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Sharma R, Patil RD, Singh B, Chakraborty S, Chandran D, Dhama K, Gopinath D, Jairath G, Rialch A, Mal G, Singh P, Chaicumpa W, Saikumar G. Tularemia - a re-emerging disease with growing concern. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-16. [PMID: 37916743 PMCID: PMC10732219 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2277753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tularemia caused by Gram-negative, coccobacillus bacterium, Francisella tularensis, is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. Human cases have been reported mainly from the United States, Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland, and some European and Asian countries. Naturally, the disease occurs in several vertebrates, particularly lagomorphs. Type A (subspecies tularensis) is more virulent and causes disease mainly in North America; type B (subspecies holarctica) is widespread, while subspecies mediasiatica is present in central Asia. F. tularensis is a possible bioweapon due to its lethality, low infectious dosage, and aerosol transmission. Small mammals like rabbits, hares, and muskrats are primary sources of human infections, but true reservoir of F. tularensis is unknown. Vector-borne tularemia primarily involves ticks and mosquitoes. The bacterial subspecies involved and mode of transmission determine the clinical picture. Early signs are flu-like illnesses that may evolve into different clinical forms of tularemia that may or may not include lymphadenopathy. Ulcero-glandular and glandular forms are acquired by arthropod bite or handling of infected animals, oculo-glandular form as a result of conjunctival infection, and oro-pharyngeal form by intake of contaminated food or water. Pulmonary form appears after inhalation of bacteria. Typhoidal form may occur after infection via different routes. Human-to-human transmission has not been known. Diagnosis can be achieved by serology, bacterial culture, and molecular methods. Treatment for tularemia typically entails use of quinolones, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides. Preventive measures are necessary to avoid infection although difficult to implement. Research is underway for the development of effective live attenuated and subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinku Sharma
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rajendra Damu Patil
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK HPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Birbal Singh
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura, India
| | | | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devi Gopinath
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gauri Jairath
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajayta Rialch
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gorakh Mal
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Putan Singh
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - G. Saikumar
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Ridgway M. Hunting Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021; 51:877-890. [PMID: 34059261 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Herding and hunting dogs are intense, high-drive dogs that work, and often live, outdoors and in constant or repeated close contact with domestic and wild animals. These dogs are at increased risk for injury and exposure to infectious diseases, toxic substances, and environmental threats. The common practice of feeding or allowing access to raw meat from farm or game animals enhances disease transmission risk. These dogs can be affected by infectious diseases and injurious agents that are rarely encountered in other groups of dogs. In addition, their extreme work ethic may lead to delays in diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Ridgway
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
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Campbell-Palmer R, Rosell F, Naylor A, Cole G, Mota S, Brown D, Fraser M, Pizzi R, Elliott M, Wilson K, Gaywood M, Girling S. Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) health surveillance in Britain: Assessing a disjunctive reintroduced population. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e84. [PMID: 33891731 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous translocations of Eurasian beavers have occurred with little implementation of standardised health screening. Pre-release health screening enables the selection of individuals with the best survival prospects and reduces potential health risks, but this is by-passed during unofficial releases. Beaver reintroduction to Britain has been haphazard and currently disjunctive populations of varying status exist. METHODS This observational cross section study investigated the health status of three beaver populations, with 90 live beavers tested for a range of pathogens comprising 56 from Tayside (unofficially released Scotland), nine from Knapdale (officially released Scotland) and 25 from Devon (unofficially released England). In addition, a further 32 cadavers were screened (25 from Tayside and seven from Knapdale). RESULTS All beavers were in good physical condition, did not harbour any non-native disease or parasites of concern and demonstrated remarkably low levels of any disease or parasite exposure. CONCLUSION Beavers are establishing and adapting well to British landscapes and are not acting as reservoirs of significant zoonotic diseases. Official, licensed reintroduction programmes may appear overly convoluted; however, reputational damage of unofficial releases should be considered, along with the health and welfare of the animals involved and collateral damage to other wildlife, domestic animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frank Rosell
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Studies, University of Southeast Norway, B⊘, Norway
| | - Adam Naylor
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland, UK
| | - Georgina Cole
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland, UK
| | - Stephanie Mota
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland, UK
| | - Donna Brown
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Romain Pizzi
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | | | - Simon Girling
- Veterinary Department, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scotland, UK
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Yeni DK, Büyük F, Ashraf A, Shah MSUD. Tularemia: a re-emerging tick-borne infectious disease. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2021; 66:1-14. [PMID: 32989563 PMCID: PMC7521936 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-020-00827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia is a bacterial disease of humans, wild, and domestic animals. Francisella tularensis, which is a Gram-negative coccobacillus-shaped bacterium, is the causative agent of tularemia. Recently, an increase in the number of human tularemia cases has been noticed in several countries around the world. It has been reported mostly from North America, several Scandinavian countries, and certain Asian countries. The disease spreads through vectors such as mosquitoes, horseflies, deer flies, and ticks. Humans can acquire the disease through direct contact of sick animals, consumption of infected animals, drinking or direct contact of contaminated water, and inhalation of bacteria-loaded aerosols. Low infectious dose, aerosol route of infection, and its ability to induce fatal disease make it a potential agent of biological warfare. Tularemia leads to several clinical forms, such as glandular, ulceroglandular, oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, respiratory, and typhoidal forms. The disease is diagnosed through the use of culture, serology, or molecular methods. Quinolones, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides are frequently used in the treatment of tularemia. No licensed vaccine is available in the prophylaxis of tularemia and this is need of the time and high-priority research area. This review mostly focuses on general features, importance, current status, and preventive measures of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Karataş Yeni
- Veterinary Control Central Research Institute, Bacterial Disease Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Büyük
- Department of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Kafkas, Kars, Turkey.
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Ahangari Cohan H, Jamshidian M, Rohani M, Moravedji M, Mostafavi E. Francisella tularensis survey among ranchers and livestock in western Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 74:101598. [PMID: 33302236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease that transmitted to humans and domestic animals by wildlife, especially rodents. There are some evidences of the circulation of F. tularensis in rodents, livestock, human populations, and surface waters in western parts of Iran. In this study, we investigated the exposure of livestock and ranchers to F. tularensis in the endemic regions of western Iran. Blood samples were collected from 289 sheep, 103 cattle, and 51 ranchers in 2018. Animal sera were tested by standard tube agglutination method. The specific IgGs against F. tularensis were evaluated by ELISA in human sera. Moreover, the extracted DNAs from 50 sheep spleen samples were evaluated using TaqMan real-time PCR for the presence of ISFtu2 and FopA genes. All animal sera and spleen samples were negative for tularemia. Of the 51 human samples, two samples were seropositive and one sample showed a borderline status for tularemia. Serologic evidence of F. tularensis in the ranchers but negative results in the livestock indicates different transmission routes in human populations and domestic animals in western Iran. Therefore, drinking contaminated water, contact to wildlife or rodents and arthropod bite should be considered as probable routes in the suspicious areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Jamshidian
- Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Meysam Moravedji
- Department of clinical sciences, Sanandaj branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Kittl S, Francey T, Brodard I, Origgi FC, Borel S, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Schweighauser A, Jores J. First European report of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica isolation from a domestic cat. Vet Res 2020; 51:109. [PMID: 32867856 PMCID: PMC7457513 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00834-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica is a select agent causing life-threatening tularemia. It has been isolated from humans and animals, mainly lagomorphs and rodents, rarely other wild carnivore species. Increasing numbers of human tularemia cases have been reported during the last 5 years in Switzerland. Here we report the first isolation of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica from a domestic cat in Europe and compare its genome sequence with other Swiss isolates. The cat isolate shows a close phylogenetic relationship with a contemporary hare isolate from close geographic proximity, indicating a possible epidemiological link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Kittl
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Thierry Francey
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Brodard
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Borel
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Ariane Schweighauser
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joerg Jores
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Kwit NA, Middaugh NA, VinHatton ES, Melman SD, Onischuk L, Aragon AS, Nelson CA, Mead PS, Ettestad PJ. Francisella tularensis infection in dogs: 88 cases (2014-2016). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 256:220-225. [PMID: 31910083 DOI: 10.2460/javma.256.2.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the epidemiology, clinical signs, and treatment of dogs with Francisella tularensis infection in New Mexico. ANIMALS 87 dogs in which 88 cases of tularemia (1 dog had 2 distinct cases) were confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Laboratory Division from 2014 through 2016 and for which medical records were available. PROCEDURES Dogs were confirmed to have tularemia if they had a 4-fold or greater increase in anti-F tularensis antibody titer between acute and convalescent serum samples or F tularensis had been isolated from a clinical or necropsy specimen. Epidemiological, clinical, and treatment information were collected from the dogs' medical records and summarized. RESULTS All 88 cases of tularemia were confirmed by paired serologic titers; the first (acute) serologic test result was negative for 84 (95%) cases. The most common reported exposure to F tularensis was wild rodent or rabbit contact (53/88 [60%]). Dogs had a median number of 3 clinical signs at initial evaluation; lethargy (81/88 [92%]), pyrexia (80/88 [91%]), anorexia (67/88 [76%]), and lymphadenopathy (18/88 [20%]) were most common. For 32 (36%) cases, the dog was hospitalized; all hospitalized dogs survived. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dogs with F tularensis infection often had nonspecific clinical signs and developed moderate to severe illness, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Veterinarians examining dogs from tularemia-enzootic areas should be aware of the epidemiology and clinical signs of tularemia, inquire about potential exposures, and discuss prevention methods with owners, including reducing exposure to reservoir hosts and promptly seeking care for ill animals.
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Regier Y, Komma K, Weigel M, Kraiczy P, Laisi A, Pulliainen AT, Hain T, Kempf VAJ. Combination of microbiome analysis and serodiagnostics to assess the risk of pathogen transmission by ticks to humans and animals in central Germany. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:11. [PMID: 30616666 PMCID: PMC6322329 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arthropod-borne diseases remain a major health-threat for humans and animals worldwide. To estimate the distribution of pathogenic agents and especially Bartonella spp., we conducted tick microbiome analysis and determination of the infection status of wild animals, pets and pet owners in the state of Hesse, Germany. RESULTS In total, 189 engorged ticks collected from 163 animals were tested. Selected ticks were analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS) and confirmatory PCRs, blood specimens of 48 wild animals were analyzed by PCR to confirm pathogen presence and sera of 54 dogs, one cat and 11 dog owners were analyzed by serology. Bartonella spp. were detected in 9.5% of all ticks and in the blood of 17 roe deer. Further data reveal the presence of the human and animal pathogenic species of genera in the family Spirochaetaceae (including Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia garinii), Bartonella spp. (mainly Bartonella schoenbuchensis), Rickettsia helvetica, Francisella tularensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks. Co-infections with species of several genera were detected in nine ticks. One dog and five dog owners were seropositive for anti-Bartonella henselae-antibodies and one dog had antibodies against Rickettsia conorii. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a snapshot of pathogens circulating in ticks in central Germany. A broad range of tick-borne pathogens are present in ticks, and especially in wild animals, with possible implications for animal and human health. However, a low incidence of Bartonella spp., especially Bartonella henselae, was detected. The high number of various detected pathogens suggests that ticks might serve as an excellent sentinel to detect and monitor zoonotic human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Regier
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kassandra Komma
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Markus Weigel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Kraiczy
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Arttu Laisi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arto T. Pulliainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Torsten Hain
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Volkhard A. J. Kempf
- University Hospital, Goethe-University, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Kwit NA, Schwartz A, Kugeler KJ, Mead PS, Nelson CA. Human tularaemia associated with exposure to domestic dogs-United States, 2006-2016. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 66:417-421. [PMID: 30556330 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Dogs have been implicated in the zoonotic transmission of numerous pathogens. Whereas cats are known to transmit Francisella tularensis to humans via bite and other routes, the role of dogs in facilitating infection is much less understood. We reviewed tularaemia case investigation records collected through national surveillance during 2006-2016 to summarize those with dog involvement, characterize the nature of dog-related exposure and describe associated clinical characteristics. Among 1,814 human tularaemia cases, 735 (41%) supplemental case investigation records were available for review; and of those, 24 (3.3%) were classified as dog-related. Median age of patients was 51 years (range: 1-82); 54% were female. Two thirds (67%) of cases presented with ulceroglandular/glandular tularaemia; pneumonic (13%) and oropharyngeal (13%) illness occurred less frequently. Dog-related exposures were classified as follows: direct contact via bite, scratch or face snuggling/licking (n = 12; 50%); direct contact with dead animals retrieved by domestic dogs (n = 8; 33%); and contact with infected ticks acquired from domestic dogs (n = 4; 17%). Prevention of dog-related tularaemia necessitates enhanced tularaemia awareness and tick avoidance among pet owners, veterinarians, health care providers and the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Kwit
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Amy Schwartz
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Kiersten J Kugeler
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Paul S Mead
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Christina A Nelson
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Pilo P. Phylogenetic Lineages of Francisella tularensis in Animals. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:258. [PMID: 30109216 PMCID: PMC6079424 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the facultative intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis. This microorganism can infect a plethora of animal species and its ecology is particularly complex. Much research was performed to understand its biology but many questions are still open, especially concerning the life cycle of this bacterium in the environment related to physical and biological parameters. Numerous animals are major hosts of F. tularensis but precise reservoir species are not yet well defined. Moreover, the exact range of species susceptible to tularemia is not clear and is complicated by the differences in virulence and ecology observed among the subspecies of F. tularensis. Indeed, different life cycles in nature, including the animal species concerned, were previously described for F. tularensis subsp. tularensis and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica. Recently, molecular techniques showing adequate discrimination between strains were developed, leading to the possibility to investigate links between phylogenetic lineages and infection in animals. New perspectives in research are now possible thanks to the information available and the simplicity of the molecular procedures. Current studies are unfolding the evolution of F. tularensis and these developments will lead to the elucidation of geographical and ecological differences observed by veterinarians, microbiologists and conservation biologists. However, systematic, coordinated collection of data and extensive sampling are important to efficiently assemble the findings of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pilo
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Sprong H, Azagi T, Hoornstra D, Nijhof AM, Knorr S, Baarsma ME, Hovius JW. Control of Lyme borreliosis and other Ixodes ricinus-borne diseases. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:145. [PMID: 29510749 PMCID: PMC5840726 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) and other Ixodes ricinus-borne diseases (TBDs) are diseases that emerge from interactions of humans and domestic animals with infected ticks in nature. Nature, environmental and health policies at (inter)national and local levels affect the risk, disease burden and costs of TBDs. Knowledge on ticks, their pathogens and the diseases they cause have been increasing, and resulted in the discovery of a diversity of control options, which often are not highly effective on their own. Control strategies involving concerted actions from human and animal health sectors as well as from nature managers have not been formulated, let alone implemented. Control of TBDs asks for a “health in all policies” approach, both at the (inter)national level, but also at local levels. For example, wildlife protection and creating urban green spaces are important for animal and human well-being, but may increase the risk of TBDs. In contrast, culling or fencing out deer decreases the risk for TBDs under specific conditions, but may have adverse effects on biodiversity or may be societally unacceptable. Therefore, in the end, nature and health workers together must carry out tailor-made control options for the control of TBDs for humans and animals, with minimal effects on the environment. In that regard, multidisciplinary approaches in environmental, but also medical settings are needed. To facilitate this, communication and collaboration between experts from different fields, which may include patient representatives, should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hein Sprong
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands. .,Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Tal Azagi
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Dieuwertje Hoornstra
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Knorr
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Ewoud Baarsma
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joppe W Hovius
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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12
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Rocchigiani G, Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Bertelloni F, Bascherini A, Leoni A, Mancianti F, Poli A. Molecular survey on the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens in wild brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Central Italy. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 59:142-147. [PMID: 29421225 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Data about the spreading of arthropod-borne pathogens among hare populations are very scant, so the aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate, through molecular analysis, the occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella sp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Leishmania spp. and piroplasms DNA in blood of 51 wild hares (Lepus europaeus) living in protected areas in Tuscany. All hares resulted negative for A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella sp., B. burgdorferi s.l., C. burnetii and F. tularensis. Five animals (9.8%) were positive for Leishmania and one hare (1.9%) tested positive for piroplasms. Sequencing of this sample showed a piroplasm similar to one Babesia isolate from the same animal species in Turkey. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular report of piroplasms occurring in wild hares from Italy, and the second worldwide. The examined hares appeared to be in good health status, corroborating the hypothesis of a chronic carrier state of some vector borne agents for this animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alice Bascherini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leoni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Posautz A, Gyuranecz M, Dénes B, Knauer F, Dier H, Walzer C. Seroprevalence of Francisella tularensis in Austrian Hunting Dogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 18:117-119. [PMID: 29232527 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on initial reports of infection with Francisella tularensis in dogs in northern Europe, a serological study in hunting dogs was conducted in Austria. Five (6.25%) tested positive. The results highlight the potential for disease transmission to dogs and raise the question of whether dogs could be a source of infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Posautz
- 1 Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna, Austria
| | - Miklós Gyuranecz
- 2 Institute for Veterinary Medical Research , Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Dénes
- 3 Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Felix Knauer
- 1 Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Dier
- 1 Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Walzer
- 1 Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna, Austria
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Tularaemia in European Brown Hares (Lepus europaeus) and Mountain Hares (Lepus timidus) Characterized by Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry: Organ Lesions and Suggestions of Routes of Infection and Shedding. J Comp Pathol 2017; 157:103-114. [PMID: 28942292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Tularaemia is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. In Sweden, hares are considered to be key species in the epidemiology of tularaemia. The aim of this study was to characterize the pathology of natural tularaemia infection in European brown hares (EBHs) (Lepus europaeus) and mountain hares (MHs) (Lepus timidus) in Sweden, in order to better understand the presentation of disease and the routes of infection, body dissemination and shedding of F. tularensis. During 2000-2013, 49 EBHs and 37 MHs were diagnosed with tularaemia. Enlargement of the spleen was seen in 80% of EBHs and 62% of MHs. Necrosis was often obvious in the bone marrow, liver, lung and spleen, but 30% of the hares had no lesions or minimal gross lesions. On microscopical examination of tissues from 27 EBHs and three MHs, necrosis was seen in the majority of samples of liver, spleen, bone marrow, lymph node and adrenal glands and was common in the lungs and brain meninges. Immunohistochemistry for Francisella spp. detected bacteria in association with necrosis and inflammation. In several cases, Francisella spp. were also found inside blood vessels, in the renal pelvis, in lactating mammary glands, in bronchioles and in the skin, associated with tick bites. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, two genotypes of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica were found; canSNP group B.6, all belonging to subgroup B.7, and canSNP group B.12. There were no differences in pathology between the genotypes. Our results indicate that the urinary tract and mammary glands are important routes for the shedding of F. tularensis. Hunters may not be aware of the risks of contracting tularaemia while handling hares, since infected hares do not always show noticeable gross lesions.
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Zheng W, Liu M, Moumouni PFA, Liu X, Efstratiou A, Liu Z, Liu Y, Tao H, Guo H, Wang G, Gao Y, Li Z, Ringo AE, Jirapattharasate C, Chen H, Xuan X. First molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from Jiangxi, China. J Vet Med Sci 2016; 79:248-254. [PMID: 27890889 PMCID: PMC5326926 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, blood samples obtained from 162 dogs in Jiangxi, China, were employed in
molecular screening of canine tick-borne pathogens by PCR and sequencing.
Babesia spp. gene fragment was detected in 12 (7.41%) dogs. All samples
were negative for Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia canis,
Coxiella spp., Borrelia spp.,
Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma platys. Species-specific
PCR analysis further confirmed that 8 (4.94%) and 4 (2.47%) dogs were infected by
Babesia canis vogeli and Babesia gibsoni,
respectively. Based on our analyses, Babesia spp. infection in Jiangxi
appeared not related to age, gender, breed, usage, activity and health status or tick
infestation history of the dogs. This is the first molecular report of Babesia
canis vogeli and Babesia gibsoni in dogs from Jiangxi,
China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Zheng
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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