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Rangel FCS, Gomes SR, Silva GM, Sousa AKP, de-Souza JR, Thiengo SC. Population dynamics of Achatina fulica in a peri-urban area adjacent to the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station (EFMA), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with report on Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 83:e274620. [PMID: 38422260 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.274620] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Achatina fulica is a species native to East Africa, considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. The present study investigated the population of the snail, A. fulica, in a peri-urban area adjacent to the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station (EFMA), in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, focusing on population dynamics and the nematodes associated with this species. To this end, specimens were collected during four climatic seasons of the years 2021 and 2022 in three fixed 20 m × 10 m plots. The abundance of A. fulica in these areas was evaluated in relation to a set of environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity air, and soil pH and calcium). The abundance of snails infected by nematodes was also evaluated in relation to the season and body size of the specimens. The molluscs were found by active search, and standardized (15 minutes/three collections). Nematode larvae were extracted from the specimens by artificial digestion and identified by their external morphology and the sequencing of molecular markers. A total of 280 specimens of A. fulica were collected, with the highest abundances being recorded in the autumn and summer, although no significant relationship was found between the number of specimens collected and the environmental variables. Overall, 192 snails were infected by nematodes: Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Cruzia tentaculata and free-living nematodes, including Caenorhabditis briggsae. These findings demonstrate the epidemiological importance of the study area and the need to implement educational measures in the community, with the aim of controlling the local A. fulica population, thereby minimizing the risk of parasitic infection in the local human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C S Rangel
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - S R Gomes
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - G M Silva
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Escola de Enfermagem Anna Nery, Departamento de Metodologia da Enfermagem - DME, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - A K P Sousa
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - J Ramos de-Souza
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - S C Thiengo
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Lopes-Torres EJ, de Oliveira Simões R, Mota EM, Thiengo SC. A Structural Analysis of Host-Parasite Interactions in Achatina fulica (Giant African Snail) Infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Pathogens 2023; 13:34. [PMID: 38251341 PMCID: PMC10821159 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a nematode parasite that resides in the pulmonary arteries of rodents, serving as its definitive hosts. The life cycle involves several species of non-marine gastropods as intermediate hosts, and the African giant snail Achatina fulica is considered one of the most important around the world. Experimental data concerning A. cantonensis infection in the African giant snail remains notably limited. This helminth causes eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans, representing an emergent zoonosis in Brazil. Understanding the host-parasite relationship through the application of new tools is crucial, given the complex interaction between zoonosis and the intricate mechanisms involving wild/human hosts, parasite adaptation, and dispersion. The objective of this study was to employ SEM as a novel methodology to understand the structural organization of the host tissue, particularly the granuloma formation. This sheds light on the complex balance between A. fulica and A. cantonensis. Nine three-month-old snails were randomly selected and exposed for 24 h to a concentration of 2000 L1/dose of A. cantonensis. A necropsy was performed 37 days after the infection, and the samples were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The histopathological results revealed third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis associated with granulomas distributed throughout the head-foot mass, mantle, and kidney. Scanning electron microscopy of the histological section surface showed that the granuloma is surrounded by a cluster of spherical particles, which are distributed in the region bordering the larvae. This reveal details of the nematode structure, demonstrating how this methodology can enhance our understanding of the role of granulomas in molluscan tissue. The structural characteristics of granuloma formation in A. fulica suggest it as an excellent invertebrate host for A. cantonensis. This relationship appears to provide protection to the parasite against the host's immune defense system while isolating the snail's tissue from potential exposure to nematode antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J. Lopes-Torres
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Roberto Lascasas Porto, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Raquel de Oliveira Simões
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil;
| | - Ester M. Mota
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil;
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Machado CV, Mentz MB, Hartke S, Zancan DM. Occurrence of Cruzia tentaculata Larvae in the Land Snail Megalobulimus abbreviatus-Influence of Natural Parasite Load on Snail Physiology. Zoolog Sci 2023; 40:475-485. [PMID: 38064375 DOI: 10.2108/zs230047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The nematode Cruzia tentaculata is reported here for the first time in the land snail Megalobulimus abbreviatus in southern Brazil. The snails were infected with a high prevalence of larvae up to the L3 stage (68.6%). Cysts were located mainly in the mantle (pulmonary cavity) and the nerve ring. No other helminths were identified in the collected snails. Some physiological aspects were compared between snails infected with L3 larvae and non-infected snails and among infected animals with different parasite loads. No differences were found in hemolymph protein, glucose, or urea content between L3-infected and non-infected snails, nor among animals with different parasite loads. Discontinuous lesions in the rectum associated with the presence of encapsulated larvae were visible in animals with high parasite loads and were more frequent in adult animals. All analyses were carried out during the breeding season; however, the albumen glands of mature snails had a smaller volume in those with higher parasite loads. Ovotestis weight was also significantly negatively correlated with parasite load. Snail reproductive capacity could, therefore, be partially impaired but only for individuals with higher parasite loads. Considering only the measured parameters, natural infection by C. tentaculata does not appear to affect intermediary metabolism of M. abbreviatus. A greater number of larvae and greater severity of tissue injuries are more frequently observed in older snails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clivia Valle Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
| | - Marcia B Mentz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Imunologia, ICBS, UFRGS, Brazil
| | - Sara Hartke
- Departamento de Fisiologia, ICBS, UFRGS, Brazil
| | - Denise M Zancan
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil,
- Departamento de Fisiologia, ICBS, UFRGS, Brazil
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Li P, Hong J, Yuan Z, Huang Y, Wu M, Ding T, Wu Z, Sun X, Lin D. Gut microbiota in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:105. [PMID: 38001502 PMCID: PMC10668521 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01159-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have revealed that gut bacteria in gastropods are associated with various biological aspects, such as growth, immunity and host-parasite interactions. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of gastropod gut microbiomes and highlight future research priorities and perspectives. METHODS A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI for the articles on the gut microbiota of gastropods until December 31, 2022. We retrieved a total of 166 articles and identified 73 eligible articles for inclusion in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS Our analysis encompassed freshwater, seawater and land snails, with a specific focus on parasite-transmitting gastropods. We found that most studies on gastropod gut microbiota have primarily utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbial composition, rather than employing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomic approaches. This comprehensive review provided an overview of the parasites carried by snail species in the context of gut microbiota studies. We presented the gut microbial trends, a comprehensive summary of the diversity and composition, influencing factors, and potential functions of gastropod gut microbiota. Additionally, we discussed the potential applications, research gaps and future perspectives of gut microbiomes in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Furthermore, several strategies for enhancing our comprehension of gut microbiomes in snails were also discussed. CONCLUSIONS This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the composition, potential function, influencing factors, potential applications, limitations, and challenges of gut microbiomes in gastropods, with a specific emphasis on parasite-transmitting gastropods. These findings provide important insights for future studies aiming to understand the potential role of gastropod gut microbiota in controlling snail populations and snail-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinni Hong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Yuan
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingrou Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Datao Lin
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Rodrigues PS, Gomes SR, Montresor LC, Ramos-de-Souza J, Barros LA, Fernandez MA, Thiengo SC. The giant African snail Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica Bowdich, 1822 as an intermediate host of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) in the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100712. [PMID: 35431070 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a metastrongilid nematode that causes feline aelurostrongylosis. The adult life stage parasitizes the lungs of wild and domestic felids. Terrestrial mollusks act as its intermediate host, and birds, amphibians, and small mammals act as paratenic hosts. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus presents a worldwide distribution, and in Brazil it has been recorded in most states. The present study investigates the occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in terrestrial mollusks from urban areas of two out of the six Mesoregions of Rio de Janeiro state: Metropolitana and Centro Fluminense (46 municipalities). Larvae were recovered from the tissue of the mollusks collected during the surveys and identified based on morphology and sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2). In all, 2791 mollusks, belonging to 14 different species, were collected. Larvae of A. abstrusus were recovered from two species: Achatina fulica in 22 out of 46 municipalities, and from the slug Latipes erinaceus in 1 out of 46 municipalities. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was recorded in half (50%) of the municipalities of the Metropolitana Mesoregion and in 44% of those of the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion. Results indicate a strong association between A. abstrusus and A. fulica, since 99% of the mollusks infected with A. abstrusus were A. fulica. This study recorded A. abstrusus in the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion and naturally parasitizing L. erinaceus for the first time. Despite the high number of mollusks infected with A. abstrusus and their wide distribution in Rio de Janeiro State, there are still few reports of infection in Brazilian felids, probably given that this is an under-diagnosed parasitosis in this country. Further studies in other regions of the Rio de Janeiro State, and other Brazilian States, focusing on intermediate and definitive hosts, particularly in the urban environments where they coexist, are needed. These studies will enable further understanding of the epidemiology and prevention of aelurostrongylosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Sergio Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária - Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Malacologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Pavilhão Adolpho Lutz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suzete Rodrigues Gomes
- Laboratório de Malacologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Pavilhão Adolpho Lutz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Lângia Colli Montresor
- Moluscário Lobato Paraense, Instituto de Pesquisas René Rachou, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jucicleide Ramos-de-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária - Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Malacologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Pavilhão Adolpho Lutz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Pavilhão Lauro Travassos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciano Antunes Barros
- Laboratório de Apoio Diagnóstico em Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, Santa Rosa, 24230340 Niterói, RJ,Brazil
| | - Monica Ammon Fernandez
- Laboratório de Malacologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Pavilhão Adolpho Lutz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Silvana Carvalho Thiengo
- Laboratório de Malacologia do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Pavilhão Adolpho Lutz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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The invasive giant African land snail, Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata): global geographical distribution of this species as host of nematodes of medical and veterinary importance. J Helminthol 2022; 96:e86. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x22000761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The giant African land snail, Achatina fulica, is an important invasive species in many countries, where it causes losses in biodiversity and agriculture, as well as impacting the health of both humans and animals, as the intermediate host of medically important nematodes. The present study is based on a comprehensive review of the literature on the nematodes that have been found in association with A. fulica, worldwide. We searched a number of different databases and used the findings to investigate the methods used to extract and identify the nematodes, their larval stages, and environment and collecting procedures of the infected molluscs. Between 1965 and 2021, 11 nematode species were recorded in association with A. fulica in 21 countries. Most of the studies recorded associations between A. fulica and Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes cerebral angiostrongyliasis in humans and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, which provokes pneumonia in felines. The nematodes were extracted primarily by artificial digestion with hydrochloric acid or pepsin, and identified based on their morphology or through experimental infection to obtain the adult. In most cases, the nematodes were at larval stage L3, and the infected A. fulica were collected from anthropogenic environments. The results demonstrate the importance of A. fulica as a host of nematodes of medical and veterinary importance, as well the contribution of anthropogenic environments to the occurrence of the parasites, and give information about the different methods used to collect and identify the nematodes found associated with this species.
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Detection of Crenosoma spp., Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Gastropods in Eastern Austria. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121046. [PMID: 33322102 PMCID: PMC7764228 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine and feline cardiorespiratory parasites are of utmost relevance in veterinary medicine. Key epizootiological information on major pet metastrongyloids, i.e., Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis infecting dogs, and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior infecting cats, is missing from Austria. This study investigated their occurrence in 1320 gastropods collected in the Austrian provinces of Styria, Burgenland, Lower Austria, and in metropolitan Vienna. Metastrongyloid larvae were microscopically detected in 25 samples, and sequence analysis confirmed the presence of metastrongyloids in nine samples, i.e., A. vasorum in one slug (Arion vulgaris) (0.07%), C. vulpis in five slugs (one Limax maximus and four A. vulgaris) (0.4%), A. abstrusus in two A. vulgaris (0.17%), and the hedgehog lungworm Crenosoma striatum was detected in one A. vulgaris. The present study confirms the enzooticity of major cardiorespiratory nematodes in Austria and that canine and feline populations are at risk of infection.
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Dimzas D, Morelli S, Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Van Bourgonie YR, Breugelmans K, Backeljau T, di Regalbono AF, Diakou A. Intermediate gastropod hosts of major feline cardiopulmonary nematodes in an area of wildcat and domestic cat sympatry in Greece. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:345. [PMID: 32650821 PMCID: PMC7350685 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The metastrongyloid nematodes Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior and Angiostrongylus chabaudi are cardiopulmonary parasites affecting domestic cats (Felis catus) and wildcats (Felis silvestris). Although knowledge on these nematodes has been improved in the past years, gaps in our knowledge of their distribution and role of gastropods as intermediate hosts in Europe still exist. This study reports on the presence of these nematodes and their intermediate hosts in an area in Greece where domestic cats and wildcats occur in sympatry. Methods Terrestrial gastropods were collected in the field and identified morphologically and by mitochondrial DNA-sequence analysis. Metastrongyloid larvae were detected by artificial digestion, morphologically identified to the species and stage level and their identity was molecularly confirmed. Results Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was found in the snails Massylaea vermiculata and Helix lucorum, T. brevior in the slug Tandonia sp., and A. chabaudi in the slug Limax sp. and the snails H. lucorum and M. vermiculata. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge this study provides the first reports of (i) terrestrial gastropods being naturally infected with A. chabaudi, (ii) T. brevior naturally infecting terrestrial gastropods in Europe, and (iii) A. abstrusus naturally infecting terrestrial gastropods in Greece. Furthermore, the present study describes for the first time developmental stages of A. chabaudi and T. brevior in naturally infected gastropods. The biological characteristics of various intermediate gastropod hosts that could influence the distribution and expansion of feline cardiopulmonary nematodes are discussed, along with epizootiological implications and perspectives.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Dimzas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Yoo Ree Van Bourgonie
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo - LifeWatch Belgium), 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karin Breugelmans
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo - LifeWatch Belgium), 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Backeljau
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo - LifeWatch Belgium), 1000, Brussels, Belgium.,Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Zonta ML, Cociancic P, Oyhenart EE, Navone GT. Intestinal parasitosis, undernutrition and socio-environmental factors in schoolchildren from Clorinda Formosa, Argentina. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2019; 21:224-231. [DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v21n2.73692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate intestinal parasitosis, undernutrition and socio-environmental factors in schoolchildren from Clorinda (Formosa, Argentina).Materials and Methods Serial fecal samples and anal swabs of 114 schoolchildren, canine feces and soil samples were analyzed. Body weight and height of 215 schoolchildren were measured and undernutrition was estimated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Socio-environmental variables were assessed by means of a semi-structured questionnaire.Results 78.1% of children were infected by at least one of the 12 species identified and 70.8% had multiple parasitic infections. Blastocystis sp., Giardia lamblia and Enterobius vermicularis were the most prevalent. Additionally, 17.5% of children were infected by at least one geohelminth (e.g. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms). 64.3%of canine of canine feces were positive and six parasitic species were found; the most frequent were Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala and G. lamblia. Furthermore, 37.5% of soil samples showed zoonotic parasites (i.e. Ascaris sp., Toxocara sp.). Finally, 10.0% of the children were undernourished and 85.7% of them had parasites. The risk for parasitosis was higher in children that lived in houses with inadequate solid waste disposal and whose parents were unemployed or had temporary jobs.Conclusions The lack of environmental sanitation, unstable employment of parents and the presence of zoonotic species were the most relevant factors observed. Consequently, these conditions result in an increase of parasitic infections and negatively influence the growth of children.
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Beltramino AA, Vogler RE, Rumi A, Guzmán LB, Martín SM, Peso JG. The exotic jumping snail Ovachlamys fulgens (Gude, 1900) (Gastropoda: Helicarionidae) in urban areas of the Upper-Paraná Atlantic Forest. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2018; 90:1591-1603. [PMID: 29768575 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820170766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The exotic land gastropod Ovachlamys fulgens (Gude, 1900), aka the jumping snail, was registered in Eldorado city, Misiones province, constituting the first documented record of that species in Argentina-and for all of South America as well. Identities of the individuals were confirmed through morphological examination, and by a DNA sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. DNA sequences for the mitochondrial 16S-rRNA and the nuclear 18S-rRNA genes were also obtained from the morphologically-confirmed specimens to gain insights into the genetic background of this species in Argentina, and as additional markers for enhancing the rapidity of identification by governmental authorities who are responsible for managing the presence of exotic species. Different size classes suggested that the species had successfully reproduced and become established in the locality. Ovachlamys fulgens is emphasized in the literature as being a serious pest to orchids. Misiones province harbors a high species richness of orchids, representing about one half of the known species in Argentina. Owing to the use of the orchid as an ornamental plant, the commercial trade could have facilitated the introduction of the species into Argentina. Control measures, preventive education, and surveillance are needed to prevent the further spread of this snail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel A Beltramino
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Rivadavia 2370, N3300LDX Posadas, Misiones, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina
| | - Roberto E Vogler
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Universidad Nacional de Misiones/CONICET, Rivadavia 2370, N3300LDX Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Rumi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas/CONICET, Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB CABA, Argentina.,División Zoología Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque, s/n, B1900FWA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leila B Guzmán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Rivadavia 2370, N3300LDX Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Stella M Martín
- División Zoología Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque, s/n, B1900FWA La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires/CIC, Calle 526 entre 10 y 11, 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juana G Peso
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Universidad Nacional de Misiones/CONICET, Rivadavia 2370, N3300LDX Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
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11
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Valente R, Robles MDR, Navone GT, Diaz JI. Angiostrongylus spp. in the Americas: geographical and chronological distribution of definitive hosts versus disease reports. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:143-152. [PMID: 29412352 PMCID: PMC5804305 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongyliasis is an infection caused by nematode worms of the genus
Angiostrongylus. The adult worms inhabit the pulmonary
arteries, heart, bronchioles of the lung, or mesenteric arteries of the caecum of
definitive host. Of a total of 23 species of Angiostrongylus
cited worldwide, only nine were registered in the American Continent. Two species,
A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis, are
considered zoonoses when the larvae accidentally parasitise man. OBJECTIVES In the present study, geographical and chronological distribution of definitive
hosts of Angiostrongylus in the Americas is analysed in order to
observe their relationship with disease reports. Moreover, the role of different
definitive hosts as sentinels and dispersers of infective stages is discussed. METHODS The study area includes the Americas. First records of
Angiostrongylus spp. in definitive or accidental hosts were
compiled from the literature. Data were included in tables and figures and were
matched to geographic information systems (GIS). FINDINGS Most geographical records of Angiostrongylus spp. both for
definitive and accidental hosts belong to tropical areas, mainly equatorial zone.
In relation to those species of human health importance, as A.
cantonensis and A. costaricensis, most disease cases
indicate a coincidence between the finding of definitive host and disease record.
However, in some geographic site there are gaps between report of definitive host
and disease record. In many areas, human populations have invaded natural
environments and their socioeconomic conditions do not allow adequate medical
care. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Consequently, many cases for angiostrongyliasis could have gone unreported or
unrecognised throughout history and in the nowadays. Moreover, the population
expansion and the climatic changes invite to make broader and more complete range
of observation on the species that involve possible epidemiological risks. This
paper integrates and shows the current distribution of
Angiostrongylus species in America, being this information
very relevant for establishing prevention, monitoring and contingency strategies
in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Valente
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Maria Del Rosario Robles
- Centro Científico Tecnológico La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela T Navone
- Centro Científico Tecnológico La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia I Diaz
- Centro Científico Tecnológico La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Penagos-Tabares F, Lange MK, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Taubert A, Hermosilla C. Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus: Neglected and underestimated parasites in South America. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:208. [PMID: 29587811 PMCID: PMC5870519 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastropod-borne nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are global causes of cardio/pulmonary diseases in dogs and cats. In the last decade, the number of reports on canine and feline lungworms has increased in several areas of Europe and North America. The unspecific clinical signs and prolonged course of these diseases often renders diagnosis challenging. Both infections are considered as emerging and underestimated causes of disease in domestic pets. In South America, little information is available on these diseases, apart from occasional reports proving the principle presence of A. vasorum and A. abstrusus. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize reports on infections in both domestic and wildlife animals in South America and to increase the awareness on gastropod-borne metastrongyloid parasites, which also include important zoonotic species, such as A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis. This review highlights the usefulness of diagnostic tools, such as the Baermann funnel technique, serology and PCR, and proposes to include these routinely on cases with clinical suspicion for lungworm infections. Future national epidemiological surveys are recommended to be conducted to gain a deeper insight into the actual epidemiological situation of gastropod-borne parasitoses in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Penagos-Tabares
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany. .,CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, University of Antioquia, 050034, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Malin K Lange
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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13
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Larval development of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in experimentally infected Rumina decollata snails. Vet Parasitol 2018; 251:50-55. [PMID: 29426476 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a lungworm distributed worldwide that affects wild and domestic cats, causing bronchopneumonia of varying intensity. Snails serve as intermediate hosts. The aim of the present study was to assess the larval development of A. abstrusus in R. decollata snails and to investigate its potential as an intermediate host. For this purpose, first-stage larvae (L1) of A. abstrusus were obtained from the faeces of naturally infected cats. Doses of 500 L1/snail were given to 24 R. decollata snails, placed on the soil of the breeder chamber, and maintained under laboratory conditions. Three snails were killed at 8, 10, 12, 16, 22, 26, 45 and 55 days post-infection (dpi), and the muscular foot and visceral body were separately digested by an artificial digestion technique. The morphometric parameters of different larval stages were recorded. The mean number of larvae reaching the infective stage at the end of the study (L3) was 262 larvae/snail. The greatest development to L3 was recorded from days16 to 55 pi, during which the isolation was maximum. A. Abstrusus L3 were isolated from the viscera, but isolation from the snail foot was significantly higher. Our results showed for the first time the ability of A. Abstrusus larvae to develop in R. decollata, thus serving as a potential intermediate host.
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