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Amato A, Cavallo C, Marín-García PJ, Emmanuele G, Tomasello M, Tomasella C, Floridia V, Liotta L, Llobat L. Effect of Breed on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Apparently Healthy Dogs Infected with Zoonotic Pathogens Endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1516. [PMID: 38891563 PMCID: PMC11171318 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dogs are considered the main reservoir of several zoonoses endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, a prevalence of infections and coinfections of canine vector-borne diseases was analyzed in apparently healthy dogs of different canine pure breeds in Sicily (Italy), where these diseases are endemic. The seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum, Ricketsia ricketsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Erlichia canis was assessed, as single and coinfections. Biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated, and epidemiological factors, including sex, age, and canine breed, were recovered. The most frequent infection was L. infantum (45.61%), following R. ricketsii (36.84%), both as single, double, or triple coinfections. Coinfections change the biochemical and hematological parameters of the host, and canine breeds are related to the infection frequency and the parameters observed during infections. Changes in the complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical values also differ between canine breeds, with the Cirneco dell'Etna dogs infected with L. infantum being the animals presenting the most interesting results in our study. High values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and albumin and low levels of β-2 globulin and γ-globulin were found only in this canine breed, suggesting some resistance to infection in these dogs. Future studies about the immune response of this canine breed could be interesting to determine their possible resistance to zoonotic pathogens, such as L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Amato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Carmelo Cavallo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Giovanni Emmanuele
- BIOGENE, Veterinary Diagnostic Center, 95127 Catania, Italy; (G.E.); (M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Mario Tomasello
- BIOGENE, Veterinary Diagnostic Center, 95127 Catania, Italy; (G.E.); (M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Cristina Tomasella
- BIOGENE, Veterinary Diagnostic Center, 95127 Catania, Italy; (G.E.); (M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Viviana Floridia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisns of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
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Mamun TI, Mahmud MW, Dey SC, Fahim MAA, Raihan MAT, Tuhin RH, Sima SA, Akter S. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding zoonotic diseases among cat and dog owners in Bangladesh. Prev Vet Med 2024; 226:106166. [PMID: 38484427 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106166] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The close relationship between human and companion animals like cats and dogs raises public health concerns regarding the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases in Bangladesh. The study aimed to evaluate the cat and dog owners' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception concerning zoonotic diseases for designing effective interventions and reducing disease transmission. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 480 pet owners in various region of Bangladesh. For data collection, a structured, closed-ended questions were implemented. The data collection was anonymous and individuals were chosen through a random selection method. Responses were classified to evaluate comprehensive knowledge, using a threshold value of ≥65%. Quantitative score was created to measure Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices, and these scores were divided into categories of good and poor knowledge, positive and negative attitudes, as well as correct and incorrect practices. The analysis included the application of both descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The findings showed that females made up more than half of the survey participants (55.2%), with the predominant pet owned being cats (73.1%). Overall, only a small portion (21.25%) of the survey respondents demonstrated good knowledge about the topic as measured by a dichotomous outcome. A larger proportion of participants (84.58%) exhibited a positive attitude towards zoonotic diseases. However, when it came to correct practices, about one-third (29.79%) of performed satisfactorily. It is noteworthy that 90.4% of the participants exhibited a high level of understanding regarding the transmission of rabies through dog bites. The knowledge and practices of owners were markedly impacted by their education, occupation, and geographic location. Furthermore, 48.1% identified 'social media' as their primary source of information, and 80.0% regarded vaccination as a preventive measure. The study reveals gaps in knowledge and practices of risks regarding zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Bangladesh. It is crucial to implement focused educational initiatives and preventative measures to effectively tackle gaps in knowledge concerning zoonotic diseases and to avert potential infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajul Islam Mamun
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh; Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Wakil Mahmud
- Genetics and Animal Breeding, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh; Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Asif Al Fahim
- Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Sajeda Afroz Sima
- Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Suchona Akter
- Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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Ciccone E, Bosco A, Pepe P, Nocerino M, Lattero N, Umhang G, AbdElkarim L, Lahmar S, Said Y, Saralli G, Piegari G, Alterisio MC, Baka R, Sotiraki S, Boué F, Rinaldi L. Baiting not-owned dogs against Echinococcus granulosus: innovative tools for integrated control. Parasitology 2024; 151:421-428. [PMID: 38576256 PMCID: PMC11044063 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most widespread zoonoses in Mediterranean countries. Baiting not-owned dogs with praziquantel (PZQ), due to their key role in the maintaining the transmission of CE, currently appears to be the most effective way to limit the transmission of CE, as well as an important aspect to introduce for the control of this parasitic disease. Therefore, this study aims to test 3 types of PZQ-based baits by evaluating different parameters (integrity over time, attractiveness and palatability for dogs, and mechanical resistance after release to different altitudes) and the bait acceptance in field by target animals, i.e. not-owned dogs, by using camera traps. The double PZQ-laced baits (with a double layer of highly palatable chews) showed the greatest resistance in the environment while also preserving the attractiveness and palatability up to 10 days, also withstood heights of 25 m, thus resulting as the most suitable also for drone delivery. The results on the field showed that most of the baits were consumed by not-owned dogs (82.2%), while the remaining were consumed by wild boars (8.9%), foxes (6.7%), badgers (1.1%) and hedgehogs (1.1%), confirming the specific and high attractiveness of the double PZQ-laced baits for the target population and highlights how an anthelmintic baiting programme may be a viable tool for the management of E. granulosus among free-ranging dog populations in endemic rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ciccone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Nocerino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Lattero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
| | - Gerald Umhang
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife Diseases, Technopôle agricole et vétérinaire, BP 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Laatamna AbdElkarim
- Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Samia Lahmar
- Parasitology Laboratory, National School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Yousra Said
- Parasitology Laboratory, National School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Giorgio Saralli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Lazio and Tuscany M. Aleandri, Via Appia Nuova, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Alterisio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Rania Baka
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Franck Boué
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife Diseases, Technopôle agricole et vétérinaire, BP 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Center for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
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Hejazi SH, Mirbadie SR, Jafari R, Rezaiemanesh MR, Azizi O, Badmasti F, Kalani H, Cheraghipour K, Heydarian P, Hashemi N, Izadi S, Jabalameli Z, Mohaghegh MA. Echinococcus granulosus sheep strain (G1) as the predominant genotype in definitive host (dogs) isolates in northeastern Iran. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 48:100975. [PMID: 38316501 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100975] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.) is a zoonotic parasite, causing cystic echinococcosis in humans. In the present study, prevalence and genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. was assessed in stools collected from 244 dogs including 138 stray and 106 domestic animals using high resolution melting curve (HRM) method. Initially, to detect taeniid eggs in feces, all samples were examined using the formalin-ether techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted from the positive samples and E. granulosus s.l. was differentiated from other Taeniidae parasites using SSU-rDNA gene and E. granulosus s.l. was analyzed for genotyping using HRM based on the cox1 gene. In total, 12.7% (31/244) of the samples were positive for Taeniidae eggs. In addition, among the positive samples, 77.4% (24/31) were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. In details, 11.3% (12/106) of the domestic dogs and 8.7% (12/138) of the stray dogs were positive for E. granulosus s.l.. The results of HRM analysis showed that all E. granulosus s.l. isolates were G1 strain. Findings of the present study indicated a considerable prevalence of E. granulosus G1 among dogs in the northeast of Iran and imply a serious risk of transmitting to humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed-Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Rasool Jafari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Rezaiemanesh
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Omid Azizi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Farzad Badmasti
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Kalani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Kourosh Cheraghipour
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Peyman Heydarian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Nooshin Hashemi
- School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Jabalameli
- Vice Chancellery of Education and Research, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Ali Mohaghegh
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Dimzas D, Morelli S, Colombo M, Di Cesare A, Martinis D, Dourdas G, Diakou A. Unusual parasitoses in urban dogs: Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis, cases report. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100949. [PMID: 38199692 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100949] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases caused by uncommonly diagnosed parasites may pose a threat to companion animals' health in urban environments where they are least expected. The pentastomid Linguatula serrata (tongue worm) and the capillarid Pearsonema plica (syn. Capillaria plica) are parasites with an indirect life cycle, infecting both domestic and wild carnivores. The present report describes two cases: the first one of urinary capillariosis and the other of linguatulosis, in two dogs living in the urban environment of Athens, Greece. In the case of capillariosis, the dog never lived out of the city, so it was presumably infected in the urban environment. On the contrary, in the case of linguatulosis, the dog was adopted at a young age from a rural environment but remained asymptomatic for several months while living in the city. Both dogs had mild symptoms, compatible with these infections. Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis are uncommon in owned, pet dogs, living in cities due to epizootiological characteristics, i.e. need for wildlife reservoir for P. plica and consumption of raw infected viscera for L. serrata. Different factors contribute to the fact that such infections may occur in scenarios where they are least expected. Recent studies show a progressive worldwide increase in the number of uncommon parasitoses in pet animals, that in some cases, such as linguatulosis, are of zoonotic relevance. Regular parasitological examinations and preventive antiparasitic schemes are necessary in order to treat and prevent infections in pet animals and safeguard the health of both animals and humans under the concept of One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Dimzas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | | | - Georgios Dourdas
- Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Agia Paraskevi, 15343 Attica, Greece.
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Arruda IF, Ramos RCF, Barbosa ADS, Villar-Echarte G, Augusto AM, Troccoli F, Amendoeira MRR. Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and other gastrointestinal parasites in free-roaming cats from the Rio de Janeiro zoo. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2023; 45:e006023. [PMID: 38149031 PMCID: PMC10750499 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm006023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This communication aimed to determine the frequency of infection by T. gondii and other gastrointestinal parasites in free-living cats captured in BioParque do Rio (Fundação RioZoo), Brazil. To this end, 58 blood and 51 fecal samples were collected from 68 cats from July 2019 to September 2020. The serum obtained was analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody test for anti-T. gondii IgG. Fecal samples were examined by microscopic parasitological techniques. Of the total, 10.3% of the animals presented anti-T. gondii IgG. Parasitic structures were observed in 39.2% of the fecal samples. Hookworms were the most detected parasites (19.6%) followed by Cystoisospora sp. (11.7%), Dipylidium caninum (7.8%) and Toxocara cati (3.9%). These results indicated the exposure of this population of stray cats to potentially zoonotic parasites, which in addition to causing possible damage to domestic and wild animal health, also pose risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Falco Arruda
- Biologist, Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical (PPGMT), Laboratório de Protozoologia (LProto), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | - Alynne da Silva Barbosa
- Veterinarian, DSc, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia (MIP), Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil and PPGMT, LProto, IOC, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Sousa FM, Warembourg C, Abakar MF, Alvarez D, Berger-Gonzalez M, Odoch T, Wera E, Chitnis N, Silva LC, Alobo G, Sikko MM, Roquel P, Hernández ALL, Dürr S. Investigation of optimized observation periods for estimating a representative home range of free-roaming domestic dogs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22750. [PMID: 38123585 PMCID: PMC10733426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49851-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming domestic dogs (FRDD), as vectors of zoonotic diseases, are of high relevance for public health. Understanding roaming patterns of dogs can help to design disease control programs and disease transmission simulation models. Studies on GPS tracking of dogs report stark differences in recording periods. So far, there is no accepted number of days required to capture a representative home range (HR) of FRDD. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in HR size and shape over time of FRDD living in Chad, Guatemala, Indonesia and Uganda and identify the period required to capture stable HR values. Dogs were collared with GPS units, leading to a total of 46 datasets with, at least, 19 recorded days. For each animal and recorded day, HR sizes were estimated using the Biased Random Bridge method and percentages of daily change in size and shape calculated and taken as metrics. The analysis revealed that the required number of days differed substantially between individuals, isopleths, and countries, with the extended HR (95% isopleth value) requiring a longer recording period. To reach a stable HR size and shape values for 75% of the dogs, 26 and 21 days, respectively, were sufficient. However, certain dogs required more extended observational periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Maximiano Sousa
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Charlotte Warembourg
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Danilo Alvarez
- Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Monica Berger-Gonzalez
- Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Terence Odoch
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ewaldus Wera
- Kupang State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang), West Timor, Indonesia
| | - Nakul Chitnis
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Cunha Silva
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Grace Alobo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria M Sikko
- Animal Health Division, Agricultural Department of Sikka Regency, Flores, Indonesia
| | - Pablo Roquel
- Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Tamayo Cuartero C, Radford AD, Szilassy E, Newton JR, Sánchez-Vizcaíno F. Stakeholder opinion-led study to identify canine priority diseases for surveillance and control in the UK. Vet Rec 2023; 193:e3167. [PMID: 37415378 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many pathogens cause disease in dogs; however, meaningful surveillance in small companion animals is often only possible for the most impactful diseases. We describe the first stakeholder opinion-led approach to identify which canine infectious diseases should be prioritised for inclusion in surveillance and control strategies in the UK. METHODS Participants were identified through a stakeholder analysis. A multicriteria decision analysis was undertaken to establish and weight epidemiological criteria for evaluating diseases, and a Delphi technique was employed to achieve a consensus among participants on the top-priority canine diseases. RESULTS Nineteen stakeholders from multiple backgrounds participated in this study. Leptospirosis and parvovirus were identified as the top two endemic diseases of concern, while leishmaniosis and babesiosis were the top two exotic diseases. Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases were identified as the top two syndromes of concern. LIMITATIONS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of participants was reduced. Despite this, a representative multidisciplinary sample of relevant stakeholders contributed to the present study. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study are being used to inform the development of a future UK-wide epidemic response strategy. This methodology could provide a blueprint for other countries.
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Mateo M, Montoya A, Bailo B, Köster PC, Dashti A, Hernández‐Castro C, Saugar JM, Matas P, Xiao L, Carmena D. Prevalence and public health relevance of enteric parasites in domestic dogs and cats in the region of Madrid (Spain) with an emphasis on Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2542-2558. [PMID: 37725371 PMCID: PMC10650246 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1270] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet dogs and cats exert an unquestionable beneficial effect in the well-being of their owners, but can also act as a source of zoonotic infections if improperly cared. OBJECTIVES We investigated the occurrence, risk factors, genetic variability and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats attended in a clinical veterinary setting in Spain. METHODS Canine (n = 252) and feline (n = 35) faecal samples were collected during 2017-2019 and analysed by coproparasitological methods. A rapid lateral immunochromatographic test (ICT) was used for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Samples positive at microscopy examination and/or ICT were reassessed by molecular methods. RESULTS Overall, 48.8% (123/252) of dogs and 48.6% (17/35) of cats were infected by enteric parasites. In dogs, G. duodenalis was the most prevalent species (40.9%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), and Toxocara canis (5.2%). In cats, Joyeuxiella sp. and Toxocara cati were the dominant species (20.0% each), followed by G. duodenalis (14.3%), D. caninum (5.7%) and Cystoisospora felis and Toxascaris leonina (2.9% each). Pups and kittens were more likely to harbour intestinal parasites and develop clinical signs. Sequence analyses of dog isolates revealed the presence of assemblages A (n = 1), C (n = 4), D (n = 4) and C+D (n = 1) within G. duodenalis; C. parvum (n = 1) and C. canis (n = 4) within Cryptosporidium and PtEb IX (n = 1) in Enterocytozoon bieneusi. A novel C. canis subtype family, named XXi, is reported. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that (i) well-cared dogs carry zoonotic enteric protozoan parasites of public health relevance, (ii) proper hygiene practices and routine veterinary treatment are essential to prevent zoonotic infections, (iii) vulnerable populations should avoid contact with pups/kittens with diarrhoea and (iv) infected dogs might be major contributors to the environmental contamination with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mateo
- Department of Microbiology and ParasitologyFaculty of PharmacyComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Department of Animal HealthFaculty of VeterinaryComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
| | - Carolina Hernández‐Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical PathologiesUniversity of AntioquiaMedellínColombia
| | - José M. Saugar
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious DiseasesHealth Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Pablo Matas
- Faculty of Veterinary, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX)Villanueva de la CañadaMadridSpain
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary MedicineSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research LaboratorySpanish National Centre for MicrobiologyHealth Institute Carlos IIIMajadahondaMadridSpain
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious DiseasesHealth Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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10
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Joachim A, Auersperg V, Drüe J, Wiedermann S, Hinney B, Spergser J. Parasites and zoonotic bacteria in the feces of cats and dogs from animal shelters in Carinthia, Austria. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105022. [PMID: 37741041 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105022] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to their close associations with humans, dogs and cats can be important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. In the current study 200 fecal samples of dogs (n = 70 samples) and cats (n = 130 samples) from animal shelters in Carinthia, southern Austria, were examined for the presence of parasites (fecal flotation and larval migration assay) and selected bacteria. Overall, 17.1% of the canine and 38.5% of the feline samples were positive for parasites (p < 0.001), most commonly Giardia duodenalis (dogs and cats), including potentially zoonotic genotypes revealed by multilocus genotyping, and Toxocara cati (cats). Cryptosporidium (C. felis), Cystoisospora spp. (dogs and cats), hookworms (dog), Trichuris (dog) Capillaria hepatica (cats), taeniids (cat), and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (cat) were also found. Zoonotic bacteria were detected in 10.5% of the samples, Salmonella enterica (dogs), Campylobacter jejuni (dogs and cats) and Yersinia enterocolitica (cat) and were significantly associated with parasite infections in cats but not in dogs. Samples that were positive for several pathogens were common; especially G. duodenalis and T. cati were frequently found in association with each other, other parasites or bacteria. The spectrum of detected pathogens is comparable to that of other dog and cat populations in central Europe. However, since animals from shelters are frequently rehomed, diagnostic measures, appropriate hygiene and therapy as well as training of shelter staff are recommended to prevent zoonotic transmission of enteropathogens to staff or new owners. The presence of heteroxenic parasites, i.e. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Taenia taeniaeformis, and spurious excretion of Ca. hepatica in cats, indicates that these animals preyed on intermediate hosts, and that biosafety measures in pet shelters need to be evaluated for their efficacy in the prevention of pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Valerie Auersperg
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Joel Drüe
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sandra Wiedermann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Adhikari RB, Dhakal MA, Ghimire TR. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in street dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) with highlights on zoonosis in Lalitpur, Nepal. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2513-2526. [PMID: 37669424 PMCID: PMC10650340 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1258] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of intestinal parasites influences the growth and well-being of canids. Additionally, infected dogs and their faeces with considerably higher eggs/oocysts released per gram (epg/opg) of zoonotic parasites contribute to parasitic spillover to humans, domestic animals and sympatric wildlife. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites (protozoa and helminths) and to list the zoonotically significant parasites in free-roaming street dogs in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Nepal. METHODS Fresh faecal samples (n = 332) were collected from feral dogs of varying ages and sexes and transported to the research laboratory. The copro microscopic examination was carried out via direct wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques. RESULTS Coproscopy revealed an overall 95.7% (318/332) prevalence rate with 23 diverse species of intestinal parasites (10 protozoa and 13 helminths). Among them, 5 protozoa and 11 helminths possessed zoonotic potential, and their overall prevalence was 92.5%. Helminth's overall prevalence was double that of the protozoa (87.7% vs. 43%). Polyparasitism was dominant over mono parasitism (79.5% vs. 16.3%), and co-infection of up to seven species of parasites at a time was recorded. CONCLUSIONS Urban street dogs harboured a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites that varied with age and sex. Since most of the reported parasites are zoonotic, dog density and parasitic richness indicate a greater spillover risk to humans and domestic animals. Furthermore, this study also provides appropriate 'baseline' data for assessing effective control measures against parasitic infestations among street dogs and controlling their transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Babu Adhikari
- Nepali Army College of Health Sciences (NACHS)KathmanduNepal
- Third Pole ConservancyBhaktapurNepal
- Institute of Medical ScienceAlka Hospital Pvt. Ltd.LalitpurNepal
- Nepal Academy of Science and TechnologyLalitpurNepal
| | - Madhuri Adhikari Dhakal
- Department of Microbiology and Research and DevelopmentNew Edge MicrobialsAlburyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tirth Raj Ghimire
- Nepal Academy of Science and TechnologyLalitpurNepal
- Department of ZoologyTri‐Chandra Multiple CampusTribhuvan UniversityKathmanduNepal
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12
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Zanini F, Di Salvo V, Pierangeli N, Lazzarini L, Curto E. Presence of Echinococcus granulosussensulato in the endoparasitic fauna of feral dogs in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 44:100916. [PMID: 37652635 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100916] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The feral dog population from Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) has affected provincial sheep production, and is responsible for the decrease of 43% of the sheep stock. In addition, feral dogs preys on the native fauna, especially the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), a species protected by law. Except for some data on the aforementioned impact, very little is known about feral dogs features in this region, such as distribution, abundance, diet, reproduction, health status, among others. Therefore, a descriptive observational study was carried out in the period 2018-2021 in Tierra del Fuego, with the aim to recognize the endoparasitic fauna of these dogs, with emphasis on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). Feces samples were collected from 83 feral dogs captured in 15 farms, which were evaluated using flotation and sedimentation coproparasitological techniques, and optical microscope observation. These qualitative methods showed that 66.3% of the samples were positive. Nine parasitic forms were found, including eggs of taenids, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina, and Sarcocystis spp. oocysts and Giardia spp. cysts. Samples with more than one parasitic form were also observed, among which the Taenia/Sarcocystis spp. association was the most frequent. For the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis, the detection of Echinococcus spp. antigens by Copro-ELISA and the molecular confirmation by Copro-PCR were performed. The Copro-ELISA test was positive in 10/80 (12.5%) of the samples processed, while 11 samples (13.8%) were positive by Copro-PCR. Their distribution showed that 9 (81.8%) corresponded to farms with sheep farming, and 2 (18.2%) with cattle farming. The presence of E. granulosus s.l. in feral dogs from Tierra del Fuego is the most relevant finding in this study. These results confirm that feral dogs have access to viscera infected with hydatid cysts. However, the intermediate hosts involved (sheep, cattle or guanacos) should be investigated. Its impact on the transmission of cystic echinococcosis in this region should be evaluated, as well as the adequacy of the disease prevention and control actions implemented in Tierra del Fuego should be considered. Finally, the existence of a wild cycle of the disease should be evaluated, in which feral dogs would act as a source of infection for other animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Zanini
- Private Activity in Veterinary Medicine, Berta Weber 79 (9420) Rio Grande, Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, AeIAS, Argentina
| | - Vilma Di Salvo
- Laboratorio de Sanidad Animal Provincial "Dr. Raúl Chifflet", Ministerio de Producción y Ambiente, Gobierno de Tierra del Fuego, AeIAS, El Esquiador 138 (9420) Río Grande, Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, AeIAS, Argentina
| | - Nora Pierangeli
- Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Irigoyen 2000 (8324) Cipolletti, Provincia de Río Negro, Argentina.
| | - Lorena Lazzarini
- Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Irigoyen 2000 (8324) Cipolletti, Provincia de Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Erio Curto
- Secretaría de Ambiente, Desarrollo Sostenible y Cambio Climático de la Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur. San Martín 1401 (V9410BGB) Ushuaia, Provincia de Tierra del Fuego, AeIAS, Argentina
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13
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Elmahallawy EK, Gareh A, Abu-Okail A, Köster PC, Dashti A, Asseri J, Gouda AA, Mubaraki MA, Mohamed SAA, Mohamed YM, Hassan EA, Elgendy M, Hernández-Castro C, Bailo B, González-Barrio D, Xiao L, Carmena D. Molecular characteristics and zoonotic potential of enteric protists in domestic dogs and cats in Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1229151. [PMID: 37483300 PMCID: PMC10357006 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1229151] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Domestic dogs and cats can be a source of human infection by a wide diversity of zoonotic pathogens including parasites. Genotyping and subtyping tools are useful in assessing the true public health relevance of canine and feline infections by these pathogens. This study investigated the occurrence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of common diarrhea-causing enteric protist parasites in household dogs and cats in Egypt, a country where this information is particularly scarce. Methods In this prospective, cross-sectional study a total of 352 individual fecal samples were collected from dogs (n = 218) and cats (n = 134) in three Egyptian governorates (Dakahlia, Gharbeya, and Giza) during July-December 2021. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. were carried out by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Basic epidemiological variables (geographical origin, sex, age, and breed) were examined for association with occurrence of infection by enteric protists. Results and discussion The overall prevalence rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis were 1.8% (95% CI: 0.5-4.6) and 38.5% (95% CI: 32.0-45.3), respectively, in dogs, and 6.0% (95% CI: 2.6-11.4) and 32.1% (95% CI: 24.3-40.7), respectively, in cats. All canine and feline fecal samples analyzed tested negative for E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. Dogs from Giza governorate and cats from Dakahlia governorate were at higher risk of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. (p = 0.0006) and G. duodenalis (p = 0.00001), respectively. Sequence analyses identified host-adapted Cryptosporidium canis (n = 4, one of them belonging to novel subtype XXe2) and G. duodenalis assemblages C (n = 1) and D (n = 3) in dogs. In cats the zoonotic C. parvum (n = 5) was more prevalent than host-adapted C. felis (n = 1). Household dogs had a limited (but not negligible) role as source of human giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, but the unexpected high frequency of zoonotic C. parvum in domestic cats might be a public health concern. This is the first molecular-based description of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in cats in the African continent to date. Molecular epidemiological data provided here can assist health authorities and policy makers in designing and implementing effective campaigns to minimize the transmission of enteric protists in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Akram Abu-Okail
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Jamal Asseri
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa Aboelabbas Gouda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Murad A. Mubaraki
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Yasser M. Mohamed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ehssan Ahmed Hassan
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, El-Sheikh Zayed, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elgendy
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Lihua Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Carmena
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Center for Biomedical Research in Infectious Diseases, Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Balen Topić M, Papić N, Višković K, Sviben M, Filipec Kanižaj T, Jadrijević S, Jurković D, Beck R. Emergence of Echinococcus multilocularis in Central Continental Croatia: A Human Case Series and Update on Prevalence in Foxes. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1402. [PMID: 37374184 DOI: 10.3390/life13061402] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis, has emerged in many European countries over the last two decades. Here, we report the first data on the new HAE focus with increasing incidence in central Croatia, describe its clinical presentation and outcomes in diagnosed patients, and provide an update on the prevalence and geographic distribution of Echinococcus multilocuaris in red foxes. After the initial case in 2017 from the eastern state border, from 2019 to 2022, five new autochthonous HAE cases were diagnosed, all concentrated in the Bjelovar-Bilogora County (the county incidence in 2019 and 2021: 0.98/105, in 2022: 2.94/105/year; prevalence for 2019-2022: 4.91/105). The age range among four female and two male patients was 37-67 years. The patients' liver lesions varied in size from 3.1 to 15.5 cm (classification range: P2N0M0-P4N1M0), and one patient had dissemination to the lungs. While there were no fatalities, postoperative complications in one patient resulted in liver transplantation. In 2018, the overall prevalence of red foxes was 11.24% (28/249). A new focus on HAE has emerged in central continental Croatia, with the highest regional incidence in Europe. Screening projects among residents and the implementation of veterinary preventive measures following the One Health approach are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Balen Topić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Neven Papić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Klaudija Višković
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mario Sviben
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department for Parasitology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tajana Filipec Kanižaj
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stipislav Jadrijević
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daria Jurković
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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15
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Silvestrini P, Lloyd-Bradley B, Glanemann B, Barker EN, Badham H, Tappin S, Pascual M, Haines A, Mas A, Roura X, Piviani M. Clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations, treatment protocols and outcomes of dogs diagnosed with tick-borne diseases living in the United Kingdom: 76 cases (2005-2019). J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:392-400. [PMID: 36727469 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13592] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report the presence of tick-borne diseases in dogs living in the United Kingdom. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dogs with a final diagnosis of tick-borne diseases made between January 2005 and August 2019 at seven referral institutions in the United Kingdom were included in the study. RESULTS Seventy-six dogs were included: 25 were diagnosed with ehrlichiosis, 23 with babesiosis, eight with Lyme borreliosis and six with anaplasmosis. Fourteen dogs had co-infections with two or three pathogens. Except for those dogs with anaplasmosis and Lyme borreliosis, most dogs with tick-borne diseases had a history of travel to or from endemic countries. However, three dogs with ehrlichiosis, and one dog each infected with Babesia canis and Babesia vulpes did not have any history of travel. A variety of non-specific clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities were reported. Targeted treatment was successful at achieving clinical remission in 64 (84%) dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Even in non-endemic areas, veterinary surgeons should consider tick-borne diseases in dogs with compatible clinical presentation and laboratory findings and especially where there is a history of travel. As autochthonous transmission of tick-borne-pathogens does occur, an absence of travel should not rule out tick-borne diseases. Specific diagnostic testing is required to confirm infection, and this enables prompt targeted treatment and often a positive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Silvestrini
- Ryan Veterinary Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - B Lloyd-Bradley
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
- Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom, UK
| | - B Glanemann
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College - University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - E N Barker
- Small Animal Hospital, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - H Badham
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, UK
| | - S Tappin
- Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom, UK
| | - M Pascual
- Dick White Referrals, Six Mile Bottom, UK
| | - A Haines
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
| | - A Mas
- Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Winchester, UK
| | - X Roura
- Hospital Clinic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M Piviani
- Ryan Veterinary Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Ridwan Y, Sudarnika E, Dewi TIT, Budiono NG. Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of pets: Retrospective study at the veterinary teaching hospital, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. Vet World 2023; 16:1043-1051. [PMID: 37576768 PMCID: PMC10420713 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1043-1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Dogs and cats are popular pets that play integral roles in human societies worldwide. Unfortunately, they can carry potential zoonotic helminths that can be transmitted to humans. However, data on the gastrointestinal helminths affecting dogs and cats in Bogor, Indonesia, are currently lacking. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in pets from this area using a retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of IPB University, Bogor. Cat and dog patients from January 2014 to April 2019 were tested for helminth infections and the results as well as their age, sex, and breed data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results Among the dogs and cats examined for internal parasites, 61.11% (33/51) of the dogs and 53.80% (92/171) of the cats were infected by helminths. Among the dogs, hookworm (37.04%) and Toxocara spp. (24.07%) were detected, while in the cats, hookworm (11.11%), Toxocara spp. (38.01%), and Dipylidium caninum (4.68%) were detected. The prevalence of hookworm and D. caninum was higher in older pets, while Toxocara spp. infected younger cats and dogs (<1 year) more frequently. The prevalence of Toxocara spp. in the Indonesian local dog breed was higher when than other breeds. Sex did not significantly affect the prevalence of parasites in dogs or cats. Conclusion The discovery of zoonotic helminth parasites in the cat and dog pets from Bogor raises concerns for the inhabitants. Initiatives will be required to inform pet owners about prevention strategies for these parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ridwan
- Division of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Etih Sudarnika
- Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Tri Isyani Tungga Dewi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Novericko Ginger Budiono
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Division of Medical Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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17
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Kurnosova OP, Panova OA, Arisov MV. The prevalence of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in Moscow, Russia. Helminthologia 2023; 60:44-51. [PMID: 37305673 PMCID: PMC10251758 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis/cati, Strongyloides stercoralis, Giardia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., which occur and are potentially zoonotic to humans in domestic dogs and cats in Moscow (Russia). The fecal flotation method and larvae detection by microscopy of a direct feces smear were performed to detect Toxocara, Giardia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. The total parasitic prevalence in dogs was as follows: Giardia spp.: 10.2 % (226/2208), Cryptosporidium spp.: 2.7 % (60/2208), T. canis: 2 % (45/2208), S. stercoralis larvae: 1.1 % (25/2208). The younger animals under were infected more than those over 12 months of age (p<0.001). The preva lence rates were along these lines: Giardia spp. (18.2 %), Cryptosporidium spp. (5.7 %), T.canis (3 %), S. stercoralis larvae (2.3 %). The overall prevalence in cats was as follows: Giardia spp. - 5.2 % (71/1350), Cryptosporidium spp. - 4.8 % (65/1350), T. cati - 4.1 % (56/1350). Similarly to dogs, the infection rates were higher in cats under 12 months of age Giardia spp. (8.2 %), Cryptosporidium spp. (8.6 %), T. cati (7.5 %. Analysis of combined infections in dogs revealed the following combinations: Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. (35.5 %) larvae of S. stercoralis sp. and Giardia spp. (32.3 %), T.canis and Giardia spp. (22.6 %), T.canis and Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6 %), T.canis and S.stercoralis and (3.2 %), respectively. In cats, only two coinfections by Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. (58.3 %), and T.cati with Giardia spp. (41.7 %) were noticed. Further research is needed to study the spread of parasitic diseases in pet animals. The data will improve countermeasures to prevent these diseases' spread among animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. P. Kurnosova
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - O. A. Panova
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - M. V. Arisov
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Pet Ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand: A National Survey of Cat and Dog Owner Practices. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040631. [PMID: 36830418 PMCID: PMC9951667 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040631] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study used an online survey distributed between January and March 2019 to adults residing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) to investigate cat and dog owner practices. Of the 2385 respondents, 885 (37%) owned both cat/s and dog/s, while 652 (28%) and 609 (26%) owned cat/s only or dog/s only, respectively. Nine percent of respondents (n = 212) did not own a cat or dog when the survey was administered. Gaps were identified in the practices of NZ pet owners with regard to regular grooming, immunizations, and deworming treatments. It was also found that many pets, especially cats, were allowed to wander freely both inside and outside the house. Collectively, these gaps in practice raise parasitology and infection concerns which may impact negatively on animal welfare and may increase the prevalence of zoonotic diseases. This study also revealed the need to improve desexing practices, particularly in dogs. Respondents in the survey expressed the wish to have pets regardless of the financial strain they may impose, indicating that future research should focus on reducing the financial burden of pet ownership along with promoting positive pet ownership practices. Our findings suggest the need for better education resources about pet ownership which are easily accessible and target diverse populations. The findings of this study will aid in developing appropriate educational resources to promote animal welfare and increase pet-related knowledge among the NZ populace.
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Mendoza Roldan JA, Otranto D. Zoonotic parasites associated with predation by dogs and cats. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:55. [PMID: 36747243 PMCID: PMC9901148 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05670-y] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common behaviors of cats that have an indoor/outdoor lifestyle is to bring hunted "gifts" to their owners, represented by small mammals, reptiles and birds. Access to the outdoors by dogs and cats may represent a problematic issue, since they may be at risk of diseases, traffic accidents and ingestion of toxins. Yet, the impact of this population of roaming dogs and cats predating wildlife is another concerning issue that receives less attention. Despite these risks, most owners still prefer to give outdoor access to their pets to allow them to express their "natural instincts," such as hunting. Therefore, with a growing population of > 470 million dogs and 373 million cats worldwide, predation not only represents a threat to wildlife, but also a door of transmission for parasitic diseases, some of them of zoonotic concern. In this review, the role played by dogs, and especially cats, in the perpetuation of the biological life cycle of zoonotic parasites through the predation of rodents, reptiles and birds is discussed. Feral and domestics dogs and cats have contributed to the population collapse or extinction of > 63 species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Although the ecological impact of predation on wild populations is well documented, the zoonotic risk of transmission of parasitic diseases has not received significant attention. The parasitic diseases associated to predation vary from protozoan agents, such as toxoplasmosis, to cestodes like sparganosis and even nematodes such as toxocariasis. Raising awareness about predation as a risk of zoonotic parasitic infections in dogs and cats will aid to create responsible ownership and proper actions for controlling feral and free-roaming cat and dog populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Hernández-Calva LM, Villalobos-Peñalosa P, Cortés-Roldán P, Montalvo-Aguilar G, Galaviz-Rodríguez R. Determinación de los principales parásitos intestinales en perros de Unidades Habitacionales y Parques en Apizaco, Tlaxcala, México. REVISTA CIENTÍFICA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS VETERINARIAS 2023. [DOI: 10.52973/rcfcv-e33175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
El vínculo entre perros y humanos es un fenómeno complejo y multidimensional, que, además de biológico es social y llega a ser un problema de Salud Pública. El concepto de dueño de una mascota ha evolucionado al término de tutor, por la relación de las personas con los perros, quienes además poseen derechos y están protegidos por leyes internacionales de protección animal. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar el manejo de las heces y evaluar la presencia de helmintos en las Unidades Habitacionales y Parques (UHyPR) recreativos de Apizaco, Tlaxcala, México. Se empleó un estudio descriptivo transversal. El 75 % de las personas con perros recogen las heces en bolsas y las depositan en basureros. Hubo diferencias significativas (P<0,05) a presencia de parásitos, 66 % de perros con tutores y 89 % perros sin tutor. Los parásitos identificados fueron Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Cystoisospora y Uncinaria stenocephala. Los perros sin tutor fueron los más parasitados 90 % (P<0,05), prevaleciendo T. canis (36 %) y A. caninum (56 %). Se encontró que los perros con tutor y acceso a vía pública presentaron T. canis (73 %) y A. caninum (77 %). Perros con tutor sin acceso a vía pública tuvieron: 49 % T. canis y 15 % A. caninum. Los perros sin dueño se asociaron (P=0,046) con mayor número de nemátodos intestinales. En conclusión, en las UHyPR en Apizaco, Tlaxcala se presenta un problema de manejo de excretas de perros, que al estar expuestas son causa de zoonosis por parásitos, lo que muestra la necesidad de un programa integral de salud pública hacia la tenencia responsable de mascotas, que abarque todos los sectores de la sociedad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Marina Hernández-Calva
- Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Facultad de Agrobiología, Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Huamantla, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Patricia Villalobos-Peñalosa
- Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Facultad de Agrobiología, Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Huamantla, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Pablo Cortés-Roldán
- Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Facultad de Agrobiología, Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Huamantla, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Gabriela Montalvo-Aguilar
- Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Facultad de Agrobiología, Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Huamantla, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Reyes Galaviz-Rodríguez
- Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Facultad de Agrobiología, Licenciatura en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Huamantla, Tlaxcala, México
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Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Blastocystis from stray and household cats and cat owners in Tehran, Iran. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1554. [PMID: 36707690 PMCID: PMC9883249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28768-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and blastocystosis are among the most important parasitic diseases common between humans and cats. In addition, there are concerns about the possible transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected cats to humans. Hence, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in stray and household cats and cat owners. Our study was performed on 132, 33, and 33 fecal samples of stray and household cats, as well as cat owners in Tehran, Iran. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified using a nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) and sequencing the internal amplified fragments. Furthermore, to perform multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis, the ß-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes were amplified to assess the DNA of G. duodenalis in the fecal samples of cats and cat owners. In addition, Blastocystis was detected by targeting the SSU rRNA gene, and the subtypes of Blastocystis were determined via the sequencing of amplicons. Cryptosporidium felis and Cryptosporidium canis were detected in seven stray cats (5.3%) and one household cat (3%). The bg gene of G. duodenalis was amplified and successfully sequenced in two (1.5%) stray cats and revealed assemblages F and B of G. duodenalis. Sequencing and phylogenic analysis of SSU rRNA gene nucleotide sequences of Blastocystis detected ST5 and ST10 in stray cats (1.5%), ST1 in household cats (9.1%), and ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST7 in owners (30.3%). The low prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Blastocystis in cats and the presence of species/assemblages/subtypes with limited zoonotic potential indicate that cats had a minor role in their owners' infection in the investigated population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in cats suggests the necessity of special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with cats. Therefore, it is recommended that veterinarians, physicians, and urban managers plan to prevent, control, or treat these parasites to help the urban community live healthily alongside cats.
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Huggins LG, Koehler AV, Gasser RB, Traub RJ. Advanced approaches for the diagnosis and chemoprevention of canine vector-borne pathogens and parasites-Implications for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 120:1-85. [PMID: 36948727 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of canines are a diverse range of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and multicellular parasites, that are pernicious and potentially lethal to their hosts. Dogs across the globe are afflicted by canine VBPs, but the range of different ectoparasites and the VBPs that they transmit predominate in tropical regions. Countries within the Asia-Pacific have had limited prior research dedicated to exploring the epidemiology of canine VBPs, whilst the few studies that have been conducted show VBP prevalence to be high, with significant impacts on dog health. Moreover, such impacts are not restricted to dogs, as some canine VBPs are zoonotic. We reviewed the status of canine VBPs in the Asia-Pacific, with particular focus on nations in the tropics, whilst also investigating the history of VBP diagnosis and examining recent progress in the field, including advanced molecular methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tools are rapidly changing the way parasites are detected and discovered, demonstrating a sensitivity equal to, or exceeding that of, conventional molecular diagnostics. We also provide a background to the armoury of chemopreventive products available for protecting dogs from VBP. Here, field-based research within high VBP pressure environments has underscored the importance of ectoparasiticide mode of action on their overall efficacy. The future of canine VBP diagnosis and prevention at a global level is also explored, highlighting how evolving portable sequencing technologies may permit diagnosis at point-of-care, whilst further research into chemopreventives will be essential if VBP transmission is to be effectively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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23
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Retrospective Survey of Dog and Cat Endoparasites in Ireland: Antigen Detection. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010137. [PMID: 36611746 PMCID: PMC9817875 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoparasites of dogs and cats, play an important role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Untreated and stray dogs and cats, in particular, play an important role in contaminating the environment with important zoonotic parasites. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats using highly sensitive and specific copro-antigen tests. Archive faecal samples from previous surveys conducted between 2016−2019 from dogs (n = 789) and cats (n = 241) were included in this study. The IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen panel was used for the detection of Toxocara, hookworms, Trichuris and the SNAP™ Giardia antigen assay was used for the detection of Giardia infection. Giardia duodenalis was the most common parasite (26%, n = 205) detected in the dogs, followed by ascarids (17.6%, n = 139) and hookworms (5.3%, n = 42). Trichuris vulpis was only detected in 1 dog. Ascarids (23.2%, n = 56) was the most common parasite detected in the cats, followed by Giardia (12.9%, n = 31) and hookworms (n = 7, 2.9%). No whipworms were detected in cats. Overall, there was little difference in the positivity between sexes in both dogs and cats. However, in terms of age, adolescent dogs (<3 years) and kittens (<1 year) had the highest parasite prevalence overall, with G. duodenalis and ascarids being the most prevalent. This study shows a high prevalence of parasite infection in untreated and stray dogs and cats in the greater Dublin area in Ireland. Since they live in synanthropic conditions and can roam over vast distances they can contaminate public areas and pose a risk to both humans and owned pets that utilise these spaces. It is therefore important to raise public awareness and increase the knowledge on zoonotic parasites.
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First epidemiological survey of Leishmania infantum in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) in a canine leishmaniosis endemic area using serology and PCR. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:372. [PMID: 36253813 PMCID: PMC9575300 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05517-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis, a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum, is one of the most important parasitic zoonoses in Europe. The transmission cycle of leishmaniosis is maintained by both domestic and wild animals. However, few data are available on the role of wild mammals in transmitting the parasite in the European Mediterranean basin. As feline leishmaniosis, diagnosis of the infection in ferrets can be a challenge, the use of different serological and molecular methods combined is a recommended approach. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of infection of L. infantum in apparently healthy domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in an endemic region of Spain (Community of Valencia), using serological and molecular methods and to evaluate the results comparing the different techniques. Methods The prevalence of Leishmania infection was studied in domestic ferrets. Blood was collected from each animal for serology and molecular analysis. Two serological methods, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB), were used for the detection of L. infantum antibodies, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for the detection of L. infantum DNA. Results Blood samples from 102 apparently healthy ferrets were analyzed. In the serological study, 25.5% of the animals tested positive by western blot, and 9.0% by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The seroprevalence of L. infantum infection, based on a positive result in any serological test, was 28.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.6–S37.9%). No kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was detected by qPCR in peripheral blood samples from the ferrets tested. Conclusions The immunological response revealed by these tests indicates that the ferrets are exposed to repeated inoculations with the endemic parasite L. infantum. Although the low population of domestic ferrets means their reservoir potential is limited in the absence of a primary host, it would be of interest to carry out further studies using xenodiagnosis to determine whether they are accidental or reservoir host species capable of spreading infection. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05517-y.
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25
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Idrissi H, Khatat SEH, Duchateau L, Kachani M, Daminet S, El Asatey S, Tazi N, Azrib R, Sahibi H. Prevalence, risk factors and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs from four locations in Morocco. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 34:100775. [PMID: 36041810 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dogs can harbor various intestinal parasites that have serious clinical, economic, and zoonotic impact. In Morocco, the epidemiological status of those parasites is largely unknown. This study aimed to obtain data on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in various Moroccan dog populations, to identify associated risk factors, to evaluate people's knowledge regarding zoonotic parasites and to estimate the risk of human infection. A total of 291 fecal samples were analyzed using a 33% Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) centrifugal flotation and a sheather's sugar simple flotation techniques. In addition, 100 dog owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their knowledge regarding canine zoonotic intestinal parasites. Overall, 58% of sampled dogs were positive for at least one parasite species. Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (31.9%), Toxascaris leonina (27.4%), Toxocara canis (27.1%), Cystoisospora spp. (13.4%) and Giardia spp. (7.2%) were the most frequently isolated parasites. The overall prevalence was associated with the dogs' activity, and feces consistency. More specifically, the prevalence of Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp., Toxascaris leonina and Cystoisospora spp. was associated with dogs' activity and feces consistency and, additionally with age for Cystoisosporaspp.Toxocara canis prevalence was associated with age and feces consistency, while Giardia spp. prevalence was associated with dogs' activity. A weak awareness among dog owners regarding the zoonotic potential of canine intestinal parasites was noticed (33%) especially when their knowledge was compared to another endemic zoonotic disease, i.e. rabies (85%). Furthermore, the rate of respecting the vaccination protocol (82%) was significantly higher than the rate of respecting the deworming protocol (47%). We conclude that intestinal parasites, including the zoonotic ones, were highly prevalent in the dogs sampled in this study whereas people's knowledge about those parasites was very limited. These findings suggest that the risk of human infection is very likely, which highlights the need for effective control programs and health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Idrissi
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat-Instituts, Madinat Al Irfane, PO Box 6202, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Sarah El Hamiani Khatat
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat-Instituts, Madinat Al Irfane, PO Box 6202, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Biometrics Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, United States of America.
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Sabrine El Asatey
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat-Instituts, Madinat Al Irfane, PO Box 6202, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Noureddine Tazi
- Veterinary Clinic of the 1st kennel of the Royal Armed Forces, 13000 Benslimane, Morocco
| | - Rahma Azrib
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat-Instituts, Madinat Al Irfane, PO Box 6202, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hamid Sahibi
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat-Instituts, Madinat Al Irfane, PO Box 6202, Rabat, Morocco
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Oxidative Stress and High-Mobility Group Box 1 Assay in Dogs with Gastrointestinal Parasites. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091679. [PMID: 36139753 PMCID: PMC9495929 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of reactive oxidative metabolites, the antioxidant barrier, thiol groups of plasma compounds, and high-mobility group box 1 in shelter dogs naturally infected with helminths. In addition, the correlation between clinical signs and oxidative stress was investigated. Sixty-six (41 male and 25 female) adult mixed-breed dogs housed in a shelter with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes (i.e., Ancylostoma spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, or Trichuris vulpis) were enrolled in Group 1 (G1) and twenty healthy adult dogs were included in Group 2 (G2), which served as the control. A clinical assessment was performed using a physician-based scoring system. Oxidative stress variables and high-mobility group box 1 were assessed and compared by the means of unpaired t-tests (p < 0.05). Spearman’s rank correlation was performed to calculate the correlation between oxidative stress variables, high-mobility group box 1, hematological parameters, and clinical signs. The results showed statistically significant values for reactive oxidative metabolites, thiol groups of plasma compounds, and high-mobility group box 1 in G1. Negative correlations between thiol groups and the number of red cells and hemoglobin were recorded. These preliminary results support the potential role of oxidative stress and HGMB-1 in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in dogs.
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Dos Santos FAA, Duarte MD, Carvalho CL, Monteiro M, Carvalho P, Mendonça P, Valente PCLG, Sheikhnejad H, Waap H, Gomes J. Genetic and morphological identification of filarial worm from Iberian hare in Portugal. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9310. [PMID: 35661130 PMCID: PMC9166702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula and the only hare species found in Portugal, although also being present in some areas of Spain. The reduction of wild hare populations due to several ecological and sanitary factors, has been raising growing concerns in the recent years. Despite different helminth species were already described in Iberian hares in Portugal, to this date, no filarial worms have been identified in this species. Furthermore, only a few studies on lagomorphs' onchocercid worms are available, referring to other hosts species of hares and/or rabbits. In this study, we describe the presence of filarial worms in the blood vessels of two adult Iberian hares collected in 2019 in continental Portugal. Morphology and sequencing data from the 12S rRNA, coxI, 18S rRNA, myoHC, hsp70 and rbp1 genes, showed that the filaroid species were genetically related with Micipsella numidica. However, the extension of the genetic differences found with M. numidica suggests that the filaroids specimens under study belong to a new species, that we provisionally named Micipsella iberica n. sp.. The body location of this putative new parasite species and its physiological implications indicate that it may constitute a potential menace to the already fragile Iberian hare justifying, therefore, further investigation regarding the morphological characterization, prevalence and real clinical impact of this new parasite in hares.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Abade Dos Santos
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - M D Duarte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - C L Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - M Monteiro
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - P Carvalho
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - P Mendonça
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - P C L G Valente
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - H Sheikhnejad
- InnovPlantProtect Collaborative Laboratory, Department of Protection of Specific Crops, 7350-478, Elvas, Portugal
| | - H Waap
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - J Gomes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária E Veterinária (INIAV, I.P.), Quinta Do Marquês, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
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Townsend L, Dixon L, Buckley L. Lead pulling as a welfare concern in pet dogs: What can veterinary professionals learn from current research? Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1627. [PMID: 35546517 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Veterinary professionals (VPs) are often the first source of advice for clients struggling with their dog's behaviour, and pulling on the lead is a commonplace undesirable behaviour VPs will encounter regularly in practice. Excluding bites, being pulled over while walking on a lead is the leading cause of non-fatal dog-related injuries in the UK. This narrative review investigates lead pulling as a welfare concern in pet dogs, highlighting aspects of the literature of particular interest to VPs. Lead pulling could negatively affect walk quality, frequency and duration, causing weight gain, while decreased environmental enrichment could trigger other undesirable behaviours. Aversive equipment to prevent lead pulling can cause pain, distress and injury, but even equipment considered humane can have welfare consequences. Punitive training methods could cause dogs stress, fear and anxiety and trigger aggressive behaviour. While these lead pulling outcomes are welfare concerns in themselves, they could also weaken dog-owner attachment, a risk factor in pet dog relinquishment. Given lead pulling could affect the welfare of patients in a VPs care, clinical implications and opportunities for client education are outlined. Educating clients on humane prevention and modification of lead pulling could make walks easier, safer and more enjoyable, with positive outcomes for clients, canine welfare and the practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Townsend
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
| | - Laura Dixon
- Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, Scotland's Rural College, Ayr, Scotland, UK
| | - Louise Buckley
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
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Laidoudi Y, Bedjaoui S, Latrofa MS, Fanelli A, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Genetic and geographical delineation of zoonotic vector-borne helminths of canids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6699. [PMID: 35462560 PMCID: PMC9035454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several zoonotic vector-borne helminths (VBHs) infesting canids cause serious veterinary and medical diseases worldwide. Increasing the knowledge about their genetic structures is pivotal to identify them and therefore to settle effective surveillance and control measures. To overcome the limitation due to the heterogeneity of large DNA sequence-datasets used for their genetic characterization, available cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) (n = 546) and the 12S rRNA (n = 280) sequences were examined using combined bioinformatic approach (i.e., distance-clustering, maximum likelihood phylogeny and phylogenetic evolutionary placement). Out of the 826 DNA available sequences from GenBank, 94.7% were characterized at the haplotype level regardless sequence size, completeness and/or their position. A total of 89 different haplotypes were delineated either by cox1 (n = 35), 12S rRNA (n = 21) or by both genes (n = 33), for 14 VBHs (e.g., Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Brugia spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Onchocerca lupi and Thelazia spp.). Overall, the present approach could be useful for studying global genetic diversity and phylogeography of VBHs. However, as barcoding sequences were restricted to two mitochondrial loci (cox1 and 12S rRNA), the haplotype delineation proposed herein should be confirmed by the characterization of other nuclear loci also to overcome potential limitations caused by the heteroplasmy phenomenon within the mitogenome of VBHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University of Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Samia Bedjaoui
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Morelli S, Colombo M, Traversa D, Iorio R, Paoletti B, Bartolini R, Barlaam A, Di Cesare A. Zoonotic intestinal helminthes diagnosed in a 6-year period (2015-2020) in privately owned dogs of sub-urban and urban areas of Italy. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 29:100689. [PMID: 35256130 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100689] [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: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal helminthes of dogs have a relevant role for health and welfare of canine populations and many of them are zoonotic. Thus, a constant surveillance is pivotal to safeguard companion dogs and human health. Data from faecal examinations of pet dogs obtained in the last six years during the routine activity of the laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic diseases of the University Teaching Veterinary Hospital of the University of Teramo, Italy, are here reported. From 2015 to 2020 a total of 1083 individual faecal samples from privately owned dogs were examined using conventional copro-microscopic techniques. Endoparasite elements were found in 278 (25.7%) dogs, and among them, eggs of intestinal zoonotic helminthes were detected in 184 (17%) samples. The most common zoonotic parasites were Toxocara canis and hookworms (8.9% positivity rate for both). Most dogs (88%) were positive for a single zoonotic parasite while 12% of the positive animals harbored two or more zoonotic helminthes. A statistical analysis showed a significant association between dogs with less than one year of age and positivity to at least one intestinal zoonotic helminth, and that infections by T. canis are significantly more prevalent in dogs under one year of age. Despite being well known in canine clinical practice, these results indicate that zoonotic helminthes are still frequent in owned dogs. Thus, increased awareness of veterinary practitioners and pet owners is necessary to implement current diagnostic and control strategies to minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission of intestinal helminthes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Iorio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Roberto Bartolini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Paller VGV, Macalinao-Ramirez CA, Bandal MZ. Environmental contamination with parasites in selected rural farms in the Philippines: impacts of farming practices on leafy greens food safety. Parasitology 2022; 149:482-489. [PMID: 35331354 PMCID: PMC11010475 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021002031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Fresh vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, however, they can also be agents of transmission of intestinal parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of parasite contamination in vegetable farms as a source of transmission in selected rural communities in Laguna, Philippines. A total of 168 vegetable, 55 soil and 15 water samples collected from four selected farms and a reference farm were processed through various standard parasitological techniques. Of these, 17.3% of vegetables, 47.3% soil and 73.3% water samples were found contaminated with parasites’ eggs or cysts. Interestingly, leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, were found to be more contaminated. Results showed that strongylids/hookworms (egg/larva) showed the highest prevalence in farm soil (38.2%) and vegetable (13.1%); other helminth parasite eggs were also recovered such as Toxocara sp., Ascaris sp., Trichiuris, Trichostrongylus sp. and protozoan cysts of Balantidium coli. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts of and Giardia sp. cysts were observed in all water samples in the farms. Furthermore, results revealed that some farming practices such as the use of improperly treated animals manure as fertilizers, unhygienic practice of farmers and sanitation issues were factors that contribute to parasite contamination in the farms. These findings have implications on food safety in poor-resource communities posing public health risks. Recommendations were discussed in the study for the control and prevention of parasite contamination at the farm level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vachel Gay V. Paller
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baňos, College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Constance Aurelle Macalinao-Ramirez
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baňos, College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Modesto Z. Bandal
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baňos, College 4031, Laguna, Philippines
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Wild carnivores and Thelazia callipaeda zoonotic eyeworms: A focus on wolves. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:239-243. [PMID: 35309037 PMCID: PMC8924507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic parasite causing ocular disease in domestic dogs, cats, several wild carnivores, hares, and humans. This nematode is widely distributed in Europe, where it is transmitted by the drosophilid fly Phortica variegata. Since the first report of infection in grey wolves (Canis lupus) from southern Italy, other cases of thelaziosis have been recorded in this animal species throughout Europe, raising questions about their role in spreading T. callipaeda. Indeed, for their wandering behavior through long distances and living in woody areas where the vectors thrive, wolves may act as reservoirs and spreaders of thelaziosis. In this study we reviewed the literature about wolves acting as reservoirs of T. callipaeda in Europe. In addition, we report the first detection of T. callipaeda eyeworms in grey wolves in the Italian Alps, discussing its possible implications in the epidemiology of thelaziosis in the Alpine landscape. Animals (n = 3) included in this study were originated from the Italian Alps, one juvenile male wolf was found dead, and the other two were seven-year-old males translocated from Piedmont region to a Zoological Garden, in Tuscany. All animals were infected with eyeworms, which were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda. Data herein presented confirm those available in the literature about the circulation of a unique cox1 haplotype in Europe. In addition, the report of T. callipaeda in wolves from the Alps suggests an ecological continuity of habitats which are suitable for the distribution of T. callipaeda from the southern to northern Italy through the Apennine backbone. Retrospectively, it could also explain the spreading of the oriental eyeworm infection in Europe over the last 20 years with many wild carnivores, such as foxes and possibly wolves, playing a pivotal role as reservoirs of the infection for dogs, cats and humans. Wolves may play important role in the transmission cycle of Thelazia callipaeda. There is a need of passive-surveillance programs of this zoonotic nematode in wild carnivores. This is the first report of Thelazia callipaeda in wolves from the Italian Alps.
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Napoli E, Panarese R, La Russa F, Cambera I, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Brianti E. Detection of Dirofilaria DNA and host blood-meal identification in Culicoides paolae biting-midges. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-17. [PMID: 35356873 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe vectorial role of blood-sucking arthropods, other than mosquitoes, has been explored for Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens which are filarioids of increasing interest due to their zoonotic potential. Given the expansion of canine heartworm infection in southern Europe due to D. immitis and the report of the infection in Linosa Island (Sicily, Italy), we investigated and focused on the potential involvement of Culicoides spp. in Dirofilaria spp. transmission as well as the blood-meal source in Dirofilaria spp. molecularly positive biting midges. Out of 1791 specimens collected 1773 were morphologically and molecularly identified as Culicoides paolae and 18 as Culicoides obsoletus complex. Of the 1596 females, 4 (0.26%) parous C. paolae tested positive for D. immitis and D. repens (i.e. 2 Culicoides specimens for each filarial species), of which D. immitis-positive samples fed on both humans and dogs and D. repens-positive samples fed only on humans. The detection of D. immitis and D. repens DNA in Culicoides midges suggests their potential involvement in the epidemiology of the filarial nematodes, which may be of medical and veterinary importance in hyper-endemic areas. Findings of this study shed new light on the epidemiology of Dirofilaria spp. infections indicating that further investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - R Panarese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - F La Russa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - I Cambera
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - D Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - E Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonotic parasites which affect mainly dogs and humans worldwide. In Iran, information about the distribution of those nematodes is scant in several regions. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of these filarial parasites in stray dogs from five Iranian provinces where no information about these parasites is available. Methods Blood samples were collected from 344 stray dogs in five provinces of Iran (i.e. Mazandaran, Gilan, Esfahan, Qazvin and Loresan). The presence of microfilariae was assessed using direct smear, modified Knott’s test, molecular detection of filarial DNA (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of parasitic nematodes (ftsZ gene) by conventional PCR (cPCR). All of the PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results In total, 75 dogs (21.8%) were found to be positive for D. immitis by cPCR. Infection was detected in all provinces, with the highest prevalence in Gilan province (22/28; 78.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was diagnosed in five dogs (1.4%) from three provinces (i.e. Esfahan, Mazandaran, Gilan). Two dogs were infected with both parasites and three were only infected with A. reconditum. Dirofilaria repens infection was not found in the examined population. Representative sequences of the D. immitis cox1 gene from dogs from the northern provinces (Mazandaran, Gilan, Qazvin) were grouped together and distinctly separate from the ones from western and central provinces (Lorestan and Esfahan), suggesting that different nematode populations are present in the country. Conclusion The data reported herein fill existing gaps in knowledge about canine filarial infection in two Iranian provinces and record the highest prevalence of D. immitis ever reported in the country (i.e. 78.6%). A geographical review of the literature about Dirofilaria spp. and A. reconditum infections in dogs and humans has also been summarized, indicating that D. immitis and D. repens are distributed in 22 of 31 provinces in Iran, whereas A. reconditum is present in fewer regions. Effective control strategies are advocated for owned dogs, and a national program for the management of stray dogs is needed to minimize the risk of infection in animals and humans. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Free-ranging rural dogs are highly infected with helminths, contaminating environment nine times more than urban dogs. J Helminthol 2022; 96:e19. [PMID: 35257647 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x22000116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Regardless of the highly efficient anthelmintics available and the control measures taken by dog owners and veterinarians, gastrointestinal parasites, especially zoonotic helminths, are still abundant in dogs and pose a health risk to humans. Free-ranging dogs in rural areas can be an important source of helminth infection. The aims of the present work were to collect scats of rural dogs, determine the environmental contamination caused by helminth infections among rural dogs of Western Estonia, analyse how diet affects helminth infection rate and compare the findings to a previous study focusing on dog helminths in urban areas of Estonia. To differentiate the scats of dogs from other sympatric canids, a genetic method was applied. Of 328 samples, genetic analysis identified 84 scats belonging to dogs, of which 87.0% were infected with helminths. A high proportion of rural dog scats harboured eggs of Taeniidae (65.5%), followed by Trichuris spp./Eucoleus spp. (15.5%), Uncinaria stenocephala (14.7%) and Toxocara canis (4.3%). Coinfections occurred in 34.5% of the samples, being the most common between Taeniidae and U. stenocephala (41.4%). The intensity model indicated higher helminth infection rate in rural dogs preying on rodents and game. In comparison to urban dogs, rural dogs were nine times more likely to be infected with intestinal parasites. These results emphasize the need to implement measures to reduce helminth infections in dogs living in rural areas of Western Estonia. Among a complex of measures to be taken, we suggest that it is also important to diagnose which gastrointestinal parasite species infect dogs to determine specific anthelmintic treatment against these parasites.
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Freitas R, Consalter A, Spyrides A, Dória P, Albuquerque G, Bruno S, Barbosa C, Ferreira A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats in tropical region of Serra da Tiririca State Park, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in cats of the Serra da Tiririca State Park region using the IFAT to evaluate the sex and age variables. The cats were domiciled in the region of Serra da Tiririca State Park (PESET-RJ), Rio de Janeiro. Between 2015 and 2016, a total of 86 blood samples were collected from 35 female and 51 male semi-domiciled cats that were attended to by a spay-neuter program of UFF. Samples were evaluated for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G by the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT) with a cut-off point of 1:40. Of the samples analyzed, 29.07% (25/86) presented anti-T gondii antibodies. There was no significant association (P> 0.05) between the variables sex and age of the animals with serology results. The results obtained in this study suggest that T. gondii has a considerable distribution among the cats of the studied region (PESET-RJ). This is the first report of the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats from this area. Age and gender were not considered risk factors for infection by T. gondii in this group of animals studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - C.G. Barbosa
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Gutiérrez-Jara JP, Salazar-Viedma M, González CR, Cancino-Faure B. The emergence of Dirofilaria repens in a non-endemic area influenced by climate change: dynamics of transmission using a mathematical model. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106230. [PMID: 34801478 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106230] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes of different genera. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariasis in the Old World. The geographic distribution of D. repens is changing rapidly, and several factors contribute to the spread of the infection to non-endemic areas. A mathematical model for transmission of Dirofilaria spp. was built, using a system of ordinary differential equations that consider the interactions between reservoirs, vectors, and humans. The transmission simulations of D. repens were carried out considering a projection in time, with intervals of 15 and 100 years. For the dynamics of the vector, seasonal variations were presented as series with quarter periodicity during the year. The results of the simulations highlight the peak of contagions in the reservoir and in humans, a product of the action of the vector when it remains active throughout the year. A 300% infection increase in the reservoir was observed during the first decade and remains present in the population with a representative number of cases. When the vector maintains its density and infectivity during the year, the incidence of the infection in humans increases. Accumulated cases amount to 45 per 100,000 inhabitants, which corresponds to a cumulative incidence of 0.05%, in 85 years. This indicates that early prevention of infection in canids would significantly reduce the disease, also reducing the number of accumulated cases of human dirofilariasis by D. repens. The interaction between the simulations generated by the model highlights the sensitivity of the epidemiological curve to the periodicity of seasonality, reaffirming the hypothesis of the probability of movement of the zoonotic disease to non-endemic areas, due to climate change.
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Segarra S. Nutritional Modulation of the Immune Response Mediated by Nucleotides in Canine Leishmaniosis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2601. [PMID: 34946204 PMCID: PMC8703464 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an emerging, uncontrolled, and neglected zoonotic disease. Climate change is contributing to its ongoing global expansion. The dog is the main reservoir; hence the importance of implementing effective treatment, prevention, and control measures in this animal species to protect public health. However, although the standard treatment for canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is effective, it does not provide full parasitological clearance, and side effects and drug resistance have been described. The host's immune system plays a key role in the establishment and evolution of leishmaniasis. Dietary nucleotides modulate the immune response and, given their reported efficacy and safety in sick and clinically healthy Leishmania-infected dogs and because they represent a sustainable option with no associated side effects or resistance, they could be included within the prevention, treatment, and control strategies for leishmaniasis. This article briefly summarizes the scientific literature on CanL management, including unresolved issues, and reviews the scientific evidence on immunomodulatory effects of dietary nucleotides in different animal species. It also proposes a CanL management algorithm, including nucleotides. It is concluded that nutritional modulation of the immune response with nucleotides can contribute to better management of leishmaniasis following a One Health approach, especially in the COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Segarra
- R&D Bioiberica S.A.U., 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
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Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Factors associated with endoparasites and ectoparasites in domiciled dogs in the metropolitan area of Toluca, México. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2021; 41:756-772. [PMID: 34936259 PMCID: PMC8767792 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Introducción. Los endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros son de distribución mundial. La estrecha relación entre los perros y el hombre implica un riesgo de transmisión de parasitosis zoonóticas, por lo cual es necesario conocer las especies que parasitan a los perros de esta zona y determinar los factores asociados. Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos, identificarlos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México, y determinar la prevalencia de Dipyilidium caninum en pulgas del género Ctenocephalides spp. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron muestras de 402 perros que fueron llevados a consulta en cuatro hospitales de referencia de Toluca. En el diagnóstico de endoparásitos, se utilizaron las técnicas coproparasitoscópicas de frotis directo, flotación y sedimentación; además, se recolectaron ectoparásitos para su identificación taxonómica. Por último, la detección de D. caninum en pulgas se hizo mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados. El 37,2 % de los perros resultó positivo para endoparásitos. Los géneros o especies identificados fueron Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp. y Trichuris vulpis. Se determinó una prevalencia de ectoparásitos de 13,13 %. Se identificaron pulgas de las especies Ctenocephalides felis y C. canis, en tanto que solo un animal presentó parasitosis por Rhipicephalus sanguineus y otro por Trichodectes canis. La prevalencia de D. caninum en pulgas fue del 9,5 %. Conclusión. La prevalencia de endoparásitos fue de 37,2 % y, la de ectoparásitos, de 13,1 %. Por primera vez en México se hizo un análisis de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en una misma población de perros, así como el diagnóstico molecular de D. caninum.
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Papadopoulos E, Komnenou A, Karamanlidis AA, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D. Zoonotic Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm in brown bears (Ursus arctos): A new host record in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:235-239. [PMID: 34889529 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) eyeworm, a zoonotic parasite transmitted by lachryphagus drosophilids, causes subclinical to clinical ocular disease in a wide range of vertebrates, including humans. In the past 20 years, the infection spread primarily in areas where the vector thrives, and now is endemic in many European countries. Recently, this nematode has been reported also in the United States. Here, we describe the first record of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) as a host of T. callipaeda. Eight (26.7%) out of 30 bears were found to be infected with T. callipaeda adult worms. In addition, the parasite was detected in 13 wolves (Canis lupus) sharing the same environment with the brown bears. At the molecular characterization, all nematodes belonged to the haplotype 1, which is the only one recorded in Europe, as yet. This finding demonstrates that brown bears may act as hosts for this parasite, suggesting its potential role in the maintenance of the cycle not only in the wild but also in captivity. Under the above circumstances, the brown bear may represent a potential zoonotic risk for humans, both in rural and urban areas where other reservoirs may be infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros A Karamanlidis
- ARCTUROS, Civil Society for the Protection and Management of Wildlife and the Natural Environment, Florina, Greece.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Corrales NU, Giraldo KV, Garcés CMS, Giraldo ALN. Improving the knowledge of high school students about zoonotic diseases from pets in Medellín-Colombia. Vet World 2021; 14:3091-3098. [PMID: 35153397 PMCID: PMC8829406 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.3091-3098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The "One Health" concept is a global strategy that recognizes that public health is related to animal health and the environment; however, the role of domestic animals and their involvement in the transmission of zoonoses is often underestimated. The aim of the study was to evaluate and improve the knowledge about zoonotic diseases of domestic animals in high school students from Medellín, Colombia.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental intra-subject study was carried out. This study was conducted with 11th-grade students from four schools in Medellín, Colombia. A structured multiple-choice questionnaire was used from March 2021 to May 2021. The research had two phases, first, "naive" knowledge and learning. Then, descriptive, association, and comparative analysis were carried out using absolute and relative frequencies, Pearson's Chi-square test, and MacNemar's test with a value of p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: A research poll from 315 students of four private schools found that feeding their pets with raw food and leftovers cooked for human consumption were common practices; the results also show a lack of knowledge of their pets' immunization deworming status. It was understood that when the students were able to identify at least two symptoms of zoonoses, one route of its' transmission and two preventive measures, we found that only 12.49% of the polled students had proper knowledge of the disease in domestic animals. After conducting an educational strategy, the findings show a general increase in knowledge, leading us to accept that the academic approach was adequate to statistically increase the recognition of symptoms, routes of transmission and preventive measures (p=0.00).
Conclusion: The use of the theoretical lecture is effective to improve the understanding of the concept of transmission of diseases from animals to humans; in addition, the results show an increase of knowledge in high school students of the related symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures of zoonoses diseases in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Uribe Corrales
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lasallian University Corporation (Unilasallista), Caldas, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Karen Velásquez Giraldo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lasallian University Corporation (Unilasallista), Caldas, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Catalina María Saldarriaga Garcés
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lasallian University Corporation (Unilasallista), Caldas, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Angie Lorena Navarro Giraldo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lasallian University Corporation (Unilasallista), Caldas, Antioquia, Colombia
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Human Toxocariasis in Portugal-An Overview of a Neglected Zoonosis over the Last Decade (2010-2020). Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:938-948. [PMID: 34842719 PMCID: PMC8628915 DOI: 10.3390/idr13040086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most widespread and important zoonotic parasitic diseases, although neglected. Data regarding human Toxocara infection in Portugal are almost absent. This article gives an overview of the situation of toxocariasis in Portugal over the last decade based on casuistic data. A total of 846 serum samples from individuals suspected of toxocariasis, collected from 2010 to 2020, were analyzed at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sera were tested for IgG antibodies to Toxocara canis excreted–secreted larval antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and counterimmunoelectrophoresis. Positivity was detected in 18.8% (159/846) [CI 95%: 16.3–21.6], with positives detected throughout continental Portugal. Overall, 59.7% of the positives were diagnosed in younger than 20 years (35.2% aged 0–9 years and 24.5% aged 10–19 years). Eosinophilia was the most frequent feature reported (27.7%). Pediatrics (41.5%) and Infectiology (25.8%) were the specialties with the highest number of positives. An average of 77 samples/year were received, recording a maximum positivity in 2012 (41.5%, n = 27/65) and a minimum in 2020 (6.4%, n = 3/47). These numbers may reflect the effectiveness of current preventive measures, highlighting the need to maintain public awareness to control this helminthozoonosis and promote a higher public health standard.
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Ciuca L, Martinescu G, Miron LD, Roman C, Acatrinei D, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP. Occurrence of Babesia Species and Co-Infection with Hepatozoon canis in Symptomatic Dogs and in Their Ticks in Eastern Romania. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101339. [PMID: 34684287 PMCID: PMC8538781 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the distribution of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon canis is well known in Romania, there is still a marked lack of information in many places of the country. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of these haemoparasites in symptomatic dogs and in their ticks in Iasi, eastern Romania. Ninety owned dogs were subjected to clinical examination at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Iasi and all detectable ticks (58 ticks from 15 dogs) were collected. Additionally, 124 ticks collected from the coat of other dogs (no. = 23) were included. Three Babesia species were found in dogs: Babesia canis (94.4%), Babesia vogeli (3.3%), and Babesia rossi (2.2%). All the dogs resulted negative for H. canis. The ticks were identified as follows: Ixodes ricinus (64%), Dermacentor reticulatus (33%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus group (3%). B. canis (Minimum Infection Rate; MIR = 81%), B. vogeli (MIR = 3%), and Babesia microti-like piroplasm (MIR = 1%) were found in ticks. Moreover, 15 ticks were positive for H. canis, 6 were co-infected with B. canis, and 1 with B. microti-like piroplasm. This is the first molecular identification of B. rossi in two symptomatic dogs from Romania, although further studies are needed to investigate the vector competence of other ticks from Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (G.M.); Tel.: +39-3661381556 (L.C.); +40-757872575 (G.M.)
| | - Gabriela Martinescu
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (G.M.); Tel.: +39-3661381556 (L.C.); +40-757872575 (G.M.)
| | - Liviu Dan Miron
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Constantin Roman
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Dumitru Acatrinei
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
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Muz MN, Erat S, Mumcuoglu KY. Protozoan and Microbial Pathogens of House Cats in the Province of Tekirdag in Western Turkey. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091114. [PMID: 34578146 PMCID: PMC8466416 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic felines’ re-emerging infectious and neglected zoonotic diseases are a significant focus of global “One Health” efforts. This study aimed to rapidly diagnose 14 pathogens, including zoonoses by using PCR primers in 167 client-owned symptomatic cats, routinely accepted to the Veterinary Clinics of Tekirdag. The prevalence of pathogens investigated were as follows: Babesia canis canis (24%), Babesia microti (2.4%), Hepatozoon felis (10.8%), Cytauxzoon felis (6.6%), Bartonella henselae (40.1%), Anaplasma platys (30.5%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (7.2%), Rickettsia felis (26.3%), Borrelia burgdorferi (21%), and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. (11.4%). There was a significant difference between the prevalence of the pathogens (χ2 = 152.26, df = 9, p < 0.001). There was also a statistical difference between the gender of the cats in terms of the prevalence of all pathogens considered together (χ2 = 4.80, df = 1, p = 0.028), where the female cats showed a higher prevalence. This was not the case for the different age groups (χ2 = 2.92, df = 1, p = 0.088). The lowest infection was observed for B. microti (p < 0.001), while the highest infection was observed for B. henselae (p < 0.01). Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium spp., Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis PCR test results were negative in all samples. In conclusion, house cats of Tekirdag are apparently highly susceptible to some neglected zoonoses important for “One Health”, and their prevalence in the region is most probably underestimated. Hence, applying PCR tests to assist fast clinic diagnosis in routine, may be an efficient option to protect the public as well as the cats from severe diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Necati Muz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namik Kemal, Tekirdag 59000, Turkey
- Correspondence:
| | - Serkan Erat
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale 71450, Turkey;
| | - Kosta Y. Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
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Castelli G, Bruno F, Reale S, Catanzaro S, Valenza V, Vitale F. Molecular Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis: Quantification of Parasite Load by a Real-Time PCR Assay with High Sensitivity. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070865. [PMID: 34358015 PMCID: PMC8308825 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time PCR was developed to quantify Leishmania infantum kinetoplast DNA and optimized to achieve a sensitivity of 1 parasite/mL. For this purpose, we cloned the conserved kDNA fragment of 120 bp into competent cells and correlated them with serial dilutions of DNA extracted from reference parasite cultures calculating that a parasite cell contains approximately 36 molecules of kDNA. This assay was applied to estimate parasite load in clinical samples from visceral, cutaneous leishmaniasis patients and infected dogs and cats comparing with conventional diagnosis. The study aimed to propose a real-time PCR for the detection of Leishmania DNA from clinical samples trying to solve the diagnostic problems due to the low sensitivity of microscopic examination or the low predictive values of serology and resolve problems related to in vitro culture. The quantitative PCR assay in this study allowed detection of Leishmania DNA and quantification of considerably low parasite loads in samples that had been diagnosed negative by conventional techniques. In conclusion, this quantitative PCR can be used for the diagnosis of both human, canine and feline Leishmaniasis with high sensitivity and specificity, but also for evaluating treatment and the endpoint determination of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Castelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (G.C.); (S.C.); (V.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (G.C.); (S.C.); (V.V.); (F.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0916565368
| | - Stefano Reale
- Laboratorio di Tecnologie Diagnostiche Innovative (TDI), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Simone Catanzaro
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (G.C.); (S.C.); (V.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Viviana Valenza
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (G.C.); (S.C.); (V.V.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Leishmaniosi (C.Re.Na.L.), OIE Leishmania Reference Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (G.C.); (S.C.); (V.V.); (F.V.)
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Krücken J, Czirják GÁ, Ramünke S, Serocki M, Heinrich SK, Melzheimer J, Costa MC, Hofer H, Aschenborn OHK, Barker NA, Capodanno S, de Carvalho LM, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, East ML, Wachter B. Genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in spotted and brown hyenas from Namibia and Tanzania relates to ecological conditions rather than host taxonomy. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:328. [PMID: 34134753 PMCID: PMC8207800 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved knowledge on vector-borne pathogens in wildlife will help determine their effect on host species at the population and individual level and whether these are affected by anthropogenic factors such as global climate change and landscape changes. Here, samples from brown hyenas (Parahyaena brunnea) from Namibia (BHNA) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) from Namibia (SHNA) and Tanzania (SHTZ) were screened for vector-borne pathogens to assess the frequency and genetic diversity of pathogens and the effect of ecological conditions and host taxonomy on this diversity. Methods Tissue samples from BHNA (n = 17), SHNA (n = 19) and SHTZ (n = 25) were analysed by PCRs targeting Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., piroplasms, specifically Babesia lengau-like piroplasms, Hepatozoidae and filarioids. After sequencing, maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses were conducted. Results The relative frequency of Anaplasmataceae was significantly higher in BHNA (82.4%) and SHNA (100.0%) than in SHTZ (32.0%). Only Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys-like and Anaplasma bovis-like sequences were detected. Rickettsia raoultii was found in one BHNA and three SHTZ. This is the first report of R. raoultii from sub-Saharan Africa. Babesia lengau-like piroplasms were found in 70.6% of BHNA, 88.9% of SHNA and 32.0% of SHTZ, showing higher sequence diversity than B. lengau from South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). In one SHTZ, a Babesia vogeli-like sequence was identified. Hepatozoon felis-like parasites were identified in 64.7% of BHNA, 36.8% of SHNA and 44.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis placed the sequences outside the major H. felis cluster originating from wild and domestic felids. Filarioids were detected in 47.1% of BHNA, 47.4% of SHNA and 36.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genetic diversity and suggested the presence of several undescribed species. Co-infections were frequently detected in SHNA and BHNA (BHNA median 3 pathogens, range 1–4; SHNA median 3 pathogens, range 2–4) and significantly rarer in SHTZ (median 1, range 0–4, 9 individuals uninfected). Conclusions The frequencies of all pathogens groups were high, and except for Rickettsia, multiple species and genotypes were identified for each pathogen group. Ecological conditions explained pathogen identity and diversity better than host taxonomy. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04835-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Serocki
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja K Heinrich
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Melzheimer
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Carolina Costa
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nancy A Barker
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Stefano Capodanno
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Marion L East
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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Villanueva-Saz S, Giner J, Verde M, Yzuel A, Ruiz H, Lacasta D, Riera C, Fisa R, Alcover MM, Fernández A. Antibodies to Leishmania in naturally exposed domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in Spain. Vet Parasitol 2021; 296:109492. [PMID: 34144379 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is a vector-borne disease endemic in southern Europe and dogs are the main reservoir for this infection. Seasonal variations in antibody titers in this species in areas where phlebotomine vectors have seasonal patterns of activity are important for epidemiological, preventive and clinical studies related with canine leishmaniosis. It has been suggested that cats, rabbits and ferrets may act as peridomestic reservoirs and not only as accidental hosts. The aim of this study was to determine if seropositive ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) to Leishmania could be affected by seasonal variations of anti-Leishmania antibodies. A group of seropositive clinically healthy ferrets (n = 21) were included in this study. A significant reduction in anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies was detected during non-transmission period (December 2020-February 2021) in comparison to transmission period (April-October 2020). This study describes for the first time a seasonal variation in the anti-Leishmania antibodies detected in domestic ferrets following natural exposure during sand fly transmission period and the following non-sand fly transmission period in a Mediterranean area considered as an area where L. infantum is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Spain.
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Menescalia Veterinary Clinic, Ismael Merlo Actor, 5, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruiz
- Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Spain
| | - Cristina Riera
- Departament de Biologia, Salut i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Departament de Biologia, Salut i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Magdalena Alcover
- Departament de Biologia, Salut i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Spain
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49
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Kamani J, Massetti L, Olubade T, Balami JA, Samdi KM, Traub RJ, Colella V, González-Miguel J. Canine gastrointestinal parasites as a potential source of zoonotic infections in Nigeria: A nationwide survey. Prev Vet Med 2021; 192:105385. [PMID: 34023722 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dog feces may contain zoonotic parasites that contaminate the environment and serve as a potential source of infection to animals and humans. In this study, microscopic and molecular analyses were used to estimate the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and assess the risk factors for infection in 948 dogs in three climatically distinct zones of Nigeria. Zoonotic helminths including Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancylostoma braziliense, A. caninum and Toxocara canis were detected either as single or multiple infections in 377 (39.8 %) of dogs examined. At multiple logistic regression analyses, association was found between GI parasite infection and deworming practices and dog management. Regarding A. braziliense, A. caninum and T. canis infections, intensity of egg shedding was statistically associated with the age of the dogs and not with their sex or breed. The majority of GI parasite-positive dogs did not receive regular deworming treatment (59 %) and roamed freely (56 %) thereby constituting public health risk. This is the first nationwide survey and analyses of risk factors of GI parasites of dogs using molecular methods as confirmation of their identity. The zoonotic potential of these parasites is exacerbated by the lack of both operational national policies to control the population of free-roaming dogs and to promote responsible dog ownership, and veterinary public health programs for dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kamani
- National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.
| | - Luca Massetti
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Toyin Olubade
- National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), PMB 01 Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), C/ Cordel de Merinas 40-52, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
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50
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Exposure to Major Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs Subjected to Different Preventative Regimens in Endemic Areas of Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050507. [PMID: 33922459 PMCID: PMC8146437 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are globally widespread arthropod-transmitted diseases with a significant impact on animal and human health. Many drivers have recently spurred the geographic spread of VBDs in dogs. This study has evaluated the exposure to most important VBDs in dogs under different preventative treatments in different regions of Italy, i.e., Veneto, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Umbria, Giglio Island (Tuscany), Abruzzo and Latium. Serological analyses were performed to detect antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis/Ehrlichia ewingii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Rickettsia conorii and the circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. Dogs were categorized according to the treatment schedule usually received, and the association between seropositivity and possible risk factors was statistically evaluated. Overall, 124/242 (51.2%) dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen, while 34 (14.0%) were exposed to two or more pathogens. The most detected seropositivity was against R. conorii, followed by Anaplasma spp., L. infantum, B. canis, and the other pathogens under study. Significant statistical associations were found according to geographical provenance, history of tick infestation, lifestyle and inadequate prophylactic treatments. Random/irregular treatments have been identified as a clear risk factor. These results show that adequate prophylactic treatment protocols are overlooked by dog owners, despite the availability of several effective products, with possible implications in veterinary medicine and on public health.
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