1
|
Porras-Silesky C, Solano-Barquero A, Jiménez-Rocha A, Alvarado-Hidalgo I, Valverde-Altamirano É, Rojas A. Social media as a tool for detecting underdiagnosed parasitic infections: the case of spirocercosis. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:29. [PMID: 38082034 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08054-4] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Spirocercosis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi that affects several canids around the world. In Costa Rica, few spirocercosis cases have been reported; however, it is suspected that the infection is currently underdiagnosed. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has sped up the spread of scientific knowledge, raising practioner's awareness of the epidemiology and signs and manifestations of infections. The aim of this work was to use social media as a tool for increasing awareness of spirocercosis among veterinarians and investigate the frequency of cases occurring in Costa Rica. Infographic material about the infection was disseminated by Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram from January 2021 to July 2022 using a public account of the Laboratory of Helminthology of the University of Costa Rica. In addition, Google Forms questionnaires were completed by veterinarians to report the number of spirocercosis cases in their clinics, associated manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the disease. Remarkably, since 2020, a six-fold increase in the number of cases per year was noted. Clinical manifestations matched those reported elsewhere, and one of every three dogs infected with S. lupi died spontaneously or required euthanasia because of the infection. This work suggests that S. lupi infection in Costa Rica may have been underdiagnosed in the last decade, and the knowledge and awareness of clinical personnel play a major role in the detection of this and other infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Porras-Silesky
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alberto Solano-Barquero
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ana Jiménez-Rocha
- Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | | | | | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tahir D, Davoust B, Parola P. Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update. Vet World 2019; 12:1630-1643. [PMID: 31849426 PMCID: PMC6868252 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1630-1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The scale of VBDs is increasing worldwide, including in the Mediterranean Basin, a region exposed to climate changes. Indeed, weather conditions may influence the abundance and distribution of vectors. The vector-borne nematode diseases of dogs and cats, such as dirofilariosis, onchocercosis, thelaziosis, Cercopithifilaria, and Acanthocheilonema infections, are some of these vectorized diseases, several of which are zoonoses. They are all caused by parasitic nematodes transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes (Dirofilaria spp.), black flies (Onchocerca lupi), drosophilids (Thelazia callipaeda), ticks (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and Cercopithifilaria bainae), and fleas and lice (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The control and prevention of these infections and diseases require a multidisciplinary approach based on strengthening collaboration between the different actors in the fields of health, research, sociology, economics, governments and citizens, to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health. This is the concept of "one health." The review aimed to provide a general update on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne nematodes diseases affecting companion animals and humans, as well as the vectors involved in the Mediterranean area. Simultaneously, certain epidemiological parameters, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases based on the "one health" concept will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Tahir
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections, Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
French national survey of dog and cat owners on the deworming behaviour and lifestyle of pets associated with the risk of endoparasites. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:480. [PMID: 31610795 PMCID: PMC6792328 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endoparasites in dogs and cats are a concern related to pet health and zoonotic risks. Several determinants may affect the endoparasite transmission and infection of dogs and cats such as pet’s lifestyle or regional parasite distribution. Although different zoonotic endoparasites, such as Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus spp., have been identified in France, little information exists about the deworming behaviors of owners or the frequency of occurrence of risk factors associated with endoparasite infection or transmission. Deworming guidelines, such as those created by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), recommend a deworming frequency according to the risk of infection of every pet and the potential risk for zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were to explore how lifestyles of dogs and cats from France were related to a particular risk of endoparasites and assess whether deworming frequencies complied with ESCCAP recommendations. Methods French data were extracted from a database created during a recent European pet owner survey regarding endoparasitic infection risk. Dogs and cats were grouped into risk categories based upon the ESCCAP guidelines. The compliance between the actual and recommended deworming frequencies were explored among the regions surveyed. Results The majority of dogs and cats were older than 6 months, had outdoor access, had contact with children or elderly people, and lived in rural and town areas. Most of the dogs were in contact with other dogs, snails or prey (83%), and ate slugs, snails, grass or dug in the garden (68%). Likewise, most of the cats hunted outside (57%) and caught prey animals (52%). Consequently, most of the dogs (89%) and cats (53%) were considered to be in the highest-risk category (D). However, independent of the region, the average deworming compliance for dogs was poor (6%). While deworming compliance for cats in category A (low-risk) was excellent (94%), for cats in category D it was poor (6%). Conclusions Deworming compliance is needed to enhance pet health and reduce zoonotic risks. Future studies are warranted to thoroughly investigate the compliance and effectiveness of deworming protocols, and the risk factors associated with endoparasites in France.
Collapse
|
4
|
do Vale B, Lopes AP, da Conceição Fontes M, Silvestre M, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Thelaziosis due to Thelazia callipaeda in Europe in the 21st century-A review. Vet Parasitol 2019; 275:108957. [PMID: 31630050 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda was first described at the beginning of the 20th century in Asia, but this eyeworm is now frequently reported in Europe in the 21st century. To date, thelaziosis has been described in the following European countries (in order of appearance): Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Austria. The infected vertebrate host species include domestic carnivores (dogs and cats), wild carnivores (red foxes, wolves, beech martens, wildcats and golden jackals), lagomorphs (brown hares and wild European rabbits) and humans. In Europe, 11 cases of human thelaziosis have been reported, the majority of which are autochthonous. However, some of them have been imported, a fact which highlights the importance of surveillance policies to restrict cross-border spread of the parasite. The objectives of this article are to review key aspects of the epidemiology of T. callipaeda, summarise animal and human cases in Europe and emphasise the importance of education and awareness among veterinarians, physicians (particularly ophthalmologists) and animal, in order to owners to tackle this zoonosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz do Vale
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria da Conceição Fontes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Silvestre
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Zootechnics, ECAV, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lebon W, Guillot J, Álvarez MJ, Antonio Bazaga J, Cortes-Dubly ML, Dumont P, Eberhardt M, Gómez H, Pennant O, Siméon N, Beugnet F, Halos L. Prevention of canine ocular thelaziosis (Thelazia callipaeda) with a combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner (Nexgard Spectra ®) in endemic areas in France and Spain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:1. [PMID: 30644355 PMCID: PMC6333103 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, canine thelaziosis due to Thelazia callipaeda has been diagnosed in an increasing number of European countries, with endemic areas being identified. A multi-center field trial was conducted in endemic areas in France and Spain to evaluate the efficacy of monthly administrations of the oral milbemycin oxime/afoxolaner combination (NexGard Spectra®) for the prevention of T. callipaeda infection in at-risk dogs. A total of 79 dogs negative for T. callipaeda and with a clinical history of eyeworm infection in the past two years completed the study. Dogs were randomly allocated either to a negative control group (42 dogs) or to the NexGard Spectra® treated group (37 dogs). All dogs were followed up for a 6-month period and assessed monthly for the presence of nematodes on the eyes and for the signs of ocular thelaziosis (e.g., conjunctivitis, keratitis, and ocular discharge). When the presence of nematodes was confirmed, the conjunctival fornix was flushed with a saline solution for parasite recovery and counting, and the dogs were treated appropriately. Recovered parasites were stored in 70% alcohol for subsequent morphological identification. During the course of the study, 57.1% (24/42) of the control dogs were diagnosed positive for Thelazia infection, which illustrates a high incidence rate of parasite infection. Conversely, no eyeworm was recovered from any of the 37 dogs that received NexGard Spectra®. All parasites sampled were confirmed to be T. callipaeda. This clinical field study demonstrated that monthly administrations of NexGard Spectra® provided 100% preventive efficacy against canine thelaziosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Lebon
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, CRSV, 805 Allée des Cyprès, 01150 Saint-Vulbas, France
| | - Jacques Guillot
- Unité de Parasitologie, Mycologie, Dermatologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maria-Jesús Álvarez
- Hospital Canis de Monforte Carretera Circunvalación, S/N 27400 Monforte, (Lugo, Galicia), Spain
| | - José Antonio Bazaga
- Clínica Veterinaria Bazaga, Ronda Sur, 50, 10300 Navalmoral de la Mata, Cáceres (Extremadura), Spain
| | | | - Pascal Dumont
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, CRSV, 805 Allée des Cyprès, 01150 Saint-Vulbas, France
| | - Marianne Eberhardt
- Clinique Vétérinaire de Gabarret, Avenue de Marcadieu, 40310 Gabarret, France
| | - Héctor Gómez
- Hospital Veterinario Abros Parque empresarial Pereiro de Aguiar, Polígono 2 A - Parcela 32A, 32710 Pereiro de Aguiar, (Orense, Galicia), Spain
| | - Olivier Pennant
- Clinique Vétérinaire Fénelon, 5 boulevard Fénelon, 24380 Vergt, France
| | - Noémie Siméon
- Clinique Vétérinaire Sanilhac, Avenue du 19 mars 1962, 24660 Notre-Dame de Sanilhac, France
| | - Frederic Beugnet
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Lénaïg Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|