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Romig T, Wassermann M. Echinococcus species in wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100913. [PMID: 38405672 PMCID: PMC10884515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Transmission of Echinococcus spp. in life cycles that involve mainly wildlife is well recognized for those species with small mammals as intermediate hosts (e. g. E. multilocularis), as well as for E. felidis and the 'northern' genotypes of E. canadensis (G8 and G10). In contrast, the remaining taxa of E. granulosus sensu lato are best known for their domestic life cycles, and the numerous wild mammal species (mainly ungulates) that have been recorded with cystic echinococcosis in the past were mainly considered a result of spill-over from the dog-livestock transmission system. This view was challenged with the advent of molecular characterization, allowing discrimination of the metacestodes, although the contribution of wild mammals to various Echinococcus life cycles has remained uncertain for scarcity of wildlife studies. Numerous records of cysts in wild ungulates date back to the 20th century, but cannot with certainty be allocated to the Echinococcus species and genotypes that are recognized today. This means that our current knowledge is largely restricted to studies of the past two decades that kept adding gradually to our concepts of transmission in various geographic regions. In particular, new insights were gathered in the past years on E. granulosus s.l. in wildlife of sub-Saharan Africa, but also on transmission patterns of E. multilocularis in previously neglected regions, e. g. North America. Here, an update is provided on the current state of knowledge on wild mammals as hosts for all Echinococcus species, listing >150 species of wild hosts with references, as well as estimates on their epidemiological impact and our current gaps of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marion Wassermann
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Aschenborn O, Aschenborn J, Beytell P, Wachter B, Melzheimer J, Dumendiak S, Rüffler B, Mackenstedt U, Kern P, Romig T, Wassermann M. High species diversity of Echinococcus spp. in wild mammals of Namibia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:134-142. [PMID: 37206437 PMCID: PMC10189350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
An opportunistic survey for Echinococcus spp. in wild mammals was conducted in seven distinct study areas throughout Namibia, representing all major ecosystems, between 2012 and 2021. In total, 184 individually attributable faeces and 40 intestines were collected from eight species of carnivores, and 300 carcasses or organs of thirteen species of ungulates were examined for Echinococcus cysts. Nested PCR and sequencing of the mitochondrial nad1 gene led to the identification of five species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex. Echinococcus canadensis G6/7 was found throughout Namibia at low frequency in lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs, black-backed jackals and oryx antelopes. Echinococcus equinus was present only in northern Namibia, locally at high frequency in lions, black-backed jackals and plains zebras. Echinococcus felidis was found only in one small area in the north-east of Namibia, but with high frequency in lions and warthogs. Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto was identified only in two African wild dogs in the north-east of Namibia, and Echinococcus ortleppi occurred in central and southern Namibia in black-backed jackals and oryx antelopes. The development of fertile cysts indicated active intermediate host roles of oryx antelopes for E. canadensis and E. ortleppi, of warthogs for E. felidis, and of plains zebras for E. equinus. Our data support earlier hypotheses of exclusive or predominant wildlife life-cycles for E. felidis involving lions and warthogs, and - in Namibia - for E. equinus involving lions and/or black-backed jackals and plains zebras. Our data further support an interlink of wild and domestic transmission for E. ortleppi. A possible involvement of livestock and domestic dogs in transmission of E. canadensis G6/7 and E. granulosus s.s., the two parasite species with highest zoonotic potential, is uncertain for Namibia and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ortwin Aschenborn
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek, Namibia
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Aschenborn
- University of Zurich, Institute of Parasitology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Piet Beytell
- Directorate of Scientific Service, Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joerg Melzheimer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja Dumendiak
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bianka Rüffler
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center of Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Kern
- University Hospital Ulm, Department of Medicine III, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center of Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marion Wassermann
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center of Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, Stuttgart, Germany
- Corresponding author. University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Unit Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
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Aschenborn O, Aschenborn J, Kern P, Mackenstedt U, Romig T, Wassermann M. When wildlife comes to town: interaction of sylvatic and domestic host animals in transmission of Echinococcus spp. in Namibia. Helminthologia 2023; 60:117-124. [PMID: 37745225 PMCID: PMC10516471 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted in the isolated desert town of Oranjemund in the far south of Namibia. It is an extremely arid region where no livestock husbandry is practiced and only animals adapted to the desert can be found. However, in and around the city, artificial irrigation maintains lush green patches of grass that attract wild animals, in particular oryx antelopes (Oryx gazella). In 2015 four oryx antelopes were euthanised due to poor conditions and a post-mortem examination was conducted. Two were found positive for cystic echinococcosis and 16 cysts were collected for molecular analyses. In addition, faecal samples from black-backed jackals (n=5) and domestic dogs (n=9), which were regularly observed to feed on oryx carcasses, were collected and taeniid eggs isolated. Parasite species identification of the cysts and eggs was done by amplifying and sequencing the mitochondrial nad1 gene. Both oryx antelopes were found infected with E. ortleppi and one co-infected with E. canadensis G6/7. Both Echinococcus species were able to develop fertile cysts in oryx, making oryx antelopes competent hosts for these parasites. Therefore, the analysis of faecal samples was of high interest and although the numbers were quite small, taeniid eggs were found in three out of five faecal samples of jackals and in all nine dog samples. However, species determination was only successful with two jackal and one dog sample. All three were positive for E. canadensis G6/7. The absence of E. ortleppi may be due to the low number of faecal samples examined. In our small study, we discovered a rather unique lifecycle of Echinococcus spp. between jackals and domestic dogs as definitive hosts and oryx antelopes as intermediate hosts. Here, the presence of E. canadensis G6/7 is of particular concern, as it is the second most important causative agent of CE in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Aschenborn
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek, Namibia
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599Stuttgart, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315Berlin, Germany
- Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Directorate of Scientific Services, Private Bag13306, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - J. Aschenborn
- University of Zurich, Institute of Parasitology, Winterthurerstr. 266a, 8057Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P. Kern
- University Hospital Ulm, Department of Medicine III, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081Ulm, Germany
| | - U. Mackenstedt
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599Stuttgart, Germany
| | - T. Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599Stuttgart, Germany
| | - M. Wassermann
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599Stuttgart, Germany
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Zaffarano GP, Miambo RD, Ussivane ÉE, Poglayen G, Morandi B, Mukaratirwa S, Afonso SS. Cystic echinococcosis in cattle (Bos taurus) from rural communities of Limpopo National Park, Gaza province, Mozambique: a One Health perspective. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-022-01119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Alvi MA, Alsayeqh AF. Food-borne zoonotic echinococcosis: A review with special focus on epidemiology. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1072730. [PMID: 36605765 PMCID: PMC9807814 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1072730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a neglected, WHO-listed cyclozoonotic parasitic disease that is caused by a number of species belonging to the genus Echinococcus. This disease is widespread across the globe, resulting in heavy economic losses for farmers and cystic disease in aberrant human hosts. This review paper briefly discussed taxonomy, a brief history, the magnitude of economic losses, host spectrum and life cycle, risk factors, and clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the copro- and sero-ELISA-based prevalence of echinococcosis on different continents was summarized. Finally, the authors analyzed the frequency and use of molecular epidemiology in the taxonomy of Echinococcus species based on molecular markers. This review will serve as a quick reference to Echinococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughees Aizaz Alvi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
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Aschenborn J, Schneider C, Addy F, Aschenborn O, Kern P, Romig T, Deplazes P, Wassermann M. Cystic echinococcosis of ruminant livestock in Namibia. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 31:100727. [PMID: 35569909 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is widespread and locally frequent in southern Africa where it affects humans, livestock, and wild mammals. However, most data from the region are old and do not provide information on the causative Echinococcus species. For Namibian livestock only anecdotal records were available prior to this preliminary survey. Our retrospective analysis of slaughterhouse records of CE in cattle from the commercial farming area in central and southern Namibia resulted in 1.65% CE prevalence among 35,143 slaughtered cattle in the period 2015-2016. For comparison, carcasses of ruminant livestock were prospectively examined in the communal farming areas of northern Namibia, resulting in three CE cases among only 12 cattle, and no cases among nine goats. To determine the Echinococcus species affecting Namibian livestock, a total of 53 cysts were collected from all parts of the country and analysed for species and genotype by amplification and sequencing of the nad1 gene. All 50 cattle cysts (isolated from 40 cattle), both from the commercial and communal farming areas, were Echinococcus ortleppi (all fertile, and 42/50 from the lungs), while three opportunistically collected cysts from three sheep in southern Namibia were E. canadensis G7. Our data suggest that E. ortleppi is the only CE agent that is relevant for cattle infection in Namibia, and that low prevalence in the commercial farming areas contrasts with high CE burden in the northern traditional husbandry systems. The present data provide baseline information to stimulate epidemiological studies on the transmission pathways of various CE agents in livestock, wildlife, and humans in Namibia and neighbouring countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Aschenborn
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, Stuttgart, Germany; University of Zurich, Institute of Parasitology, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Francis Addy
- University for Development Studies, Department of Biotechnology, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Ortwin Aschenborn
- University of Namibia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Windhoek, Namibia.
| | | | - Thomas Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Peter Deplazes
- University of Zurich, Institute of Parasitology, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Prevalence and molecular characterization of cystic hydatidosis in livestock slaughtered in southern Mozambique. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:186-195. [PMID: 35299925 PMCID: PMC8901823 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01434-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydatid disease is a parasitic zoonosis caused by genotypes of the genus Echinococcus. This disease inflicts economic loses in livestock and cause public health burden in resource poor mostly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and identity of the genotypes responsible for hydatid cysts in cattle, goats and pigs slaughtered at selected abattoirs of southern provinces of Mozambique. Cysts were collected from liver and lungs and hydatid confirmation was made by cystic membrane observation and visualization of protoscoleces by light microscope. Thirty-two hydatid cysts from 817 cattle and two from 68 pigs were collected from local slaughterhouses and slabs. DNA was extracted from protoscoleces of each cyst together with the cystic membrane and amplified based on the mitochondrial subunit 1 of the cox1 and nad1 gene. The overall prevalence of hydatid cysts was 3.9% in cattle, 2.9% in pigs and none of the goats were found with cysts. All cysts collected from cattle and pigs were identified as Echinococcus ortleppi (G5) with a minimum homology of 99% on BLAST analysis. Our results confirm the presence of E. ortleppi in cattle and pigs in southern Mozambique at a low prevalence and further studies are recommended to determine the risk factors favoring the transmission of this zoonotic parasite in the resource-poor livestock farming communities of this region.
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Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - 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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Zaffarano GP, de Klerk-Lorist LM, Junker K, Mitchell E, Bhoora RV, Poglayen G, Govender D. First report of cystic echinococcosis in rhinos: A fertile infection of Echinococcus equinus in a Southern white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum simum) of Kruger National Park, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 14:260-266. [PMID: 33898226 PMCID: PMC8056145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite being a parasitic disease known since ancient times, some epidemiological aspects of cystic echinococcosis (CE) remain unclear. Many studies describe its prevalence and genotyping in populations of domestic animals and livestock, but data regarding wildlife are often scarce and incomplete. The available literature suggests that CE has never been reported in African rhinos. Considering the fragile conservation status of these species due to continued poaching, this study tries to clarify some neglected epidemiological aspects. In February 2020, an adult female of the Southern white rhinoceros, Ceratotherium simum simum (Burchell, 1817), was killed by poachers. The subsequent necropsy performed by the state veterinary team revealed the presence of seven cysts within the pulmonary tissue (four cysts in the right medio-caudal lobe and three cysts in the left medio-caudal lobe) with a diameter of between 1.5 and 2.3 cm. Given the state of decomposition of the carcass, only two of these were suitable for microscopic examination. Specimens were examined under 10x and 40x microscopic magnification for the confirmation of fertility of the cysts, based on the presence of numerous protoscoleces in different stages of maturation. A histopathological examination was also performed to describe the relationship between parasite and host tissue reaction. Cyst samples were subjected to PCR. The primers successfully amplified the expected fragments of the cox-1 and the nad-1 gene from the isolated genomic DNA, revealing high sequence identity with published sequences of Echinococcus equinus Williams & Sweatman, 1963 isolate G4 and E. equinus isolate SLG5-G4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca P Zaffarano
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,SECOSUD II- Italian Cooperation Project, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, B7, Av. Julius Nyerere, 1100, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Lin-Mari de Klerk-Lorist
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, State Veterinary Services, Box 12, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa
| | - Kerstin Junker
- Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Emily Mitchell
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, and Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 1 Soutpan Rd, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Raksha Vasantrai Bhoora
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Giovanni Poglayen
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Danny Govender
- Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Private Bag X402, 1350, Skukuza, South Africa.,Department of Paraclinical Sciences, and Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 1 Soutpan Rd, 0110, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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Miambo R, Afonso S, Noormahomed E, Pondja A, Mukaratirwa S. Echinococcosis in humans and animals in Southern Africa Development Community countries: A systematic review. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2020; 20:e00087. [PMID: 32995581 PMCID: PMC7501418 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2020.e00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The taeniid Echinococcus is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease echinococcosis/hydatidosis and is associated with economic losses in livestock production. This review summarizes available scientific literature on circulating species of Echinococcus in humans, wild and domestic animals in countries of Southern Africa Development Community, and identifies knowledge gaps and recommend research priorities. Data were systematically accessed from Google Scholar, MEDLINE/PubMed and from library resources from December 2017 to June 2019. Meta-analysis was conducted in STATA program and heterogeneity and prevalence values were pooled by host species with 95% confidence interval. In intermediate hosts, the overall prevalence of Echinococcus by meat inspection was 10% (CI: 9-11%) in small ruminants, 7% (CI: 5-8%) in cattle, 1% (CI: 0-1%) in pigs and 9% (CI: 0-29%) in wild herbivores. In canids by CoproAg-ELISA and necropsy the prevalence was of 10% (CI: 8-10%) and 6% (CI: 3-10%) respectively. A high level of heterogeneity (I2 > 65%) was observed for all study groups. Echinococcus equinus, E. canadensis, E ortleppi and E. felidis were reported from wildlife and E. ortleppi, E. granulosus s. s. and E. canadensis from humans. There is paucity of research in echinococcosis and gaps in prevalence reports over time in both humans and animals in the SADC region and we recommend an increase in future studies on the epidemiology of disease, risk factors for transmission in animals and humans and its relation with human health specially in the advent of HIV pandemic following a "One Health" approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.D. Miambo
- Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- School of Life Science, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - S.M.S Afonso
- Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - E.V. Noormahomed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - A. Pondja
- Faculty of Veterinary, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - S. Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Science, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Rubtsova NY, Heckmann RA, Smit WJ, Luus-Powell WJ, Halajian A, Roux F. Morphological Studies of Developmental Stages of Oculotrema hippopotami (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) Infecting the Eye of Hippopotamus amphibius (Mammalia: Hippopotamidae) Using SEM and EDXA with Notes on Histopathology. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:463-475. [PMID: 30419732 PMCID: PMC6243182 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.5.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was performed to observe histopathological effects of Oculotrema hippopotami Stunkard, 1924 infection in the eye of Hippopotamus amphibius, as well as to reveal new details of morphology and structural features of this monogenean and its comparison between 2 age stages of the parasite. This was done using both light and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and histopathology. The presence of a mixture of different generations (adult and sub-adult) in one host individual is common for Oculotrema Stunkard, 1924 in contrast to Polystoma Zeder, 1800. New metrical and graphical information obtained for adults and sub-adults compared with the previous studies. Here we show the presence of genital papillae in adults, metrical data on the distal part of the vas deferens. SEM micrographs of sperm ejaculatory structures and information about the flattened dorsal side of the body provided for the first time. Histopathological changes, such as necrosis and hemorrhage in host tissues as a result of O. hippopotami attachment structures are described. Structural analysis of different body parts of O. hippopotami of both age groups are also included. We show qualitative differences in the presence of hardening ions (S, P, Ca) in attachment structures (oral and haptor suckers) that increase with the age of the worm. The presence of sub-adults and adults on the same host, together with high levels of infection without high pathogenicity may account for Oculotrema being one of the most successful parasites among the Monogenea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Yu Rubtsova
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases (IPD), 11455 East Via Linda, #2-419, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85259, USA
| | - Richard A Heckmann
- Department of Biology, 1114 WIDB, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - Willem J Smit
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | | | - Ali Halajian
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Francois Roux
- Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Lydenburg, Mpumalanga Province, 1120, South Africa
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Molecular characterization of Echinococcus species in dogs from four regions of Kenya. Vet Parasitol 2018; 255:49-57. [PMID: 29773136 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis is endemic both in livestock and humans in many parts of Kenya. However, very little data exists on Echinococcus infections in dogs, and therefore their role in maintaining the transmission cycles and environmental contamination with eggs of Echinococcus species is unknown. The study aimed to establish the prevalence and distribution of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato causing infection in dogs in Kenya. A total of 1621 dog faecal samples were collected from the environment in four different regions and examined microscopically for the presence of taeniid eggs. Up to 20 individual taeniid eggs per faecal sample were picked, lysed and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) gene. Eleven percent (178/1621) of faecal samples had taeniid eggs, while 4.4% (71/1621) contained Echinococcus spp. eggs. Area-wise, the faecal prevalence of Echinococcus spp. was 9.2% (48/524) in Turkana, 4.0% (20/500) in Maasai Mara, 0.7% (2/294) in Isiolo and 0.3% (1/303) in Meru. E. granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.) was the dominant Echinococcus taxon, followed by E. canadensis (G6/7) that was detected in 51 and 23 faecal samples, respectively. E. ortleppi was detected in only 5 faecal samples. We report for the first time the presence of E. felidis eggs in two dog faecal samples (from Maasai Mara region). Mixed infections of these taxa were also found in faecal samples, including: E. granulosus s. s. and E. canadensis (G6/7) (n = 7), E. granulosus s. s. and E. ortleppi (n = 1) and all three species (n = 1). The dog data presented here confirm the differences in diversity and abundance of Echinococcus spp. between regions of Kenya, correspond well with previously published data from livestock, and tentatively suggest a role of domestic dogs as a link between domestic and sylvatic cycles of Echinococcus spp.
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Ito A, Budke CM. The echinococcoses in Asia: The present situation. Acta Trop 2017; 176:11-21. [PMID: 28728830 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, caused by the accidental ingestion of eggs of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, respectively, are endemic in Asia. Various Echinococcus species are maintained in domesticated and/or wild mammals through predator-prey interactions. Molecular analysis is used to help differentiate infecting parasite species and genotypes, with the goal of better understanding parasite life cycles in order to aid in the planning and implementation of control programs. This paper discusses the various echinococcoses in Asia, with limited reference to neighboring areas, including parts of Central Asia, Russia, Europe and North America.
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