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Rocha DODN, Macedo LO, Oliveira JCPD, Silva SS, Cleveland HPK, Ramos CADN, Marques AS, Alves LC, de Carvalho GA, Ramos RAN. Filarial Nematodes in Dogs from the Northeast Region of Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1115-1121. [PMID: 38536612 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00834-x] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medical and veterinary filarial nematodes are transmitted by blood-feeding vectors. In dogs, these parasites are mainly represented by nematodes in which microfilariae dwell in the blood (Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp.) or skin (Cercopithifilaria spp. and Onchocerca lupi). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these filarial infections in dogs residing in a touristic, heavily populated location in the northeastern region of Brazil. METHODS Blood samples (n = 245) were assessed by a modified Knott test, followed by a qualitative ELISA test (SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, IDEXX Laboratory, Westbrook, Maine, USA) for the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. Skin samples (n = 71) were microscopically examined and molecularly assessed through a PCR targeting the 12 S rRNA gene. RESULTS Microfilariae and antigen of D. immitis were detected simultaneously in 15 (6.1%; 95% CI = 3.7-9.8) animals. Nine animals (3.6%; 95% CI = 1.9-6.8) were D. immitis antigen positive but microfilariae negative and nine other animals (3.6%; 95% CI = 1.9-6.8) were microfilariae positive but D. immitis antigen negative. D. immitis positive dogs were found in four different municipalities. No filarioids were detected in the skin after microscopical and molecular analyses. CONCLUSION Data from this study demonstrate that D. immitis is the main filarial nematode infecting dogs in coastal areas in northeastern Brazil. Based on the potential risk of infection in which animals are submitted, it is essential to perform tests to detect microfilariae and D. immitis antigen. Preventive measures must be adopted by using microfilaricidal compounds and anti-feeding insecticides to prevent canine infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniely Oliveira do Nascimento Rocha
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Animal Biosciences, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Lucia Oliveira Macedo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil.
| | - Jéssica Cardoso Pessoa de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Animal Biosciences, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Samuel Souza Silva
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Animal Biosciences, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Esteban-Mendoza MV, Arcila-Quiceno VH, Ríos Chacón C, Jaimes Dueñez JE, Tique Oviedo M, Díaz Bustos A, Castellanos MF, Morchón R. Microfilaremic infection in canine filariosis in Colombia: a challenge in morphological and molecular diagnostics. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1368307. [PMID: 38601908 PMCID: PMC11005679 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1368307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine filariosis is caused by filiform nematodes and affects several species of animals as well as humans. The disease produces a wide range of symptoms that can often be confused with other diseases, which increases the complexity of its diagnosis. The search for methodologies to facilitate its diagnosis is a challenge, and specific and differential identification of the parasite species causing the disease holds key to a successful diagnosis. In Colombia, there is a problem of underdiagnosis of filariosis in microfilaremic dogs infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum, and of microfilaremias not related to heartworm disease. The highest prevalences have been reported for D. immitis infections, although new cases of A. reconditum infections are beginning to appear. The aim of this study was to differentiate the microfilariae infections caused by D. immitis and A. reconditum by a morphological and molecular characterization of microfilariae so as to facilitate an accurate diagnosis of canine filariosis in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga (Colombia). For this purpose, 400 blood samples with anticoagulants were collected from the dogs and analyzed with the help of a commercial immunochromatography kit for the detection of D. immitis circulating antigen. The Woo, Knott, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were employed for determining the parasite count, morphological observation, and molecular identification of microfilariae present in the dogs respectively. The prevalence of microfilaremic dogs in Bucaramanga metropolitan area was 18.75% (75/400). The prevalence of dogs that tested positive for D. immitis in the antigen and in PCR tests was 1.25% (5/400) and 1% (4/400), respectively. Furthermore, the PCR test revealed that 17.75% of the microfilaremic dogs tested positive for A. reconditum (71/400) (first report in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga), with one animal co-infected by both species, and 0% for D. repens (0/400). However, by morphological characterization, 4% of the microfilariae (3/75) corresponded to D. immitis, 20% (15/75) to D. repens, and 76% (57/75) to A. reconditum. The use of molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR aids in the specific identification of the parasite, thus making it a more accurate method than the morphological characterization of microfilariae. The identification of the parasites by PCR helps improve the veterinary diagnosis of canine filariosis in Colombia, which would lead to the establishment of an appropriate treatment protocol for each species of filaria and also to the generation of reliable data to be used at the clinical and epidemiological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Esteban-Mendoza
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Victor Hernán Arcila-Quiceno
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Catalina Ríos Chacón
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Elim Jaimes Dueñez
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Marisol Tique Oviedo
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Díaz Bustos
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - María Fernanda Castellanos
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases University of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Centre for Environmental Studies and Rural Dynamization (CEADIR), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Latrofa MS, Louzada-Flores VN, Maia C, Kelly MA, Verocai GG, Cantacessi C, Otranto D. Development of an indirect ELISA for the serodiagnosis of canine infection by Onchocerca lupi. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3348. [PMID: 38336818 PMCID: PMC10858053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi is a zoonotic filarioid parasite of dogs and cats with widespread distribution. A specific non-invasive diagnostic assay for the detection of O. lupi infections remains unavailable. This study aimed to assess the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of an ELISA test designed using nine peptides from two O. lupi proteins. Sera (n = 54) collected from O. lupi infected dogs from endemic areas (Portugal and USA), alongside sera from dogs positive for Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, Cercopithifilaria bainae, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum (n = 53) from a non-endemic area for O. lupi, as well as from helminth-free dogs (n = 60), were tested. The checkerboard titration method was applied for the optimization of peptide concentrations and conjugate anti-dog dilutions. Sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off values were calculated using ROC curve analysis. All peptides reacted against sera of O. lupi, with no correlation between optic density (OD) values and microfilariae (mfs) loads. Sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 85.45 to 100%, and 88.89% to 100%, respectively, were recorded for all peptides examined, with 100% specificity and sensitivity observed for peptides 40_3, 40_5, 130_3, 120_3 and 40_1, 130_5, respectively. The maximum cut-off value was observed for peptides 40_5 (0.765) and 40_3 (0.708). Testing of sera from dogs positive for other filarioids resulted in lower OD values (up to 1.565) for peptides 40_3 and 40_5 when compared with O. lupi (up to 2.929). The availability of this assay will be of value in epidemiological studies of canine O. lupi infection in both endemic and non-endemic areas, and in assessing the risk for zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua de Junqueira 100, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maureen A Kelly
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Perles L, Otranto D, Barreto W, de Macedo G, Lia R, Mendoza-Roldan J, Herrera H, de Oliveira C, Machado R, André M. Mansonella sp. and associated Wolbachia endosymbionts in ring-tailed coatis ( Nasua nasua) in periurban areas from Midwestern Brazil. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:14-19. [PMID: 37584011 PMCID: PMC10424073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Coatis (Nasua nasua) are wild carnivorous well adapted to anthropized environments especially important because they act as reservoirs hosts for many arthropod-borne zoonotic pathogens. Information about filarioids from coatis and associated Wolbachia spp. in Brazil is scant. To investigate the diversity of filarial nematodes, blood samples (n = 100 animals) were obtained from two urban areas in midwestern Brazil and analyzed using blood smears and buffy coats and cPCR assays based on the cox1, 12S rRNA, 18S rRNA, hsp70 and myoHC genes for nematodes and 16S rRNA for Wolbachia. When analyzing coati blood smears and buffy coats, 30% and 80% of the samples presented at least one microfilaria, respectively. Twenty-five cox1 sequences were obtained showing 89% nucleotide identity with Mansonella ozzardi. Phylogenetic analyses clustered cox1 sequences herein obtained within the Mansonella spp. clade. Sequences of both myoHC and two hsp70 genes showed 99.8% nucleotide identity with Mansonella sp. and clustered into a clade within Mansonella sp., previously detected in coatis from Brazil. Two blood samples were positive for Wolbachia, with a 99% nucleotide identity with Wolbachia previously found in Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi and Mansonella atelensis and in ectoparasites of the genus Pseudolynchia, Melophagus and Cimex. The study showed a high prevalence of Mansonella sp. in the coati population examined, suggesting that this animal species play a role as reservoirs of a novel, yet to be described, species within the Onchocercidae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Perles
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D. Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70100, Valenzano, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6516738695, Hamedan, Iran
| | - W.T.G. Barreto
- Post-Graduation of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - G.C. de Macedo
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - R.P. Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70100, Valenzano, Italy
| | - J.A. Mendoza-Roldan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70100, Valenzano, Italy
| | - H.M. Herrera
- Post-Graduation of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - C.E. de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - R.Z. Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M.R. André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Dantas-Torres F, Ramos RAN, Brianti E, Otranto D. Cercopithifilaria spp. of dogs: little known but prevalent filarioids beneath the skin. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:386. [PMID: 37880799 PMCID: PMC10601261 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06007-5] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Filarioids of the genus Cercopithifilaria are little studied, yet widespread parasites, that are relatively unique in being one of the very few nematodes transmitted by hard ticks. These filarioids live in the subcutis while microfilariae are found in the dermis. Definitive hosts include domestic dogs as well as a wide range of vertebrates, such as ruminants, non-human primates, murids, marsupials, porcupines, viverrids, bears and lagomorphs. The genus Cercopithifilaria contains three taxa (i.e. C. bainae, C. grassii and a yet undescribed species, namely Cercopithifilaria sp. II) that are known to infect dogs worldwide, with their occurrence overlapping the distribution of the main tick vector, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. In recent decades, more attention has focused on these filarioids since they have been associated with clinical signs of infection, such as dermatitis, chronic polyarthritis and cutaneous cysts, and possibly with facilitating infections caused by other tick-borne pathogens. Nevertheless, these parasites remain largely underdiagnosed in clinical practice due to the lack of awareness of veterinary practitioners and to major obstacles to their diagnosis. In this review, we have assessed currently available data on Cercopithifilaria spp. infecting dogs worldwide and discussed the biological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of these filarioids, with the overall aim to gain a better understanding of their potential role in skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Napoli E, D'Amico G, Ramos RAN. Editorial: Dog filariosis: the threat walks not only in the blood stream. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258004. [PMID: 37546335 PMCID: PMC10401595 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Napoli
- Department Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Duncan K, Barrett AW, Little SE, Sundstrom KD, Guerino F. Fluralaner (Bravecto ®) treatment kills Aedes aegypti after feeding on Dirofilaria immitis-infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:208. [PMID: 37340454 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05819-9] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transmission of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) from infected to naïve dogs is dependent on successful mosquito feeding and survival. METHODS To determine whether treating heartworm-infected dogs with fluralaner (Bravecto®) limits the survival of infected mosquitoes, and potentially the transmission of D. immitis, we allowed female mosquitoes to feed on microfilaremic dogs and evaluated mosquito survival and infection with D. immitis. Eight dogs were experimentally infected with D. immitis. On day 0 (~ 11 months post-infection), four microfilaremic dogs were treated with fluralaner according to label directions while the other four were non-treated controls. Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti Liverpool) were allowed to feed on each dog on days -7, 2, 30, 56, and 84. Fed mosquitoes were collected, and the number of live mosquitoes determined at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-feeding. Surviving mosquitoes held for 2 weeks were dissected to confirm third-stage D. immitis larvae; PCR (12S rRNA gene) was performed post-dissection to identify D. immitis in mosquitoes. RESULTS Prior to treatment, 98.4%, 85.1%, 60.7%, and 40.3% of mosquitoes fed on microfilaremic dogs were alive at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-feeding, respectively. Similarly, mosquitoes fed on microfilaremic, non-treated dogs were alive 6 h post-feeding (98.5-100%) throughout the study. In contrast, mosquitoes fed on fluralaner-treated dogs 2 days after treatment were dead or severely moribund by 6 h post-feeding. At 30 and 56 days post-treatment, > 99% of mosquitoes fed on treated dogs were dead by 24 h. At 84 days post-treatment, 98.4% of mosquitoes fed on treated dogs were dead by 24 h. Before treatment, third-stage larvae of D. immitis were recovered from 15.5% of Ae. aegypti 2 weeks after feeding, and 72.4% were positive for D. immitis by PCR. Similarly, 17.7% of mosquitoes fed on non-treated dogs had D. immitis third-stage larvae 2 weeks after feeding, and 88.2% were positive by PCR. Five mosquitoes fed on fluralaner-treated dogs survived 2 weeks post-feeding, and 4/5 were from day 84. None had third-stage larvae at dissection, and all were PCR-negative. CONCLUSION The data indicate that fluralaner treatment of dogs kills mosquitoes and thus would be expected to reduce transmission of heartworm in the surrounding community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Duncan
- Merck Animal Health, Rahway, NJ, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | | | - Susan E Little
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Kellee D Sundstrom
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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Pérez-Ramírez RD, Lugo-Vargas R, Petano-Duque JM, Cruz-Méndez JS, Rondón-Barragán IS. First study on microscopic and molecular detection of Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Leishmania infantum coinfection in dogs in Southwest Colombia. Vet World 2023; 16:94-103. [PMID: 36855357 PMCID: PMC9967715 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.94-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Canine vector-borne diseases represent an important issue for the welfare and health of animals, but also have great zoonotic potential. These diseases are caused by bacteria, nematodes such as filariae, and other parasites such as Leishmania spp. Given the difficulty in differentiating common microfilariae in dogs by microscopy and serological methods, molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing should be valuable for reaching a reliable diagnosis. This study aimed to use microscopy and PCR to identify the microfilarial species in dogs from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and a possible association with Leishmania infantum parasites. Materials and Methods This study was conducted on 270 dogs from Pradera and Florida municipalities. Microfilariae were detected in dogs by optical microscopy and amplification with 5.8S-ITS2-28S. Species identification was achieved through the amplification of the gene cytochrome oxidase I (COX1). Results Microscopic detection of microfilariae was possible in 4.81% (13/270) of the dogs. In addition, by PCR of COX1 and Sanger sequencing of ITS2, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was identified as the circulating microfilarial species in 12 dogs, coinfecting with the species L. infantum (Leishmania donovani complex). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on A. reconditum and L. infantum mixed infection in dogs in Colombia, particularly in the Valle del Cauca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Dario Pérez-Ramírez
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo Lugo-Vargas
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Julieth Michel Petano-Duque
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Juan Sebastian Cruz-Méndez
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia,Poultry Research Group, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia,Poultry Research Group, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia,Corresponding author: Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán, e-mail: Co-authors: RDP: , RL: , JMP: , JSC:
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Gruntmeir J, Kelly M, Ramos RAN, Verocai GG. Cutaneous filarioid nematodes of dogs in the United States: Are they emerging, neglected, or underdiagnosed parasites? Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128611. [PMID: 36908516 PMCID: PMC9995907 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Filarioid nematodes, which are vector-borne parasites of cosmopolitan distribution, of dogs are medically important. They are represented by species in which microfilariae were found to be circulating in the bloodstream (e.g., Dirofilaria sp., Acanthocheilonema sp., and Brugia sp.) or skin-dwelling (e.g., Cercopithifilaria sp. and Onchocerca sp.). Those species whose microfilariae are detected in blood have been extensively studied, especially Dirofilaria immitis, due to their clinical importance. In recent decades, there has been an increased interest by the scientific community in filarioid nematodes whose microfilariae are detected in the skin because of the zoonotic aspect of Onchocerca lupi. In the United States (US), although D. immitis has been considered the main filarioid infecting dogs, the intense animal movement and global canine filarioid diversity may indicate that the likely presence of cutaneous filarioid nematodes is more common than previously expected. Hence, a question remains: Are these canine filarioid nematodes emerging, neglected, or simply underdiagnosed in the US? In this review, we provide an overview of pertinent information that briefly summarizes the biology of the different canine filarioid nematode species, clinical signs associated with infections, and currently available diagnostic tools using molecular and microscopy-based methods and highlight knowledge gaps where research and surveillance efforts remain necessary. The data herein presented serve as an alert to the scientific community about the importance of filarioid nematodes infecting dogs other than D. immitis. Additionally, the zoonotic potential of several filarioid species reinforces the necessity of a proper diagnosis and the need for broader surveillance to understand their diversity and distribution, to highlight the potential introduction of certain species, and mitigate their establishment in the country and new animal and human cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Gruntmeir
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maureen Kelly
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Guilherme Gomes Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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10
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Sophia DC, Aitor C, Claudia UC, Javier C, Delia G, Valeria G, Ezequiel HH, Maria Stefania L, Constanza N, Irene S, Nicole SP, Juliana V, Gerardo AJ, Domenico V, Domenico O, Javier M. Large-scale survey for canine vector-borne parasites in free-ranging dogs and foxes from six diverse bioclimatic regions of Chile. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100721. [PMID: 35431077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chile is a large country with a marked range of climate conditions that make it an ideal scenario for the study of vector-borne parasites (VBPs); however, knowledge about their distribution is limited to a few confined areas of this country. The presence of Hepatozoon spp., piroplasmids, Leishmania spp. and filarioids was investigated through molecular and serological methods in blood and serum samples of 764 free-ranging rural dogs, 154 Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus), and 91 South American grey foxes (Lycalopex griseus) from six bioclimatic regions across Chile. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was exclusively detected in foxes (43% prevalence), including sequences closely related to Hepatozoon felis (24.1%; only Andean foxes), Hepatozoon americanum (16.2%; only grey foxes), and Hepatozoon canis (1.25%; in one grey fox). Risk factor assessment identified a higher probability of Hepatozoon infection in juvenile foxes. DNA of piroplasmids was detected in 0.7% of dogs (Babesia vogeli) but in no fox, whilst antibodies against Babesia sp. were detected in 24% of the dogs and 25% of the foxes, suggesting a wider circulation of canine piroplasmids than previously believed. A positive association between the presence of antibodies against Babesia and high Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato burden was observed in dogs. Leishmania spp. DNA and antibodies were detected in 0.8% and 4.4% of the dogs, respectively. Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the only blood nematode detected (1.5% of the dogs and no fox). Differences in prevalence among bioregions were observed for some of the VBPs. These results expand our knowledge about the occurrence of vector-borne parasites in Chile, some of which are firstly reported herein. This information will facilitate the diagnosis of vector-borne diseases in domestic dogs and improve the control measures for both domestic and wild canids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cataldo Sophia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cevidanes Aitor
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, P812, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ulloa-Contreras Claudia
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cabello Javier
- Centro de Conservación de la Biodiversidad Chiloé-Silvestre, Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Gambino Delia
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Gargano Valeria
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | | | | | - Napolitano Constanza
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Av. Fuchslocher 1305, Osorno, Chile; Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Santiago, Chile; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sacristán Irene
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Universidad Europea de Madrid, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sallaberry-Pincheira Nicole
- Unidad de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vianna Juliana
- Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile
| | - Acosta-Jamett Gerardo
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vicari Domenico
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, e Theileria, Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, Palermo, Sicilia, Italy
| | - Otranto Domenico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Millán Javier
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 440, Santiago, Chile; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; Fundación ARAID, Avda. de Ranillas, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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11
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HODDA M. Phylum Nematoda: trends in species descriptions, the documentation of diversity, systematics, and the species concept. Zootaxa 2022; 5114:290-317. [DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5114.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the trends in nematode species description and systematics emerging from a comparison of the latest comprehensive classification and census of Phylum Nematoda (Hodda 2022a, b) with earlier classifications (listed in Hodda 2007). It also offers some general observations on trends in nematode systematics emerging from the review of the voluminous literature used to produce the classification. The trends in nematodes can be compared with developments in the systematics of other organisms to shed light on many of the general issues confronting systematists now and into the future.
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12
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Costa TF, Coutinho DJB, Simas AKSM, Santos GVD, Nogueira RDMS, Costa FB, Barros MC, Fraga EDC, Costa APD. Litomosoides brasiliensis (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) infecting chiropterans in the Legal Amazon region, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e011722. [PMID: 36449924 PMCID: PMC9901862 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chiropterans play an important role in the maintenance of the environmental balance, since they are pollinators, seed dispersers and predators. They contribute to transmission and spreading of microorganisms such as helminths, fungi, protozoa, bacteria and virus. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural filariid infection among bats in the Legal Amazon region, Brazil, by means of parasitological and molecular analyses. Blood samples were collected from 82 bats for blood smears and for DNA extraction via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Microfilariae were observed in blood smears from Carollia perspicillata (2), Artibeus lituratus (1), Artibeus fimbriatus (2), Dermanura gnoma (2) and Glossophaga soricina (1). Five positive samples were detected through the PCR assay and four of these were also positive in blood smears. From genome sequencing and comparative analysis with sequences deposited in GenBank, one sample showed 99.31% similarity to the species Litomosoides brasiliensis. The present study expands the geographical distribution of L. brasiliensis, to include the state of Maranhão as an area of occurrence of this species and includes D. gnoma and A. fimbriatus as hosts in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaliane França Costa
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Danielle Jordany Barros Coutinho
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Ana Karoline Sousa Mendes Simas
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Gabriella Vieira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Rita de Maria Seabra Nogueira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Francisco Borges Costa
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Maria Claudene Barros
- Laboratório de Genética e Biologia Molecular (Genbimol), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, Caxias, MA, Brasil
| | - Elmary da Costa Fraga
- Laboratório de Genética e Biologia Molecular (Genbimol), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, Caxias, MA, Brasil
| | - Andréa Pereira da Costa
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
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13
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Gabrielli S, Cascio A, Manoj RR, Bezerra-Santos MA, Benelli G, Brianti E, Latrofa MS, Otranto D. Zoonotic Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens infection in humans and an integrative approach to the diagnosis. Acta Trop 2021; 223:106083. [PMID: 34364896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilariosis by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens is endemic in dogs from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Both species may infect humans, with most of the infected patients remaining asymptomatic. Based on the recent description of the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in dogs from the Pelagie archipelagos, we performed a serological and molecular survey in human population of that area. Human blood samples were collected in the islands of Linosa (n=101) and Lampedusa (n=296) and tested by ELISA and molecular test for the detection of D. immitis and D. repens. Samples were also screened for filarioid-associated endosymbionts, Wolbachia sp. The seroprevalence of D. immitis and D. repens was, respectively, 7.9% and 3.96% in Linosa, and 7.77% and 19.93% in Lampedusa. Out of 397 human blood samples tested molecularly, 4 scored positive (1%) for Dirofilaria spp. by qPCR (i.e., three for D. immitis and one for D. repens) and 6 (1.5%) for Wolbachia. Of the qPCR positive for Dirofilaria spp., only D. repens was amplified by cPCR and was positive for Wolbachia. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequence of Wolbachia detected in D. repens positive samples clustered along with other C supergroup filarioids. Our results overlap with the recent prevalence data collected on dogs from the same area, where D. immitis is prevalent in Linosa and D. repens prevails in Lampedusa. Molecular detection of D. immitis in human blood is quite unusual considering that humans are dead-end hosts for dirofilarial infection and most of the human cases described so far in Europe were ascribed to D. repens. An integrative diagnostic approach using serum analysis and Wolbachia detection is also presented. In endemic areas for canine dirofilarioses humans are exposed to the infection, suggesting the importance of One Health approach in diagnosing, treating and controlling this zoonotic parasitosis.
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14
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Lineberry MW, Sundstrom KD, Little SE, Allen KE. Molecular detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae in brown dog ticks collected from dogs across the United States. Vet Parasitol 2021; 299:109583. [PMID: 34583143 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cercopithifilaria bainae is a filarioid nematode of dogs shown to use Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.), the brown dog tick, as the vector. Previously in the United States, C. bainae infections have been reported in a dog from Florida, and in dogs and ticks in Oklahoma, but data are lacking from other areas of the country. Here, we tested brown dog ticks from across the United States for C. bainae DNA to assess the geographic distribution of where this novel parasite may be cycling in ticks and dogs. Archival brown dog ticks were available for testing through the national tick survey Show Us Your Ticks. Ticks were morphologically identified, dissected, and tested by PCR to detect filarioid mitochondrial DNA. A total of 1400 brown dog ticks were tested from 321 separate animals from 23 states, with 5.7 % (80/1400) of the ticks testing positive for C. bainae DNA. At least one positive tick was detected in submissions from 9 states in addition to Florida and Oklahoma. Cercopithifilaria bainae DNA was detected in larval, nymphal, and adult stages of brown dog ticks and only in ticks removed from dogs. Of all dogs with brown dog ticks collected from them, 17.6 % (55/312) were infested with at least one tick that harbored C. bainae DNA. Findings from this study demonstrate a wider geographic range of C. bainae than previously known, and that dogs are commonly infested with brown dog ticks with molecular evidence of C. bainae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Kellee D Sundstrom
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA.
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15
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Dumitrache MO, D'Amico G, Voiniţchi E, Maximenco S, Mircean V, Ionică AM. An epidemiological survey of Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp. in dogs from the Republic of Moldova. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:390. [PMID: 34362416 PMCID: PMC8349072 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04891-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the last decades, filarial infections caused by Dirofilaria spp. have spread rapidly within dog populations of several European countries. Increasing scientific interest in filariasis, and the availability of new diagnostic tools, has led to improved knowledge of the biology, morphology, and epidemiology of different species of filarial worms. However, data are still scarce for a number of countries, including the Republic of Moldova. Thus, we assessed the epidemiological status of canine filariasis in the Republic of Moldova to address part of this knowledge gap. Methods A total of 120 blood samples were collected between June 2018 and July 2019 from dogs originating from the cities of Cahul and Chişinău. The samples were examined microscopically, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate filarioid species diversity. Results Microscopic examination revealed that 12 dogs (10.0%) were positive for circulating microfilariae. The molecular test showed that one dog was positive for Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.8%), one for Dirofilariaimmitis (0.8%), six for Dirofilariarepens (5.0%), and four (3.3%) harboured a co-infection with D. immitis and D. repens. Prevalence was significantly higher in dogs aged ≥ 2 years. Conclusions The epidemiological survey presented here for the Republic of Moldova confirmed the presence D. immitis, D. repens and A. reconditum in dogs that had not received any heartworm preventive. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Eugeniu Voiniţchi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State Agrarian University of Moldova, 48 Mircești Street, Chişinău, Republic of Moldova
| | - Serghei Maximenco
- Agenţia Naţională pentru Siguranţa Alimentelor, MD3900 str. Griviţei, 28, Cahul, Republic of Moldova
| | - Viorica Mircean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I Al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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16
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Dirofilarioses in two cats in southern Italy. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4247-4251. [PMID: 33754191 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Two cats infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively, were taken to two different private practitioners for a clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the first cat revealed a microfilaraemia due to D. repens of 66 mfs/mL by a modified Knott's test. No clinical signs of D. repens infection were observed in the cat. The animal was euthanised because of a lymphoma condition, and two adult females of D. repens were found in the subcutaneous tissue of the lumbar and left scapular regions at the post-mortem examination. The second cat showed severe abnormalities in the white blood cells, including eosinophil count. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in the blood smear, with an average length (n = 2) of 296.2 μm. These clinical cases represent the first reports of feline dirofilarioses in southern Italy and are indicative of a common occurrence of dirofilarial infection in the local canine population.
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17
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Kamran K, Ali A, Villagra C, Siddiqui S, Alouffi AS, Iqbal A. A cross-sectional study of hard ticks (acari: ixodidae) on horse farms to assess the risk factors associated with tick-borne diseases. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:247-262. [PMID: 33522145 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases are significant public health issues. There is an urgent need to focus our efforts on the development of strategies that prevent and control potential arthropod vector-borne pathogens. Hard ticks transmit a variety of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens to their vertebrate hosts. This is becoming of more concern, as anthropogenic alterations of the environment may unleash the spread of tick-borne diseases throughout the world. Developing countries that are highly dependent on the livestock economy are a hot spot for tick-borne infectious diseases. In this work, through a cross-sectional approach that included a bibliographic survey, field collection and epidemiological questionnaire, we identified five tick species that were found to parasitize equines and transmit tick-borne pathogens. Our data revealed a gap in fundamental knowledge of ticks and tick-borne infectious diseases among equine breeders and owners. This article highlights the relevant risk factors that were found and the urgent actions that are needed to prevent the wide spread of hard ticks and their associated zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashif Kamran
- Department of Zoology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Cristian Villagra
- Instituto de Entomología, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
| | - Saima Siddiqui
- Department of Geography, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Asim Iqbal
- Department of Zoology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
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18
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Gruntmeir JM, Thompson NM, Long MT, Blagburn BL, Walden HDS. Detection of heartworm antigen without cross-reactivity to helminths and protozoa following heat treatment of canine serum. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:71. [PMID: 33482897 PMCID: PMC7821529 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04573-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of Dirofilaria immitis, or heartworm, through antigen in sera is the primary means of diagnosing infections in dogs. In recent years, the practice of heat-treating serum prior to antigen testing has demonstrated improved detection of heartworm infection. While the practice of heat-treating serum has resulted in earlier detection and improved sensitivity for heartworm infections, it has been suggested that heat treatment may cause cross reactivity with A. reconditum and intestinal helminth infections of dogs. No studies have assessed the potential cross-reactivity of these parasites with heartworm tests before and after heat treatment using blood products and an appropriate gold standard reference. METHODS Canine sera (n=163) was used to evaluate a heartworm antigen-ELISA (DiroCHEK®) and potential cross-reactivity with common parasitic infections. The heartworm status and additional parasite infections were confirmed by necropsy and adult helminth species verified morphologically or by PCR, and feces evaluated by centrifugal fecal flotation. RESULTS Intestinal parasites were confirmed in 140 of the dogs by necropsy, and 130 by fecal flotation. Acanthocheilonema reconditum microfilariae were confirmed in 22 dogs. Prevalence of heartworm infection confirmed by necropsy was 35.6% (58/163). In the 105 dogs without heartworms, specificity remained unchanged at 100% both before and after heat treatment despite confirmed infections with A. reconditum, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma brasiliense, Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Spirometra mansonoides, Macracanthorynchus ingens, Cystoisospora sp., Giardia sp., and Sarcocystis sp. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the use of heat treatment improves sensitivity of heartworm tests and is unlikely to cause false positive antigen results due to Acanthocheilonema reconditum, intestinal helminths, and protozoal parasites in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff M Gruntmeir
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Nina M Thompson
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Maureen T Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Byron L Blagburn
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1130 Wire Road, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Heather D S Walden
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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19
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Lima VFS, Ramos RAN, Giannelli A, Schettino SC, Galina AB, de Oliveira JCP, Meira-Santos PO, Alves LC. Zoonotic parasites in wild animals such as carnivores and primates that are traded illegally in Brazil. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021; 43:e113720. [PMID: 35749067 PMCID: PMC9179186 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm113720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Brazil accounts for around 20% of all animal species, but these are constantly threatened by illegal anthropic activities. Unfortunately, animal dealers are totally unaware of the sanitary risks among wild animals, or that occurrences of parasites in these animals are bioindicators for their current sanitary status within the ecosystem in which they live. This status is an important parameter with regard to assessing the spreading of pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a survey of zoonotic parasites in carnivores and non-human primates that are illegally traded in Brazil. Between June 2016 and July 2017, 43 wild animals (20 carnivores and 23 non-human primates) were presented at the Wild Animal Screening Center of Sergipe (CETAS/SE). Fecal and blood samples were obtained and analyzed to detect occurrences of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Leishmania braziliensis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi and gastrointestinal helminths. Out of all the animals analyzed, 55.8% (24/43) were found to be positive for at least one parasite species, i.e. 41.7% and 58.3% of the carnivores and non-human primates, respectively. However, all the animals were negative for D. immitis, L. braziliensis and T. cruzi. These findings demonstrate that illegally traded wild animals may represent a risk to public health because of absence of sanitary control during their transportation. Therefore, preventive measures might be employed to avoid infection of these animals and people in close contact with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Fernando Santana Lima
- Veterinarian, DSc., Unidade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), Nossa Senhora da Glória, SE, Brazil
| | - Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Veterinarian, DSc., Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Agreste de Pernambuco (UFAPE), Garanhuns, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - André Beal Galina
- Biologist, MSc, Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Veterinarian, DSc., Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
- Correspondence Leucio Câmara Alves Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n - Dois Irmãos CEP 52171-900 - Recife (PE), Brasil E-mail:
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20
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Abstract
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a disease of clinical importance in dogs. It is to this end that a case of a seven-year-old mongrel with dirofilariasis was presented to examine the unique features and presentation in the canine patient in question. The dog had clinical signs consistent with the disease. Further diagnostic tests were performed to establish the presence and severity of the disease and make an appropriate treatment plan. The Knott’s test revealed Dirofilaria species in the circulating blood and radiography showed right ventricular hypertrophy with pulmonary arterial enlargement and increased bronchial opacification. The treatment instituted was ivermectin therapy by subcutaneous injection every two weeks for six months, cardiac glycoside and antibiotics for 14 days. The clinical signs resolved after completion of the treatment. A general overview of heartworm infection in dogs was also done to update current knowledge of the disease. Though the risk of significant propagation of Dirofilaria immitis is considered low, with the climate change and international pet travel regulations, this emerging zoonosis remains a threat.
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Angelou A, Latrofa MS, Annoscia G, Symeonidou I, Theodoridis A, Polizopoulou ZS, Otranto D, Papadopoulos E. Cercopithifilaria species in dogs and ticks from Greece. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3391-3400. [PMID: 32607708 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06784-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Filarioids of the genus Cercopithifilaria (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are parasites of wild and domestic animals in tropical and subtropical regions being transmitted by ixodid ticks. Though this filarioid species have been studied in canine and tick populations in Europe, data on their species diversity and geographical distribution in Greece is scant. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate the presence of Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs and ticks across Greece and to assess the possible risk factors. A total of 500 skin biopsies were collected from dogs, while 508 ticks were collected from 180 infested animals and examined. Sediments from skin biopsies were microscopically screened for detection of dermal microfilaria (mfs). Skin samples (n = 115) and tick specimens (n = 153) were molecularly subjected by PCR. Overall, 70 samples (14%) scored positive for mfs. Specifically, 68 samples (13.6%) were positive for Cercopithifilaria bainae and two (0.4%) were co-infected with C. bainae and Cercopithifilaria sp. II. Molecular analyses revealed that all sequences obtained belong to C. bainae. Haplotype I was the most frequent (92.6%), followed by haplotype XVIII (3%) and haplotypes II and IX (1.5%). Three new haplotypes of C. bainae, named XIX, XX, and XXI, were also identified. Among the risk factors examined, habitat, dog use, body weight, tick infestation history, and the use of acaricides were associated with the presence of C. bainae. The estimated prevalence of Cercopithifilaria spp. demonstrates that these filarioids are common in dogs and ticks in Greece. Finally, the identification of 7 haplotypes for C. bainae confirms their genetic variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Angelou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, University Campus, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, University Campus, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Theodoridis
- Laboratory of Animal Production Economics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zoe S Polizopoulou
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Felestin Sq., Hamedan, Iran
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box: 393, University Campus, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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22
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Lineberry MW, Sundstrom KD, Little SE, Stayton EM, Allen KE. Detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae infection in shelter dogs and ticks in Oklahoma, USA. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:216. [PMID: 32334624 PMCID: PMC7183667 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04089-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cercopithifilaria bainae is a filarioid nematode of dogs. Infection with the parasite was not reported in the USA until 2017, when a dog with skin lesions in Florida was diagnosed. Brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato), are the purported tick vectors, and are widespread in the USA. Therefore, C. bainae is likely present in additional states. Here, we tested dogs and ticks in Oklahoma for evidence of C. bainae infection. Methods Dermal punch biopsies were opportunistically collected from municipal shelter and client-owned dogs. Multiple skin samples collected from interscapular and head regions were tested by saline sedimentation to recover live microfilariae for morphometric identification and by PCR to amplify a 330 bp region of the filarioid 12S rRNA gene. Also, ticks observed on surveyed dogs were collected, identified to species level, and tested for filarioid DNA. Results A total of 496 saline sedimentations were performed on 230 shelter and 20 client-owned dogs. Cercopithifilaria bainae infections were identified in 2.6% (6/230) of shelter dogs by morphometry of microfilariae in sedimentations and/or amplification of DNA from skin. DNA sequences amplified from PCR positive skin samples were 99–100% identical to C. bainae reported in Italy. All skin samples from client-owned dogs were negative for filarioid infection by saline sedimentation and PCR. A total of 112 ticks, comprised of four species, were collected. Two of 72 R. sanguineus (s.l.), both engorged females found attached to a C. bainae infected dog, harbored C. bainae DNA (99–100% identity). One attached R. sanguineus (s.l.) male on the same dog harbored filarioid DNA sequence which was difficult to interpret at numerous base-pair locations, but was closest in identity (~80%) to C. bainae. Conclusions The distribution of C. bainae is more widespread than previously known. To our knowledge, we document C. bainae infections in dogs and DNA in brown dog ticks in Oklahoma for the first time. As brown dog ticks are commonly found throughout the USA, veterinarians in this region should consider C. bainae infection as a differential diagnosis in canine patients with dermatitis or polyarthritis.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Kellee D Sundstrom
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Erin M Stayton
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, OK, USA.
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Latrofa MS, Iatta R, Toniolo F, Furlanello T, Ravagnan S, Capelli G, Schunack B, Chomel B, Zatelli A, Mendoza-Roldan J, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. A molecular survey of vector-borne pathogens and haemoplasmas in owned cats across Italy. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:116. [PMID: 32312323 PMCID: PMC7171850 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3990-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline vector-borne pathogens (FeVBPs) have been increasingly investigated for their impact on cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of FeVBPs and haemoplasmas in cats across Italy and to identify potential risk factors linked to their occurrence. METHODS Blood samples from 958 owned cats living in the North (n = 556), Centre (n = 173) and South (n = 229) of Italy were tested for Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and filarioids by conventional PCR (cPCR) and for haemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. by SYBR green real-time PCR. Cats included in the study represent a sub-sample from a larger number of animals enrolled in a previous study, which were selected based on the geographical origin. Data on cats' positivity for Leishmania infantum, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), available from the previous study, were included and examined. Potential risk factors for pathogen infection were assessed in relationship to categorical variables including sex, geographical origin, breed, neutering status and age of cats. RESULTS Out of the 958 cats, 194 (20.2%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens, 89 (16%) from the North, 32 (18.5%) from the Centre and 73 (31.9%) from the South of Italy. A high prevalence of FeVBPs was detected in male cats (n = 125, 27.8%), living in the southern part of the country (n = 73, 31.9%), younger than 18 months of age (n = 24, 22.4%) and not neutered (n = 39; 27.5%). In particular, 24 cats (2.5%) tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp., of which 1.6% for B. henselae and 0.9% for B. clarridgeiae. A total of 111 cats scored PCR-positive for haemoplasmas (11.6%), specifically "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (n = 95, 9.9%), M. haemofelis (n = 14, 1.5%) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (n = 2, 0.2%). Moreover, 39, 31 and 8 cats were positive for FeLV (4.1%), L. infantum (3.2%) and FIV (0.8%), respectively. Co-infections were registered for 19 (9.8%) cats. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the occurrence of haemoplasmas and FeVBPs throughout Italy. Preventive measures to protect both animal and human health should be carried out also for owned cats, even if no health status of animals has been assessed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Toniolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.,Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Felestin Sq., Hamedan, Iran.
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24
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Soares RL, Parolin LB, Mateus NLF, de Figueiredo GRD, Rodrigues VR, de Oliveira GG, Silva DKM, Bacha FB, Ramos RADN, Otranto D, Tutija JF, Ramos CADN. Giant cutaneous cyst in a dog infected by Cercopithifilaria bainae. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 20:100401. [PMID: 32448530 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cercopithifilaria bainae is the most prevalent species of filarioids within the genus. This parasite localizes in the skin, sometimes causing erythematous dermatitis. Herein, the authors describe a case of giant cutaneous cyst in a dog infected by Cercopithifilaria bainae. A 9-year-old male mixed-breed dog presented to a veterinary facility in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul (Midwest Brazil) with a mass in the lumbosacral region. On clinical examination, the mass was observed to be approximately 15 cm in diameter with a floating consistency and conspicuous presence of viscous fluid; the lesion, however, was non-ulcerated and non-adherent. Cytological examination revealed the presence of moderate lymphocyte cellularity and foamy macrophages, erythrophagocytosis and the presence of numerous microfilariae. After morphological and molecular analysis of the 12S ribosomal RNA gene, the microfilariae were identified as C. bainae, exhibiting 99-100% identity with DNA sequences available from Genbank. Surgery was recommended and after resection of the giant cyst, the dog was treated with ivermectin for two weeks and the clinical condition was completely resolved. Based on the presence of microfilariae in the cyst fluid the role of this filarioid in the determinism of the lesion has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Leite Soares
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Luana Bobadilha Parolin
- Hospital Veterinário, Centro Universitário da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Volnei Rebeque Rodrigues
- Hospital Veterinário, Centro Universitário da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Flávia Barbieri Bacha
- Hospital Veterinário, Centro Universitário da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Juliane Francielle Tutija
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Manoj RRS, Iatta R, Latrofa MS, Capozzi L, Raman M, Colella V, Otranto D. Canine vector-borne pathogens from dogs and ticks from Tamil Nadu, India. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105308. [PMID: 31862465 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) pose a major health problem in dogs globally, with the potential to cause zoonoses, in particular in developing countries where scientific knowledge on the topic is minimal. Blood samples and ticks were collected from stray dogs in Tamil Nadu, South India to assess the prevalence of CVBD-causing pathogens (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., filarioids and Leishmania spp.). Of the 230 dogs examined, 229 (99.6%) were infested by ticks (mean intensity, 5.65) with Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides being morphologically identified in the 98.3% and 1.7% of the infested dogs, respectively. Overall, the 67.8% (n = 156) of dogs was positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (37.8%) followed by Anaplasma platys (22.6%), Ehrlichia canis (16.1%) Babesia vogeli (10%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.4%) and Babesia gibsoni (0.4%). Two filarioids (Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" and Brugia malayi, 0.4%) were diagnosed in sampled animals. Co-infection with H. canis and A. platys was the most prevalent (8.3%, P = 0.00001), whilst all animals scored negative for Leishmania spp.. Out of 295 ticks analysed, 215 R. sanguineus s.l. (75.4%) and 8 R. haemaphysaloides (88.9%) were positive for at least one pathogen with H. canis as the predominant species (42.5%), followed by A. platys (33.8%), E. canis (16.9%), B. vogeli (3.8%) and A. phagocytophilum (0.3%). Fifty-six dogs (35.9%) harboured the same pathogen as the respective tick specimens, while 29 dogs (18.6%) had a different pathogen. Thirteen sequence types (STs) were identified for H. canis, with ST2 (49.4%) as the most representative in dogs and ST1 (73.5%) in ticks. Similarly, seven STs were found for Anaplasma spp. (i.e., five for A. platys, one for A. phagocytophilum and one for Anaplasma sp.), with ST2 as the most representative in dogs (70.6%) and ST3 (52.5%) in ticks for A. platys. Only one ST was identified for B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, E. canis, D. sp. "hongkongensis" and B. malayi. Regular surveillance and adoption of adequate treatment and control measures are needed to reduce the risk of disease-causing pathogens in stray dogs and of pathogens with zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Loredana Capozzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, Putignano, Italy
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Central University Laboratory Building, TANUVAS, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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26
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Soares RL, Silva AOD, Coelho ML, Echeverria JT, Souza MLD, Babo-Terra VJ, Pasquatti TN, Ramos RAN, Ramos CADN. Molecular detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae and other tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. isolated from dogs in Midwest Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e018019. [PMID: 32049147 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to detect Cercopithifilaria bainae and other tick-borne pathogens and to perform molecular characterization of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs. Ticks (n = 432, including 8 larvae, 59 nymphs, and 365 adults) were sampled from domiciled dogs (n = 73) living in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (Midwest Brazil). All ticks were morphologically identified as R. sanguineus. Genomic DNA was extracted in pools (three to five ticks per animal) and was used for definition of R. sanguineus haplotypes (based on 16S rRNA analysis) and pathogen identification (Cercopithifilaria sp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia vogeli and Rickettsia spp.). Rhipicephal us sanguineus specimens were identified as haplotypes A and B. DNA of Cercopithifilaria bainae (43.83%; 32/73), Ehrlichia canis (24.65%; 18/73), Anaplasma platys (19.17%; 14/73), and Hepatozoon canis (5.47%; 4/73) was detected. The identity of pathogens was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. The present study confirms the presence of haplotypes A and B of R. sanguineus in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and its importance as a vector of several pathogens of veterinary concern. Finally, this is the first report to identify C. bainae in ticks in the Midwestern region of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Leite Soares
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Angélica Oliveira da Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Mateus Lotério Coelho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Jessica Teles Echeverria
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Michelli Lopes de Souza
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Veronica Jorge Babo-Terra
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
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Tahir D, Davoust B, Parola P. Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update. Vet World 2019; 12:1630-1643. [PMID: 31849426 PMCID: PMC6868252 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1630-1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The scale of VBDs is increasing worldwide, including in the Mediterranean Basin, a region exposed to climate changes. Indeed, weather conditions may influence the abundance and distribution of vectors. The vector-borne nematode diseases of dogs and cats, such as dirofilariosis, onchocercosis, thelaziosis, Cercopithifilaria, and Acanthocheilonema infections, are some of these vectorized diseases, several of which are zoonoses. They are all caused by parasitic nematodes transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes (Dirofilaria spp.), black flies (Onchocerca lupi), drosophilids (Thelazia callipaeda), ticks (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and Cercopithifilaria bainae), and fleas and lice (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The control and prevention of these infections and diseases require a multidisciplinary approach based on strengthening collaboration between the different actors in the fields of health, research, sociology, economics, governments and citizens, to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health. This is the concept of "one health." The review aimed to provide a general update on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne nematodes diseases affecting companion animals and humans, as well as the vectors involved in the Mediterranean area. Simultaneously, certain epidemiological parameters, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases based on the "one health" concept will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Tahir
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections, Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Santos MAB, Macedo LOD, Otranto D, Ramos CADN, Rêgo AGDOD, Giannelli A, Alves LC, Carvalho GAD, Ramos RAN. Screening of Cercopithifilaria bainae and Hepatozoon canis in ticks collected from dogs of Northeastern Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:605-608. [PMID: 29975651 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) is one of the most widespread ixodid ticks and is a competent vector of several vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical concern. For instance, this tick species transmits nematodes of the genus Cercopithifilaria and protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon to carnivores, including dogs. Here we investigated the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in a population of ticks collected from naturally infested dogs living in rural areas of Northeastern Brazil. From August 2016 to June 2017, 758 tick specimens (mean ticks per month = 68.9 ± 71.4) were sampled from 75 dogs (mean ticks per dog = 10.11 ± 5.2) and dissected under a stereomicroscope in order to visualize Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae and Hepatozoon spp. oocysts and sporocysts. R. sanguineus s.l. was the only species collected, peaking in September (n = 273) and decreasing in February 2017 (n = 39). Different larval stages of Cercopithifilaria bainae were identified in 7 out of 758 (0.93%) ticks. In addition, 4 specimens (0.53%) were positive for oocysts and free sporocysts of Hepatozoon canis. The identity of both species of parasites was molecularly confirmed. These results account for the predominance of R. sanguineus (s.l.) in domestic dogs from rural locations of the study area, as well as for the presence C. bainae and H. canis in these tick populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessio Giannelli
- Ridgeway Research Ltd, Park Farm Buildings, Park Lane, St. Briavels, United Kingdom
| | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae in western Romania. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3235-3238. [PMID: 28956159 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5625-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cercopithifilaria species are tick-transmitted filarial parasites of mammals. In Europe, three Cercopithifilaria spp. are known to parasitize dogs, all occurring mainly in the Mediterranean countries. In Romania, Cercopithifilaria bainae has been reported in a single dog in eastern Romania but the occurrence in other parts of the country is not known. To further elucidate the geographic distribution of Cercopithifilaria spp. infection, 544 ticks were collected from dogs in several locations across Romania. The presence of Cercopithifilaria spp. was investigated with real-time PCR. A single Dermacentor reticulatus female tick was found to be infected with Cercopithifilaria bainae. The finding in the present study is geographically separated from the previous finding in Romania by 800 km, as well as by the Carpathian mountain range. Hence, C. bainae is more geographically widespread in Romania than previously recognized. However, the single detection does suggest that infection is rather uncommon in Romanian dogs. Nevertheless, further studies on Cercopithifilaria spp. distribution and prevalence are needed.
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Latrofa MS, Angelou A, Giannelli A, Annoscia G, Ravagnan S, Dantas-Torres F, Capelli G, Halos L, Beugnet F, Papadopoulos E, Otranto D. Ticks and associated pathogens in dogs from Greece. Parasit Vectors 2017. [PMID: 28645329 PMCID: PMC5481936 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2225-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Athanasios Angelou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.,Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Lenaig Halos
- Merial SAS (Boehringer Ingelheim), 29 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon, France
| | - Frederic Beugnet
- Merial SAS (Boehringer Ingelheim), 29 avenue Tony Garnier, Lyon, France
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Alho AM, Lima C, Latrofa MS, Colella V, Ravagnan S, Capelli G, Madeira de Carvalho L, Cardoso L, Otranto D. Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in dogs and cats from Qatar. Parasit Vectors 2017. [PMID: 28633666 PMCID: PMC5479033 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2237-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have been increasingly reported in dogs and cats worldwide. However, no data are currently available regarding canine and feline VBDs in Qatar and limited information is available from other Persian Gulf countries. Methods Blood samples from 98 client-owned animals (i.e. 64 dogs and 34 cats) living in Doha (Qatar) were collected and the presence of genomic DNA of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Dirofilaria spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Mycoplasma spp. and Rickettsia spp. was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real time-PCR (rt-PCR) and sequence analysis. Results Of the 64 dogs, 12 (18.8%) were infected with at least one pathogen (i.e. 7.8% with Mycoplasma spp., 4.7% with Babesia vogeli, 3.1% with Ehrlichia canis, and 1.6% with Anaplasma platys, Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis, each). One of the 12 dogs was co-infected with B. vogeli and E. canis. Of the 34 cats, seven (20.6%) animals were infected with at least one pathogen (i.e. 5.9% were positive for Mycoplasma spp., and 2.9% for Babesia felis, B. vogeli, E. canis, “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” and Mycoplasma haemofelis, each). No dogs or cats were positive for Dirofilaria spp. or Rickettsia spp. Conclusions Although the sample sizes of dogs and cats herein analysed was moderately small, data from this study report the occurrence of A. platys, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, E. canis, H. canis and Mycoplasma spp. in domestic dogs and of B. felis, B. vogeli, “Candidatus M. haemominutum”, E. canis and M. haemofelis in domestic cats from Qatar. Further investigations along with prophylactic measures are strongly recommended in order to reduce the risk of dogs and cats acquiring VBDs in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Clara Lima
- Hospital Parkview Pet Center - Veterinary Clinic, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Almeida C, Simões R, Coimbra-Dores MJ, Rosa F, Dias D. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. from the western Iberian peninsula. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 31:167-177. [PMID: 28165138 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille (1806) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is considered to be the most widely distributed tick and to have a vast range of habitats and hosts, including livestock, pets and wildlife. In addition to morphological differences, recent investigations using approaches based on molecular genetic markers have revealed the existence of different R. sanguineus lineages in different geographic regions. In this study, 475 ticks collected from dogs in the western Iberian peninsula were studied both morphologically and genetically, using 12S and 16S rDNA and COI gene markers in order to clarify the controversy over the systematic status of R. sanguineus sensu lato in Western Europe, and to compare the present data with those sourced from studies conducted in other regions of the world. Despite the high morphometric variability, particularly on spiracles in both genders and in female genitalia, data obtained with different genetic molecular markers show very low variability, suggesting the existence of a unique species. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis showed genetic uniformity, supporting the existence of a well-defined clade consisting of R. sanguineus s.l. specimens from Western Europe that are distinct from R. sanguineus s.l. from Africa. Furthermore, these data corroborate the existence of a polymorphic species in Western Europe, which requires to be consensually redescribed in view of its medical and veterinary importance in pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - R Simões
- Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M J Coimbra-Dores
- Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - F Rosa
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - D Dias
- Faculdade de Ciências, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Santos MAB, de Souza IB, de Macedo LO, do Nascimento Ramos CA, de Oliveira Rego AG, Alves LC, Ramos RAN, de Carvalho GA. Cercopithifilaria bainae in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks from dogs in Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:623-625. [PMID: 28442240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks act as intermediate host for a range of canine vector-borne pathogens, including nematodes ranked in the genus Cercopithifilaria. Though being the object of several studies in the last years, information on the distribution of these parasites is still lacking. In this study, the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp. was investigated in on-host population of R. sanguineus s.l. collected from naturally infested dogs. Ticks (n=1906, including one larva, 294 nymphs and 1611 adults) were sampled on domestic dogs (n=155) living in the municipality of Garanhuns (northeastern Brazil). Tick collections (n=36) were performed every 8 days, from October 2015 to June 2016. Filarioid larvae detected at tick dissection were morphologically and morphometrically identified at species level. At the end of the study, only R. sanguineus s.l. ticks were collected, with the highest number in January 2016 (n=254) and the lowest in June 2016 (n=26). Out of 1906 dissected ticks, 2.68% (51/1906) harboured Cercopithifilaria bainae larvae, whose identification was molecularly confirmed, with a nucleotide identity of 99% with C. bainae. Data here reported indicate that, in the study area, R. sanguineus s.l. is the predominant tick infesting domestic dogs. Accordingly, these animals are at a high risk of C. bainae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Maia C, Casero M, Annoscia G, Latrofa MS, Colella V, Pereira A, Azevedo F, Otranto D. Cercopithifilaria sp. II in Vulpes vulpes: new host affiliation for an enigmatic canine filarioid. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:441-443. [PMID: 27838834 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5308-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cercopithifilaria bainae and Cercopithifilaria grassii (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are filarioids inhabiting the skin of dogs worldwide. The microfilariae of a third species namely, Cercopithifilaria sp. II sensu Otranto et al. 2013, have been morphologically and molecularly characterized but scientific knowledge of this parasite is minimal. The first case of infection of a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) with the filarioid Cercopithifilaria sp. II is herein described in Castro Marim, Portugal. Microfilariae from skin sediment of the fox's ear were morphological characterized, and the identification was confirmed molecularly in samples from skin sediment, skin samples, and from Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks collected from the animal (99% homology with Cercopithifilaria sp. II). Studies should evaluate if red foxes might play a role in the maintenance and distribution of Cercopithifilaria sp. II infection in dog populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua de Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - María Casero
- RIAS Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Apartado 1009, 8700-282, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fábia Azevedo
- RIAS Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Apartado 1009, 8700-282, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. Prov. Per Casamassima km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
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Ramos RAN, de Oliveira do Rêgo AG, de Farias Firmino ED, do Nascimento Ramos CA, de Carvalho GA, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D, Alves LC. Filarioids infecting dogs in northeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2016; 226:26-9. [PMID: 27514878 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Species of filarial nematodes belonging to the genera Dirofilaria and Acanthocheilonema are recognised as common parasites of dogs throughout the world. Recently, other filarioids featured by the presence of dermal microfilariae (e.g., Onchocerca lupi and Cercopithifilaria spp.) have been recognised in Europe. In Brazil, reports of filarioids in dogs are limited to Dirofilaria immitis, Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Cercopithifilaria bainae. To investigate the distribution of filarial infections in dogs living in an endemic region from northeastern Brazil, blood and skin samples (n=104) were microscopically (modified Knott's test and skin snip sediment examination) and molecularly evaluated. Twenty-two dogs (21.15%) were positive at microscopic and/or molecular examination for at least one filarioid species, with 21 (20.19%) animals positive for blood microfilariae at molecular and/or at microscopic examination. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in 12 (11.54%) animals, with co-infection of D. immitis and A. reconditum observed in four (3.85%) individuals. One animal was positive for C. bainae at both microscopic and molecular examination. Analysis of sequence obtained in the present study showed significant alignment identity with that of C. bainae from Europe. Considering that in the area of study arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, fleas and ticks) are prevalent throughout the year, preventive measures should be disposed in order to avoid the animal infestation and pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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The occurrence of the filarial nematode Dirofilaria repens in canine hosts from Maio Island, Cape Verde. J Helminthol 2016; 91:87-90. [PMID: 26830465 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x16000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of canine Dirofilaria infection in Maio Island (Cape Verde) was analysed by serology, morphological and molecular identification of the parasite species. Blood and sera were collected from 150 dogs and 80 cats aged over 6 months from various localities of the island. DNA was extracted from blood and samples were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using microfilaria-specific primers. No Dirofilaria immitis was found in dogs while D. repens microfilariae were found in 5.3% of dogs and 6% were positive by PCR. The species identity was confirmed by sequencing of PCR products, which showed almost 100% homology with D. repens European sequences published in GenBank. No difference in Dirofilaria infection was observed between males and females or in dogs with different weights. However, older dogs and those from the western part of Maio Island were more frequently infected. No Dirofilaria was found in cats. This study represents the first evidence of D. repens in Cape Verde (West Africa) and highlights the need for implementing control measures and for a better surveillance of dirofilariosis in Africa.
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Alfaro-Alarcón A, Veneziano V, Galiero G, Cerrone A, Gutierrez N, Chinchilla A, Annoscia G, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D, Santoro M. First report of a naturally patent infection of Angiostrongylus costaricensis in a dog. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:431-4. [PMID: 26321134 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is the zoonotic agent of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in several countries in North and South America. Rodents are recognized as the main definitive hosts of A. costaricensis, but other wildlife species can develop patent infections. Although, several human cases have been described in the literature, the role of domestic animals in the epidemiology of the infection is not clear. Here we review the literature available on A. costaricensis in mammals and describe the first confirmed fatal case of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in a 4-month-old dog, presented with intestinal perforation, peritonitis and faecal shedding of first-stage larvae. Parasite identity was confirmed by morphology, histology and molecular characterization of target genes. This is the first record of a naturally infected dog acting as a definitive host for A. costaricensis. These data suggest that dogs may potentially spread this parasite in urbanized areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Alfaro-Alarcón
- Departamento de Patologia, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Cerrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Natalia Gutierrez
- Intensivet, Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Hospital, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Adriana Chinchilla
- Intensivet, Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Hospital, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy.
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Otranto D. Diagnostic challenges and the unwritten stories of dog and cat parasites. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Rojas A, Rojas D, Montenegro VM, Baneth G. Detection of Dirofilaria immitis and other arthropod-borne filarioids by an HRM real-time qPCR, blood-concentrating techniques and a serological assay in dogs from Costa Rica. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:170. [PMID: 25851920 PMCID: PMC4377020 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0783-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine filarioids are important nematodes transmitted to dogs by arthropods. Diagnosis of canine filariosis is accomplished by the microscopic identification of microfilariae, serology or PCR for filarial-DNA. The aim of this study was to evaluate a molecular assay for the detection of canine filariae in dog blood, to compare its performance to other diagnostic techniques, and to determine the relationship between microfilarial concentration and infection with other vector-borne pathogens. METHODS Blood samples from 146 dogs from Costa Rica were subjected to the detection of canine filarioids by four different methods: the microhematocrit tube test (MCT), Knott's modified test, serology and a high resolution melt and quantitative real-time PCR (HRM-qPCR). Co-infection with other vector-borne pathogens was also evaluated. RESULTS Fifteen percent of the dogs were positive to Dirofilaria immitis by at least one of the methods. The HRM-qPCR produced distinctive melting plots for the different filarial worms and revealed that 11.6% of dogs were infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The latter assay had a limit of detection of 2.4x10⁻⁴ mf/μl and detected infections with lower microfilarial concentrations in comparison to the microscopic techniques and the serological assay. The MCT and Knott's test only detected dogs with D. immitis microfilaremias above 0.7 mf/μl. Nevertheless, there was a strong correlation between the microfilarial concentration obtained by the Knott's modified test and the HRM-qPCR (r = 0.906, p < 0.0001). Interestingly, one dog was found infected with Cercopithifilaria bainae infection. Moreover, no association was found between microfilaremia and co-infection and there was no significant difference in microfilarial concentration between dogs infected only with D. immitis and dogs co-infected with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys or Babesia vogeli. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of A. reconditum and C. bainae in Costa Rica and Central America. Among the evaluated diagnostic techniques, the HRM-qPCR showed the most sensitive and reliable performance in the detection of blood filaroids in comparison to the Knott's modified test, the MCT test and a serological assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- />Departamento de Parasitología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box 11501–2060, San José, Costa Rica
- />Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Diana Rojas
- />Departamento de Parasitología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box 11501–2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Víctor M Montenegro
- />Laboratorio de Parasitología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86–3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Gad Baneth
- />Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
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Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Giannelli A, Otranto D. Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:943-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Giannelli A, Latrofa MS, Papadopoulos E, Cardoso L, Cortes H. Zoonotic Onchocerca lupi infection in dogs, Greece and Portugal, 2011-2012. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 19:2000-3. [PMID: 24274145 PMCID: PMC3840859 DOI: 10.3201/eid1912.130264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi infection is reported primarily in symptomatic dogs. We aimed to determine the infection in dogs from areas of Greece and Portugal with reported cases. Of 107 dogs, 9 (8%) were skin snip–positive for the parasite. DNA sequences of parasites in specimens from distinct dog populations differed genetically from thoses in GenBank.
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Lefoulon E, Kuzmin Y, Plantard O, Mutafchiev Y, Otranto D, Martin C, Bain O. Redescription of Cercopithifilaria rugosicauda (Böhm & Supperer, 1953) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) of roe deer, with an emended diagnosis of the genus Cercopithifilaria and a genetic characterisation. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:808-16. [PMID: 25108130 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Newly collected material of Cercopithifilaria rugosicauda from roe deer Capreolus capreolus was analysed and compared to descriptions of C. rugosicauda from Austria and Hungary. The present specimens were assigned to the genus Cercopithifilaria using both morphological and molecular analyses. Complementary morphological data on the males and microfilariae of C. rugosicauda were described. The main morphological characters of different species of Cercopithifilaria were outlined and an emended generic diagnosis proposed. A genetic characterisation based on the analyses of cox1 and 12S rDNA sequences was reported supporting that C. rugosicauda was included in the clade of the genus Cercopithifilaria distinctly from other congeneric species available. However, these molecular analyses did not solve the relationships between the species of Cercopithifilaria. These could be approached using morphological characters that might be representative of their evolutionary history. In addition, Wolbachia was not seen in C. rugosicauda, either by immunohistological or by molecular approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lefoulon
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Yuri Kuzmin
- Institute of Zoology, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Olivier Plantard
- UMR 1300 Biology, Epidemiology and Risk Analysis in Animal Health (BioEpAR), INRA, Nantes, France; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Nantes, France
| | - Yasen Mutafchiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Coralie Martin
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France.
| | - Odile Bain
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
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Gabrielli S, Giannelli A, Brianti E, Dantas-Torres F, Bufalini M, Fraulo M, La Torre F, Ramos RAN, Cantacessi C, Latrofa MS, Cancrini G, Otranto D. Chronic polyarthritis associated to Cercopithifilaria bainae infection in a dog. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:401-4. [PMID: 25037896 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the widespread distribution of Cercopithifilaria bainae among canine and tick populations worldwide, this filarioid is currently considered of 'minor importance' in veterinary medicine, particularly when compared to related filarioids, such as Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. To date, only a single case of dermatological alterations possibly associated to infection by C. bainae had been reported in a dog. In the present study, we describe the first case of systemic alterations associated to C. bainae infection in a dog suffering from diffused chronic polyarthritis. The animal had a previous history of reluctance to move and stiff gait and displayed multiple joint pain during manipulation of limbs. No biochemical, haematological and X-ray alterations were detected; microfilariae were observed in the synovial fluids collected from the joints. In spite of the morphological and molecular identification of these microfilariae as C. bainae, the dog did not respond to multiple microfilaricidal treatments with milbemicyn oxyme. The potential role of C. bainae in the pathogenesis of this clinical condition is discussed. Given the potential pathogenicity of this parasite, improved knowledge of this little known tick-borne nematode is warranted in order to assist the development of novel and effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Maurizio Fraulo
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco La Torre
- Novartis Animal Health, Origgio, Varese, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro, 45, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Rafael A N Ramos
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cancrini
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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Cortes HCE, Cardoso L, Giannelli A, Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Diversity of Cercopithifilaria species in dogs from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:261. [PMID: 24898125 PMCID: PMC4051959 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Filarioids belonging to the genus Cercopithifilaria (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) have been described in dogs in association with Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks, which act as their biological vectors. This study represents the first investigation on Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs from Portugal. Findings Dogs (n = 102) from the Algarve region (south of Portugal) were sampled by skin snip collection and tissues were left to soak overnight in saline solution. Sediments were observed under a light microscope and the detected microfilariae identified according to their morphology. Twenty-four dogs (23.5%) were found infected with at least one species of Cercopithifilaria, namely C. bainae (9.8%), C. grassii (3.9%) and Cercopithifilaria sp. II sensu Otranto et al., 2013 (13.7%). Results were confirmed by molecular amplification of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 12S rRNA genes and sequence analysis. Co-infections with more than one Cercopithifilaria species were detected in 3.9% of the animals. Conclusions This is the first report of Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs from Portugal. The estimated level of infection with C. bainae, C. grassii and Cercopithifilaria sp. II suggests that these filarioids are prevalent in the canine population of southern Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
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Ionică AM, D'Amico G, Mitková B, Kalmár Z, Annoscia G, Otranto D, Modrý D, Mihalca AD. First report of Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs from Eastern Europe with an overview of their geographic distribution in Europe. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2761-4. [PMID: 24825312 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dogs in Europe may be parasitized by a variety of species of filarioids. While some species have been studied for decades, others have been only recently reported, and their range of distribution is still unknown. The present study was aimed to investigate the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp., whose microfilariae reside in the dermis and are transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. ticks, in a dog population from Romania and to present the current knowledge of their distribution in Europe. Sampling was performed in a rural locality from Danube Delta region of Romania, location chosen due to the presence of the only known vector for these species. Skin samples were collected from 39 dogs. The samples were tested for the presence of Cercopithifilaria spp. by PCR methods. One animal (2.56%) was positive, and the amplified sequence showed a 100% similarity to Cercopithifilaria bainae. This study reports C. bainae for the first time in Eastern Europe, extending the known range of the genus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,
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Filarial Nematode Infection in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected from Southern Connecticut. Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/vetsci1010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Maia C, Ferreira A, Nunes M, Vieira ML, Campino L, Cardoso L. Molecular detection of bacterial and parasitic pathogens in hard ticks from Portugal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:409-14. [PMID: 24745731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are important vector arthropods of human and animal pathogens. As information about agents of disease circulating in vectors in Portugal is limited, the aim of the present study was to detect bacteria and parasites with veterinary and zoonotic importance in ticks collected from dogs, cats, and field vegetation. A total of 925 ticks, comprising 888 (96.0%) adults, 8 (0.9%) nymphs, and 29 (3.1%) larvae, were collected in 4 geographic areas (districts) of Portugal. Among those, 620 (67.0%) were removed from naturally infested dogs, 42 (4.5%) from cats, and 263 (28.4%) were questing ticks obtained from field vegetation. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the predominant tick species, and the only one collected from dogs and vegetation, while all Ixodes ricinus specimens (n=6) were recovered from cats. Rickettsia massiliae and Rickettsia conorii were identified in 35 ticks collected from cats and dogs and in 3 ticks collected from dogs. Among ticks collected from cats or dogs, 4 Rh. sanguineus specimens were detected with Hepatozoon felis, 3 with Anaplasma platys, 2 with Hepatozoon canis, one with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, one with Babesia vogeli, one with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and one with Cercopithifilaria spp. Rickettsia helvetica was detected in one I. ricinus tick collected from a cat. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time that Cercopithifilaria spp., Ba. vogeli, H. canis, and H. felis have been detected in ticks from Portugal. The wide range of tick-borne pathogens identified, some of zoonotic concern, suggests a risk for the emergence of tick-borne diseases in domestic animals and humans in Portugal. Further studies on these and other tick-borne agents should be performed to better understand their epidemiological and clinical importance, and to support the implementation of effective control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Malária e outras Doenças Tropicais, IHMT-UNL, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Andreia Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica Nunes
- Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, IHMT-UNL, Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, UNL, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria Luísa Vieira
- Unidade de Microbiologia Médica, IHMT-UNL, Lisboa, Portugal; Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, UNL, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal; Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal; Parasite Disease Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Ramos RAN, Giannelli A, Carbone D, Baneth G, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Occurrence of Hepatozoon canis and Cercopithifilaria bainae in an off-host population of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:311-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ramos RAN, Giannelli A, Dantas-Torres F, Mallia E, Passantino G, Lia RP, Latrofa MS, Mutafchiev Y, Otranto D. Cercopithifilaria rugosicauda (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) in a roe deer and ticks from southern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2014; 2:292-6. [PMID: 24533349 PMCID: PMC3862540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
First report of Cercopithifilaria rugosicauda in a roe deer and ticks from Italy. This study provides new morphological data on this little known nematode. The genetic data provide for the first time information on mitochondrial genes of C. rugosicauda.
Cercopithifilaria rugosicauda (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) is a subcutaneous filarial nematode of the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) transmitted by Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodidae). At the necropsy of a roe deer from the Parco Regionale di Gallipoli Cognato (Basilicata region, southern Italy), two female nematodes of C. rugosicauda were found. Following the necropsy, seven skin snips were sampled from different body regions and 96 I. ricinus ticks were collected. In addition, 240 ticks were collected by dragging in the enclosure where the roe deer lived. Samples were examined for the presence of C. rugosicauda larvae and assayed by PCR targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1, ∼300 bp) and 12S rDNA (∼330 bp) gene fragments. Female nematodes, microfilariae from skin samples and eight third stage larvae (L3) from ticks were morphologically and molecularly identified as C. rugosicauda. Phylogenetic analyses clustered this species with other sequences of Cercopithifilaria spp. This study represents the first report of C. rugosicauda in a roe deer and ticks from Italy and provides new morphological and molecular data on this little known nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
- Department of Immunology, Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhaes, Recife, Brazil
| | - Egidio Mallia
- Parco Regionale Gallipoli Cognato, Piccole Dolomite Lucane, Matera, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Yasen Mutafchiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
- Corresponding author. Tel./fax: +39 080 4679839.
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Incidence of Cercopithifilaria bainae in dogs and probability of co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88198. [PMID: 24498437 PMCID: PMC3912174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cercopithifilaria bainae is a filarioid parasite that infects dogs, being transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks in many countries of the Mediterranean basin. This study assessed the incidence density rate (IDR) of infection by C. bainae in dogs and the probability of co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli and Hepatozoon canis), in an area of high endemicity in southern Italy. Methodology/Principal Findings From March 2011 to October 2012, a field study involving 58 young dogs naturally exposed to tick infestation was conducted. Skin and blood samples obtained from each dog six times during an 18-month period were tested for C. bainae by parasite detection within skin snip sediments, with subsequent confirmation through PCR and DNA sequencing. Dogs examined monthly for ticks and A. platys, B. vogeli and H. canis were microscopically and/or molecularly diagnosed and after the first and the second summer seasons, the IDR for positive animal-month at risk was 3.8% and 1.7% in November 2011 and October 2012, respectively. All 58 C. bainae-infected dogs were simultaneously infected with at least one other tick-borne pathogen. After the first summer season (assessment in November 2011), a C. bainae-infected dog had a 33% probability of being infected with H. canis or A. platys, whereas after the second tick season (assessment in October 2012) the probability of co-infection was 78%, 22% and 11% for H. canis, A. platys and B. vogeli, respectively. Conclusions Our data indicate that tick-infested dogs are at risk of acquiring infection by C. bainae. In addition, the detection of C. bainae microfilariae indicates a prior tick exposure and, should stimulate testing for other tick-borne disease causing pathogens.
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