings, along with the country's favorable epidemiological conditions for this zoonosis, emphasize the need for more research to determine whether this infection is underreported in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Hernández
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
| | - José A. Gabrie
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Carol Anahelka Rodríguez
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Gabriela Matamoros
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - María Mercedes Rueda
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Maritza Canales
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Ronald Mergl
- Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6Z8, Canada;
| | - Ana Sanchez
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Martinez J, Ivankovich-Escoto G, Wu L. Pediatric Ocular Toxocariasis in Costa Rica: 1998-2018 Experience. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 29:1246-1251. [DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1792513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Martinez
- Caja Costarricense De Seguro Social, Servicio De Oftalmología, Hospital Nacional De Niños, San José, Costa Rica
- Caja Costarricense De Seguro Social, Clínica de Uveítis, Servicio De Oftalmología, Hospital Nacional De Niños, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Gabriela Ivankovich-Escoto
- Caja Costarricense De Seguro Social, Clínica de Uveítis, Servicio De Oftalmología, Hospital Nacional De Niños, San José, Costa Rica
- Caja Costarricense De Seguro Social, Servicio De Inmunología Y Reumatología Pediátrica, Hospital Nacional De Niños, Paseo Colón, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela De Medicina, Universidad De Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Lihteh Wu
- Asociados De Macula, Vítreo Y Retina De Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Department of Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL, United States
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Viñas M, Postigo I, Suñén E, Martínez J. Urticaria and silent parasitism by Ascaridoidea: Component-resolved diagnosis reinforces the significance of this association. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008177. [PMID: 32243436 PMCID: PMC7170265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urticaria remains a major problem in terms of aetiology, investigation, and management, and although parasitic diseases are considered potential causes, the absence of a consistent link between parasitic infections and skin allergy symptoms leads to the need for a deeper study of parameters that support this association. The objectives of this study were to analyse a possible relationship between parasitism by Ascarididae (Toxocara canis and Anisakis simplex) and the clinical expression of urticaria and to identify possible parasitic molecular markers for improving the diagnosis of unknown urticaria aetiology. The prevalence of Toxocara and Anisakis infestations was evaluated by measuring the levels of specific IgG (sIgG) and IgE (sIgE) antibodies against crude extracts and isolated components from whole larvae of Anisakis simplex (Ani s 1, Ani s 3 and Ani s 7) and Toxocara canis (TES-120, TES-70, TES-32 and TES-26) using immunologic and molecular diagnostic methods. A cross-sectional study was performed in a group of 400 individuals. The study group consisted of 95 patients diagnosed with urticaria (55 with chronic urticaria and 40 with acute urticaria). A control group consisted of 305 subjects without urticaria (182 diagnosed with respiratory allergy and 123 without allergy). Statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the seroprevalence of specific IgG and IgE antibodies between the urticaria patients and the healthy general population when isolated ascarid antigens were evaluated. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Ani s 1, IgE antibodies against TES-120 and IgE antibodies against TES-70 were significantly different between the control individuals (healthy general population) and patients with urticaria. Moreover, the urticaria patient group demonstrated a higher seroprevalence of antibodies (sIgE and sIgG) against Anisakis simplex larva whole extract than the control group but just with statistically diferences when sIgE was evaluated. The presence of IgE and/or IgG antibodies against Ani s 3 (tropomyosin) can help to discriminate between patients with and without urticaria. Both ascarids seem to be associated with urticaria, although in our region, Anisakis seems to have greater involvement than Toxocara in this relationship. Molecular diagnostics can be used to associate urticaria with parasite infestations. Tropomyosin and Ani s 1 were the most relevant markers to demonstrate the association between urticaria and the most relevant Ascarididae parasites in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Viñas
- Allergy Service, Hospital de Terrassa, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Carretera de Torrebonica, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Idoia Postigo
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Research Center Lascaray, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paseo de la Universidad, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Ester Suñén
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Research Center Lascaray, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paseo de la Universidad, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Jorge Martínez
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Research Center Lascaray, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paseo de la Universidad, Vitoria, Spain
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López-Osorio S, Penagos-Tabares F, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ. Prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats in South America (excluding Brazil). ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:743-778. [PMID: 32381225 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a worldwide anthropozoonosis caused by Toxocara spp. nematodes. High prevalences of the disease has been found in developing countries, particularly in regions with poor sanitary conditions. The definitive hosts of the nematodes are dogs and cats, which play a vital role in the transmission of this parasite as humans are considered a paratenic host. The epidemiology of the disease in South America is not clear as it is usually not diagnosed and is not a notifiable disease. This review summarizes information regarding prevalence reports of Toxocara spp. in dog and cats in South America (excluding Brazil). Additionally, and in accordance with the one health approach, reports of contaminated soil in public zones and parks as well as infection/prevalence reports in wildlife species by geographical regions are also included. The findings show the importance of awareness among veterinarians and public health authorities about Toxocara spp. as neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara López-Osorio
- CIBAV Research Group, Medicine Veterinary School, Agrarian Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Felipe Penagos-Tabares
- CIBAV Research Group, Medicine Veterinary School, Agrarian Sciences Faculty, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Ketzis JK, Lucio-Forster A. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in domestic dogs and cats in the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean: A review. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:655-714. [PMID: 32381223 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara prevalence ranges from 0 to >87% and 0 to >60% in dogs and cats, respectively, within the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Higher prevalence occurs in animals less than 1 year of age. Overall, prevalence is higher in cats compared to dogs. The lowest prevalence occurs in the US owned dog population. Specific populations in this industrialized nation, in animal shelters or resource-limited locations, have prevalences similar to those seen in populations from other regions reviewed here. Conversely, subpopulations in Central America and the Caribbean have very low prevalence. Apparent contributors to prevalence, excluding animal age and climate, are socio-economic factors, attitudes towards pet management and animal population density. The lack of data from some regions pose a challenge in assessing trends; however, with the exception of the US owned dog population, there is no strong indication of any decrease in prevalence from historical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Ketzis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.
| | - Araceli Lucio-Forster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Prevalence of Toxocara and Toxascaris infection among human and animals in Iran with meta-analysis approach. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:20. [PMID: 31910815 PMCID: PMC6947998 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4759-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease caused by species of Toxocara and Toxascaris, common in dogs and cats. Herein, a meta-analysis was contrived to assess the prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in carnivore and human hosts in different regions of Iran from April 1969 to June 2019. METHODS The available online articles of English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Ovid) and Persian (SID, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Iran Doc) databases and also the articles that presented in held parasitology congresses of Iran were involved. RESULTS The weighted prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) was 24.2% (95% CI: 18.0-31.0%) and 32.6% (95% CI: 22.6-43.4%), respectively. Also, pooled prevalence in jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was 23.3% (95% CI: 7.7-43.2%) and 69.4% (95% CI: 60.3-77.8%), correspondingly. Weighted mean prevalence of human cases with overall 28 records was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.3-13.1%). The weighted prevalence of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina was represented as 13.8% (95% CI: 9.8-18.3%), 28.5% (95% CI: 20-37.7%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 8.1-22.0%), respectively. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis results illustrate a considerable prevalence rate of Toxocara/Toxascaris, particularly in cats and dogs of northern parts of Iran. The presence of suitable animal hosts, optimum climate and close contact of humans and animals would have been the reason for higher seroprevalence rates of human cases in our region. Given the significance clinical outcomes of human Toxocara/Toxascaris, necessary measures should be taken.
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Abstract
I herein review published studies reporting the prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs and cats in Brazil. Based on data gathered from faecal examinations of approximately 38,940 dogs and 5600 cats from different Brazilian studies, the mean prevalence of Toxocara infection is 11.4% (range: 0.7-48.9%) in dogs and 16.7% (0.3-43.1%) in cats. These mean values based on faecal examinations should be interpreted with cautious, considering the obvious differences in terms of sample size, diagnostic tests and animal populations. Accordingly, necropsy investigations reveal higher mean prevalence values (21.9% for Toxocara canis and 27.6% Toxocara cati in dogs and cats, respectively). The contamination with Toxocara eggs in different environments and the significance of these parasites from a public health perspective in Brazil are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Saccharomyces boulardii reduces the mean intensity of infection in mice caused by the consumption of liver contaminated by Toxocara canis. Parasitol Res 2019; 119:1161-1165. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06567-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces parasite load on Toxocara canis experimental infection in mice, but has no effect on the parasite in vitro. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:597-602. [PMID: 29243027 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected global parasitic zoonosis. The efficacy of drug treatment for this disease has been hindered by the biological complexity of the main etiological agent, the nematode Toxocara canis. Experimental studies have shown the potential of probiotics to promote a reduction in the parasite load of T. canis larvae. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469 on the parasite load of BALB/c mice with acute toxocariasis and evaluate the direct effect of this probiotic on T. canis larvae in vitro. In vivo administration of probiotics reduced the parasite load of T. canis larvae by 53.3% (p = 0.0018) during the early stage of infection in mice. However, when analyzed in vitro, it was observed that the probiotic did not present a deleterious effect on the larvae, as approximately 90% of these remained viable. These results demonstrate the potential of the probiotic L. rhamnosus in the reduction of T. canis larvae in BALB/c mice and suggest it could be used as an alternative means for the controlling of visceral toxocariasis. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of action promoted by this probiotic.
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Traub RJ, Irwin P, Dantas-Torres F, Tort GP, Labarthe NV, Inpankaew T, Gatne M, Linh BK, Schwan V, Watanabe M, Siebert S, Mencke N, Schaper R. Toward the formation of a Companion Animal Parasite Council for the Tropics (CAPCT). Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:271. [PMID: 25963851 PMCID: PMC4432817 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This letter advises the imminent formation of the Companion Animal Parasites Council for the Tropics (CAPCT). The CAPCT consists of region-specific (e.g., Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, Africa) experts comprising academics, veterinarians, parasitologists, physicians and allied industry partners that will work together to inform, guide and develop best-practice recommendations for the optimal diagnosis, treatment and control of companion animal parasites in the tropics, with the aim of protecting the health of pets and that of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Traub
- The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Peter Irwin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50740465, Recife, Brazil. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Gabriela Pérez Tort
- Hospital Veterinario de Virreyes and Enfermedades Parasitarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Norma Vollmer Labarthe
- Programa Institucional Biodiversidade e Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, 10903, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Mukulesh Gatne
- Department Veterinary Parasitology, Bombay Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Bui Khanh Linh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Volker Schwan
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
| | - Malaika Watanabe
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Malaysia.
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