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Thengchaisri N, Inpankaew T, Arthitwong S, Steiner JM, Sattasathuchana P. Molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and Wolbachia infections in pet and semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:239-243. [PMID: 35400954 PMCID: PMC8980370 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.239-243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Although cats are not natural hosts for heartworm infections (Dirofilaria immitis), evidence suggests that feline heartworm disease can be detrimental because of a severe inflammatory response. Recent studies have found that infection with bacteria of the genus Wolbachia is the principal cause of acute inflammatory filaria disease; nonetheless, the prevalence of cats naturally infected with heartworms and Wolbachia remains unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and current distribution of feline heartworm disease and its association with Wolbachia infection in pet and semi-domesticated cats in Bangkok, Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 260 cats (130 pet cats and 130 semi-domesticated cats) were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were placed into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes for hematological analysis and DNA extraction. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to analyze samples for the presence of D. immitis and Wolbachia infections. Results: The prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of D. immitis infection in pet, semi-domesticated, and all cats were 3.9% (1.3-8.8%), 27.7% (20.2-36.2%), and 19.6% (15.0-25.0%), respectively. The prevalence (95% CI) of Wolbachia infection in pet, semi-domesticated, and all cats were 18.5% (12.2-26.2%), 31.5% (23.7-40.3%), and 25.0% (19.9-30.7%), respectively. The prevalence of D. immitis and Wolbachia infections in semi-domesticated cats was significantly higher than in pet cats (p=0.002 and p=0.022, respectively). There was a significant association between D. immitis and Wolbachia infections (p<0.001). There was also a significant association between D. immitis infection and the presence of eosinophilia (p<0.045). Conclusion: From the PCR analysis, it can be concluded that semi-domesticated cats were at higher risk for D. immitis infection than pet cats. There was a significant association between positive D. immitis infection and positive Wolbachia infection. Combinations of anthelmintic and antimicrobial therapy should be considered in heartworm-positive cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naris Thengchaisri
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand; Tippimarn Veterinary Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 906/1 Pong Ta Long Subdistrict, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130, Thailand
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surapong Arthitwong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Panpicha Sattasathuchana
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Nguyen VL, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Canine and feline vector-borne diseases of zoonotic concern in Southeast Asia. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021. [PMCID: PMC8906074 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2020.100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Dogs and cats are important hosts and reservoirs of many viral, bacterial, protozoal, and helminthic pathogens transmitted by arthropods, including some of zoonotic concern. By sharing the same environment, these companion animals play an important role in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans in various regions and socioeconomic contexts. While canine and feline vector-borne diseases (VBD) are of major concern in wealthy regions (e.g. Europe and North America), less attention has been received in developing countries such as those in Southeast Asia (SEA). This review provides summarized and updated information on canine and feline VBD with emphasis on those of zoonotic concern in SEA. Of these, zoonotic bacteria (i.e. Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Rickettsia felis) and filarial nematodes (i.e. Brugia malayi, Dirofilaria repens, and Dirofilaria immitis) stand out as the most important in veterinary and human medicine. Additionally, the recent finding of Leishmania infantum in dogs in SEA raised more concerns about the spreading of this zoonotic agent in this region. Further epidemiological surveys, especially in countries with extremely scant information such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste are advocated. Additionally, effective control measures of canine and feline VBD as well as their arthropod vectors should be simultaneously performed for the management of zoonotic infections. Many canine and feline vector-borne infections affect animals and humans in Southeast Asia. Ticks, fleas and mosquitoes are the most common vectors transmitting pathogens to dogs, cats and humans in Southeast Asia. Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia felis and Dirofilaria repens are of concern to human health in this region. Collaboration between governments and researchers is encouraged for a better management of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Recife, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- Corresponding author. Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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The insufficiency of circulating miRNA and DNA as diagnostic tools or as biomarkers of treatment efficacy for Onchocerca volvulus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6672. [PMID: 32317658 PMCID: PMC7174290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63249-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin snip evaluation for onchocerciasis has insufficient sensitivity when skin microfilarial (mf) densities are low, such as following ivermectin treatment. Mf density is suitable for assessing microfilaricidal efficacy but only serves as an indirect indicator of macrofilaricidal activity. We assessed circulating nucleic acids from Onchocerca volvulus as an alternative to skin snips. We screened a plasma sample set of infected individuals followed up at four, 12 and 21 months after microfilaricidal (ivermectin, n = four), macrofilaricidal (doxycycline, n = nine), or combination treatment (n = five). Two parasite-derived miRNAs, cel-miR-71-5p and bma-lin-4, and O-150 repeat DNA were assessed. Highly abundant DNA repeat families identified in the O. volvulus genome were also evaluated. miRNAs were detected in two of 72 plasma samples (2.8%) and two of 47 samples (4.3%) with microfilaridermia using RT-qPCR. O-150 DNA was detected in eight (44.4%) baseline samples by qPCR and the number of positives declined post-treatment. One doxycycline-treated individual remained O-150 positive. However, only 11 (23.4%) samples with microfilaridermia were qPCR-positive. Analysis by qPCR showed novel DNA repeat families were comparatively less abundant than the O-150 repeat. Circulating parasite-derived nucleic acids are therefore insufficient as diagnostic tools or as biomarkers of treatment efficacy for O. volvulus.
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Turner JD, Marriott AE, Hong D, O' Neill P, Ward SA, Taylor MJ. Novel anti-Wolbachia drugs, a new approach in the treatment and prevention of veterinary filariasis? Vet Parasitol 2020; 279:109057. [PMID: 32126342 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Filarial nematodes are tissue-dwelling parasitic worms that can cause a range of disfiguring pathologies in humans and potentially lethal infections of companion animals. The bacterial endosymbiont, Wolbachia, is present within most human and veterinary filarial pathogens, including the causative agent of heartworm disease, Dirofilaria immitis. Doxycycline-mediated drug targeting of Wolbachia leads to sterility, clearance of microfilariae and gradual death of adult filariae. This mode of action is attractive in the treatment of filariasis because it avoids severe host inflammatory adverse reactions invoked by rapid-killing anthelmintic agents. However, doxycycline needs to be taken for four weeks to exert curative activity. In this review, we discuss the evidence that Wolbachia drug targeting is efficacious in blocking filarial larval development as well as in the treatment of chronic filarial disease. We present the current portfolio of next-generation anti-Wolbachia candidates discovered through phenotypic screening of chemical libraries and validated in a range of in vitro and in vivo filarial infection models. Several novel chemotypes have been identified with selected narrow-spectrum anti-Wolbachia specificity and superior time-to-kill kinetics compared with doxycycline. We discuss the opportunities of developing these novel anti-Wolbachia agents as either cures, adjunct therapies or new preventatives for the treatment of veterinary filariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Turner
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Amy E Marriott
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Hong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul O' Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Steve A Ward
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mark J Taylor
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Nochot H, Loimek S, Priyavoravong P, Wongkamchai S, Sarasombath PT. Therapeutic efficacy of doxycycline in domestic cats naturally infected with Brugia malayi in field condition. Exp Parasitol 2019; 200:73-78. [PMID: 30953626 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral doxycycline treatment for Brugia malayi as measured by microfilarial and filarial DNA clearance in naturally infected domestic cats. METHODS This study included 8 domestic cats that lived with families that resided in Tak Bai District of Narathiwat Province, which is located in Southern Thailand. The study area is a known B. malayi endemic area. All study cats received doxycycline treatment doses by their respective owners according to a previously described protocol. Briefly, doxycycline (VibraVet@) was given orally once a day during weeks 1-4, 10-11, and 16-17. Blood collections were performed at baseline before treatment, and then every month for 12 months after the initial dose of doxycycline to assess microfilaraemia by Giemsa stain, and filarial DNA detection by high-resolution melt (HRM) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS One month after the start of doxycycline treatment, five of eight cats were negative for microfilaraemia, and 4 of those were negative for filarial DNA. All cats receiving doxycycline treatment were negative for microfilaria by Giemsa stain, and for filarial DNA by HRM real-time PCR within 8 months after receiving the initial dose of doxycycline treatment. CONCLUSION Administration of oral doxycycline to domestic cats naturally infected with B. malayi in disease endemic areas can significantly reduce microfilaraemia at 1 month and filarial DNA was undetectable by 8 months after the initial dose of doxycycline treatment. No recurrence of microfilaraemia or filarial DNA was observed in study cats at 1 year after the start of doxycycline. Included cats appeared to tolerate doxycycline (VibraVet@) well, with no adverse drug reactions reported by any study cat owner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hathai Nochot
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Sumat Loimek
- Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12 Songkhla, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Songkhla, Thailand.
| | | | - Sirichit Wongkamchai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Sarasombath PT, Thammapalo S, Loymek S, Angkanasinsiri A, Priyavoravong P, Wongkamchai S. First study of topical selamectin efficacy for treating cats naturally infected with Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi under field conditions. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1289-1297. [PMID: 30746583 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariae are important human and animal parasites. Infection by these parasites could lead to severe morbidity and has significant socioeconomic impacts. Topical selamectin is a semi-synthetic macrocyclic lactone that is widely used to prevent heartworm infection. Up until now, there were no studies that investigated the efficacy of selamectin in lymphatic filariae. Therefore, we aimed to study the chemotherapeutic and chemoprophylactic efficacies of selamectin use for cats in brugian filariasis-endemic areas in Southern Thailand. To assess chemotherapeutic efficacy of topical selamectin, eight Brugia malayi and six Brugia pahangi microfilaremic cats were treated with a single administration of topical selamectin. For chemoprophylactic efficacy assessment, a single application of topical selamectin was administrated to 9 healthy, uninfected cats. The cats in both groups were subjected to a monthly blood testing for microfilariae and filarial DNA for 1 year. Topical selamectin treatment in B. malayi and B. pahangi microfilaremic cats showed 100% effectivity in eradicating microfilaremia but only 78.5% effectivity in eliminating filarial DNA. In the chemoprophylactic group, selamectin demonstrated 66.7% efficacy in preventing B. malayi infection. Our findings suggest that a single administration of 6 mg/kg topical selamectin given every two months could effectively prevent B. malayi infection. Application of topical selamectin twice a year could block circulating microfilariae. Since there are no treatment guidelines currently available for lymphatic filarial infection in cats, the data obtained from this study could be used to guide the management of brugian lymphatic filarial infection in reservoir cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patsharaporn T Sarasombath
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wangland Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Suwich Thammapalo
- Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12 Songkhla, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Sumart Loymek
- Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12 Songkhla, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Anchisa Angkanasinsiri
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wangland Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | | | - Sirichit Wongkamchai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wangland Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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Savadelis MD, Day KM, Bradner JL, Wolstenholme AJ, Dzimianski MT, Moorhead AR. Efficacy and side effects of doxycycline versus minocycline in the three-dose melarsomine canine adulticidal heartworm treatment protocol. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:671. [PMID: 30587225 PMCID: PMC6307258 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3264-z] [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: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Heartworm Society currently recommends the use of a monthly macrocyclic lactone, a 28-day course of 10 mg/kg doxycycline BID, and the 3-dose protocol of melarsomine dihydrochloride for the treatment of canine heartworm disease. Doxycycline is necessary for the reduction of the bacterium Wolbachia, found in all heartworm life-stages. Previous price increases and decreasing availability prompted us to evaluate alternative tetracycline antibiotics, i.e. minocycline, for the reduction of Wolbachia during canine heartworm treatment. METHODS Thirty-two heartworm-positive dogs were randomized to receive 10 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg of either doxycycline or minocycline for 28 days BID, for a total of 8 dogs per experimental group. All dogs received 6 months of Heartgard Plus® (ivermectin/pyrantel) and the 3-dose protocol of 2.5 mg/kg melarsomine dihydrochloride. Blood samples were collected prior to the initiation of treatment, every 7 days throughout tetracycline treatment, and then monthly thereafter until the dog tested negative for the presence of heartworm antigen. DNA was isolated from circulating microfilarial samples and qPCR was performed on each sample. RESULTS A greater number of dogs in the 10 mg/kg doxycycline and minocycline treated groups experienced gastrointestinal side effects as compared to the 5 mg/kg doxycycline and minocycline treated groups. All eight dogs in the 10 mg/kg doxycycline-treated group tested negative for the presence of Wolbachia DNA by 28 days post-tetracycline treatment. A total of two dogs in both the 5 mg/kg doxycycline- and 10 mg/kg minocycline-treated groups and three dogs in the 5 mg/kg minocycline-treated group remained positive for the presence of Wolbachia DNA by the end of tetracycline treatment. CONCLUSIONS No lung pathology was assessed in this clinical trial, therefore the clinical effect of the remaining Wolbachia DNA in the 10 mg/kg minocycline-, 5 mg/kg doxycycline- and 5 mg/kg minocycline-treated groups cannot be determined. Owner compliance in the proper administration of these tetracyclines may be impacted by the increased severe gastrointestinal side effects reported for the 10 mg/kg doxycycline- and minocycline-treated groups. We recommend that veterinarians prescribe the recommended 10 mg/kg doxycycline for canine heartworm treatment and reduce the dosage to 5 mg/kg in cases of severe gastrointestinal side effects in order to improve owner compliance in administration of medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly D Savadelis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Katherine M Day
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jenna L Bradner
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Adrian J Wolstenholme
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Andrew R Moorhead
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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