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Picado R, Baptista CJ, Meneses A, Legatti S, Fonseca J, Belas A. Lyme disease in companion animals: an updated state-of-art and current situation in Portugal. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10532-8. [PMID: 39259416 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10532-8] [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: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) is a globally distributed zoonotic multisystemic condition caused by gram-negative spirochete bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi complex, transmitted through tick bites. Research on LD in domestic animals in Portugal is limited, potentially leading to underestimating its prevalence. This disease affects many species, including humans, making it a critical public health issue. In domestic animals, LD often presents subclinically or with non-specific clinical signs, complicating its diagnosis. Nevertheless, veterinarians should always consider LD in cases with a history of tick exposure and compatible clinical signs. Diagnostic confirmation can be achieved through serological and other complementary tests. Treatment involves eradicating the bacterial infection and managing clinical signs using a combination of antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and other medications. Effective prevention primarily relies on tick control measures. This review aims to provide an up-to-date state-of-the-art LD, particularly in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Picado
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Campo Grande 376, Lisbon, 1749-024, Portugal
| | - Catarina Jota Baptista
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Enviromental and Biological Sciences (CITAB- Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - André Meneses
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Campo Grande 376, Lisbon, 1749-024, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV), Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
- I-MVET- Research in Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sabrina Legatti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Campo Grande 376, Lisbon, 1749-024, Portugal
| | - Joana Fonseca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Campo Grande 376, Lisbon, 1749-024, Portugal
- MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
- School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusofonia (IPLUSO), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Adriana Belas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Campo Grande 376, Lisbon, 1749-024, Portugal.
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV), Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Lisbon, Portugal.
- I-MVET- Research in Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University- Lisbon University Centre, Lisbon, Portugal.
- School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusofonia (IPLUSO), Lisbon, Portugal.
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Morelli S, Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Grillini M, Paoletti B, Mondazzi A, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Iorio R, Astuti C, Tsokana CN, Diakou A. Geographical isolation and hyperendemicity of Hepatozoon felis: Epidemiological scenario in Skopelos, Greece, and phylogenetic analysis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100202. [PMID: 39139660 PMCID: PMC11320469 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Feline hepatozoonosis is a vector-borne disease caused by different species of the genus Hepatozoon, i.e. Hepatozoon felis, Hepatozoon silvestris and Hepatozoon canis. Knowledge on the biology, epidemiology and taxonomy of Hepatozoon spp. is still limited, despite the fact that the number of documented Hepatozoon spp. infections in domestic cats increased in recent years in different countries. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and the genetic profile of Hepatozoon spp. in cats living on the island of Skopelos, Greece. Individual blood samples were collected from 54 owned cats and were subjected to Giemsa-stained blood smear examination to investigate the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts and to a specific PCR protocol targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon. A total of 45 cats (83.3%) were found infected by Hepatozoon spp. by at least one of the methods applied. In particular, 43 (79.6%) of the cats were PCR-positive, and in 6 (11.1%) cats gamonts of Hepatozoon spp. were found in the blood smears. A total of 26 H. felis sequences were obtained and the presence of three undescribed single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected. The present results indicate that H. felis species complex may be hyperendemic in isolated/confined areas. In such contexts, geographical isolation may favor the origin of new genotypes or haplotypes or even new species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Paoletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Aurora Mondazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Iorio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Chiara Astuti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d’Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Constantina N. Tsokana
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Valente D, Carolino N, Gomes J, Coelho AC, Espadinha P, Pais J, Carolino I. A study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on ticks and tick-borne diseases of cattle among breeders of two bovine Portuguese autochthonous breeds. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 48:100989. [PMID: 38316511 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.100989] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Beef cattle production in Portugal is an important sector of national agricultural production, with half of the herd being in the Alentejo region. Despite this, animal health is essential for its productivity, which may be compromised by ticks and tick-borne diseases. So far, no study has been conducted in Portugal to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle, which the authors are aware of. This type of questionnaire is a very useful tool in the development and application of effective and sustainable prevention and control measures. Therefore, a KAP questionnaire was applied to 44 cattle breeders of autochthonous Portuguese breeds, namely 14 breeders of the Alentejana breed and 30 of the Mertolenga breed, between January 1 and May 9, 2023. Based on the analysis criteria of these surveys, 64% of the Alentejana breeders and 63% of the Mertolenga breeders have an average level of knowledge about ticks and tick-borne diseases, and 21% of the Alentejana breeders and 33% of the Mertolenga breeders have a high level of knowledge. Although only 21.4% of the Alentejana and 36.7% of the Mertolenga breeders consider tick infestation as a major animal health problem, 71.4% of the Alentejana and 63.3% of breeders of the Mertolenga state that one of the main reasons for veterinary consultations on their farm is deworming of animals, and 92.9% of breeders of the Alentejana and 96.7% of breeders of the Mertolenga refer the use of dewormers as a strategy to control tick infestation. The results of this study contribute to highlighting the importance of correcting some identified knowledge gaps and improving knowledge, especially on the life cycle of this parasite, its local distribution and seasonality, resistance to acaricides, and alternative control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valente
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real 5000-801, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Santarém 2005-424, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Instituto Politécnico de Portalegre, Elvas 7350-092, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real 5000-801, Portugal; Laboratório Associado para a Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal
| | - Pedro Espadinha
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Alentejana, Monforte Herdade da Coutada Real - Assumar, Assumar 7450-051, Portugal
| | - José Pais
- Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos, Évora 7006-806, Portugal
| | - Inês Carolino
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Coimbra 3020-210, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Polo de Inovação da Fonte Boa-Estação Zootécnica Nacional, Santarém 2005-424, Portugal; Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1349-017, Portugal
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Nijhof AM, Gerst B, Gentil M, Müller E, Fernández A, González A, Yusuf MSM, Greco G, Verde M, Sgroi G, Lacasta D, Marteles D, Trotta M, Schäfer I. Molecular survey on vector-borne pathogens in clinically healthy stray cats in Zaragoza (Spain). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:428. [PMID: 37986028 PMCID: PMC10662132 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06046-y] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, feline vector-borne infections are gaining importance because of the changing climate, expanding habitats of potential vectors and expanding pathogen reservoirs. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in stray cats in Zaragoza, Spain, and to investigate potential risk factors for infection, including feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). METHODS Blood samples from stray cats presented to the veterinary faculty in Zaragoza between February 2020 and 2022 were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania infantum, piroplasms and microfilariae at the LABOKLIN laboratory. The cats were also tested for FeLV and FIV by PCR. RESULTS Nearly half of the cats (158/332, 47.6%) were positive for at least one VBP. Hepatozoon spp. were detected in 25.6%, haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 22.9%, B. henselae in 9.3% and L. infantum in 2.1% of the cats. Male sex had a statistically significant association with test results for haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (odds ratio 1.38 [1.21;1.57]); regionality with Hepatozoon spp., B. henseale and FIV; and seasonality with Hepatozoon spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., L. infantum and FeLV (P ≤ 0.05 each). A strong positive correlation was reported for the amount of rainfall and the number of cats that tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. (ρ = 753, P = 0.05). None of the cats tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis, Rickettsia spp., piroplasms, or microfilariae. Co-infections with multiple VBPs were detected in 56 out of 332 cats (16.9%). Thirty-one of the 332 cats included in the study (9.3%) tested positive for FeLV (6.9%) and for FIV (3.6%). In 20/31 cats (64.5%) that tested positive for FeLV/FIV, coinfections with VBP were detected (P = 0.048, OR 2.15 [0.99; 4.64]). CONCLUSIONS VBPs were frequently detected in stray cats in Zaragoza. In particular, regionality and seasonality had a statistically significant association with PCR results for most VBPs included in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Marivi Martínez
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Straße 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bastian Gerst
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Straße 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michaela Gentil
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- Hospital Veterinario Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mohamed Sh Mohamud Yusuf
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70010, Valenzano, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70010, Valenzano, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
| | - Maite Verde
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylatic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Animal Pathology Department, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‑IA2 (Universidad de Saragossa‑CITA), Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Michele Trotta
- Immunology Laboratory, Zaragoza Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany.
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Zygner W, Gójska-Zygner O, Bartosik J, Górski P, Karabowicz J, Kotomski G, Norbury LJ. Canine Babesiosis Caused by Large Babesia Species: Global Prevalence and Risk Factors-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2612. [PMID: 37627403 PMCID: PMC10451873 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens belonging to the genus Babesia. Four species of large Babesia cause canine babesiosis (B. canis, B. rossi, B. vogeli, and the informally named B. coco). Although canine babesiosis has a worldwide distribution, different species occur in specific regions: B. rossi in sub-Saharan Africa, B. canis in Europe and Asia, and B. coco in the Eastern Atlantic United States, while B. vogeli occurs in Africa, southern parts of Europe and Asia, northern Australia, southern regions of North America, and in South America. B. vogeli is the most prevalent large Babesia species globally. This results from its wide range of monotropic vector species, the mild or subclinical nature of infections, and likely the longest evolutionary association with dogs. The most important risk factors for infection by large Babesia spp. include living in rural areas, kennels or animal shelters, or regions endemic for the infection, the season of the year (which is associated with increased tick activity), infestation with ticks, and lack of treatment with acaricides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Zygner
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Olga Gójska-Zygner
- Labros Veterinary Clinic, Św. Bonifacego 92, 02-940 Warsaw, Poland; (O.G.-Z.); (G.K.)
| | - Justyna Bartosik
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Paweł Górski
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Justyna Karabowicz
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Grzegorz Kotomski
- Labros Veterinary Clinic, Św. Bonifacego 92, 02-940 Warsaw, Poland; (O.G.-Z.); (G.K.)
| | - Luke J. Norbury
- Department of Biosciences and Food Technology, School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia;
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Zeb J, Song B, Khan MA, Senbill H, Aziz MU, Hussain S, Waris A, E-Tabor A, Sparagano OA. Genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in ixodid ticks infesting dogs from Pakistan with notes on Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia raoultii and Dirofilaria immitis detection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:214. [PMID: 37381006 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-/tick-borne pathogens (V/TBPs) pose a potential threat to human and animal health globally. Information regarding canine V/TBPs is scarce and no specific study has been conducted so far to explore the microbial diversity within ticks infesting dogs from Pakistan. Herein, this knowledge gap is addressed by assessing the genetic diversity and prevalence pattern of V/TBPs in ixodid ticks with special implications for public and canine health. METHODS A total of 1150 hard ticks were collected from 300 dogs across central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. After morpho-molecular identification, 120 tick samples were screened for the presence of V/TBPs by amplifying 16S rRNA/gltA (Rickettsia/Ehrlichia and Wolbachia sp.), 18S rRNA (Theileria sp.) and cox1 (Dirofilaria sp.) genes through PCR followed by sequencing and phylogenetic study. RESULTS In toto, 50 ixodid ticks (50/120, 41.7%) were found positive for V/TBPs DNA. The detected V/TBPs were categorized into five genera and eight species, viz. Ehrlichia (E. canis and Ehrlichia sp.), Rickettsia (R. massiliae, R. raoultii and Rickettsia sp.), Theileria (T. annulata), Dirofilaria (D. immitis) and Wolbachia (Wolbachia sp.). The pathogen prevalence patterns showed that R. massiliae was the most prevalent zoonotic V/TBP (19.5%), followed by E. canis (10.8%), Rickettsia sp. (7.5%), R. raoultii (6.7%), T. annulata (5.8%), D. immitis (5.8%), Wolbachia sp. (4.2%) and Ehrlichia sp. (3.3%), respectively. Among the screened tick species, most Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato samples were found positive for V/TBP DNA (20/20,100%) followed by Rh. turanicus sensu stricto (13/20, 65%), Hyalomma dromedarii (8/20, 40%), Rh. haemaphysaloides (6/20, 30%), Hy. excavatum (2/20, 10%) and Rh. microplus (1/20, 5%). Co-occurrence of V/TBP was also detected in tick specimens (single V/TBP infection: 32 ticks; double and triple: 13 and 5 tick samples). The detected pathogens shared a phylogenetic relationship with similar isolates published in NCBI GenBank from Old and New World countries. CONCLUSION Ixodid ticks infesting dogs harbor a diverse array of V/TBPs including zoonotic agents from Pakistan. Furthermore, the presence of D. immitis in ticks that infest dogs raises the possibility that this parasite has either attained its dead-end host (i.e. the tick) while feeding on dogs or has expanded its range of intermediate/paratenic hosts. Further research work is needed to investigate the epidemiology and confirm the vector competence of screened tick species for these pathogens from Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Baolin Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Munsif Ali Khan
- Vector-Borne Diseases Control Unit, District Health Office, Abbottabad, 22010, Pakistan
| | - Haytham Senbill
- Department of Applied Entomology and Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21545, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Umair Aziz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ala E-Tabor
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Olivier Andre Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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7
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André MR, Calchi AC, Furquim MEC, de Andrade I, Arantes PVC, de Melo Lopes LC, Demarchi IKLDN, Figueiredo MAP, de Paula Lima CA, Machado RZ. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Agents in Cats from Southeastern and Northern Brazil. Pathogens 2022; 11:106. [PMID: 35056054 PMCID: PMC8781600 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though the epidemiology of tick-borne agents (TBA) in dogs has been extensively investigated around the world, the occurrence, vectors involved, and molecular identity of these agents in cats remains elusive in many regions. Among TBA, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon are responsible for diseases with non-specific clinical signs in cats, making essential the use of molecular techniques for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of tick-borne agents (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia/Theileria, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon) in cats from southeastern (states of São Paulo (SP) and Minas Gerais (MG)) and northern (state of Rondônia (RO)) Brazil. For this purpose, 390 blood samples were collected from domiciled cats in MG (n = 155), SP (n = 151), and RO(n = 84) states, submitted to DNA extraction and PCR assays for Ehrlichia spp. (dsb gene), Anaplasma spp. (rrs gene), piroplasmids (18S rRNA gene), and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA gene), sequencing, and phylogenetic inferences. The overall positivity for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. were 7.4% (12.3% (MG) and 6.6% (SP)), 2% (4.5% (MG) and 0.6% (SP)), 0.7% (0.6% (MG), 0.6% (SP) and 1.2% (RO)), 27.2% (41.9% (MG), 24.5% (SP) and 4.8% (RO), and 0%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the obtained sequences with 'Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis', A. platys, B. vogeli, and Cytauxzoon sp. previously detected in wild felids from Brazil. qPCR specific for E. canis based on the dsb gene confirmed the molecular identity of the detected ehrlichial agent. The present study expanded the list and geographical distribution of hemoparasites in cats. 'Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis', recently detected in sloths from northern Brazil, was described for the first time in cats. This is the first report of piroplasmids infecting cats in northern Brazil. Coinfection by Cytauxzoon and other TBA (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and B. vogeli) reported in the present study raises the need for veterinary practitioners' awareness of cats parasitized by multiple TBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (A.C.C.); (M.E.C.F.); (I.d.A.); (P.V.C.A.); (L.C.d.M.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (A.C.C.); (M.E.C.F.); (I.d.A.); (P.V.C.A.); (L.C.d.M.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (A.C.C.); (M.E.C.F.); (I.d.A.); (P.V.C.A.); (L.C.d.M.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Isabela de Andrade
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (A.C.C.); (M.E.C.F.); (I.d.A.); (P.V.C.A.); (L.C.d.M.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Paulo Vitor Cadina Arantes
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (A.C.C.); (M.E.C.F.); (I.d.A.); (P.V.C.A.); (L.C.d.M.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Lara Cristina de Melo Lopes
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (A.C.C.); (M.E.C.F.); (I.d.A.); (P.V.C.A.); (L.C.d.M.L.); (R.Z.M.)
| | - Iuri Kauan Lins do Nascimento Demarchi
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Entomologia e Biologia Molecular Aplicada à Saúde Única, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Rolim de Moura 76940-000, RO, Brazil; (I.K.L.d.N.D.); (M.A.P.F.)
| | - Mayra Araguaia Pereira Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Entomologia e Biologia Molecular Aplicada à Saúde Única, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Rolim de Moura 76940-000, RO, Brazil; (I.K.L.d.N.D.); (M.A.P.F.)
| | | | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única—Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (A.C.C.); (M.E.C.F.); (I.d.A.); (P.V.C.A.); (L.C.d.M.L.); (R.Z.M.)
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Bajer A, Dwużnik-Szarek D. The specificity of Babesia-tick vector interactions: recent advances and pitfalls in molecular and field studies. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:507. [PMID: 34583754 PMCID: PMC8480096 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites of great medical and veterinary importance, especially in the northern Hemisphere. Ticks are known vectors of Babesia spp., although some Babesia-tick interactions have not been fully elucidated. Methods The present review was performed to investigate the specificity of Babesia-tick species interactions that have been identified using molecular techniques in studies conducted in the last 20 years under field conditions. We aimed to indicate the main vectors of important Babesia species based on published research papers (n = 129) and molecular data derived from the GenBank database. Results Repeated observations of certain Babesia species in specific species and genera of ticks in numerous independent studies, carried out in different areas and years, have been considered epidemiological evidence of established Babesia-tick interactions. The best studied species of ticks are Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes scapularis (103 reports, i.e. 80% of total reports). Eco-epidemiological studies have confirmed a specific relationship between Babesia microti and Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and Ixodes scapularis and also between Babesia canis and D. reticulatus. Additionally, four Babesia species (and one genotype), which have different deer species as reservoir hosts, displayed specificity to the I. ricinus complex. Eco-epidemiological studies do not support interactions between a high number of Babesia spp. and I. ricinus or D. reticulatus. Interestingly, pioneering studies on other species and genera of ticks have revealed the existence of likely new Babesia species, which need more scientific attention. Finally, we discuss the detection of Babesia spp. in feeding ticks and critically evaluate the data on the role of the latter as vectors. Conclusions Epidemiological data have confirmed the specificity of certain Babesia-tick vector interactions. The massive amount of data that has been thus far collected for the most common tick species needs to be complemented by more intensive studies on Babesia infections in underrepresented tick species. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05019-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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Dordio AM, Beck R, Nunes T, Pereira da Fonseca I, Gomes J. Molecular survey of vector-borne diseases in two groups of domestic dogs from Lisbon, Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:163. [PMID: 33736681 PMCID: PMC7977316 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04650-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. They have been an issue of growing importance in recent years; however, there is limited information about the vector-borne pathogens circulating in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to detect canine vector-borne bacteria and protozoa of veterinary and zoonotic importance using molecular methods. METHODS One hundred and forty-two dogs from Lisbon, southern Portugal, were tested: 48 dogs from a veterinary hospital clinically suspected of vector-borne diseases and 94 apparently healthy dogs from shelters. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. infections were detected by PCR from blood samples and examined under light microscopy. Other information including clinical status and diagnostic test results were collected for each animal. RESULTS Infections were detected by PCR in 48 (33.80%) dogs. Single infections were found in 35 dogs (24.64%), and co-infections were found in 13 (9.15%) dogs. Twenty-nine (20.42%) dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp., 15 (10.56%) for Mycoplasma spp., 11 (7.75%) for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., and six (4.21%) for Babesia spp. DNA sequencing was used to identify Babesia vogeli (2.81%), Babesia canis (1.40%), Hepatozoon canis (20.42%), Mycoplasma haematoparvum (2.11%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (8.45%), Anaplasma platys (7.04%), and Ehrlichia canis (0.70%). CONCLUSIONS This is the first molecular identification of B. canis and M. haematoparvum in dogs from southern Portugal. This study highlights the importance of molecular methods to identify CVBD pathogens in endemic areas and helps to guide the clinical approach of veterinarians in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mafalda Dordio
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Relja Beck
- Croatia Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Telmo Nunes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras, Portugal
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10
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Onyiche TE, Răileanu C, Fischer S, Silaghi C. Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature. Pathogens 2021; 10:230. [PMID: 33669591 PMCID: PMC7926846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod E. Onyiche
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri 600230, Nigeria;
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (C.R.); (S.F.)
- Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Domstrasse 11, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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11
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Mesa-Sanchez I, Ferreira RRF, Cardoso I, Morais M, Flamínio M, Vieira S, de Gopegui RR, de Matos AJF. Transfusion transmissible pathogens are prevalent in healthy cats eligible to become blood donors. J Small Anim Pract 2020; 62:107-113. [PMID: 33305378 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine the prevalence of subclinical infectious agents considered core pathogens for worldwide screening in healthy, client-owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors in Spain and Portugal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples of healthy, indoor, domestic cats selected to be potential blood donors were tested for feline leukaemia virus antigens, feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies and polymerase chain reactions for Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus, Leishmania spp. and Bartonella spp. Not all donors were tested for all agents. RESULTS Overall, 5105 healthy indoor cats were tested and 8.1% (414/5105) had at least one subclinical infectious agent that is transmissible through blood product transfusion. 1.5% (77/5105) were positive for feline leukaemia virus antigens and 2.9% (148/5105) were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, therefore they were excluded as donors. The overall prevalence of haemoplasmas in feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus SNAP-negative feline blood donors was 3.7% (181/4880) [1.3% (63/4880) were positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis; 2.3% (112/4880) to Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and 0.12% (6/4880) to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis]. The prevalence of feline leukaemia provirus was 5.2% (9/173) and of Bartonella spp. was 0.2% (2/1122). None of the 173 cats were positive for Leishmania spp. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The prevalence of many transfusion transmissible pathogens was relatively high in this healthy, client-owned, indoor cats eligible to become blood donors. Performing an extended screening panel that includes at least polymerase chain reactions for Mycoplasma haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis, feline leukaemia virus provirus, and Bartonella spp., in addition to feline leukaemia virus antigens and feline immunodeficiency virus antibodies, is recommended in pet blood banks from analogous regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Mesa-Sanchez
- Animal Blood Bank, Passatge Rovira I Virgili No 9, Sabadell, 08205, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R R F Ferreira
- CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4050-083, Porto, Portugal.,Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - I Cardoso
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Morais
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Flamínio
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - S Vieira
- Animal Blood Bank, Rua de João de Deus, n°741 4100-462, Porto, Portugal
| | - R R de Gopegui
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A J F de Matos
- CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4050-083, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-343, Porto, Portugal
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Ni J, Ren Q, Luo J, Chen Z, Xu X, Guo J, Tan Y, Liu W, Qu Z, Wu Z, Wang J, Li Y, Guan G, Luo J, Yin H, Liu G. Ultrasound-assisted extraction extracts from Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq. and Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. could be used as potential Rhipicephalus sanguineus control agents. Exp Parasitol 2020; 217:107955. [PMID: 32649953 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Nicotiana tabacum, Stemona japonica, and Cnidium monnieri are common plants that are widely used for their anti-parasitic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of extracts from these plants against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. A composition analysis of crude extracts by GC-MS was conducted to discover compounds with acaricidal effects. The toxicity of extraction against the engorged nymphs of R. sanguineus was evaluated by an immersion test. The results showed that the crude extracts of S. japonica and C. monnieri in varying ratios, concentrations, and from different extraction methods, had a killing effect on R. sanguineus. Lethality reached 76.67% ± 0.04410 when using a 1:1 extract of S. japonica:C. monnieri in 75% ethanol with ultrasonic extraction; the crude extract was determined at a concentration of 0.5 g/mL. GC-MS results showed that osthole and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) are the main components of the extract. These results suggested that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) extracts contained acaricidal components acting against R. sanguineus, which may result in the development of effective extracts of S. japonica and C. monnieri as a source of low-toxicity, plant-based, natural acaricidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Qiaoyun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China.
| | - Jin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Ze Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Junhui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Yangchun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Wenge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Zhiqiang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Zegong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China
| | - Youquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR 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 Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR 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 Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR 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 Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR 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 Sciences, Xujiaping 1, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730046, PR China.
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Manoj RRS, Iatta R, Latrofa MS, Capozzi L, Raman M, Colella V, Otranto D. Canine vector-borne pathogens from dogs and ticks from Tamil Nadu, India. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105308. [PMID: 31862465 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) pose a major health problem in dogs globally, with the potential to cause zoonoses, in particular in developing countries where scientific knowledge on the topic is minimal. Blood samples and ticks were collected from stray dogs in Tamil Nadu, South India to assess the prevalence of CVBD-causing pathogens (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., filarioids and Leishmania spp.). Of the 230 dogs examined, 229 (99.6%) were infested by ticks (mean intensity, 5.65) with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides being morphologically identified in the 98.3% and 1.7% of the infested dogs, respectively. Overall, the 67.8% (n = 156) of dogs was positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (37.8%) followed by Anaplasma platys (22.6%), Ehrlichia canis (16.1%) Babesia vogeli (10%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.4%) and Babesia gibsoni (0.4%). Two filarioids (Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" and Brugia malayi, 0.4%) were diagnosed in sampled animals. Co-infection with H. canis and A. platys was the most prevalent (8.3%, P = 0.00001), whilst all animals scored negative for Leishmania spp.. Out of 295 ticks analysed, 215 R. sanguineus s.l. (75.4%) and 8 R. haemaphysaloides (88.9%) were positive for at least one pathogen with H. canis as the predominant species (42.5%), followed by A. platys (33.8%), E. canis (16.9%), B. vogeli (3.8%) and A. phagocytophilum (0.3%). Fifty-six dogs (35.9%) harboured the same pathogen as the respective tick specimens, while 29 dogs (18.6%) had a different pathogen. Thirteen sequence types (STs) were identified for H. canis, with ST2 (49.4%) as the most representative in dogs and ST1 (73.5%) in ticks. Similarly, seven STs were found for Anaplasma spp. (i.e., five for A. platys, one for A. phagocytophilum and one for Anaplasma sp.), with ST2 as the most representative in dogs (70.6%) and ST3 (52.5%) in ticks for A. platys. Only one ST was identified for B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, E. canis, D. sp. "hongkongensis" and B. malayi. Regular surveillance and adoption of adequate treatment and control measures are needed to reduce the risk of disease-causing pathogens in stray dogs and of pathogens with zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capozzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, Putignano, Italy
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Central University Laboratory Building, TANUVAS, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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14
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Diakou A, Dimzas D, Astaras C, Savvas I, Di Cesare A, Morelli S, Neofitos Κ, Migli D, Traversa D. Clinical investigations and treatment outcome in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) infected by cardio-pulmonary nematodes. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 19:100357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Otranto D, Iatta R, Baneth G, Cavalera MA, Bianco A, Parisi A, Dantas-Torres F, Colella V, McMillan-Cole AC, Chomel B. High prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in domestic and wild carnivores in Iraq. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105058. [PMID: 31185223 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) of domestic and wild carnivores are of major public health concern both in industrialized and developing countries, especially in poor socioeconomic settings. War-torn areas specifically suffer from absence of veterinary surveillance of VBDs, resulting in lack of scientific knowledge on this topic. To investigate occurence and prevalence of several vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in some carnivore species from Iraq, blood samples (n = 397) were obtained from 190 canids [97 stray dogs (Canis familiaris), 55 jackals (Canis aureus) and 38 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)] and 207 stray cats (Felis catus) collected during a feral animal control and zoonotic disease surveillance program in several United States military bases in Iraq. The presence of Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Dirofilaria spp. and Leishmania spp. DNA was molecularly investigated. Out of 397 animals tested, 176 (44.3%; 95% CI: 39.5-49.2%) were positive for at least one pathogen with the highest prevalence in foxes (73.7%; 95% CI: 58-85%), followed by jackals (54.5%; 95% CI: 41.5-67%), dogs (38.1%; 29.1-48.1%) and cats (39.1%; 95% CI: 32.7-45.9%). Up to five pathogens were diagnosed in dogs. Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent VBP in jackals (49.1%; 95% CI: 36.4-61.9%), foxes (47.3%; 95% CI: 32.5-62.7%) and dogs (33%; 95% CI: 24.4-42.8%), whereas Hepatozoon felis was the only species detected in cats (39.1%; 95% CI: 32.7-45.9%). A species of Babesia related to but different from Babesia lengau and designated as Babesia sp. MML was detected in six foxes (15.8%; 95% CI: 7.4-30.4%) and in one jackal (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.3-9.6%). This finding suggested the existence of a new species in the genus Babesia as inferred by molecular and phylogenetical analysis. Further, Babesia vulpes was identified only in two foxes (5.3%; 95% CI: 1.5-17.3%). All samples were negative for Leishmania spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Co-infection with H. canis and Babesia spp. was the most prevalent (5/176, 2.8%, i.e., 4 foxes and 1 jackal), followed by H. canis and Dirofilaria immitis (1/176, 1.3%, i.e., in 1 jackal), H. canis and Dirofilaria repens or Acanthocheilonema reconditum (1/176, 1.3%, i.e., in one dog, each). Data presented fill gaps into knowledge of VBPs in dogs, cats and wild canids in Iraq, indicating that different pathogens circulate amongst animal populations living in the same areas, possibly sharing the same tick vectors. Large-scale surveys are urgently needed to further assess VBPs distribution in Iraq and establish preventative strategies in domestic animals to minimize the risk of infection for animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maria Alfonsa Cavalera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angelica Bianco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, 70017, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Parisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, 70017, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Brazil
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 3010, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Bruno Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 95616, Davis, CA, USA
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Maia C, Cristóvão JM, Pereira A, Parreira R, Campino L. Detection of Rickettsia conorii israelensis DNA in the Blood of a Cat and a Dog From Southern Portugal. Top Companion Anim Med 2019; 36:12-15. [PMID: 31472723 DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne rickettsioses represent emerging threats to public health worldwide. The aim of this work was the screening for the presence of Rickettsia spp. in the blood of dogs and cats from southern Portugal. A PCR product of the expected size was amplified from DNA extracts obtained from blood samples of 29 out of 225 (12.9%) cats and in 2 out of 375 (.5%) dogs using genus-specific primers targeting Rickettsia gltA. Rickettsia conorii israelensis was identified by phylogenetical analysis of partial ompB sequences, amplified from blood samples taken from both a cat and a dog. The obtained results reinforce the idea that domestic animals may act as sentinels for the presence of vector-borne Rickettsia spp. in a given geographical area. In addition, rickettsioses should be included in the differential diagnosis of canine and feline vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
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Basso W, Görner D, Globokar M, Keidel A, Pantchev N. First autochthonous case of clinical Hepatozoon felis infection in a domestic cat in Central Europe. Parasitol Int 2019; 72:101945. [PMID: 31228586 PMCID: PMC7108250 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.101945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Three different Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa, Hepatozoidae) species have been described infecting domestic cats in Europe (i.e. H. felis, H. canis and H. silvestris), however, reports on clinical hepatozoonosis are uncommon and treatment protocols are not clearly defined. A six-year-old male European short-hair cat from Austria presented poor general condition, lethargy, anorexia, icterus, a painful abdomen, fever, ruffled hair and a tick infestation, and it had never left Austria. Laboratory tests revealed leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and increased serum levels of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and bilirubin. In May Grünwald-Giemsa-stained blood smears, structures resembling Hepatozoon gamonts were observed inside neutrophil granulocytes. A PCR targeting a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. and DNA sequencing allowed the diagnosis of H. felis-DNA in blood samples. The cat was treated with imidocarb dipropionate (6 mg/kg body weight, repeated after 14 days) and doxycycline monohydrate (5 mg/kg body weight twice a day, p.o., for four weeks) and recovered completely. A broad haematological and biochemical laboratory control after six months showed all evaluated parameters under normal ranges. Coinfection with other feline pathogens (i.e. feline leukaemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline Coronavirus, Leishmania and Dirofilaria immitis) could not be detected. This study reveals the presence of H. felis in Austria and provides more evidence on the geographical distribution and pathogenicity of this parasite for domestic cats. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first autochthonous case of feline hepatozoonosis in Central Europe. Clinical Hepatozoon felis infection in a domestic cat was diagnosed in Austria. The diagnosis was achieved by microscopy of blood smears, PCR and DNA-sequencing. Possible coinfections with other feline pathogens were ruled-out. The cat recovered completely after treatment with imidocarb and doxycycline. This represents the first autochthonous case of feline hepatozoonosis in Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dagmar Görner
- Tierarztpraxis Görner, Gölbeszeile 28, A-7000 Eisenstadt, Austria
| | - Majda Globokar
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestrasse 28/3, D-71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Anke Keidel
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestrasse 28/3, D-71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Nikola Pantchev
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestrasse 28/3, D-71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
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18
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Pereira C, Maia JP, Marcos R, Luzzago C, Puente-Payo P, Dall'Ara P, Faustino A, Lauzi S. Molecular detection of Hepatozoon felis in cats from Maio Island, Republic of Cape Verde and global distribution of feline hepatozoonosis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:294. [PMID: 31186033 PMCID: PMC6560739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases are emerging worldwide and have an important zoonotic relevance. In the last few years, the interest in vector-borne pathogens in cats has increased. However, studies on feline vector-borne pathogens on tropical islands are lacking. Islands differ from continental countries because they have an enclosed population of animals, with all year presence of the vectors and, most often, without vector control measures. This study focused on the molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of vector-borne pathogens in autochthonous cats with a mixed indoor–outdoor lifestyle from Maio Island, Cape Verde archipelago. Methods Blood samples were collected from 80 asymptomatic cats, representing almost a quarter of the total cat population of the island. The presence of DNA of protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon and bacteria belonging to family Anaplasmataceae and to genus Bartonella was assessed by PCR and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with infection. For feline hepatozoonosis, a worldwide dataset of Hepatozoon felis sequences retrieved from mammal species and vectors along with Hepatozoon spp. sequences retrieved from felids was generated, phylogenetically analyzed and the geographical and host distribution was assessed. Results Hepatozoon felis genotype I was identified in 12 (15%) cats from Maio Island whereas none of the cats were PCR positive for the other pathogens tested. No significant association of H. felis infection with age, sex, location or presence of vectors was observed by statistical analysis in Cape Verde’s cats. Phylogenetic analysis on the worldwide dataset of feline Hepatozoon sequences showed two significant distinct clades for H. felis genotype I and II. Different geographical distributions were assessed: H. felis genotype I was the only genotype found in Africa and has been reported worldwide, with the exception of Japan and Brazil where only H. felis genotype II has been reported. Conclusions The identification of H. felis genotype I in cats in Maio Island highlights the need to further investigate the significance of H. felis genotypes and to clarify the epidemiological aspects of this infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3551-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pereira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Maia
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, Nº 7, Vila do Conde, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre FC4, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Marcos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Camilla Luzzago
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Coordinated Research Center "EpiSoMI", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pablo Puente-Payo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paola Dall'Ara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Augusto Faustino
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy.
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Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Morelli S, Colombo M, Halos L, Simonato G, Tamvakis A, Beugnet F, Paoletti B, Traversa D. Endoparasites and vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Greek islands: Pathogen distribution and zoonotic implications. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007003. [PMID: 31067231 PMCID: PMC6527238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the presence of endo- and ecto-parasites, and vector-borne pathogens, in dogs from four islands of Greece. A total of 200 (123 owned and 77 sheltered) dogs were examined with different microscopic, serological and molecular methods. Of the examined dogs, 130 (65%) were positive for one or more parasites and/or vector-borne pathogens. The most common zoonotic intestinal helminths recorded were Ancylostomatidae (12.5%) and Toxocara canis (3.5%). Ninety-three dogs (46.5%) seroreacted to Rickettsia conorii. Twenty-two (11%) of them were also PCR positive and 7 (3.5%) showed corpuscles suggestive of Rickettsia spp. on the blood smears. Nineteen dogs (9.5%) were seropositive for Ehrlichia canis, three of them being also PCR positive. Dogs positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum-Anaplasma platys (1%), Dirofilaria immitis (0.5%) and Babesia canis (0.5%) were also found. Fleas and ticks were recorded in 53 (26.5%) and 50 (25%) dogs, respectively, and all specimens were identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Binary multiple univariate Generalized Linear Models were used to investigate factors and clinical signs related to the recorded positivity, while the association of specific signs with the pathogens was evaluated using tests of independence. Knowledge of occurrence and impact of zoonotic parasites and vector-borne pathogens in dog populations is crucial to prevent the infection in animals and people, and to control the risk of spreading of these pathogens in endemic and non-endemic areas. Both owned and sheltered dogs can harbor a variety of intestinal and extra-intestinal endoparasites, as well as vector-borne pathogens and ectoparasites, of zoonotic concern. Dog shelters and stray dogs are present in several touristic areas of Greece, including Sporades and Cyclades islands, where tourists often bring their pets with them, likely travelling from non-endemic to endemic areas. The present study has been carried out with the aim to evaluate the occurrence of the aforementioned pathogens. Data obtained showed that they are present in canine populations of Greece, with possibilities of infection for travelling dogs, which can also contribute to the spreading of zoonotic vector-borne diseases, introducing new pathogens in previously non-endemic areas. For these reasons, a constant monitoring of the epidemiological situation, improving control measures and correct diagnostic approaches are of primary importance for the prevention of canine and human infections, decreasing the spreading of potentially deadly pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | - Lenaig Halos
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Androniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics, Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
| | | | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Cohen R, Babushkin F, Shapiro M, Uda M, Atiya-Nasagi Y, Klein D, Finn T. Two Cases of Israeli Spotted Fever with Purpura Fulminans, Sharon District, Israel. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:835-840. [PMID: 29664383 PMCID: PMC5938761 DOI: 10.3201/eid2405.171992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic sequencing should be used to confirm cases because purpura fulminans is a rare finding. We report a series of 5 case-patients who had Israeli spotted fever, of whom 2 had purpura fulminans and died. Four case-patients were given a diagnosis on the basis of PCR of skin biopsy specimens 3–4 days after treatment with doxycycline; 1 case-patient was given a diagnosis on the basis of seroconversion. Rickettsia spp. from the 2 case-patients who died were sequenced and identified as Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis. Purpura fulminans has been described in association with R. rickettsii and R. indica, but rarely with R. conorii subsp. israelensis.
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Cabezas-Cruz A, Allain E, Ahmad AS, Saeed MA, Rashid I, Ashraf K, Yousfi L, Shehzad W, Indjein L, Rodriguez-Valle M, Estrada-Peña A, Obregón D, Jabbar A, Moutailler S. Low genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis associated with high co-infection rates in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.). Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:12. [PMID: 30616670 PMCID: PMC6322249 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) is the most widely distributed ixodid tick and is a vector of major canine and human pathogens. High-throughput technologies have revealed that individual ticks carry a high diversity of pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Currently, it is accepted that co-infections (multiple pathogen species within an individual) are very common in ticks and influence pathogen acquisition and transmission as well as host infection risk. However, little is known on the impact of the genetic diversity of pathogens on the incidence of co-infections. Herein, we studied the frequency of co-infections in R. sanguineus (s.l.) and their association with the genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis. METHODS Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) female ticks (n = 235) were collected from healthy farm dogs in three districts of Pakistan. Microfluidic real-time PCR, a powerful nanotechnology for high-throughput molecular detection of pathogens, was used to test the presence of 25 bacterial and seven parasitic species in individual ticks. The genetic diversity of E. canis was evaluated by characterizing the trp36 gene. RESULTS A total of 204 ticks were infected with at least one pathogen and 109 co-infected with two (80%) or three (20%) pathogens. Rickettsia massiliae (human pathogen) and E. canis (zoonotic dog pathogen) were the most common pathogens co-infecting (30.4%) ticks. Furthermore, all identified co-infections included R. massiliae and/or E. canis. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) revealed that single infections did not show clear regional association whereas some co-infections were restricted to certain geographical regions. The sequence analysis of trp36 in representative samples allowed the identification of three E. canis strains with low genetic diversity, and the strain found in Muzaffargarh district appeared to be more adapted to co-infection with R. massiliae. CONCLUSIONS Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) harbors multiple co-infections with human and dog pathogens of zoonotic potential. Findings of this study suggest that genetic diversity of E. canis may favor co-infections with different pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eleonore Allain
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Abdullah S. Ahmad
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030 Australia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Muhammad A. Saeed
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030 Australia
| | - Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Lena Yousfi
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Wasim Shehzad
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab Pakistan
| | - Lea Indjein
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030 Australia
| | - Manuel Rodriguez-Valle
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | | | - Dasiel Obregón
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP Brazil
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030 Australia
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Santos MAB, Macedo LOD, Otranto D, Ramos CADN, Rêgo AGDOD, Giannelli A, Alves LC, Carvalho GAD, Ramos RAN. Screening of Cercopithifilaria bainae and Hepatozoon canis in ticks collected from dogs of Northeastern Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:605-608. [PMID: 29975651 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) is one of the most widespread ixodid ticks and is a competent vector of several vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical concern. For instance, this tick species transmits nematodes of the genus Cercopithifilaria and protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon to carnivores, including dogs. Here we investigated the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in a population of ticks collected from naturally infested dogs living in rural areas of Northeastern Brazil. From August 2016 to June 2017, 758 tick specimens (mean ticks per month = 68.9 ± 71.4) were sampled from 75 dogs (mean ticks per dog = 10.11 ± 5.2) and dissected under a stereomicroscope in order to visualize Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae and Hepatozoon spp. oocysts and sporocysts. R. sanguineus s.l. was the only species collected, peaking in September (n = 273) and decreasing in February 2017 (n = 39). Different larval stages of Cercopithifilaria bainae were identified in 7 out of 758 (0.93%) ticks. In addition, 4 specimens (0.53%) were positive for oocysts and free sporocysts of Hepatozoon canis. The identity of both species of parasites was molecularly confirmed. These results account for the predominance of R. sanguineus (s.l.) in domestic dogs from rural locations of the study area, as well as for the presence C. bainae and H. canis in these tick populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessio Giannelli
- Ridgeway Research Ltd, Park Farm Buildings, Park Lane, St. Briavels, United Kingdom
| | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Momčilović S, Cantacessi C, Arsić-Arsenijević V, Otranto D, Tasić-Otašević S. Rapid diagnosis of parasitic diseases: current scenario and future needs. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 25:290-309. [PMID: 29730224 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic diseases are one of the world's most devastating and prevalent infections, causing millions of morbidities and mortalities annually. In the past, many of these infections have been linked predominantly to tropical or subtropical areas. Nowadays, however, climatic and vector ecology changes, a significant increase in international travel, armed conflicts, and migration of humans and animals have influenced the transmission of some parasitic diseases from 'book pages' to reality in developed countries. It has also been noted that many patients who have never travelled to endemic areas suffer from blood-borne infections caused by protozoa. In the light of existing knowledge, this new trend can be explained by the fact that in the process of migration a large number of asymptomatic carriers become a part of the blood bank donor and transplant donor populations. Accurate and rapid diagnosis represents the crucial weapon in the fight against parasitic infections. AIMS To review old and new approaches for rapid diagnosis of parasitic infections. SOURCES Data for this review were obtained through searches of PubMed using combinations of the following terms: parasitological diagnostics, microscopy, lateral flow assays, immunochromatographic assays, multiplex-PCR, and transplantation. CONTENT In this review, we provide a brief account of the advantages and limitations of rapid methods for diagnosis of parasitic diseases and focus our attention on current and future research in this area. The approximate costs associated with the use of different techniques and their applicability in endemic and non-endemic areas are also discussed. IMPLICATIONS Microscopy remains the cornerstone of parasitological diagnostics, especially in the field and low-resource settings, and provides epidemiological assessment of parasite burden. However, increased use and availability of point-of-care tests and molecular assays in modern era allow more rapid and accurate diagnoses and increased sensitivity in the identification of parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Momčilović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Serbia.
| | - C Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - V Arsić-Arsenijević
- Department for Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - D Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Italy
| | - S Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Serbia
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24
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Ahmad AS, Saeed MA, Rashid I, Ashraf K, Shehzad W, Traub RJ, Baneth G, Jabbar A. Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon canis from farm dogs in Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1131-1138. [PMID: 29455420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne pathogen of canids, which is distributed worldwide. However, very little is known about this protozoan parasite in Pakistan. This study provides the first molecular evidence of H. canis from farm dogs from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. A conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene was used to characterize H. canis from farm dogs from three districts, namely Kasur, Rawalpindi, and Muzaffargarh, in Punjab. Of 341 blood samples tested, 155 (45.5%) were positive for H. canis, 73 (61.3%) from Kasur, 46 (42.5%) from Rawalpindi, and 36 (31.5%) from Muzaffargarh. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 18S rRNA sequences of H. canis from this study clustered in three clades with those of H. canis from previously published studies to the exclusion of all other Hepatozoon spp. included in the analysis. This study provides the first insight into H. canis from farm dogs in Pakistan. Furthermore, it lays a foundation for future studies of the parasite to assess the impact of canine hepatozoonosis in dogs from various agro-ecological zones in Pakistan where pet ownership of dogs is increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Ahmad
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad A Saeed
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Shehzad
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gad Baneth
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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25
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Pereira A, Parreira R, Cotão AJ, Nunes M, Vieira ML, Azevedo F, Campino L, Maia C. Tick-borne bacteria and protozoa detected in ticks collected from domestic animals and wildlife in central and southern Portugal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:225-234. [PMID: 28958791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of many human and animal pathogens. The aim of this study was to screen bacteria and protozoa from ticks infesting domestic animals and wildlife collected in central and southern Portugal. A total of 593 ticks, comprising 465 (78.4%) adults, 122 (20.6%) nymphs, and six (1.0%) larvae, were collected from 283 hosts of 25 different species (4 domestic and 21 wild). Overall, the analysis of DNA extracts prepared from ticks collected from hosts of 11 different species in the districts of Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Lisboa, Setúbal, Beja and Faro, revealed the presence of genomic sequences from Anaplasma sp., A. ovis, Babesia sp., relapsing fever-like Borrelia sp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Ri. helvetica, Ri. massiliae, Ri. raoultii, Ri. slovaca, Candidatus Ri. barbariae, Theileria annulata and T. ovis, in specimens of Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hy. marginatum, Rhipicephalus bursa and Rh. sanguineus sensu lato. The obtained results suggest the circulation of a wide variety of infectious agents, some of zoonotic concern, in hard ticks from Portugal. Further studies should be conducted to better characterize (both genetically and phenotypically) the putative novel microorganisms detected, both in what regards their potential pathogenity towards vertebrates, and to assist the implementation of effective control strategies for the management of ticks and human and animal tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | | | - Mónica Nunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | | | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal; Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Portugal.
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26
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El-Seedi HR, Azeem M, Khalil NS, Sakr HH, Khalifa SAM, Awang K, Saeed A, Farag MA, AlAjmi MF, Pålsson K, Borg-Karlson AK. Essential oils of aromatic Egyptian plants repel nymphs of the tick Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 73:139-157. [PMID: 28864886 PMCID: PMC5602041 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to the role of Ixodes ricinus (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) in the transmission of many serious pathogens, personal protection against bites of this tick is essential. In the present study the essential oils from 11 aromatic Egyptian plants were isolated and their repellent activity against I. ricinus nymphs was evaluated Three oils (i.e. Conyza dioscoridis L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso and Calendula officinalis L.) elicited high repellent activity in vitro of 94, 84.2 and 82%, respectively. The most active essential oil (C. dioscoridis) was applied in the field at a concentration of 6.5 µg/cm2 and elicited a significant repellent activity against I. ricinus nymphs by 61.1%. The most repellent plants C. dioscoridis, C. officinalis and A. herba-alba yielded essential oils by 0.17, 0.11 and 0.14%, respectively. These oils were further investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. α-Cadinol (10.7%) and hexadecanoic acid (10.5%) were the major components of C. dioscoridis whereas in C. officinalis, α-cadinol (21.2%) and carvone (18.2%) were major components. Artemisia herba-alba contained piperitone (26.5%), ethyl cinnamate (9.5%), camphor (7.7%) and hexadecanoic acid (6.9%). Essential oils of these three plants have a potential to be used for personal protection against tick bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham R El-Seedi
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 574, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Ecological Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, El-Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt.
| | - Muhammad Azeem
- Ecological Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Nasr S Khalil
- Ecological Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Agricultural Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanem H Sakr
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, El-Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, 32512, Egypt
| | - Shaden A M Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden
| | - Khalijah Awang
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aamer Saeed
- Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed A Farag
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr el Aini St., P.B. 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed F AlAjmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Katinka Pålsson
- Ecological Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Borg-Karlson
- Ecological Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
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27
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Three different Hepatozoon species in domestic cats from southern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:721-724. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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28
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Latrofa MS, Angelou A, Giannelli A, Annoscia G, Ravagnan S, Dantas-Torres F, Capelli G, Halos L, Beugnet F, Papadopoulos E, Otranto D. Ticks and associated pathogens in dogs from Greece. Parasit Vectors 2017. [PMID: 28645329 PMCID: PMC5481936 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2225-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Athanasios Angelou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.,Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Lenaig Halos
- Merial SAS (Boehringer Ingelheim), 29 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon, France
| | - Frederic Beugnet
- Merial SAS (Boehringer Ingelheim), 29 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon, France
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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29
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Zoonotic intestinal parasites and vector-borne pathogens in Italian shelter and kennel dogs. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 51:69-75. [PMID: 28504099 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the presence of zoonotic parasites and vector-borne pathogens in dogs housed in kennels and shelters from four sites of Italy. A total of 150 adoptable dogs was examined with different microscopic, serological and molecular methods. Overall 129 dogs (86%) were positive for one or more parasites and/or pathogens transmitted by ectoparasites. Forty-eight (32%) were positive for one infection, while 81 (54%) for more than one pathogen. The most common zoonotic helminths recorded were hookworms, roundworms and Capillaria aerophila, followed by mosquito-borne Dirofilaria spp. and Dipylidium caninum. One hundred and thirteen (77.9%), 6 (4.1%) and 2 (1.4%) dogs were positive for Rickettsia spp., Leishmania infantum and Anaplasma spp., respectively. The results show that dogs living in rescue facilities from the studied areas may be infected by many zoonotic internal parasites and vector-borne pathogens, and that control measures should be implemented.
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30
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Dantas-Torres F, Maia C, Latrofa MS, Annoscia G, Cardoso L, Otranto D. Genetic characterization of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks from dogs in Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:133. [PMID: 28285602 PMCID: PMC5346838 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2072-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The taxonomic status of the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu stricto) is a subject of on-going debate; there is a consensus that populations of this tick species should be referred to as R. sanguineus (sensu lato) until its taxonomic status is resolved. Recent genetic studies revealed the existence of more than one lineage of R. sanguineus (s.l.) in temperate countries. In this study, we assessed the genetic identity of ticks collected from rural dogs living in several areas located in all major geographical regions of Portugal. Methods A total of 347 ticks were collected from rural dogs living in different regions of Portugal. These ticks were morphologically identified and partial mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences (~300 bp) were obtained from representative specimens. Results The ticks were morphologically identified as Ixodes ricinus (seven males and 27 females), Rhipicephalus bursa (one male), Rhipicephalus pusillus (one female) and R. sanguineus (s.l.) (two larvae, 101 nymphs, 108 males and 100 females). Partial mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from 58 R. sanguineus (s.l.) specimens, and all of them were genetically identified as belonging to the so-called temperate lineage of R. sanguineus (s.l.) Conclusions These results strongly suggest that the temperate species of R. sanguineus (s.l.) is the only representative of this tick group found on dogs in Portugal. It also adds weight to the hypothesis that Rhipicephalus turanicus is not present in this country, although further investigations are necessary to confirm this. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2072-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-465, Brazil. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Carla Maia
- Current address: Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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31
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Bhusri B, Sariya L, Mongkolphan C, Suksai P, Kaewchot S, Changbunjong T. Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon felis in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks infested on captive lions ( Panthera leo). J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:903-907. [PMID: 28848300 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0902-x] [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: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatozoon spp. are protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals. The infection occurs by ingestion of an infected tick. This study was carried out to detect and characterize Hepatozoon spp. in ticks collected from captive lions (Panthera leo) in Thailand based on the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence. A total of 30 ticks were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The collected ticks were separated into 10 tick pools by sex and life stages. Of the 10 tick pools examined, only one (10%) was found to be infected with the Hepatozoon species. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed a clustering of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence like that of H. felis from the GenBank database. This is the first report of H. felis in R. sanguineus ticks collected from captive lions in Thailand. Our results indicated that R. sanguineus may be a possible vector of feline Hepatozoon in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjaporn Bhusri
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Ladawan Sariya
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Chalisa Mongkolphan
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Parut Suksai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Supakarn Kaewchot
- Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand.,Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
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32
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Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Accettura PM, Barros L, Iorio R, Paoletti B, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Halos L, Beugnet F, Traversa D. Intestinal parasites and vector-borne pathogens in stray and free-roaming cats living in continental and insular Greece. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005335. [PMID: 28141857 PMCID: PMC5302838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This survey investigated the distribution of various intestinal parasites and vector-borne pathogens in stray and free-roaming cats living in four regions of Greece. A total number of one hundred and fifty cats living in three Islands (Crete, Mykonos and Skopelos) and in Athens municipality was established as a realistic aim to be accomplished in the study areas. All cats were examined with different microscopic, serological and molecular assays aiming at evaluating the occurrence of intestinal parasites, and exposure to or presence of vector-borne infections. A total of 135 cats (90%) was positive for one or more parasites and/or pathogens transmitted by ectoparasites. Forty-four (29.3%) cats were positive for one single infection, while 91 (60.7%) for more than one pathogen. A high number of (n. 53) multiple infections caused by feline intestinal and vector-borne agents including at least one zoonotic pathogen was detected. Among them, the most frequently recorded helminths were roundworms (Toxocara cati, 24%) and Dipylidium caninum (2%), while a high number of examined animals (58.8%) had seroreaction for Bartonella spp., followed by Rickettsia spp. (43.2%) and Leishmania infantum (6.1%). DNA-based assays revealed the zoonotic arthropod-borne organisms Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Rickettsia spp., and L. infantum. These results show that free-ranging cats living in areas of Greece under examination may be exposed to a plethora of internal parasites and vector-borne pathogens, some of them potentially able to infect humans. Therefore, epidemiological vigilance and appropriate control measures are crucial for the prevention and control of these infections and to minimize the risk of infection for people. Several intestinal parasites and vector-borne pathogens, some of that with zoonotic potential, often occur in free-ranging cat populations. Stray cats are abundant in touristic areas of Greece, where they live in free colonies. With the aim to enhance our knowledge on the hazard posed by cats living in Greek touristic spots, the present research has evaluated the presence of intestinal parasites and vector-borne pathogens in stray cats living in selected areas. The study demonstrates that these pathogens are present in Greece and that appropriate control measures should be implemented to minimize the risk for cats and people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | - Paolo Matteo Accettura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | - Luciano Barros
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria MSV/UFF, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64 Icaraí, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raffaella Iorio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio snc., Teramo, Italy
- * E-mail:
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33
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Maia C, Casero M, Annoscia G, Latrofa MS, Colella V, Pereira A, Azevedo F, Otranto D. Cercopithifilaria sp. II in Vulpes vulpes: new host affiliation for an enigmatic canine filarioid. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:441-443. [PMID: 27838834 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5308-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cercopithifilaria bainae and Cercopithifilaria grassii (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are filarioids inhabiting the skin of dogs worldwide. The microfilariae of a third species namely, Cercopithifilaria sp. II sensu Otranto et al. 2013, have been morphologically and molecularly characterized but scientific knowledge of this parasite is minimal. The first case of infection of a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) with the filarioid Cercopithifilaria sp. II is herein described in Castro Marim, Portugal. Microfilariae from skin sediment of the fox's ear were morphological characterized, and the identification was confirmed molecularly in samples from skin sediment, skin samples, and from Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks collected from the animal (99% homology with Cercopithifilaria sp. II). Studies should evaluate if red foxes might play a role in the maintenance and distribution of Cercopithifilaria sp. II infection in dog populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - María Casero
- RIAS Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Apartado 1009, 8700-282, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fábia Azevedo
- RIAS Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Apartado 1009, 8700-282, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
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Pereira A, Parreira R, Nunes M, Casadinho A, Vieira ML, Campino L, Maia C. Molecular detection of tick-borne bacteria and protozoa in cervids and wild boars from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:251. [PMID: 27160767 PMCID: PMC4862153 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1535-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wildlife can act as reservoir of different tick-borne pathogens, such as bacteria, parasites and viruses. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of tick-borne bacteria and protozoa with veterinary and zoonotic importance in cervids and wild boars from the Centre and South of Portugal. Methods One hundred and forty one blood samples from free-ranging ungulates including 73 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 65 wild boars (Sus scrofa) and three fallow deer (Dama dama) were tested for the presence of Anaplasma marginale/A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) (s.l.), and Rickettsia spp. DNA by PCR. Results Anaplasma spp. DNA was detected in 33 (43.4 %) cervids (31 red deer and two fallow deer) and in two (3.1 %) wild boars while Theileria spp. were found in 34 (44.7 %) cervids (32 red deer and two fallow deer) and in three (4.6 %) wild boar blood samples. Sequence analysis of msp4 sequences identified A. marginale, A. ovis, while the analysis of rDNA sequence data disclosed the presence of A. platys and A. phagocytophilum and T. capreoli and Theileria sp. OT3. Anaplasma spp./Theileria spp. mixed infections were found in 17 cervids (22.4 %) and in two wild boars (3.1 %). All samples were negative for Babesia sp., B. burgdorferi (s.l.), Ehrlichia sp. or Rickettsia sp. Conclusions This is the first detection of Anaplasma marginale, A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, Theileria capreoli and Theileria sp. OT3 in cervids and wild boars from Portugal. Further studies concerning the potential pathogenicity of the different species of Anaplasma and Theileria infecting wild ungulates, the identification of their vector range, and their putative infectivity to domestic livestock and humans should be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mónica Nunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Afonso Casadinho
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Biomdical Scienecs and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Molecular identification of Borrelia genus in questing hard ticks from Portugal: Phylogenetic characterization of two novel Relapsing Fever-like Borrelia sp. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 40:266-274. [PMID: 26976475 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, several studies have reported pathogenic species of Borrelia related to those that cause Tick-borne Relapsing Fever (RF), but unexpectedly suggesting their transmission by hard ticks, known vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) species, rather than by soft ticks. This study was designed to update the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. species in ticks from several districts of mainland Portugal, where Ixodes ricinus had been previously described. Ticks (a total of 2915 specimens) were collected in seven districts throughout the country, and analyzed using molecular methods. Three nested-PCR protocols, targeting the flagellin gene (flaB), the intergenic spacer region (IGS) located between 5S and 23S rRNA, and the glpQ gene, and a conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA, were used for Borrelia DNA detection. Borrelia DNA was detected in 3% of the ticks from Braga, Vila Real, Lisboa, Setúbal, Évora and Faro districts. The obtained amplicons were sequenced and analyzed by BLASTn, and 15/63 (24%) matched with homologous sequences from Borrelia lusitaniae and 15/63 (24%) with B. garinii, being these the most prevalent species. DNA from B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. valaisiana and B. afzelii were detected in 7/63 (11%), 6/63 (10%), and 2/63 (3%) of the specimens, respectively. Unexpectedly, DNA sequence (flaB) analysis from eight (13%) samples, two from Rhipicephalus sanguineus and six from Haemaphysalis punctata tick species, revealed high homology with RF-like Borrelia. Phylogenetic analyses obtained from three genetic markers (16S rRNA, flaB, and glpQ) confirmed their congruent inclusion in a strongly supported RF cluster, where they segregated in two subgroups which differ from the other Relapsing Fever species. Therefore, the results confirm the circulation of multiple species of B. burgdorferi s.l. over a wide geographic range, covering most of the Portuguese mainland territory. Surprisingly, the obtained data also revealed two putative Relapsing Fever-like Borrelia species in different species of hard ticks, possibly disclosing the circulation of novel RF-like Borrelia species with different associated tick vectors.
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Molecular detection of Theileria, Babesia, and Hepatozoon spp. in ixodid ticks from Palestine. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:734-741. [PMID: 26969489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ixodid ticks transmit various infectious agents that cause disease in humans and livestock worldwide. A cross-sectional survey on the presence of protozoan pathogens in ticks was carried out to assess the impact of tick-borne protozoa on domestic animals in Palestine. Ticks were collected from herds with sheep, goats and dogs in different geographic districts and their species were determined using morphological keys. The presence of piroplasms and Hepatozoon spp. was determined by PCR amplification of a 460-540bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene followed by RFLP or DNA sequencing. A PCR-RFLP method based on the 18S rRNA was used in order to detect and to identify Hepatozoon, Babesia and Theileria spp. A total of 516 ticks were collected from animals in six Palestinian localities. Five tick species were found: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Haemaphysalis parva and Haemaphysalis adleri. PCR-based analyses of the ticks revealed Theileria ovis (5.4%), Hepatozoon canis (4.3%), Babesia ovis (0.6%), and Babesia vogeli (0.4%). Theileria ovis was significantly associated with ticks from sheep and with R. turanicus ticks (p<0.01). H. canis was detected only in R. sanguineus s.l. and was significantly associated with ticks from dogs (p<0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of these pathogens in ticks collected from Palestine. Communicating these findings with health and veterinary professionals will increase their awareness, and contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases.
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Efficacy of oral afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables against induced infestations with Dermacentor reticulatus in dogs. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:1845-51. [PMID: 26815036 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4924-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime (AFX + MO) combination chewables (NexGard Spectra®, Merial) and AFX single-entity chewables (NexGard®, Merial) against induced infestations with Dermacentor reticulatus ticks was evaluated in dogs. Thirty dogs were assigned to blocks of three animals each based on pre-allocation tick counts and were randomly allocated to one of three groups: untreated (control), treated with a combination of AFX + MO chewables to be as close as possible to the minimum effective dose of AFX + MO (2.5 + 0.5 mg per kg body weight), and treated with a combination of NexGard® chewables to be as close as possible to the minimum effective dose of AFX (2.5 mg per kg body weight). Treatments were administered orally once on day 0. Starting 2 days before treatment administration, each dog was infested with approximately 50 ticks weekly for six consecutive weeks. Live ticks were counted at ∼48 h post-treatment (removal count) and at ∼48 h (in situ counts) and ∼72 h (removal counts) following each post-treatment infestation. Treatment with both AFX + MO and NexGard® chewables rapidly eliminated the existing tick infestations (100 % efficacy) within 2 days following treatment administration. Weekly re-infestations were controlled for a minimum of 5 weeks with the efficacy ranging from 92.2 to 99.7 % based on ∼48 h post-treatment in situ counts and between 99.0 and 100 % based on ∼72 h post-treatment removal counts (p < 0.0001 at each occasion). This study demonstrated a high efficacy of both AFX + MO chewable and NexGard® chewable treatments against infestations of dogs with D. reticulatus ticks for at least 5 weeks. In addition, this study indicated no interference between the two compounds with respect to the acaricidal activity provided by AFX.
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Bechelli J, Smalley C, Milhano N, Walker DH, Fang R. Rickettsia massiliae and Rickettsia conorii Israeli Spotted Fever Strain Differentially Regulate Endothelial Cell Responses. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138830. [PMID: 26394396 PMCID: PMC4578955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiae primarily target microvascular endothelial cells. However, it remains elusive how endothelial cell responses to rickettsiae play a role in the pathogenesis of rickettsial diseases. In the present study, we employed two rickettsial species with high sequence homology but differing virulence to investigate the pathological endothelial cell responses. Rickettsia massiliae is a newly documented human pathogen that causes a mild spotted fever rickettsiosis. The “Israeli spotted fever” strain of R. conorii (ISF) causes severe disease with a mortality rate up to 30% in hospitalized patients. At 48 hours post infection (HPI), R. conorii (ISF) induced a significant elevation of IL-8 and IL-6 while R. massiliae induced a statistically significant elevated amount of MCP-1 at both transcriptional and protein synthesis levels. Strikingly, R. conorii (ISF), but not R. massiliae, caused a significant level of cell death or injury in HMEC-1 cells at 72 HPI, demonstrated by live-dead cell staining, annexin V staining and lactate dehydrogenase release. Monolayers of endothelial cells infected with R. conorii (ISF) showed a statistically significant decrease in electrical resistance across the monolayer compared to both R. massiliae-infected and uninfected cells at 72 HPI, suggesting increased endothelial permeability. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibitors of caspase-1 significantly reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase by R. conorii (ISF)-infected HMEC-1 cells, which suggests the role of caspase-1 in mediating the death of endothelial cells. Taken together, our data illustrated that a distinct proinflammatory cytokine profile and endothelial dysfunction, as evidenced by endothelial cell death/injury and increased permeability, are associated with the severity of rickettsial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Bechelli
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Claire Smalley
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Natacha Milhano
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David H. Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rong Fang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lloret A, Addie DD, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Hartmann K, Horzinek MC, Hosie MJ, Lutz H, Marsilio F, Pennisi MG, Radford AD, Thiry E, Truyen U, Möstl K. Hepatozoonosis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2015; 17:642-4. [PMID: 26101318 PMCID: PMC11148933 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15589879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Hepatozoonosis of domestic cats has been reported in several countries, mainly as a subclinical infection. DISEASE AGENT Infection has been described mostly in areas where canine infection is present and, in recent years, Hepatozoon felis has been identified as a distinct species by molecular techniques. The vector for feline hepatozoonosis remains unknown and the pathogenesis has not been elucidated. INFECTION IN CATS Feline hepatozoonosis is mainly a subclinical infection and few cases have been reported with clinical signs. The diagnosis of hepatozoonosis in cats can be made by observation of parasite gamonts in blood smears, parasite meronts in muscles by histopathology, and detection of parasite DNA in blood and tissue by PCR. DISEASE MANAGEMENT The treatment of choice is not known, but single cases have been treated with doxycycline or oxytetracycline and primaquine. Although the mode of transmission and the type of vector is not known, preventive treatment against blood-sucking vectors (fleas and ticks) is advised.
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Xu XL, Cheng TY, Yang H, Yan F. Identification of intestinal bacterial flora in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks by conventional methods and PCR-DGGE analysis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 66:257-268. [PMID: 25784070 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9896-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we have analyzed the intestinal microbial flora associated with Rhipicephalus microplus ticks using both culture-dependent and independent methods based on PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). The R. microplus ticks were collected from cattle and goats in Jiangxi, Hunan and Guizhou Provinces of China. Three distinct strains of bacteria were isolated using culture-dependent methods: Staphylococcus simulans, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus flexus strain. Nineteen distinct DGGE bands were found using PCR-DGGE analysis, and their search for identity shows that they belonged to Rickettsiaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Coxiella sp., Ehrlichia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Ehrlichia sp., Orphnebius sp., Rickettsia peacockii, Bacillus flexus. Rickettsia peacockii and Coxiella genus were the dominant strain of the R. microplus ticks from cattle, Pseudomonas sp. and B. flexus strain were the most common species in all tick samples from goats. Ehrlichia canis were detected only in R. microplus ticks from Yongshun area in Hunan Province. The results indicate that the intestinal microbial diversity of R. microplus ticks was influenced by tick hosts and local differences in the sampling location and these two aspects may affect transmission of pathogen to humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Li Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, China,
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Gonçalves DD, Moura RA, Nunes M, Carreira T, Vidotto O, Freitas JC, Vieira ML. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in humans in a rural area of Paraná State, Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2015; 46:571-5. [PMID: 26273276 PMCID: PMC4507553 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-838246220140097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes the detection of Borrelia garinii and Borrelia
burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in Brazilian individuals using PCR
and DNA sequencing. Our results suggest that these species are emerging
pathogens in this country, and additional studies are necessary to determine the
epidemiological characteristics of this disease in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dib Gonçalves
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Programa de Pós-gradução em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, Programa de Pós-gradução em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. ; Universidade Paranaense, Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brasil, Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Assunção Moura
- Universidade Paranaense, Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brasil, Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
| | - Mônica Nunes
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Medical Microbiology Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Leptospirosis and Lyme Borreliosis Group, Medical Microbiology Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Carreira
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Medical Microbiology Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Leptospirosis and Lyme Borreliosis Group, Medical Microbiology Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Freitas
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Medical Microbiology Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Leptospirosis and Lyme Borreliosis Group, Medical Microbiology Unit, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Maia C, Almeida B, Coimbra M, Fernandes MC, Cristóvão JM, Ramos C, Martins Â, Martinho F, Silva P, Neves N, Nunes M, Vieira ML, Cardoso L, Campino L. Bacterial and protozoal agents of canine vector-borne diseases in the blood of domestic and stray dogs from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:138. [PMID: 25886525 PMCID: PMC4369867 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0759-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The so-called canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) are caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. In addition to their veterinary importance, many of these canine vector-borne pathogens can also affect the human population due to their zoonotic potential, a situation that requires a One Health approach. As the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in cats from southern Portugal has been recently evaluated, the aim of the present study was to assess if the same agents were present in dogs living in the same area, and to assess positivity-associated risk factors. Methods One thousand and ten dogs (521 domestic and 489 stray) from veterinary medical centres and animal shelters in southern Portugal were enrolled. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania infantum infections were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in blood samples. Results Sixty-eight (6.7%) dogs were PCR-positive to at least one of the tested CVBD agent species, genera or complex, including one dog found positive to two different genera. Nineteen (1.9%) dogs were positive to Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., eight (0.8%) to B. burgdorferi s.l., 31 (3.1%) to Hepatozoon spp. and 11 (1.1%) to L. infantum. Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, B. burgdorferis.l. and Hepatozoon canis were identified by DNA sequencing, including one animal confirmed with both A. platys and H. canis. Furthermore, Wolbachia spp. was amplified in blood from four dogs. None of the tested dogs was positive by PCR for Bartonella spp. or Babesia spp. Conclusions The molecular identification of CVBD agents in southern Portugal, some of them with zoonotic concern, reinforces the importance to alert the veterinary community, owners and public health authorities to prevent the risk of transmission of vector-borne pathogens among dogs and to other vertebrate hosts including humans. The prevalence of the selected pathogens was lower than that previously found in cats from the same region, probably because veterinarians and owners are more aware of them in the canine population and control measures are used more often.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Bruno Almeida
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | - Maria Catarina Fernandes
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Ramos
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | | | | | | | - Mónica Nunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Lenea Campino
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, IHMT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
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Cardoso L, Gilad M, Cortes HCE, Nachum-Biala Y, Lopes AP, Vila-Viçosa MJ, Simões M, Rodrigues PA, Baneth G. First report of Anaplasma platys infection in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum in foxes from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:144. [PMID: 25889750 PMCID: PMC4369893 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0756-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The bacteria Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis and the protozoan Leishmania infantum are vector-borne agents that cause canine vector-borne diseases, some of which are zoonotic. The present survey investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Leishmania in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Portugal by molecular analysis, in order to evaluate the epidemiological role of these canids as reservoirs of infection. Methods Blood and/or bone marrow samples were collected from 78 red foxes obtained in eight districts of northern, central and southern Portugal. Real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) amplified a 123 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and a 265 bp fragment of the L. infantum internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1) region of the rRNA operon evaluated by PCR-high resolution melt analysis (PCR-HRM), with sequencing of the DNA products. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out to compare these to other sequences from Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. deposited in GenBank®. Results A. platys was detected in 10 (14.5%) and E. canis in two (2.9%) out of 69 foxes; and L. infantum was detected in one (1.3%) of the 78 foxes. The prevalence of A. platys was significantly different from the prevalence of E. canis (p=0.016) and from that of L. infantum (p=0.002). No co-infections were found in any one of the 78 foxes. No statistically significant differences were found between the type of sample (blood and bone marrow), geographic regions (north/centre and south), age (<2 years and ≥2 years) and gender for any one of the agents. Conclusions This is the first known report of A. platys in red foxes worldwide, as well as the first molecular evidence of E. canis in foxes from Portugal. The moderate prevalence of A. platys suggests that red foxes may play a role in the epidemiology of infection with this bacterium and serve as a reservoir for domestic dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Matan Gilad
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Helder C E Cortes
- Victor Caeiro Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal. .,Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Vila-Viçosa
- Victor Caeiro Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Margarida Simões
- Victor Caeiro Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Paula A Rodrigues
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
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Cortes HCE, Cardoso L, Giannelli A, Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Diversity of Cercopithifilaria species in dogs from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:261. [PMID: 24898125 PMCID: PMC4051959 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Filarioids belonging to the genus Cercopithifilaria (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) have been described in dogs in association with Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks, which act as their biological vectors. This study represents the first investigation on Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs from Portugal. Findings Dogs (n = 102) from the Algarve region (south of Portugal) were sampled by skin snip collection and tissues were left to soak overnight in saline solution. Sediments were observed under a light microscope and the detected microfilariae identified according to their morphology. Twenty-four dogs (23.5%) were found infected with at least one species of Cercopithifilaria, namely C. bainae (9.8%), C. grassii (3.9%) and Cercopithifilaria sp. II sensu Otranto et al., 2013 (13.7%). Results were confirmed by molecular amplification of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 12S rRNA genes and sequence analysis. Co-infections with more than one Cercopithifilaria species were detected in 3.9% of the animals. Conclusions This is the first report of Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs from Portugal. The estimated level of infection with C. bainae, C. grassii and Cercopithifilaria sp. II suggests that these filarioids are prevalent in the canine population of southern Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
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Maia C, Ramos C, Coimbra M, Bastos F, Martins A, Pinto P, Nunes M, Vieira ML, Cardoso L, Campino L. Bacterial and protozoal agents of feline vector-borne diseases in domestic and stray cats from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:115. [PMID: 24655431 PMCID: PMC3972989 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline vector-borne diseases (FVBD) have emerged in recent years, showing a wider geographic distribution and increased global prevalence. In addition to their veterinary importance, domestic cats play a central role in the transmission cycles of some FVBD agents by acting as reservoirs and sentinels, a circumstance that requires a One Health approach. The aim of the present work was to molecularly detect feline vector-borne bacteria and protozoa with veterinary and zoonotic importance, and to assess associated risk factors in cats from southern Portugal. METHODS Six hundred and forty-nine cats (320 domestic and 329 stray), from veterinary medical centres and animal shelters in southern Portugal, were studied. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania spp. infections were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood samples. RESULTS One hundred and ninety-four (29.9%) cats were PCR-positive to at least one of the tested genera or complex of FVBD agents. Sixty-four (9.9%) cats were positive to Leishmania spp., 56 (8.6%) to Hepatozoon spp., 43 (6.6%) to Babesia spp., 35 (5.4%) to Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., 19 (2.9%) to Bartonella spp. and 14 (2.2%) to B. burgdorferi s.l. Thirty-three (5.1%) cats were positive to two (n = 29) or three (n = 4) genera/complex. Babesia vogeli, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon felis and Leishmania infantum were identified by DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of FVBD agents in southern Portugal, some of them with zoonotic character, emphasizes the need to alert the veterinary community, owners and public health authorities for the risk of infection. Control measures should be implemented to prevent the infection of cats, other vertebrate hosts and people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.
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