1
|
Molecular analysis of blood-associated pathogens in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Germany. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 19:128-137. [PMID: 36119442 PMCID: PMC9477852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.08.012] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) have not been investigated in large numbers for blood-associated pathogens in Germany, because wildcats, being a protected species, may not be hunted, and the collection of samples is therefore difficult. Thus, spleen tissue and whole blood from 96 wildcats from Germany found as roadkill or dead from other causes in the years 1998–2020 were examined for the prevalence of blood associated pathogens using molecular genetic tools. PCR was used to screen for haemotrophic Mycoplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Bartonella spp., Filarioidea, Anaplasmataceae, and Rickettsiales, and positive samples were subsequently sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed for Mycoplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp. by calculating phylogenetic trees and DNA haplotype networks. The following pathogens were found: Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum (7/96), Mycoplasma ovis (1/96), Hepatozoon silvestris (34/96), Hepatozoon felis (6/96), Cytauxzoon europaeus (45/96), and Bartonella spp. (3/96). This study elucidates the prevalence of blood-associated pathogens in wildcats from Germany. European wildcats from Germany carry different blood-associated pathogens. Pathogens can also affect domestic cats. Transmision by vectors or other transmisison routes are possible.
Collapse
|
2
|
Hemotropic Mycoplasma. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1319-1340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
3
|
Guerra TR, Otsubo AAF, de Paula DAJ, Pereira ME, Sousa VRF, Dutra V, de Almeida ADBPF. Implications of Mycoplasma haemofelis bacterial load on the haematological parameters of naturally infected cats. Top Companion Anim Med 2021; 47:100611. [PMID: 34710634 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100611] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic haemoplasma species that affect cats. M. haemofelis may cause an acute infection that leads to haemolytic anaemia. The objective of this study was to detect and to quantify the load of M. haemofelis in cats by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and to describe the possible haematological changes. M. haemofelis DNA was detected in 28.6% of the randomly selected cats (42 of 147) attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The agreement between conventional PCR and qPCR was substantive (k 0.6). Females were twice as likely to acquire infection as males (odds ratio, 2.31). There was no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) and little/no correlation between the haematological parameters and the average of bacterial load. The results indicate that M. haemofelis infection is not related to clinical signs and bacterial blood load in cats. The agreement between conventional and quantitative PCR made it possible to detect infection by M. haemofelis in a larger number of cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Rodrigues Guerra
- Uniprofessional Residency Program in Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Atsumy Funakawa Otsubo
- Graduate student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Daphine Ariadne Jesus de Paula
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Elisa Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Valéria Régia Franco Sousa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Valéria Dutra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de Almeida
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Fernando Correa da Costa Avenue, 2367, Boa Esperança, Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Diaz E, Hidalgo A, Villamarin C, Donoso G, Barragan V. Vector-borne zoonotic blood parasites in wildlife from Ecuador: A report and systematic review. Vet World 2021; 14:1935-1945. [PMID: 34475720 PMCID: PMC8404139 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1935-1945] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ecuador is a hugely diverse country, but information on infectious diseases in local wild animals is scarce. The aim of this study was to screen the presence of blood parasites in free-ranging wild animals admitted to the Wildlife Hospital at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, from April 2012 to January 2019. Materials and Methods: We identified blood parasites by microscopic observation of blood smears from free-ranging wildlife species that attended the Wildlife Hospital of Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Ecuador) from April 2012 to January 2019. Results: The microscopic evaluations of animals as potential reservoirs for vector-borne zoonotic blood parasites revealed the presence of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., microfilaria, Mycoplasma spp., and Trypanosoma spp. in previously unreported wildlife species. In addition, we performed a systematic review to understand the current knowledge gaps in the context of these findings. Conclusion: Our data contribute to the knowledge of blood parasites in wildlife from Ecuador. Furthermore, the potential transmission of these parasites to humans and domestic animals, current anthropogenic environmental changes in the region, and the lack of information on this suggest the importance of our results and warrant further investigations on infectious diseases in animals and humans and their relationship with environmental health as key domains of the One Health concept.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Diaz
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Hospital de Fauna Silvestre TUERI, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Anahi Hidalgo
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Hospital de Fauna Silvestre TUERI, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Carla Villamarin
- Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gustavo Donoso
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Hospital de Fauna Silvestre TUERI, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Veronica Barragan
- Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.,Department of Biological Science, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Retief L, Bennett NC, Bastos ADS. Molecular detection and characterization of novel haemotropic Mycoplasma in free-living mole rats from South Africa. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 89:104739. [PMID: 33535089 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The importance of haemotropic Mycoplasma (haemoplasma) infections to animal and human health is increasingly recognised. Although wild rodents are known to host these bacteria, haemoplasma prevalence and diversity in small mammals is under-documented, globally. This is due to the reliance on molecular approaches to detect these unculturable, obligate bacteria and to a paucity of assays targeting informative gene regions. We attempted to address these challenges by evaluating the performance of three 16S rRNA PCR assays for detecting Mycoplasma in four African mole-rat species of the family Bathyergidae. This was achieved by screening DNA samples prepared from lung and liver samples of 260 bathyergids, sampled from natural and urban landscapes in the Western Cape Province with one published and two novel conventional PCR assays. Sequence-confirmed Mycoplasma presence guided calculations of the relative sensitivity and specificity of the assays and revealed that 26.5% of the rodents were haemoplasma-positive. Bathyergus suillus sampled near an informal human settlement had a significantly higher infection rate (42%) than the three bathyergid species sampled from natural settings, for which PCR-positivity ranged from 0% to 36%. The 16S rRNA gene phylogeny identified the presence of six Mycoplasma strains in bathyergids that form a novel monophyletic lineage belonging to the haemofelis group, with 16S rRNA and Rnase P gene phylogenies indicating that the bathyergid-associated haemoplasmas were novel and closely related to Mycoplasma coccoides. Assay sensitivity ranged from 60.3% to 76.8% and specificity from 94.8% to 100% and both were highest for the novel assay targeting a ~ 300 bp region of the 16S rRNA gene. Results confirm the presence of novel haemoplasma strains in bathyergid species from South Africa and emphasise the need for expanded studies on haemoplama prevalence, diversity, and transmission routes in other small mammal species from this biodiverse region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liezl Retief
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; South African Research Chair of Mammal Behavioural Ecology and Physiology, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eudes Filho J, dos Santos IB, Reis CMS, Patané JSL, Paredes V, Bernardes JPRA, Poggiani SDSC, Castro TDCB, Gomez OM, Pereira SA, Schubach EYP, Gomes KP, Mavengere H, Alves LGDB, Lucas J, Paes HC, Albuquerque P, Cruz LM, McEwen JG, Stajich JE, Almeida-Paes R, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Matute DR, Barker BM, Felipe MSS, Teixeira MDM, Nicola AM. A novel Sporothrix brasiliensis genomic variant in Midwestern Brazil: evidence for an older and wider sporotrichosis epidemic. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:2515-2525. [PMID: 33155518 PMCID: PMC7717857 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1847001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection caused by fungi from the genus Sporothrix. It is transmitted by inoculation of infective particles found in plant-contaminated material or diseased animals, characterizing the classic sapronotic and emerging zoonotic transmission, respectively. Since 1998, southeastern Brazil has experienced a zoonotic sporotrichosis epidemic caused by S. brasiliensis, centred in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Our observation of feline sporotrichosis cases in Brasília (Midwestern Brazil), around 900 km away from Rio de Janeiro, led us to question whether the epidemic caused by S. brasiliensis has spread from the epicentre in Rio de Janeiro, emerged independently in the two locations, or if the disease has been present and unrecognized in Midwestern Brazil. A retrospective analysis of 91 human and 4 animal cases from Brasília, ranging from 1993 to 2018, suggests the occurrence of both sapronotic and zoonotic transmission. Molecular typing of the calmodulin locus identified S. schenckii as the agent in two animals and all seven human patients from which we were able to recover clinical isolates. In two other animals, the disease was caused by S. brasiliensis. Whole-genome sequence typing of seven Sporothrix spp. strains from Brasília and Rio de Janeiro suggests that S. brasiliensis isolates from Brasília are genetically distinct from those obtained at the epicentre of the outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, both in phylogenomic and population genomic analyses. The two S. brasiliensis populations seem to have separated between 2.2 and 3.1 million years ago, indicating independent outbreaks or that the zoonotic S. brasiliensis outbreak might have started earlier and be more widespread in South America than previously recognized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Eudes Filho
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Oscar Mauricio Gomez
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sandro Antonio Pereira
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Heidi Mavengere
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Joaquim Lucas
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Laurício Monteiro Cruz
- Office of Environmental Surveillance of Zoonoses, Federal District Health Secretariat, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Juan G. McEwen
- Cellular & Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jason E. Stajich
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel R. Matute
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Bridget M. Barker
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, USA
| | - Maria Sueli Soares Felipe
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcus de Melo Teixeira
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - André Moraes Nicola
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sarvani E, Tasker S, Kovacˇević Filipović M, Francuski Andrić J, Andrić N, Aquino L, English S, Attipa C, Leutenegger CM, Helps CR, Papasouliotis K. Prevalence and risk factor analysis for feline haemoplasmas in cats from Northern Serbia, with molecular subtyping of feline immunodeficiency virus. JFMS Open Rep 2018; 4:2055116918770037. [PMID: 29854412 PMCID: PMC5971391 DOI: 10.1177/2055116918770037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in Northern Serbia, identify potential risk factors and perform molecular subtyping of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Methods PCR analysis for feline haemoplasmas was performed on surplus EDTA blood samples from 373 cats from the Belgrade region, Serbia. An ELISA was used to determine the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and FIV; PCR was performed on a subpopulation of these cats. FIV subtyping was performed using PCR. Results Within this population, 64/373 cats (17.2%) were infected with one or more haemoplasma species. Mycoplasma haemofelis was detected in 20/373 cats (5.4%), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in 47/373 cats (12.6%) and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ in 23/373 cats (6.2%). Coinfections were observed in 21/373 cats (5.6%). Based on ELISA serological retroviral testing, 4/310 cats (1.3%) were infected with FeLV, whereas 78/331 (23.6%) were infected with FIV. Multivariable analysis identified significant associations between haemoplasma infection and anaemia (anaemic/non-anaemic, odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–7.1; P = 0.041]), male gender (male/female, OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.22–9.03; P <0.0005), outdoor access (yes/no, OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.28–11.92; P <0.0005), non-pedigree breed (non-pedigree/pedigree, OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.24–24.84; P = 0.025) and FIV seropositive status (positive/negative, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.21–4.83; P = 0.012). PCR analysis of the FIV ELISA-positive samples revealed clade D as being the most prevalent. Conclusions and relevance All three known species of feline haemoplasma were detected, confirming their presence in Serbia; ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ was the most prevalent. We found a high prevalence of FIV-infected cats and FIV clade D was most prevalent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elpida Sarvani
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | | | - Jelena Francuski Andrić
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nenad Andrić
- Department for Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Larissa Aquino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Sarah English
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Charalampos Attipa
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Chris R Helps
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Kostas Papasouliotis
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lappin MR. Update on flea and tick associated diseases of cats. Vet Parasitol 2018; 254:26-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
9
|
Díaz-Regañón D, Villaescusa A, Ayllón T, Rodríguez-Franco F, García-Sancho M, Agulla B, Sainz Á. Epidemiological study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats from central Spain. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:140. [PMID: 29554981 PMCID: PMC5859754 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) have been found infecting cats worldwide. However, studies about feline hemoplasma infections in Spain are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to evaluate the prevalence of feline hemotropic mycoplasmas and to characterize risk factors and clinical findings associated with these infections in a cat population from the Madrid area, Spain. Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (CMt) in blood samples from 456 client-owned and 138 stray cats from Madrid. In order to assess associations between these hemoplasma infections and epidemiological parameters, data regarding signalment, environment, prophylaxis measures, retrovirus status, clinical signs and laboratory findings were compiled, whenever possible. Results DNA of feline hemoplasmas was detected from the blood of 63 out of 594 cats (10.6%), with a prevalence of 3.7% (22/594) for Mhf, 8.1% (48/594) for CMhm and 0.5% (3/594) for CMt. Stray cats had statistically higher prevalences of feline hemoplasmas (15.9%) and, specifically, of Mhf (8.7%) than client-owned cats (9 and 2.2%, respectively). A total of seven cats (1.17%) were co-infected with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and M. haemofelis, two (0.33%) with “Candidatus M. haemominutum” and “Candidatus M. turicensis” and another one (0.17%) with M. haemofelis and Candidatus “M. turicensis”. Male gender, collection of blood during warm months and FeLV/FIV positivity status were associated with hemotropic mycoplasma infection in cats from Madrid. Additionally, within the group of client-owned cats, hemoplasma infection was associated with adult age, outdoor access, and the existence of low haematocrit, erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration values. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological survey of feline hemoplasmas performed in central Spain (Madrid). Our study confirms that “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum”, Mycoplasma haemofelis and “Ca. Mycoplasma turicensis” are infecting client-owned and stray cats in this region of Spain, “Ca. Mycoplasma haemominutum” being the most prevalent species. More studies are necessary to help understand the role of the natural infection by these species of hemoplasma in cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Díaz-Regañón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Villaescusa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Ayllón
- Instituto Nacional de Infectología Evandro Chagas, Fiocruz, Avenida Brazil 4365, CEP 21040- 900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Franco
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes García-Sancho
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Agulla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Acute phase proteins response in cats naturally infected by hemotropic mycoplasmas. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 56:1-5. [PMID: 29406276 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Information about the acute phase proteins (APP) response in cats naturally infected with hemoplasmas and in cats co-infected with different species of hemoplasmas is lacking. This study evaluated serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and albumin in 48 cats naturally infected with hemoplasmas, including 25 with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and 23 co-infected with different hemoplasmas agents; and in 10 healthy control cats. Infected cats had significantly higher Hp and lower albumin than controls. Symptomatic cats had significantly higher SAA and Hp, and lower albumin than asymptomatic animals, and also than controls. Asymptomatic cats had significantly higher Hp than controls. Concentrations of APP were not significantly different between single infected and co-infected cats. According with these results, hemoplasmosis should be considered when alterations in APP are detected in diseased cats with compatible clinical signs. Furthermore, a subclinical infection should be considered in apparently healthy cats from endemic areas with increased Hp.
Collapse
|
11
|
Furtado MM, Taniwaki SA, Metzger B, O’Dwyer LH, Paduan KDS, Jácomo ATDA, Porfírio GEDO, Silveira L, Sollmann R, Tôrres NM, Ferreira Neto JS. First detection of feline hemoplasmas in free-ranging jaguars ( Panthera onca ). Vet Microbiol 2018; 214:75-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
12
|
Ghazisaeedi F, Atyabi N, Zahraei Salehi T, Tabatabaei S, Ashrafi Tamai I, Memarian I, Tasker S. Detection and molecular characterization of feline hemoplasmas in wild felid species in Iran in the Middle East. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 54:1-6. [PMID: 28915995 PMCID: PMC7112662 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
First description of feline hemoplasma and immunodeficiency virus in endangered Persian Leopard species in Iran, Middle East. No zoo-kept wild felids were infected. Close sequence identity with hemoplasma isolates from domestic and wild felids in Iran and other geographical origins. Both ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ infected leopards were old and male and were not born nor residing in zoos.
Three feline hemoplasma species exist in felids: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. The aims of the study were to determine the presence of, and molecularly characterize, any hemoplasmas in wild felids, including the endangered Persian leopard in Iran, the Middle East. Blood samples were collected from 19 wild felids, including three Persian leopards. Using species-specific hemoplasma PCRs and ELISA serological testing for feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), two Persian leopards were found to be infected with ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ and were seropositive for FIV. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences were generated for these ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ species and subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed 97.70% to 99.45% sequence identity with those found in domestic cats from Iran and other countries. This study confirms the presence of ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ and concurrent FIV antibody in wild felids in Iran. This represents the first report of hemoplasma in wild felids in the Middle East as well as the first report of infection in Persian leopards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Ghazisaeedi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Qareeb Street, Azadi Av. P.O. Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nahid Atyabi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Qareeb Street, Azadi Av. P.O. Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Taghi Zahraei Salehi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Qareeb Street, Azadi Av. P.O. Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeid Tabatabaei
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Qareeb Street, Azadi Av. P.O. Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Iraj Ashrafi Tamai
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Qareeb Street, Azadi Av. P.O. Box: 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Iman Memarian
- Chief Veterinarian at Tehran Zoo and Pardisan Rehabilitation Center Tehran Zoo, 4th Kilometer of Tehran Karaj Freeway, 1484613111, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Séverine Tasker
- The Feline Centre, Langford Veterinary Services and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU, Bristol, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
He M, Wang J, Chen L, Liu J, Zeng P. The Impact of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Chinese Blood Safety. Transfus Med Rev 2017; 31:94-101. [PMID: 27923518 PMCID: PMC7126663 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) have always been one of the major threats to public health. Although the implementation of mandatory testing for 4 classical transfusion-transmitted infectious-human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis-has reduced the transfusion risk of these pathogens, the potential threat of various EID agents and their constantly evolving variants to blood safety in China is not fully understood. This review presents 9 representative EID agents that are autochthonous and epidemic nationally or regionally in China. The epidemiologic status and distribution of these EID agents among donors and/or healthy populations are summarized. The potential risks of these EID agents to blood safety are discussed. The review also explores strategies to strengthen hemovigilance systems and studies to further evaluate the impact of EID agents on blood safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao He
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingxing Wang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peibin Zeng
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ravagnan S, Carli E, Piseddu E, Da Rold G, Porcellato E, Zanardello C, Carminato A, Vascellari M, Capelli G. Prevalence and molecular characterization of canine and feline hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in northern Italy. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:132. [PMID: 28285588 PMCID: PMC5346832 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), the agents of infectious anemia, have been reported in dogs and cats. Little data are available on hemoplasma infections in Italy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the species of hemoplasmas and their prevalence in dogs and cats of northern Italy. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 117 candidate blood donor dogs, 278 free-roaming dogs and 227 free-roaming cats in 2014 and 2015. Samples were first screened for hemoplasmas with a SYBR green real time PCR. The positive samples were confirmed by a second SYBR green real time PCR and sequencing. Co-infections were detected using species-specific SYBR green real time PCR. RESULTS The overall prevalence in dogs was 4.5% (18/395). Among the donors only one dog was positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (0.8%). The overall prevalence of infection in free-roaming dogs was 6.1% (17/278), which was significantly higher than in candidate donors (P < 0.05). Both M. haemocanis (13/278; 4.7%) and "Candidatus M. haematoparvum" (4/278; 1.4%) were identified. In dogs, no significant association was found between hemoplasma infection and gender, age or origin. The overall prevalence in cats was 13.2% (30/227). All three feline hemoplasma species were detected, i.e. "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (28; 12.3%), "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (11; 4.8%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (9; 4.0%). Half of the infected cats were co-infected (15; 6.6%) with different species of hemoplasmas. Risk factor analysis confirmed that older age, male gender and FIV positivity are predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection in cats. CONCLUSION This study found that candidate blood donor dogs in northern Italy show a negligible risk for hemoplasma infection, confirming the appropriateness of the candidate selection criteria and the low prevalence in the study area. Accordingly, testing for hemoplasma should be considered optional for canine blood donor screening. Hemoplasma infection was instead common in free-roaming cats, and is expected to be non-negligible in owned cats with outdoor access. Feline candidates for blood donation will therefore need to be carefully selected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Erika Carli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleonora Piseddu
- IDEXX-Laboratories-Novara Day Lab, Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy
| | - Graziana Da Rold
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Porcellato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Zanardello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Marta Vascellari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Attipa C, Papasouliotis K, Solano-Gallego L, Baneth G, Nachum-Biala Y, Sarvani E, Knowles TG, Mengi S, Morris D, Helps C, Tasker S. Prevalence study and risk factor analysis of selected bacterial, protozoal and viral, including vector-borne, pathogens in cats from Cyprus. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:130. [PMID: 28285597 PMCID: PMC5346881 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Feline infectious agent studies are lacking in Cyprus. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for various feline infectious agents, including feline vector-borne pathogens (FVBP), in cats from Cyprus. Methods A cross-sectional, descriptive, multicentre study was performed on 174 feline samples [138 owned and 36 shelter-feral, including both healthy (43) and non-healthy (131), cats] from private veterinary clinics from all six districts of Cyprus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used to detect Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (CMt). The population was tested for four FVBP including Bartonella henselae and Leishmania spp. using qPCR, while conventional PCR assays were used to detect Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp. Serological assays were performed to detect Leishmania infantum antibodies, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed to test associations and possible risk factors between variables and infectious agents. Results Ninety-six (55.2%) of the 174 cats were PCR-positive for at least one infectious agent. Forty-six cats (26.4%) were haemoplasma positive, including 13 (7.5%) for Mhf, 36 (20.7%) for CMhm and 12 (6.9%) for CMt. Sixty-six cats (37.9%) were positive for Hepatozoon spp., while 19 (10.9%) were positive for B. henselae, four (2.3%) for Leishmania spp. and one (0.6%) for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. Sequencing revealed the presence of Hepatozoon felis, L. infantum and Anaplasma platys. Of the 164 cats that underwent retroviral serology, 10 (6.1%) were FeLV-positive and 31 (18.9%) were FIV-positive, while L. infantum serology was positive in 7 (4.4%) of the 160 cats tested. Multivariable logistic regression revealed significant associations for various infectious agents including L. infantum with each of Hepatozoon spp. and CMt infection. Conclusions A high prevalence of infectious agents was found in cats from Cyprus with Mhf, CMhm, CMt, L. infantum, B. henselae, H. felis, A. platys, FeLV and FIV infections reported for the first time. The significant associations between different pathogens provide a better understanding of similarities in the epidemiology of these pathogens and interactions between them. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2063-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Attipa
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK. .,Cyvets Veterinary Center, Paphos, Cyprus.
| | - Kostas Papasouliotis
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Elpida Sarvani
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Toby G Knowles
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Sena Mengi
- Petcare Veterinary Clinic, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - David Morris
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Chris Helps
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.,School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ghazisaeedi F, Atyabi N, Zahraei Salehi T, Ashrafi Tamai I, Tabatabaei S, Chegeni S. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of feline hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2017; 8:67-73. [PMID: 28473900 PMCID: PMC5413314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Three known feline hemoplasmas are Mycoplsama haemofelis, 'CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum' and 'CandidatusMycoplasma turicensis'. They are described as cause of feline infectious anemia in domestic and wild felids. Other blood parasites or blood-related pathogens like concurrent retroviral infections may deteriorate the clinical condition and severity of anemia. The aims of this study were molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran for the first time. Blood samples were collected from 185 healthy and diseased domestic cats. Blood smears were prepared and hematological parameters were measured to determine possible anemia. Using 16S rRNA gene universal and species specific polymerase chain reactions with the following sequencing, 47 (25.40%) of cats were hemoplasma positive. Also, 17.02%, 72.50% and 40.40% of total positive samples were M.haemofelis, 'Ca. M. haemominutum' and 'Ca. M. turicensis' infected, respectively. 10 (21.20%) of hemoplasma positive cats had anemic blood profiles (HCT < 24.00%). All M. haemofelis infected cases were included. Partial 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed a high identity between the hemoplasma species found in this study and domestic cat sequences existing in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 94.00% to 100% sequence identity between sequences of this study and existing sequences in Genbank. All hemoplasma isolates in this study were grouped within a single clade and additionally subdivided into two groups; haemofelis group including M.haemofelis and 'Ca. M. turicensis' and haemominutum group including 'Ca. M. haemominutum'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Ghazisaeedi
- Department of Veterinary Internal Diseases; ,Correspondence: Fereshteh Ghazisaeedi. DVM, DVSc, Department of Veterinary Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. E-mail:
| | | | - Taghi Zahraei Salehi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Iraj Ashrafi Tamai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeid Tabatabaei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Prevalence, risk factor analysis, and hematological findings of hemoplasma infection in domestic cats from Valdivia, Southern Chile. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 46:20-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
18
|
Aquino LC, Kamani J, Haruna AM, Paludo GR, Hicks CA, Helps CR, Tasker S. Analysis of risk factors and prevalence of haemoplasma infection in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2016; 221:111-7. [PMID: 27084481 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp) are canine haemoplasma species that can induce anaemia in immunocompromised and/or splenectomised dogs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of canine haemoplasma species in dogs from Nigeria and describe any risk factors for infection. Canine haemoplasma species-specific and generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were used. The species-specific qPCR assays found Mhc infection in 18 of 245 dogs (7.3%), and CMhp infection in only one dog (0.4%). The generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were positive in 44 of 245 (17.9%) dogs. Twenty-five dogs had discordant qPCR results in that they were generic haemoplasma qPCR positive but species-specific qPCR negative. Further evaluation of these dogs by 16S rDNA sequencing gave limited results but 5 were confirmed to be infected with non-haemoplasma species: 2 Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 Anaplasma ovis, 1 Serratia marcescens and 1 Aerococcus spp. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from Mhc species showed>99.8% identity with each other and>99.6% identity with GenBank sequences, and resided in a single clade with other global Mhc and Mycoplasma haemofelis sequences, indicating low 16S rRNA genetic variability amongst this canine haemoplasma species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C Aquino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil.
| | - J Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - A M Haruna
- State Veterinary Hospital Jos, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - G R Paludo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil
| | - C A Hicks
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - C R Helps
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - S Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|