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Kaduková M, Kožár M, Schreiberová A, Šišková B, Štrkolcová G. First Molecular Identification and Clinical Presentation of Crenosomosis in a Dog from Slovakia. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1372-1381. [PMID: 38951380 PMCID: PMC11379797 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00861-8] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Crenosoma vulpis (Dujardin,1845) is a lungworm which has spread worldwide in canines and is associated with upper respiratory infections. In a majority of cases, the infections are accompanied with chronic cough. Diagnosis of lungworms is often underdiagnosed and can be misinterpreted as other respiratory diseases. METHODS The Small Animal Clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital admitted an 11-month-old dog presented with persistent cough associated with difficulty in breathing and even asphyxia. Based on clinical symptoms, the patient underwent radiological and bronchoscopic examination. Bronchoscopy revealed the presence of lungworms obturating the branches of the tracheobronchial tree. Larvae were collected by bronchoscopic lavage and subjected to parasitological and molecular examination. RESULTS Microscopic detection and morphological identification of the worms removed during the bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of female adult worms. The subsequent molecular characterisation of the mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) and 12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA)), nuclear (18S rDNA) genes, as well as the analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) region of the ribosomal DNA, confirmed the Crenosoma vulpis species. Faecal samples were processed using the Baermann method, which confirmed the presence of the larval stage 1 of C. vulpis. The therapy with fenbendazole at a dose of 50 mg/kg of live weight once daily for the period of 7 days was initiated for the patient. CONCLUSION This paper presents the first molecularly confirmed clinical case of a Crenosoma vulpis infection in an 11-month-old female dog of the Miniature Schnauzer breed in Slovakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kaduková
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 01, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kožár
- Small Animal Clinic, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Komenského 73, 040 01, Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Andrea Schreiberová
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 01, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Šišková
- Small Animal Clinic, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Komenského 73, 040 01, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Štrkolcová
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 01, Kosice, Slovakia
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Thomsen AS, Petersen MP, Willesen JL, Bach MBT, Kieler IN, Kristensen AT, Koch J, Nielsen LN. Clinical bleeding diathesis, laboratory haemostatic aberrations and survival in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum: 180 cases (2005-2019). J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:234-242. [PMID: 38332620 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bleeding diathesis is a complication in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. This retrospective study investigated clinical and laboratory haemostatic differences in A. vasorum-positive dogs with and without signs of bleeding and impact of bleeding on survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographics, type of clinical bleeding, haematocrit and a range of haemostatic tests, including thromboelastography and derived velocity curves were retrospectively registered from A. vasorum-positive dogs. All parameters were compared between dogs with and without signs of bleeding using univariable analyses. Binomial and multinomial regression models were applied to examine specific indicators in the bleeding dogs. P-values were false discovery rate adjusted, and adjusted P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS One hundred and eighty dogs entered the study, including 65 dogs (36.1%) presenting with bleeding diathesis. Different types of cutaneous and mucosal bleeding were the most common clinical findings. Twenty dogs presented with neurological signs associated with intracranial and intra-spinal bleeding. One hundred and thirty-seven dogs had haematological and/or haemostatic laboratory analyses performed. Haematocrit, platelet count, thromboelastographic angle, maximum amplitude, global clot strength, maximum rate of thrombin generation and total thrombin generation were decreased, while prothrombin time was prolonged in bleeding dogs. Survival rate of bleeding dogs was lower at hospital discharge (76.9%) and 1 month after diagnosis (66.0%) than in dogs without signs of bleeding (94.8% and 90.1% at discharge and at 1 month, respectively). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Several haemostatic aberrations were detected in A. vasorum-positive dogs with bleeding diathesis. Bleeding was identified as an important negative prognostic indicator in A. vasorum-positive dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Thomsen
- Dyrlaegehuset Gentofte, Brogaardsvej 10, 2820, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - M P Petersen
- Vejen Dyrehospital, Oestergade 12, 6600, Vejen, Denmark
| | - J L Willesen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M B T Bach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - I N Kieler
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A T Kristensen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Koch
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L N Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Systematic examination of the cardiopulmonary, urogenital, muscular and gastrointestinal parasites of the Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Denmark, a protected species recovering from a dramatic decline. Parasitol Int 2021; 84:102418. [PMID: 34245917 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a protected species in Denmark and at present, the population is recovering due to conservation efforts. The Danish otters are mainly found in the continental part of Denmark (Jutland), but establishment in the main islands (Fyn and Zealand) has been observed. While there is a lack of systematic studies on the parasite fauna of otters in Denmark, this study aims to screen otters for their parasite fauna, especially those of zoonotic and/or veterinary importance. Thirty-three otter carcasses, road-killed (n = 30), found dead (n = 2) and shot (n = 1), were collected between June 2013 and May 2014 and examined for cardiopulmonary, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and muscle helminths by post mortem examination. Faecal samples were analysed by modified concentration McMaster technique and direct immunofluorescence test for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. At least one parasite was found in 75.8% of animals. The parasite fauna included 13 species, consisting of five nematodes: Molineus patens (30.3%), Aonchotheca putorii (27.3%), Strongyloides sp. (24.2%), Physaloptera sp. (12.1%), Eucoleus aerophilus (10.0%); one cestode: Schistocephalus solidius (6.1%); four trematodes: Metorchis bilis (33.3%), Isthimiophora melis (15.2%), Cryptocotyle sp. (3.0%), Plagiorchis sp. (3.0%); one acanthocephalan: Acanthocephalus ranae (18.2%); and two protozoans: Giardia spp. (3.1%), and Eimeria spp. (3.1%). The study showed that otters carry parasites of zoonotic and veterinary importance. Many of these parasites can also infect native carnivores and birds, and the distribution of these parasites may be affected if the otter population continue to increase in Denmark.
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Ridgway M. Hunting Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021; 51:877-890. [PMID: 34059261 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Herding and hunting dogs are intense, high-drive dogs that work, and often live, outdoors and in constant or repeated close contact with domestic and wild animals. These dogs are at increased risk for injury and exposure to infectious diseases, toxic substances, and environmental threats. The common practice of feeding or allowing access to raw meat from farm or game animals enhances disease transmission risk. These dogs can be affected by infectious diseases and injurious agents that are rarely encountered in other groups of dogs. In addition, their extreme work ethic may lead to delays in diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Ridgway
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
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Grandi G, Victorsson I, Osterman-Lind E, Höglund J. Occurrence of Endoparasites in Adult Swedish Dogs: A Coprological Investigation. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:691853. [PMID: 34179177 PMCID: PMC8221392 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.691853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of endoparasites in Swedish adult dogs (n = 303) was investigated between January and October 2014. Included dogs had to be clinically healthy, older than 1 year and untreated with anthelmintics or endectocides for at least 3 months prior to sampling. They were grouped according to age, category of dog and time since last antiparasitic treatment. Samples were analyzed by flotation to detect parasitic eggs and cysts/oocysts. Among these, 129 (43%) dogs were also analyzed with the Baermann-technique to detect cardiopulmonary larval stages. Parasite dispersal stages were found in 24 (7.9%, CI 95% 4.9–10.1) of the dogs at flotation, while no dog shed cardiopulmonary larval stages. Giardia sp. cysts were observed in 2.6% (n = 8) of dogs examined, cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 0.6% (n = 2), oocysts of Cystosisopora ohioensis were found in one dog (0.3%). Eggs of Toxocara canis (2.3%, n = 7), Uncinaria stenocephala (1.3%, n = 4) and Trichuris vulpis (0.3%, one dog) were found. None of the dogs were diagnosed with more than one species. Although the occurrence of endoparasites was above the average in dogs ≤ 2 years of age (11.5%), nematodes were more common in older dogs ≥4 years (77.0%). Although the occurrence was lower in working/exhibition dogs (5.9%) than in companion dogs (8.4%) and hunting-dogs (8.6%), these differences were not significant. However, dogs exposed to prey according to the owner had a statistically significant higher prevalence than other dogs (20.5 vs. 5.7%). The Odds Ratio (OR) was 4.0 (CI 95%, 1.58–10.11) for dogs having access to prey, 2.4 (CI 95%, 0.37–8.06) for dogs staying at day-care, and 2 (CI 95%, 0.96–5.96) for bitches. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between infection with nematodes and exposures to prey (p = 0.006). As a reference, data on the endoparasites in canine fecal samples submitted to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA, Uppsala) during 2014 are presented. Overall, this study shows a low occurrence of endoparasites among dogs in Sweden. Any risk-assessment on zoonotic parasites as well as deworming recommendations will take advantage from these updated figures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Grandi
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Eva Osterman-Lind
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Bagardi M, Rabbogliatti V, Bassi J, Gioeni D, Oltolina M, Villa L. Angiostrongylus vasorum in a Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens): Clinical Diagnostic Trial and Treatment Protocol. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:282-286. [PMID: 32840714 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00271-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The literature refers that Angiostrongylus vasorum should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases in captive red panda (Ailurus fulgens) from endemic areas, and the importance of undertaking a careful diagnostic process and timely medical treatment are crucial when the disease is suspected. The authors think that the description of this clinical case can help other colleagues in the deworming, clinical and anesthesiologic management of infected subjects. METHODS A red panda was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Milan in Lodi, due to a diagnosis of A. vasorum formulated in May 2015. The diagnosis was made after the detection of both first-stage larvae by Baermann technique and antigens by serological rapid in-clinic assay. In addition, haemochromocytometric and blood chemistry tests, echocardiography and a CT examination were carried out. RESULTS The subject was successfully treated by oral administration of milbemycin oxime and praziquantel (Milbemax, Novartis, Italy), respectively, at the weekly dose of 12.5 mg/subject and 125 mg/subject for three consecutive weeks, alternated with 20 days of suspension. Treatment continued with the same scheme until clinical examination carried out in Lodi in December 2018. CONCLUSION The follow-up of the described clinical case demonstrates how appropriate management of the infection and the subsequent prophylaxis can correctly eliminate the parasite, thus avoiding the spread of the nematode and the onset of severe and lethal lung forms as described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Bagardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lodi University Veterinary Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell'Università n. 6, 26900, Lodi, Lombardy, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Rabbogliatti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lodi University Veterinary Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell'Università n. 6, 26900, Lodi, Lombardy, Italy
| | - Jessica Bassi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lodi University Veterinary Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell'Università n. 6, 26900, Lodi, Lombardy, Italy
| | - Daniela Gioeni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lodi University Veterinary Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell'Università n. 6, 26900, Lodi, Lombardy, Italy
| | - Maurizio Oltolina
- Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, Via Cornelle n. 16, 24030, Valbrembo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lodi University Veterinary Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell'Università n. 6, 26900, Lodi, Lombardy, Italy
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Deksne G, Davidson RK, Buchmann K, Kärssin A, Kirjušina M, Gavarāne I, Miller AL, Pálsdóttir GR, Robertson LJ, Mørk T, Oksanen A, Palinauskas V, Jokelainen P. Parasites in the changing world - Ten timely examples from the Nordic-Baltic region. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 10:e00150. [PMID: 32435705 PMCID: PMC7232095 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is changing, and parasites adapt. The Nordic-Baltic region in northern Europe - including the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and the Baltic States Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - is facing new parasitological challenges due to changes in populations of parasites and their hosts and the spread of new parasites to the region due to climate change. Some changes can also be ascribed to increased awareness and detection. In this paper, we review and discuss a convenience selection of ten timely examples of recent observations that exemplify trends and challenges from different fields of parasitology, with particular focus on climate change and potential changes in epidemiology of pathogens in northern Europe. The examples illustrate how addressing parasitological challenges often requires both intersectoral and international collaboration, and how using both historical baseline data and modern methodologies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food safety, Animal health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Str. 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str. 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | | | - Kurt Buchmann
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 7, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Age Kärssin
- Veterinary and Food Laboratory, Kreutzwaldi 30, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Muza Kirjušina
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Inese Gavarāne
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Andrea L. Miller
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department for Terrestrial Ecology, Postboks 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guðný Rut Pálsdóttir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Lucy J. Robertson
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section for Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Parasitology Lab, Adamstuen Campus, Ullevålsveien 72, 0454 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Mørk
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Stakkevollvegen 23b, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Overgaauw P, Nijsse R. Prevalence of patent Toxocara spp. infections in dogs and cats in Europe from 1994 to 2019. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:779-800. [PMID: 32381226 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of Toxocara prevalences in dogs and cats in Europe from the last 25 years. METHOD Systematic review of the literature. RESULTS Over the past 25 years, prevalence studies of Toxocara spp. have been published from 26 European countries. The average prevalences were 14.6% for T. canis in all dogs and 24.5% for T. cati in all cats. Specified for young dogs until 6 months old this was 41.2%, for young cats until 6 months old 25%, adult owned dogs 11.1%, adult owned cats 16.3%, stray dogs 17.6%, and stray cats 33.5%. A recent study in seven European countries showed a prevalence of 3.4% for adult dogs and 4.2% for adult cats. The prevalences seem not to decrease over the years. CONCLUSION The prevalence of patent Toxocara infections over the last 25 years did not show a distinct declining trend. Prevalence data provided by recent modern antigen tests showed much lower results than from older studies. Results from studies using less diverse methods and well-defined study-populations could provide more clarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Overgaauw
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Rolf Nijsse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Martínez-Rondán FJ, Ruiz de Ybáñez MR, López-Beceiro AM, Fidalgo LE, Berriatua E, Lahat L, Sacristán I, Oleaga Á, Martínez-Carrasco C. Cardiopulmonary nematode infections in wild canids: Does the key lie on host-prey-parasite evolution? Res Vet Sci 2019; 126:51-58. [PMID: 31437776 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes are among the most pathogenic parasites of domestic and wild canids. The aim of this study was to describe the species diversity, prevalence and infection intensity of these parasites in the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. 257 foxes and 74 wolves were necropsied between 2008 and 2014. Four nematode species were identified: Angiostrongylus vasorum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Crenosoma vulpis and Filaroides hirthi. This last species was only found in wolves, being the first time that is cited worldwide in this wild canid. The overall parasite prevalence was significantly higher in foxes (70%) than in wolves (28%). Specifically, prevalences in foxes and wolves were, respectively, 43% and 22% for A. vasorum, 33% and 5% for E. aerophilus, and 30% and 9% for C. vulpis. The prevalence of F. hirthi was 16%. The A. vasorum intensity was significantly higher in foxes than in wolves. Differences between host species in the risk of infection would be associated to diverging feeding behavior, and possibly reflects a parasite-host adaptation related to host's hunting strategies and cardiorespiratory requirements. This study revealed an association between infection and environmental factors, and highlighted a wide variation in the spatial distribution of A. vasorum. Our results indicate that cardiopulmonary parasites are widespread in wild canids in northwest Spain, and further agrees with other studies indicating the expansion of A. vasorum in Europe and, therefore, the urgent need to investigate infection in dogs in sympatric areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José Martínez-Rondán
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rocío Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Ana María López-Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Liron Lahat
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Irene Sacristán
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- SERPA, Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A., 33203 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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10
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Tiškina V, Lindqvist EL, Blomqvist AC, Orav M, Stensvold CR, Jokelainen P. Autochthonous Angiostrongylus vasorum in Finland. Vet Rec Open 2019; 6:e000314. [PMID: 30997112 PMCID: PMC6446214 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2018-000314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum has spread farther north in Europe. In this study, two autochthonous findings from dogs from Finland are described: in February 2014, the infection was diagnosed in a 10-month-old labrador retriever, and in February 2017, in a three-year-old French bulldog. These diagnoses were based on direct detection of the larvae from faeces of the dogs. The dogs had no history of travel to or import from abroad; the first lived in Southern Finland and the other in Western Finland, about 150 km apart. The dogs had no clinical signs attributable to angiostrongylosis. An online questionnaire was used to survey the extent to which veterinarians in Finland have self-reportedly observed canine A vasorum infections. A total of 38 veterinarians authorised to work in Finland answered the questionnaire in December 2017, and 9 (24%) of them reported having seen one or more dogs with A vasorum infection in Finland. The results suggest that at least five individual dogs with A vasorum infection would have been seen in Finland, three of which had an apparently autochthonous infection. While the geographical distribution of A vasorum in Finland remains largely unknown, findings have started to appear from domestic dogs. It remains possible that some veterinarians could have misdiagnosed, for example, Crenosoma vulpis larvae as those of A vasorum, and the findings without confirmation using antigen test could be due to coprophagy and passage of ingested larvae; however, this does not change the main conclusion that can be made: A vasorum is already multifocally present in Finland. Increasing awareness about A vasorum is important in areas where it is emerging and spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tiškina
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | | | - Merle Orav
- Evidensia Nekala, Evidensia, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
Abstract
Endoparasites have the potential to cause significant health problems in humans and other animals. Consequently, particularly the endoparasites of a zoonotic nature are of great interest to health authorities and scientists. This study investigated the prevalence of different intestinal parasite species of carnivores kept in captivity. Altogether 36 pooled samples of faeces obtained from individual animal enclosures from the Neunkircher Zoo and Wolfspark Werner Freund in Germany were examined. The samples were analysed by means of a flotation concentration method with the use of Faust and Kozák-Mágrová solution. Out of a total of 36 samples, 19 were positive for endoparasites (52.78 %). Furthermore, 13 out of 19 positive samples were protozoans (68.42 %).
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12
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Blanch-Lázaro B, Mitton Z, Tudor C, Hindle J, Martineau H, Fox M, Blake DP. Genetic diversity and population structure of Angiostrongylus vasorum parasites within and between local urban foxes (Vulpes Vulpes). Vet Parasitol 2018; 262:42-46. [PMID: 30389010 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode parasite of the pulmonary arteries and heart that infects domestic and wild canids. Dogs (Canis familiaris) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are the most commonly affected definitive hosts. Recent studies suggest that angiostrongylosis is an emerging disease, and that red foxes may play an important role in the epidemiology of the parasite. Genetic analyses of parasites collected from dogs and foxes throughout Europe have shown that the same parasite haplotypes are commonly shared between different host species. However, the extent of genetic diversity within local A. vasorum populations and individual hosts is unknown. The objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of genetic diversity among A. vasorum (a) recovered from different foxes within the Greater London area (a localised population, single worm per fox dataset); and (b) hosted within single foxes (multiple worms per fox dataset). During 2016, A. vasorum worms were collected from foxes culled for other purposes in London. DNA was extracted from each parasite and a partial fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene was amplified and sequenced. Sequences from the single worm dataset were compared with those published elsewhere. Combined, 19 haplotypes were described of which 15 were identified from foxes found in London, indicating that considerable genetic diversity can be detected within a local geographic area. Analysis of the multiple worm dataset identified 22 haplotypes defining worms recovered from just six foxes, emphasising the relevance of wild canines as reservoirs of genetic diversity. This is the first study to explore the genetic complexity of individual fox-hosted A. vasorum populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Blanch-Lázaro
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK; Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.
| | - Zoe Mitton
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Catherine Tudor
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Joanna Hindle
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Henny Martineau
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Mark Fox
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
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Scaramozzino P, Carvelli A, Iacoponi F, De Liberato C. Endoparasites in household and shelter dogs from Central Italy. Int J Vet Sci Med 2018; 6:45-47. [PMID: 30255077 PMCID: PMC6148681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal and respiratory parasites are among the most common pathogens in dogs and some of them are recognized as zoonotic agents. In Italy, various taxa have been reported, with variable prevalence estimates depending on study area, dog category and coprological exam technique. In this paper, we report the results of six years of passive surveillance. In the period January 2006-December 2012, 2,775 dog faecal samples from Lazio Region (Central Italy), were examined for parasites, 1,156 from household and 1,619 from shelter dogs, respectively. The following parasites were detected: Giardia duodenalis, Cystoisospora sp., Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Eucoleus böhmi, Eucoleus aerophilus, Mesocestoides sp., Taeniidae and Dipylidium caninum. Helminths were more frequent than protozoa, with total prevalences of 29.1% and 10.7%, respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were the most common parasites, with prevalences of 9.9% and 9.6% respectively. T. vulpis and Ancylostomatidae were significantly more prevalent in shelter dogs than in household ones. T. canis and Cystoisospora sp. were significantly more frequent in household dogs. The assessment of the prevalence in sheltered and in household dogs is useful to infer the occurrence of different parasites in the origin population and to plan possible control intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Carvelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Iacoponi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
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Liberato CD, Berrilli F, Odorizi L, Scarcella R, Barni M, Amoruso C, Scarito A, Filippo MMD, Carvelli A, Iacoponi F, Scaramozzino P. Parasites in stray dogs from Italy: prevalence, risk factors and management concerns. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:27-32. [PMID: 29351076 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are among the most common pathogens recorded in dogs. High prevalence rates are usually reported in stray and shelter dogs, as these animals are less likely to be tested and treated. In this study a survey was carried out on intestinal and lung parasites of stray dogs at the moment of the admission in a shelter in Central Italy. In the period June 2014-June 2015, 262 individual faecal samples were examined. Twelve parasitic taxa were detected. Helminths were more prevalent than protozoa (61.8% and 25.6%, respectively). Ancylostomatidae showed the higher prevalence (40.5%), followed by Giardia duodenalis (21.4%), Toxocara canis (20.6%) and Trichuris vulpis (17.6%). Angiostrongylus vasorum was the most prevalent lungworm (12.6%), Crenosoma vulpis being recorded just in one dog. G. duodenalis had a high prevalence, probably because of the diagnostic techniques adopted, actually the most sensitive available for its detection. Nevertheless, the zoonotic potential of this parasite in dogs appears reduced, as all the isolates were identified as C (24.0%) and D (76.0%) dog specific assemblages. Taeniidae constituted a high potential zoonotic risk, as from the eggs it is impossible to exclude they were Echinococcus granulosus, the most relevant zoonotic parasite in Europe. The present study underline the importance of stray dogs control, aimed at preventing or minimizing parasitic spread and zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina traslazionale, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Livio Odorizi
- La Fattoria di Tobia Shelter, 00036 Palestrina (Roma), Italy
| | | | | | - Cristina Amoruso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessia Scarito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Carvelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Iacoponi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178 Roma, Italy
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Chidumayo NN. Epidemiology of canine gastrointestinal helminths in sub-Saharan Africa. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:100. [PMID: 29458421 PMCID: PMC5819185 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2688-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs have a close association with humans providing companionship, security and a source of dietary protein. However, dogs are also potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Dogs, therefore, pose a public health risk and a good understanding of canine diseases is important for planning and implementing control measures. The aim of this study was to characterise canine helminthiasis in sub-Saharan Africa using a systematic approach. METHODS Pubmed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant primary studies published from 2000. Forty-one eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalences were estimated using the quality effects model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Twenty-six genera of enteric helminths were reported and the pooled estimate of canine helminthiasis was 71% (95% CI: 63-79%). Species of Ancylostoma and Toxocara, causative agents of larva migrans in humans, were the most frequently reported helminths with pooled estimated prevalences of 41% (95% CI: 32-50%) and 22% (95% CI: 16-29%), respectively. Dipylidium caninum and Taenia spp. were the most frequently reported cestodes with pooled estimated prevalences of 20% (95% CI: 12-29%) and 9% (95% CI: 5-15%), respectively. Trematodes were rarely reported. There was a high level of heterogeneity in most pooled estimates (I2 ˃ 80%). The results of this study show that canine helminthiasis is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and there is need for regular deworming programmes to improve the health status of the dogs and minimise the potential health risk to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozyechi Ngulube Chidumayo
- Clinical Studies Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
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Grandi G, Lind EO, Schaper R, Ågren E, Schnyder M. Canine angiostrongylosis in Sweden: a nationwide seroepidemiological survey by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and a summary of five-year diagnostic activity (2011-2015). Acta Vet Scand 2017; 59:85. [PMID: 29258532 PMCID: PMC5735942 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-017-0351-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For the first time in Sweden, Angiostrongylus vasorum was detected on the island of Sydkoster in foxes and dogs in 2003. After sporadic detection of the parasite in foxes in southern Sweden, the first positive canine faecal sample on the mainland was found in 2011. Since then a total of 2882 faecal samples have been analysed with the Baermann test at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) during the years 2011–2015; 20 of them being positive. Contemporaneously, of over 525 fox necropsies, only three were found to be infected. To gather a more accurate knowledge of A. vasorum occurrence in Sweden, a large scale seroepidemiological survey was performed and totally 3885 serum samples from dogs were tested for both the presence of circulating antigens and of specific antibodies to A. vasorum. Results In total, 0.10% (n = 4, 95% Confidence Intervals, CI 0.03–0.26%) of the dogs were positive for both antigen and antibodies, whereas 0.51% (n = 20, CI 0.31–0.79%) of the tested dogs were only antigen positive and 0.88% (n = 34, CI 0.61–1.22%) only positive for specific antibodies. Seropositive animals, as well as the majority of A. vasorum-positive faecal samples tested during the same period, were spread over central and southern Sweden. Annual prevalence of positive faecal dog samples and of necropsied A. vasorum positive foxes (coming from southern Sweden) varied from 0.3 to 0.9% (overall: 0.7%, CI 0.4–1.1%) and 0.0 to 1.4% (overall: 0.3%, CI 0.1–0.9%), respectively. Conclusions The findings confirmed that A. vasorum has become established in various geographical areas of central and southern Sweden. Veterinarians and dog owners should be aware of the potential risks of infection in large areas of the country, since canine angiostrongylosis may be a fatal disease if left untreated.
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Lesniak I, Franz M, Heckmann I, Greenwood AD, Hofer H, Krone O. Surrogate hosts: Hunting dogs and recolonizing grey wolves share their endoparasites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2017; 6:278-286. [PMID: 28951833 PMCID: PMC5605491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how closely related wildlife species and their domesticated counterparts exchange or share parasites, or replace each other in parasite life cycles, is of great interest to veterinary and human public health, and wildlife ecology. Grey wolves (Canis lupus) host and spread endoparasites that can either directly infect canid conspecifics or their prey serving as intermediate hosts of indirectly transmitted species. The wolf recolonization of Central Europe represents an opportunity to study parasite transmission dynamics between wildlife and domestic species for cases when a definitive host returns after local extinction – a situation equivalent to a ‘removal experiment’. Here we investigate whether the re–appearance of wolves has increased parasite pressure on hunting dogs – a group of companion animals of particular interest as they have a similar diet to wolves and flush wolf habitats when hunting. We compared prevalence (P) and species richness (SR) of helminths and the protozoan Sarcocystis to determine whether they were higher in hunting dogs from wolf areas (ndogs = 49) than a control area (ndogs = 29) without wolves. Of particular interest were S. grueneri and S. taeniata, known as ‘wolf specialists’. Five helminth and 11 Sarcocystis species were identified, of which all helminths and eight Sarcocystis species were shared between dogs and wolves. Overall prevalence and species richness of helminths (P:38.5% vs. 24.1%; SRmean:0.4 vs. 0.3 species) and Sarcocystis (P:63.3% vs. 65.5%, SRmean:2.1 vs. 1.8 species) did not differ between study sites. However, hunting dogs were significantly more likely to be infected with S. grueneri in wolf areas (P:45.2% vs. 10.5%; p = 0.035). The findings suggest that wolves indirectly increase S. grueneri infection risk for hunting dogs since cervids are intermediate hosts and occasionally fed to dogs. Furthermore, a periodic anthelminthic treatment of hunting dogs may be an effective measure to control helminth infections regardless of wolf presence. General parasite burden in hunting dogs is not increased by wolves. General Sarcocystis burden in hunting dogs is high due to raw feeding. ‘Wolf specialist’ parasite S. grueneri more prevalent in hunting dogs from wolf areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Lesniak
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias Franz
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilja Heckmann
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
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Studzińska MB, Demkowska-Kutrzepa M, Borecka A, Meisner M, Tomczuk K, Roczeń-Karczmarz M, Kłapeć T, Abbass Z, Cholewa A. Variations in the Rate of Infestations of Dogs with Zoonotic Nematodes and the Contamination of Soil in Different Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14091003. [PMID: 28862690 PMCID: PMC5615540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14091003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Companion animals are an important aspect in human life. However, they may also be considered a source of pathogens. An example of zoonotic parasitoses is toxocarosis or cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). The aim of the study was to detect zoonotic nematodes of dogs living in different areas and the intensity of contamination in parasite polluted environments that are hazardous to human health. The fecal samples were examined using standard flotation and decantation methods as well as McMaster's quantitative technique. The soil samples in urban and rural areas were examined using a modified flotation method as described by Quinn et al. Statistical analyses were performed by IBM SPSS Statistics Version 23. The overall prevalence of parasites in dogs was 38%, 17.02% and 56.60% from urban and rural areas, respectively. The percentage values of nematodes important for human health (Toxocaracanis, Ancylostomatidae, Trichurisvulpis) remained at the same level (16%). The infected dogs were dominated by a single parasite species, the main was T.canis (28.95%). In total, 54.30% of the soil samples were contaminated with parasite eggs. The contamination of urban and rural sandpits was 40% and 60%, respectively. The molecular examinations of soil samples using LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) confirmed the presence of nematode eggs of the species T.canis in all samples previously classified as positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bernadeta Studzińska
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Marta Demkowska-Kutrzepa
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Borecka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Kozielska, 4, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Meisner
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie, 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Tomczuk
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Monika Roczeń-Karczmarz
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka, 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Teresa Kłapeć
- Department of Biological Hazard and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Jaczewskiego, 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Zahrai Abbass
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Muthanna University, Samawa 66007, Iraq.
| | - Alicja Cholewa
- Department of Biological Hazard and Parasitology, Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Jaczewskiego, 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
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Oudni-M'rad M, Chaâbane-Banaoues R, M'rad S, Trifa F, Mezhoud H, Babba H. Gastrointestinal parasites of canids, a latent risk to human health in Tunisia. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:280. [PMID: 28583158 PMCID: PMC5460421 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2208-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although data on the parasite environmental contamination are crucial to implement strategies for control and treatment, information about zoonotic helminths is very limited in Tunisia. Contamination of areas with canid faeces harboring infective parasite elements represents a relevant health-risk impact for humans. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental contamination with eggs and oocysts of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and wild canids in Tunisia with special attention to those that can be transmitted to humans. RESULTS One thousand two hundred and seventy faecal samples from stray dogs and 104 from wild canids (red foxes and golden jackals) were collected from different geographical regions throughout Tunisia. The helminth eggs and protozoan oocysts were concentrated by sucrose flotation and identified by microscopic examination. The most frequently observed parasites in dog samples were Toxocara spp. (27.2%), E. granulosus (25.8%), and Coccidia (13.1%). For wild canid faeces, the most commonly encountered parasites were Toxocara spp. (16.3%) followed by Capillaria spp. (9.6%). The parasite contamination of dog faeces varied significantly from one region to another in function of the climate. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, the study highlights for the first time in Tunisia a serious environmental contamination by numerous parasitic stages infective to humans. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of the contamination risk of such parasites in the environment and implement a targeted educational program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Oudni-M'rad
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Raja Chaâbane-Banaoues
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Selim M'rad
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Trifa
- Laboratory of Biomass Valorisation and Production of Eukaryotic Proteins, Center of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Habib Mezhoud
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Babba
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EPS F. Bourguiba, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
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Kohansal MH, Fazaeli A, Nourian A, Haniloo A, Kamali K. Dogs' Gastrointestinal Parasites and their Association with Public Health in Iran. J Vet Res 2017; 61:189-195. [PMID: 29978072 PMCID: PMC5894391 DOI: 10.1515/jvetres-2017-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dogs harbour zoonotic parasites that cause serious infections in humans, such as visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, cystic echinococcosis, and alveolar echinococcosis. Studies on dogs' gastrointestinal parasites in different geographical locations are required to increase knowledge of the risk of canine zoonoses in human populations. MATERIAL AND METHODS The presence of parasites was examined in 450 faecal samples collected from eight zones of Zanjan province, northwest Iran from June to November 2015. The samples were examined using the sedimentation concentration method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. RESULTS Gastrointestinal parasites were found in 86 (19.1%) faecal samples. Sarcocystis spp. (7.3%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (5.6%), Toxocara spp. (1.8%), and Cystoisospora spp. (1.6%) were the most common parasites observed. The other detected parasites consisted of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.7%), Eimeria spp. (0.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (0.4%), Physaloptera spp. (0.4%), Giardia spp. (1.3%), and Spirocerca lupi (1.3%). The lowest parasite infection rates belonged to Trichuris vulpis and Acanthocephalans (0.2% each). CONCLUSION This study provides current information on the infection rates in dog populations in Zanjan Province. Furthermore, the study shows a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections, including zoonotic ones and particularly Taenia/Echinococcus spp., potentially transmissible to humans and thus relevant to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asghar Fazaeli
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Abbasali Nourian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Haniloo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Koorosh Kamali
- Department of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Host-specific serological response to Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes): implications for parasite epidemiology. Parasitology 2017; 144:1144-1153. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYAngiostrongylus vasorum is a cardiovascular nematode increasingly found in dogs and foxes in endemic foci throughout Europe. The present study evaluates ELISAs for detection of circulating antigens and specific antibodies against A. vasorum in foxes. Blood and worm burdens (WBs) from carcasses of 215 Swiss wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and from 75 farmed foxes of different age groups experimentally inoculated once or repeatedly with infective doses of 50, 100 or 200 third-stage larvae were obtained. Antigen detection in the naturally infected Swiss foxes had 91·2% sensitivity and 89·4% specificity, whereas the corresponding figures for antibody detection were 42·2 and 92·0%. The experimentally infected foxes became positive for circulating antigens 5–10 weeks post-inoculation (wpi) and remained highly positive up to 22 wpi, irrespectively of further challenge inoculation. The antibody responses in the same foxes were highly variable: high optical density (OD) values were reached 5–7 wpi in all animals, followed by a decrease in over half of the animals despite accumulating and consequently high WBs resulting in persistent infections. After each challenge, a slight increase of OD values was observed 7 weeks later. We hypothesize that infected foxes develop a variable and non-protective immunity. Such parasite tolerance allows long-term survival of A. vasorum in the animals, and may explain why the parasite appears to spread rapidly within a fox population, an epidemiological dynamic that is evident in many parts of Europe where A. vasorum has been found over the last decades.
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Guardone L, Magi M, Prati MC, Macchioni F. Cardiorespiratory and gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in north-west Italy. Helminthologia 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/helmin-2016-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal and cardio-respiratory parasites in dogs in Liguria (northwest Italy) which is a region that has scarcely been studied. A total of 450 dogs (260 males and 190 females) were enrolled in the study from 2009 and 2013. All dogs lived in a rural or semi-rural environment in the provinces of Imperia (n = 352) or Savona (n = 98), Liguria. Coprological examinations showed that 197 dogs (43.8 %, CI 38.7-48.9 %) were infected by parasites. Specifically, 3.3 % of the dogs presented only cardio-respiratory species, 32.4 % only intestinal species, and 8.0 % presented a mixed infection.
The most frequent intestinal parasites were Toxocara canis (20 %), Trichuris vulpis (17.8 %), Ancylostomatidae (12 %), Coccidia (2.7 %), Aonchotheca putorii (1.8 %) and Toxascaris leonina (1.8 %). The cardio-respiratory species found were Eucoleus aerophilus (9.6 %), Eucoleus boehmi (1.6 %), Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.7 %), and Crenosoma vulpis (0.2 %). A total of 116 dogs (25.8 %) were parasitized by a single species, multiple infections were observed in 81 dogs (18.0 %) up to a six-order infection.
This preliminary study highlighted that the prevalence of intestinal parasites in investigated area is high. Cardio respiratory parasites were detected in an area that has not been investigated before. The creation of a more extensive sampling programme of the area, on a provincial basis in order to build a more detailed map of prevalences for different species of dog parasites throughout Liguria, a more extensive sampling programme of the area needs to be created - ideally for each province.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Guardone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Magi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. C. Prati
- Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126 Pisa
| | - F. Macchioni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Lassen B, Jokelainen P. Survey of the Presence of Toxocara spp. Eggs in Dog Feces in Tartu, Estonia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:212-4. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lassen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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24
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Torres-Chablé OM, García-Herrera RA, Hernández-Hernández M, Peralta-Torres JA, Ojeda-Robertos NF, Blitvich BJ, Baak-Baak CM, García-Rejón JE, Machain-Wiliams CI. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic dogs in Tabasco, southeastern Mexico. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:432-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The overall goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in dogs in the city of Villahermosa in Tabasco, Mexico. The study population consisted of 302 owned dogs that had limited access to public areas. A fecal sample was collected from each animal and examined for GI parasites by conventional macroscopic analysis and centrifugal flotation. Fecal samples from 80 (26.5%) dogs contained GI parasites. Of these, 58 (19.2%) were positive for helminths and 22 (7.3%) were positive for protozoan parasites. At least seven parasitic species were identified. The most common parasite was Ancylostoma caninum which was detected in 48 (15.9%) dogs. Other parasites detected on multiple occasions were Cystoisospora spp. (n = 19), Toxocara canis (n = 7) and Giardia spp. (n = 3). Three additional parasites, Dipylidium caninum, Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria spp., were each detected in a single dog. No mixed parasitic infections were identified. In summary, we report a moderately high prevalence of GI parasites in owned dogs in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Several parasitic species identified in this study are recognized zoonotic pathogens which illustrates the important need to routinely monitor and treat dogs that live in close proximity to humans for parasitic infections.
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25
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Gastrointestinal parasites of cats in Denmark assessed by necropsy and concentration McMaster technique. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:327-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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26
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Shukullari E, Hamel D, Rapti D, Pfister K, Visser M, Winter R, Rehbein S. Parasites and vector-borne diseases in client-owned dogs in Albania. Intestinal and pulmonary endoparasite infections. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4579-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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27
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Mozzer L, Lima W. Gallus gallus domesticus: Paratenic host of Angiostrongylus vasorum. Vet Parasitol 2015; 207:81-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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28
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Epidemiological assessment of intestinal parasitic infections in dogs at animal shelter in Veracruz, Mexico. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(15)30167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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29
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Di Cesare A, Traversa D. Canine angiostrongylosis: recent advances in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2014; 5:181-192. [PMID: 32670858 PMCID: PMC7337173 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s53641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasitic nematode affecting the heart and pulmonary arteries of wild (eg, foxes) and domestic canids. The parasite has an indirect life cycle in which slugs and snails act as intermediate hosts. In the last few years the parasite has spread outside the traditional endemic foci, and there is a rise of documented cases of canine angiostrongylosis across Europe. Angiostrongylus vasorum causes cardiopulmonary disorders and coagulopathies, along with different nonspecific clinical signs. Fatal infections are frequently reported. Given the severity of the infection and the recent geographic spreading of the parasite, this article reviews and discusses the current knowledge of A. vasorum, with a special focus on recent insights on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dog angiostrongylosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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30
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Al-Sabi MNS, Hansen MS, Chriél M, Holm E, Larsen G, Enemark HL. Genetically distinct isolates of Spirocerca sp. from a naturally infected red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Denmark. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:389-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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