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Carbonara M, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Bezerra-Santos MA, de Abreu Teles PP, Lia RP, Locantore F, Iatta R, Volf P, Otranto D. Leishmania spp. in equids and their potential vectors in endemic areas of canine leishmaniasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012290. [PMID: 39024365 PMCID: PMC11257397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Equids may be infected by zoonotic Leishmania spp., including Leishmania infantum, in regions where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is endemic, and Leishmania martiniquensis, which has been reported in horses from Central Europe. This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of both Leishmania spp. among equids living in CanL endemic areas of Italy, as well as to identify dipteran vectors from the same habitats. From March to October 2023, blood, serum and tissue samples from skin lesions were collected from equids (n = 98; n = 56 donkeys and n = 42 horses) living in Italy, as well as sand flies and biting midges. Blood samples (n = 98) and skin lesions (n = 56) were tested for Leishmania spp. by conventional and real time PCRs and sera were tested by immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT) for both L. infantum and L. martiniquensis. Insects were morphologically identified, and female specimens (n = 268 sand flies, n = 7 biting midges) analyzed for Leishmania DNA, as well as engorged sand flies (n = 16) for blood-meal detection. Two animals with skin lesions (i.e., one donkey and one horse) scored positive for Leishmania spp. DNA, and 19 animals (i.e., 19.4%; n = 13 donkeys and n = 6 horses) were seropositive for L. infantum, with five of them also for L. martiniquensis. Most seropositive animals had no dermatological lesions (i.e., 68.4%) while both animals molecularly positive for Leishmania spp. scored seronegative. Of the 356 sand flies collected, 12 females (i.e., n = 8 Sergentomyia minuta; n = 3 Phlebotomus perniciosus, n = 1 Phlebotomus perfiliewi) were positive for Leishmania spp. DNA, and one out of seven biting midges collected was DNA-positive for L. infantum. Moreover, engorged sand flies scored positive for human and equine DNA. Data suggest that equids living in CanL endemic areas are exposed to Leishmania spp., but their role in the circulation of the parasite needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
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2
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Pala S, Martínez-Sáez L, Llobat L, Marín-García PJ. Prevalence and factors associated with Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections in apparently healthy horses in Eastern Spain. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105236. [PMID: 38531238 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105236] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis are two of the most common parasitic zoonoses. Leishmaniasis is endemic to 98 countries around the world, whereas toxoplasmosis is widely distributed throughout the world, causing significant health expenditure. Horses can play a relevant role in the transmission of the disease, being a silent reservoir, as clinical signs are not common. Serum samples from 166 horses living in eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) were analysed to determine the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. and T. gondii by ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay.) The risk factors evaluated were the geographical area and the relative humidity and average temperature, and epidemiological factors such as sex, reproductive status, age, breed, morphotype, living with other domestic animals, use and access to the outdoors. Seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii infection was found 28.92%, and 16.27% respectively, whereas co-infection of the two parasites was found only in two males. Leishmania seroprevalence was high in castrated males and several mesodolichomorphic equine breeds used for teaching, as well as in outdoor animals. The most elevated seroprevalence was found in winter with higher levels of rainfall, whereas high seroprevalence of T. gondii was found in crossbreeding animals and those used for breeding. High seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii was found in horses of the Mediterranean basin. These data suggest that horses can act as a silent reservoir and that this species has high potential for transmission to humans, outdoor animals and in geographical areas with high average rainfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Pala
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Martínez-Sáez
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
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3
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Tsakmakidis I, Lefkaditis M, Zaralis K, Arsenos G. Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:128. [PMID: 38630347 PMCID: PMC11189345 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03978-0] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens that infect various animal species and humans are considered of great importance for public and animal health. Leishmania spp. parasites are a characteristic example of such pathogens. Although leishmaniosis in humans is endemic for about 100 countries around the world it is classified as a neglected tropical disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniosis in humans: cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis (MCL). Each year, about 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million new cases of CL are recorded. In Europe L. infantum is the dominant species with dogs being reservoir hosts. Apart from dogs, infection has been recorded in various animals, which suggests that other species could play a role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature. Herein we provide an in-depth review of the literature with respect to studies that deal with Leishmania infantum infections in domestic and wild animal species in Europe. Given the fact that domesticated and wild animals could contribute to the incidences of leishmaniosis in humans, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review which could potentially be used for the development of measures when it comes to the control of the Leishmania infantum parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Zaralis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece.
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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4
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Athanasiou LV, Katsogiannou EG, Tyrnenopoulou P, Gougoulis D, Apostolidis KN, Papadakis SM, Kokkinaki KCG, Papatsiros VG, Tsokana CN. Evidence of Horse Exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leishmania infantum in Greece through the Detection of IgG Antibodies in Serum and in an Alternative Diagnostic Sample-The Saliva. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1374. [PMID: 37759774 PMCID: PMC10526806 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091374] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the various zoonotic pathogens that infect horses, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and Leishmania spp. have gained scientific interest, and relevant molecular and serological studies in horses have been conducted worldwide. Moreover, human and veterinary medicine have extensively applied alternatives to serum diagnostic samples-such as saliva-for detecting pathogens or antibodies. In this study, we investigated the exposure of horses in Greece to A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi, and L. infantum, and we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of saliva compared to serum in detecting IgG antibodies against the abovementioned pathogens. Paired saliva and serum samples were collected from 317 horses from different regions in Greece. The paired samples were examined using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for detecting IgG antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi, and L. infantum. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were determined to assess the validity of saliva as an alternative to serum. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the optimal cut-off value for detecting antibodies against all the examined pathogens in saliva was 1/10. Higher seropositivity rates were found for B. burgdorferi (15.14%) and A. phagocytophilum (14.19%) compared to L. infantum (1.26%). The detection of IgG antibodies using IFAT in saliva samples had a good test performance compared to serum. The two sample types had a substantial to almost perfect agreement. Although the sensitivity was moderate (70.83-75.56%) in all cases, the specificity was almost perfect to perfect (99.63-100%). This study provides the first evidence that horses in Greece are exposed to A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi and confirms that the seroprevalence of L. infantum in horses in Greece remains low. Our findings suggest that saliva sampling coupled with IFAT could be successfully applied for detecting IgG antibodies against these important zoonotic pathogens in large-scale epidemiological studies in horses, at the population level, as an alternative to serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Labrini V. Athanasiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (P.T.); (D.G.); (K.N.A.); (S.M.P.); (K.C.G.K.); (V.G.P.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Constantina N. Tsokana
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (P.T.); (D.G.); (K.N.A.); (S.M.P.); (K.C.G.K.); (V.G.P.)
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5
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Martínez-Sáez L, Dulac Q, Montaner-Angoiti E, Marín-García PJ, Llobat L. Prevalence and Factors Related to Leishmania infantum Infection in Healthy Horses ( Equus caballus) from Eastern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2889. [PMID: 37760289 PMCID: PMC10525090 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182889] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp., an intracellular protozoan parasite. This parasite is transmitted by sandflies, and the disease is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. In recent years, the number of species which could be a reservoir of the parasite is increased. One of the most relevant species is the horse, due to their contact with humans and ability to control the disease, thus being a possible silent reservoir. In this study, we have analyzed the prevalence and factors related to L. infantum infection in healthy horses in the Mediterranean region. Epidemiological data and serum samples were obtained from 167 apparently healthy horses, and the presence of L. infantum was evaluated via the ELISA method and real-time PCR. The results show 27.5% of prevalence and that the main factors related to infection are equine breed, morphotype, outdoor living, use, and season. In conclusion, the prevalence of L. infantum infection in apparently healthy horses from eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) is elevated. To control this zoonosis, it would be advisable to carry out more studies on this and other species that could be silent reservoirs of the parasite, as well as carry out measures such as the use of repellents on a regular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Martínez-Sáez
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Quentin Dulac
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASASPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
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Symeonidou I, Sioutas G, Lazou T, Gelasakis AI, Papadopoulos E. A Review of Toxoplasma gondii in Animals in Greece: A FoodBorne Pathogen of Public Health Importance. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2530. [PMID: 37570337 PMCID: PMC10416908 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152530] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoon with a complex life cycle and the second most important foodborne pathogen in Europe. Surveillance of toxoplasmosis is based on national considerations since there are no mandatory controls along the food chain in the European Union, and underreporting of meat is still a problem in many countries like Greece. The current review provides an overview of T. gondii prevalence, associated risk factors, and surveillance in animals in Greece, focusing on the transmission role of meat and highlighting the control measures that should be adopted by consumers. Sows, wild boars, hares, equines, and cats had lower, while sheep and goats generally had higher seroprevalence than their respective pooled European and global values. Seroprevalence in chickens was similar between Greece and Europe, while there was high variation in cattle studies, with no data regarding dairy products. Though a comprehensive meat safety assurance system is the most effective approach to control the principal biological hazards associated with meat, such as T. gondii, the prerequisite risk categorisation of farms and abattoirs based on EFSA's proposed harmonised epidemiological indicators has not materialised as yet in Greece. Therefore, comprehensive control strategies are still required to ensure food safety and safeguard public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.S.); (G.S.)
| | - Thomai Lazou
- Laboratory of Hygiene of Foods of Animal Origin—Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Athanasios I. Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.S.); (G.S.)
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7
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de Pinho FA, Mendes MO, de Magalhães VLP, Tinôco AAC, Seoane JHL, Rêgo FD, Soares RP, Barrouin-Melo SM. Clinical evolution of equine leishmaniasis with self-limiting cutaneous disease caused by Leishmania infantum in northeastern Brazil: A case report. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100881. [PMID: 37208087 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100881] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infections have long been described in humans and dogs worldwide, but characterization of equine cases remains scarce. We describe the clinical evolution of a natural L. infantum infection to contribute to the diagnostic knowledge and epidemiology of equine leishmaniasis (EL). An auction-acquired four-year-old Mangalarga Marchador mare from Pernambuco state, presented a few subcutaneous nodules on the head and neck upon arrival at the purchaser's stud at Bahia state, in November of 2019. They progressed to multiple ulcerated and non-ulcerated nodules and spread to both right limbs in seven weeks. Hematology revealed anemia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and elevated plasma fibrinogen. Histopathology of the biopsied nodules identified a granulomatous dermatitis with macrophages containing Leishmania amastigotes. PCR detected Leishmania in skin lesions, but not in blood or spleen aspirate samples; ITS1 PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing confirmed L. infantum species. A topical antiseptic and insect-repellent therapy and a monthly follow-up were established. All lesions improved progressively, without specific anti-Leishmania treatment, and 14 months later there was a consistent resolution. This first description of EL by L. infantum in an endemic area is relevant to emphasize the need for epidemiological studies, and to enhance clinicians' awareness for differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaviane Alves de Pinho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Mariana Oliveira Mendes
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Vitor Luiz Pereira de Magalhães
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Felipe Dutra Rêgo
- Instituto Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, CEP: 30190-009, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pedro Soares
- Instituto Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, CEP: 30190-009, MG, Brazil.
| | - Stella Maria Barrouin-Melo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Symeonidou I, Sioutas G, Gelasakis AI, Tsokana CN, Papadopoulos E. Leishmaniosis in Greece: The Veterinary Perspective. Pathogens 2023; 12:769. [PMID: 37375459 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060769] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum that is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies is of major veterinary concern in Greece. The country is endemic with particularly favourable environmental conditions for the spread of this infection. Moreover, Greece remains a popular touristic destination, and the continuous travel of pets raises concern regarding the possible dissemination of infection from endemic to non-endemic areas. Dogs are the main reservoir host, although other animal species, including humans, may also be infected. Canine leishmaniosis manifests as a visceral disease that can result in death if left untreated. Serological and molecular epizootiological studies have confirmed circulation of the parasite in Greek canine and feline populations as well as in other mammals. As a result, constant surveillance and identification of high-risk localities are necessary to establish chemoprophylactic protocols for travelling animals to safeguard animal and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios I Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantina N Tsokana
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Marzok M, Al-Jabr OA, Salem M, Alkashif K, Sayed-Ahmed M, Wakid MH, Kandeel M, Selim A. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Horses. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030237. [PMID: 36977276 PMCID: PMC10057672 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030237] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is classified as intracellular protozoa and is one of the major zoonotic parasites. Most warm-blooded intermediate hosts, including humans, are commonly infected by this parasite. The epidemiology of T. gondii infection in Egyptian horses is currently poorly understood. METHODS 420 blood samples were randomly collected from horses raised in four governorates in Northern Egypt (110 each from Giza and Kafr El Sheikh, and 100 each from Qalyubia and Gharbia) to investigate the existence of antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial ELISA kit, and to ascertain the risk factors for the infection. RESULTS the antibodies for T. gondii were found in 16.2% (68/420) of the examined horses, with no significant differences among the four studied governorates. The highest prevalence rate was observed in Giza. The results revealed that sex, breed, age, and contact with domestic ruminants or cats were recognized as potential risk factors. The high prevalence rate was found in mixed breed horses (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 0.95-7.26), mares (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.31-4.19), and horses aged over 10 years (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.30-3.44). Moreover, the likelihood of seropositivity for T. gondii infection was higher in horses raised in environments with cats (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13-3.44, p = 0.017) or domestic ruminants (OR = 2.16, 1.21-3.86, p = 0.010). This report confirms that horses in Northern Egypt are exposed to T. gondii and thus raises the possibility that people and other animals could contract the disease. CONCLUSIONS routine examination and management of T. gondii infection in horses in these governorates is advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Marzok
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh 33511, Egypt
- King Faisal University Veterinary Hospital, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar A Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
- King Faisal University Veterinary Hospital, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Khalid Alkashif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 82722, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Sayed-Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 82722, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Majed H Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh 33511, Egypt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
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Cano-Terriza D, Franco JJ, Jose-Cunilleras E, Buono F, Almería S, Veneziano V, Alguacil E, García J, Villena I, Dubey JP, Jiménez-Martín D, García-Bocanegra I. Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasma gondii in equids in different European countries. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:276-283. [PMID: 36688475 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13026] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the exposure to T. gondii in equids in Europe. Serum samples from 1399 equids (1085 horses, 238 donkeys, and 76 mules/hinnies) bred in four European countries (Italy, Spain, United Kingdom [UK], and Ireland) were collected during the period of 2013-2021. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 18.9% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 16.9-21.0) by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) at a cut-off of 1:25. Seropositivity by country was 27.1% in Italy, 16.6% in Spain, 12.0% in UK and 7.0% in Ireland. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 12.8% of the horses, 43.7% of the donkeys, and in 28.9% of the mules/hinnies. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis was carried out to study the associations between seropositivity and explanatory variables related to individuals, herds, and management measures on these herds, selected based on the bivariate analysis. The risk for being seropositive for T. gondii was 5.3 and 2.7 times higher in donkeys and mules/hinnies than in horses, respectively. In addition, significantly higher seropositivity was observed in horses from herds that used disinfectants less than once a week (13.9%; p = 0.038, odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.03-2.62) compared with those from herds that performed weekly disinfection of the facilities (9.4%). This is the first large-scale seroepidemiological study on T. gondii comprising horses, donkeys, and mules/hinnies in Europe and the first report of T. gondii exposure in horses from Ireland and UK. We found a widespread distribution of T. gondii among equid populations in different European countries. The seroprevalence found in these species, especially in donkeys and mules/hinnies, highlights the potential risk of human infection through the consumption of their raw/undercooked milk or meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Franco
- Inmunología y Genética Aplicada, S.A. (EUROFINS - INGENASA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Jose-Cunilleras
- Servei de Medicina Interna Equina, Departament de Medicina Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Almería
- Division of Virulence Assessment, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Isabelle Villena
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, EA 7510, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Laboratory of Parasitology, Reims Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación GISAZ, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Priolo V, Martínez-Orellana P, Pennisi MG, Raya-Bermúdez AI, Jurado-Tarifa E, Masucci M, Donato G, Bruno F, Castelli G, Solano-Gallego L. Leishmania infantum Specific Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Cats and Dogs: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090482. [PMID: 36136697 PMCID: PMC9505219 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum and display different immunological patterns correlating with the progression of infection to disease. Data about feline L. infantum adaptive immune response are scant. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and immune response in cats and dogs from the same endemic area of canine leishmaniosis. Stray cats (109) and rescued dogs (59) from Córdoba (Spain) were enrolled. Data about their exposure to L. infantum were analyzed by detection of parasite DNA, measurements of Leishmania-specific interferon-γ (whole blood assay in 57 cats and 29 dogs), and antibodies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence antibody test). An overall L. infantum prevalence of 30.5% in dogs and 30% in cats were found according to serology and PCR tests. Prevalence was 44.8% in dogs and 35.1% in cats tested also for interferon-γ production. Dogs showed higher anti-L. infantum antibody levels compared to cats. More than one-third of cats had contact with or were infected by L. infantum and they may contribute to the endemicity of leishmaniosis in the investigated region. The immunopathogenesis of feline L. infantum infection has similarities with dogs but cats show a lower level of adaptive immune response compared to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Priolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Ana Isabel Raya-Bermúdez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Estefania Jurado-Tarifa
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus Rabanales, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Marisa Masucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Donato
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Bruno
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Leishmaniosi (CReNaL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Germano Castelli
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Leishmaniosi (CReNaL), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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12
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Gazzonis AL, Morganti G, Porcellato I, Roccabianca P, Avallone G, Gavaudan S, Canonico C, Rigamonti G, Brachelente C, Veronesi F. Detection of Leishmania spp. in Chronic Dermatitis: Retrospective Study in Exposed Horse Populations. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060634. [PMID: 35745488 PMCID: PMC9227255 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is a protozoan causing human zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) and visceral–cutaneous canine leishmaniosis (CanL) in the Mediterranean Basin. L. infantum is able to infect a large number of wild and domestic species, including cats, dogs, and horses. Since the 1990s, clinical cases of equine leishmaniasis (EL), typically characterized by cutaneous forms, have been increasingly diagnosed worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of clinical forms of EL in CanL-endemic areas in Italy, where exposure of equine populations was ascertained from recent serological surveys. For this purpose, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded skin biopsies of 47 horses presenting chronic dermatitis compatible with EL were retrospectively selected for the study and subjected to conventional and q-PCR. A singular positivity for L. infantum was found; BLAST analysis of sequence amplicons revealed a 99–100% homology with L. infantum sequences. The histological examination revealed a nodular lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrate; immunohistochemistry showed rare macrophages containing numerous positive amastigotes. The present retrospective study reports, for the first time, a case of a cutaneous lesion by L. infantum occurring in an Italian horse. Pathological and healthy skin samples should be investigated on a larger scale to provide information on the potential clinical impact of EL in the practice, and to define the role of horses in epidemiological ZVL and CanL scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.L.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Ilaria Porcellato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Paola Roccabianca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.L.G.); (P.R.)
| | - Giancarlo Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Stefano Gavaudan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, Via Varano 286, 60100 Ancona, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Canonico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, Via Varano 286, 60100 Ancona, Italy; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Giulia Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Brachelente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (I.P.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
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13
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Joshua K, Eva B, Nikola K, Samaila MJ, Marie B, Kamil S. Seroprevalence of Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Trichinella spp. infections in horses and donkeys from Nigeria, West Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:338. [PMID: 34031761 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02737-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, transmitted by ticks, cause equine piroplasmosis, the most prevalent tick-borne disease in equids. Trichinellosis is a worldwide food-borne zoonosis caused by helminth Trichinella spp. that can lead to serious disease in humans, with fatal outcome. Although the infection is rare in horses, it deserves attention due to the increasing use of horse meat as a source of protein for humans. Horse trichinellosis is caused by several Trichinella species, most commonly by T. spiralis. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to T. equi, B. caballi and Trichinella spp. in equids from three states of Northern Nigeria. Serum samples were collected from 139 clinically healthy animals, comprising 115 horses and 24 donkeys. Antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi were detected in serum by competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and antibodies to Trichinella spp. by ELISA. Antibodies to T. equi were detected in 34% of equids (41% horses and 0% donkeys), antibodies to B. caballi in 9% of equids (8% horses and 13% donkeys), and antibodies to Trichinella spp. in 4% of equids (4% horses and 0% donkeys). There was co-infection of T. equi and B. caballi in 1% of horses and co-infection of T. equi and Trichinella spp. in 2.6% of horses. This is the first report on seroprevalence of Trichinella spp. in equids from Northern Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamani Joshua
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Bártová Eva
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kašpárková Nikola
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammed J Samaila
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Budíková Marie
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sedlák Kamil
- State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, 165 03, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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14
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Costa SCL, de Souza Freitas J, Carvalho FS, Pereira MJS, Cordeiro MD, da Fonseca AH, Gomes Jusi MM, Machado RZ, Munhoz AD. Frequency and factors associated of potential zoonotic pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Leishmania spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) in equids in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:275. [PMID: 34022939 PMCID: PMC8140576 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, various zoonotic diseases are classified as emerging or reemerging. Because equids have a direct relationship with various vectors, they are possibly more frequently exposed to zoonotic agents than are humans. The undeniable importance of diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, spotted fever, and leishmaniasis for both public and animal health, as well as the possibility of equids acting as sources, reservoirs, or even sentinels for these pathogens, justifies the detection of their frequency and factors associated with infection in equids from northeastern Brazil. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 569 equids (528 horses, 33 donkeys, and 8 mules), 516 from a rural area and 53 from an urban area. Pathogen detection was carried out as follows: Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp., serological analysis; Leishmania spp., serological analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Anaplasma phagocytophilum, PCR. Determination of associated factors was carried out through generalized linear models. RESULTS The frequencies of positivity for the pathogens observed in equids were as follows: Borrelia spp., 13.9% (79/569); Leishmania spp., 3.5% (20/569); Rickettsia spp. 33.4% (190/569). Regarding factors associated with infection, male sex was associated with protection against Borrelia spp.; donkeys and mules were associated with protection against Rickettsia spp., while a younger age was a risk factor. The infection of A. phagocytophilum was not detected in the sampled population. Co-infection was detected in 5.1% (29/569) of the animals. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studied pathogenic agents are present in the prospected area, indicating a possible risk for both human and animal health. This demonstrates that equids can be considered important sentinels in the assessment of pathogens with zoonotic potential in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Carmen Lopo Costa
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Jéssica de Souza Freitas
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Fábio Santos Carvalho
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Maria Julia Salim Pereira
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Márcia Mariza Gomes Jusi
- Department of Animal Pathology, Julio Mesquita Filho State University, UNESP/Jaboticabal, Rod. Paulo Castelanne s/n, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 4884-900, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Department of Animal Pathology, Julio Mesquita Filho State University, UNESP/Jaboticabal, Rod. Paulo Castelanne s/n, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 4884-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
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15
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Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence: Vaccination against PCV2 and Muscle Enzyme Activity in Seropositive and Seronegative Pigs. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051097. [PMID: 34065192 PMCID: PMC8160920 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051097] [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: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii affect both humans and animals worldwide. To investigate their seroprevalence and differences in seropositivity between pigs vaccinated and unvaccinated against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as well as differences in muscle enzyme activity between seropositive and seronegative pigs, blood samples were collected from 380 sows. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, while the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were biochemically assessed. Out of the 364 sows finally included in the study, 4.4%, 3.5%, and 0.5% were seropositive to T. gondii, N. caninum, or both. A significantly higher percentage of seropositivity against T. gondii and/or N. caninum in PCV2 unvaccinated pigs compared with vaccinated pigs was observed. Increased serum activities of CK and AST were detected in 71.43% and 100% of only against T. gondii (T+) and 63.64% and 90.91% of only against N. caninum (N+) seropositive sows, respectively, and were significantly higher compared to seronegative animals. T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity, especially in presumed immunocompromised pigs, and the evidence of muscle damage highlight their importance as a zoonotic pathogen and animal model of human infection, respectively.
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16
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Cardoso L, Schallig H, Persichetti MF, Pennisi MG. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030307. [PMID: 33800782 PMCID: PMC8000700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania parasites can lead to severe disease in humans and dogs, which act as a reservoir in zoonotic transmission. An increasing number of reports suggest that leishmaniosis is not restricted to dogs, but also affects many other mammalian and avian species. Consequently, this expands the potential reservoir and is of great public and veterinary health concern. The present study reviews, based on a comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020, the currently available information on animal leishmaniosis in vertebrates in Europe, other than dogs and humans. This review provides an exhaustive list of mammals and birds in which infections with or exposure to Leishmania parasites have been detected in European countries. Most cases are reported from the Mediterranean region. Domestic animals, in particular cats, pose a concern because of close contact with humans. The wildlife reservoir is less likely to contribute to zoonotic transmission, with the exception of hares. This potentially large reservoir needs to be taken into account when developing control measures for zoonotic leishmaniosis. From a veterinary point of view, it is important that veterinarians are better aware of leishmaniosis and trained in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Section, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
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17
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Leonel JAF, Tannihão B, Arantes JA, Vioti G, Benassi JC, Brandi RA, Ferreira HL, Keid LB, Soares RM, Oliveira TMFDS. Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in blood samples of horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys (Equus asinus) by PCR. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2021; 63:e12. [PMID: 33533815 PMCID: PMC7845934 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202163012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the Leishmania infantum parasite. The protozoan is able to infect several domestic and wild mammals. Since the first report on Leishmania spp. infection in horses in South America, leishmaniasis in equids has been highlighted in Brazil. A molecular epidemiological survey was carried out to verify the occurrence of Leishmania spp. DNA in horses and donkeys, in leishmaniases endemic areas in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. To this end, blood samples were obtained from 107 horses and 36 donkeys and subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR targeting the ITS-1 region. Among the horses and donkeys, 1.87% (2/107) and 8.33% (3/36) were positive by PCR, respectively. The DNA sequencing of the ITS-1 amplification products confirmed L. infantum DNA in these animals. Our results suggest that horses and donkeys from non-VL and VL endemic areas of São Paulo State may be infected by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Augusto Franco Leonel
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Tannihão
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Assis Arantes
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociência Animal, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geovanna Vioti
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Cristina Benassi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta Ariboni Brandi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Zootecnia, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Lage Ferreira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lara Borges Keid
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Gazzonis AL, Bertero F, Moretta I, Morganti G, Mortarino M, Villa L, Zanzani SA, Morandi B, Rinnovati R, Vitale F, Manfredi MT, Cardoso L, Veronesi F. Detecting antibodies to Leishmania infantum in horses from areas with different epizooticity levels of canine leishmaniosis and a retrospective revision of Italian data. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:530. [PMID: 33092640 PMCID: PMC7583181 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum is a vector-borne pathogen endemic in countries in the Mediterranean basin, including Italy. Dogs act as the primary reservoir for this parasite, but other animal species may also be infected. Low-to-moderate seroprevalence levels of infection have been reported in apparent healthy equine populations in southern Europe, reinforcing the importance of exploring those species, including horses, that act as a food source for vectors and may thus participate in the epizoological scenario of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis (ZVL). Since little is known regarding the exposure to L. infantum in horses in Italy, we assessed the seroprevalence in healthy equine populations from different CanL endemic areas. Methods The survey was conducted on 660 apparently healthy horses distributed throughout central and northern regions of Italy between 2016 and 2019. Blood samples were collected and the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies (IgG) was investigated by the immunofluorescence antibody test. Information on the location and altitude of the stables, along with the horses’ breed, age, sex, and reproductive status was obtained by filling in a questionnaire. This was then used for statistical analysis by generalized linear models to explore risk factors associated with seroreactivity to L. infantum. Results An average seroprevalence of 13.9% was detected for L. infantum in the equine populations investigated, with statistically significant associations between seroprevalence, geographical variables (northern vs central Italy, origin and altitude) and individual factors (i.e. age and breed morphotype). Conclusions Our results highlight that horses are frequently exposed to L. infantum. Further prevalence surveys in horses, also using direct methods (e.g. PCR), are warranted to clarify the role of these hosts in the epidemiology of Leishmania in Italy.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Filippo Bertero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iolanda Moretta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Benedetto Morandi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università Degli Studi Di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rinnovati
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università Degli Studi Di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Luis Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
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19
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Promoter Polymorphisms of the Canine SCL11A1 Gene are Correlated with Susceptibility to Canine Leishmaniosis. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In enzootic areas the prevalence estimates of canine leishmaniosis are high whereas only a proportion of dogs exhibit the clinical disease, thus implying a role of host genetics. The type of the triggered immune response remains a crucial determining factor for the diverse outcome of this parasitosis. The Solute Carrier Family 11 member 1 (SLC11A1) is a protein, which plays a central role in macrophage function and is implicated in the regulation of the immune response. An extended study with 73 resistant and 75 susceptible to Leishmania dogs was conducted. A fragment of the promoter region of the canine SLC11A1 gene was amplified and digested providing the different genotypes for three previously recorded single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (SNP1 T151C, SNP2 Α180G, SNP3 G318A) for each animal. Statistical analyses revealed that SNP2 Α180G in heterozygosity (AG) as well as SNP3 G318A in homozygosity (AA) are correlated with susceptibility to canine leishmaniosis.
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20
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH. Toxoplasma gondii infections in horses, donkeys, and other equids: The last decade. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:492-499. [PMID: 32799174 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in horses, donkeys and other equids in the past decade. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA..
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
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21
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Limeira CH, Alves CJ, Azevedo SSD, Santos CDSAB, Melo MAD, Soares RR, Barnabé NNDC, Rodrigues GDQ. Clinical aspects and diagnosis of leishmaniasis in equids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:574-581. [PMID: 31596317 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniases are a group of diseases of zoonotic importance caused by over 20 species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania, in which domestic dogs are considered to be the main reservoir for the disease. However, the involvement of other vertebrates as reservoirs for these parasites has also been investigated. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis on occurrences of leishmaniasis in equids. The case reports described animals with cutaneous symptoms of leishmaniasis (papules, nodules, ulcers or crusts) that regressed spontaneously, located mainly on the head and limbs, from which three species of protozoa were identified in the lesions: Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania siamensis. In turn, the meta-analysis showed a combined prevalence of 25%, although with high heterogeneity among the studies, which was attributed to the use of different methods for diagnosing the disease. Leishmaniasis in equids is a benign disease but it should be included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous diseases among these species. Seroepidemiological studies are important in investigating and monitoring suspected exposure of these hosts to the parasite, especially in endemic areas. However, there is also a need to standardize diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clécio Henrique Limeira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil.,Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará - IFPA, Santarém, PA, Brasil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | | | - Marcia Almeida de Melo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Soares
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Nathanael Natércio da Costa Barnabé
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Gabriel de Queiroz Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
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22
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Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Horses from Ukraine: an Investigation Using Two Serological Methods. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:687-692. [PMID: 30887271 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00040-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Horses are recognized as important hosts for the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii, mainly because meat of infected horses can be a source of human T. gondii infections. However, the baseline knowledge on equine T. gondii infections is limited and lacking from many countries. This seroepidemiological study was set in Ukraine, a country where little is known about T. gondii prevalence in any host species. METHODS We investigated 78 serum samples from horses, collected from Kyiv and Lviv regions of Ukraine, using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a commercial modified direct agglutination test (DAT). The ELISA is intended to detect the presence of total antibodies against T. gondii, and the DAT detects specific anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies. The cutoff titer for DAT seropositivity was a titer of 40. RESULTS Two horses were omitted from statistical analyses due to disagreeing ELISA results. Altogether 16 of the remaining 76 horses were seropositive with the ELISA, yielding an apparent seroprevalence estimate of 21.1% (95% confidence interval 13.0-31.3). Five horses tested positive with both ELISA and DAT, 11 horses tested positive with ELISA only, and one with DAT only. For 64 of the 76 horses, the results of ELISA and DAT agreed; the percent agreement was 84.2 and the Kappa statistic was - 1.5208, indicating poor agreement. CONCLUSION Our results add to the knowledge on the global epidemiology of T. gondii and exposure level of horses to the major zoonotic parasite, as well as to the discussion of challenges of applying serology to estimate exposure to T. gondii in horses.
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23
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Ouslimani SF, Tennah S, Azzag N, Derdour SY, China B, Ghalmi F. Seroepidemiological study of the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii among horses in Algeria and analysis of risk factors. Vet World 2019; 12:2007-2016. [PMID: 32095054 PMCID: PMC6989325 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.2007-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of the Toxoplasma gondii in horses in different parts of Algeria and to determine risk factors for the infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 736 blood samples were collected from horses of various breeds, gender, coat colors, and ages. All horses came from various farms, racecourses, and equestrian centers. The seroprevalence was investigated by three different methods: Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) as reference method, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and latex agglutination test (LAT). RESULTS Out of the 736 sera, 178 (24.18%) were positive for IFAT, 133 (18.07%) for LAT, and 317 (43.07%) for ELISA. It was found that IFAT and LAT were in high agreement (Kappa 0.79), indicating that LAT and IFAT had similar capabilities in the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies from horse sera. Risk factors analysis based on IFAT results indicated that the habit of the animals was significant risk factors (p≤0.05) for Toxoplasma infection. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in horses living on farms. Moreover, a higher seroprevalence was found in older animals compared to younger ones. Furthermore, the seroprevalence in females was significantly higher than that in males and gelding. Breed, coat color, and water sources are also important factors to influence the seroprevalence of T. gondii. CONCLUSION The results indicated that T. gondii is present in horses throughout Algeria and thus represents a risk for both human and animal health. These results underline the need to increase the vigilance and the preventive measures against this disease not only to protect the horses but also to limit the spread of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Fazia Ouslimani
- Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria
| | - Safia Tennah
- Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria
| | - Naouelle Azzag
- Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria
| | - Salima Yamina Derdour
- Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria
| | - Bernard China
- Sciensano (Research Institute and The National Public Health Institute of Belgium), Juliette Wytsman street 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Farida Ghalmi
- Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Oued Smar, Algiers 16000, Algeria
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24
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Escobar TA, Dowich G, Dos Santos TP, Zuravski L, Duarte CA, Lübeck I, Manfredini V. Assessment of Leishmania infantum infection in equine populations in a canine visceral leishmaniosis transmission area. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:381. [PMID: 31666069 PMCID: PMC6821015 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniosis, zoonosis that produces significant public health impacts, is caused by Leishmania infantum. Canines are the main domestic reservoir and, besides humans, other species of mammals could be infected when living in endemic areas. In this study, we detected equine Leishmania infantum infections in a canine visceral leishmaniosis transmission area and evaluated the clinical, haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress disorders. This study was conducted in Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, south of Brazil. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 124 animals (98 horses and 26 dogs) of both genders and several breeds after they underwent general and dermatologic examinations. RESULTS Twenty five Leishmania infantum infected animals (20.16%), 14 horses and 11 dogs were detected by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification of kinetoplast DNA regions with 96% homology to Leishmania infantum (GenBank Accession No. L 19877.1). The clinical and haematological alterations of infected equines were skin lesions, nodules, lymphadenopathy, decreased levels in red blood cells and haematocrit (p < 0.05) and increase in urea serum concentration (p < 0.05), while CVL presented a decrease in red blood cells counts (p < 0.05), increase in lymphocytes (p < 0.05), and decrease in neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress markers of plasma protein carbonyl and plasma lipid peroxidation were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in both species. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this has been the first leishmaniosis equine survey performed in south of Brazil, caused by Leishmania infantum that were able to initially identify haematological and biochemical changes in the species, even in asymptomatic animals. We present evidence supporting those findings of haematological and biochemical changes could be related to infection. Surprisingly, the clinical manifestations of equine infection were similar to those found in canine visceral leishmaniosis. The equine population could be play an important role in the cycle of leishmaniosis in south Brazil and consequently indicates a great risk of public health. This evaluation of infected animals is important to establish the clinical and laboratory parameters involved in the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiane Acunha Escobar
- Biochemistry Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pampa, 118 BR 472, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Km 592, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Dowich
- Animal Science, Postgraduate, Federal University of Pampa, 118 BR 472, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Km 592, Brazil
| | | | - Luísa Zuravski
- Biochemistry Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pampa, 118 BR 472, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Km 592, Brazil
| | - Claudia Acosta Duarte
- Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, 118, BR 472, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Km 592, Brazil
| | - Irina Lübeck
- Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, 118, BR 472, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Km 592, Brazil
| | - Vanusa Manfredini
- Biochemistry Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pampa, 118 BR 472, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Km 592, Brazil
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25
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Mhadhbi M, Sassi A. Infection of the equine population by Leishmania parasites. Equine Vet J 2019; 52:28-33. [PMID: 31498914 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infection of equids by Leishmania (L.) parasites was previously described in both the Old and New World, particularly in Central and South America. Equine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by the Leishmania species, L. Viannia (V.) braziliensis and L. infantum, previously identified in humans and other parasite hosts living in the same geographic endemic areas. Sporadic autochthonous clinical cases, with no travel history, were documented in several countries including Germany, Portugal, Spain, Texas and Brazil; L. infantum and L. (Mundinia) martiniquensis were the infectious species. Prevalence of subclinical infections is extremely low and CL is observed in only a small proportion of infected animals with the appearance of single or multiple cutaneous lesions located on the head, external ear, scrotum, legs and the neck. To date, there has been no report of visceral abnormalities. However, the mild clinical profile of the disease and its spontaneous regression may indicate that skin lesions related to Leishmania infection is underdiagnosed. Importantly, although the prevalence of Leishmania infections in the equine population is low, a risk may rise from its potential involvement in the parasite transmission cycles as a source of infection for phlebotomine vectors and susceptible mammalian hosts. This review article summarises our current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of Leishmania-infected equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mhadhbi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, University La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Sassi
- Laboratory of BioInformatics, BioMathematics and BioStatistics, LR16 IPT09, Institute Pasteur of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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26
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Stelzer S, Basso W, Benavides Silván J, Ortega-Mora L, Maksimov P, Gethmann J, Conraths F, Schares G. Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in farm animals: Risk factors and economic impact. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00037. [PMID: 32095611 PMCID: PMC7033994 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Felids, including domestic cats, are definitive hosts that can shed oocysts with their feces. In addition to infections that occur by accidental oral uptake of food or water contaminated with oocysts, it is assumed that a large proportion of affected humans may have become infected by consuming meat or other animal products that contained infective parasitic stages of T. gondii. Since farm animals represent a direct source of infection for humans, but also a possible reservoir for the parasite, it is important to control T. gondii infections in livestock. Moreover, T. gondii may also be pathogenic to livestock where it could be responsible for considerable economic losses in some regions and particular farming systems, e.g. in areas where the small ruminant industry is relevant. This review aims to summarize actual knowledge on the prevalence and effects of infections with T. gondii in the most important livestock species and on the effects of toxoplasmosis on livestock. It also provides an overview on potential risk factors favoring infections of livestock with T. gondii. Knowledge on potential risk factors is prerequisite to implement effective biosecurity measures on farms to prevent T. gondii infections. Risk factors identified by many studies are cat-related, but also those associated with a potential contamination of fodder or water, and with access to a potentially contaminated environment. Published information on the costs T. gondii infections cause in livestock production, is scarce. The most recent peer reviewed reports from Great Britain and Uruguay suggest annual cost of about 5-15 million US $ per country. Since these estimates are outdated, future studies are needed to estimate the present costs due to toxoplasmosis in livestock. Further, the fact that T. gondii infections in livestock may affect human health needs to be considered and the respective costs should also be estimated, but this is beyond the scope of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Stelzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - W. Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J. Benavides Silván
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León) Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
| | - L.M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - P. Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - J. Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F.J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G. Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
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27
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Tsakmakidis Ι, Pavlou C, Tamvakis Α, Papadopoulos T, Christodoulou V, Angelopoulou K, Dovas CI, Antoniou Μ, Anastasakis C, Diakou Α. Leishmania infection in lagomorphs and minks in Greece. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100279. [PMID: 31027609 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Greece is an endemic country for human and canine leishmaniosis. Studies about the role of lagomorphs and minks in the epidemiology of the diseases are, so far, limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Leishmania infection in these animals, in different areas of the country. Samples from 393 domestic and wild rabbits, 90 hares and 200 minks were collected and examined by cytology (spleen imprints) and serology (ELISA), while spleen samples of 116, 56 and 95 of the rabbits, hares and minks, respectively, were examined by a PCR assay targeting the ITS1 region. For every animal examined a form was created, recording information like date, area, animal species, sex, etc. All imprint smears examined were negative, while serology revealed infection in 7.6% (C.I. 5.0-10.3%) rabbits, 6.7% (C.I. 1.5-11.8%) hares and 20% (C.I. 14.5-25.5%) minks. Infection was confirmed by molecular methods in 2.6% (C.I. 0.0-5.5%), 3.6% (C.I. 0.0-8.4%) and 2.1% (C.I. 0.0-5.0%) of the animals, respectively. The statistical analysis showed that minks are most likely to be seropositive and that in rabbits, the breeding method (i.e. homestead reared animals) was associated with infection. Because of the proximity of lagomorphs and minks to humans and dogs it is necessary to further elucidate their role in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ιoannis Tsakmakidis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christoforos Pavlou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Αndroniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics, Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 811 00 Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
| | - Theologos Papadopoulos
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Christodoulou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I Dovas
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Μaria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Christos Anastasakis
- Region of Western Macedonia, Regional Division of Kastoria, Department of Veterinary Services, 52100 Kastoria, Greece
| | - Αnastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Zhang XX, Ren WX, Hou G, Liu Q, Yu TQ, Zhao Q, Ni HB. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in horses in Jilin Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, northern China. Acta Trop 2018; 187:119-123. [PMID: 30071190 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii that can infect almost all warm-blooded hosts including horses and humans. Horse meat is one of the most important meat products for human consumption. However, data on seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses intended for human consumption in Northern China is scarce. Thus, a total of 614 serum samples were collected from Jilin Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR) between 2015 and 2017, and were detected the seroprevalence for T. gondii by indirect hemagglutination assay test. In the prevalence study, the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses was 17.92% (110/614) by IHA test, at the cut- off 1:64. Horses collected from Changchun (13.58%, P = 0.02) has a significantly lower seroprevalence than those from Meihekou City (21.72%) and Tongliao City (22.81%). Moreover, a significant difference of T. gondii seroprevalence was found between horses ages at less than 12 months (22.75%) and ≥12 months or higher (16.42%, P = 0.002). To our knowledge, this is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses in Jilin and IMAR, Northern China. Logistic regression suggested that age and geographical location of horses were identified as risk factors. These findings will provide the useful data for controlling and preventing toxoplasmosis in horses and/or other hosts in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, PR China
| | - Wei-Xin Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, PR China
| | - Guangyu Hou
- College of Basic Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang 157011, PR China.
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China
| | - Tong-Qiang Yu
- Institute of Animal Health Supervision, Meihekou, Jilin 135000, PR China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin 130118, PR China
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, PR China.
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Guerra NR, Almeida JC, Silva EL, Silva EM, Santos JA, Lepold R, Mota RA, Alves LC. Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii em equídeos do Nordeste do Brasil. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a soroprevalência da toxoplasmose em equídeos mantidos em diferentes formas de manejo no estado de Pernambuco. Para tanto, um total de 400 amostras de soro sanguíneo de equídeos clinicamente saudáveis foram analisados através do teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) considerando-se cut-off de 1:25. Dados referentes às características dos animais e dos rebanhos, sistema de criação, presença de outros animais, idade, sexo, raça, aptidão, condição física foram coletados por meio de questionários investigativos. Anticorpos IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii foram detectados em 12,5% (50/400) dos animais analisados. Dos 12 municípios estudados, houve positividade em 91,67% (11/12) com variação entre 4,4% e 33,3%. Quando avaliados os fatores de risco, apenas o fator mesorregião (p=0,029) apresentou associação com a infecção, particularmente Zona da Mata (OR=3), seguida de Região Metropolitana do Recife (OR=2,2), Agreste (OR=1,7) e Sertão (OR=1). Os resultados revelam a presença do parasito na área estudada, o que pode representar um elo na cadeia de transmissão da toxoplasmose a qual tem repercussão em saúde pública tendo em vista que o Brasil é o oitavo maior exportador de carne equina do mundo.
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Xing H, Xu L, Song X, Li X, Yan R. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spiralis in Horses in Xinjiang, Northwestern China. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Tsakmakidis Ι, Angelopoulou K, Dovas CI, Dokianakis Ε, Tamvakis Α, Symeonidou I, Antoniou Μ, Diakou Α. Leishmaniainfection in rodents in Greece. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:1523-1532. [DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ιoannis Tsakmakidis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Katerina Angelopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I. Dovas
- Diagnostic Laboratory; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Εmmanouil Dokianakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; University of Crete; Heraklion Greece
| | - Αndroniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics; Department of Marine Sciences; University of the Aegean; Mytilene Greece
| | - Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Μaria Antoniou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; University of Crete; Heraklion Greece
| | - Αnastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases; School of Veterinary Medicine; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Thessaloniki Greece
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Bártová E, Sedlák K, Kobédová K, Budíková M, Joel Atuman Y, Kamani J. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections among horses and donkeys in Nigeria, West Africa. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:606-609. [PMID: 28682771 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are considered to be a globally distributed parasites affecting wide range of warm-blooded animals. Neosporosis has caused clinical illness in horses and consumption of horse meat has been epidemiologically linked to clinical toxoplasmosis in humans. This study was conducted to determine Neospora spp. and T. gondii antibodies and risk factors of infection in horses and donkeys from three states of Nigeria. A total of 144 samples were collected from clinically healthy animals (120 horses and 24 donkeys). The sera were tested for antibodies to Neospora spp. and T. gondii by indirect fluorescence antibody test, a titer ≥ 50 was considered positive. Seroprevalence data were statistically analyzed, considering the variables of gender, age, use, state, origin of breed and type of management. Antibodies to Neospora spp. and T. gondii were detected in 8% horses with titers 50 and in 24% horses with titers 50-800, respectively. Co-infection of both parasites was proved in three horses (3%). Statistical differences were found only for T. gondii seroprevalence in horses with different use, locality, origin and management (p-value ≤ 0.05). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in four (17%) of 24 donkeys with statistical difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) in animals of different use; antibodies to Neospora spp. were not proved in any of the donkeys. This is the first seroprevalence study of Neospora spp. and T. gondii in equids from Nigeria.
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Klun I, Uzelac A, Villena I, Mercier A, Bobić B, Nikolić A, Rajnpreht I, Opsteegh M, Aubert D, Blaga R, van der Giessen J, Djurković-Djaković O. The first isolation and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from horses in Serbia. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:167. [PMID: 28376902 PMCID: PMC5379513 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2104-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Consumption of undercooked or insufficiently cured meat is a major risk factor for human infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Although horsemeat is typically consumed rare or undercooked, information on the risk of T. gondii from infected horse meat to humans is scarce. Here, we present the results of a study to determine the presence of T. gondii infection in slaughter horses in Serbia, and to attempt to isolate viable parasites. Methods The study included horses from all regions of Serbia slaughtered at two abattoirs between June 2013 and June 2015. Blood sera were tested for the presence of specific IgG T. gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test (MAT), and samples of trypsin-digested heart tissue were bioassayed in mice. Cyst-positive mouse brain homogenates were subjected to DNA extraction and T. gondii strains were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers (MS). Results A total of 105 slaughter horses were sampled. At the 1:6 cut-off 48.6% of the examined horses were seropositive, with the highest titre being 1:400. Viable parasites were isolated from two grade type mares; both parasite isolates (RS-Eq39 and RS-Eq40) were T. gondii type III, and both displayed an increased lethality for mice with successive passages. These are the first cases of isolation of T. gondii from horses in Serbia. When compared with a worldwide collection of 61 type III and type III-like strains, isolate RS-Eq39 showed a combination of MS lengths similar to a strain isolated from a duck in Iran, and isolate RS-Eq40 was identical in all markers to three strains isolated from a goat from Gabon, a sheep from France and a pig from Portugal. Interestingly, the source horses were one seronegative and one weakly seropositive. Conclusions The isolation of viable T. gondii parasites from slaughter horses points to horsemeat as a potential source of human infection, but the fact that viable parasites were isolated from horses with only a serological trace of T. gondii infection presents further evidence that serology may not be adequate to assess the risk of toxoplasmosis from horsemeat consumption. Presence of T. gondii type III in Serbia sheds more light into the potential origin of this archetypal lineage in Europe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2104-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Klun
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Uzelac
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Maison Blanche, EA 3800 SFR CAP-SANTE, UFR Médecine Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 45 rue Cognacq-Jay, 51092, Reims, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM, UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Université de Limoges, 2 rue du Docteur Marcland, 87025, Limoges, France.,Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, 87042, Limoges, France
| | - Branko Bobić
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Nikolić
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Rajnpreht
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3520BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Dominique Aubert
- Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Maison Blanche, EA 3800 SFR CAP-SANTE, UFR Médecine Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 45 rue Cognacq-Jay, 51092, Reims, France
| | - Radu Blaga
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, ANSES, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Joke van der Giessen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3520BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Olgica Djurković-Djaković
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Portella LP, Cadore GC, Sangioni LA, Pellegrini LFV, Fighera R, Ramos F, Vogel FSF. Antibodies against Apicomplexa protozoa and absence sarcocysts in heart tissues from horses in southern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:100-103. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp., and Toxoplasma gondii are Apicomplexa protozoa that can infect horses. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp., and T. gondii in horses slaughtered in southern Brazil. The presence of histological lesions, tissue cysts, and Sarcocystis spp. DNA in the hearts of these horses was also investigated. A total of 197 paired serum and heart samples were evaluated by serology and direct microscopic examination; 50 of these samples were subjected to histopathological and PCR analyses. Antibodies against at least one of the protozoa were detected in 146 (74.1%) of the serum samples. The frequencies of positive serology were: 36% (71/197) against Sarcocystis spp., 39.1% (77/197) against Neospora spp., and 47.2% (93/197) against T. gondii. No cysts, Sarcocystis spp. DNA, or histopathological lesions were observed in myocardial tissue samples. The frequencies of antibody seropositivity against Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp., and T. gondii showed that horses are frequently infected by these parasites in southern Brazil. The absence of sarcocysts in horse tissues is compatible with their role as aberrant/accidental hosts in the life cycle of Sarcocystis spp..
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Ribeiro MJM, Rosa MHF, Bruhn FRP, Garcia ADM, Rocha CMBMD, Guimarães AM. Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. among horses in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2016; 25:142-50. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The present study used the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp., and evaluated the variables associated with these infections among 506 apparently healthy horses, reared in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study was conducted between April 2012 and October 2013. Among the horses, the true prevalence of S. neurona was 26% (95% CI: 22.0-30.4%), T. gondii 19.9% (95% CI: 15.5-24.8%) and Neospora spp. 23.9% (95% CI: 19.9-28.1%); and among the farms, 88.3% (95% CI: 74.4-91.6%), 71.6% (95% CI: 41-92.8%) and 85% (95% CI: 70.7-96.1%), respectively. Regarding mixed infection, 17 horses (3.4%) were seropositive for both S. neurona and T. gondii, 16 (3.2%) for T. gondii and Neospora spp. and 14 (2.8%) for S. neurona and Neospora spp. The associations between seropositivity and variables relating to the structure of the farm, management and health were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis, through the generalized estimating equations (GEE). The results suggest that the south of Minas Gerais is an enzootic area for S. neurona, T. gondii and Neospora spp. among horses, with prevalence of asymptomatic subclinical or chronic infections.
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Papatsiros VG, Athanasiou LV, Stougiou D, Papadopoulos E, Maragkakis GG, Katsoulos PD, Lefkaditis M, Kantas D, Tzika ED, Tassis PD, Boutsini S. Cross-Sectional Serosurvey and Risk Factors Associated with the Presence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Pigs in Greece. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:48-53. [PMID: 26771899 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1845] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide reported zoonotic infection caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii. Pigs may become infected by ingesting feed or water contaminated with cat faeces, by cannibalism, and/or by eating infected rodents. T. gondii infected edible tissues of pigs are a source of infection for humans. This study was undertaken to detect seropositivity of pigs against T. gondii and identify possible risk factors as well as to compare two serological methods. METHODS A total of 609 blood samples were collected from 10% of the sows from 65 pig farms located in mainland Greece. Information about the geographical location, size, and biosecurity level of the herd was recorded. Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii employing the indirect fluorescent antibody test and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Twenty-six positive samples were detected (4.3%) in 17 out of the 65 farms tested (26.2%). The average seroprevalence in affected herds was 26.8% (95% confidence interval 21.0-32.6%). Among the categorical data evaluated, the biosecurity level (odds ratio 0.17, p < 0.01) and the geographical characteristics (odds ratio 13.55, p < 0.05) significantly affected the presence of toxoplasmosis in the herd. Toxoplasmosis was recorded in significantly higher percentages in mountainous farms as compared to lowlands (p < 0.05) and in those with poor biosecurity levels than in those with very good (p < 0.05). A very good agreement (κ = 0.958) was observed between the two serological methods. CONCLUSION The presence of antibodies in pigs is indirect information on the risk of the infection and an indication of the necessity of biosecurity measures to be taken in order to control infection at least in the areas at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios G Papatsiros
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Despina Stougiou
- 2 National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Centre of Athens Veterinary Institutions , Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- 3 Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giorgios G Maragkakis
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Katsoulos
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Menelaos Lefkaditis
- 5 Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kantas
- 6 Department of Animal Production, Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly , Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni D Tzika
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Tassis
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sofia Boutsini
- 2 National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Centre of Athens Veterinary Institutions , Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
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Aharonson-Raz K, Baneth G, Lopes AP, Brancal H, Schallig H, Cardoso L, Steinman A. Low Seroprevalence ofLeishmania infantumandToxoplasma gondiiin the Horse Population in Israel. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 15:726-31. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Aharonson-Raz
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hugo Brancal
- Veterinary Clinic of Covilhã, Quinta das Ferreiras, Boidobra, Covilhã, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
- Agrarian College, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Biomedical Research, Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen (KIT)/Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
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Tsokana CN, Sokos C, Giannakopoulos A, Mamuris Z, Birtsas P, Papaspyropoulos K, Valiakos G, Spyrou V, Lefkaditis M, Chatzopoulos DC, Kantere M, Manolakou K, Touloudi A, Burriel AR, Ferroglio E, Hadjichristodoulou C, Billinis C. First evidence of Leishmania infection in European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in Greece: GIS analysis and phylogenetic position within the Leishmania spp. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:313-21. [PMID: 26386969 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although the existence of a sylvatic transmission cycle of Leishmania spp., independent from the domestic cycle, has been proposed, data are scarce on Leishmania infection in wild mammals in Greece. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of Leishmania infection in the European brown hare in Greece, to infer the phylogenetic position of the Leishmania parasites detected in hares in Greece, and to identify any possible correlation between Leishmania infection in hares with environmental parameters, using the geographical information system (GIS). Spleen samples from 166 hares were tested by internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1)-nested PCR for the detection of Leishmania DNA. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on Leishmania sequences from hares in Greece in conjunction with Leishmania sequences from dogs in Greece and 46 Leishmania sequences retrieved from GenBank. The Leishmania DNA prevalence in hares was found to be 23.49 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 17.27-30.69). The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the Leishmania sequences from hares in Greece belong in the Leishmania donovani complex. The widespread Leishmania infection in hares should be taken into consideration because under specific circumstances, this species can act as a reservoir host. This study suggests that the role of wild animals, including hares, in the epidemiology of Leishmania spp. in Greece deserves further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Tsokana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - C Sokos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Z Mamuris
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - P Birtsas
- Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Administration, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - K Papaspyropoulos
- Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Valiakos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - V Spyrou
- Department of Animal Production, Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - M Lefkaditis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - D C Chatzopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - M Kantere
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - K Manolakou
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A Touloudi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - A Rodi Burriel
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - E Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - C Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.,Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP), Ministry of Health, Athens, Greece
| | - C Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.
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Wang JL, Zhou DH, Chen J, Liu GX, Pu WB, Liu TY, Qin SY, Yin MY, Zhu XQ. The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in horses in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, northwestern China. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:298-302. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect warm-blooded animals and humans. The present study was performed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses in Xinjiang, northwestern China. A total of 637 blood samples were collected from seven regions in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang in 2011 and assayed for T. gondiiantibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Risk factors (age, gender, and region) related to seroprevalence were determined by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 200 horses (31.4%, 95% CI 27.79–35.00) were seropositive for T. gondii. Age, gender, and region present no association with seroprevalence (p>0.05) in the logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that T. gondii is widely prevalent in horses in Xinjiang, northwestern China, representing a serious threat to animal and human health. Therefore, more careful measures should be performed to control and prevent T. gondii infection in horses from Xinjiang, northwestern China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jia Chen
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
| | | | - Wen-Bing Pu
- Changji Prefecture Animal Disease Control and Prevention Center, China
| | - Ting-Yu Liu
- Changji Prefecture Animal Disease Control and Prevention Center, China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
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Bartova E, Machacova T, Sedlak K, Budikova M, Mariani U, Veneziano V. Seroprevalence of antibodies of Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in horses from southern Italy. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Aroussi A, Vignoles P, Dalmay F, Wimel L, Dardé ML, Mercier A, Ajzenberg D. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in horse meat from supermarkets in France and performance evaluation of two serological tests. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:14. [PMID: 25809058 PMCID: PMC4374124 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2015014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In France, some cases of severe toxoplasmosis have been linked to the consumption of horse meat that had been imported from the American continent where atypical strains of Toxoplasma gondii are more common than in Europe. Many seroprevalence studies are presented in the literature but risk assessment of T. gondii infection after horse meat consumption is not possible in the absence of validated serological tests and the unknown correlation between detection of antibodies against T. gondii and presence of tissue cysts. We performed magnetic-capture polymerase chain reaction (MC-PCR) to detect T. gondii DNA in 231 horse meat samples purchased in supermarkets in France and evaluated the performance and level of agreement of the modified agglutination test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the meat juices. The serological tests lacked sensitivity, specificity, and agreement between them, and there was no correlation with the presence of T. gondii DNA in horse meat, raising concerns about the reliability of T. gondii seroprevalence data in horses from the literature. T. gondii DNA was detected in 43% of horse meat samples but the absence of strain isolation in mice following inoculation of more than 100 horse meat samples suggests a low distribution of cysts in skeletal muscles and a low risk of T. gondii infection associated with horse meat consumption. However, to avoid any risk of toxoplasmosis, thorough cooking of horse meat is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelkrim Aroussi
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR-S 1094, Laboratoire de Parasitologie, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - Philippe Vignoles
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR-S 1094, Laboratoire de Parasitologie, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - François Dalmay
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR-S 1094, Institut d'Epidémiologie Neurologique et de Neurologie Tropicale, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - Laurence Wimel
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Équitation, Station Expérimentale, Domaine de la Valade, 19370 Chamberet, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR-S 1094, Laboratoire de Parasitologie, 87000 Limoges, France - Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR-S 1094, Laboratoire de Parasitologie, 87000 Limoges, France
| | - Daniel Ajzenberg
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, UMR-S 1094, Laboratoire de Parasitologie, 87000 Limoges, France - Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
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Laatamna AE, Wagnerová P, Sak B, Květoňová D, Xiao L, Rost M, McEvoy J, Saadi AR, Aissi M, Kváč M. Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium in horses and donkeys in Algeria: detection of a novel Cryptosporidium hominis subtype family (Ik) in a horse. Vet Parasitol 2015; 208:135-42. [PMID: 25638716 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A total of 219 and 124 individual fecal samples of horses and donkeys, respectively, were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp., and Enterocytozoon bieneusi DNA by genus-specific nested PCR. Isolates were genotyped by sequence analysis of SSU rRNA, GP60, TRAP-C1, COWP, and HSP70 loci in Cryptosporidium, and the ITS region in microsporidia. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected on 3/18 horse farms and 1/15 farms where donkeys were kept. Overall, five (2.3%) horse and two (1.6%) donkey specimens were PCR positive for Cryptosporidium. Genotyping at SSU and GP60 loci revealed that three isolates from horses and donkeys were C. parvum subtype family IIaA16G1R1, one isolate from a horse was, C. muris RN66, and one isolate from a donkey was C. muris TS03. An isolate from a horse shared 99.4% and 99.3% similarity with Cryptosporidium hominis and C. cuniculus, respectively, at the SSU locus. This isolate shared 100% identity with C. hominis at the TRAP-C1, COWP, and HSP70 loci, and it was from the novel gp60 subtype family IkA15G1. Microsporidia were found on 6/18 horse and 2/15 donkey farms. E. bieneusi was identified in 6.8% (15/219) and 1.6% (2/124), and Encephalitozoon cuniculi was identified in 1.8% (4/219) and 1.6% (2/124), of horses and donkeys, respectively. Three genotypes of E. cuniculi (I, II and III) were detected in horses, and E. cuniculi genotype II was detected in donkeys. Four genotypes of E. bieneusi (horse1, horse 2, CZ3, D) were described in horses. An additional five horses and two donkeys were positive for E. bieneusi, but the isolated were not genotyped. Neither Cryptosporidium nor microsporidia prevalence were affected by sex, age, type of breeding, or whether the host was a horse or a donkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abd Elkarim Laatamna
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria; Higher National School of Veterinary, BP 161 Hacène Badi, EL Harrach, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Pavla Wagnerová
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Rost
- Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - John McEvoy
- Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Ahmed Rachid Saadi
- Higher National School of Veterinary, BP 161 Hacène Badi, EL Harrach, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Meriem Aissi
- Higher National School of Veterinary, BP 161 Hacène Badi, EL Harrach, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Martin Kváč
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Razmi GR, Abedi V, Yaghfoori S. Serological study of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Turkoman horses in the North Khorasan Province, Iran. J Parasit Dis 2014; 40:515-9. [PMID: 27413330 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0536-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. The infection is observed in an unusually wide range of warm-blooded animals, including most of the livestock and humans. Many studies have shown high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in man and animals in Iran. The present study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Turkoman horses in the North Khorasan Province. During 2011-2012, 100 blood samples from horses were collected and tested for antibodies against toxoplasmosis using indirect fluorescent antibody test. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was detected in 14 % (14) horses. The antibodies titres were detected in the range of 1:20-1:160 dilution. The lowest and highest frequencies of toxoplasmosis were observed in the age groups of <1 year and 1-10 years, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between toxoplasmosis frequencies and gender and usage of horses. With regard to the high frequency of toxoplasmosis in the sampled horses, attention must be paid to the animal health for the control and prophylaxis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Razmi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran
| | - V Abedi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran
| | - S Yaghfoori
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran
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Kouam MK, Diakou A, Kantzoura V, Feidas H, Theodoropoulou H, Theodoropoulos G. An analysis of seroprevalence and risk factors for parasitic infections of economic importance in small ruminants in Greece. Vet J 2014; 202:146-52. [PMID: 25155306 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional serological survey was carried out to screen the small ruminants of Thessaly, Greece, for infection with Haemonchus contortus, lungworms (i.e. Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, Protostrongylus rufescens and Neostrongylus linearis) as a group, and for Cysticercus tenuicolis, Linguatula serrata and Oestrus ovis. A second objective was to determine the risk factors related to herd characteristics, management practices, farmer status and bioclimatic variables associated with these parasitic infections. A total of 361 sheep and 179 goat serum samples were examined. The seroprevalences were 33.9%, 41.5%, 14.1%, 4.6% and 1.4% for H. contortus, lungworms, L. serrata, C. tenuicolis and O. ovis, respectively. The final logistic regression model showed that farm location and temperature were associated with H. contortus, lungworm and L. serrata infections. Anthelmintic treatment, class of anthelmintic and rotation of grazing were associated with H. contortus and lungworm infections, while grazing with other herds was associated with lungworm and L. serrata infections; rain was associated with H. contortus and L. serrata infections. Farm type and age of farmer were associated with H. contortus infections and elevation was associated with lungworm infection. The results may help to formulate appropriate control strategies in Greece and other areas with similar climatic conditions in order to channel limited resources to mitigate only those risk factors which are significant to protect the profitability of the livestock industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc K Kouam
- Department of Animal production, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vaia Kantzoura
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Faculty of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, Athens 11855, Greece
| | - Haralambos Feidas
- Department of Meteorology and Climatology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Helen Theodoropoulou
- Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University, 70 E. Venizelos, Athens 17671, Greece
| | - Georgios Theodoropoulos
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Faculty of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, Athens 11855, Greece.
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Sgorbini M, Bonelli F, Pizzolli I, Tognetti R, Corazza M. Seroprevalence of Leishmania sp. Infection in Healthy Horses Housed in Endemic Areas in Tuscany. J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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46
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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with zoonotic parasitic infections in small ruminants in the Greek temperate environment. Parasitol Int 2013; 62:554-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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47
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Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy sheep and goats mixed stock farming. Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:387-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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48
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Evers F, Garcia JL, Navarro IT, Zulpo DL, Nino BDSL, Ewald MPDC, Pagliari S, Almeida JCD, Freire RL. Diagnosis and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in horses from Brazilian slaughterhouses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 22:58-63. [PMID: 23538498 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612013005000009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and to isolate the parasite from the brains of horses processed at slaughterhouses in Brazil. We collected brain and blood samples from 398 horses of various ages, from six Brazilian states. Serum samples were evaluated by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT cut-off titre ≥ 1:64), and brains were submitted to mouse bioassay. Among the 398 horses, positivity for T. gondii was identified in 46 (11.6%) by IFAT and in 14 (3.5%) by mouse bioassay. In 12 of those 14 bioassays, mice were positive only by IFAT (cut-off titre ≥ 1:16), T. gondii being isolated in the remaining two. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of 18S rDNA to differentiate among T. gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis neurona, we found that two of the 14 brains were positive for T. gondii only. For genotyping of the two isolates and the PCR-positive brain, we performed PCR-RFLP based on 13 markers, and SAG2 all samples were Toxoplasma gondii type I. Collectively, IFAT of horse sera and mouse bioassay identified positivity in 60 (15%) of the samples. Our results show that some horses sent to slaughter in Brazil have been exposed to T. gondii.
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García-Bocanegra I, Cabezón O, Arenas-Montes A, Carbonero A, Dubey JP, Perea A, Almería S. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in equids from Southern Spain. Parasitol Int 2012; 61:421-4. [PMID: 22366344 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were determined in serum samples from 616 equids (454 horses, 80 mules and 82 donkeys) in a cross-sectional study of 420 herds in Andalusia (Southern Spain), the region with the highest number of equids in Spain. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 10.8% horses, 15.0% mules and 25.6% donkeys by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) at a cut-off of 1:25. Herd seroprevalence for horses, mules and donkeys was 14.7% (48/327), 23.9% (11/46) and 34.0% (16/47), respectively, and 75 herds (17.8%) had at least one seropositive animal. Significant differences in T. gondii seroprevalence were observed among species, with donkeys having the highest seroprevalence and horses the lowest (P=0.04). Seroprevalence was significantly higher in herds with presence of domestic ruminants. This study is the first report of the presence of T. gondii antibodies in equine species in Spain and the first reporting T. gondii infection in donkeys in Europe. The presence of antibodies is indication of contact with the parasite and therefore, consumption of equine meat could be a potential source of human infection in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- I García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain.
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50
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Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sport horses from Qazvin, Iran. Trop Anim Health Prod 2010; 42:1321-2. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-010-9576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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