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Madan N, Azhahianambi P, Babu RPA, Gayen N, Tirumurugaan KG, Sridhar R, Soundararajan C. First report of occurrence of Babesia gibsoni in captive Indian wolves. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 53:101071. [PMID: 39025542 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Blood samples from fifteen captive Indian wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) maintained at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai were screened for the presence of Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis and Trypnosoma evansi DNA by PCR. Out of 15 wolf samples, 3 samples were found positive for Babesia spp. The amplified 18S rRNA gene fragments from 3 wolves were sequenced and confirmed as Babesia gibsoni. A maximum likelihood tree was constructed using the three sequences along with other Babesia spp. sequences derived from GenBank adopting HKY nucleotide substitution model based on the Bayesian Information Criterion. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the three sequences were of Babesia gibsoni and highly divergent from Babesia canis, B. vogeli and B. vulpes. This might be a possible spill over event of B. gibsoni from community dogs through blood feeding dog ticks. This is the first report and molecular confirmation of B. gibsoni infection in captive Indian wolves.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Madan
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, India
| | - P Azhahianambi
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, India.
| | - R P Aravindh Babu
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, India
| | - Neelanjana Gayen
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, India
| | - K G Tirumurugaan
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, India
| | - R Sridhar
- Central University Laboratory, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600 051, India
| | - C Soundararajan
- Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil TableNadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600 051, India
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Karasová M, Blaňarová L, Tóthová C, Hrčková G, Kisková T, Ševčíková Z, Revajová V, Nagy O, Víchová B. Successful Transmammary Treatment of Babesia gibsoni Infection in Newborn Puppies after the Administration of Malarone ®, Azithromycin, and Artesunate to a Lactating Dam. Pathogens 2024; 13:562. [PMID: 39057789 PMCID: PMC11279716 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is a parasitic protozoan transmitted through tick bites and can cause severe disease in dogs. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood during dog fights, blood transfusions, and from dam to offspring during the perinatal period, resulting in stillborn or dead newborn puppies. This study aimed to determine the incidence of infection, the viability of newborn puppies, and the degree of B. gibsoni transmission from infected dam to offspring during pregnancy and lactation. Using PCR-based molecular methods, B. gibsoni infection in a pregnant American Pit Bull Terrier and her newborn puppies was confirmed. The incidence of B. gibsoni infection in the litter reached 75%. Out of eight puppies, six were infected with B. gibsoni, and one died. A therapeutic protocol comprising Malarone®, azithromycin, and artesunate was administered to a lactating B. gibsoni-positive bitch. By day 77 after birth, three out of five positive puppies showed negative PCR tests for B. gibsoni, indicating successful treatment through breast milk during nursing. In the two remaining positive puppies, therapy was started and parasitemia was successfully eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Karasová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Blaňarová
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. Jakub’s Hospital with Polyclinic, 08501 Bardejov, Slovakia;
| | - Csilla Tóthová
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (C.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Gabriela Hrčková
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Terézia Kisková
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, 04180 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Zuzana Ševčíková
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.Š.); (V.R.)
| | - Viera Revajová
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.Š.); (V.R.)
| | - Oskar Nagy
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (C.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology of Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia;
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Espejo E, Galante A, Tremori TM, Kmetiuk LB, Laiola MA, Biondo AW, Maiorka P. Case report: First criminal conviction of dog fighting in Brazil: an international network organization. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1327436. [PMID: 38260207 PMCID: PMC10800658 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1327436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Although banned in several countries worldwide, dog fighting has remained a challenge, particularly on criminal investigation, recognition, and prosecution. Besides animal cruelty, dog fighting has been controlled mostly by criminal organizations and accompanied by illegal gambling and drug trafficking. While such competitions may be impaired by advances of legislation on animal welfare and media coverage, international organized crime has been migrating to less regulated and enforced countries. The case herein reported a flagrant dog fighting investigation in an international event involving 27 Pitbull dogs in Mairiporã, located 50 km outside São Paulo City, Brazil. An international network of dog fighting was revealed at the tournament, along with presence of organizers from USA, Mexico, and Peru. Proof was obtained on-site about other similar past and future competitions in other Latin American countries. Dogs were rescued, thoroughly examined for signs of animal cruelty, surveyed for potential diseases, and tested positive for visceral canine leishmaniasis. The process conducted by the state hearing resulted in the highest criminal sentence attributed to animal cruelty in Brazil to date, serving as jurisprudence for future prosecutions. Forensic veterinary medicine was essential in this case as a specialty for police and court assistance, leading to detailed and undeniable report of animal cruelty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Espejo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alina Galante
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tália Missen Tremori
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Veterinary MedicineFederal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Department of Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary MedicineFederal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Department of Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Paulo Maiorka
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Huggins LG, Baydoun Z, Mab R, Khouri Y, Schunack B, Traub RJ, Colella V. Transmission of haemotropic mycoplasma in the absence of arthropod vectors within a closed population of dogs on ectoparasiticides. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10143. [PMID: 37349533 PMCID: PMC10287653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37079-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dog-infecting haemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas), such as Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum are common blood-borne pathogens of canines that can potentially inflict a substantial burden of disease, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. Nonetheless, the transmission of these pathogens remains debated as more evidence emerges that they may not be transmitted by vectors, but instead use alternative methods such as aggressive interactions and vertical transmission. Here, we treated forty dogs with two different topically-acting ectoparasiticide products able to prevent vector-borne pathogen infections during an 8-month community trial in Cambodia. A total absence of ectoparasites were observed at all time points, and no new infections caused by pathogens confirmed as being vectorially-transmitted were detected, i.e., Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Hepatozoon canis. Conversely, the number of haemoplasma infections in dogs on both ectoparasiticides rose significantly, with an incidence of 26 infections per 100 dogs at risk per year, providing strong evidence of non-vectorial transmission. Over the study period, dog aggression and fighting were frequently observed, highlighting a different potential mode of transmission. This study presents the first robust evidence that canine haemoplasmas may be transmitted without arthropod vectors drawing attention to the need for new methods to prevent their transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
| | - Zahida Baydoun
- Animal Mama Veterinary Hospital, Phnom Penh, 12312, Cambodia
| | - Ron Mab
- Animal Mama Veterinary Hospital, Phnom Penh, 12312, Cambodia
| | - Yulia Khouri
- Animal Mama Veterinary Hospital, Phnom Penh, 12312, Cambodia
| | | | - Rebecca J Traub
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
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Javeed NN, Shultz L, Barnum S, Foley JE, Hodzic E, Pascoe EL, Martínez-López B, Quinn N, Bucklin D, Dear JD. Prevalence and geographic distribution of Babesia conradae and detection of Babesia vogeli in free-ranging California coyotes ( Canis latrans). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 19:294-300. [PMID: 36425769 PMCID: PMC9679446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Babesia species are intraerythrocytic piroplasms that can result in disease characterized by hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Of the 5 species that are known to infect canids in the United States, Babesia conradae is most frequently diagnosed in California, and Babesia vogeli is prevalent in the US. Despite the recent re-emergence of B. conradae, the mechanism of transmission is not known. Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been a proposed reservoir of disease, and previous work has shown that dogs with known aggressive interactions with coyotes are at greater risk for infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of B. conradae in wild coyote populations in California to assess the viability of coyotes as a potential source of infection for domestic dogs. Four hundred and sixty-one splenic samples were obtained during post-mortem examination of coyote carcasses from Southern California, Fresno, and Hopland. Demographic data including age, sex, cause of death, and urbanity were collected for each coyote. DNA was extracted from samples and amplified using real-time PCR with primers specific for the B. conradae ITS-2 gene. The 18S gene was amplified and sequenced using conventional PCR primers specific to the Babesia genus from any coyotes positive for B. conradae. In total, 22 coyotes tested positive for B. conradae in Fresno (n = 15), Orange (n = 4), San Bernardino (n = 1), and Los Angeles counties (n = 1) with an overall prevalence of 4.8%. Coyotes from Fresno (P<.01) and rural coyotes (P<.01) were significantly more likely to be infected with B. conradae. Ten of 14 samples sequenced were 99-100% homologous to B. conradae, and 4 samples were 100% homologous with B. vogeli DNA indicating co-infection with both pathogens. This study demonstrates that coyotes can become infected and harbor B. conradae and B. vogeli and should be investigated as a possible source of infection in domestic dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia N. Javeed
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA, 95616 USA
| | - Laura Shultz
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA, 95616 USA
| | - Samantha Barnum
- Real-Time PCR Research and Diagnostics Core Facility, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Janet E. Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA, 95616 USA
| | - Emir Hodzic
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA, 95616 USA
- Real-Time PCR Research and Diagnostics Core Facility, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Emily L. Pascoe
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA, 95616 USA
| | - Beatríz Martínez-López
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA, 95616 USA
| | - Niamh Quinn
- South Coast Research and Extension Center, University of California, 1706 Irvine Blvd, Irvine CA, 92618, USA
| | - Danielle Bucklin
- South Coast Research and Extension Center, University of California, 1706 Irvine Blvd, Irvine CA, 92618, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Dear
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1 Garrod Dr, Davis, CA, 95616 USA
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Hemotropic Mycoplasma. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1319-1340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Lineberry MW, Grant AN, Sundstrom KD, Little SE, Allen KE. Diversity and geographic distribution of rickettsial agents identified in brown dog ticks from across the United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102050. [PMID: 36194975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, or brown dog ticks, transmit a variety of pathogens of veterinary and public health importance globally. Pathogens vectored by brown dog ticks and identified in the United States include Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and several spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. (SFGR). Due to the challenge of collecting canine blood samples nationwide to screen for exposure to these pathogens, we took an indirect approach and tested brown dog ticks for molecular evidence of infection. Brown dog ticks (616 adults and 65 nymphs) collected from dogs and cats across the nation were tested by separate PCR assays detecting Babesia spp., E. canis, and SFGR. While no Babesia sp. was found, we identified rickettsial agents in 3.5% (24/681; 95% CI 2.4-5.2%) of the ticks. Pathogens and related organisms detected in ticks included E. canis (n = 1), Rickettsia amblyommatis (n = 3), Rickettsia massiliae (n = 11), Rickettsia monacensis (n = 3), Rickettsia montanensis (n = 5), and an undefined Rickettsia species (n = 1). These data demonstrate a wider geographic distribution of R. massiliae than previously known, and to the authors' knowledge, reports R. monacensis in brown dog ticks for the first time. Due to the close association that brown dog ticks have with domestic dogs and humans, more research is needed to understand the full array of organisms, some of which are zoonotic, potentially transmitted by this widespread tick complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Amber N Grant
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Kellee D Sundstrom
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
| | - Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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The Welfare of Fighting Dogs: Wounds, Neurobiology of Pain, Legal Aspects and the Potential Role of the Veterinary Profession. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172257. [PMID: 36077977 PMCID: PMC9454875 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dog fights are cruel and harmful events which have a clear impact on animal welfare. For this reason, many countries have banned these events via statute. However, in some regions of the world they are still legal. Moreover, the enforcement of legal bans can be problematic in countries where they are illegal, and they may still occur. This article provides background information on dog fighting and the welfare implications of it. This includes consideration for the pain inflicted, and its mechanisms of perception and recognition. It also analyzes the injuries and emotions experienced by the animals and considers the profile of the breeders and handlers involved in the activity. Since welfare concerns often extend beyond the animals’ fighting lives, a discussion around the possibilities of reintroduction into suitable environments for these animals is also made. Finally, attention is turned to the role that veterinarians can and should play in dealing with these issues of welfare. Abstract Throughout history it has been common to practice activities which significantly impact on animal welfare. Animal fighting, including dogfighting, is a prime example where animals often require veterinary care, either to treat wounds and fractures or to manage pain associated with tissue and where death may even result. Amongst the detrimental health effects arising are the sensory alterations that these injuries cause, which not only include acute or chronic pain but can also trigger a greater sensitivity to other harmful (hyperalgesia) or even innocuous stimuli (allodynia). These neurobiological aspects are often ignored and the erroneous assumption made that the breeds engaged in organized fighting have a high pain threshold or, at least, they present reduced or delayed responses to painful stimuli. However, it is now widely recognized that the damage these dogs suffer is not only physical but psychological, emotional, and sensory. Due to the impact fighting has on canine welfare, it is necessary to propose solution strategies, especially educational ones, i.e., educating people and training veterinarians, the latter potentially playing a key role in alerting people to all dog welfare issues. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the risk factors associated with dogfighting generally (dog temperament, age, sex, nutrition, testosterone levels, environment, isolation conditions, socialization, education, or training). A neurobiological approach to this topic is taken to discuss the impact on dog pain and emotion. Finally, a general discussion of the format of guidelines and laws that seek to sanction them is presented. The role that veterinarians can play in advancing dog welfare, rehabilitating dogs, and educating the public is also considered.
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Kidd L, Hamilton H, Stine L, Qurollo B, Breitschwerdt EB. Vector-borne disease and its relationship to hematologic abnormalities and microalbuminuria in retired racing and show-bred greyhounds. Vet Med (Auckl) 2022; 36:1287-1294. [PMID: 35816034 PMCID: PMC9308419 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Reference intervals for platelets and white blood cell (WBCs) counts are lower in greyhounds than other breeds. Proteinuria is common. Vector‐borne diseases (VBD) cause thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and proteinuria. Racing greyhounds are commonly exposed to vectors that carry multiple organisms capable of chronically infecting clinically healthy dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives Vector‐borne disease prevalence is higher in retired racing greyhounds than in show‐bred greyhounds. Occult infection contributes to breed‐related laboratory abnormalities. Animals Thirty National Greyhound Association (NGA) retired racing and 28 American Kennel Club (AKC) show‐bred greyhounds. Methods Peripheral blood was tested for Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia species using PCR. Antibodies to Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species and Borrelia burgdorferi were detected using immunofluorescence and ELISA assays. Complete blood counts, semiquantitative platelet estimates, and microalbuminuria concentration were determined. Results Seven of 30 NGA and 1/28 AKC greyhounds tested positive for ≥1 VBD (P = .05). More positive tests were documented in NGA (10/630) than in AKC dogs (1/588; P = .02). Exposure to Bartonella species (3/30), Babesia vogeli (2/30), Ehrlichia canis (1/30), and infection with Mycoplasma hemocanis (3/30) occurred in NGA dogs. Platelet counts or estimates were >170 000/μL. White blood cell counts <4000/μL (4/28 AKC; 5/30 NGA, P > .99; 1/8 VBD positive; 8/51 VBD negative, P = .99) and microalbuminuria (10/21 AKC; 5/26 NGA, P = .06; 1/8 VBD positive; 14/25 VBD negative, P = .41) were not associated with VBD. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The prevalence of thrombocytopenia and B. vogeli exposure was lower than previously documented. Larger studies investigating the health impact of multiple VBD organisms are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Kidd
- Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Pomona, California, USA
| | | | - Lisa Stine
- Independent Contractor, Scio, Oregon, USA
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Liu Q, Zhan X, Li D, Zhao J, Wei H, Alzan H, He L. Establishment and Application of an Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Measuring GPI-Anchored Protein 52 (P52) Antibodies in Babesia gibsoni-Infected Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1197. [PMID: 35565622 PMCID: PMC9099545 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is a malaria-like protozoan that parasitizes the red blood cells of canids to cause babesiosis. Due to its high expression and essential function in the survival of parasites, the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor protein family is considered an excellent immunodiagnostic marker. Herein, we identified a novel GPI-anchored protein named as BgGPI52-WH with a size of 52 kDa; the recombinant BgGPI52-WH with high antigenicity and immunogenicity was used as a diagnostic antigen to establish a new iELISA method. The iELISA had a sensitivity of 1:400, and no cross-reaction with other apicomplexan parasites occurred. We further demonstrated that the degree of variation was less than 10% using the same samples from the same or different batches of an enzyme-labeled strip. It was found that the method was able to detect early infection (6 days after infection) in the sera of the B. gibsoni-infected experimental dogs in which antibody response to rBgGPI52-WH was evaluated. Clinical sera from pet hospitals were further tested, and the average positive rate was about 11.41% (17/149). The results indicate that BgGPI52-WH is a reliable diagnostic antigen, and the new iELISA could be used as a practical method for the early diagnosis of B. gibsoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Q.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xueyan Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Q.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dongfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Q.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Q.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Haiyong Wei
- Liuzhou Animal Husbandry Station in Guangxi Province, Liuzhou 545025, China;
| | - Heba Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA;
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Research Unit, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Lan He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Q.L.); (X.Z.); (D.L.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan 430070, China
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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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12
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Yang WY, Reynolds C, Mestek A, Huang GC, Lee CJ, Wang SL. A molecular and serological survey in Taiwan to determine the true risk of babesiosis in dogs not receiving regular tick prevention. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 27:100670. [PMID: 35012727 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100670] [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: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is an important tick-borne disease worldwide. The prevalence varies between regions and countries; however, the incidence of tick infection is associated with the status of preventive tick control measures by the owner. To date, no studies have investigated the incidence of canine babesiosis and the condition of tick prevention in Taiwan. Therefore, the true risk of babesiosis could be underestimated in dogs that are not receiving tick prophylaxis. Samples were collected at 51 hospitals around Taiwan from 265 dogs not receiving regular tick prophylaxis. Diagnostic real-time PCR was performed, and 28 dogs (10.6%) were positive for Babesia spp., including B. gibsoni (26/28) and B. vogeli (2/28). Thirty-nine dogs (14.7%) were seropositive to B. gibsoni. Take the real-time PCR positive as the Babesia infected case, the positive and negative predictive value of serological assay were 64.1% and 98.7%, respectively. The seropositivity of B. gibsoni was significantly associated with real-time PCR positivity for Babesia spp. and vice versa (p < 0.001). The odds of seropositive representing real-time PCR positivity was 132.7 times greater than the seronegative (OR: 132.731, 95% CI 35.683-493.728). Risk factors in the population identified included: dogs with a short-haired coat; intact dogs; dogs from multi-dog households; dogs with more than 10 ticks and fleas on the skin; dogs that go outdoors more than 9 times per week; and dogs with an abnormal blood test result that included anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. However, the dogs were not tested for other co-infections, therefore, these hematological risk factors should be carefully interpreted and confirmed by further diagnostic tests. In conclusion, when dogs present with abnormal blood test results and share the risk factors listed above, babesiosis should be seriously considered and followed up with molecular and serological testing. The serological assay used in this study can provide valuable information in diagnosing babesiosis in dogs in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC; Zoonoses Research Center and School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | - Anton Mestek
- Assay R&D, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, USA
| | | | | | - Shang-Lin Wang
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC; National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC.
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13
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Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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14
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Babesia gibsoni infection in Italy: a cross sectional study of 607 blood samples belonging to dogs that needed a molecular analysis investigation (2016-2019). VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 25:100596. [PMID: 34474789 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni (B. gibsoni) infection was sporadically described in Europe. In Italy, in particular, it was detected by PCR analysis only in one dog with unclear source of infection, while it has never been found in molecular studies involving more subjects. The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to determine the presence and the proportion of B. gibsoni infected dogs in a convenient Italian canine population. Babesia spp PCR analysis reports of canine blood samples collected from January 2016 to December 2019 were selected from the San Marco veterinary laboratory database and evaluated. Piroplasms PCR analysis was performed on 18S rRNA gene and positive samples were sequenced. Available data about signalment, living area and season of diagnosis were evaluated and statistically analyzed. The studied canine population had a median age of 62 months (interquartile range, IQR: 72.5) and was composed of male/female purebred and mixed breed dogs. Through sequencing, B. canis (26/40, 65%), B. vogeli (7/40, 17.5%), B. gibsoni (6/40, 15%) and B. vulpes (1/40, 2.5%) infections were reported. The proportion of B. gibsoni infected dogs in the described population was of 0.99%. The infection resulted more likely in male (6/6, 100%), purebred (5/6, 83.3%) dogs with median age of 40.5 months (IQR:32.3). In one case, the clinical signs and parasitemia appeared after a dogfight with a cohabitant infected dog. No other plausible sources of infection were detected. Likely, this could be considered the first autochthonous B. gibsoni infection case documented in Italy. Our results underline the need of considering B. gibsoni not only an exotic, random and rare cause of disease for dogs in Italy, but a possible emerging pathogen to take into account during diagnostic and epidemiological investigations, in symptomatic as well as in asymptomatic patients.
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15
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Tuska-Szalay B, Vizi Z, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Vajdovich P, Takács N, Meli ML, Farkas R, Stummer-Knyihár V, Jerzsele Á, Kontschán J, Szekeres S, Hornok S. Babesia gibsoni emerging with high prevalence and co-infections in “fighting dogs” in Hungary. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100048. [PMID: 35284859 PMCID: PMC8906116 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is considered as an emerging protozoan parasite of dogs in North America and Europe. However, no data have been published on its prevalence, molecular-phylogenetic characteristics and associated co-infections in dogs used for illegal fighting (i.e. predisposed to acquiring this piroplasm via biting) in Europe. In this study, blood samples from 79 American Staffordshire Terrier dogs, confiscated for illegal dog fights, were molecularly analyzed for tick-borne pathogens. Babesiagibsoni was detected in 32 dogs, i.e. with a prevalence of 40.5%. In addition, Babesia vulpes was found in 8 samples (prevalence of 10.1%), for the first time in dogs in Hungary. Canine hemoplasmas were also identified in 49 samples (62%): only Mycoplasma haemocanis in 32 (40.5%) dogs, only “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” in 9 (11.4%) dogs, and both hemoplasmas in 8 (10.1%) dogs. Thus, hemoplasma infections also showed a particularly high prevalence in this dog population. Based on a partial fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, B. gibsoni from Hungary exhibited complete sequence identity with conspecific strains reported from Europe and Asia. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequence of this isolate showed the closest identity with B. gibsoni reported from Japan but had a nonsynonymous mutation (M33I). Furthermore, the 11 B. gibsoni-positive samples analyzed for sequence variants of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene showed the presence of a common mutation (P310S). Most importantly, B. gibsoni had two further nonsynonymous mutations, M121I and F258L, in a dog with severe and relapsing anemia following atovaquone treatment. Phylogenetically, both cytb sequence variants clustered together, with a clear geographical pattern showing the closest relationship of both haplotypes identified in Hungary with those from China and Japan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first cox1 and cytb characterization of B. gibsoni in Europe, as well as the first report on the emergence of this piroplasm and hemoplasmas with high prevalence among “fighting dogs” north of the Mediterranean Basin. High prevalence of Babesia gibsoni and canine hemoplasmas in “fighting dogs”. Molecular evidence for infection with Babesia vulpes in dogs in Hungary. Closest identity with sequences from Asia in two of the three genetic markers tested. Two unique nonsynonymous mutations of B. gibsoni in the case of a dog. First report of atovaquone resistance for B. gibsoni in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zsuzsanna Vizi
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Péter Vajdovich
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Oncology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Stummer-Knyihár
- Police Education and Training Centre of Hungarian Police, Service Dog Training Centre, Dunakeszi, Hungary
| | - Ákos Jerzsele
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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16
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Mahachi K, Kontowicz E, Anderson B, Toepp AJ, Lima AL, Larson M, Wilson G, Grinnage-Pulley T, Bennett C, Ozanne M, Anderson M, Fowler H, Parrish M, Saucier J, Tyrrell P, Palmer Z, Buch J, Chandrashekar R, Scorza B, Brown G, Oleson JJ, Petersen CA. Predominant risk factors for tick-borne co-infections in hunting dogs from the USA. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:247. [PMID: 32404151 PMCID: PMC7218638 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04118-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both incidence and geographical range of tick-borne disease has increased across the USA. Similar to people, dogs are hosts for Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi. Dogs also share our homes and beds, making them both a sentinel for the ticks in our backyards but also increasing our exposure to ticks. Measures to better track, prevent, and/or treat tick-borne diseases in companion animals can lead to better control and prevention of human tick-borne disease. This study identifies demographic and co-infection risk factors for canine seropositivity to tick-borne infections in a cohort of hunting dogs across the USA. Results Human patterns of tick-borne disease co-infection in the USA have been predominantly driven by the geographical distribution of the tick vector. Dogs who tested seropositive for Anaplasma spp. were 1.40 times more likely (P = 0.0242) to also test seropositive for Babesia spp. and vice versa (1.60 times more likely, P = 0.0014). Dogs living in the West had 5% lower risk (P = 0.0001) for Ehrlichia spp. seropositivity compared to other regions. Controlling for age and Anaplasma spp. seroprevalence, dogs in all three other regions were 2.30 times more likely (P = 0.0216) to test seropositive for B. burgdorferi than dogs in the West. Dogs seropositive for B. burgdorferi were 1.60 times more likely (P = 0.0473) to be seropositive for Anaplasma spp. Conclusions Tick geographical distributions have a prominent impact on the regional distribution of hunting dog exposure to tick-borne diseases. Education concerning regional tick prevalence and disease risk is important for everyone, but particularly dog owners, regarding ticks in their region and protection from infection and co-infection of tick-borne pathogens as they travel or move with their dogs. Dogs are sentinel species for human exposure to ticks, and as such surveillance of canine tick-borne infections and understanding the probability that these infections might be seen together as co-infections helps predict emerging areas where people are more likely to be exposed as well.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurayi Mahachi
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Eric Kontowicz
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Bryan Anderson
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Angela J Toepp
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Adam Leal Lima
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Mandy Larson
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Geneva Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Tara Grinnage-Pulley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Carolyne Bennett
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Marie Ozanne
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Michael Anderson
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Hailie Fowler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Immunology Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Molly Parrish
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Jill Saucier
- IDEXX Laboratories Inc, One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Phyllis Tyrrell
- IDEXX Laboratories Inc, One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Zachary Palmer
- Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jesse Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories Inc, One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | | | - Breanna Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA
| | - Grant Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jacob J Oleson
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Christine A Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. .,Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA, 52241, USA. .,Immunology Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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17
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Anvari D, Narouei E, Daryani A, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Ziaei Hezarjaribi H, Narouei MR, Gholami S. The global status of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on published articles. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:104-116. [PMID: 32330696 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic filarial nematode responsible for heartworm disease in domestic as well as wild canines and felines and pulmonary or cutaneous infections in humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the status of D. immitis in dogs based on available literature. Four English language databases (ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Science Direct) containing data on D. immitis prevalence in dogs were thoroughly searched resulting in the inclusion of 193 studies. The findings revealed that the pooled and weighted prevalence of D. immitis infection in dog population based on published papers throughout the world was 10.91% (95% CI=10.18-11.65). In addition, subgroup analysis based on meta-regression revealed that a significant difference between the pooled and weighted prevalence of D. immitis in dogs and country (β =0.14, P=0.049). Given the relatively high prevalence of D. immitis infection in dogs and its adverse effects, it is suggested that to perform more research on the prevention and control of dirofilariasis infection in dogs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davood Anvari
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran.
| | - Elahe Narouei
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Science Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Shirzad Gholami
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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18
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Yu S, Modarelli J, Tomeček JM, French JT, Hilton C, Esteve-Gasent MD. Prevalence of common tick-borne pathogens in white-tailed deer and coyotes in south Texas. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:129-135. [PMID: 32025488 PMCID: PMC6997490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Determining which wildlife hosts are involved in the enzootic cycles of tick-borne diseases (TBD) enables enhanced surveillance and risk assessment of potential transmission to humans and domestic species. Currently, there is limited data to indicate which tick-borne pathogens (TBP) can infect coyotes. Additionally, limited surveillance data for white-tailed deer (WTD) in south Texas is available. The purpose of this study was to detect current infections of common TBP in coyotes and WTD in south Texas, which represents a transboundary region and common site for animal migrations across the U.S.-Mexico border. A patent pending real-time PCR assay, the TickPath layerplex test, was used to screen whole-blood samples for species from Borrelia, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Babesia genera. Conventional PCR and subsequent sequencing of positive samples confirmed the pathogen species. Of 122 coyote samples, 11/122 (9.0%) were positive for Babesia vogeli and 1/122 (0.8%) was positive for Borrelia turicatae. Of 245 WTD samples, 1/245 (0.4%) was positive for Anaplasma platys, 4/245 (1.6%) were positive for Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and 18/245 (7.3%) were positive for Theileria cervi. All positive samples from both species, except for one coyote, were collected from counties located in south Texas along the U.S.Mexico border. One coyote positive for B. vogeli originated from a county in northern Texas. The results from this study depicts the first known molecular detection of B. turicatae in a coyote, and demonstrates that coyotes and WTDs can potentially serve as sentinels for several zoonotic TBD as well as TBD that affect domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serene Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Joseph Modarelli
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - John M. Tomeček
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Justin T. French
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Clayton Hilton
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Maria D. Esteve-Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Evaluation of a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for feline leukemia virus p27 antigen and comparison to proviral DNA loads by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 67:101348. [PMID: 31527012 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an oncogenic retrovirus of cats. While higher viral RNA and proviral DNA loads have been correlated with progressive infections and disease, a similar correlation has been suggested for p27 antigen concentrations. This analytical study compared the results of a quantitative ELISA for p27 antigen with quantitative real-time PCR results for FeLV proviral DNA in patient samples. A significant positive correlation between copies of proviral DNA and the concentration of p27 antigen was identified (r = 0.761, P < 0.0001). Samples with high proviral DNA loads, at least 1 × 106 copies/mL of whole blood, typically had p27 antigen concentrations greater than 30 ng/mL in plasma. Samples with proviral DNA loads below this level all had concentrations of p27 antigen in plasma that were less than 10 ng/mL. Given this correlation, it is hypothesized that the concentration of p27 antigen at a given point in time may help to indicate the likelihood of a progressive or regressive infection similar to what has been demonstrated for proviral DNA loads.
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Molesan A, Goodman L, Ford J, Lovering SJ, Kelly K. The Causes of Canine Myocarditis and Myocardial Fibrosis Are Elusive by Targeted Molecular Testing: Retrospective Analysis and Literature Review. Vet Pathol 2019; 56:761-777. [PMID: 31106678 PMCID: PMC10957289 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819839241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myocarditis can cause death or permanent heart damage. As epidemiologic and etiopathologic data for canine myocarditis are lacking, we performed a retrospective study using nucleic acid extracted from archived (2007 to 2015) tissues from myocarditis cases and control dogs without myocardial lesions. Heart tissue from pediatric/juvenile and adult dogs was tested with a comprehensive panel of conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting recognized agents of canine myocarditis based on a literature review and informed by the comparative epidemiology of human myocarditis. The PCR screen, which included canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2), canine distemper virus, canine herpesvirus, Borrelia spp, West Nile virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, pneumovirus, respiratory coronavirus, influenza virus, Bartonella spp, Rickettsia spp, Mycoplasma spp, and Neospora caninum, did not detect agents in 35 of 66 cases (53%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 41%-65%) and was frequently negative in adults (21/26); by comparison, agents were not detected in 27 of 57 controls (47%; 95% CI, 35%-60%). Canine distemper virus, herpesvirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, Mycoplasma haemocanis, and N. caninum were occasionally detected in both cases and controls; thus, PCR detection was not considered to indicate causation. We previously reported that CPV-2 continues to be associated with myocarditis in young dogs despite widespread vaccination; in adults, CPV-2 was detected in 2 of 26 cases and 4 of 22 controls. As several agents were similarly detected in cases and controls, it is unclear if these are cardiopathogenic, incidental, or latent. West Nile virus was detected at the analytic limit in 1 adult case. We did not detect Borrelia spp, Bartonella spp, Rickettsia spp, or influenza A virus in the myocarditis cases. These data demonstrate the limitations of current targeted diagnostic tests and the need for additional research to identify unknown agents and develop testing strategies for canine myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Molesan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Laura Goodman
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jordan Ford
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Samantha J. Lovering
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Barash NR, Thomas B, Birkenheuer AJ, Breitschwerdt EB, Lemler E, Qurollo BA. Prevalence of Babesia spp. and clinical characteristics of Babesia vulpes infections in North American dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:2075-2081. [PMID: 31334887 PMCID: PMC6766513 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesiosis is an important cause of thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia in dogs. Babesia vulpes, reported in European dogs and North American foxes, rarely has been reported in domestic North American dogs. Newly optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers facilitate more sensitive amplification of B. vulpes DNA. Objectives To determine the prevalence of Babesia sp. infections in dogs being tested for Babesia infection, and to describe co‐infections and clinicopathologic abnormalities in B. vulpes positive dogs. Animals Dog blood or tissue samples (n = 9367) submitted to a diagnostic laboratory between June 2015 and June 2018 were tested using an optimized Babesia PCR assay. Methods Comprehensive canine vector‐borne disease diagnostic testing was performed on convenience samples. Results Babesia sp. DNA was amplified from 269/9367 (2.9%) North American dogs. Babesia sp. infections included B. gibsoni monoinfection (157; 1.7%), B. vulpes monoinfection (19; 0.20%), and B. gibsoni and B. vulpes coinfection (29; 0.31%). Forty‐three of the 48 total B. vulpes‐infected dogs were American Pit Bull Terrier‐type breeds, of which 36 historically were involved with dog fights. Coinfections with Mycoplasma, Dirofilaria immitis, or Wolbachia and coexposures to Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia spp. were documented in B. vulpes‐infected dogs. Clinicopathologic data in B. vulpes‐infected dogs both with and without coinfections included anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Babesia vulpes infection in domestic North American dogs is commonly found in conjunction with other coinfections, including B. gibsoni and hemotropic Mycoplasma. Similar to B. gibsoni, dog‐to‐dog transmission of B. vulpes may be a frequent mode of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanelle R Barash
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Brittany Thomas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Erica Lemler
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Barbara A Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
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22
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Lashnits E, Grant S, Thomas B, Qurollo B, Breitschwerdt EB. Evidence for vertical transmission of Mycoplasma haemocanis, but not Ehrlichia ewingii, in a dog. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:1747-1752. [PMID: 31127669 PMCID: PMC6639480 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A 2-year-old female intact pregnant Beagle was evaluated after the owner surrendered her to a shelter. Prepartum and 2 months postpartum at the time of routine spay, the dam was whole-blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for Ehrlichia ewingii. She was also whole-blood PCR positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis prepartum and continuously for 5 months thereafter. The dam delivered 5 healthy puppies, 1 of which was whole-blood PCR positive for M. haemocanis. All 5 puppies had antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. at 1 month of age but not thereafter, and all puppies were Ehrlichia spp. PCR negative for 5 months of follow-up. Therefore, this study supports a potential role for vertical transmission in the maintenance of M. haemocanis in dogs as reservoir hosts. In contrast, in this case there was no evidence that E. ewingii was transmitted transplacentally or during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Sandra Grant
- Lake Wheeler Veterinary Hospital, Veterinary Services Department, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Brittany Thomas
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Barbara Qurollo
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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23
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Checa R, Fidalgo LE, Montoya A, López AM, Barrera JP, Gálvez R, Sánchez de la Nieta S, Marino V, Sarquis J, Miró G. The role of healthy dog carriers of Babesia microti-like piroplasms. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:127. [PMID: 30909936 PMCID: PMC6434893 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3371-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While in Europe Babesia canis has been traditionally held responsible for canine piroplasmosis, Babesia microti-like piroplasm (Bml) infection is being ever more observed in dogs, with the first clinical cases reported in northwestern Spain. This study examines the epidemiological role of healthy dogs living in endemic areas of Bml infection in Spain. The data obtained were used to describe the clinical status and map the geographical distribution of Bml infection in healthy dogs in northwestern Spain. RESULTS Blood samples and ticks were taken from 756 healthy dogs representatively across the whole Galicia region (northwestern Spain): stray (n = 211), hunting dogs (n = 333) and pets (n = 212). Blood samples were tested by microscopy parasite observation, nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing. Piroplasm infection prevalences in healthy dogs from northwestern Spain were 17.1% (129/756) by PCR and 3.4% (26/756) by microscopy observation. The species found by PCR were: 2.2% (17/756) for B. canis and 15.1% (114/756) for Bml. Co-infection with B. canis and Bml was noted in 2 dogs. The higher prevalences detected were Bml in hunting dogs (25.5%; 85/333) and B. canis in stray dogs (6.6%; 14/211). In fox-hunting dogs from any area and dogs from the A Coruña Province, significantly higher prevalences of Bml infection were detected (P < 0.001). Upon physical examination, tick infestation was observed: 130 ticks in 18 hunting and three pet dogs. These were subsequently identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) (49.2%), Ixodes hexagonus (38.5%), Ixodes ricinus (6.9%) and Dermacentor reticulatus (5.4%). Among the more prevalent ticks infesting healthy carrier dogs were I. hexagonus, followed by D. reticulatus and I. ricinus. CONCLUSIONS Babesia canis and Bml were the only piroplasm species found infecting healthy dogs in Galicia, the prevalence of Bml being higher than of B. canis. Factors correlated with a higher Bml infection risk were being a hunting dog and living in the A Coruña Province. Healthy dogs travelling to other countries could act as carriers and probably contribute to the spread of Bml infection in dogs and wild carnivores throughout Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Checa
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana María López
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Barrera
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez de la Nieta
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Marino
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juliana Sarquis
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Modarelli JJ, Tomeček JM, Piccione J, Ferro PJ, Esteve‐Gasent MD. Molecular prevalence and ecoregion distribution of select tick‐borne pathogens in Texas dogs. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1291-1300. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J. Modarelli
- Department of Veterinary PathobiologyCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M University College Station Texas
| | - John M. Tomeček
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries SciencesTexas A&M University College Station Texas
| | - Julie Piccione
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryTexas A&M University College Station Texas
| | - Pamela J. Ferro
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic LaboratoryTexas A&M University College Station Texas
| | - Maria D. Esteve‐Gasent
- Department of Veterinary PathobiologyCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M University College Station Texas
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25
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Veneziano V, Piantedosi D, Ferrari N, Neola B, Santoro M, Pacifico L, Sgroi G, D’Alessio N, Panico T, Leutenegger CM, Tyrrell P, Buch J, Breitschwerdt EB, Chandrashekar R. Distribution and risk factors associated with Babesia spp. infection in hunting dogs from Southern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1459-1463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Cooke KL, Frenzer P, Tucker SJ, Crawford PC, Kirk SK, Levy JK. Rapid Diagnosis of Babesia gibsoni by Point-of-Need Testing by Insulated Isothermal PCR in Dogs at High Risk of Infection. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:232-235. [PMID: 29377357 PMCID: PMC5787167 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dogs seized by law enforcement agencies during dogfighting investigations are at increased risk of Babesia gibsoni infection. A rapid and cost‐effective diagnostic test would increase the feasibility of mass screening of dogs for infection and monitoring treatment efficacy in B. gibsoni‐infected dogs. Objective To determine the performance of a point‐of‐need insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) test for diagnosis of B. gibsoni in dogs rescued in dogfighting investigations. Animals Two hundred and thirty‐three dogs seized in dogfighting investigations. Methods Cross‐sectional study. Whole blood samples were tested for B. gibsoni and Babesia spp. by iiPCR. Results were compared to a reference standard comprised of concordant results from real‐time PCR in a commercial diagnostic laboratory and antibody titers. Results The iiPCR system was quick to learn, portable, and had a short processing time of <2 hours. Sensitivity and specificity of the iiPCR assay for B. gibsoni were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81–95%) and 99% (CI, 95–100%), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the iiPCR assay for Babesia spp. were 87% (CI, 78–93%) and 98% (CI, 0.94–99%), respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The iiPCR system produced few false‐positive results, indicating that positive results are likely to represent true infections when used in high‐risk animals. The iiPCR system can fail to identify 10–15% of truly infected dogs. However, the portability, speed, and economy of the iiPCR system compared to testing through a reference laboratory can allow rescue groups to screen and identify infection in more dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Cooke
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - P Frenzer
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - S J Tucker
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - P C Crawford
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - S K Kirk
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - J K Levy
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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27
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Jongejan F, Su BL, Yang HJ, Berger L, Bevers J, Liu PC, Fang JC, Cheng YW, Kraakman C, Plaxton N. Molecular evidence for the transovarial passage of Babesia gibsoni in Haemaphysalis hystricis (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks from Taiwan: a novel vector for canine babesiosis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:134. [PMID: 29554924 PMCID: PMC5859485 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2722-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia gibsoni is the predominant tick-borne protozoan blood parasite affecting dogs throughout the Oriental region. Babesia gibsoni is transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis, whereas a similar role has been suggested for Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Haemaphysalis longicornis does not occur in Taiwan, but R. sanguineus is widely distributed on dogs. However, clinical cases of babesiosis are mainly restricted to the northern part of the island. The discrepancy between tick distribution and clinical cases stimulated us to investigate the tick species distribution on dogs in northern Taiwan, with the aim to identify the local vector for canine babesiosis. METHODS Ticks were collected from stray dogs or free ranging pet dogs in northern Taiwan between 2015 and 2017 and, after identification, were tested for the presence of tick-borne Babesia parasites using PCR and reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation. Moreover, engorged ticks collected from the dogs were incubated at 28 °C to allow them to oviposit. Their subsequent larval progeny was also examined by PCR/RLB. RESULTS A total of 1085 ticks collected from 144 stray dogs at different residential areas consisted of 5 different species: H. hystricis (n = 435), R. sanguineus (n = 582), R. haemaphysaloides (n = 43), Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 14) and Ixodes ovatus (n = 11) were identified. Babesia gibsoni DNA was detected in H. hystricis females (10.3%), males (7.0%) and in 2.6% of the nymphs. One R. sanguineus female and one A. testudinarium female tick also carried B. gibsoni DNA. DNA of B. gibsoni was demonstrated in 11 out of 68 (16.2%) batches of larval ticks derived from engorged H. hystricus ticks only. Babesia vogeli DNA was detected only in R. sanguineus females (2.6%) and males (2.4%). DNA of B. vogeli was detected in 13 out of 95 (13.7%) batches of larval ticks derived from engorged R.sanguineus females. CONCLUSIONS Babesia gibsoni DNA was detected in the larval progeny of H. hystricis ticks only, whereas B. vogeli was restricted to the larvae of R. sanguineus. This provides evidence for transovarial passage of B. gibsoni in H. hystricis and evidence that this tick does act as the local vector for this parasite on dogs in northern Taiwan where most cases of babesiosis are reported. The vectorial capacity of R. sanguineus for babesiosis is probably restricted to the transmission of B. vogeli only.
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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, South Africa.
| | - Bi-Ling Su
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Ju Yang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - 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
| | - Judith Bevers
- 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
| | - Pin-Chen Liu
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Jou-Chien Fang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Cheng
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Charlotte Kraakman
- 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
| | - Nadine Plaxton
- 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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Kirk SK, Levy JK, Crawford PC. Efficacy of Azithromycin and Compounded Atovaquone for Treatment of Babesia gibsoni in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2017. [PMID: 28625019 PMCID: PMC5508350 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately one‐third of dogs confiscated during dogfighting investigations are infected with Babesia gibsoni. Traditional management of B. gibsoni with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐screening, treatment with commercially available azithromycin and atovaquone, and PCR testing after 60 and 90 days is costly and impractical for large numbers of dogs at a time. Hypothesis/Objectives To assess the efficacy of an alternative protocol in which commercial atovaquone was replaced by compounded medication and PCR monitoring was initiated at 30 days after the end of treatment to decrease the total management time. Methods Prospective observational study. Forty‐two pit bull‐type dogs confiscated as part of an investigation of dogfighting, diagnosed with B. gibsoni infection, and judged to be suitable for adoption were treated with azithromycin (10 mg/kg PO q24h) and compounded atovaquone (13.4 mg/kg PO q8h with a fatty meal) for 10 days. PCR testing was repeated at 30 and 60 days after end of treatment if dogs with positive PCR tests at either time were tested at 90 days. Treatment was considered successful; 2 PCR tests 30 days apart were negative. Results Treatment was successful in 39 dogs (93%) as defined by 2 consecutive PCR‐negative test results 30 days apart. In 38 dogs (90%), PCR results were the same at 30 and 60 days. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Use of compounded atovaquone and a reduced monitoring period can reduce costs and holding times without compromising treatment efficacy. This more economical protocol can remove barriers to mass screening and management of B. gibsoni infections in dogfighting cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Kirk
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - J K Levy
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - P C Crawford
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Suh GH, Ahn KS, Ahn JH, Kim HJ, Leutenegger C, Shin S. Serological and molecular prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in Korea. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:146. [PMID: 28298245 PMCID: PMC5353868 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous surveys in dogs from Korea indicated that dogs are exposed to a variety of vector- borne pathogens, but perception for a nation-wide canine vector-borne disease (CVBD) occurrence has been missing. We report here results of both serological and molecular prevalence studies for major CVBDs of dogs from all over the South Korean Peninsula except for Jeju Island. Results Serological survey of 532 outdoor dogs revealed the highest prevalence for Dirofilaria immitis (25.2%), followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum (15.6%), Ehrlichia canis (4.7%) whereas Borrelia burgdorferi showed the lowest prevalence (1.1%). The number of serologically positive dogs for any of the four pathogens was 216 (40.6%). Concurrent real-time PCR assay of 440 dogs in the study indicated that DNA of “Candidatus M. haematoparvum”, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Babesia gibsoni, A. phagocytophilum, and Hepatozoon canis was identified in 190 (43.2%), 168 (38.2%), 23 (5.2%), 10 (2.3%) and 1 (0.2%) dogs, respectively. DNA of Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Leishmania spp., Rickettsia spp. and Neorickettsia risticii was not identified. Analysis of questionnaires collected from owners of 440 dogs showed that the number of dogs with heartworm preventive medication was 348 (79.1%) among which dogs still positive to D. immitis infection were 60 (17.2%), probably due to the mean months of heartworm preventive medication being only 6.5. The high prevalence rates of both “Ca. M. haematoparvum” and Mycoplasma haemocanis in dogs from Korea indicate that these organisms may be transmitted by vectors other than Rhipicephalus sanguineus because this tick species has rarely been found in Korea. This is the first nationwide survey for canine haemotropic mycoplasma infections in Korea. Conclusions This study showed that the risk of exposure to major vector-borne diseases in dogs is quite high throughout all areas of South Korean Peninsula. Since achieving full elimination of many pathogens causing CVBDs from infected animals is often impossible even when they are clinically cured, dogs once exposed to CVBDs can remain as lifetime reservoirs of disease for both other animals and humans in the close vicinity, and should therefore be treated with preventative medications to minimise the risk of pathogen transmission by the competent vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guk-Hyun Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Sung Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, Animal Medical Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, Animal Medical Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Ha-Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | | | - SungShik Shin
- Department of Parasitology, Animal Medical Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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Soto F, Walker R, Sepulveda M, Bittencourt P, Acosta-Jamett G, Müller A. Occurrence of canine hemotropic mycoplasmas in domestic dogs from urban and rural areas of the Valdivia Province, southern Chile. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 50:70-77. [PMID: 28131382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This is the first study to investigate the occurrence, risk factors and hematological findings of hemoplasmas in dogs from Chile. Complete blood count and 16S rRNA conventional PCR for Mycoplasma spp. were performed in 278 blood samples from rural (n=139) and urban (n=139) dogs in Valdivia. Real time 16S rRNA PCR (qPCR) allowed species identification. Mycoplasma spp. occurrence was 24.8%. 'Candidatus M. haematoparvum' (CMhp) was identified in 12.2% and Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) in 11.9% dogs. It was not possible to identify species in two Mycoplasma spp. samples by qPCR. Sequencing allowed identifying one of them as 'Candidatus M. turicensis' (CMt). Frequency in rural localities was higher (41.7%) than in urban (7.9%). Rural locality, maleness and older age were risk factors for hemoplasmosis. Hemoplasma-positive dogs had a higher total protein. This is the first report of Mhc, CMhp and CMt in dogs from Chile, with a high occurrence in rural localities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Soto
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Romina Walker
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Sepulveda
- Gerencia de Áreas Silvestres Protegidas, Corporación Nacional Forestal, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Institute of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Applied Research Program on Wildlife, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ananda Müller
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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