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Beus K, Goudarztalejerdi A, Sazmand A. Molecular detection and identification of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in dogs and their ectoparasites in Iran. Sci Rep 2024; 14:580. [PMID: 38182649 PMCID: PMC10770070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51173-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemotropic Mycoplasma species are vector-borne bacteria that attach and grow on the surface of erythrocytes in various mammals, yet reports of canine hemoplasmosis in Iran are scarce. The aim of this study was molecular detection and identification of hemoplasmas in the blood of dogs (n = 370) from five provinces of Iran and ectoparasites infesting them including Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans fleas, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks, Heterodoxus spiniger lice and Hippobosca longipennis keds. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. pathogens were detected using genus-specific conventional PCRs, and subsequently identified using species-specific PCRs for Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc), and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp). Sanger sequencing was then performed to confirm the species. Correlation of infection and risk factors (geographical area, keeping condition, body condition, sex, age, ectoparasite infestation) were analyzed. In total, 210 dogs (56.7%) were tested PCR-positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. Species-specific PCR and sequencing revealed infection with Mhc in 17.8%, with CMhp in 7.02% and co-infection in 31.9% of dogs. Flea infestation, poor body condition, and being older than 3-years-old correlated with hemoplasmosis. In ectoparasites, DNA of hemoplasmas were detected only in fleas i.e. Mhc in P. irritans, CMhp in P. irritans and C. canis, and co-infection in C. canis. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale molecular epidemiology study of canine hemoplasmosis in Iran. Considering the high prevalence of canine hemoplasmosis all over the country including potentially zoonotic CMhp, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of dogs, successful chemoprophylaxis and public awareness strategies are advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Beus
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
| | - Ali Goudarztalejerdi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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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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3
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Yin F, Guo C, Li D, Tian Z, Li F. Molecular Survey and Genetic Characteristics of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Dogs from Four Regions of China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1867. [PMID: 37889788 PMCID: PMC10251890 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111867] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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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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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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Shi H, Li B, Li J, Chen S, Wang L, Bai Z, Zhu L, Yan B, Yao L. Molecular detection of haemophilic pathogens reveals evidence of Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos in dogs and parasitic ticks in central China. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:254. [PMID: 35778709 PMCID: PMC9248110 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In addition to Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, a few hemoplasma species that mainly infect other livestock have been detected in dogs. ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ (Ca. M. haemobos) has been found in a variety of animals in China. The present study was aimed to investigate the occurrence of ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ infections in dogs and ticks collected from the Henan province, China. Results Overall, 55 dog blood samples and 378 ticks on skins were collected from anemic and healthy dogs, and these samples were subjected to PCR, sequence analysis, and identification. The results showed that Haemaphysalis longicornis (266) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (112) were the only two parasitic ticks on dogs. Molecular detection revealed that 163 M. haemocanis, 88 ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ and 32 Anaplasma platys positive amplicons could be amplified from dogs, H. longicornis and R. (B.) microplus. In addition, co-infections (M. haemocanis + A. platys and ‘Ca. M. haemobos’+ A. platys) could be also detected. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular evidence of ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ natural infection in dogs and tick species identified as H. longicornis and R. (B.) microplus from China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfei Shi
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China.
| | - Bozhen Li
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China
| | - Jie Li
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China
| | - Shiwei Chen
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Bai
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China
| | - Li Zhu
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China
| | - Baolong Yan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, PR China.
| | - Lunguang Yao
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Insects Bio-reactor, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, PR China.
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Zarea AAK, Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Halos L, Beugnet F, Tempesta M, Otranto D, Greco G. Occurrence and bacterial loads of Bartonella and haemotropic Mycoplasma species in privately owned cats and dogs and their fleas from East and Southeast Asia. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:704-720. [PMID: 35545848 PMCID: PMC9544368 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12959] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas are pathogens of veterinary and medical interest with ectoparasites mainly involved in their transmission. This study aimed at molecular detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasmas in cats (n = 93) and dogs (n = 96), and their related fleas (n = 189) from countries in East and Southeast Asia. Ctenocephalides felis was the dominant flea species infesting both cats (97.85%) and dogs (75%) followed by Ctenocephalides orientis in dogs (18.75%) and rarely in cats (5.2%). Bartonella spp. DNA was only detected in blood samples of flea‐infested cats (21.51%) (p < .0001, OR = 27.70) with Bartonella henselae more frequently detected than Bartonella clarridgeiae in cat hosts (15.05%, 6.45%) and their associated fleas (17.24%, 13.79%). Out of three Bartonella‐positive fleas from dogs, two Ct. orientis fleas carried Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and Bartonella clarridgeiae, while the 3rd flea (Ct. felis) carried Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii. Felines represented a risk factor for Bartonella spp. infections, where fleas collected from cats (32.25%) presented an increased likelihood for Bartonella spp. occurrence (p < .0001, OR = 14.76) than those from dogs (3.13%). Moreover, when analysing infectious status, higher Bartonella spp. DNA loads were detected in fleas from bacteraemic cats compared to those from non‐bacteraemic ones (p < .05). The haemoplasma occurrence was 16.13% (15/93) and 4.17% (4/96) in cat and dog blood samples from different countries (i.e. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand), with cats more at risk of infection (p < .01, OR = 5.96) than dogs. Unlike Bartonella spp., there was no evidence for flea involvement in the hemoplasmas' transmission cycle, thus supporting the hypothesis of non‐vectorial transmission for these pathogens. In conclusion, client‐owned cats and dogs living in East and Southeast Asia countries are exposed to vector‐borne pathogens with fleas from cats playing a key role in Bartonella spp. transmission, thus posing a high risk of infection for humans sharing the same environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Attia Koraney Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Lenaig Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Lyon, France.,Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Maria Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Roblejo-Arias L, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Corona-González B, Meli ML, Fonseca-Rodríguez O, Rodríguez-Mirabal E, Marrero-Perera R, Vega-Cañizares E, Lobo-Rivero E, Hofmann-Lehmann R. First molecular evidence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' infections and its association with epidemiological factors in dogs from Cuba. Acta Trop 2022; 228:106320. [PMID: 35063415 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Haemotrophic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are unculturable, epicellular, cell wall-less gram-negative bacteria distributed worldwide, which infect several mammalian species. In dogs, Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' have been reported as causative agents of infectious anaemia, especially in splenectomised or immunocompromised animals. The present cross-sectional study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characterization of canine haemoplasmas in Cuba. A total of 391 dog blood samples and 247 tick samples were tested for the presence of canine haemoplasmas by species-specific quantitative TaqMan® real-time PCR assays. Overall, 17.9% (70/391; 95% CI: 14.1-21.7) blood samples were PCR-positive for at least one canine haemoplasmas species, where 15.1% (59/391; 95% CI: 11.5-18.7) for Mycoplasma haemocanis, 4.4% (17/391; 95% CI: 2.3-6.4) for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum', and 1.5% (6/391; 95% CI: 0.3-2.8) were co-infected. All collected ticks were identified morphologically as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, and none of the tested tick samples was found PCR-positive for the presence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum'. Risk factors for canine haemoplasmas species infection included the presence of tick infestation, crossbreeding and living in kennels, while no association was found with the occurrence of anaemia. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' revealed >99% identity to other isolates distributed worldwide, indicating low genetic variability amongst these canine haemoplasmas species. To the best of the authors´ knowledge, this is the first molecular evidence of Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' infections in dogs from Cuba.
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Lapsina S, Stirn M, Novacco M, Cueni C, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Riond B. What is your diagnosis? Blood smear of a dog. Vet Clin Pathol 2022; 52 Suppl 2:93-96. [PMID: 35297067 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Lapsina
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Stirn
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Claudia Cueni
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Galluzzo P, Migliore S, Puleio R, Galuppo L, La Russa F, Blanda V, Tumino S, Torina A, Ridley A, Loria GR. Detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae in Ticks ( Rhipicephalus bursa) Collected by Sheep and Goats in Sicily (South-Italy), Endemic Area for Contagious Agalactia. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112312. [PMID: 34835438 PMCID: PMC8625260 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the presence of Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) or other Contagious Agalactia (CA) causative organisms, in hard ticks infesting milking sheep and goats in endemic areas for CA in Sicily (South-Italy). Although there is accumulating evidence to support the role of ticks in the transmission of blood-borne haemoplasmas, information regarding their role in the transmission of CA, remains scarce. Ticks (n = 152) were collected from 25 lactating sheep and goats from three farms with previous outbreaks of CA. Microbiological and biomolecular, as well as serological analysis were performed on milk, tick, and serum samples, respectively. Rhipicephalus bursa species predominated, comprising 84.8% of the sampled ticks. Mycoplasma-like colonies were isolated from 5/56 (8.9%) tick pools and were identified as Ma by specific PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Unexpectedly, the organism was isolated from R. bursa ticks recovered only from animals whose milk tested negative for the pathogen. This preliminary demonstration suggests the potential role for ticks to act as a reservoir for the organisms, with potential involvement in the spread and maintenance of CA. Further work is required to determine the location of the organisms within the body of the ticks and to assess transmission potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Galluzzo
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Agalactia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.P.); (L.G.); (S.T.); (G.R.L.)
- Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Migliore
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Agalactia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.P.); (L.G.); (S.T.); (G.R.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0916565307
| | - Roberto Puleio
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Agalactia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.P.); (L.G.); (S.T.); (G.R.L.)
| | - Lucia Galuppo
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Agalactia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.P.); (L.G.); (S.T.); (G.R.L.)
| | - Francesco La Russa
- Entomology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.L.R.); (V.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Entomology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.L.R.); (V.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Serena Tumino
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Agalactia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.P.); (L.G.); (S.T.); (G.R.L.)
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Entomology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (F.L.R.); (V.B.); (A.T.)
| | - Anne Ridley
- Department of Bacteriology, OIE Reference Centre for Contagious Agalactia, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone KT15 3NB, Surrey, UK;
| | - Guido R. Loria
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Agalactia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.P.); (L.G.); (S.T.); (G.R.L.)
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Di Cataldo S, Cevidanes A, Ulloa-Contreras C, Sacristán I, Peñaloza-Madrid D, Vianna J, González-Acuña D, Sallaberry-Pincheira N, Cabello J, Napolitano C, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Acosta-Jamett G, Millán J. Widespread Infection with Hemotropic Mycoplasmas in Free-Ranging Dogs and Wild Foxes Across Six Bioclimatic Regions of Chile. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050919. [PMID: 33923361 PMCID: PMC8145368 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood samples of 626 rural dogs, 140 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 83 South American grey foxes (L. griseus) from six bioregions of Chile spanning 3000 km were screened for Mycoplasma DNA by conventional PCR and sequencing. Risk factors of infection were inferred using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and genetic structure by network analyses. Overall, Mycoplasma haemocanis/Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhc/Mhf) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) observed prevalence was 23.8% and 12.8% in dogs, 20.1% and 7.2% in Andean foxes, and 26.5% and 8.4% in grey foxes, respectively. Both hemoplasmas were confirmed in all the bioregions, with higher prevalence in those where ticks from the Rhipicephalus sanguineus species group were absent. Candidatus M. haematominutum and a Mycoplasma sp. previously found in South American carnivores were detected in one fox each. Although the most prevalent Mhc/Mhf and CMhp sequence types were shared between dogs and foxes, network analysis revealed genetic structure of Mhc/Mhf between hosts in some regions. Male sex was associated with a higher risk of Mhc/Mhf and CMhp infection in dogs, and adult age with CMhp infection, suggesting that direct transmission is relevant. No risk factor was identified in foxes. Our study provides novel information about canine hemoplasmas with relevance in distribution, transmission routes, and cross-species transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Di Cataldo
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-946-943-947
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago 8320000, Chile; or (I.S.); (J.M.)
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Claudia Ulloa-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Irene Sacristán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago 8320000, Chile; or (I.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Diego Peñaloza-Madrid
- Parque Safari Chile, Ruta H-30, Km 5, Camino A Doñihue S/N, Rancagua, O’Higgins 2820000, Chile;
| | - Juliana Vianna
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Chillán 4070386, Chile;
| | - Nicole Sallaberry-Pincheira
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
| | - Javier Cabello
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile;
| | - Constanza Napolitano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno 5290000, Chile or
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Ezequiel Hidalgo-Hermoso
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile;
| | - Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria y Programa de Investigación Aplicada en Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia 5091000, Chile;
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago 8320000, Chile; or (I.S.); (J.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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Dordio AM, Beck R, Nunes T, Pereira da Fonseca I, Gomes J. Molecular survey of vector-borne diseases in two groups of domestic dogs from Lisbon, Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:163. [PMID: 33736681 PMCID: PMC7977316 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04650-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. They have been an issue of growing importance in recent years; however, there is limited information about the vector-borne pathogens circulating in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to detect canine vector-borne bacteria and protozoa of veterinary and zoonotic importance using molecular methods. METHODS One hundred and forty-two dogs from Lisbon, southern Portugal, were tested: 48 dogs from a veterinary hospital clinically suspected of vector-borne diseases and 94 apparently healthy dogs from shelters. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. infections were detected by PCR from blood samples and examined under light microscopy. Other information including clinical status and diagnostic test results were collected for each animal. RESULTS Infections were detected by PCR in 48 (33.80%) dogs. Single infections were found in 35 dogs (24.64%), and co-infections were found in 13 (9.15%) dogs. Twenty-nine (20.42%) dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp., 15 (10.56%) for Mycoplasma spp., 11 (7.75%) for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., and six (4.21%) for Babesia spp. DNA sequencing was used to identify Babesia vogeli (2.81%), Babesia canis (1.40%), Hepatozoon canis (20.42%), Mycoplasma haematoparvum (2.11%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (8.45%), Anaplasma platys (7.04%), and Ehrlichia canis (0.70%). CONCLUSIONS This is the first molecular identification of B. canis and M. haematoparvum in dogs from southern Portugal. This study highlights the importance of molecular methods to identify CVBD pathogens in endemic areas and helps to guide the clinical approach of veterinarians in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mafalda Dordio
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Relja Beck
- Croatia Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Telmo Nunes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras, Portugal
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Barbosa MV, Paulino PG, Camilo TA, Martins D, Paulis L, Senne NA, Ramirez OLH, Angelo IC, Massard CL, Santos HA. Spatial distribution and molecular epidemiology of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Mycoplasma haemocanis infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 87:104660. [PMID: 33276147 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the epidemiology and spatial distribution of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Mycoplasma haemocanis in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected at random from 437 household dogs. An epidemiological questionnaire was completed concerning the host characteristics as well as the environments in which they lived. A positivity frequency of 17.84% (78/437) was found for Mycoplasma spp. and 2% (9/437) for M. haemocanis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, through molecular detection based on the 16S rRNA sequence. According to the present study, dogs that live in households with the presence of rodents (odds ratio [OR] = 9.93; p-value = 0.02; confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-73.66) and wild animals (OR = 1.91; p-value = 0.03; CI: 1.06-3.42) are more likely to be infected with Mycoplasma spp.. Also, dogs with tick infestation (OR = 6.47; p-value = 0.007; CI: 1.63-25.60) have more chances to become infected with M. haemocanis. The spatial analysis disclosed a positive correlation between the Mycoplasma presence and tick infestation (global Moran index = 0.82; pseudo-p-value =0.001). The epidemiological findings support the hypothesis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. as the vector of M. haemocanis in the studied region and provide insightful information to prevent the Mycoplasma spp. infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marllon V Barbosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia G Paulino
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tays A Camilo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Débora Martins
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leo Paulis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nathália A Senne
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olga Lucia H Ramirez
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabele C Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos L Massard
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Huarrisson A Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropedica, RJ, Brazil.
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Cortese L, Beall M, Buono F, Buch J, Pacifico L, Neola B, Palatucci AT, Tyrrell P, Fioretti A, Breitschwerdt EB, Veneziano V, Chandrashekar R, Piantedosi D. Distribution and risk factors of canine haemotropic mycoplasmas in hunting dogs from southern Italy. Vet Microbiol 2020; 251:108910. [PMID: 33160194 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR 3.72; CMhp: OR 2.74), hound (Mhc: OR 5.26; CMhp: OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc: OR 3.38; CMhp: OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc: OR 12.58; CMhp: OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc: OR 8.73; CMhp: OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc: OR 2.82; CMhp: OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc: OR 2.96; CMhp: OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc, while adult age (2-7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cortese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - M Beall
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - F Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - J Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - L Pacifico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - B Neola
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Servizio di Sanità Animale, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Caserta, Italy
| | - A T Palatucci
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - P Tyrrell
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - A Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - E B Breitschwerdt
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - V Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | | | - D Piantedosi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia Associated with Candidatus Mycoplasma Haematoparvum in a Splenectomized Dog in Italy. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2020-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This report describes a case of canine hemotropic mycoplasmasosis by Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in a dog. A five-year-old splenectomized dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Sassari with clinical symptoms and laboratory findings compatible with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Epicellular bacteria were detected in the erythrocytes by microscopic examination of blood smears. PCR and sequencing were positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum. Treatment with doxycycline, prednisolone and blood transfusion was administered. Several studies have described the molecular prevalence of M. hemocanis and Candidatus M. haematoparvum, however there are few clinical reports, especially those describing Candidatus M. haematoparvum infection in dogs, for which only two cases have been reported. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of a symptomatic infection caused by Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in Italy. Hemoplasmosis should be considered as a potential cause of hemolytic anemia in dogs. Following treatment with doxycycline and prednisolone, the clinical signs improved without resolution of infection. This condition was the same at the three-year follow-up.
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The occurrence of hemotropic Mycoplasma ovis-like species in horses. Prev Vet Med 2019; 175:104877. [PMID: 31896506 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are wall-less bacteria, which may lead to anemia and, even, mortality in mammals. The present study was aimed to characterize the causative agent(s) of haemoplasma infection in blood samples taken from horses (n = 133) in south of Iran. Microscopic examination of blood smears and PCR assay were performed for the detection of hemotropic Mycoplasma and equine piroplasma (Babesia caballi and Theileria equi). For the purpose of molecular characterization, 16S rDNA and 18S rDNA markers were used for hemotropic Mycoplasma and piroplasma pathogens, respectively. The PCR-positive samples were sequenced for haemoplasma and further phylogenetic analysis was performed for the obtained haemoplasma sequences. Nine out of 133 (6.77 %, 95 % CI: 2.5-11.04 %) horses were positive for Mycoplasma sp. by PCR. Furthermore, three of these animals were co-infected with T. equi. Interestingly, the phylogenetic and molecular analysis of the haemoplasma sequences derived from the PCR amplicons in the equine positive cases showed 100 % identity with 16S rDNA in Mycoplasma ovis, an HM member mainly found in sheep and goats. In addition, the hematological analysis showed that PCR positive horses for M. ovis-like species had a lower hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and red blood cell (RBC) count compared to the PCR negative ones (P ≤ 0.05). Mild anemia was also developed in the haemoplasma-positive horses. These findings represent the first molecular evidence of M. ovis-like species in horses. Further experimental studies are needed to examine the importance of this nonspecific host infection and evaluate its pathogenicity in equine and other species.
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Millán J, Travaini A, Cevidanes A, Sacristán I, Rodríguez A. Assessing the natural circulation of canine vector-borne pathogens in foxes, ticks and fleas in protected areas of Argentine Patagonia with negligible dog participation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 8:63-70. [PMID: 30622893 PMCID: PMC6319024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We collected blood and/or ectoparasites from 49 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) and two Andean foxes (L. culpaeus) caught in two National Parks of southern Argentine Patagonia (Bosques Petrificados, BPNP; and Monte León, MLNP) where dogs are nearly absent (density < 0.01 dog/km2). Common ectoparasites were the flea Pulex irritans (88% prevalence) and the tick Amblyomma tigrinum (29%). Conventional PCR and sequencing of 49 blood samples, 299 fleas analysed in 78 pools, and 21 ticks revealed the presence of DNA of the following canine vector-borne pathogens: in grey foxes, Rickettsia sp. (3%), hemoplasmas (8%), including Mycoplasma haemocanis, and Hepatozoon sp. (50%); in P. irritans, Bartonella spp. (72% of flea pools from 76% of foxes), mostly B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii but also B. rochalimae, Anaplasmataceae (Wolbachia sp.; 60% and 54%), and M. haemocanis/haemofelis (29% and 18%); and in A. tigrinum, Hepatozoon sp. (33% of ticks in 4 of 7 foxes). No piroplasmid DNA was detected in any sample. Andean foxes were negative for all tested pathogens. Two different Hepatozoon haplotypes were detected: the most prevalent was phylogenetically associated with H. felis, and the other with H. americanum and related sequences. Amblyomma tigrinum and Hepatozoon sp. were more abundant and/or prevalent in BPNP than in colder MLNP, 300 km southwards, perhaps located close to the limit for tick suitability. Bartonella v. berkhoffii was also significantly more prevalent in fleas of foxes in BPNP than in MLNP. This study provides novel information about natural host-pathogen associations in wildlife, markedly extends the distribution area in South America of arthropods and vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health interest, and contributes preliminary evidence about the potential role of A. tigrinum and P. irritans as vectors, respectively, for potentially new species of Hepatozoon from Lycalopex spp. and for M. haemocanis that should be further investigated. Foxes and their ticks and fleas analysed in two remote areas of Argentine Patagonia. Hepatozoon (50%), hemoplasmas (8%), Rickettsia (3%) DNA detected in foxes. Two Hepatozoon haplotypes: one related with H. felis, the other with H. americanum. Role of Amblyomma tigrinum as Hepatozoon vector is proposed. Bartonella and hemoplasma DNA detected in P. irritans from 76% and 18% of foxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
- Corresponding author.
| | - Alejandro Travaini
- Centro de Investigaciones Puerto Deseado, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral, CONICET, Avda. Prefectura Naval s/n, 9050, Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Irene Sacristán
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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Millán J, Velarde R, Delicado V, Negre N, Ribas A, Oleaga Á, Llaneza L, Esperón F. High diversity of hemotropic mycoplasmas in Iberian wild carnivores. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 60:11-16. [PMID: 30396424 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Two-hundred and thirty-one wild carnivores belonging to 10 species of in Spain were analyzed for the presence of DNA of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) by means of a universal real-time PCR targeting a 16S rRNA gene fragment. Positive reactions were found for wolf (Canis lupus: 6/37), fox (Vulpes vulpes: 1/41), Eurasian badger (Meles meles: 49/85), pine marten (Martes martes: 11/23), stone marten (Martes foina: 6/9), least weasel (Mustela nivalis: 4/4), European wildcat (Felis s. silvestris: 1/2) and common genet (Genetta genetta: 7/27). Sixty-four readable sequences were obtained, resulting in 14 nucleotide sequence types (ntST). The highest diversity was detected in badger (6 ntST) and pine marten (5 ntST). The sequencing of a fragment of the RNase P gene showed that all positive reactions in wolves corresponded to Mycoplasma haemocanis. Three ntST showed an identity between 98-100% with Candidatus M. haemominutum, C. M. turicensis and C. M. haematoparvum, respectively. Four ntST were closely related to C. M. haemomeles and/or diverse genotypes reported from raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the USA. One ntST from a badger showed only 88% similarity to the closest published sequence and was phylogenetically unrelated to any other hemoplasma sequence reported. Three ntST were 99-100% similar to two different sequences reported in Spanish bats. This study confirms the widespread nature and the high genetic diversity of hemoplasma infection in carnivores. Wild carnivores might be natural hosts of some hemoplasmas infecting dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology and Health Group and Servicio de Ecopatología de Fauna Salvaje (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Delicado
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nieves Negre
- Consorci per a la Recuperació de la Fauna de les Illes Balears, 07142, Santa Eugènia, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Alexis Ribas
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av. de Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Museu de Ciències Naturals de Granollers, 08402, Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- SERPA, Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A, 33203, Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - Luis Llaneza
- A.RE.NA. Asesores en Recursos Naturales SL, Perpetuo Socorro 12-Entresuelo 2B, 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Fernando Esperón
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
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Aktas M, Ozubek S. A molecular survey of hemoplasmas in domestic dogs from Turkey. Vet Microbiol 2018; 221:94-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Attipa C, Solano-Gallego L, Papasouliotis K, Soutter F, Morris D, Helps C, Carver S, Tasker S. Association between canine leishmaniosis and Ehrlichia canis co-infection: a prospective case-control study. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:184. [PMID: 29554932 PMCID: PMC5859779 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2717-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the Mediterranean basin, Leishmania infantum is a major cause of disease in dogs, which are frequently co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens (VBP). However, the associations between dogs with clinical leishmaniosis (ClinL) and VBP co-infections have not been studied. We assessed the risk of VBP infections in dogs with ClinL and healthy controls. Methods We conducted a prospective case-control study of dogs with ClinL (positive qPCR and ELISA antibody for L. infantum on peripheral blood) and clinically healthy, ideally breed-, sex- and age-matched, control dogs (negative qPCR and ELISA antibody for L. infantum on peripheral blood) from Paphos, Cyprus. We obtained demographic data and all dogs underwent PCR on EDTA-blood extracted DNA for haemoplasma species, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp., with DNA sequencing to identify infecting species. We used logistic regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the risk of VBP infections between ClinL cases and controls. Results From the 50 enrolled dogs with ClinL, DNA was detected in 24 (48%) for Hepatozoon spp., 14 (28%) for Mycoplasma haemocanis, 6 (12%) for Ehrlichia canis and 2 (4%) for Anaplasma platys. In the 92 enrolled control dogs, DNA was detected in 41 (45%) for Hepatozoon spp., 18 (20%) for M. haemocanis, 1 (1%) for E. canis and 3 (3%) for A. platys. No Babesia spp. or “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” DNA was detected in any dog. No statistical differences were found between the ClinL and controls regarding age, sex, breed, lifestyle and use of ectoparasitic prevention. A significant association between ClinL and E. canis infection (OR = 12.4, 95% CI: 1.5–106.0, P = 0.022) was found compared to controls by multivariate logistic regression. This association was confirmed using SEM, which further identified that younger dogs were more likely to be infected with each of Hepatozoon spp. and M. haemocanis, and dogs with Hepatozoon spp. were more likely to be co-infected with M. haemocanis. Conclusions Dogs with ClinL are at a higher risk of co-infection with E. canis than clinically healthy dogs. We recommend that dogs diagnosed with ClinL should be tested for E. canis co-infection using PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Attipa
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Bristol Veterinary School and Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.,Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.,Cyvets Veterinary Center, Paphos, Cyprus
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kostas Papasouliotis
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Bristol Veterinary School and Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.,IDEXX Laboratories Ltd, Wetherby, UK
| | - Francesca Soutter
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David Morris
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Bristol Veterinary School and Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Chris Helps
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Bristol Veterinary School and Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Bristol Veterinary School and Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK. .,Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
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21
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Aktas M, Ozubek S. Molecular survey of haemoplasmas in shelter dogs and associations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 31:457-461. [PMID: 28685834 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the occurrence of canine haemoplasma infection in domestic dogs and its possible trans-stadial transmission by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in shelter dogs in Diyarbakır Province in southeast Turkey. Blood samples (n = 282) collected from domestic dogs were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of canine haemoplasma. Fully engorged nymphs (n = 204) were removed from dogs that were positive for canine haemoplasma by PCR and maintained in an incubator at 28 °C for moulting. Unfed ticks (n = 2185) comprising 2100 nymphs and 85 adults collected from the grounds of the same shelter were also screened. Of 282 dogs, 108 [38.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 32.6-44.2] were PCR-positive for canine haemoplasmas. Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) infection (26.2%, 95% CI 21.2-31.8) was observed in a significantly higher number of dogs than was Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) infection (6.7%, 95% CI 4.1-10.3). Co-infections were seen in 15 (5.3%, 95% CI 3.0-8.6) dogs. None of the tick specimens examined were found to be positive for haemoplasma. Partial sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene shared 99-100% identity with the corresponding published sequences for Mhc and CMhp. The present results revealed no trans-stadial transmission of canine haemoplasma species by R. sanguineus s.l. in field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - S Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
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22
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Guo H, Sevinc F, Ceylan O, Sevinc M, Ince E, Gao Y, Moumouni PFA, Liu M, Efstratiou A, Wang G, Cao S, Zhou M, Jirapattharasate C, Ringo AE, Zheng W, Xuan X. A PCR survey of vector-borne pathogens in different dog populations from Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:533-540. [PMID: 28682765 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, a total of 192 blood samples were collected from pet dogs, kennel dogs and shepherd dogs in Konya district, Turkey, and tested by specific PCR for the presence of vector-borne pathogens. Several pathogens were identified, most of which can cause substantial morbidity in dogs. PCR results revealed that 54 (28.1%) dogs were infected with one or more pathogens. Positive results were obtained for Babesia spp. in 4 dogs (2.1%), Hepatozoon spp. in 8 dogs (4.2%) and Mycoplasma spp. in 46 dogs (24%). Three dogs (1.6%) were infected with two or three pathogens. The sequence analysis of the positive DNA samples revealed the presence of Babesia canis vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon sp. MF, Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum. Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys were not detected. Regardless of ownership status, vector-borne diseases were common in these dog populations. There was significant difference of pathogen prevalence among the different dog populations. Mycoplasma spp. was more frequent in the kennel dogs (31.9%) than in the pet (21.4%) and shepherd dogs (13.8%). Additionally, the frequency of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. was higher in the shepherd dogs which account for three quarters and half of the total number of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp., respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Mycoplasma infection in dogs in Turkey. The results of the present study provide a foundation for understanding the epidemiology of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs), and for strategies to control these diseases in Turkey.
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Constantino C, de Paula EFE, Brandão APD, Ferreira F, Vieira RFDC, Biondo AW. Survey of spatial distribution of vector-borne disease in neighborhood dogs in southern Brazil. Open Vet J 2017; 7:50-56. [PMID: 28331833 PMCID: PMC5356290 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v7i1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neighborhood dogs may act as reservoirs and disseminators of vector-borne diseases in urban areas. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to ascertain the health status and the vector-borne pathogens infecting dogs living in public areas with high levels of human movement in the city of Curitiba, southern Brazil. Blood samples from 21 neighborhood dogs that were found in nine of 22 bus stations and two public parks were subjected to a complete blood cell (CBC) count, serum biochemical profiling, a commercial rapid ELISA test and a commercial real-time PCR panel of vector-borne diseases. The CBC count and serum biochemical profiling were within the normal range for dogs and only 1/21 (4.7%) of the dogs was seroreactive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. The commercial real-time PCR panel showed that 7/21 (33.3%) of the dogs had Mycoplasma haemocanis infection, 9/21 (42.8%) had ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’ and 4/21 (19.0%) had both. No statistical association between infected by the agents found here and abnormalities in physical examinations, laboratory tests or ectoparasite presence was found (p > 0.05). In conclusion, neighborhood dogs showed low prevalence of vector-borne diseases and satisfactory wellbeing, and dogs can be used as sentinels for disease exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Constantino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Pérola Drulla Brandão
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ferreira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | | | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil; Animal Protection Section, City Secretary of Environment, Curitiba, PR, 80020-290, Brazil
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24
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Andersson MO, Tolf C, Tamba P, Stefanache M, Waldenström J, Dobler G, Chițimia-Dobler L. Canine tick-borne diseases in pet dogs from Romania. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:155. [PMID: 28335825 PMCID: PMC5364683 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases are of substantial concern worldwide for animals as well as humans. Dogs have been a human companion for millennia, and their significant impact on human life renders disease in dogs to be of great concern. Tick-borne diseases in dogs represent a substantial diagnostic challenge for veterinarians in that clinical signs are often diffuse and overlapping. In addition, co-infections with two or more pathogens enhance this problem further. Molecular methods are useful to disentangle co-infections and to accurately describe prevalence and geographical distribution of tick-borne diseases. At this point, this information is lacking in many areas worldwide. Romania is one such area, where prevalence and distribution of several important pathogens need to be further investigated. To address this, we screened blood samples from 96 sick dogs with molecular methods for eight different pathogens including Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", Mycoplasma spp., and Borrelia spp. RESULTS As many as 45% (43/96) of the dogs in the study were infected with protozoan parasites. Babesia canis was the most frequent of these (28 infected dogs), whereas Hepatozoon canis was detected in 15% (14/96) and Babesia gibsoni was found in a single sample. Bacterial infection with Mycoplasma spp. occurred in 18% (17/96) of the sampled dogs. Obtained bacterial sequences revealed the occurrence of two species: Mycoplasma canis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum". In several cases co-infection with protozoan parasites and Mycoplasma sp. were detected. All dogs were negative for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., "Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis", and for Borrelia spp. CONCLUSIONS The results from the present study reinforce the notion that Babesia canis is an important pathogen in the Romanian dog population. However, more surprisingly, another protozoan species, H. canis, seems to be infecting dogs to a larger extent than previously recognized in Romania. Well-known tick-borne bacterial disease agents such as Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia spp. were not detected. In contrast, less well-studied bacteria such as hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. were detected frequently. Moreover, co-infection might aggravate disease and complicate diagnosis and should be further studied in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin O Andersson
- Center for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Conny Tolf
- Center for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Paula Tamba
- Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Jonas Waldenström
- Center for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner, Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937, Munich, Germany.
| | - Lidia Chițimia-Dobler
- Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health, Bucharest, Romania.,Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner, Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937, Munich, Germany
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25
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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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Ravagnan S, Carli E, Piseddu E, Da Rold G, Porcellato E, Zanardello C, Carminato A, Vascellari M, Capelli G. Prevalence and molecular characterization of canine and feline hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in northern Italy. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:132. [PMID: 28285588 PMCID: PMC5346832 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), the agents of infectious anemia, have been reported in dogs and cats. Little data are available on hemoplasma infections in Italy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the species of hemoplasmas and their prevalence in dogs and cats of northern Italy. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 117 candidate blood donor dogs, 278 free-roaming dogs and 227 free-roaming cats in 2014 and 2015. Samples were first screened for hemoplasmas with a SYBR green real time PCR. The positive samples were confirmed by a second SYBR green real time PCR and sequencing. Co-infections were detected using species-specific SYBR green real time PCR. RESULTS The overall prevalence in dogs was 4.5% (18/395). Among the donors only one dog was positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (0.8%). The overall prevalence of infection in free-roaming dogs was 6.1% (17/278), which was significantly higher than in candidate donors (P < 0.05). Both M. haemocanis (13/278; 4.7%) and "Candidatus M. haematoparvum" (4/278; 1.4%) were identified. In dogs, no significant association was found between hemoplasma infection and gender, age or origin. The overall prevalence in cats was 13.2% (30/227). All three feline hemoplasma species were detected, i.e. "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (28; 12.3%), "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (11; 4.8%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (9; 4.0%). Half of the infected cats were co-infected (15; 6.6%) with different species of hemoplasmas. Risk factor analysis confirmed that older age, male gender and FIV positivity are predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection in cats. CONCLUSION This study found that candidate blood donor dogs in northern Italy show a negligible risk for hemoplasma infection, confirming the appropriateness of the candidate selection criteria and the low prevalence in the study area. Accordingly, testing for hemoplasma should be considered optional for canine blood donor screening. Hemoplasma infection was instead common in free-roaming cats, and is expected to be non-negligible in owned cats with outdoor access. Feline candidates for blood donation will therefore need to be carefully selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy.
| | - Erika Carli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleonora Piseddu
- IDEXX-Laboratories-Novara Day Lab, Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy
| | - Graziana Da Rold
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Porcellato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Zanardello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Marta Vascellari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
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27
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Bergmann M, Englert T, Stuetzer B, Hawley JR, Lappin MR, Hartmann K. Risk factors of different hemoplasma species infections in cats. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:52. [PMID: 28202016 PMCID: PMC5312425 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-0953-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemoplasma species (spp.) commonly cause infections in cats worldwide. However, data on risk factors for infections are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hemoplasma spp. infections in cats in Southern Germany and to assess risk factors associated with infection. Results DNA was extracted from blood samples of 479 cats presented to different veterinary hospitals for various reasons. DNA of feline hemoplasmas was amplified by use of a previously reported PCR assay. Direct sequencing was used to confirm all purified amplicons and compared to hemoplasma sequences reported in GenBank. Results were evaluated in relation to the age, sex, housing conditions, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) status of the cats. The overall hemoplasma prevalence rate was 9.4% (45/479; 95% CI: 7.08–12.36). ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma (M.) haemominutum’ (Mhm) DNA was amplified from 42 samples, M. haemofelis from 2, and M. haemocanis from 1 sample. There was a significantly higher risk of hemoplasma infection in cats from multi-cat households, in outdoor cats, as well as in cats with FIVinfection and in cats with abortive FeLV infection, but not in cats with progressive or regressive FeLV infection. Conclusions Mhm infection is common in cats in Southern Germany. Higher prevalence in multi-cat households and associations with FeLV infection likely reflect the potential for direct transmission amongst cats. Outdoor access, male gender, and FIV infection are additional risk factors that might relate to aggressive interactions and exposure to vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539, Munich, Germany.
| | - Theresa Englert
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Bianca Stuetzer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer R Hawley
- Center for Companion Animal Studies, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Michael R Lappin
- Center for Companion Animal Studies, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539, Munich, Germany
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28
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Kaewmongkol G, Lukkana N, Yangtara S, Kaewmongkol S, Thengchaisri N, Sirinarumitr T, Jittapalapong S, Fenwick SG. Association of Ehrlichia canis, Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma platys and severe anemia in dogs in Thailand. Vet Microbiol 2017; 201:195-200. [PMID: 28284610 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Canine tick-borne bacteria; Ehrlichia canis, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and Anaplasma spp., are organisms transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. However, only a few clinical studies evaluating dogs infected with these organisms and anemia condition have been published. In this study, the potential tick-borne bacteria linked to anemia were investigated in eighty-one blood samples selected from anemic dogs using a broad range nested-PCR of the 16S rRNA gene. Positive results were shown in 12/81 blood specimens (14.81%). Nucleotide sequences from the PCR products were analyzed using BLAST and resulted in identification of Ehrlichia canis (8), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (1) and Anaplasma platys (3). Two other PCR assays were used to detect and identify the positive results of these pathogens including a specific PCR for Ehrlichia canis (gp36) and a specific nested-PCR for hemoplasma species (16S rRNA) and the phylogenetic analyses of E. canis and canine hemoplasmas were performed using these two loci. These specific PCRs revealed co-infection of E. canis and Mycoplasma haemocanis in two cases. These two male dogs had presented with jaundice, severe hemolytic anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, mild azotemia and hepatitis. Ehrlichia canis was detected in a significantly greater number of severe anemia cases (PCV<15%) than moderate or mild anemia cases (PCV 16-29%) (P<0.05) and these severe anemia cases were 7-fold more at risk of having E. canis infections (odds ratio: 7.11, p=0.020). However, no statistical differences were detected between E. canis detection and degrees of thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. From the results of this study, we conclude that the severity of anemia is associated with E. canis infections rather than the severity of thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Nicha Lukkana
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarawut Yangtara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | - Stanley G Fenwick
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, USA
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Canine tick-borne pathogens in Cyprus and a unique canine case of multiple co-infections. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 8:341-346. [PMID: 28089651 PMCID: PMC5315763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Canine tick-borne pathogens such as Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis are widespread in the Mediterranean basin but have never been reported or investigated in Cyprus. We describe herein the presence of canine tick-borne pathogens in three dogs with clinical signs compatible with vector-borne diseases from Paphos area of Cyprus. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of E. canis, Anaplasma platys, H. canis, Babesia vogeli and Mycoplasma haemocanis in Cyprus. One dog co-infected with E. canis, H. canis, B. vogeli and M. haemocanis is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of this multiple co-infection in dogs. The tick-borne pathogens reported in the current study should be considered in the differential diagnoses in dogs exposed to ticks in Cyprus.
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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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Soares RL, Echeverria JT, Pazzuti G, Cleveland HPK, Babo-Terra VJ, Friozi E, Ramos CADN. Occurrence of Mycoplasma haemocanis in dogs infested by ticks in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2016; 25:360-3. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Hemotropic mycoplasmas in dogs, such as Mycoplasma haemocanis, have been described worldwide. Recently, these pathogens have been reported to be causative agent of zoonosis. It is known that its transmission may occur through the action of blood-sucking arthropods (e.g. ticks or fleas), through blood transfusion, contaminated fomites and/or transplacentally. In Brazil, M. haemocanis is present in practically all regions and the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato is suspected the main vector. In the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, there is little information about infection of dogs by M. haemocanis, or on the main epidemiological features associated with it. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of M. haemocanis among dogs infested by ticks and to assess possible associations with some epidemiological factors. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were used to analyze dog blood samples (n = 94). DNA from M. haemocanis was detected in four samples. No significant associations were observed with any epidemiological parameter analyzed here. However, the results from this study confirm that this pathogen is circulating in this region and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diseases among anemic dogs.
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Vieira RFDC, Vidotto O, Vieira TSWJ, Guimaraes AMS, Santos APD, Nascimento NC, Santos NJRD, Martins TF, Labruna MB, Marcondes M, Biondo AW, Messick JB. MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION OF HEMOTROPIC MYCOPLASMAS IN HUMAN BEINGS, DOGS AND HORSES IN A RURAL SETTLEMENT IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 57:353-7. [PMID: 26422162 PMCID: PMC4616923 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000400014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of hemoplasmas in a rural Brazilian settlement's population of human beings, their dogs and horses, highly exposed to tick bites; to identify the tick species parasitizing dogs and horses, and analyze factors associated with their infection. Blood samples from 132 dogs, 16 horses and 100 humans were screened using a pan-hemoplasma SYBR green real-time PCR assay followed by a species-specific TaqMan real-time PCR. A total of 59/132 (44.7%) dog samples were positive for hemoplasmas (21 Mycoplasma haemocanisalone, 12 ' Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' alone and 21 both). Only 1/100 (1.0%) human sample was positive by qPCR SYBR green, with no successful amplification of 16S rRNA or 23 rRNA genes despite multiple attempts. All horse samples were negative. Dogs >1 year of age were more likely to be positive for hemoplasmas ( p= 0.0014). In conclusion, although canine hemoplasma infection was highly prevalent, cross-species hemoplasma transmission was not observed, and therefore may not frequently occur despite overexposure of agents and vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, BR
| | | | - Ana Márcia Sá Guimaraes
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
| | - Andrea Pires dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
| | - Naíla Cannes Nascimento
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
| | | | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, S. Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, S. Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Mary Marcondes
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Surgery and Reproduction, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, S. Paulo, BR
| | | | - Joanne Belle Messick
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, US
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Development of RFLP-PCR and simple multiplex PCR assays for detection and differentiation of two species of hemotropic mycoplasmas in naturally infected dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-016-2272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Aquino LC, Kamani J, Haruna AM, Paludo GR, Hicks CA, Helps CR, Tasker S. Analysis of risk factors and prevalence of haemoplasma infection in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2016; 221:111-7. [PMID: 27084481 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp) are canine haemoplasma species that can induce anaemia in immunocompromised and/or splenectomised dogs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of canine haemoplasma species in dogs from Nigeria and describe any risk factors for infection. Canine haemoplasma species-specific and generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were used. The species-specific qPCR assays found Mhc infection in 18 of 245 dogs (7.3%), and CMhp infection in only one dog (0.4%). The generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were positive in 44 of 245 (17.9%) dogs. Twenty-five dogs had discordant qPCR results in that they were generic haemoplasma qPCR positive but species-specific qPCR negative. Further evaluation of these dogs by 16S rDNA sequencing gave limited results but 5 were confirmed to be infected with non-haemoplasma species: 2 Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 Anaplasma ovis, 1 Serratia marcescens and 1 Aerococcus spp. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from Mhc species showed>99.8% identity with each other and>99.6% identity with GenBank sequences, and resided in a single clade with other global Mhc and Mycoplasma haemofelis sequences, indicating low 16S rRNA genetic variability amongst this canine haemoplasma species.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Aquino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil.
| | - J Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - A M Haruna
- State Veterinary Hospital Jos, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - G R Paludo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil
| | - C A Hicks
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - C R Helps
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - S Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Veterinary Services, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
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Police dogs from Albania as indicators of exposure risk to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary concern. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2015; 1-2:35-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Hamel D, Shukullari E, Rapti D, Silaghi C, Pfister K, Rehbein S. Parasites and vector-borne pathogens in client-owned dogs in Albania. Blood pathogens and seroprevalences of parasitic and other infectious agents. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:489-99. [PMID: 26453093 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge on the epidemiology of parasitic and vector-borne infections is still very limited for Albania, a country located in the Balkan Peninsula in southeast Europe. Recent publications indicated prevalence rates of up to 52% for vector-borne infections in less-cared dogs in Albania. To provide data on the epidemiological situation in dogs under veterinary care, a total of 602 client-owned dogs presented to four small animal clinics between March 2010 and April 2011 in Tirana, Albania, were screened by examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears, PCR, and serological methods for the presence of arthropod-borne infections, as well as Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. Eight different pathogens, namely Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, and Mycoplasma haemocanis, were detected by direct methods with prevalence rates ranging from 1 to 9%. Seroprevalence for Babesia spp., L. infantum, Anaplasma spp., and E. canis were 6.6, 5.1, 24.1, and 20.8%, respectively. Dogs >1 year of age were positive for vector-borne infections significantly more often than younger dogs (p = 0.003). More than half (51.7%) of the dogs were seroreactive to T. gondii and 18.3% to N. caninum. This is the first report on the detection of A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis, and M. haemocanis by PCR as well as the serological confirmation of exposure of dogs to N. caninum and T. gondii in Albania. The spectrum of pathogens and the seroprevalences for N. caninum and T. gondii in client-owned dogs from Tirana, Albania, are comparable to that reported in other countries in the Mediterranean Basin. The prevalence rates of vector-borne pathogens are at the lower range of that reported in studies from this geographical region. This is probably due to increased awareness of the owners of pet dogs, including better husbandry conditions and ectoparasiticidal treatment, thus limiting exposure of dogs to vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Hamel
- Kathrinenhof Research Center, Merial GmbH, 03101 Rohrdorf-Lauterbach, Rohrdorf, Germany. .,Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Enstela Shukullari
- Universiteti Bujqësor, Fakulteti i Mjëksisë Veterinare, Kodër Kamëz, Tirana, Albania
| | - Dhimitër Rapti
- Universiteti Bujqësor, Fakulteti i Mjëksisë Veterinare, Kodër Kamëz, Tirana, Albania
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Institute of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Rehbein
- Kathrinenhof Research Center, Merial GmbH, 03101 Rohrdorf-Lauterbach, Rohrdorf, Germany
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Identification, occurrence and clinical findings of canine hemoplasmas in southern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 37:259-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Mascarelli PE, Keel MK, Yabsley M, Last LA, Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. Hemotropic mycoplasmas in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:117. [PMID: 24655520 PMCID: PMC3994326 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemotropic mycoplasmas are epicellular erythrocytic bacteria that can cause infectious anemia in some mammalian species. Worldwide, hemotropic mycoplasmas are emerging or re-emerging zoonotic pathogens potentially causing serious and significant health problems in wildlife. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular prevalence of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) with and without Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces) destrucans, the causative agent of white nose syndrome (WNS) that causes significant mortality events in bats. Methods In order to establish the prevalence of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in a population of 68 little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) with (n = 53) and without (n = 15) white-nose syndrome (WNS), PCR was performed targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Results The overall prevalence of hemotropic Mycoplasmas in bats was 47%, with similar (p = 0.5725) prevalence between bats with WNS (49%) and without WNS (40%). 16S rDNA sequence analysis (~1,200 bp) supports the presence of a novel hemotropic Mycoplasma species with 91.75% sequence homology with Mycoplasma haemomuris. No differences were found in gene sequences generated from WNS and non-WNS animals. Conclusions Gene sequences generated from WNS and non-WNS animals suggest that little brown bats could serve as a natural reservoir for this potentially novel Mycoplasma species. Currently, there is minimal information about the prevalence, host-specificity, or the route of transmission of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. among bats. Finally, the potential role of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. as co-factors in the development of disease manifestations in bats, including WNS in Myotis lucifugus, remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo G Maggi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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Hornok S, Dénes B, Meli ML, Tánczos B, Fekete L, Gyuranecz M, de la Fuente J, de Mera IGF, Farkas R, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Non-pet dogs as sentinels and potential synanthropic reservoirs of tick-borne and zoonotic bacteria. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:700-3. [PMID: 24021884 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood samples were collected from 100 shepherd dogs, 12 hunting dogs and 14 stray dogs (apparently healthy) in southern Hungary to screen for the presence of emerging tick-borne pathogens. Based on real-time PCR results, 14 dogs (11%) had single or dual haemoplasma infection, and a same number of samples were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In one sample Coxiella burnetii was molecularly identified, and 20.3% of dogs seroconverted to the Q fever agent. Rickettsaemia (sensu stricto) was also detected in one animal. This is the first molecular evidence of autochthonous infection of dogs with the above pathogens in Hungary. The relatively high prevalence of haemoplasma and anaplasma infection among non-pet dogs is suggestive of a prolonged carrier status and bacteraemia of these animals rendering them epidemiologically significant as potential reservoirs and sentinels for tick-borne infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
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Infection with hemotropic Mycoplasma species in patients with or without extensive arthropod or animal contact. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:3237-41. [PMID: 23863574 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01125-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PCR amplification targeting the 16S rRNA gene was used to test individuals with and without extensive arthropod and animal contact for the possibility of hemotropic mycoplasma infection. The prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma infection (4.7%) was significantly greater in previously reported cohorts of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, spouses of veterinary professionals, and others with extensive arthropod exposure and/or frequent animal contact than in a previously reported cohort of patients examined by a rheumatologist because of chronic joint pain or evidence of small-vessel disease (0.7%). Based upon DNA sequence analysis, a Mycoplasma ovis-like species was the most prevalent organism detected; however, infection with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" and a potentially novel, but incompletely characterized, hemotropic Mycoplasma species was also documented. Historical exposure to animals and arthropod vectors that can harbor hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. should be considered during epidemiological investigations and in the evaluation of individual patients.
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Martínez-Díaz VL, Silvestre-Ferreira AC, Vilhena H, Pastor J, Francino O, Altet L. Prevalence and co-infection of haemotropic mycoplasmas in Portuguese cats by real-time polymerase chain reaction. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:879-85. [PMID: 23482254 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13480985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of feline haemoplasmosis has improved over the years, with several techniques enabling a clear and specific diagnosis, and where polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered as the 'gold standard'. The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of feline haemoplasmas in 320 cats from the north-central region of Portugal by the use of real-time PCR, as well as to evaluate any associations between infection, clinical presentation and risk factors. The overall prevalence of infection by feline haemoplasmas was 43.43% (139/320), where 41.56% (133/320) corresponded to Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 12.81% (41/320) to Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 4.38% (14/320) to Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and 1.25% (4/320) to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. Almost 13% (47/320) of the samples were co-infected, with the most common co-infection being CMhm and Mhf (23.74%). Infection was found statistically significant with feline immunodeficiency/feline leukaemia virus status (P = 0.034), but no significant association was found for breed, sex, fertility status (neutered/spayed/entire), age, clinical status, living conditions (in/outdoor), anaemia status, or the presence/absence of ticks or fleas. Cats from north-central Portugal are infected with all the known feline haemoplasma species, with CMhm being the most common one. Prevalence of all feline haemoplasmas was higher than that reported previously in cats from other European countries, but similar to that described in Portugal for dogs. These data provide a better perspective regarding Mycoplasma species infection in Europe, and new information that helps us better understand feline haemoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica L Martínez-Díaz
- 1Department of Animal and Food Science, Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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"Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque" and Bartonella quintana bacteremia in cynomolgus monkeys. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:1408-11. [PMID: 23408694 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03019-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report latent infections with Bartonella quintana and a hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. in a research colony of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Sequence alignments, evolutionary analysis, and signature nucleotide sequence motifs of the hemotropic Mycoplasma 16S rRNA and RNase P genes indicate the presence of a novel organism.
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Detection of haemotropic Mycoplasma (Haemobartonella) using multiplex PCR and its relationship with epidemiological factors in dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-012-1668-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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44
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Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Mycoplasma haemocanis infections in dogs from the United States. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:557-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Pitorri F, Dell'Orco M, Carmichael N, Barker EN, Hollywood M, Tasker S. Use of real-time quantitative PCR to document successful treatment ofMycoplasma haemocanisinfection with doxycycline in a dog. Vet Clin Pathol 2012; 41:493-6. [DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emily N. Barker
- School of Veterinary Sciences; University of Bristol; Bristol; UK
| | | | - Séverine Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences; University of Bristol; Bristol; UK
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do Nascimento NC, Santos AP, Guimaraes AM, Sanmiguel PJ, Messick JB. Mycoplasma haemocanis--the canine hemoplasma and its feline counterpart in the genomic era. Vet Res 2012; 43:66. [PMID: 23020168 PMCID: PMC3496576 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-43-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemocanis is a hemotrophic mycoplasma (hemoplasma), blood pathogen that may cause acute disease in immunosuppressed or splenectomized dogs. The genome of the strain Illinois, isolated from blood of a naturally infected dog, has been entirely sequenced and annotated to gain a better understanding of the biology of M. haemocanis. Its single circular chromosome has 919 992 bp and a low G + C content (35%), representing a typical mycoplasmal genome. A gene-by-gene comparison against its feline counterpart, M. haemofelis, reveals a very similar composition and architecture with most of the genes having conserved synteny extending over their entire chromosomes and differing only by a small set of unique protein coding sequences. As in M. haemofelis, M. haemocanis metabolic pathways are reduced and apparently rely heavily on the nutrients afforded by its host environment. The presence of a major percentage of its genome dedicated to paralogous genes (63.7%) suggests that this bacterium might use antigenic variation as a mechanism to evade the host’s immune system as also observed in M. haemofelis genome. Phylogenomic comparisons based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and tetranucleotide signature suggest that these two pathogens are different species of mycoplasmas, with M. haemocanis infecting dogs and M. haemofelis infecting cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naíla C do Nascimento
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Hetzel NJL, Barker EN, Helps CR, Tasker S, Arteaga A, Barrs VR, Beatty J. Prevalence of canine haemotropic mycoplasma infections in Sydney, Australia. Vet Rec 2012; 171:126. [PMID: 22772372 DOI: 10.1136/vr.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N J L Hetzel
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
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Tagawa M, Ybanez AP, Matsumoto K, Yokoyama N, Inokuma H. Prevalence and risk factor analysis of bovine hemoplasma infection by direct PCR in Eastern Hokkaido, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2012; 74:1171-6. [PMID: 22673725 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.12-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and risk factors of 2 bovine hemoplasma species-Mycoplasma wenyonii (Mw) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos" (CMh)-were examined by direct PCR using whole blood samples collected from 343 cattle in Eastern Hokkaido, Japan. The sensitivity of the direct PCR assay was 10-fold higher than the standard PCR assay, detecting 5 copies of bovine hemoplasma DNA per reaction. An epidemiological survey of sampling location, living conditions, age and bovine leukemia virus antibody was performed to assess infection risk factors. The prevalence rates were 38.5% for Mw and 39.1% for CMh, respectively, with an overall prevalence rate of 64.7% for all bovine hemoplasma infections. Significant differences were found in sampling location, living conditions and age. Compared with pastured cattle, farmed cattle were significantly more susceptible to infection with total hemoplasma species (P<0.001), and were particularly susceptible to CMh (P<0.001). Cattle that were 1-3 years of age were more susceptible to infection with hemoplasma compared with other age groups. Bovine leukemia virus infection status was not significantly associated with hemoplasma infections. Blood examination revealed significantly lower RBC, Hb, and PCV levels, and a higher MCV in infected cattle than in noninfected cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihito Tagawa
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
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49
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Barker EN, Langton DA, Helps CR, Brown G, Malik R, Shaw SE, Tasker S. Haemoparasites of free-roaming dogs associated with several remote Aboriginal communities in Australia. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:55. [PMID: 22584120 PMCID: PMC3489665 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne haemoparasites Babesia vogeli and Anaplasma platys are common among the free-roaming canine populations associated with Aboriginal communities in Australia, whilst the prevalence of haemoplasmas, which are also suspected to be tick-borne, remained unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma infection in these populations, and to identify any correlation with other haemoparasites. Blood was collected from 39 dogs associated with four Aboriginal communities and screened for infection using PCR and serology. DNA was purified and PCR analyses for piroplasms, Anaplasmataceae family bacteria and haemoplasmas performed. Serum was analysed using a commercial haemoparasite ELISA. Prevalence of infection was compared between communities. RESULTS Seventeen dogs (44%) were infected (PCR positive) with Mycoplasma haemocanis, eight (21%) with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum', 20 (51%) with A. platys, and 17 (44%) with B. vogeli. Two dogs were infected with a novel haemoplasma as determined by DNA amplification and sequencing. Two dogs (5%) were serologically positive for Dirofilaria immitis antigens, one (3%) was positive for Ehrlichia canis antibodies and nine (24nbsp;%) were positive for A. platys antibodies. Co-infections were frequent. Haemoplasma prevalence was highest (73%, 16/22) in Central Australia and lowest (22%, 2/9) in Western Australia (p = 0.017). In contrast, B. vogeli prevalence was low in Central Australia (18%, 4/22) but higher (78%, 7/9) in Western Australia (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS This is the first time haemoplasma infections, including a novel species, have been molecularly documented in Australian dogs. The wide regional variation in prevalence of some of the haemoparasite infections detected in this study warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Barker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
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50
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Hii SF, Kopp SR, Thompson MF, O'Leary CA, Rees RL, Traub RJ. Canine vector-borne disease pathogens in dogs from south-east Queensland and north-east Northern Territory. Aust Vet J 2012; 90:130-5. [PMID: 22443327 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2012.00898.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD: Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., haemotropic mycoplasmas and Hepatozoon) in Australian dogs; namely, dogs from pounds in south-east Queensland and an indigenous Aboriginal community in the north-east of the Northern Territory. DESIGN AND PROCEDURE Blood samples were collected from 100 pound dogs and 130 Aboriginal community dogs and screened for the CVBD pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All positive PCR products were sequenced for species confirmation. RESULTS In total, 3 pound dogs and 64 Aboriginal community dogs were infected with at least one CVBD pathogen. Overall, B. vogeli was detected in 13 dogs, A. platys in 49, M. haemocanis in 23, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in 3 and C. M. haemobos in 1 dog. Co-infections were detected in 22 Aboriginal community dogs. CONCLUSIONS This study found B. vogeli, A. platys and haemotropic mycoplasma infections to be common in dogs in subtropical and tropical areas of Australia. This study also reports for the first time the prevalence and genetic characterisation of haemotropic mycoplasmas in dogs in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Hii
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia.
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