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Rojas A, Germitsch N, Oren S, Sazmand A, Deak G. Wildlife parasitology: sample collection and processing, diagnostic constraints, and methodological challenges in terrestrial carnivores. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:127. [PMID: 38481271 PMCID: PMC10938792 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06226-4] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Wild terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role as reservoir, maintenance, and spillover hosts for a wide parasite variety. They may harbor, shed, and transmit zoonotic parasites and parasites of veterinary importance for domestic hosts. Although wild carnivores are globally distributed and comprise many different species, some living in close proximity to human settlements, only a few studies have investigated parasites of wild terrestrial carnivores using non-specific techniques. Access to samples of wild carnivores may be challenging as some species are protected, and others are secretive, possibly explaining the data paucity. Considering the importance of wild carnivores' health and ecological role, combined with the lack of specific diagnostic methodologies, this review aims to offer an overview of the diagnostic methods for parasite investigation in wild terrestrial carnivores, providing the precise techniques for collection and analysis of fecal, blood, and tissue samples, the environmental impact on said samples, and the limitations researchers currently face in analyzing samples of wild terrestrial carnivores. In addition, this paper offers some crucial information on how different environmental factors affect parasite detection postmortem and how insects can be used to estimate the time of death with a specific highlight on insect larvae. The paper contains a literature review of available procedures and emphasizes the need for diagnostic method standardization in wild terrestrial carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Nina Germitsch
- Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada.
| | - Stephanie Oren
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Lombardo A, Diano M, Brocherel G, Palmerini L, Giovannini S, Mezher Z, Iurescia M, Cerci T, Caprioli A, Eleni C, Raso C, Mariacher A, Del Lesto I, Cappai N, Mattioli L, De Liberato C, Fichi G. Detection of Endoparasites in Non-Native Raccoons from Central Italy. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020171. [PMID: 36851475 PMCID: PMC9961332 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020171] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a carnivore native to North and Central America, gradually introduced into Asia and Europe, including Italy. It is an important carrier of multiple endoparasites, both Protozoa and Helminths, some of them being zoonotic. The aim of this study was to investigate the endoparasites of the non-native raccoon population of Central Italy. Sixty-two raccoons were collected by local competent authorities (sixty trapped and euthanized, two found dead) and subjected to necroscopic examination. Carcasses underwent a broad parasitological investigation, including coprological techniques (macroscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, trachea, and heart, Flotac®, Baermann test, and immunofluorescence for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.), research on respiratory/urinary capillariosis and artificial digestion for Trichinella spp. larvae, and a histopathological examination of the ileum. Ascarid parasites were further identified at the species level using a next-generation sequencing-based amplicon sequencing approach. The results showed the presence of different Protozoa and Nematodes: Baylisascaris procyonis (26/62; 41.9%), Pearsonema sp. (6/62; 9.6%), Capillariidae (6/62; 9.6%), Eimeria sp. (2/62; 3.2%), Cryptosporidium sp. (2/62; 3.2%), and Ancylostomatidae (2/62; 3.2%). B. procyonis is an emerging helminthic zoonotic agent considered a serious concern for public and animal health, given the possibility of its transmission to paratenic hosts, including humans and pets. The demonstrated role of the raccoon as a multi-parasite carrier should be an incentive to continuing the eradication/control of this alien species, and supports the need to implement related disease surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lombardo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Marco Diano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Brocherel
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Lucia Palmerini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Serena Giovannini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Ziad Mezher
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Manuela Iurescia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Tamara Cerci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Caprioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Eleni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Caterina Raso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Alessia Mariacher
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Irene Del Lesto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Nadia Cappai
- Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna, 52015 Pratovecchio, Italy
| | - Luca Mattioli
- Regione Toscana, Presidio Territoriale del Settore Faunistico Venatorio ed Ittico, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Gianluca Fichi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
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Arcenillas-Hernández I, Ruiz de Ybáñez M, Tizzani P, Pérez-Cutillas P, Martínez-Carrasco C. Pearsonema plica in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from semi-arid areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 19:78-83. [PMID: 36090666 PMCID: PMC9449666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Heddergott M, Müller F, Steinbach P, Jeschke D, Stubbe M, Frantz AC, Stubbe A, Ansorge H, Osten-Sacken N. First detection and low prevalence of Pearsonema spp. in wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) from central Europa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY: PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2022; 19:243-247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Pathology of Urinary Bladder in Pearsonema spp. Infected Wildlife from Central Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040474. [PMID: 33919805 PMCID: PMC8070773 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Pearsonema, in the nematode family Capillariidae, includes several species that parasitize the urinary bladders of wild and domestic carnivores. The infection has been reported worldwide from several wildlife species, including canids, mustelids, and felids, but the pathological aspects have seldom been investigated. In order to assess the presence and severity of the lesions in Pearsonema-infected wildlife, we performed a parasitological and pathological examination of urinary bladders from 72 animals, belonging to the families Canidae (red fox Vulpes vulpes, n = 28, and wolf Canis lupus, n = 29) and Mustelidae (beech marten Martes foina, n = 3; pine marten Martes martes, n = 2; and European badger Meles meles, n = 10). A greater prevalence of infection for canids (64.91%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 52.52–77.30%) than for mustelids (13.33%) (p < 0.001) was recorded. The prevalence of infection in red foxes was 75.0% (95% CI, 58.96–91.04%), in accordance with other reports from European countries, supporting the role of this species as a reservoir for infection. Eosinophilic cystitis was observed in 34 out of the 72 examined animals (47.22%). The influence of Pearsonema sp. infection on the occurrence of eosinophilic cystitis was statistically significant in wolves (p < 0.01), which were also affected by more severe histological lesions compared to foxes.
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Capillaria plica in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Serbia: Epidemiology and Diagnostic Approaches to Urinary Capillariosis in Domestic Carnivores. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:954-962. [PMID: 32601819 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the presence of C. plica in red foxes and to point out the possibilities of different diagnostic methods, that could be used for diagnosis of urinary capillariosis in domestic carnivores. METHODS Seventeen red foxes from hunting grounds in the Kolubara District, Republic of Serbia, were examined in February 2019. Animals to be shot were selected based on the criteria of gamekeepers and the permission of the competent Ministry. After hunting, the foxes were examined by ultrasound and autopsied. After the necropsy, biochemical and sediment analysis of urine morphological identification of isolated adult parasites, and macroscopic/microscopic examination of the urinary bladder and kidney tissue were performed. RESULTS Adults of C. plica were detected in 3/17 foxes (17.6%) by ultrasound imaging and in 6/17 foxes (35.3%) by necropsy examination. Parasite eggs were found in the urinary sediment of 9/17 foxes (52.9%). The predominant histopathologic changes were amyloid degeneration of the renal glomeruli and proximal tubules (8/17 foxes-47%) as well as acute cystitis (7/17 foxes-41.2%). The occurrence of C. plica was determined in 12/17 (70.6%) of the examined foxes. DISCUSSION This study is the first record of the C. plica in red foxes in the Republic of Serbia. Diagnostic methods used in this study could make possible the early revealing of capillariosis in domestic carnivores and could provide reliable clinical and parasitological screening of suspect animals. CONCLUSION The study presents the first report of urinary capillariosis in a fox population in Serbia. The established high prevalence of C. plica in foxes could presume its higher prevalence in domestic and wild carnivores in the future.
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Pelligra S, Guardone L, Riggio F, Parisi F, Maestrini M, Mariacher A, Perrucci S. Pearsonema spp. (Family Capillariidae, Order Enoplida) Infection in Domestic Carnivores in Central-Northern Italy and in a Red Fox Population from Central Italy. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091607. [PMID: 32916873 PMCID: PMC7552330 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pearsonema spp. nematodes live in the urinary bladder and sometimes in the ureters and renal pelvis of domestic and wild carnivores, in which they may be responsible for urinary capillariosis. While the red fox is considered a reservoir of Pearsonema plica, the occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic carnivores is still poorly known. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in privately owned cats and dogs from central (Tuscany) and northern Italy (Piedmont and Lombardy) alongside its occurrence in a red fox population from central Italy (Tuscany). Among the examined animals, 2/26 cats (7.7%), 1/83 dogs (1.2%), and 38/42 foxes (90.5%) were found positive. Recurrent cystitis, pollakiuria, and hematuria were the main clinical signs in symptomatic dogs and cats. This is the first study on Pearsonema spp. infection of domestic carnivores examining a large number of privately owned pet animals. Obtained results confirm the role of the red fox as a reservoir for P. plica in Europe and suggest a possible high occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic cats of central Italy. Abstract Pearsonema spp. nematodes infect the urinary bladder of domestic and wild carnivores. The red fox is considered a reservoir of Pearsonema plica, while the prevalence of Pearsonema spp. in domestic carnivores is still poorly known. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in privately owned cats (26) and dogs (83) from central and northern Italy alongside occurrence in red foxes (42) from central Italy. In positive dogs and cats, associated clinical signs were also evaluated. Urine samples were first examined under a stereomicroscope; then, they were centrifuged and microscopically examined after a flotation test. As for foxes, the urinary bladders were opened and urine was collected and processed as above, while collected nematodes were identified at the species level. Among examined animals, 2/26 cats (7.7%), 1/83 dogs (1.2%), and 38/42 foxes (90.5%) scored positive. Recurrent cystitis, pollakiuria, and hematuria were the main clinical signs in symptomatic dogs and cats. This is the first study on Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic carnivores examining a large number of privately owned pet animals. Obtained results confirm the role of the red fox as a reservoir for P. plica and suggest a possible high occurrence of Pearsonema spp. infection in domestic cats of central Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pelligra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.P.); (L.G.); (F.R.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Lisa Guardone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.P.); (L.G.); (F.R.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Riggio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.P.); (L.G.); (F.R.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Parisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.P.); (L.G.); (F.R.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Michela Maestrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.P.); (L.G.); (F.R.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessia Mariacher
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (S.P.); Tel.: +39-056-445-6249 (A.M.); +39-050-221-6949 (S.P.)
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.P.); (L.G.); (F.R.); (F.P.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (S.P.); Tel.: +39-056-445-6249 (A.M.); +39-050-221-6949 (S.P.)
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First Documented Cases of Pearsonema Plica (syn. Capillaria Plica) Infections in Dogs from Western Slovakia. Helminthologia 2020; 57:158-162. [PMID: 32518492 PMCID: PMC7261032 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2020-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Three clinical cases of dogs with Pearsonema plica infection were detected in the western part of Slovakia. All cases were detected within five months. Infections were confirmed after positive findings of capillarid eggs in the urine sediment in following breeds. The eight years old Jack Russell Terrier, one year old Italian Greyhound, and eleven years old Yorkshire terrier were examined and treated. In one case, the infection was found accidentally in clinically healthy dog. Two other patients had nonspecific clinical signs such as apathy, inappetence, vomiting, polydipsia and frequent urination. This paper describes three individual cases, including the case history, clinical signs, examinations, and therapies. All data were obtained by attending veterinarian as well as by dog owners.
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