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Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Saldias B, Blanco-Murcia J, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Added value of IgM detection and low avidity index as markers of acute bovine besnoitiosis. Vet Parasitol 2019; 277:109012. [PMID: 31884316 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Early in vivo diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis is crucial for the success of control programmes. However, diagnosis in acutely infected animals is hindered by the low sensitivity of the available serological tools. In this study, a novel ELISA to detect specific anti-Besnoitia besnoiti IgM antibodies was developed. The usefulness of this tool together with an avidity ELISA were studied with a well-coded sera panel from experimentally and naturally infected cattle. First, the kinetics of specific IgM levels were determined in experimentally infected calves during the acute and chronic infection. Next, IgM levels were determined in naturally infected cattle with either acute or chronic infection. Finally, the IgG avidity index was monitored in both experimentally and naturally infected cattle. Specific IgM antibodies were detected prior to specific IgG antibodies (7-19 days vs. 17-26 days post-infection). A prompt IgM response was associated with the end of the febrile stage in experimentally infected calves. Naturally and experimentally infected animals with acute clinical signs tested IgM-positive but IgG-negative, followed by IgG seroconversion 2-3 weeks later. Chronically infected cattle developed both IgM and IgG specific antibodies. Moreover, a progressive increase in the avidity index (AI) was observed in all experimentally infected calves during the course of the experimental trials. However, a low AI coincided with visible tissue cysts. Low avidity values were also detected when naturally infected cattle with acute clinical signs seroconverted, in contrast to a high AI detected in chronically infected cattle. In summary, IgM and avidity ELISAs improved the early in vivo diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis. IgM-positive but IgG-negative results were indicative of an acute infection, whereas IgG positive results accompanied by low avidity values confirmed a recent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Begonia Saldias
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Blanco-Murcia
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Komar A, Kozerecka O, Besarab O, Galkin A. Development and Validation of a Highly Informative Immuno-Enzymatic Analysis for the Determination of Free Prostat-Specific Antigen. INNOVATIVE BIOSYSTEMS AND BIOENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.20535/ibb.2019.3.4.185877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Garrido-Castañé I, Romero AO, Espuny JC, Hentrich B, Basso W. Besnoitia besnoiti seroprevalence in beef, dairy and bullfighting cattle in Catalonia (north-eastern Spain): A cross-sectional study. Parasitol Int 2018; 69:71-74. [PMID: 30528534 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti is the causative agent of bovine besnoitiosis, a chronic and debilitating disease of cattle that recently re-emerged and seems to be spreading in Europe. A cross-sectional serological study was carried out in different cattle herds in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain, to determine the seroprevalence of B. besnoiti in the region. A total of 791 serum samples (beef cattle n = 338, dairy cattle n = 291; bullfighting cattle n = 162) were tested. Sera were first screened for antibodies against Besnoitia using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) applying a cut-off that was lower than that recommended by the manufacturer in order to reach highest sensitivity. Sera above the chosen cut-off of 15% positivity (PP) were further tested by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) and respectively positive results were confirmed by a B. besnoiti tachyzoite-based immunoblot. A total of 504/791 (63.7%) sera showed ELISA values above the selected cut-off, and 91 of these samples also yielded positive results in IFAT (cut-off titre 1:200). By immunoblot, a positive result was obtained in 93.4% (85 out of the 91) of the IFAT-positive samples. Interestingly, all confirmed Besnoitia-seropositive cases corresponded exclusively to beef cattle from the Pyrenees area, resulting in a prevalence of 25.1% (85/338) at the animal level and of 46% (36/78) at the herd level in this cattle group. No specific antibodies against Besnoitia could be detected in dairy and bullfighting cattle. The obtained results suggested that Besnoitia infections are present in Catalonia, consequently, diagnosis of this parasitic infection should be included in the sanitary control and before trading and movement of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Garrido-Castañé
- Parasitologia, Departament de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anna Ortuño Romero
- Parasitologia, Departament de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Castellà Espuny
- Parasitologia, Departament de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brigitte Hentrich
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-3057 Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Gollnick NS, Scharr JC, Schares S, Bärwald A, Schares G, Langenmayer MC. Naturally acquired bovine besnoitiosis: Disease frequency, risk and outcome in an endemically infected beef herd. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:833-843. [PMID: 29345125 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The recent spread of bovine besnoitiosis warrants further epidemiological investigations to improve the knowledge on disease development. Thus, a 4-year longitudinal open cohort study was conducted in the first German cattle herd naturally infected with Besnoitia besnoiti. At seven herd-visits between 2008 and 2012, fourteen breeding bulls (>1.5 years) and 131 females (>1 year) were examined clinically and serologically. In females, clinical and serological prevalences, incidence and remission rates were determined. In addition, the association of age, antibody levels and number of visible parasitic cysts with clinical and serological outcome was investigated. The seroprevalence (89.4%-100%) and serological incidence rate (140.5 per 100 animal-years) were considerably higher than the clinical prevalence (23.5%-36.6%) and clinical incidence rate (16.7 per 100 animal-years). Of 33 new clinical and 12 new serological cases, only 6.7% (3/45) attracted attention with clinical signs of acute bovine besnoitiosis. The apparent serological remission rate (1.9 per 100 animal-years) was considerably lower than the clinical remission rate (37.3 per 100 animal-years). A median cyst score of <1 and mean immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) titre of ≤1,600 over the entire observation period was significantly associated with a negative clinical outcome at the end. Overall cyst score was not significantly associated with serological outcome and age had no significant influence on clinical and serological outcome. Within 4 years, there was a significant reduction in cyst scores and IFAT titres in the same animals, leading to eight clinically and serologically negative animals in the end. Two initially negative animals achieved clinical and apparent serological remission in about 2.5 years. In bulls, the time between herd entry and seroconversion was 7-30 months and the serological incidence rate was nearly identical to the rate in females (142.0 per 100 animal-years). This shows that a high B. besnoiti prevalence leads to infection of bulls within a short time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Gollnick
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Oberschleißheim, Germany.,German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - S Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - A Bärwald
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M C Langenmayer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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5
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Advances in the diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis: current options and applications for control. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:737-751. [PMID: 28893637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, which is caused by the tissue cyst-forming intracellular parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating disease that is responsible for severe economic losses in the cattle raised under extensive husbandry systems. The absence of vaccines, treatments or a health scheme at local, national and international levels has led to a rapid spread of bovine besnoitiosis from western Europe towards eastern countries and northwards. Moreover, this parasitic disease is widely present in many sub-Saharan countries. Thus, bovine besnoitiosis should be included in the animal health scheme of beef cattle herds. Accurate diagnostic tools and common diagnostic procedures are mandatory in any control programme. Relevant advances have been made in this field during the last decade. Succeeding with accurate diagnosis relies on the technique employed and the antibody and parasite kinetics of the infection stage, which may notably influence control programmes and surveillance. Moreover, control programmes should be adapted to the epidemiological status of the disease, as the disease presentation in a herd has important implications for prospective control. Herein, we review the clinical disease presentation of bovine besnoitiosis and the correlation between its clinical course and laboratory parameters. We also provide an update on the available diagnostic tools, discuss their strengths and pitfalls, and provide guidelines for their use in control, surveillance and epidemiological studies. A rational control strategy is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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6
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García-Lunar P, Ortega-Mora LM, Schares G, Diezma-Díaz C, Álvarez-García G. A new lyophilized tachyzoite based ELISA to diagnose Besnoitia spp. infection in bovids and wild ruminants improves specificity. Vet Parasitol 2017; 244:176-182. [PMID: 28917311 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that routinely used whole or soluble Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoite (TZ) extract-based ELISAs potentially give rise to a high number of false-positive results, which may compromise control and the epidemiological studies of bovine besnoitiosis. Thus, western blot (WB) has been recommended as a confirmatory test. In the present study, a new ELISA test that employs lyophilized tachyzoites for the first time (BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0) was developed and validated with cattle sera (n=606) under a worst-case scenario. False positive and false negative, soluble TZ extract-based BbSALUVET ELISA 1.0 reactors were overrepresented, and WB was used as the reference test. One commercial test (PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab 2.0, which employs whole TZ extract) and a recently developed membrane-enriched ELISA (APure-BbELISA) were also tested. The three ELISAs showed high AUC values (>0.9). However, the best diagnostic performance corresponded to the BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0 and the APure-BbELISA [(92% sensitivity (Se) and 98% specificity (Sp)] followed by PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab 2.0 (88% Se, 98% Sp, and 4.5% doubtful results). In addition, the BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0 was validated with wild ruminant sera, and excellent performance (96% Se, 97% Sp, and 4% doubtful results) was obtained again. A different antigenic composition of the lyophilized tachyzoites, compared with whole or soluble tachyzoite extracts, may be responsible for the improved diagnostic performance. This study proposes the use of the BbSALUVET ELISA 2.0 in cattle prior to entry to herds free of the disease and in valuable samples prior to a selective culling without the need of a confirmatory Western Blot test in positive samples due to its excellent specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - C Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain.
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Importance of serological cross-reactivity among Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia spp., Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp. and Besnoitia besnoiti. Parasitology 2017; 144:851-868. [PMID: 28241894 PMCID: PMC5471829 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and Besnoitia besnoiti are genetically related cyst-forming coccidia. Serology is frequently used for the identification of T. gondii, Neospora spp. and B. besnoiti-exposed individuals. Serologic cross-reactions occur in different tests among animals infected with T. gondii and H. hammondi, as well as among animals infected by T. gondii and N. caninum. Infections caused by N. caninum and N. hughesi are almost indistinguishable by serology. Neospora caninum, B. besnoiti and Sarcocystis spp. infections in cattle show some degree of serologic cross-reactivity. Antibody cross-reactivity between Neospora spp. and H. heydorni-infected animals is suspected, but not proven to occur. We review serologic cross-reactivity among animals and/or humans infected with T. gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and B. besnoiti. Emphasis is laid upon antigens and serological methods for N. caninum diagnosis which were tested for cross-reactivity with related protozoa. Species-specific antigens, as well as stage-specific proteins have been identified in some of these parasites and have promising use for diagnosis and epidemiological surveys.
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Far beyond Phagocytosis: Phagocyte-Derived Extracellular Traps Act Efficiently against Protozoan Parasites In Vitro and In Vivo. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:5898074. [PMID: 27445437 PMCID: PMC4944069 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5898074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Professional mononuclear phagocytes such as polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), monocytes, and macrophages are considered as the first line of defence against invasive pathogens. The formation of extracellular traps (ETs) by activated mononuclear phagocytes is meanwhile well accepted as an effector mechanism of the early host innate immune response acting against microbial infections. Recent investigations showed evidence that ETosis is a widely spread effector mechanism in vertebrates and invertebrates being utilized to entrap and kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoan parasites. ETs are released in response to intact protozoan parasites or to parasite-specific antigens in a controlled cell death process. Released ETs consist of nuclear DNA as backbone adorned with histones, antimicrobial peptides, and phagocyte-specific granular enzymes thereby producing a sticky extracellular matrix capable of entrapping and killing pathogens. This review summarizes recent data on protozoa-induced ETosis. Special attention will be given to molecular mechanisms of protozoa-induced ETosis and on its consequences for the parasites successful reproduction and life cycle accomplishment.
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García-Lunar P, Moré G, Campero L, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Sarcocystis spp. specific antibodies cross-react with Besnoitia besnoiti and influence the serological diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:49-54. [PMID: 26386830 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis control remains a challenge because the disease continues to spread and control relies solely on accurate diagnosis coupled to management measures. However, recent studies have reported that routinely used ELISAs may raise a high number of false-positive results. Herein, cross-reactions between Besnoitia besnoiti antigens and anti-Neospora caninum and/or anti-Sarcocystis spp.-specific antibodies were studied in an in house ELISA since N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. are closely related parasites, and both infections are highly prevalent in cattle worldwide. The serum panel was composed of the following categories: sera from B. besnoiti-seronegative (n=75) and -seropositive cattle (n=66), B. besnoiti-based-ELISA false-positive reactors (n=96) together with N. caninum (n=36) and Sarcocystis spp. (n=42) -seropositive reference cattle sera. B. besnoiti tachyzoite based western blot (WB) results classified animals as seropositive or seronegative. Sera were analyzed for the detection of anti-N. caninum by WB and ELISA and anti-Sarcocystis spp.-specific antibodies by WB and IFAT. Those samples recognizing a Sarcocystis spp. 18-20 kDa antigenic region and N. caninum 17-18 kDa immunodominant antigen were considered to be Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum seropositive, respectively. The category of B. besnoiti based-ELISA false-positive reactors showed the highest number of sera with specific anti-Sarcocystis spp. and anti-N. caninum antibodies (74%; 71/96), followed by the N. caninum-seropositive cattle category (52.8%; 19/36). In contrast, few B. besnoiti-seronegative and -seropositive cattle showed antibodies against Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum (10.7%; 8/75 and 1.5%; 1/66), respectively). This study revealed that B. besnoiti false-positive ELISA results were associated not only with the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-Sarcocystis spp. antibodies (χ(2): 78.36; p<0.0001; OR: 34.6; CI: 14-88) but also with high antibody levels against them using ELISA and IFAT tests, respectively (p<0.05; t-test). These results may explain why only some animals seropositive to Sarcocystis spp. and/or N. caninum are Besnoitia false-positive reactors. Therefore, sera meeting these requirements should be included in future validations of serological tests for bovine besnoitiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Campero
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040-Madrid, Spain.
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, García-Lunar P, Rojo-Montejo S, Zabala J, Serrano M, Alvarez-García G. Clinical and Serological Dynamics of Besnoitia besnoiti Infection in Three Endemically Infected Beef Cattle Herds. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 64:538-546. [PMID: 26301388 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics of bovine besnoitiosis were studied in an area where the disease is endemic. A four-year longitudinal study was conducted for the first time in three infected beef cattle herds located in the Urbasa-Andía Mountains (Navarra, Spain). Each herd was visited four to seven times, and clinical and serological prevalence rates and incidence rates were estimated. Clinical inspections to identify compatible clinical signs with the disease stages were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. Serological assessment was initially performed by ELISA. Seronegative animals with clinical signs and seropositive animals with relative index per cent (RIPC) values lower than 30 that did not increase during the study period were analysed by Western blot to optimize the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test. Clinical prevalence rates were slightly higher (62% on average) than the seroprevalence rates (50% on average), and tissue cysts located in the vestibulum vaginae and sclera were the most frequently detected clinical signs. The proportion of seropositive animals with clinical signs varied from 16.7% to 73.6% among the herds, and 17% of cattle with clinical signs proved to be seronegative by both serological tests. An average 22% serological incidence rate was also reported in addition to clinical incidence rates that varied from 12.5% to 16.7%. Additionally, parasitemia was investigated in the herd that showed the highest clinical and seroprevalence rates. Only one PCR positive blood sample was detected. Thus, the role that blood may play in parasite transmission needs to be further investigated. Infected herds maintained both high prevalence and incidence rates in the absence of control measures and a high number of parasite carriers. Finally, economic impact studies on reproductive and productive losses associated with besnoitiosis need to be performed to implement a cost-benefit control programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Rojo-Montejo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Zabala
- Albaikide, S.A. Veterinary Services, Navarra, Spain
| | - M Serrano
- Albaikide, S.A. Veterinary Services, Navarra, Spain
| | - G Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Liénard E, Pop L, Prevot F, Grisez C, Mallet V, Raymond-Letron I, Bouhsira É, Franc M, Jacquiet P. Experimental infections of rabbits with proliferative and latent stages of Besnoitia besnoiti. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3815-26. [PMID: 26143866 PMCID: PMC4562009 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4612-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cattle besnoitiosis due to Besnoitia besnoiti is spreading across Europe and is responsible for severe economic losses in newly infected herds. Experimentally speaking, rabbits have been found to be susceptible to this parasite. The adaptation of B. besnoiti to rabbits may offer a new, easier and cheaper model of investigation for this disease. This study compared the virulence between tachyzoites and bradyzoites of B. besnoiti in rabbits. Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were allocated into three groups of six animals each. The rabbits from the control (group C), "tachyzoite" (group T) and "bradyzoite" (group B) groups were subcutaneously injected in the right flank with 66 μg of ovalbumin, 6.10(6) tachyzoites (125th passage on Vero cells) and 6.10(6) bradyzoites (collected from a natural infected cow) of B. besnoiti, respectively. Clinical follow-up and blood sampling for serological survey and qPCR were performed during 10 weeks until euthanasia. Molecular and immunohistochemistry examination was achieved on 25 samples of tissue per rabbit. Seroconversion occurred in group T without any clinical signs. Rabbits of group B exhibited a febrile condition (temperature above 40 °C from day 8 to day 11 following injection) with positive qPCR in blood. Cysts of B. besnoiti were found on skin samples and organs of rabbits from group B in tissue explored with threshold cycle (Ct) values below 30. These results suggest a higher virulence of bradyzoites in rabbits than Vero cell-cultivated tachyzoites. The proposed model could be used to assess the in vivo effectiveness of vaccine or drugs against cattle besnoitiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Liénard
- UMR INRA/DGER 1225, INP - École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Laboratoire de Parasitologie, 23 chemin des Capelles, F-31076, Toulouse, France,
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Gazzonis AL, Alvarez Garcia G, Zanzani SA, Garippa G, Rossi L, Maggiora M, Dini V, Invernizzi A, Luini M, Tranquillo VM, Ortega Mora L, Manfredi MT. Besnoitia besnoiti among cattle in insular and northwestern Italy: endemic infection or isolated outbreaks? Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:585. [PMID: 25491281 PMCID: PMC4271444 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine besnoitiosis, caused by the apicomplexan Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating disease considered as emerging in Europe. In Spain, Portugal and France it is endemic and foci of infection were recorded in Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Greece and Italy. In Italy, cases of bovine besnoitiosis were registered both in imported and autochthonous cattle, and mostly in central regions; high seroprevalence was also revealed by an epidemiological survey performed in the southern part of the country. Aiming to update information on the disease in northwestern and insular areas of Italy, where data on bovine besnoitiosis were missing, a serosurvey was designed for the present study. METHODS Three thousand one hundred and forty bovine blood samples from both dairy and beef farms (n = 126) were collected in northwestern regions (Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria) and in the island of Sardinia. Samples were analyzed by a standardized in-house ELISA and those resulted positive were re-tested by Western Blot (WB) for confirmation. On results obtained by both ELISA and WB, apparent (AP) and true prevalence (TP) were calculated at individual and herd levels. Further, a panel of sera resulted positive to ELISA was analyzed by IFAT. RESULTS A total of 712 animals (AP = 22.7%; TP = 18.8%) and 109 farms (AP = 86.5%; TP = 88.2%) showed a positive reaction in ELISA. Only ten (AP = 0.3%; TP = 0%) specimens proceeding from five farms (AP = 3.9%; TP = 1.7%) from Lombardy were confirmed positive to the WB, corresponding to two Holstein Friesian cows and eight beef cattle. IFAT showed a low sensitivity (44.4%) scoring positive in only four samples out of 9 positive to WB. CONCLUSIONS The survey demonstrated that bovine besnoitiosis cannot still be considered endemic in whole Italy. In fact, independent foci of infection were registered only in Lombardy region. Therefore, a sanitary strategy aimed to increase control measures and to organize monitoring plans, by adequate diagnostic tools is necessary to avoid overestimation of B. besnoiti in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia L Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gema Alvarez Garcia
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sergio A Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Garippa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marco Maggiora
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Valter Dini
- Health Veterinary Service, A.S.L. Savonese 2, Savona, Italy.
| | - Anna Invernizzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mario Luini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Vito M Tranquillo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Luis Ortega Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Muñoz-Caro T, Silva LMR, Ritter C, Taubert A, Hermosilla C. Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites induce monocyte extracellular trap formation. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:4189-97. [PMID: 25193048 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular trap (ET) formation has been demonstrated as an important novel effector mechanism of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), eosinophils, mast cells and macrophages acting extracellularly against pathogens. In the present study, we show that tachyzoites of the emerging apicomplexan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, that have recently been reported as potent inducers of PMN-derived ETosis, also trigger the release of ETs in an additional cell type, namely in monocytes. Fluorescence illustrations as well as scanning electron microscopy analyses (SEM) showed monocyte-promoted ET formation to be rapidly induced upon exposure to viable tachyzoites of B. besnoiti. Classical characteristics of ETs were confirmed by the co-localization of extracellular DNA with histones (H3) or myeloperoxidase (MPO) in parasite-entrapping structures. Monocyte-derived ETs were efficiently abolished by DNase I treatment and significantly reduced by treatments with inhibitors of MPO and NADPH oxidase, thus strengthening the key roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MPO in monocyte ET formation. For comparative reasons, we additionally tested sporozoite stages of the closely related parasite Eimeria bovis for their capacity to induce monocyte-derived ETs and showed that these stages indeed induce ETs. To our best knowledge, we here report for the first time on monocyte ETs against the apicomplexan parasites B. besnoiti and E. bovis. Our results indicate that monocyte-triggered ETs may represent an important effector mechanism of the host early innate immune response against B. besnoiti and add a new cell type to the list of cells capable to release ETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Muñoz-Caro
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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A review on bovine besnoitiosis: a disease with economic impact in herd health management, caused by Besnoitia besnoiti (Franco and Borges, ). Parasitology 2014; 141:1406-17. [PMID: 24694568 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis is caused by the largely unexplored apicomplexan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. In cows, infection during pregnancy often results in abortion, and chronically infected bulls become infertile. Similar to other apicomplexans B. besnoiti has acquired a largely intracellular lifestyle, but its complete life cycle is still unknown, modes of transmission have not been entirely resolved and the definitive host has not been identified. Outbreaks of bovine besnoitiosis in cattle were described in the 1990s in Portugal and Spain, and later several cases were also detected in France. More cases have been reported recently in hitherto unaffected countries, including Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and Croatia. To date, there is still no effective pharmaceutical compound available for the treatment of besnoitiosis in cattle, and progress in the identification of novel targets for intervention through pharmacological or immunological means is hampered by the lack of molecular data on the genomic and transcriptomic level. In addition, the lack of an appropriate small animal laboratory model, and wide gaps in our knowledge on the host-parasite interplay during the life cycle of this parasite, renders vaccine and drug development a cost- and labour-intensive undertaking.
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15
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Basso W, Lesser M, Grimm F, Hilbe M, Sydler T, Trösch L, Ochs H, Braun U, Deplazes P. Bovine besnoitiosis in Switzerland: imported cases and local transmission. Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:265-73. [PMID: 24120579 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis is an economically important disease of cattle, caused by Besnoitia besnoiti (Protozoa, Apicomplexa). A considerable spreading of this parasitic infection has been observed in Europe in the last ten years, mainly related to animal trade. In order to investigate the possibility of B. besnoiti being unnoticed introduced and getting established in Switzerland through the import of breeding cattle from France, a total of 767 animals (650 cattle imported from France and 117 cattle that had contact with B. besnoiti positive cattle in Swiss farms) were screened for antibodies against B. besnoiti by both a commercial ELISA and by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). A total of 101 (13.17%) samples showed a positive reaction in ELISA (cut-off: percent of positivity [PP] ≥ 15) and 16 (2.09%) samples had IFAT titers ≥ 1:100. Eight of those samples reacted positive in Western blot (WB), corresponding to five imported Limousin cattle (two cows and one bull from France and two cows from Germany) and to three cattle born in Switzerland (one Limousin heifer born from one of the positive German cows, and two adult Braunvieh cows, that had been in contact with one of the French cows at a Swiss farm). Seven of those animals were subclinically infected and one animal showed only very mild signs. They were subsequently slaughtered, and the serological diagnosis could be confirmed by real-time PCR and/or histopathology in seven animals. The most frequent parasite localizations were the tendons and surrounding connective tissue of the distal limbs and the skin of the head region. Furthermore, B. besnoiti could be successfully isolated in vitro from one French, one German and one Swiss cattle (isolates Bb-IPZ-1-CH, Bb-IPZ-2-CH and Bb-IPZ-3-CH). In the current situation in Switzerland, prophylactic and control measures should include a serological examination of cattle to be imported from endemic areas and the culling of all confirmed positive animals from the herd. The evidence of B. besnoiti infection in both imported and locally born cattle shows that the conditions for the establishment and dissemination of this parasite in Switzerland seem to be adequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Alvarez-García G, Frey CF, Mora LMO, Schares G. A century of bovine besnoitiosis: an unknown disease re-emerging in Europe. Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:407-15. [PMID: 23830145 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, which is caused by the cyst-forming apicomplexan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating vector-borne disease characterized by both cutaneous and systemic manifestations. In Europe, this parasitic disease appeared in a few restricted areas in France and Portugal since the first recorded cases in the beginning of the 20th century. However, at present, the disease is considered to be re-emerging by the European Food Safety Authority due to an increased number of cases and the geographic expansion of besnoitiosis into cattle herds in several European countries. In this review, we will provide an update of the epidemiology and impact of B. besnoiti infection. Strategies to control this parasitic disease will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Schares G, Langenmayer MC, Scharr JC, Minke L, Maksimov P, Maksimov A, Schares S, Bärwald A, Basso W, Dubey JP, Conraths FJ, Gollnick NS. Novel tools for the diagnosis and differentiation of acute and chronic bovine besnoitiosis. Int J Parasitol 2012; 43:143-54. [PMID: 23160022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of acute bovine besnoitiosis is a major diagnostic problem. We developed diagnostic tests to serologically diagnose and differentiate acute and chronic cases of bovine besnoitiosis using affinity purified antigens of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites in immunoblots and in both, a conventional ELISA and an avidity ELISA. Sera of acutely and chronically infected cattle were investigated using these tests. Acutely infected cattle initially recognised an antigen of 74 kDa relative molecular mass, followed by reactions with increasing intensity against 81 and 28 kDa antigens. In addition, faint reactions against antigens with 36, 37, 39 and 42 kDa molecular mass started soon after seroconversion and increased over time. An antigen of 45 kDa molecular mass was transiently recognised early after infection but not or only weakly in the chronic stage. At least two antigens, the 39 and the 42 kDa antigens, seem to be located on the surface of B. besnoiti tachyzoites as determined by biotinylation. Affinity purified antigen was used to establish an APure-BbELISA which showed excellent sensitivity (100%) relative to a serological reference system in naturally, most likely chronically, infected cattle. Specificity was also high (99.8%) as determined in cattle from herds with Neospora caninum-associated abortions. The antibody levels in APure-BbELISA were correlated with the parasite load in the skin or the mucous membrane of the vestibulum vaginae as determined by real-time PCR. In acute cases of bovine besnoitiosis (confirmed by the detection of low avidity IgG in the APure-BbELISA) first specific antibodies were detected by ELISA in all animals except one, at the same time or earlier than in the serological reference system. The detection of parasite DNA in skin by real-time PCR was clearly superior to serological analysis in detecting infected cattle during acute besnoitiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Wusterhausen, Germany.
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Parasites in ungulates of Arctic North America and Greenland: a view of contemporary diversity, ecology, and impact in a world under change. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2012; 79:99-252. [PMID: 22726643 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-398457-9.00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Parasites play an important role in the structure and function of arctic ecosystems, systems that are currently experiencing an unprecedented rate of change due to various anthropogenic perturbations, including climate change. Ungulates such as muskoxen, caribou, moose and Dall's sheep are also important components of northern ecosystems and are a source of food and income, as well as a focus for maintenance of cultural traditions, for northerners. Parasites of ungulates can influence host health, population dynamics and the quality, quantity and safety of meat and other products of animal origin consumed by people. In this article, we provide a contemporary view of the diversity of nematode, cestode, trematode, protozoan and arthropod parasites of ungulates in arctic and subarctic North America and Greenland. We explore the intricate associations among host and parasite assemblages and identify key issues and gaps in knowledge that emerge in a regime of accelerating environmental transition.
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, Gajadhar AA, García-Lunar P, Dubey JP, Alvarez-García G. Serological evidence of Besnoitia spp. infection in Canadian wild ruminants and strong cross-reaction between Besnoitia besnoiti and Besnoitia tarandi. Vet Parasitol 2012; 190:19-28. [PMID: 22795672 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, caused by Besnoitia besnoiti, is considered to be emergent in Europe and responsible for severe economic losses due to the chronic and debilitating course of the disease but has not been reported in North America. Besnoitia tarandi is a related species and it has been reported in reindeer and caribou from different locations of the Arctic Pole, including North America. Diagnosis of clinical besnoitiosis is largely based on the recognition of dermal grossly visible tissue cysts of Besnoitia. Nothing is known of cross reactivity between B. besnoiti and B. tarandi species. Here, we evaluated the use of serological tests employed in the diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis for the detection of Besnoitia spp. infections in different wild ruminant species (caribou, elk, mule-deer, white-tailed deer, moose, muskox and bison) from Canada and investigated cross-reactivity between B. besnoiti and B. tarandi species by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test and Western blot. For this, species-specific antibodies were obtained in rabbits experimentally infected with B. besnoiti and B. tarandi. Marked cross reactivity was found between B. besnoiti and B. tarandi. For the first time, antibodies to Besnoitia spp. infection were found in 16 of 20 caribou (Ranginfer tarandus), seven of 18 muskox (Ovibos moschatus), one of three bison (Bison bison), but not in 20 elk (Cervus canadensis), 20 white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and 20 moose (Alces alces) in Canada; results were similar using B. besnoiti and B. tarandi as antigen. There was no cross reactivity between the two Besnoitia species, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii with the cut-offs applied that prevented to observe it. The present study provides evidence that the serological assays can be useful to accomplish large scale prevalence studies in caribou and other wildlife species. Further studies are needed to study sylvatic and domestic cycle of B tarandi and B. besnoiti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Nasir A, Lanyon SR, Schares G, Anderson ML, Reichel MP. Sero-prevalence of Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti in South Australian beef and dairy cattle. Vet Parasitol 2012; 186:480-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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García-Lunar P, Ortega-Mora LM, Schares G, Gollnick NS, Jacquiet P, Grisez C, Prevot F, Frey CF, Gottstein B, Alvarez-García G. An inter-laboratory comparative study of serological tools employed in the diagnosis of Besnoitia besnoiti infection in bovines. Transbound Emerg Dis 2012; 60:59-68. [PMID: 22429475 DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2012.01318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis is considered an emerging chronic and debilitating disease in Europe. Many infections remain subclinical, and the only sign of disease is the presence of parasitic cysts in the sclera and conjunctiva. Serological tests are useful for detecting asymptomatic cattle/sub-clinical infections for control purposes, as there are no effective drugs or vaccines. For this purpose, diagnostic tools need to be further standardized. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the serological tests available in Europe in a multi-centred study. A coded panel of 241 well-characterized sera from infected and non-infected bovines was provided by all participants (SALUVET-Madrid, FLI-Wusterhausen, ENV-Toulouse, IPB-Berne). The tests evaluated were as follows: an in-house ELISA, three commercial ELISAs (INGEZIM BES 12.BES.K1 INGENASA, PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab V2.0, ID Screen Besnoitia indirect IDVET), two IFATs and seven Western blot tests (tachyzoite and bradyzoite extracts under reducing and non-reducing conditions). Two different definitions of a gold standard were used: (i) the result of the majority of tests ('Majority of tests') and (ii) the majority of test results plus pre-test information based on clinical signs ('Majority of tests plus pre-test info'). Relative to the gold standard 'Majority of tests', almost 100% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were obtained with SALUVET-Madrid and FLI-Wusterhausen tachyzoite- and bradyzoite-based Western blot tests under non-reducing conditions. On the ELISAs, PrioCHECK Besnoitia Ab V2.0 showed 100% Se and 98.8% Sp, whereas ID Screen Besnoitia indirect IDVET showed 97.2% Se and 100% Sp. The in-house ELISA and INGEZIM BES 12.BES.K1 INGENASA showed 97.3% and 97.2% Se; and 94.6% and 93.0% Sp, respectively. IFAT FLI-Wusterhausen performed better than IFAT SALUVET-Madrid, with 100% Se and 95.4% Sp. Relative to the gold standard 'Majority of test plus pre-test info', Sp significantly decreased; this result was expected because of the existence of seronegative animals with clinical signs. All ELISAs performed very well and could be used in epidemiological studies; however, Western blot tests performed better and could be employed as a posteriori tests for control purposes in the case of uncertain results from valuable samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Gentile A, Militerno G, Schares G, Nanni A, Testoni S, Bassi P, Gollnick NS. Evidence for bovine besnoitiosis being endemic in Italy--first in vitro isolation of Besnoitia besnoiti from cattle born in Italy. Vet Parasitol 2011; 184:108-15. [PMID: 21978744 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Until 2009, bovine besnoitiosis had never been considered endemic in Italy and the only report on the disease in this country referred to animals imported from France shortly before. However, recently, an autochthonous outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis was reported in four herds located at the intersection of the borders between Emilia-Romagna, Toscana and Marche (Northern Apennine Mountains), which has led to an increased awareness concerning this disease. The present study describes a further outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis in Italy. The afflicted herd was a dairy herd with no evidence for contact with cattle from regions known to be endemic for bovine besnoitiosis. The farm investigation was initiated after a three-year old Holstein Friesian dairy cow with generalized thickening and lichenification of the skin was diagnosed with bovine besnoitiosis. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by gross pathology, histopathology, serology and PCR. Bradyzoites released from tissue cysts obtained from the skin of this animal enabled the first in vitro isolation of Besnoitia besnoiti in Italy. This isolate was named Bb-Italy1. Sequencing of a 2118 bp spanning region including the complete internal transcribed spacer 1 and parts of the 18S and the 5.8S rRNA gene from DNA extracted from skin-derived zoites revealed a 99.9% identity to sequences known for other B. besnoiti isolated from cattle in Europe. Two GKO mice which had been inoculated intraperitoneally with bovine skin-derived bradyzoites became ill 7 days post inoculation. Parasitophorous vacuoles with multiplying zoites were observed in the cell culture inoculated with peritoneal fluids of these mice and a B. besnoiti infection in the mice and in the cell culture could be confirmed by real-time PCR. A serological investigation in the afflicted herd using immunoblots and an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) revealed an overall herd seroprevalence of 9.7% (31/321), whereas within the female animals older than 2 years 17.0% (29/171) of the dams were tested positive. With one exception, an imported cow from Germany, all the seropositive animals were born in Italy. In connection with previously described autochthonous cases of bovine besnoitiosis the case described herein suggests that bovine besnoitiosis should be considered endemic in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
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Olias P, Schade B, Mehlhorn H. Molecular pathology, taxonomy and epidemiology of Besnoitia species (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 11:1564-76. [PMID: 21906696 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, besnoitiosis has been a neglected disease of domestic animals. Now, a geographic expansion of the causing protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti in livestock has been recognized and the disease in cattle is considered emerging in Europe. Bovine besnoitiosis leads to significant economic losses by a decline in milk production, sterility, transient or permanent infertility of bulls, skin lesions and increase of mortality in affected cattle population. Phylogenetically, the Besnoitia genus is closest related to the well studied and medically important protozoans, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. In contrast, discriminative molecular markers to type and subtype large mammalian Besnoitia species (B. besnoiti, B. caprae, B. tarandi, B. bennetti) on a relevant level of species and strains are lacking. Similarly, these cyst-forming parasites may use two hosts to fulfill their life cycle, but this has not been proven for all large mammalian Besnoitia species yet. Most important though, the final hosts and transmission routes of these Besnoitia species remain mysterious. Here, we review aspects of parasite's pathology, speciation, phylogeny, epidemiology and transmission with a special focus on recent molecular studies of all to date known Besnoitia species. Using an integrated approach, we have tried to highlight some promising directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Olias
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Waap H, Cardoso R, Marcelino E, Malta J, Cortes H, Leitão A. A modified agglutination test for the diagnosis of Besnoitia besnoiti infection. Vet Parasitol 2011; 178:217-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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