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Abdoli A, Olfatifar M, Badri M, Zaki L, Bijani B, Pirestani M, Hatam‐Nahavandi K, Eslahi AV, Karanis P. A global systematic review and meta-analysis on the babesiosis in dogs with special reference to Babesia canis. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1427. [PMID: 38695207 PMCID: PMC11063922 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1427] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick-transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild, transient infection to serious disease and even death. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Babesia in dogs. METHODS Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant literature published from January 2000 up to December 2022. The statistical analyses were performed based on the R software (version 3.6) meta-package. RESULTS Out of 23,864 publications, 229 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of canine babesiosis was 0.120 (95% CI; 0.097-0.146). The highest pooled prevalence was found in Europe (0.207, 95% CI; 0.097-0.344). Among several species, Babesia canis was the most prevalent parasite (0.216, 95% CI; 0.056-0.441). The highest pooled prevalence of Babesia in dogs was observed in the summer season (0.097, 95% CI; 0.040-0.174). CONCLUSIONS Regular screening and appropriate control strategies are recommended for the prevention of transmission of tick-borne disease transmission among dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research CenterJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
- Department of Parasitology and MycologyJahrom University of Medical SciencesJahromIran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research CenterQom University of Medical SciencesQomIran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research CenterQazvin University of Medical SciencesQazvinIran
| | - Leila Zaki
- Department of Parasitology and EntomologyFaculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Behzad Bijani
- Medical Microbiology Research CenterQazvin University of Medical SciencesQazvinIran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology and EntomologyFaculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Kareem Hatam‐Nahavandi
- Department of Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineIranshahr University of Medical SciencesIranshahrIran
| | - Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Medical Microbiology Research CenterQazvin University of Medical SciencesQazvinIran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Medical Faculty and University HospitalUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Department of Basic and Clinical SciencesUniversity of Nicosia, Medical School, Anatomy CentreNicosiaCyprus
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Altay K, Erol U, Sahin OF, Aydin MF, Aytmirzakizi A, Dumanli N. First Molecular Evidence of Babesia vogeli, Babesia vulpes, and Theileria ovis in Dogs from Kyrgyzstan. Pathogens 2023; 12:1046. [PMID: 37624006 PMCID: PMC10460036 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne parasitic diseases cause mild to severe infections among vertebrate hosts, including dogs. Species in the genus Babesia are important tick-borne pathogens and have worldwide distributions. Although there are data on the prevalence and distribution of Babesia species among dogs around the world, there is no information available in Kyrgyzstan, according to a literature review. In this study, 337 dogs were screened by nested PCR for the presence of the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S SSU rRNA) gene of piroplasm species. Overall prevalence was 6.23% (21/337) for Babesia/Theileria spp. DNA sequencing of positively tested samples revealed that eighteen samples were infected with Babesia vogeli (B. vogeli) (5.34%), two samples with B. vulpes (0.59%), and one sample with Theileria ovis (T. ovis) (0.29%). The phylogenetic analyses and nucleotide sequences in contrast with those present in GenBank revealed that two nucleotide substitutions (594th and 627th) were found between B. vogeli isolates, including ours, indicating that the mutation is relatively rare. The sequences of other pathogens obtained in this study confirmed 100% nucleotide identity with B. vulpes and T. ovis sequences in GenBank. To the best of our knowledge, B. vogeli, B. vulpes, and T. ovis were detected for the first time in dogs from Kyrgyzstan, and it is thought that results will contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology of canine tick-borne pathogens in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kursat Altay
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Türkiye; (U.E.); (O.F.S.)
| | - Ufuk Erol
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Türkiye; (U.E.); (O.F.S.)
| | - Omer Faruk Sahin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140 Sivas, Türkiye; (U.E.); (O.F.S.)
| | - Mehmet Fatih Aydin
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, 70100 Karaman, Türkiye;
| | - Ayperi Aytmirzakizi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Bishkek 720044, Kyrgyzstan;
| | - Nazir Dumanli
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119 Elazig, Türkiye;
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Kuleš J, Rubić I, Farkaš V, Barić Rafaj R, Gotić J, Crnogaj M, Burchmore R, Eckersall D, Mrljak V, Leisewitz AL. Serum proteome profiling of naturally acquired Babesia rossi infection in dogs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10249. [PMID: 37353646 PMCID: PMC10290096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37312-9] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a disease of significant medically and veterinary importance with worldwide distribution. It is caused by intra-erythrocyte protozoal parasites, with Babesia rossi causing the most severe clinical signs of all the large Babesia parasites infecting dogs. The disease can be clinically classified into uncomplicated and complicated forms with a wide range of clinical presentations from a mild, subclinical illness to complicated forms and death. The aim of this study was to assess serum proteomic profiles from dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs using a label-based proteomics approach. Altogether 32 dogs naturally infected with B. rossi (subdivided into 18 uncomplicated cases and 14 complicated cases of babesiosis) and 20 healthy dogs were included. There were 78 proteins with significantly different abundances between the three groups of dogs. Elucidation of proteins and pathways involved in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi have revealed key differences associated with haemostasis, innate immune system, lipid metabolism and inflammation. Shotgun proteomic profiling allowed identification of potential serum biomarkers for differentiation of disease severity in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi. These findings may be applicable to the study of host-parasite interactions and the development of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josipa Kuleš
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Rubić
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Farkaš
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Renata Barić Rafaj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Gotić
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Crnogaj
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Richard Burchmore
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David Eckersall
- College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vladimir Mrljak
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Andrew L Leisewitz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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Hussain S, Hussain A, Aziz MU, Song B, Zeb J, Hasib FMY, Almendros A, Cabezas-Cruz A, George D, Sparagano O. First molecular confirmation of multiple zoonotic vector-borne diseases in pet dogs and cats of Hong Kong SAR. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102191. [PMID: 37121216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102191] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) has increased throughout the globe. In particular, tick-borne diseases (e.g., caused by Ehrlichia canis, E. ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) and Babesia gibsoni) and mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., caused by Dirofilaria immitis) diseases pose a burden on animal health. Nevertheless, there have been no studies undertaken on the occurrence of VBDs in pet dogs and cats in Hong Kong SAR. This study fills this gap, and is the first to determine the seroprevalence of major VBDs, such as those caused by D. immitis, E. canis, E. ewingii, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys and B. burgdorferi s.s, in dogs and cats through commercially available SNAP 4Dx plus testing. Infection by all these pathogens and Babesia sp. was further assessed through PCR and DNA sequencing. A total of 224 blood samples were collected from domestic dogs (n = 159) and cats (n = 65) in Hong Kong SAR during summer 2022. Hematocrit and platelet counts were determined in each blood sample and other hematological parameters were assessed using an automatic hematology analyzer and vortex the specimen for one to two minutes at or near the highest setting to minimize the clumping. All cat sera samples were negative for tested pathogens, but antibodies against some of the pathogens were detected in dog sera samples. Here, the highest figures were recorded for seroprevalence of E. canis/E. ewingii (10.7%), followed by D. immitis (5.7%), and A. phagocytophilum/A. platys (2.5%). No B. burgdorferi s.s. antibodies were detected in any of the dogs tested. Through molecular diagnostics, we detected the presence of B. gibsoni (3.7%), E. canis (3.1%), D. immitis (5.7%), and A. phagocytophilum (1.3%). Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic trees for vector-borne pathogens (i.e., genus Anaplasma sp.) showed 100% clustering to Japan, the USA and Germany, whereas genus Ehrlichia sp. showed 100% clustering to China, Turkey, Cuba, and Greece. Similarly, genus Babesia sp. clustered 100% to India, Sri Lanka and Austria, while D. immitis clustered in Iraq, South Korea, Portugal, France, the USA and Italy. This study provides the first evidence on the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens in pet dogs in Hong Kong SAR. Based on these findings, it is recommended that appropriate screening should be undertaken in domestic dogs to evaluate the prevalence of these pathogens and promote the timely control of VBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Hussain
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, United States.
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 61802, United States
| | - Muhammad Umair Aziz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Baolin Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - F M Yasir Hasib
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Angel Almendros
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - David George
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020165. [PMID: 36851469 PMCID: PMC9964035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020165] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Haematological indices and immune response profiles in dogs naturally infected and co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Babesia canis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2028. [PMID: 36739305 PMCID: PMC9899214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29011-2] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infections with Dirofilaria repens and Babesia canis are rarely reported in the literature and there is very limited knowledge of their impact on canine health. Central Poland is endemic for both parasites, posing a risk of co-infections in dogs. To evaluate the impact of co-infection with B. canis and D. repens on canine health, four groups of dogs were examined: healthy dogs, dogs infected with B. canis, dogs infected with D. repens and dogs co-infected with both species. Blood parameters indicative of anaemia, kidney and liver damage were analysed statistically. Additionally, expression levels of immune response genes were quantified and compared, to define the type of immune response typically encountered in single- and co-infections. In dogs infected with D. repens, no major alterations in blood parameters were observed. Dogs infected with B. canis suffered from anaemia, kidney and liver insufficiency. In contrast, dogs co-infected with D. repens and B. canis showed milder alternation in blood biochemical parameters associated with liver (ALP activity) and kidney (serum urea and creatinine levels) dysfunction, compared to dogs infected only with B. canis. The expression of genes associated with cellular (Th1-mediated) (STAT4 and INF-γ), humoral (Th2-mediated) (STAT6, GATA3, SOCS3, IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10) responses was quantified. For this analysis, dogs infected with B. canis were divided into two groups-'Babesia 1' (mild babesiosis), 'Babesia 2' (severe babesiosis). All the tested factors, except INF-γ, were found to be expressed in dogs infected with D. repens. In 'Babesia 1' dogs, expression of GATA3 was highest, while in 'Babesia 2'-INF-γ and SOCS3 dominated. IL-13 expression was predominant in dogs infected with D. repens, and STAT6 and IL-10 predominated in dogs with co-infections.
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Pathogenesis of Anemia in Canine Babesiosis: Possible Contribution of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines-A Review. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020166. [PMID: 36839438 PMCID: PMC9962459 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne protozoan disease caused by intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus Babesia. The infection may lead to anemia in infected dogs. However, anemia is not directly caused by the pathogen. The parasite's developmental stages only have a marginal role in contributing to a decreased red blood cell (RBC) count. The main cause of anemia in affected dogs is the immune response to the infection. This response includes antibody production, erythrophagocytosis, oxidative damage of RBCs, complement activation, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Moreover, both infected and uninfected erythrocytes are retained in the spleen and sequestered in micro-vessels. All these actions are driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, especially IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Additionally, imbalance between the actions of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines plays a role in patho-mechanisms leading to anemia in canine babesiosis. This article is a review of the studies on the pathogenesis of anemia in canine babesiosis and related diseases, such as bovine or murine babesiosis and human or murine malaria, and the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the mechanisms leading to anemia in infected dogs.
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Bilić P, Horvatić A, Kuleš J, Gelemanović A, Beer Ljubić B, Mũnoz-Prieto A, Gotić J, Žubčić D, Barić Rafaj R, Mrljak V. Serum and urine profiling by high-throughput TMT-based proteomics for the investigation of renal dysfunction in canine babesiosis. J Proteomics 2023; 270:104735. [PMID: 36174949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104735] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia canis, with acute kidney injury as one of the common complications. In the study 8 healthy control dogs and 22 dogs with naturally occurring babesiosis were enrolled, with the aim to analyse differences in serum and urinary proteomes between healthy dogs and dogs with different degree of renal dysfunction in babesiosis using a label-based high-throughput quantitative proteomic approach. In serum, 58 proteins were found differentially abundant between healthy controls and groups of dogs with different degrees of renal dysfunction in babesiosis, while in urine there were 259 differentially abundant proteins. In addition, altered biological pathways were detected in the diseased dogs using bioinformatics tools and validation of several candidate biomarkers was performed. SIGNIFICANCE: The main aim of this comprehensive study was to perform analyses of serum and urinary proteomes of dogs with renal dysfunction in babesiosis compared to healthy dogs using, for the first time, a high-throughput proteomic method and functional enrichment analyses. Serum and urine samples of the same dogs were investigated in order to gain a more complete picture of pathologic changes taking place in renal dysfunction in babesiosis. We highlighted two putative biomarkers validated herein which could be of importance for early diagnosis of renal dysfunction in canine babesiosis, as they are easily accessible from urine and their concentration rises before the appearance of azotaemia: urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bilić
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anita Horvatić
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Kuleš
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Blanka Beer Ljubić
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alberto Mũnoz-Prieto
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Gotić
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Damir Žubčić
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Renata Barić Rafaj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Mrljak
- Internal Diseases Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Lesiczka PM, Rudenko N, Golovchenko M, Juránková J, Daněk O, Modrý D, Hrazdilová K. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) play an important role in the propagation of tick-borne pathogens. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102076. [PMID: 36345066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread free-living carnivore in the world. Over the years, foxes have been recognized as hosts for a number of tick-borne pathogens. However, their role as reservoirs for zoonotic tick-borne diseases is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate tick-borne pathogens in the red fox population in the Czech Republic. Out of 117 red foxes, 110 (94.02%) individuals tested positive for the presence of at least one pathogen by the combined PCR and sequencing approach. Hepatozoon canis was the most frequently detected pathogen (n = 95; 81.2%), followed by Babesia vulpes (n = 75; 64.1%). Babesia canis was not detected in our study. Four (3.42%) red foxes were positive for Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., 3 (2.56%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and one red fox (0.85%) tested positive for the presence of Ehrlichia sp. DNA. Overall, DNA of spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex was detected in 8.6% of the foxes and B. miyamotoi in 5.12% of the samples. As a carnivore found in all ecosystems of Central Europe, foxes obviously contribute to transmission of tick-borne pathogens such as A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi s.l., and B. myiamotoi. In addition, foxes apparently harbour a community of pathogens, associated with this host in local ecological context, dominated by H. canis and B. vulpes (possibly also Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp.). These species have the potential to spread to the domestic dog population and should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases with hematologic abnormalities in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Maria Lesiczka
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague, Czech Republic; CEITEC VETUNI, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Rudenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juránková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Daněk
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Plzeň, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, Zemědělská 1665/1, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Yin F, Mu D, Tian Z, Li D, Ma X, Wang J, Guan G, Yin H, Li F. First Report of Babesia gibsoni in Cats in China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223066. [PMID: 36428294 PMCID: PMC9686484 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
As there are few studies of Babesia spp. infection in cats in China, or anywhere in the world, the aim of this study was to explore the epidemic features of babesiosis in pet cats in China. In total, 429 blood samples were randomly collected in four different geographical regions. The 18S rRNA gene fragment of Babesia spp. was amplified by nest polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia were performed to analyze the relationship of this protozoa. The total positive rate of infection was 2.8%. BLAST analysis indicated that Babesia gibsoni was detected in 12 cats. Among these, 4.3%, 3.1%, 0.8% and 2.0% were from Chongqing, Fujian, Hubei and Shandong, respectively. Haplotype and phylogenetic analysis showed that there were nine haplotypes and no obvious genetic variation among B. gibsoni populations. This is the first report of B. gibsoni in cats in China. These findings will be helpful for understanding the epidemiology of Babesia spp. in China, and provide a foundation for developing effective preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Daoe Mu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Zhuojia Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Dong Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiting Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.W.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (F.L.)
| | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (F.L.)
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11
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Sands B, Lihou K, Lait P, Wall R. Prevalence of Babesia spp. pathogens in the ticks Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus in the UK. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106692. [PMID: 36115381 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of Babesia pathogens novel to the UK is of growing concern; these include Babesia canis and Babesia caballi. However, a better understanding of changes in the prevalence of endemic Babesia species such as Babesia venatorum and Babesia divergens is also of importance. Here, the prevalence of Babesia pathogens in both Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus ticks was assessed. Dermacentor reticulatus were collected from six sites known to harbour populations of this species in west Wales and southern England. DNA was extracted from 879 individual ticks and subjected to PCR and sequence analysis. Seven Babesia species were detected in 7.5% of the ticks, including B. caballi (0.68%), B. bovis (1.7%), B. microti (1.02%), B. bigemina (0.34%), B. capreoli (0.34%), and one isolate of B. canis (0.34%). Two of the field sites with grazing equines present had ticks that were positive for B. caballi. For I. ricinus, up to 200 nymphs were collected from each of 24 cattle farms in south-west England. Nymphs were divided into 6 pools of 30 from each farm for DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing. Samples from seven out of the 24 farms tested positive for Babesia, and most were positive for more than one species. Babesia divergens was identified from five farms, and three of these farms had two pooled samples positive for B. divergens, which given the low overall prevalence rate suggests that B. divergens may be highly clustered within the tick population. Most of the remaining positive samples were Babesia venatorum, demonstrating that this zoonotic pathogen is widespread in livestock habitats. The data suggest that B. canis is not yet widely prevalent in established D. reticulatus populations in the UK, but that there is a need to raise awareness of the risk of equine piroplasmosis in areas with endemic D. reticulatus foci, since B. caballi appears more widely established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Sands
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Katie Lihou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Philippa Lait
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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12
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Molecular Prevalence of Selected Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dermacentor reticulatus Collected in a Natural Park in Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080887. [PMID: 36015008 PMCID: PMC9416462 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the most important vectors of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Europe causing diseases in animals and humans. A longitudinal study was planned, aimed to detect the molecular prevalence of tick-borne pathogens, i.e., Babesia spp. and the spotted fever group Rickettsiae, and its seasonal variation in D. reticulatus questing ticks to define the temporal infection risk. Ticks were collected monthly over a period of 15 months in a peri-urban park in Lombardy, Italy. DNA extraction and molecular analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was carried out. Out of 488, 53 (P = 10.9%) adult questing ticks were positive for Babesia DNA. A higher prevalence was revealed in male (32/241, P = 13.3%) than in female (21/247, P = 8.5%) ticks. Positive ticks were mostly collected in winter months (P = 13.3%) compared to early (P = 7.9) and late (P = 12.8) spring months. A similar percentage of positive ticks was evidenced in transects 1 and 3 (5.8% and 6.5%, respectively); instead, a significant higher prevalence was recorded in transect 2 (P = 16.0%). Obtained sequences confirmed a homology of 100% with B. canis sequences deposited in GenBank. No ticks tested positive for Rickettsia spp. DNA (0/488, P = 0%). The conspicuous circulation of B. canis infection in D. reticulatus adult questing ticks confirms their role in the epidemiology of canine babesiosis and requires preventive measures for dogs in this recreational area. Even if no tick was positive for the spotted fever group Rickettsia, its capacity as a vector of zoonotic pathogens should not be neglected.
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13
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Genetic Diversity of Babesia canis Strains in Dogs in Lithuania. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071446. [PMID: 35889165 PMCID: PMC9351669 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is an emerging and rapidly expanding tick-borne disease in central and northeast Europe. In the last two decades, the endemic area of Babesia canis has expanded from central Europe to the Baltic region. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of B. canis strains isolated from naturally infected dogs in different regions of Lithuania using PCR-RFLP and sequence analyses based on a partial region of 18S rRNA and Bc28.1 genes. Blood samples from 149 dogs suspected of having babesiosis were collected in Lithuania during 2016–2017. Based on PCR-RFLP profiles and two nucleotide substitutions observed in 18S rRNA gene sequences, three B. canis genotypes were identified in Lithuania—18S rRNA-A, 18S rRNA-B and 18S rRNA-A/B—with the A/B genotype predominating (83.9%). Based on the obtained PCR-RFLP profiles of the Bc28.1 gene, four B. canis genotypes were identified: Bc28.1-B (53.8%), Bc28.1-34 (20.8%), Bc28.1-A (17.9%), and Bc28.1-34/A or B (7.5%). Sequence analysis of the partial Bc28.1 gene revealed eighteen polymorphic sites and thirteen sequence variants among the Lithuanian samples. The B. canis genotypes obtained were detected with varying prevalences in different regions of Lithuania.
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14
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Seibert S, Rohrberg A, Stockinger A, Schaalo S, März I. [Occurrence of canine babesiosis in dogs in the Rhine-Main area of Hesse, Germany - a case study of 81 dogs]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2022; 50:162-172. [PMID: 35790164 DOI: 10.1055/a-1704-6604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Canine babesiosis, an infectious disease transmitted by Dermacentor reticulatus, is exhibiting growing importance in Germany. The aim of this study was to display the increased incidence of canine babesiosis in the Rhine-Main area in Hesse, with special focus on the accumulation in the district of Groß-Gerau. MATERIAL AND METHODS The retrospective study included dogs presented to the veterinary hospital between October 2018 and December 2020 and diagnosed with canine babesiosis on the basis of a positive Babesia spp.-PCR. RESULTS A total of 697 dogs were tested by Babesia spp.-PCR during this time period. Of these, 81 (12 %) were positive.Sequencing was performed in 14 of the 81 dogs (17 %) (B. canis n = 13, B, vulpes n = 1). A simultaneous anaplasmosis infection was detected in 2 dogs. Strikingly, babesiosis cases occurred throughout the year with accumulations in March/April as well as in October.Evaluation of a complete blood cell count revealed pancytopenia in 44 of the 81 animals (54 %). Anemia was present in 66 (82 %), thrombocytopenia in 76 of the 81 patients (94 %). Only 2 of the 81 positive cases showed no hematological changes. Hyperbilirubinemia was found in 66 of 73 measured bilirubin levels (90 %).All animals were treated with two injections of imidocarb-diproprionate (Carbesia®) in 14-day intervals. Follow-up PCR was performed in 37 of the 81 patients (46 %). In the majority of cases (92 %), successful therapy was confirmed by a negative Babesia-PCR. A total of 6 of the 81 patients (7 %) were euthanized during the treatment period. The reasons for euthanasia were progressive renal disease, high-grade intravascular hemolysis necessitating multiple blood transfusions, and development of splenic and renal abscesses. CONCLUSION In dogs with clinical signs such as apathy, pyrexia and hemoglobinuria, as well as hematologic abnormalities comprising anemia, thrombocytopenia as well as pancytopenia, babesiosis needs to be included in the list of differential diagnoses. Testing should be initiated accordingly regardless of the season, however especially in spring and autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Imke März
- Tierklinik Hofheim, Hofheim am Taunus
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15
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Ranatunga RAS, Dangolla A, Sooriyapathirana SDSS, Rajakaruna RS. High Asymptomatic Cases of Babesiosis in Dogs and Comparison of Diagnostic Performance of Conventional PCR vs Blood Smears. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1217-1223. [PMID: 35612719 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00549-x] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Babesiosis is one of the most important globally extended and quickly spreading tick-borne infections of dogs. Diagnosis of babesiosis in Sri Lanka is based on clinical signs followed by thin blood smears which could be error-prone due to undetected early infections, absence of clinical signs or low parasitemia. The present study investigated the prevalence of babesiosis in dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, for treatments, vaccinations, and regular check-ups, and compared the diagnosis methods of microscopy and molecular analysis. METHODS Blood samples from dogs were collected from January to June 2019. First, Giemsa stained blood smears were prepared, and then the blood samples were subjected to PCR using genus-specific primers to amplify a 411-450 bp region in the 18S rRNA gene. Twenty samples from PCR amplified products were sequenced for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Clinical signs of the dogs were noted down, and ticks were also collected from dogs if any. RESULTS Results show a very high prevalence of canine babesiosis (78.6%) among the dogs brought to the VTH. The parasite was identified microscopically and genetically as Babesia gibsoni. A large percentage (66.7%) of infections was asymptomatic. Out of 42 blood samples, 19 (45.2%) were microscopically positive for babesiosis while 33 (78.6%) were PCR positive, showing a significant difference in the two methods of diagnosis (chi-square test, χ2 = 9.462, p = 0.002). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were found attached to the dogs. CONCLUSION This study shows a very high prevalence of canine babesiosis among dogs in the Kandy area. Most of these infections might go undetected if only microscopy was used to diagnose. An improved, rapid diagnostic method such as the novel, PCR-based point-of-care diagnostic method that detects very low parasitemia within 30 min is needed. Moreover, as most infected dogs did not show clinical signs, they may act as reservoirs of infection. The ability of asymptomatic dogs to spread babesiosis should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A S Ranatunga
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - A Dangolla
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - S D S S Sooriyapathirana
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - R S Rajakaruna
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
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16
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Liu M, Igarashi I, Xuan X. Babesia gibsoni. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:815-816. [PMID: 35339362 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China; National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.
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17
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Association between Increased the De Ritis Quotient and Renal Azotaemia in Canine Babesiosis. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050626. [PMID: 35268195 PMCID: PMC8909065 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050626] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study investigated the association between increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity and renal indices such as renal failure index, sodium fractional excretion, and urinary creatinine to serum creatinine ratio in dogs with renal azotaemia infected with Babesia canis. This research revealed that increased serum AST activity in azotaemic dogs may be of renal origin, and the de Ritis quotient may be a convenient and useful tool in the recognition of renal azotaemia in canine babesiosis. Abstract Previous studies of azotaemia in canine babesiosis revealed pre-renal and renal azotaemia in infected dogs, and an association between an increased de Ritis quotient (aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase activity; AST/ALT ratio) and azotaemia in affected animals. Serum activities of AST and ALT, and AST/ALT ratio were compared between azotaemic and non-azotaemic dogs infected with Babesia canis, and between affected dogs with pre-renal and renal azotaemia. Statistical analyses revealed higher AST activity and an increased AST/ALT ratio in azotaemic dogs, and an increase of these two parameters in infected dogs with renal azotaemia in comparison to dogs with pre-renal azotaemia. Moreover, AST activity and AST/ALT ratio were correlated with renal indices such as renal failure index, sodium fractional excretion, and urinary creatinine to serum creatinine ratio. The study also revealed a lack of correlation between AST and ALT activities in azotaemic dogs, although a correlation was observed when including all dogs in this study (azotaemic and non-azotaemic dogs treated as one group). The results of this study indicate that increased serum AST activity in azotaemic dogs infected with B. canis may have a renal origin, and the AST/ALT ratio could be considered as a simple and convenient renal index that is useful in the recognition of renal azotaemia in canine babesiosis.
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18
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Multi Platforms Strategies and Metabolomics Approaches for the Investigation of Comprehensive Metabolite Profile in Dogs with Babesia canis Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031575. [PMID: 35163517 PMCID: PMC8835742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031575] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is an important tick-borne disease worldwide, caused by parasites of the Babesia genus. Although the disease process primarily affects erythrocytes, it may also have multisystemic consequences. The goal of this study was to explore and characterize the serum metabolome, by identifying potential metabolites and metabolic pathways in dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis using liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The study included 12 dogs naturally infected with B. canis and 12 healthy dogs. By combining three different analytical platforms using untargeted and targeted approaches, 295 metabolites were detected. The untargeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) metabolomics approach identified 64 metabolites, the targeted UHPLC-MS/MS metabolomics approach identified 205 metabolites, and the GC-MS metabolomics approach identified 26 metabolites. Biological functions of differentially abundant metabolites indicate the involvement of various pathways in canine babesiosis including the following: glutathione metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; cysteine and methionine metabolism; and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. This study confirmed that host–pathogen interactions could be studied by metabolomics to assess chemical changes in the host, such that the differences in serum metabolome between dogs with B. canis infection and healthy dogs can be detected with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. Our study provides novel insight into pathophysiological mechanisms of B. canis infection.
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Prevalence of Babesia canis DNA in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in forest and urban ecosystems in west-central Poland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101786. [PMID: 34280697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Babesia canis, a widely distributed European tick-borne protozoan haemoparasite, causes canine babesiosis, the most important tick-borne disease afflicting dogs worldwide. The meadow tick, Dermacentor reticulatus, is considered to be the primary vector of this parasite in central Europe. Females of the more broadly distributed and medically important castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, also commonly feed upon dogs, but their role in the enzootic transmission cycle of B. canis is unclear. Here, we screened 1,598 host-seeking I. ricinus ticks collected from two different ecosystems, forest stands vs. urban recreational forests, for the presence of B. canis DNA. Ticks were sampled during their two seasonal peaks of activity, spring (May/June) and late summer (September). Babesia species were identified by amplification and sequencing of a hypervariable 18S rRNA gene fragment. Babesia canis was the only piroplasm detected in 13% of 200 larvae and 8.2% of 324 nymphs in the forest ecosystems. In urban recreational areas, B. canis DNA was found in 1.5% of 460 nymphs, 3.5% of 289 females and 3.2% of 280 males. Additionally, three samples, including one female, one male, and one nymph, were co-infected with B. venatorum and one nymph with B. divergens or B. capreoli. Our findings implicate that B. canis can be transmitted transovarially and maintained transstadially within populations of I. ricinus, but the vector competence of I. ricinus for transmitting B. canis remains to be investigated.
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20
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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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21
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Staroverov SA, Fomin AS, Kozlov SV, Volkov AA, Kozlov ES, Gabalov KP, Dykman LA. Immune Response of Mice Against Babesia canis Antigens is Enhanced When Antigen is Coupled to Gold Nanoparticles. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:493-500. [PMID: 33165701 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00305-z] [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: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to isolate Babesia canis soluble antigens and to investigate the effect of their conjugates with gold nanoparticles on the immunogenicity in laboratory animals. METHODS A procedure was developed for isolating and purifying B. canis antigens. The isolated culture antigen of B. canis 495 was coupled to gold nanoparticles, and the conjugate was used to immunize laboratory mice. RESULTS Western blotting showed that the resultant antiserum specifically recognized the proteins of the B. canis strains isolated from naturally infected dogs. The antibody titer, the respiratory activity of peritoneal macrophages, the proliferative activity of splenocytes, and the production of cytokines were maximal when the animals were immunized with the antigen-nanoparticle conjugate emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Without adjuvant, the babesial antigen was weakly immunogenic. CONCLUSION Therefore, the use of gold nanoparticles as an antigen carrier induced a broad immune response involving both cellular and humoral responses. The antibodies raised by the proposed procedure are potentially effective at immunodetection of Babesia canis infections in dogs.
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22
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Do T, Ngasaman R, Saechan V, Pitaksakulrat O, Liu M, Xuan X, Inpankaew T. First Molecular Detection of Babesia gibsoni in Stray Dogs from Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060639. [PMID: 34067366 PMCID: PMC8224757 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In southern Thailand, the increasingly growing population of stray dogs is a concern to public health and environmental safety because of the lack of medical attention and control. More importantly, these animals are considered reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens. The objective of this study was to molecularly detect canine vector-borne pathogens, and to perform genetic characterization of Babesia gibsoni present in stray dogs from southern Thailand. Blood samples were collected from 174 stray dogs in two provinces (Songkhla and Narathiwat) in southern Thailand. PCR analyses were executed using specific primers based on the Babesia spp. 18S rRNA gene, Babesia gibsoni Internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region, Ehrlichia canis citrate synthase (gltA) gene, Hepatozoon spp. 18S rRNA gene and Anaplasma platys heat shock protein (groEL) gene. The most common canine vector-borne pathogen found infecting stray dogs in this study was Hepatozoon canis (24.7%) followed by A. platys (14.9%), Babesia vogeli (8.0%), B. gibsoni (6.3%), and E. canis (1.72%). Concurrent infection with more than one pathogen occurred in 72 cases. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS1 region and 18S rRNA gene revealed that the B. gibsoni isolates from this study shared a large proportion of their identities with each other and with other reported B. gibsoni genotypes from Asia. This study highlights the molecular detection of B. gibsoni in dogs in Thailand for the first time and presents the genetic characterization by sequencing the ITS1 region and 18S rRNA gene of B. gibsoni from Thailand. Follow-up studies are needed to elucidate the origin, distribution, and vectors of B. gibsoni parasites circulating in dogs in Thailand, as well as to determine to what extent dogs are important reservoir hosts for zoonotic canine vector-borne disease infection in the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thom Do
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Ruttayaporn Ngasaman
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (R.N.); (V.S.)
| | - Vannarat Saechan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (R.N.); (V.S.)
| | - Opal Pitaksakulrat
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand;
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan;
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan;
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (T.I.)
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (T.I.)
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Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Stray Dogs and Rhipicephalussanguineus sensu lato Ticks from Bangkok, Thailand. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050561. [PMID: 34066526 PMCID: PMC8148546 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050561] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine tick-borne pathogens (CTBPs) such as Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, and Mycoplasma haemocanis are important pathogens in dogs worldwide. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, the main vector of several CTBPs, is the most common tick species found on dogs in Thailand. The present study identified CTBPs in dogs and ticks infested dogs. Samples (360 dog blood samples and 85 individual ticks) were collected from stray dogs residing in 37 temples from 24 districts in Bangkok and screened for CTBPs using molecular techniques. The most common CTBP found infecting dogs in this study was Ehrlichia canis (38.3%) followed by Mycoplasma haemocanis (34.2%), Hepatozoon canis (19.7%), Babesia vogeli (18.1%), and Anaplasma platys (13.9%), respectively. Furthermore, A. platys (22.4%) was the most common CTBP in ticks followed by M. haemocanis (18.8%), B. vogeli (9.4%), H. canis (5.9%), and E. canis (2.4%), respectively. The detection of CTBPs from the present study highlights the potential risk of infections that may occur in stray dogs and their ticks residing in Bangkok temples. These findings underline the importance of performing active surveys to understand the complexity of distributions of CTBPs in dogs and their ticks in Thailand.
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MONITORING OF THE ASSOCIATED COURSE OF LEPTOSPIROSIS AND BABESIOSIS IN DOGS OF THE SUMY REGION OF UKRAINE. EUREKA: HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.21303/2504-5679.2021.001616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis and babesiosis in dogs may be associated. These diseases often have similar symptoms and mask each other, or are asymptomatic, which complicates the diagnosis, significantly worsens the prognosis and reduces the survival of sick animals. Monitoring of the associated course of leptospirosis and babesiosis in dogs makes it possible to study the frequency of this parasitocenosis in dogs and the peculiarities of its course, which is the basis for improving the diagnosis and treatment of sick animals.
The aim of the research. Monitor the associated course of leptospirosis and babesiosis in dogs.
Methods. The research was conducted in the private veterinary clinic “Vetservice” in Sumy and in the serology department of the Sumy Regional State Laboratory of the Civil Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Blood samples were taken from dogs came for treatment to the “Vetservice” clinic. The diagnosis of babesiosis was established directly in the clinic by the results of erythrocyte microscopy in thin smears of peripheral blood of sick dogs stained by Giemsa. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was established in the serology department of the Sumy Regional State Laboratory based on the results of a study of the serum of sick dogs in the microagglutination reaction. The subjects of the study were clinically ill and suspected dogs with the associated course of leptospirosis and babesiosis, as well as blood samples from these animals. Babesium trophozoites were detected in erythrocytes under an immersion microscope, a magnification of ocular 10 x 90, and the presence of antibodies to leptospira was detected by the presence of agglutination of leptospira in microagglutination reaction.
Results. In the study of the incidence of dogs associated with leptospirosis and babesiosis during 2014–2019, according to the clinic “Vetservice” found that the number of reported cases of associated leptospirosis and babesiosis annually varies from 9 to 28 cases. This parasitocenosis is registered all year round with peaks in spring and autumn, moderately in summer and rarely in winter. Purebred animals get sick several times more often than non pedigree ones. During the period from 2016 to 2019, the number of diseases in females and males was approximately the same. During the period from 2014 to 2015, males were more often ill.
Conclusions. The prevalence of the associated course of leptospirosis and babesiosis in dogs of the Sumy region of Ukraine was determined with the determination of seasonal, breed and sexual dynamics of this parasitocenosis
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Challenges in Tick-Borne Pathogen Detection: The Case for Babesia spp. Identification in the Tick Vector. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020092. [PMID: 33498304 PMCID: PMC7909277 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The causative agents of Babesiosis are intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Babesia. Babesia parasites are present around the world, affecting several mammals including humans, pets and livestock, hence its medical and veterinary relevance. Babesia spp. detection in its invertebrate host is a main point in understanding the biology of the parasite to acquire more knowledge on the host–Babesia–vector interactions, as increasing knowledge of the Babesia lifecycle and babesiosis epidemiology can help prevent babesiosis outbreaks in susceptible mammals. The aim of the present review is to highlight the newest findings in this field, based on a bibliographic compilation of research studies recently carried out for the detection of the main Babesia species found in tick vectors affecting mammalian hosts, including the different tick stages such as adult ticks, larvae, nymphs and eggs, as well as the detection method implemented: microscopic tools for parasite identification and molecular tools for parasite DNA detection by conventional PCR, nested-PCR, PCR-RFLP, PCR-RLB hybridization, real time-PCR, LAMP and RAP assays. Although molecular identification of Babesia parasites has been achieved in several tick species and tissue samples, it is still necessary to carry out transmission experiments through biological models to confirm the vectorial capacity of various tick species.
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Neelawala D, Dissanayake DRA, Prasada DVP, Silva ID. Analysis of risk factors associated with recurrence of canine babesiosis caused by Babesia gibsoni. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 74:101572. [PMID: 33341594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis due to Babesia gibsoni (B. gibsoni) displays severe clinical manifestations. Recurrence of babesiosis after anti-babesial treatment is observable in over 10 % of the patients. The present study ascertains the risk factors and cumulative incidence of recurrence of canine babesiosis. For a sample of 145 dogs diagnosed with acute babesiosis, the following parameters were assessed over a period of 16 weeks: haematological parameters, status of anaemia, platelet count, total WBC count, haemoglobin concentration and RBC count, concurrent haemoparasitism, and secondary immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA). Patient demographics such as age, breed, sex were also recorded. The potential risk factors were statistically evaluated by the cumulative incidence function and the Kaplan-Meier method. The recurrent infections were observed in 11.8 % of the study sample. The following factors were found to associate with increased risk of recurrence: Rottweiler breed (CIR 21.8 % ± 6.9 %; p < 0.05), secondary IMHA (CIR 28.7 % ± 11.3 %; p < 0.05), RBC counts < 2 × 106/μl on the day of diagnosis (CIR 16 % ± 4.6 %; p < 0.05), and persistent anaemia over 20 days post treatment (CIR 29.14 ± 7.9 %; p < 0.001). Dogs with concurrent haemoparasitic infections were predicted to have a fatal outcome in the survival analysis (disease related mortalities 25 % ± 13 %; p < 0.001). According to the findings, veterinarians need to pay attention to Rottweiler breed, dogs with secondary IMHA, concurrent haemoparasitism, low RBC counts on diagnosis and those with persistent anaemia to reduce the risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulanjalee Neelawala
- Dept of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - D R A Dissanayake
- Dept of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
| | - D V P Prasada
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - I D Silva
- Dept of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Rawangchue T, Sungpradit S. Clinicopathological and molecular profiles of Babesia vogeli infection and Ehrlichia canis coinfection. Vet World 2020; 13:1294-1302. [PMID: 32848303 PMCID: PMC7429385 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1294-1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Canine babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, is caused by the hemoprotozoa, Babesia vogeli, and Babesia gibsoni. Infection with these parasites, which is endemic globally, leads to life-threatening immunosuppression in dogs. The merozoites invade the red blood cells (RBCs) of infected dogs. Ehrlichia canis, an intracellular bacterium that infects monocytes, is transmitted by the same tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) during blood consumption and coinfection with B. vogeli and E. canis has been reported. Although the hematology and biochemistry of canine babesiosis have been studied, more studies are needed to develop a better understanding of the hematobiochemical and molecular profiles associated with cases of single infection and coinfection of canine babesiosis in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the hematological, biochemical, and molecular profiles of B. vogeli infection and E. canis coinfection. Materials and Methods: The study included 33 B. vogeli–positive blood samples and 11 E. canis–coinfected blood samples. To exclude coinfection with Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma platys, only dogs with B. vogeli infection and B. vogeli–E. canis coinfection were included in the study. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted to detect B. vogeli, E. canis, and H. canis, and a conventional PCR assay was conducted for the detection of A. platys. Besides, the PCR assay and sequencing, comprehensive data analysis was conducted, including a microscopic blood parasite examination and hematological and biochemical data analysis. Results: The comparison of the hematobiochemical data between the B. vogeli–positive and E. canis coinfection groups identified that there were statistically significant differences in the RBC parameters, including RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and RBC distribution width (p=0.001). Neither B. vogeli infection nor coinfection with E. canis was associated with the sex, breed, recorded clinical signs, geographic origin of the dog and also B. vogeli 18S rRNA gene sequencing results. Conclusion: Coinfection with E. canis increased the severity of babesiosis. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this infection, such as destruction of RBCs, require further investigation. This study may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of canine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanakorn Rawangchue
- Parasitology Unit, Center for Veterinary Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sivapong Sungpradit
- Parasitology Unit, Center for Veterinary Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Panti-May JA, Rodríguez-Vivas RI. Canine babesiosis: A literature review of prevalence, distribution, and diagnosis in Latin America and the Caribbean. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100417. [PMID: 32862915 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease with worldwide distribution and global significance. Traditionally, canine babesiosis was caused by B. canis (large Babesia) and B. gibsoni (small Babesia) based on cytological examination of stained blood smears. Currently, molecular techniques have demonstrated that several Babesia species infect dogs: B. canis, B. vogeli, and B. rossi (large forms) and B. gibsoni, B. conradae, and B. vulpes (small forms). In this study, we compiled and reviewed currently available data on Babesia infections in dogs in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as on distribution of Babesia species with respect to prevalence, geographic location, and methods of detection. Forty-three studies on canine babesiosis published from 2005 to 2019 were included. The publications retrieved reported three species of Babesia (B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, and B. caballi) based on molecular confirmation of the species. Babesia vogeli was reported in Mexico, Costa Rica, Granada, Haiti, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. In contrast, B. gibsoni was recorded in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Brazil. Babesia caballi was found in a dog from Brazil. Babesia prevalence in dogs varied considerably based on parasite species and geographic location, with values close zero to 26.2%. Besides molecular techniques such as PCR, studies included examination of blood smears by microscopy and/or serologic tests. Few countries in the region, e.g., Brazil and Costa Rica, possess profound data availability, whereas the majority of them have scarce information or no data. A deeper understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of Babesia spp. in dogs is needed for the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Alonso Panti-May
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida 97135, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Roger Iván Rodríguez-Vivas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida 97135, Yucatán, Mexico.
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Folly AJ, Dorey-Robinson D, Hernández-Triana LM, Phipps LP, Johnson N. Emerging Threats to Animals in the United Kingdom by Arthropod-Borne Diseases. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:20. [PMID: 32118054 PMCID: PMC7010938 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, arthropod-borne disease transmission represents one of the greatest threats to public and animal health. For the British Isles, an island group on the north-western coast of continental Europe consisting of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland, physical separation offers a barrier to the introduction of many of the pathogens that affect animals on the rest of the continent. Added to this are strict biosecurity rules at ports of entry and the depauperate vector biodiversity found on the islands. Nevertheless, there are some indigenous arthropod-borne pathogens that cause sporadic outbreaks, such as the tick-borne louping ill virus, found almost exclusively in the British Isles, and a range of piroplasmid infections that are poorly characterized. These provide an ongoing source of infection whose emergence can be unpredictable. In addition, the risk remains for future introductions of both exotic vectors and the pathogens they harbor, and can transmit. Current factors that are driving the increases of both disease transmission and the risk of emergence include marked changes to the climate in the British Isles that have increased summer and winter temperatures, and extended the period over which arthropods are active. There have also been dramatic increases in the distribution of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile and Usutu viruses in mainland Europe that are making the introduction of these pathogens through bird migration increasingly feasible. In addition, the establishment of midge-borne bluetongue virus in the near continent has increased the risk of wind-borne introduction of infected midges and the inadvertent importation of infected cattle. Arguably the greatest risk is associated with the continual increase in the movement of people, pets and trade into the UK. This, in particular, is driving the introduction of invasive arthropod species that either bring disease-causing pathogens, or are known competent vectors, that increase the risk of disease transmission if introduced. The following review documents the current pathogen threats to animals transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and midges. This includes both indigenous and exotic pathogens to the UK. In the case of exotic pathogens, the pathway and risk of introduction are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arran J. Folly
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Dorey-Robinson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | | | - L. Paul Phipps
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Janjić F, Sarvan D, Tomanović S, Ćuk J, Krstić V, Radonjić V, Kovačević Filipović M, Ajtić J. A short-term and long-term relationship between occurrence of acute canine babesiosis and meteorological parameters in Belgrade, Serbia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101273. [PMID: 31445876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Belgrade, the capital of the Republic of Serbia, is an endemic location for canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis. This tick-borne disease occurs seasonally in regions with moderate continental climate. However, recent clinical data show that: 1) some cases of canine babesiosis have been recorded during the winter, and 2) canine babesiosis is spreading to the northern parts of Europe with a colder climate, which is a region previously free of this disease. Our study investigates the occurrence of canine babesiosis in different seasons over 2013-2016, and explores a short-term link between meteorological parameters and number of diagnosed cases of canine babesiosis in Belgrade. It also looks into possible long-term correlations that span one year before the onset of the disease. Based on 872 recorded cases over four years, our results show a bimodal seasonal distribution of canine babesiosis, with a pronounced peak in the spring, and a less conspicuous one in the autumn. Throughout the year, even over the coldest and warmest periods, there is a broad range of temperatures and relative humidities when the disease is recorded. Over one year prior to the spring and autumn onset of the disease, we found a noticeable impact of temperature and relative humidity, and to a lesser extent, of atmospheric pressure and cloud cover, on the number of diagnosed cases. These findings imply short-term and long-term relationships between occurrence of acute canine babesiosis and certain meteorological parameters, and they open further questions that need to be investigated in order to understand the epidemiology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Janjić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Darko Sarvan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Jelena Ćuk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vanja Krstić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vladimir Radonjić
- Private Veterinary Practice "Petrovac", Borčanskih žrtava 1914, 92, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | | | - Jelena Ajtić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Mechanisms Involved in the Persistence of Babesia canis Infection in Dogs. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030094. [PMID: 31261942 PMCID: PMC6789894 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs that are infected with Babesia canis parasites usually show severe clinical signs, yet often very few parasites are detectable in the blood circulation. The results showed that large numbers of B. canis-infected red blood cells accumulate in the microvasculature of infected subjects. The initial process leading to the attachment of infected erythrocytes to the endothelial cells of small capillaries (sequestration) appears to involve the interaction of parasite molecules at the erythrocyte surface with ligands on the endothelial cells. Since parasites continue to develop in the sequestered erythrocyte, it would be expected that the infected erythrocyte is destroyed when the mature parasites escape the host cell, which would make it hard to explain accumulation of infected erythrocytes at the initial site of attachment. Apparently, additional processes are triggered that lead to consolidation of parasite sequestration. One possible explanation is that after initial attachment of an infected erythrocyte to the wall of a blood capillary, the coagulation system is involved in the trapping of infected and uninfected erythrocytes. The data further suggest that newly formed parasites subsequently infect normal red blood cells that are also trapped in the capillary, which finally leads to capillaries that appear to be loaded with infected erythrocytes.
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A Retrospective Epidemiological Study: The Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in Dogs in the Aegean Region of Turkey. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2019-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Among tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia piroplasm cause important diseases in dogs where the distributions of the pathogen, vector and host overlap. The primary aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of Babesia spp. and E. canis using PCR and reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay in a total of 379 samples comprising stray and owned dogs and to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the two tests. Overall, 41.4% of dogs were infected with B. vogeli and/or E. canis as single (35.4%) and mixed (6.1%) infections. The majority of Babesia positive dogs (74.1%) were co-infected with E. canis. PCR detected a higher (P= 0.000) number of positivity in some provinces compared to RLB. To the best of our knowledge, these findings provide the first molecular evidence for the existence of B. vogeli in the Aegean Region, Turkey. The present study pinpoints the distribution and prevalence of E. canis and B. vogeli in the Aegean region of Turkey as of 2004 and as such establishes a baseline. This is of pivotal importance for future studies aimed to demonstrate changes in the dynamics of E. canis and B. vogeli infections in the region.
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A clinical and pathological description of 320 cases of naturally acquired Babesia rossi infection in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2019; 271:22-30. [PMID: 31303199 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Babesia rossi causes the most severe clinical disease in dogs of all the babesia parasites. We included 320 naturally-infected dogs that presented for care at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital between 2006 and 2016. All dogs had mono-infections confirmed by multiplex PCR. The data allowed more accurate clinical classification of the disease and identified parameters that were associated with disease severity and death. Odds ratios for dying were significant (P < 0.05) for increased band neutrophil count, collapse at presentation; presence of cerebral signs; hypoglycaemia; hyperlactatemia; high urea, high creatinine; hyperbilirubinaemia; hypercortisolaemia; and hypothyroxinaemia. Joint component analysis confirmed that the variables with significant odds ratios grouped together with death. Yet, multivariate logistic regression was unable to identify a group of significant independent predictors of death. Receiver Operator Characteristic curves indicated that low total thyroid hormone, high bilirubin, high serum urea and high cortisol concentrations were the variables with the highest sensitivity and specificity for death. These data provide both the clinician and researcher with a set of easily-measured laboratory and clinical assessments to classify cases into those that are uncomplicated and those that are complicated. The disease is complex and multisystemic and probably involves mechanisms more proximal in the pathogenesis than those that have been evaluated.
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Hrazdilová K, Myśliwy I, Hildebrand J, Buńkowska-Gawlik K, Janaczyk B, Perec-Matysiak A, Modrý D. Paralogs vs. genotypes? Variability of Babesia canis assessed by 18S rDNA and two mitochondrial markers. Vet Parasitol 2019; 266:103-110. [PMID: 30736942 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis sensu stricto became an emerging disease of dogs across Europe calling for attention also in countries where it was an only rare imported disease. An easy accessibility of molecular methods and the growing amount of sequencing data led to the description of intraspecific variability in 18S rDNA sequences designated as "genotypes". Using material from a homogenous cohort of dogs with microscopically confirmed canine babesiosis caused by B. canis, we evaluated Babesia intraspecific variability and amplification sensitivity of three different genes (18S rDNA, COI, Cytb) to assess their potential as diagnostic or phylogenetic markers. In raw sequencing data obtained, we observed at least 3 ambiguous positions in up to 86% of chromatograms within the ∼560 bp fragment of 18S rDNA suggesting the existence of several, not identical copies of this gene. Our COI haplotype analysis resulted in a star-like pattern indicating a recent origin of most haplotypes, but not supporting the existence of two dominant haplotypes. Similarly, the Cytb sequences obtained from samples with all variants of 18S rDNA were identical. We corroborate previous observations from three other European countries and bring the evidence of the existence of 18S rDNA paralogs in B. canis genome replacing currently used "genotype" theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Izabella Myśliwy
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Hildebrand
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Buńkowska-Gawlik
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Janaczyk
- Vetlab, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Parkowa 13, 51-616, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Perec-Matysiak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - David Modrý
- CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Morphology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Galay RL, Manalo AAL, Dolores SLD, Aguilar IPM, Sandalo KAC, Cruz KB, Divina BP, Andoh M, Masatani T, Tanaka T. Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in canine population and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks from southern Metro Manila and Laguna, Philippines. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:643. [PMID: 30558678 PMCID: PMC6296069 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3192-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tropical climate of the Philippines and the high population of dogs, particularly in cities, favors the life-cycle of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato), a vector of several canine tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) including zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Suspected cases of infections are commonly encountered in veterinary clinics, but the specific TBPs are rarely identified. Furthermore, infection with Rickettsia is not being clinically examined in dogs. In this study, the occurrence of TBPs in blood and ticks collected from household and impounded dogs in highly populated areas of the Philippines, Metro Manila, and the nearby province of Laguna, was examined. Results A total of 248 blood samples and 157 tick samples were subjected to PCR. First, samples were screened using primers for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. and Babesia/Hepatozoon spp. Those that turned positive were further subjected to species-specific PCR. Rickettsia spp. were also detected through a nested PCR. Of the 248 blood samples, 56 (22.6%) were positive for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., while 19 (7.6%) were positive for Babesia/Hepatozoon spp. Species-specific PCR revealed that 61 (23.4%) had a single TBP, with Ehrlichia canis being detected in 39 (15.7%) dogs, while 14 (5.6%) dogs were positive for different combinations of two to four TBPs. Rickettsia infection was detected in 6 (2.4%) dogs. In tick samples, 8 (3.2%) were positive for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., while only 1 (0.63%) was positive for Babesia/Hepatozoon spp. As in the blood samples, E. canis was the most detected, being found in 5 (2%) samples. No tick samples tested positive for Rickettsia spp. Conclusion Ehrlichia canis is the most common TBP affecting dogs in the Philippines. Co-infection with TBPs is quite common, hence testing for multiple TBPs is necessary. Through nested PCR, Rickettsia infection was detected in dogs, and to the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first molecular evidence of Rickettsia infection in dogs in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remil L Galay
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Anna Angelica L Manalo
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Sidney Lyndon D Dolores
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Irene Pearl M Aguilar
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Kristina Andrea C Sandalo
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Kathlyn B Cruz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cagayan State University, Carig, 3500, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines
| | - Billy P Divina
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Masako Andoh
- Laboratory of Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Masatani
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.
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Azhahianambi P, G J, GR B, M A, R RN, Latha BR, M R. Evaluation of multiplex PCR assay for detection of Babesia spp, Ehrlichia canis and Trypanosoma evansi in dogs. Acta Trop 2018; 188:58-67. [PMID: 30157416 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A multiplex PCR test was evaluated to detect the DNA of three important dog haemoparasites by comparing with singular PCR counterpart on clinical blood samples of dogs in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Initial screening of samples was done by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smear and singular PCR and those found exclusively positive for Babesia spp, Ehrlichia canis and Trypanosoma evansi and concurrent infections were used to standardize multiplex PCR. Amplicons of 619 bp, 377 bp and 227 bp corresponding to Babesia spp (18S rRNA gene), E. canis (VirB9 gene), and T.evansi (VSG gene) respectively were amplified, without any non-specific amplification. The laboratory sensitivity (91.7% to 100%) and specificity (100%) of the multiplex PCR were calculated using 'true positive' and 'true negative' dog blood samples obtained in the initial screening process. Clinical blood samples from 287 dogs were screened using singular PCR and multiplex PCR tests for the presence of genome of Babesia spp, E. canis and T. evansi. The multiplex PCR was found to have high level of diagnostic specificity (97.5%-100%) in the detection of all three dog blood parasites and high level of diagnostic sensitivity (95%) in the detection of T. evansi from field level clinical blood samples compared to the singular PCR. However, the diagnostic sensitivity of the multiplex PCR was found to be low to moderate (40.45%-66.7%) in detection of Babesia spp and E. canis from field level clinical blood samples. The strength of agreement between singular and multiplex PCR assays was 'moderate' (0.445), 'good' (0.708) and 'very good' (0.968) in detection of DNA of Babesia spp, E. canis and T. evansi. The multiplex PCR was found to be 10 fold less sensitive in comparison with the singular PCR counterpart.
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Livanova NN, Fomenko NV, Akimov IA, Ivanov MJ, Tikunova NV, Armstrong R, Konyaev SV. Dog survey in Russian veterinary hospitals: tick identification and molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:591. [PMID: 30428925 PMCID: PMC6234536 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Species of Canidae in Russia can be infested with up to 24 different tick species; however, the frequency of different tick species infesting domestic dogs across Russia is not known. In addition, tick-borne disease risks for domestic dogs in Russia are not well quantified. The goal of this study was to conduct a nationwide survey of ticks collected from infested dogs admitted to veterinary clinics in Russian cities and to identify pathogens found in these ticks. Methods Ticks feeding on dogs admitted to 32 veterinary clinics in 27 major cities across Russia were preserved in ethanol and submitted to a central facility for examination. After identification, each tick was evaluated for infection with known tick-borne pathogens using PCR. Results There were 990 individual ticks collected from 636 dogs. All collected ticks belonged to the Ixodidae (hard ticks) and represented 11 species of four genera, Dermacentor, Ixodes, Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis. Four most common tick species were D. reticulatus, followed by I. persulcatus, I. ricinus and R. sanguineus. Ixodes persulcatus ticks were found to be infected with 10 different pathogens, and ticks of this species were more frequently infected than either D. reticulatus or I. ricinus. Ixodes persulcatus females were also more frequently co-infected with two or more pathogens than any other tick. Pathogenic species of five genera were detected in ticks: Anaplasma centrale, A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale; Babesia canis, B. microti, B. venatorum, B. divergens, B. crassa and B. vogeli; Borrelia miyamotoi, B. afzelii and B. garinii; Ehrlichia muris, E. canis and E. ruminantum; and Theileria cervi. Anaplasma marginale, E. canis, B. crassa, B. vogeli and T. cervi were detected in I. persulcatus, and Babesia canis in D. marginatum, for the first time in Russia. Conclusions Multiple ticks from four genera and 11 species of the family Ixodidae were collected from domestic dogs across Russia. These ticks commonly carry pathogens and act as disease vectors. Ixodes persulcatus ticks present the greatest risk for transmission of multiple arthropod-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia N Livanova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze, 11, 630091, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Ivan A Akimov
- AO Vector-Best, P.O. Box 492, 630117, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Mikhail J Ivanov
- AO Vector-Best, P.O. Box 492, 630117, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8/2, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina V Tikunova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave. 8/2, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Rob Armstrong
- MSD Animal Health, 2 Giralda Farms, Madison, NJ, 07940, USA.
| | - Sergey V Konyaev
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze, 11, 630091, Novosibirsk, Russia.,VetUnion Veterinary Laboratory, Nagatinskaya naberezhnaya, bild 33, 117105, Moscow, Russia
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Kohn M, Krücken J, McKay-Demeler J, Pachnicke S, Krieger K, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Dermacentor reticulatus in Berlin/Brandenburg (Germany): Activity patterns and associated pathogens. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:191-206. [PMID: 30385074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is one of the most important European tick species. However, its spatial distribution, seasonality and regional vector role are not well known. This study aimed to gather information about abundance patterns of questing ticks and associated pathogens in unfed female adult D. reticulatus in the Berlin/Brandenburg area. Using the flagging method, questing ticks were collected at four sites in 2010-2012 and 2000 D. reticulatus were analysed regarding infection with Rickettsia, Babesia, Borrelia and Anaplasmataceae by conventional or real-time PCR. Dermacentor reticulatus showed a bimodal activity pattern: highest numbers of adult ticks were recorded between March and end of May (mean 50 ticks/h) and from mid-August until end of November (mean 102 ticks/h). During summer, almost complete inactivity was observed (mean 0.4 ticks/h). Sporadic samplings from December to February revealed tick activity also during winter (mean 47 ticks/h), which was characterised by large fluctuations. Using negative binomial regression analysis, significant influences of the variables sampling site, season and temperature on the abundance of questing D. reticulatus were determined. The parameters relative humidity and year were not of significant importance. PCR analyses showed an average prevalence of 64% for Rickettsia sp. Large differences in pathogen frequencies were observed between sampling sites (31.4-78.3%). Regression analysis demonstrated a significant influence of the sampling site but not of season and year. Examinations regarding other pathogen groups indicated prevalences of 0.25% (Borrelia sp.) and 0.05% (Anaplasmataceae) but absence of Babesia sp. Sequencing of positive samples revealed infections with Rickettsia raoultii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Borrelia afzelii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The study shows stable populations of D. reticulatus in Berlin/Brandenburg. People should be aware of ticks throughout the year since Ixodes ricinus is co-endemic and active in spring, summer and autumn while adult D. reticulatus are active throughout the year and even in winter during periods of frost as long as it is warming up during the day. Prevalence of R. raoultii in the present study is among the highest described for D. reticulatus. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected for the first time in D. reticulatus, illustrating the importance of screening studies to evaluate the pathogen structure in D. reticulatus populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareen Kohn
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janina McKay-Demeler
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Klemens Krieger
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789, Monheim, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
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Kamani J, Chung PJ, Lee CC, Chung YT. In search of the vector(s) of Babesia rossi in Nigeria: molecular detection of B. rossi DNA in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks collected from dogs, circumstantial evidence worth exploring. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 76:243-248. [PMID: 30298231 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) (Acari: Ixodidae) has a cosmopolitan distribution, is a proven vector of a host of pathogens with emerging evidence incriminating it in the transmission of some others. Specifically it is reputed as the main vector of Babesia vogeli whereas the southern African yellow dog tick Haemaphysalis elliptica, long considered to be H. leachi, is apparently the only proven vector of B. rossi, since the resurrection of the separate species H. elliptica as a member of the leachi-group by Apanaskevich et al. However, recent epidemiological surveys conducted in Nigeria show higher prevalence of B. rossi than B. vogeli infection in dogs most of whom were infested with R. sanguineus and rarely with ticks of the H. leachi group. The discrepancy between tick distribution and Babesia spp. prevalent in dogs stimulated us to investigate the possible role of R. sanguineus (s.l.) in the natural transmission of B. rossi. Out of a total of 66 tick samples identified morphologically and molecularly as R. sanguineus collected from dogs manifesting clinical signs of tick-borne diseases, eight (12%) were positive in nested PCR for Babesia sp. DNA. Sequencing results for these amplified products showed that all of the 18S rDNA sequences (693 bp) were identical to each other, and bore 99.3-99.9% identities with those from other B. rossi isolates accessible in GenBank. None of the ticks harbored the DNA of B. vogeli or B. canis. The possible implications for the detection of B. rossi DNA in R. sanguineus (s.l.) ticks collected from dogs in the epidemiology of B. rossi infection of dogs in Nigeria is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.
| | - Ping-Jun Chung
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chan Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Tsung Chung
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Kuleš J, Bilić P, Beer Ljubić B, Gotić J, Crnogaj M, Brkljačić M, Mrljak V. Glomerular and tubular kidney damage markers in canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1508-1517. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Genetic diversity and prevalence of piroplasm species in equids from Turkey. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 59:47-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoal haemoparasites of different Babesia species. Babesiosis is one of the most important globally extended and quickly spreading tick-borne infections of dogs. This comprehensive review gives an in-depth overview of Babesia species currently identified in dogs together with relevant vector tick species and their geographical distribution, life cycle and transmission of parasite. The main mechanisms in the pathogenesis of babesiosis are described and elucidated by recent literature overview. As Babesia infection causes a disease with very variable clinical manifestations, special attention is given to clinical signs, laboratory features and clinicopathological findings. The diagnosis of canine babesiosis by microscopy, serological and molecular methods is reviewed, together with recent advances in mass spectrometry based assays. Accurate detection and species recognition are important for the selection of the appropriate therapy, monitoring and prediction of the outcome of the disease. Finally, guidelines for the treatment and prevention of canine babesiosis are given.
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Abdullah S, Helps C, Tasker S, Newbury H, Wall R. Prevalence and distribution of Borrelia and Babesia species in ticks feeding on dogs in the U.K. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 32:14-22. [PMID: 28846148 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ticks were collected during March-July 2015 from dogs by veterinarians throughout the U.K. and used to estimate current prevalences and distributions of pathogens. DNA was extracted from 4750 ticks and subjected to polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis to identify Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) and Babesia (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) species. Of 4737 ticks [predominantly Ixodes ricinus Linneaus (Ixodida: Ixodidae)], B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 94 (2.0%). Four Borrelia genospecies were identified: Borrelia garinii (41.5%); Borrelia afzelli (31.9%); Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (25.5%), and Borrelia spielmanii (1.1%). One Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille (Ixodida: Ixodidae), collected from a dog with a history of travel outside the U.K., was positive for B. garinii. Seventy ticks (1.5%) were positive for Babesia spp. Of these, 84.3% were positive for Babesia venatorum, 10.0% for Babesia vulpes sp. nov., 2.9% for Babesia divergens/Babesia capreoli and 1.4% for Babesia microti. One isolate of Babesia canis was detected in a Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) tick collected from a dog that had recently travelled to France. Prevalences of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia spp. did not differ significantly between different regions of the U.K. The results map the widespread distribution of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia spp. in ticks in the U.K. and highlight the potential for the introduction and establishment of exotic ticks and tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Abdullah
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - C Helps
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - S Tasker
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets and School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - H Newbury
- MSD Animal Health, Milton Keynes, U.K
| | - R Wall
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
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Wang J, Zhang J, Kelly P, Zheng X, Li M, You J, Huang K, Qiu H, Wang Y, Zhang R, Li J, Dong J, Feng Y, Zhou J, Wang C. First description of the pathogenicity of Babesia vogeli in experimentally infected dogs. Vet Parasitol 2018; 253:1-7. [PMID: 29604992 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that occurs worldwide with the most recognized Babesia species that infect dogs being Babesia canis, B. vogeli, B. rossi and B. gibsoni. While B. vogeli is reported in dogs worldwide, clinical and laboratory data on infections is based on reports of naturally infected dogs. To provide reliable data on the clinical and laboratory abnormalities associated with acute and more chronic infections in healthy dogs free of other tick-borne diseases, we experimentally infected dogs with a Chinese strain of B. vogeli. All of the six infected Beagles, three of which were splenectomized, became infected with B. vogeli detected in blood smears taken the day following infection and the organism detected by FRET-qPCRs in most blood samples (77/86; 90%) collected about every 4 days until the end of the experiment on day 95. All the infected dogs showed fever, partial anorexia and malaise that was more severe in the splenectomized dogs that did not gain weight for three weeks in the period after initial infection. Regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia and decreased white blood cell counts were seen in all dogs but were more severe in the splenectomized dogs, of which two had life threatening infections and had to be removed from the study for treatment. Following re-infection on day 66, none of the dogs showed clinical signs and copy numbers did not change significantly although all the dogs were negative by FRET-qPCR on at least some of the subsequent sampling days. Laboratory values in the non-splenectomized dogs were relatively unchanged while in the splenectomized dog there was a temporary small increase in the platelet and white blood cell counts and a temporary slight worsening of the anemia. In summary, our study shows dogs experimentally infected with a B. vogeli strain from China develop only mild clinical signs that are followed by asymptomatic infections that can last for least 95 days. In splenectomized dogs, however, severe life threatening signs may develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jinfeng You
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Ke Huang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Haixiang Qiu
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jianji Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Junsheng Dong
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yi Feng
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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45
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Moubri K, Kleuskens J, Van de Crommert J, Scholtes N, Van Kasteren T, Delbecq S, Carcy B, Précigout E, Gorenflot A, Schetters T. Discovery of a recombinant Babesia canis supernatant antigen that protects dogs against virulent challenge infection. Vet Parasitol 2017; 249:21-29. [PMID: 29279083 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Soluble parasite antigens (SPA) in supernatants of in vitro cultures of Babesia canis can be used to vaccinate dogs against virulent B. canis infection. The moment that immunity becomes apparent coincides with the appearance of antibodies against SPA in the serum of the vaccinated animals. This so-called vaccination-challenge serum (VC-serum) was used to precipitate antigens from B. canis culture supernatants in agarose gels. This antigen preparation was then used to analyse the reactivity of sera from vaccinated dogs on western blots. RESULTS showed that the first appearance of antibody reactivity against a protein that migrated at the 39kDa position in SDS-PAGE gels was associated with the moment vaccinated dogs started to recover from a virulent challenge infection. In addition, pulse-chase experiments revealed that a 39-40kDa doublet was released into the supernatant of B. canis cultures starting 15min after the chase. This doublet was specifically precipitated by VC-serum, thus corroborating that the 39-40kDa doublet in SPA preparations was of parasite origin. Partial amino acid sequencing allowed the discovery of the gene that encoded the 39-40kDa doublet (canine Babesia antigen; CBA). The full-length gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The recombinant CBA protein (rCBA) was recognized by VC-serum, and antibodies against rCBA precipitated the 39kDa antigen of SPA preparations and of merozoites of B. canis. In addition, anti-rCBA serum reacted with the surface of B. canis merozoites (but not with B. rossi merozoites) in immunofluorescence. Vaccination of dogs with rCBA induced antibodies against rCBA, which recognized B. canis merozoites. Vaccinated dogs were protected against virulent challenge infection by limiting parasite proliferation. As a result, the development of clinical signs was prevented and the animals self-cured. In contrast, six out of seven non-vaccinated control dogs developed relatively high parasitaemia and serious clinical signs associated with poor tissue perfusion. This antigen can be used to replace the SPA antigen in the conventional B. canis vaccines, which eliminates the need for dog blood and serum for vaccine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Moubri
- EA4558 VAP, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | - S Delbecq
- EA4558 VAP, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - B Carcy
- EA4558 VAP, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - E Précigout
- EA4558 VAP, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - A Gorenflot
- EA4558 VAP, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Th Schetters
- EA4558 VAP, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; MSD-AH, Boxmeer, The Netherlands; Department Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
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46
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Guven E, Avcioglu H, Cengiz S, Hayirli A. Vector-Borne Pathogens in Stray Dogs in Northeastern Turkey. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Esin Guven
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Hamza Avcioglu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Seyda Cengiz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Armagan Hayirli
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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47
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An ELISA for the early diagnosis of acute canine babesiosis detecting circulating antigen of large Babesia spp. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:162-168. [PMID: 28807287 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Babesia canis is the predominant Babesia species in dogs in Europe and is responsible for a severe and fatal disease. An increase in global pet tourism and a widening of the geographic distribution of the tick vector has led to the emergence of infections in areas where previously only imported cases have been reported. Due to the potential for rapid and serious disease progression, direct parasite detection by stained blood smears and light microscopy or DNA-based methods have traditionally been used for the diagnosis of acute infections. This study describes the production of a murine monoclonal antibody ('mAb BcFIII 7/1/2') that reacts to a 65kDa corpuscular epitope present in B. canis-infected erythrocytes and can be used in an ELISA to detect circulating Babesia antigen during acute infections. The sensitivity of the ELISA was 100% (95%CI: 84.5-100) as determined using blood lysate samples from 27 dogs with acute B. canis infections. Sensitivity was reduced to 53.8% in 13 patent Babesia vogeli infections (95%CI: 26.1-79.6) based on the current test design using convalescent serum from a B. canis-infected dog. The specificity was determined to be 86.4% (95%CI: 64-96.4) using 22 samples from healthy canine blood donors. In the course of acute B. canis infections, the ELISA showed a positive result at the same time as a positive PCR result was recorded. This was 24-48h before parasites could be detected by light microscopy. Convalescent samples collected from 6 B. canis-infected dogs at least 14days post treatment resulted in negative ELISA reactions. The hyper-acute to acute phase of a B. canis infection represents an emergency situation with high mortality. To increase the chances of survival, a fast and accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment is required. The current study demonstrates the opportunity of an early and specific detection of acute infections by an AgELISA that is potentially translatable to a rapid diagnostic test design.
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48
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Eichenberger RM, Ramakrishnan C, Russo G, Deplazes P, Hehl AB. Genome-wide analysis of gene expression and protein secretion of Babesia canis during virulent infection identifies potential pathogenicity factors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3357. [PMID: 28611446 PMCID: PMC5469757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03445-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections of dogs with virulent strains of Babesia canis are characterized by rapid onset and high mortality, comparable to complicated human malaria. As in other apicomplexan parasites, most Babesia virulence factors responsible for survival and pathogenicity are secreted to the host cell surface and beyond where they remodel and biochemically modify the infected cell interacting with host proteins in a very specific manner. Here, we investigated factors secreted by B. canis during acute infections in dogs and report on in silico predictions and experimental analysis of the parasite’s exportome. As a backdrop, we generated a fully annotated B. canis genome sequence of a virulent Hungarian field isolate (strain BcH-CHIPZ) underpinned by extensive genome-wide RNA-seq analysis. We find evidence for conserved factors in apicomplexan hemoparasites involved in immune-evasion (e.g. VESA-protein family), proteins secreted across the iRBC membrane into the host bloodstream (e.g. SA- and Bc28 protein families), potential moonlighting proteins (e.g. profilin and histones), and uncharacterized antigens present during acute crisis in dogs. The combined data provides a first predicted and partially validated set of potential virulence factors exported during fatal infections, which can be exploited for urgently needed innovative intervention strategies aimed at facilitating diagnosis and management of canine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrian B Hehl
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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49
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Niu Q, Yang J, Liu Z, Gao S, Pan Y, Guan G, Chu Y, Liu G, Luo J, Yin H. First Molecular Detection of Piroplasm Infection in Pet Dogs from Gansu, China. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1029. [PMID: 28638376 PMCID: PMC5461281 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis, the hemolytic disease caused by Babesia, which is a tick-transmitted obligate intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite. This disease is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity rates and enormous economic losses to the livestock industry in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In this study, blood samples were collected from 141 pet dogs from Gansu, China, and analyzed for Babesia or Theileria spp. infection using specific PCR and sequencing based on 18S rRNA gene fragments. The results indicated that 18S rRNA gene sequences from 11 samples were similar to the 18S rRNA gene sequences in Babesia canis vogeli (2) and Theileria sinensis (9). The total infected rates of B. canis vogeli and T. sinensis were 1.4% (2/141) and 6.4% (9/141), respectively. This represents the first molecular report of T. sinensis in dogs worldwide and of B. canis vogeli in dogs from Gansu province of China. Furthermore, the finding of T. sinensis in dogs may represent the common infection of this parasite occurring in Gansu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingli Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Jifei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Shandian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Yuping Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Yuefeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural ScienceLanzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and ZoonosesYangzhou, China
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50
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Aktas M, Ozubek S. A survey of canine haemoprotozoan parasites from Turkey, including molecular evidence of an unnamed Babesia. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 52:36-42. [PMID: 28673460 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Canine tick-borne apicomplexan parasites have emerged in recent years, showing a wider geographic distribution and increased global prevalence. A reverse line blot assay was performed on 219 blood samples collected from domestic dogs for simultaneous detection of all named canine piroplasm species as well as Hepatozoon canis. Ten samples hybridized to the Theileria/Babesia and Babesia catch all probes but did not hybridize to any species-specific probe tested, suggesting the presence of an unrecognized Babesia species or genotype. Sequencing results showed 91.5%, 91.9%, 92.4%, 92.4%, and 89.2% similarity to B. canis, B. vogeli, B. rossi, B. gibsoni, and B. conradae, respectively. The highest homology (98.1-98.5%) observed was with unnamed Babesia sp. isolates (Ludhiana and Malbazar) described in dogs, Babesia sp. of buffalo origin, Babesia sp. Kashi 2, and Babesia orientalis, along with Babesia occultans of cattle origin. The partial cox1 sequence indicated that this isolate was most similar to Babesia sp. 1 HG-2012, with an identity of 86.5%. The survey revealed high prevalence of haemoprotozoans in domestic dogs (57.5%, CI 50.7-64.2), with Hepatozoon canis the most prevalent (54.3%, CI 47.5-61.117%), followed by Babesia sp. (4.6%, CI 2.2-8.2), B. vogeli (1.4%; CI 0.3-3.9), and B. canis (0.4%, CI 0-2.5). Combined infection of Hepatozoon canis and Babesia sp. was detected in five (2.3%, CI 0.7-5.2) samples and of H. canis and B. vogeli in two (0.9%, CI 0.1-3.2) dogs. The study contributes insight into the distribution and phylogenetic diversity of canine piroplasms in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey.
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, Turkey
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