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Ušanović L, Lasić L, Pojskić N, Destanović D, Hanjalić Kurtović J, Kalamujić Stroil B. The first molecular record of Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. bavariensis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:519-525. [PMID: 39255421 PMCID: PMC11441065 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2024.2399380] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex comprises 20 species, from which B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. bavariensis, and B. spielmanii are directly associated with Lyme borreliosis, while B. bissettiae, B. lusitaniae, and B. valaisiana were detected in individual cases. Their main vector in Europe is the hard tick species Ixodes ricinus. To date, two species, B. spielmanii and B. lusitaniae, have been molecularly detected in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To test for the presence of other Borrelia species, we performed nested PCR targeting intergenic region rrf (5S) - rrl (23S) on DNA isolates from 49 ticks collected from vegetation by flagging method and 43 removed from humans in The Center for Emergency Medical Assistance of the Sarajevo Canton and The Healthcare Centers of the Sarajevo Canton. Borrelia species were detected by one-directional Sanger sequencing of the amplified region using the same forward primer as in PCR. Out of six Borrelia species detected in the present study, this is the first record of B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi s.s. B. bavariensis, and B. valaisiana in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lejla Ušanović
- Laboratory for molecular genetics of natural resources, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Lejla Lasić
- Laboratory for molecular genetics of natural resources, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Naris Pojskić
- Laboratory for bioinformatics and biostatistics, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dalila Destanović
- Laboratory for molecular genetics of natural resources, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasna Hanjalić Kurtović
- Laboratory for molecular genetics of natural resources, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Belma Kalamujić Stroil
- Laboratory for molecular genetics of natural resources, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Rubel F, Kahl O. The Eurasian shrew and vole tick Ixodes trianguliceps: geographical distribution, climate preference, and pathogens detected. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s10493-023-00797-0. [PMID: 37160597 PMCID: PMC10293386 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The Eurasian shrew and vole tick Ixodes trianguliceps Birula lives in the nests and burrows of its small mammalian hosts and is-along with larvae and nymphs of Ixodes ricinus or Ixodes persulcatus-one of the most commonly collected tick species from these hosts in its Eurasian range. Ixodes trianguliceps is a proven vector of Babesia microti. In this study, up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and the climate preference of I. trianguliceps are presented. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 1161 georeferenced locations in Eurasia. This data set covers the entire range of I. trianguliceps for the first time. The distribution area between 8[Formula: see text] W-105[Formula: see text] E and 40-69[Formula: see text] N extends from Northern Spain to Western Siberia. To investigate the climate adaptation of I. trianguliceps, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The Köppen profile for I. trianguliceps, i.e., a frequency distribution of the tick occurrence under different climates, shows two peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round (Cfb), and boreal with warm or cold summers and precipitation all year round (Dfb, Dfc). Almost 97% of all known I. trianguliceps locations are related to these climates. Thus, I. trianguliceps prefers climates with warm or cold summers without dry periods. Cold winters do not limit the distribution of this nidicolous tick species, which has been recorded in the European Alps and the Caucasus Mountains up to altitudes of 2400 m. Conversely, I. trianguliceps does not occur in the Mediterranean area with its hot and dry summers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Probst J, Springer A, Strube C. Year-round tick exposure of dogs and cats in Germany and Austria: results from a tick collection study. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:70. [PMID: 36797779 PMCID: PMC9933410 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks and tick-borne diseases play a major role in companion animal health. Additionally, the European tick fauna is changing, for instance due to the spread of Dermacentor reticulatus, displaying a higher likelihood of winter activity than Ixodes ricinus. Therefore, we investigated current tick infestations in dogs and cats in Germany and in parts of Austria and the seasonal infestation risk. METHODS Overall, 219 veterinary practices were invited to collect ticks from cats and dogs on a monthly basis. Ticks were morphologically identified and female I. ricinus specimens were measured to estimate attachment duration. RESULTS In total, 19,514 ticks, 17,789 (91.2%) from Germany and 1506 (7.7%) from Austria, were received between March 2020 and October 2021, with 10,287 specimens (52.7%) detached from dogs, 8005 from cats (41.0%) and 1222 from other species (6.3%). In Germany, the most common tick species collected from dogs were I. ricinus (78.0%) and D. reticulatus (18.8%), while cats mainly harboured I. ricinus (91.3%) and I. hexagonus (5.5%) and only few D. reticulatus (0.6%). In Austria, collected I. ricinus reached similar proportions in dogs (90.4%) and cats (95.3%), followed by D. reticulatus in both dogs (5.2%) and cats (1.5%), with I. hexagonus (0.9%) collected only marginally from cats. The average infestation intensity amounted to 1.62 ticks/dog and 1.88 ticks/cat. The single to multiple infestation ratio was 79.1% to 20.9% in dogs and 69.0% to 31.0% in cats, with cats being significantly more often multiple infested than dogs, while the proportion of mixed-species infestations was 2.0% for both dogs and cats. The average attachment duration of female I. ricinus specimens amounted to 78.76 h for dogs and 82.73 h for cats. Furthermore, year-round tick exposure was confirmed, with 108 D. reticulatus and 70 I. ricinus received on average per month during December 2020 to February 2021. CONCLUSIONS The study shows a year-round tick infestation risk, with activity of both D. reticulatus and I. ricinus during winter, and confirms the widespread occurrence of D. reticulatus in Germany. Additionally, long average attachment durations and frequent multiple infestations underline the need for adequate year-round tick control, even during the winter months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Probst
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
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Kocoń A, Asman M, Nowak-Chmura M, Witecka J, Rączka G. Exposure of domestic dogs and cats to ticks (Acari: Ixodida) and selected tick-borne diseases in urban and recreational areas in southern Poland. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7851. [PMID: 35551225 PMCID: PMC9098862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11973-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The public health problem of tick-borne diseases has attracted much attention in recent years due to an increasing incidence in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne infections in dogs and cats in recreational and urbanized areas in the Lesser Poland and Silesian Provinces. For molecular testing for the presence of the selected pathogens, 207 I. ricinus females collected from 119 dogs and 50 cats, and 2 I. hexagonus females collected from 2 domestic dogs, were examined. Overall, A. phagocytophilum was found in 3.7% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 27.1%, and B. burgdorferi s.l. in 0.9%. In urban areas of both provinces, A. phagocytophilum was found in 4.8% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 41.6% andB. burgdorferi s.l. in 3.9%. Pathogens were detected B. microti in both studied I. hexagonus specimens. These findings may indicate the important role that these animals play in the circulation of these pathogens in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kocoń
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Marek Asman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-218, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Magdalena Nowak-Chmura
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084, Cracow, Poland
| | - Joanna Witecka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-218, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rączka
- Department of Forest Management Planning, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71c, 60‑625, Poznań, Poland
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Bajer A, Beck A, Beck R, Behnke JM, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Eichenberger RM, Farkas R, Fuehrer HP, Heddergott M, Jokelainen P, Leschnik M, Oborina V, Paulauskas A, Radzijevskaja J, Ranka R, Schnyder M, Springer A, Strube C, Tolkacz K, Walochnik J. Babesiosis in Southeastern, Central and Northeastern Europe: An Emerging and Re-Emerging Tick-Borne Disease of Humans and Animals. Microorganisms 2022; 10:945. [PMID: 35630388 PMCID: PMC9146636 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
There is now considerable evidence that in Europe, babesiosis is an emerging infectious disease, with some of the causative species spreading as a consequence of the increasing range of their tick vector hosts. In this review, we summarize both the historic records and recent findings on the occurrence and incidence of babesiosis in 20 European countries located in southeastern Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia), central Europe (Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland), and northern and northeastern Europe (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway), identified in humans and selected species of domesticated animals (cats, dogs, horses, and cattle). Recorded cases of human babesiosis are still rare, but their number is expected to rise in the coming years. This is because of the widespread and longer seasonal activity of Ixodes ricinus as a result of climate change and because of the more extensive use of better molecular diagnostic methods. Bovine babesiosis has a re-emerging potential because of the likely loss of herd immunity, while canine babesiosis is rapidly expanding in central and northeastern Europe, its occurrence correlating with the rapid, successful expansion of the ornate dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) populations in Europe. Taken together, our analysis of the available reports shows clear evidence of an increasing annual incidence of babesiosis across Europe in both humans and animals that is changing in line with similar increases in the incidence of other tick-borne diseases. This situation is of major concern, and we recommend more extensive and frequent, standardized monitoring using a "One Health" approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (D.D.-S.); (K.T.)
| | - Ana Beck
- Ribnjak 8, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (D.D.-S.); (K.T.)
| | - Ramon M. Eichenberger
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (R.M.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Department of Zoology, Musée National d’Historire Naturelle, 25, Rue Münster, 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Prepardness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department/Universitätsklinik für Kleintiere und Pferde, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Wien, Austria;
| | - Valentina Oborina
- Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51014 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.P.); (J.R.)
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.P.); (J.R.)
| | - Renate Ranka
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (R.M.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Springer
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Tolkacz
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (D.D.-S.); (K.T.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5A Pawińskiego Str, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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Distribution of ticks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101870. [PMID: 34837747 PMCID: PMC8683750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
From 42 sampling areas (municipalities) distributed throughout the country 6 193 tick samples were collected from the ixoidae family. I.ricinus was the most common tick species found, however with decreasing contribution to overall tick population compared to earlier studies. Dermacentor marginatus as second most common species found had doubled its presence compared to earlier studies. Changes is tick species distribution were discussed in light of increase of average annual temperature and rainfall, changes of land management and land use.
Ticks are one of the important groups of parasites, whose populations have increased in Europe in the last 20 years and, as vectors of many emerging diseases, are a major threat to human and animal health. Bosnia and Herzegovina has both climate and environmental conditions favorable for ticks. Given this risk, the aim of this study was to identify tick species currently present in this country and to compare the findings with previous studies, in order to update information on their spatial distribution and other parameters of occurrence. From March 2017 to April 2020, ticks were collected in 42 sampling areas (municipalities) throughout the country. Prespecified identification keys were used for identifying the ticks to the species level. A total of 6193 tick specimens from the Ixodidae family were collected from animal hosts or from vegetation. Ixodes ricinus was the most dominant tick species found. However, our results indicate a decrease in the relative contribution of this tick species to the overall abundance of tick populations. Dermacentor marginatus, which almost doubled in abundance compared to earlier studies, is the second most common tick species. We further confirmed the presence of Dermacentor reticulatus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Hyalomma marginatum and Haemaphysalis punctata. Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes canisuga and Haemaphysalis concinna, which were previously reported at low abundance were not found amongst our specimens.
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Prevalence of Babesia canis DNA in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in forest and urban ecosystems in west-central Poland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101786. [PMID: 34280697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Babesia canis, a widely distributed European tick-borne protozoan haemoparasite, causes canine babesiosis, the most important tick-borne disease afflicting dogs worldwide. The meadow tick, Dermacentor reticulatus, is considered to be the primary vector of this parasite in central Europe. Females of the more broadly distributed and medically important castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, also commonly feed upon dogs, but their role in the enzootic transmission cycle of B. canis is unclear. Here, we screened 1,598 host-seeking I. ricinus ticks collected from two different ecosystems, forest stands vs. urban recreational forests, for the presence of B. canis DNA. Ticks were sampled during their two seasonal peaks of activity, spring (May/June) and late summer (September). Babesia species were identified by amplification and sequencing of a hypervariable 18S rRNA gene fragment. Babesia canis was the only piroplasm detected in 13% of 200 larvae and 8.2% of 324 nymphs in the forest ecosystems. In urban recreational areas, B. canis DNA was found in 1.5% of 460 nymphs, 3.5% of 289 females and 3.2% of 280 males. Additionally, three samples, including one female, one male, and one nymph, were co-infected with B. venatorum and one nymph with B. divergens or B. capreoli. Our findings implicate that B. canis can be transmitted transovarially and maintained transstadially within populations of I. ricinus, but the vector competence of I. ricinus for transmitting B. canis remains to be investigated.
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Buczek A, Buczek W. Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010006. [PMID: 33375145 PMCID: PMC7822119 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.
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Rubel F, Brugger K, Belova OA, Kholodilov IS, Didyk YM, Kurzrock L, García-Pérez AL, Kahl O. Vectors of disease at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia: D. reticulatus and D. silvarum. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 82:95-123. [PMID: 32815071 PMCID: PMC7471206 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The two ixodid tick species Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius) and Dermacentor silvarum Olenev occur at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia, within the belt of [Formula: see text] latitude. Whilst the distribution area of D. reticulatus extends from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to Western Siberia, that of D. silvarum extends from Western Siberia to the Pacific coast. In Western Siberia, the distribution areas of the two Dermacentor species overlap. Although the two tick species are important vectors of disease, detailed information concerning the entire distribution area, climate adaptation, and proven vector competence is still missing. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 2188 georeferenced D. reticulatus and 522 D. silvarum locations. Up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and climate adaptation of the two Dermacentor species are presented. To investigate the climate adaptation of the two tick species, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The frequency distribution of D. reticulatus under different climates shows two major peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round (57%) and boreal with precipitation all year round (40%). The frequency distribution of D. silvarum shows also two major peaks related to boreal climates with precipitation all year round (30%) and boreal winter dry climates (60%). Dermacentor silvarum seems to be rather flexible concerning summer temperatures, which can range from cool to hot. In climates with cool summers D. reticulatus does not occur, it prefers warm and to a lesser extent hot summers. Lists are given in this paper for cases of proven vector competence for various agents of both Dermacentor species. For the first time, the entire distribution areas of D. reticulatus and D. silvarum were mapped using georeferenced data. Their climate adaptations were quantified by Köppen profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oxana A Belova
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S Kholodilov
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya M Didyk
- Institute of Zoology SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
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Jongejan F, de Jong S, Voskuilen T, van den Heuvel L, Bouman R, Heesen H, Ijzermans C, Berger L. "Tekenscanner": a novel smartphone application for companion animal owners and veterinarians to engage in tick and tick-borne pathogen surveillance in the Netherlands. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:116. [PMID: 30909941 PMCID: PMC6434828 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3373-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The engagement of companion animal owners into the process of collecting epidemiological data can be facilitated through smartphone applications. In April 2018, the “tekenscanner“ (Dutch for tick scanner) app was launched with the aim of engaging pet owners and veterinarians to record ticks removed from their pets and submit these ticks for identification and pathogen testing. Tick-borne pathogens identified in ticks removed from dogs and cats during the first 6 months after the app was launched in the Netherlands are reported. Methods The tekenscanner app was used to record the geographical coordinates of ticks removed from dogs or cats onto a map of the Netherlands. A barcode was assigned to each tick for the easy tracking of each submission to our laboratory for taxonomic identification. Thereafter, DNA extracted from the ticks was PCR amplified, subjected to reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) and screened for a broad range of tick-borne pathogens. Results were added to the same app, usually within 2 weeks after the submission of each tick. Results The app was downloaded 5591 times and resulted in the collection of 1273 georeferenced and barcoded ticks, with a peak submission in May and June of 2018. There were 1005 ticks collected from 406 dogs and 268 ticks collected from 111 cats. Ixodes ricinus was the predominant species (90.0%), with all stages found on dogs as well as on cats. Ixodes hexagonus (7.3%) female and nymphal ticks were also identified on both hosts, whereas adults of Dermacentor reticulatus (2.4%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.2%) were exclusively found on dogs. Nearly 15% of the ticks recovered from dogs carried one or more pathogens, whereas 13.8% of the ticks removed from cats were infected. Ixodes ricinus collected from dogs contained Borrelia spp. (1.9%), Babesia spp. (0.7%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.3%), “Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis” (2.9%) and Rickettsia helvetica (7.3%). Ixodes ricinus recovered from cats were infected with Borrelia spp. (1.9%), Babesia spp. (0.4%), A. phagocytophilum (1.9%), “Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis” (2.6%) and R. helvetica (6.7%). Ixodes hexagonus ticks (n = 93) were not infected. Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, found only in autumn, were infected with Rickettsia raoultii (16 %) and A. phagocytophilum. Three R. sanguineus, on dogs from France and the USA imported into the Netherlands, were all negative. Conclusions The tekenscanner app is a versatile tool to use for submission of ticks and facilitated the fast feedback of test results. Community engagement through the app is suitable for identifying hotspots for ticks and tick-borne pathogens and provided an early warning system for exotic ticks invading the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Suzanne de Jong
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Voskuilen
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Louise van den Heuvel
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Bouman
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Heesen
- Bayer Animal Health, Energieweg 1, 3641 RT, Mijdrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn Ijzermans
- Bayer Animal Health, Energieweg 1, 3641 RT, Mijdrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Berger
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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11
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Surveillance of British ticks: An overview of species records, host associations, and new records of Ixodes ricinus distribution. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:605-614. [PMID: 29426591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Public Health England's passive Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) records the distribution, seasonality and host associations of ticks submitted from across the United Kingdom (UK), and helps to inform the UK government on emerging tick-borne disease risks. Here we summarise data collected through surveillance during 2010-2016, and compare with previous TSS data from 2005 to 2009, particularly in relation to the primary Lyme borreliosis vector Ixodes ricinus. 4173 records were submitted, constituting >14,000 ticks; 97% were endemic tick records (13,833 ticks of 11 species), with an additional 97 records of imported ticks (438 ticks of 17 species). Tick submissions were mainly from veterinary professionals (n = 1954; 46.8%) and members of the public and amateur entomologists (n = 1600; 38.3%), as well as from academic institutions (n = 249; 6.0%), wildlife groups (n = 239; 5.7%) and health professionals (n = 131; 3.1%). The most commonly reported hosts of endemic ticks were dogs (n = 1593; 39.1% of all records), humans (n = 835; 20.5%) and cats (n = 569; 14%). New host associations were recorded for a number of tick species. Ixodes ricinus was the most frequently recorded endemic tick species (n = 2413; 59.2% of all records), followed by I. hexagonus (n = 1355; 33.2%), I. canisuga (n = 132; 3.2%) and I. frontalis (n = 56; 1.4%), with other species each making up <1% total records. 81% of I. ricinus recorded from humans were nymphs, whereas 93.4% of I. ricinus from companion animals were adults. Recent TSS records of I. ricinus in the UK add a considerable amount of new presence data for this species, particularly in the southern regions of England, and confirm that this species is widespread across the UK. The scheme remains a valuable method of collecting continuous national distribution data on ticks from a variety of host species.
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12
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Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens: Babesia and Borrelia species in ticks infesting cats of Great Britain. Vet Parasitol 2017; 244:129-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Serological and molecular investigation of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in ticks and blood of dogs, in the Thrace Region of Turkey. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:706-714. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Król N, Obiegala A, Pfeffer M, Lonc E, Kiewra D. Detection of selected pathogens in ticks collected from cats and dogs in the Wrocław Agglomeration, South-West Poland. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:351. [PMID: 27329450 PMCID: PMC4915085 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1632-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne infections are no longer confined to rural areas, they are documented with increasing frequency in urban settlements across the world. They are known to cause diseases in humans as well as in their companion animals. Methods During a period of 2 years, from January 2013 until December 2014, ticks were collected from dogs and cats in 18 veterinary clinics in the Wrocław Agglomeration, Poland. In total, 1455 ticks were found on 931 pets: 760 domestic dogs and 171 cats. For molecular examinations 127 I. ricinus ticks (115 females and 12 males) were randomly selected, all collected I. hexagonus (n = 137, 32 females, 98 nymphs, 7 larvae) and all collected D. reticulatus (n = 46, 31 females, 15 males) were taken. Ixodes ricinus and I. hexagonus ticks were tested for Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Babesia spp., while D. reticulatus ticks were investigated for Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp. only. Results In total, 65.4 % I. ricinus ticks were infected with at least one pathogen. Over 50 % of I. ricinus were positive for Rickettsia spp. (R. helvetica and R. monacensis). The infection level with A. phagocytophilum was 21.3 %. DNA of Cand. N. mikurensis was detected in 8.1 % I. ricinus ticks. Interestingly only female ticks were infected. The prevalence of Babesia spp. was confirmed in 9.0 % of I. ricinus involving the species B. microti and B. venatorum. A total of nineteen double, one triple and two quadruple infections were found in I. ricinus ticks only. Almost 11 % of I. hexagonus ticks were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens. Rickettsia spp. infection was found in 2.2 %, while A. phagocytophilum was detected in 8.1 % of I. hexagonus ticks. Only one nymph was positive for Cand. N. mikurensis and none of I. hexagonus ticks harbored a Babesia spp. Over 60 % of D. reticulatus ticks were positive for rickettsial DNA, exclusively belonging to the species R. raoultii. Conclusion The high tick infestation rates and the prevalence of pathogens found in these ticks demonstrate a serious level of encounter to tick-borne diseases in urban dogs in the Wroclaw area, and provide evidence that dogs and cats themselves may substantially contribute to the circulation of the ticks and pathogens in the urban area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Król
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elżbieta Lonc
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
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15
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Földvári G, Široký P, Szekeres S, Majoros G, Sprong H. Dermacentor reticulatus: a vector on the rise. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:314. [PMID: 27251148 PMCID: PMC4888597 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is a hard tick species with extraordinary biological features. It has a high reproduction rate, a rapid developmental cycle, and is also able to overcome years of unfavourable conditions. Dermacentor reticulatus can survive under water for several months and is cold-hardy even compared to other tick species. It has a wide host range: over 60 different wild and domesticated hosts are known for the three active developmental stages. Its high adaptiveness gives an edge to this tick species as shown by new data on the emergence and establishment of D. reticulatus populations throughout Europe. The tick has been the research focus of a growing number of scientists, physicians and veterinarians. Within the Web of Science database, more than a fifth of the over 700 items published on this species between 1897 and 2015 appeared in the last three years (2013–2015). Here we attempt to synthesize current knowledge on the systematics, ecology, geographical distribution and recent spread of the species and to highlight the great spectrum of possible veterinary and public health threats it poses. Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis is a severe leading canine vector-borne disease in many endemic areas. Although less frequently than Ixodes ricinus, D. reticulatus adults bite humans and transmit several Rickettsia spp., Omsk haemorrhagic fever virus or Tick-borne encephalitis virus. We have not solely collected and reviewed the latest and fundamental scientific papers available in primary databases but also widened our scope to books, theses, conference papers and specialists colleagues’ experience where needed. Besides the dominant literature available in English, we also tried to access scientific literature in German, Russian and eastern European languages as well. We hope to inspire future research projects that are necessary to understand the basic life-cycle and ecology of this vector in order to understand and prevent disease threats. We conclude that although great strides have been made in our knowledge of the eco-epidemiology of this species, several gaps still need to be filled with basic research, targeting possible reservoir and vector roles and the key factors resulting in the observed geographical spread of D. reticulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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16
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Pantchev N, Pluta S, Huisinga E, Nather S, Scheufelen M, Vrhovec MG, Schweinitz A, Hampel H, Straubinger RK. Tick-borne Diseases (Borreliosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis) in German and Austrian Dogs: Status quo and Review of Distribution, Transmission, Clinical Findings, Diagnostics and Prophylaxis. Parasitol Res 2016; 114 Suppl 1:S19-54. [PMID: 26152408 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4513-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBD) in dogs have gained in significance in German and Austrian veterinary practices. The widespread European tick species Ixodes ricinus represents an important vector for spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group and Rickettsiales such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The meadow or ornate dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus) is an important vector for Babesia canis, as is the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) for Babesia vogeli in the Mediterranean region. The present work covers pathogen transmission by tick vectors, including the mechanisms and the minimum intervals required, in conjunction with possible non-vector-borne transmission routes. It also addresses the incubation periods, pathogenicity and clinical findings associated with each pathogen and genospecies and presents case examples. Current data on prevalence, annual fluctuations and distribution in various pre-selected dog populations (symptomatic versus asymptomatic) in both countries are depicted in maps. Reasons for changes in prevalence (especially of Borrelia) are discussed. Criteria and algorithms for clinical diagnosis and monitoring in dogs, including case history, direct detection (blood smears, molecular detection by species-specific PCR and sequencing) and indirect methods (whole-cell and peptide-based antibody tests), are presented, together with laboratory abnormalities (haematology, clinical chemistry, urine). The role of anti-C6 antibody concentration (ACAC) and its correlation with proteinuria and Lyme nephritis are assessed on the basis of new data. Consideration is also given to the importance of blood smears, PCR and serology in the case of anaplasmosis and babesiosis, and the diagnostic value of combining these methods. The relevance of molecular differentiation of Anaplasma species (A. phagocytophilum versus A. platys) and Babesia spp. (large versus small forms) in cases of serological cross-reaction is emphasized. A summary is given of methods for prophylaxis using acaricide products (collars, spot-on solutions and oral treatments in both countries), vaccination (Borrelia and Babesia vaccines) and imidocarb-based chemoprophylaxis for large Babesia.
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17
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Eichenberger RM, Riond B, Willi B, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Deplazes P. Prognostic Markers in Acute Babesia canis Infections. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:174-82. [PMID: 26727465 PMCID: PMC4913656 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Canine babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis, is a prevalent and clinically relevant disease in Europe. Severe acute babesiosis is characterized by a high mortality but prognosis is not always correlated with clinical signs nor with the level of parasitemia. Objective This study evaluated prognostic markers associated with poor outcomes in acute Babesia canis infections. Animals and Methods We compared the results of routine laboratory profiles, hand‐held lactate and glucose analyzer, and the acute phase response in 2 groups of naturally infected dogs (7 survivors and 8 nonsurvivors). Samples were collected at the time of first admission and before any treatment. Subsequently, the course of prognostic markers was followed in 3 dogs experimentally inoculated with B. canis. Results Nonsurvivors showed significantly higher concentrations of lactate, triglycerides and phosphate and lower hematocrit, leukocyte counts, total serum protein concentrations, and thrombocyte counts when compared to survivors. All nonsurvivors (8/8) had hyperlactatemia, whereas most survivors (6/7) had values within the reference range. All survivors had leucocyte counts within the reference range, unlike the nonsurvivors, which showed leukopenia. During the course of acute babesiosis, the variables serum lactate, triglyceride, and phosphate concentrations, and thrombocyte count only exceeded a prognostic threshold during acute crisis. Conclusions and clinical importance Poor outcome in acute B. canis infection is indicated by changes in the laboratory profile. Intensive care should be considered for dogs presenting with moderate anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, mild to moderate leukopenia, hyperlactatemia, moderately increased serum phosphate, and triglyceride concentrations, and moderately decreased total serum protein concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Eichenberger
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - B Willi
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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