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Rampacci E, Diaferia M, Lucentini L, Brustenga L, Capasso M, Girardi S, Gizzi I, Primavilla S, Veronesi F, Passamonti F. Detection of zoonotic enteropathogens in captive large felids in Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:200-209. [PMID: 38017609 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13099] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Within the One Health paradigm, infectious disease surveillance have been developed for domestic and wild animals, leaving the role of captive non-domestic populations, especially felids in zoos and circuses, less explored. This study addresses the proximity of these captive animals to urban areas, necessitating focused monitoring for potential zoonotic enteropathogens. The present work aimed to investigate the presence of such zoonotic enteropathogens in faecal samples from captive large felid populations. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 108 faecal samples were collected in three circuses, five zoos and one rescue centre across Italy. Salmonella spp. isolation, serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted on all samples. Additionally, 60 samples were also examined for gastrointestinal parasites using standard coprological techniques. Giardia spp. detection employed direct immunofluorescent staining and specific PCR, while Toxoplasma gondii was detected using PCR targeting B1 gene. A total of 51 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica were isolated, with predominant serovariants including Infantis (43.1%), Coeln (11.8%) and Newport (11.8%). The captive felids likely act as asymptomatic carriers of foodborne Salmonella, with notable resistance ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, no resistance to enrofloxacin was noted. Microscopic analysis revealed Toxascaris leonina eggs in 11 faecal samples (18.3%) and Giardia duodenalis cysts in one animal (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS Captive animals in public settings may act as sources of Salmonella infection and enteroparasitosis for both occupational and general exposure. The study emphasizes the role of captive animals in antimicrobial resistance dynamics, highlighting the need for routine pathogen screening in the management practices of zoological structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rampacci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Manuela Diaferia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Capasso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Production, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Girardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gizzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Primavilla
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche 'Togo Rosati', Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Andityas M, Nuraini DM, Sota P, Loong SK, Sripa B, Sukon P, Tangkawattana P, Tangkawattana S. Feline leptospirosis prevalence worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic approaches. Vet World 2024; 17:255-272. [PMID: 38595668 PMCID: PMC11000471 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.255-272] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Leptospirosis in felids (domestic and wild cats) presents an ongoing challenge in our understanding. Numerous studies have reported the detection of Leptospira spp. in these feline populations, highlighting their potential as zoonotic carriers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide insight into the global prevalence of leptospirosis in domestic and wild cats. Materials and Methods We conducted extensive searches across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols guidelines. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed using R software version 4.3.0 to estimate pooled prevalence rates. Subgroup meta-analyses were conducted based on continents, diagnostic methods, sample types, and wildcat genera. Results A total of 71 articles on leptospirosis in domestic cats and 23 articles on leptospirosis in wild cats met the eligibility criteria. Our findings indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of leptospirosis in domestic cats compared with infection prevalence (9.95% [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.60%-12.54%] vs. 4.62% [95% CI, 2.10%-7.83%], p = 0.01). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in pooled seroprevalence and infection prevalence among wild cats (13.38% [95% CI, 6.25%-21.93%] vs. 2.9% [95% CI, 0.00%-18.91%], p = 0.21). A subgroup meta-analysis of domestic cats revealed significant differences in seroprevalence across continents, sample types, and diagnostic methods. On the contrary, wild cats had no significant differences in any of the subgroups. Conclusion Leptospira spp. have evidently been exposed to both domestic and wild cats, highlighting their potential roles as reservoir hosts for leptospirosis. These findings highlight the importance of considering felids as a possible public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morsid Andityas
- Veterinary Science Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Veterinary Technology Study Program, Department of Bioresources Technology and Veterinary, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Dian Meididewi Nuraini
- Veterinary Science Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, 57126, Indonesia
| | - Pornphutthachat Sota
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Banchob Sripa
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Peerapol Sukon
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Prasarn Tangkawattana
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sirikachorn Tangkawattana
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
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Carbonara M, Iatta R, Sgroi G, Papadopoulos E, Lima C, Bouhsira E, Miró G, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Otranto D. Hepatozoon species infecting domestic cats from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102192. [PMID: 37201249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102192] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are caused by pathogens of human and veterinary concern representing a major public health issue worldwide. Although feline medicine has progressed much in the recent decades, data on feline TBDs (FeTBDs) remain scant. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of apicomplexan parasite infections, associated risk factors and clinical-hematological abnormalities in domestic feline populations from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Blood and serum samples from cats (n = 600) living in France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal and Spain were collected along with animal data (i.e., age, sex, breed, housing conditions and geographical origin), clinical signs and laboratory blood test parameters. Cats were grouped according to their age as kitten (up to one year), young (between one and six years), mature (between seven and ten years) and senior (older than ten years). Blood samples were tested for Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasmids by conventional PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection was 14.5%, being significantly higher in cats from Greece (30%) and Portugal (23%), followed by Spain (15%), Israel (15%) and France (4%). Cats from Italy scored negative. Hepatozoon felis was identified in 86 animals, with three different sequence types and H. silvestris was detected in one shelter cat from Portugal. No piroplasmid DNA was amplified. The risk of Hepatozoon spp. infection was related to feline geographical provenience, housing condition and age. No statistical correlation was reported with any clinical signs, while increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was the only laboratory abnormality significantly associated (p = 0.03) with the infection. Data suggest a high circulation of H. felis, and only occasionally of H. silvestris, within domestic feline populations in the Mediterranean basin, mainly in shelter or free roaming and young cats with asymptomatic or subclinical infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaelisa Carbonara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Clara Lima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, InTheres, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Grillini M, Beraldo P, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Dotto G, Tessarin C, Franzo G, Marchiori E, Modrý D, Simonato G. Molecular survey of Cytauxzoon spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in felids using a novel real-time PCR approach. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1113681. [PMID: 37377952 PMCID: PMC10291185 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1113681] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-transmitted apicomplexans of the genera Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon affect a wide range of felids worldwide, but little is known about them. Recently, several studies addressed the species circulating in Europe, their distribution, and their hosts. Molecular assays are the method of choice for their detection. Unfortunately, conventional PCRs already described are time- and cost-consuming and specific for either Hepatozoon or Cytauxzoon detection. This study was developed to evaluate (i) the occurrence of Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon in felids using a fast and cost-saving real-time PCR capable of detecting both protozoa simultaneously, (ii) the distribution of Cytauxzoon and Hepatozoon species in north-eastern Italy, and (iii) the involvement of other susceptible felid hosts in the same area. An SYBR® Green-based real-time PCR with primers targeting the 18S-rRNA was validated and applied to 237 felid samples, i.e., whole blood from 206 domestic cats and 12 captive exotic felids, and tissues from 19 wildcats. Positive results were obtained by melting temperature curve analysis due to the specific melting peak (i.e., 81°C Cytauxzoon spp.; 78-78.5°C Hepatozoon spp.). Positive samples were subjected to conventional PCR, followed by sequencing for species identification. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assess relatedness among European isolates. Data on domestic cats (age class, sex, origin, management, and lifestyle) were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors. A total of 31 (15%) domestic cats were positive for Hepatozoon spp. (i.e., 12 for H. felis, 19 for H. silvestris), while six (2.9%) for C. europaeus. The prevalence of Hepatozoon felis was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in domestic cats, while H. silvestris was higher in strays and animals from the Eastern region (i.e., Friuli-Venezia Giulia). Cytauxzoon europaeus was detected only in stray cats from Friuli-Venezia Giulia (province of Trieste). Among captive felids, one tiger was infected with H. felis and another with H. silvestris; eight out of 19 (42%) wildcats were positive for Hepatozoon spp. (i.e., six with H. felis, two with H. silvestris) and four out of 19 (21%) for Cytauxzoon europaeus. Outdoor lifestyle and origin (i.e., Friuli-Venezia Giulia region) were the most relevant risk factors for H. silvestris and C. europeus infections. Conversely, H. felis was most frequently isolated from domestic cats, suggesting different modes of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Beraldo
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Dotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cinzia Tessarin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Erica Marchiori
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Baneth G, Allen K. Hepatozoonosis of Dogs and Cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1341-1358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Breedlove B. “It Is a Tiger That Devours Me, But I Am the Tiger”. Emerg Infect Dis 2021. [PMCID: PMC8632169 DOI: 10.3201/eid2712.ac2712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Buxton M, Buxton MP, Machekano H, Nyamukondiwa C, Wasserman RJ. A Survey of Potentially Pathogenic-Incriminated Arthropod Vectors of Health Concern in Botswana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10556. [PMID: 34639855 PMCID: PMC8508065 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod vectors play a crucial role in the transmission of many debilitating infections, causing significant morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the economic significance of arthropods to public health, public knowledge on vector biology, ecology and taxonomic status remains anecdotal and largely unexplored. The present study surveyed knowledge gaps regarding the biology and ecology of arthropod vectors in communities of Botswana, across all districts. Results showed that communities are largely aware of individual arthropod vectors; however, their 'potential contribution' in disease transmission in humans, livestock and wildlife could not be fully attested. As such, their knowledge was largely limited with regards to some aspects of vector biology, ecology and control. Communities were strongly concerned about the burden of mosquitoes, cockroaches, flies and ticks, with the least concerns about fleas, bedbugs and lice, although the same communities did not know of specific diseases potentially vectored by these arthropods. Knowledge on arthropod vector control was mainly limited to synthetic chemical pesticides for most respondents, regardless of their location. The limited knowledge on potentially pathogen-incriminated arthropod vectors reported here has large implications for bridging knowledge gaps on the bio-ecology of these vectors countrywide. This is potentially useful in reducing the local burden of associated diseases and preventing the risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases under global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mmabaledi Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Malebogo Portia Buxton
- Department of Sociology, University of Botswana, P/Bag UB 0022, Gaborone 00704, Botswana;
| | - Honest Machekano
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Casper Nyamukondiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Ryan John Wasserman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (H.M.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
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Paz LN, Hamond C, Pinna MH. Detection of Leptospira interrogans DNA in Urine of a Captive Ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020793. [PMID: 33477755 PMCID: PMC7832400 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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