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Lavallée-Bourget ÈM, Fernandez-Prada C, Massé A, Turgeon P, Arsenault J. Prevalence and geographic distribution of Echinococcus genus in wild canids in southern Québec, Canada. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306600. [PMID: 39008475 PMCID: PMC11249250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus spp. is an emerging zoonotic parasite of high concern. In Canada, an increase in the number of human and animal cases diagnosed has been reported, but information regarding the parasite's distribution in wildlife reservoir remains limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of wild canids infected with Echinococcus spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis in areas surrounding populated zones in Québec (Canada); to investigate the presence of areas at higher risk of infection; to evaluate potential risk factors of the infection; and as a secondary objective, to compare coproscopy and RT-PCR diagnostic tests for Taenia spp. and Echinococcus identification. From October 2020 to March 2021, fecal samples were collected from 423 coyotes (Canis latrans) and 284 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) trapped in 12 administrative regions. Real-time PCR for molecular detection of genus Echinococcus spp. and species-specific Echinococcus multilocularis were performed. A total of 38 positive cases of Echinococcus spp., of which 25 were identified as E. multilocularis, were detected. Two high-risk areas of infection were identified. The prevalence of Echinococcus spp. was 22.7% (95% CI 11.5-37.8%) in the Montérégie centered high-risk area, 26.5% (95% CI 12.9-44.4%) in the Bas-St-Laurent high-risk area, and 3.0% (95%CI 1.8-4.7%) outside those areas. For E. multilocularis, a prevalence of 20.5% (95% CI 9.8-35.3%) was estimated in the high-risk area centered in Montérégie compared to 2.4% (95% CI 1.4-3.9%) outside. Logistic regression did not show any association of infection status with species, sex, or geolocation of capture (p > 0.05). This study shows the circulation of Echinococcus in a wildlife cycle in 9/12 administrative regions of Québec.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ève-Marie Lavallée-Bourget
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health Research Unit (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health Research Unit (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Ariane Massé
- Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health Research Unit (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte Contre les Changements Climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Patricia Turgeon
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health Research Unit (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Arsenault
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health Research Unit (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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Alvi MA, Ali RMA, Khan S, Saqib M, Qamar W, Li L, Fu BQ, Yan HB, Jia WZ. Past and Present of Diagnosis of Echinococcosis: A Review (1999-2021). Acta Trop 2023; 243:106925. [PMID: 37080264 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The larval forms of taeniid cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus are the source of the zoonotic infection known as echinococcosis. Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are caused by Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus (s. s) respectively. It is endemic in several regions of the world. In this systematic review, we describe diagnosis, and the species (human, canids, livestock, and small rodents) affected by cystic (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). From 1999 to 2021, we searched the online directory through PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and google scholar. Among the 37,700 records found in the online databases, 187 publications met our eligibility requirements. The majority of investigations employed a range of diagnostic methods, such as ELISA, imaging, copro-PCR, necropsy or arecoline hydrobromide purgation, morphological cestode confirmation, and fecal sieving/flotation to detect and confirm Echinococcus infection. ELISA was the most commonly used method followed by PCR, and imaging. The research team retrieved data describing the incidence or assessment of the diagnostic test for E. multilocularis in humans (N = 99), canids (N = 63), small ruminants (N = 13), large ruminants (N= 3), camel (N= 2), pigs (N=2) and small mammals (N= 5). This study was conducted to explore the diagnostic tools applied to detect echinococcosis in humans as well as animals in prevalent countries, and to report the characteristic of new diagnostic tests for disease surveillance. This systematic review revealed that ELISA (alone or in combination) was the most common method used for disease diagnosis and diagnostic efficacy and prevalence rate increased when recombinant antigens were used. It is highly recommended to use combination protcols such as serological with molecular and imaging technique to diagnose disease. Our study identified scarcity of data of reporting echinococcosis in humans/ animals in low-income or developing countries particularly central Asian countries. Study reports in small rodents indicate their role in disease dissemination but real situation in these host is not refected due to limited number of studies. Even though echinococcosis affects both public health and the domestic animal sector, therefore, it is important to devise new and strengthe implementation of the existing monitoring, judging, and control measures in this estimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughees Aizaz Alvi
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, National Para-reference Laboratory for Animal Echinococcosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China; Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rana Muhammad Athar Ali
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sadiq Khan
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Warda Qamar
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, National Para-reference Laboratory for Animal Echinococcosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, National Para-reference Laboratory for Animal Echinococcosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong-Bin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, National Para-reference Laboratory for Animal Echinococcosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Wan-Zhong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, National Para-reference Laboratory for Animal Echinococcosis, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.
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Rivers S, Kochanowski M, Stolarek A, Ziętek-Barszcz A, Horigan V, Kent AJ, Dewar R. A framework for the design, implementation, and evaluation of output-based surveillance systems against zoonotic threats. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1129776. [PMID: 37151595 PMCID: PMC10157289 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1129776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Output-based standards set a prescribed target to be achieved by a surveillance system, but they leave the selection of surveillance parameters, such as test type and population to be sampled, to the responsible party in the surveillance area. This allows proportionate legislative surveillance specifications to be imposed over a range of unique geographies. This flexibility makes output-based standards useful in the context of zoonotic threat surveillance, particularly where animal pathogens act as risk indicators for human health or where multiple surveillance streams cover human, animal, and food safety sectors. Yet, these systems are also heavily reliant on the appropriate choice of surveillance options to fit the disease context and the constraints of the organization implementing the surveillance system. Here we describe a framework to assist with designing, implementing, and evaluating output-based surveillance systems showing the effectiveness of a diverse range of activities through a case study example. Despite not all activities being relevant to practitioners in every context, this framework aims to provide a useful toolbox to encourage holistic and stakeholder-focused approaches to the establishment and maintenance of productive output-based surveillance systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Rivers
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Samantha Rivers,
| | - Maciej Kochanowski
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Stolarek
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Anna Ziętek-Barszcz
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | - Verity Horigan
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Kent
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Dewar
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
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Bagó F, Hoelzl F, Knauer F, Kübber-Heiss A, Smith S. Rapid and Reliable Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis from Faeces Using Droplet Digital PCR. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:553-559. [PMID: 33346906 PMCID: PMC8166707 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Alveolar echinococcosis is a severe helminthic disease in humans caused by larvae of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Austria is considered an endemic area with hotspots having up to 45% prevalence (Bagó et al. in Proceedings of the Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference 2019, Berlin, p. 91, 2019). At our facility, we have registered a notifiable increase of animals submitted for the diagnosis of E. multilocularis since 2016. Therefore, we investigated high throughput diagnostic methods to provide rapid and reliable results in comparison with our current method. Methods We have developed and compared a novel method of detection using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) combined with previous target specific extraction according to Maas et al. (Vet Parasitol 230:20–24, 2016), with our current macroscopic method “Shaking in a Vessel Technique” (SVT) by Duscher et al. (Parasitol Res 95(1):40–42, 2005). We investigated 77 wild canids (72 red foxes, 5 golden jackals) using both methods. The data were analyzed using a non-Bayesian approach, applying bootstrapping to create confidentiality intervals. Results Sensitivity for droplet digital PCR was 90.51% with the 95% credibility interval ranging from 82.50 to 96.92%, whereas mean sensitivity for SVT was 92.04% with a 95% credibility interval ranging from 84.75% to 98.36%. Additionally, a non-linear regression similar to R2 could be pointed out between the counted worms and the results gathered from ddPCR. Conclusion Magnetic capture extraction followed by ddPCR shows strong potential as a high throughput method for diagnosing E. multilocularis prevalence in diverse canid populations as well as infection intensities of individual animals, giving valuable epidemiological insights of the distribution amongst wild canids as an alternative to conventional qPCR or macroscopic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Bagó
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Knauer
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Kübber-Heiss
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
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Maksimov P, Bergmann H, Wassermann M, Romig T, Gottstein B, Casulli A, Conraths FJ. Species Detection within the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato Complex by Novel Probe-Based Real-Time PCRs. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9100791. [PMID: 32993077 PMCID: PMC7599986 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with eggs of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) can cause cystic echinococcosis in intermediate host animals and humans. Upon ingestion of viable eggs, oncospheres hatch from the eggs and subsequently develop into fluid-filled larval cysts, most frequently in the liver or the lungs. The slowly growing cysts progressively interfere with organ function. The risk of infection is determined by the host range of the parasite, its pathogenicity and other epidemiologically relevant parameters, which differ significantly among the five species within the E. granulosus s.l. complex. It is therefore essential to diagnose the correct species within E. granulosus s.l. to help understand specific disease epidemiology and to facilitate effective implementation of control measures. For this purpose, simple, fast and cost-effective typing techniques are needed. We developed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs) to target polymorphic regions in the mitochondrial genome of E. granulosus s.l. In a single-step typing approach, we distinguished E. granulosus s.l. members in four epidemiologically relevant subgroups. These were E. granulosus sensu stricto, E. equinus, E. ortleppi and the E. canadensis cluster. The technique also allowed identification and differentiation of these species from other Echinococcus or Taenia taxa for samples isolated from cysts or faeces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlo Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, National Reference Centre for Echinococcosis, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (F.J.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Hannes Bergmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, National Reference Centre for Echinococcosis, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (F.J.C.)
| | - Marion Wassermann
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.W.); (T.R.)
| | - Thomas Romig
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (M.W.); (T.R.)
| | - Bruno Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Adriano Casulli
- WHO Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar Echinococcosis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- European Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, National Reference Centre for Echinococcosis, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (F.J.C.)
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Simple modification to improve reliability of copro-DNA examinations for diagnosing Echinococcus multilocularis infections in red foxes. J Helminthol 2020; 94:e145. [PMID: 32284088 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x20000255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of Echinococcus multilocularis infections in definitive hosts require a reliable and economic diagnostic method. In this study, the current copro-DNA examination technique was modified by increasing the faecal amounts tested and adding a step to neutralize the faeces before DNA extraction. Reliability of the modified method was evaluated using rectal faecal samples from red foxes and comparing them with intestinal worms detected using the sedimentation and counting technique (SCT) following necropsy. The modified copro-DNA examination method demonstrated 93.9% sensitivity (138/147) on the SCT. Its detectability increased depending on the worm burden, and the sensitivity was 100% in cases harbouring over 1000 worms. From 111 SCT-negative cases, six (5.4%) were copro-DNA-positive, and all were confirmed as E. multilocularis via sequencing analysis. Five of the remaining 105 SCT-negative cases (4.8%) retained polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors in the extracted solution, suggesting that approximately 5% of the red fox faeces retained these inhibitors after treatment with the present copro-DNA extraction method. Although further evaluation is needed for faeces deposited in the wild, the present copro-DNA examination technique will help monitor the E. multilocularis prevalence in definitive hosts. When used for detailed evaluations of endemicity (e.g. changes in infection pressure or spread in non-endemic areas), the absence of PCR inhibitors should be confirmed, and multiple trials on faecal subsamples are recommended.
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Frey CF, Oakley JR, Lobanov VA, Marreros N, Schurer JM, Lalonde LF. A novel protocol to isolate, detect and differentiate taeniid eggs in leafy greens and berries using real-time PCR with melting curve analysis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:590. [PMID: 31849342 PMCID: PMC6918723 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic taeniid cestodes are amongst the most important food-borne parasites affecting human health worldwide. Contamination of fresh produce with the eggs of Echinococcus granulosus (s.l.), Echinococcus multilocularis, and some Taenia species pose a potential food safety risk. However, very few studies have attempted to investigate the potential contamination of fresh produce with taeniid eggs and the available methods are not standardized for this purpose. Established protocols do exist for testing leafy greens and berries for contamination with protozoan parasites and are used in national surveillance programmes. This methodology could be suitable for the detection of taeniids. The objective of this project was to develop and standardize a sensitive and reliable method to detect contamination of leafy greens and berries with eggs of zoonotic taeniids and to differentiate between E. multilocularis, E. granulosus (s.l.) and Taenia spp. METHODS We compared the efficacy of different wash solutions to remove Taenia spp. eggs from spiked produce, assessed two DNA extraction kits for their performance on Taenia spp. eggs, and adapted a published conventional multiplex PCR into a real-time PCR with fluorescence melting curve analysis (MCA) that was optimized for use on produce washes. Analytical specificity of this protocol was assessed using non-spiked produce washes as well as a variety of other potentially contaminating parasites. RESULTS The protocol as established in this study had an analytical sensitivity of detecting five eggs per spiked sample for both romaine lettuce and strawberries. Unequivocal identification of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus (s.l.) and Taenia spp. was possible through MCA. Amplicon sequencing allowed identification of Taenia to the species level. The real-time PCR also amplified DNA from Dicrocoelium sp., but with a clearly discernable melting curve profile. CONCLUSION The new protocol for screening produce for taeniid contamination was highly sensitive. Melting curve analysis and the possibility of amplicon sequencing made this assay very specific. Once further validated, this method could be employed for surveillance of produce for contamination with taeniid parasites to assess potential risks for consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline F. Frey
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2R3 Canada
| | - Jenna R. Oakley
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2R3 Canada
| | - Vladislav A. Lobanov
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2R3 Canada
| | - Nelson Marreros
- Parks Canada Agency, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4 Canada
| | - Janna M. Schurer
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA USA
- University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Laura F. Lalonde
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon, SK S7N 2R3 Canada
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