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Unterköfler MS, Huck A, Silbermayr K, Fuehrer HP. Autochthonous Onchocerca lupi infection of a domestic dog in Austria. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 36726184 PMCID: PMC9893681 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05681-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi is an emerging canine ocular pathogen with zoonotic potential. In Europe, known endemic areas are the Iberian Peninsula and Greece, but the parasite has also been found in Romania, Hungary, and Germany. A 5-year-old Irish Wolfhound was presented in August 2021 with ocular discharge. A subconjunctival granulomatous nodule containing several nematode fragments was removed. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene confirmed the presence of O. lupi genotype 1. This is the first report of autochthonous O. lupi infection in a dog from Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Huck
- Small Animal Practice Dr. Alexandra Huck, Ziegelgasse 20, Güttenbach, 7536 Güssing, Austria
| | - Katja Silbermayr
- grid.486422.e0000000405446183Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer Gasse 5-11, 1121 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Asghari A, Adhami G, Shariatzadeh SA, Kordi B, Anvari D, Shams M, Majidiani H, Darvishi MM. Confirmed cases of human Onchocerca lupi infection: a systematic review of an emerging threat. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3633-3644. [PMID: 34519871 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07309-2] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diverse Onchocerca species are present mostly parasitizing ungulates, with the exception of Onchocerca volvulus (O. volvulus) in humans and O. lupi in canids and cats. The human cases due to the O. lupi have been more highlighted during last years. So, the present review was performed to determine the detailed characteristics of confirmed human O. lupi case reports documented worldwide. Hence, a systematic search was done using English international databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar). Totally, 14 confirmed human cases were documented during the last decade, mostly from the USA and Turkey with 7 and 3 cases, respectively. Most cases (7 individuals) were male with the age range of 22-month-old to 54-year-old. The parasite was frequently isolated from the right eye (5 cases), followed by the left eye (4 cases), cervical spinal canal (3 cases), scalp, and right forearm (one case each). Molecular identification of the isolated agent was the preferred way of diagnosis in most cases (9 records). In conclusion, human O. lupi cases have been more highlighted in recent years, whether due to the improved diagnostics and/or host-switching phenomenon, and both veterinarians and healthcare authorities should be alerted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ghazaaleh Adhami
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Sanandaj, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kordi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. .,Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Darvishi
- Pathobiology Department, Shahmirzad School of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
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3
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Rojas A, Morales-Calvo F, Salant H, Otranto D, Baneth G. Zoonotic Ocular Onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:331-341. [PMID: 34211352 PMCID: PMC8223538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic filarioid Onchocerca lupi causes ocular disease characterized by conjunctivitis and nodular lesions. This nematode was first described in 1967 in a wolf from Georgia, and since then cases of infection from dogs and cats with ocular onchocercosis and sporadically from humans also with subcutaneous and cervical lesions caused by O. lupi have been reported from the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Due to its zoonotic potential, this parasitic infection has gained attention in the past 20 years. Phylogenetic studies have highlighted the recent divergence of O. lupi from other Onchocerca spp. and the importance of domestication in the evolutionary history of this worm. Moreover, the finding of an O. lupi genotype associated with subclinical and mild infection in the Iberian Peninsula, raises important questions about the pathogenicity of this presently enigmatic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica,To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
Alicia Rojas, Laboratorio de Helmintología, Facultad de Microbiología,
Universidad de Costa Rica, Sede Rodrigo Facio, Montes de Oca, San José Costa
Rica, 11501-2060; Tel: +(506)2511-8645;
; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2007-7198
| | - Fernando Morales-Calvo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University,
Hamedan, Iran
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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4
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Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Epis S, Otranto D. Wolbachia: endosymbiont of onchocercid nematodes and their vectors. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:245. [PMID: 33962669 PMCID: PMC8105934 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04742-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular maternally transmitted, gram-negative bacterium which forms a spectrum of endosymbiotic relationships from parasitism to obligatory mutualism in a wide range of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes, respectively. In arthropods Wolbachia produces reproductive manipulations such as male killing, feminization, parthenogenesis and cytoplasmic incompatibility for its propagation and provides an additional fitness benefit for the host to protect against pathogens, whilst in onchocercid nematodes, apart from the mutual metabolic dependence, this bacterium is involved in moulting, embryogenesis, growth and survival of the host. Methods This review details the molecular data of Wolbachia and its effect on host biology, immunity, ecology and evolution, reproduction, endosymbiont-based treatment and control strategies exploited for filariasis. Relevant peer-reviewed scientic papers available in various authenticated scientific data bases were considered while writing the review. Conclusions The information presented provides an overview on Wolbachia biology and its use in the control and/or treatment of vectors, onchocercid nematodes and viral diseases of medical and veterinary importance. This offers the development of new approaches for the control of a variety of vector-borne diseases. Graphic Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric CRC 'Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Ciuca L, Simòn F, Rinaldi L, Kramer L, Genchi M, Cringoli G, Acatrinei D, Miron L, Morchon R. Seroepidemiological survey of human exposure to Dirofilaria spp. in Romania and Moldova. Acta Trop 2018; 187:169-174. [PMID: 30056075 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the extent of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens exposure in humans from eastern and southern areas of Romania and central Moldova by serological methods. The serological screening was performed on a total of 450 serum samples (187 from Romania and 263 from Moldova). The sera were collected using a convenience sampling with the help of physicians from the hospitals of the study areas. All samples were analysed by a non-commercial ELISA test for the detection of IgG antibodies against adult somatic antigens of D. immitis and D. repens. The results showed a total of 49 (10.9%; 95% CI = 8.3-14.1%) individuals from Romania and Moldova with a positive response to IgG antibodies against both adult somatic antigens of D. immitis and D. repens. Specifically, 48 (10.7%; 95% CI = 8.0-14.0%) patients were positive for IgG-antibodies against adult somatic antigens of D. immitis, one (0.2%; 95% CI = 0.4-1.2%) against D. repens antigens, and four (0.9%; 95% CI = 0.4-3.3%). were positive for antigens of both parasites. At country level, out of 187 samples from Romania, 13 (6.9%; 95% CI = 4.1-11.5%) were positive for anti-D. immitis IgG with high exposure in the southern part of the country (Bucharest). Of the 263 people from Moldova, 36 (13.7%; 95% CI = 10.0-18.4%) were positive for D. immitis antigens from which three (1.1%, 95% CI = 0.4-3.3%) were positive for the antibodies against antigens of both parasites. Only one sample was found positive for anti-D. repens IgG. Positive IgG-ELISA results were confirmed by Western blot analysis. In addition, for further confirmation, a complementary ELISA was performed for anti-WSP IgG antibodies against Wolbachia endosymbionts. Our findings showed a noticeable exposure of humans from Romania and Moldova to Dirofilaria parasites. Serology can be useful for indicating exposure to Dirofilaria spp. in a healthy population in order to obtain useful data on the epidemiological scenario of human dirofilariosis in Eastern Europe.
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Evaluation of oxfendazole in the treatment of zoonotic Onchocerca lupi infection in dogs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006218. [PMID: 29377880 PMCID: PMC5805361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Onchocerca encompasses parasitic nematodes including Onchocerca volvulus, causative agent of river blindness in humans, and the zoonotic Onchocerca lupi infecting dogs and cats. In dogs, O. lupi adult worms cause ocular lesions of various degrees while humans may bear the brunt of zoonotic onchocercosis with patients requiring neurosurgical intervention because of central nervous system localization of nematodes. Though the zoonotic potential of O. lupi has been well recognized from human cases in Europe, the United States and the Middle East, a proper therapy for curing this parasitic infection in dogs is lacking. To evaluate the efficacy of oxfendazole, 11 out of the 21 client-owned dogs (21/123; 17.1%) positive for skin-dwelling O. lupi microfilariae (mfs), were enrolled in the efficacy study and were treated with oxfendazole (50 mg/kg) per OS once a day for 5 (G2) or 10 (G3) consecutive days or were left untreated (G1). The efficacy of oxfendazole in the reduction of O. lupi mfs was evaluated by microfilarial count and by assessing the percentage of mfs reduction and mean microfilaricidal efficacy, whereas the efficacy in the reduction of ocular lesions was evaluated by ultrasound imaging. All dogs where subjected to follow-ups at 30 (D30), 90 (D90) and 180 (D180) days post-treatment. The percentage of reduction of mfs was 78% for G2 and 12.5% for G3 at D180. The mean microfilaricidal efficacy of oxfendazole in the treatment of canine onchocercosis by O. lupi at D30, D90 and D180 was 41%, 81% and 90%, in G2 and 40%, 65% and 70%, in G3, respectively. Retrobulbar lesions did not reduce from D0 to D180 in control group (dogs in G1), whereas all treated dogs (in G2 and G3) had slightly decreased ocular lesions. Percentage of reduction of ocular lesions by ultrasound examination was 50% and 47.5% in G2 and G3 at D180, respectively. Despite the decrease in ocular lesions in all treated dogs (G2 and G3), oxfendazole was ineffective in reducing ocular lesions and skin-dwelling O. lupi mfs in treated dogs (G2 and G3) in a six-month follow-up period. Here we discuss the need for more reliable diagnostic techniques and efficient treatment protocols to better plan future intervention strategies. The genus Onchocerca (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) includes Onchocerca volvulus, which is estimated to infect at least 37 million people globally, and zoonotic Onchocerca lupi in carnivores. Infection by O. lupi has been reported in dogs and cats from several European countries and recently also in the U.S. and Canada, causing mainly ocular lesions. In humans, O. lupi displays a marked neurotropism with nematodes embedded in nodules localized in the cervical spine of infant, children and adults. Though the reported severity of infection in humans and the high prevalence detected in dogs are now well-recognized, a proper treatment regime for curing this parasitic infection is lacking, being the surgical removal of the parasitic nodule the therapy of choice in canine patients. Hence, there is an unmet medical need for treatment of this zoonotic disease in both humans and animals. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of oxfendazole under two treatment regimes in the reduction of ocular lesions and skin-dwelling microfilariae of O. lupi in naturally infected dogs.
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7
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Lefoulon E, Giannelli A, Makepeace BL, Mutafchiev Y, Townson S, Uni S, Verocai GG, Otranto D, Martin C. Whence river blindness? The domestication of mammals and host-parasite co-evolution in the nematode genus Onchocerca. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:457-470. [PMID: 28344097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The genus Onchocerca includes 34 described species and represents one of the largest genera of the filarial nematodes within the family Onchocercidae. Representative members of this genus are mainly parasites of ungulates, with some exceptions such as Onchocerca lupi and Onchocerca volvulus, infecting carnivores and/or humans. For a long time, the evolutionary relationships amongst onchocercids remained poorly studied, as the systematics of this genus was impaired by the high morphological variability of species included in the taxon. Although some molecular phylogenies were developed, these studies were mainly focused on bovine Onchocerca spp. and O. volvulus, including assessments of Wolbachia endosymbionts. In the present study, we analysed 13 Onchocerca spp. from a larger host spectrum using a panel of seven different genes. Analysis of the coxI marker supports its usefulness for the identification of species within the genus. The evolutionary history of the genus has been herein revised by multi-gene phylogenies, presenting three strongly supported clades of Onchocerca spp. Analyses of co-evolutionary scenarios between Onchocerca and their vertebrate hosts underline the effect of domestication on Onchocerca speciation. Our study indicates that a host switch event occurred between Bovidae, Canidae and humans. Cophylogenetic analyses between Onchocerca and the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia indicate the strongest co-evolutionary pattern ever registered within the filarial nematodes. Finally, this dataset indicates that the clade composed by O. lupi, Onchocerca gutturosa, Onchocerca lienalis, Onchocerca ochengi and O. volvulus derived from recent speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lefoulon
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245), Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Yasen Mutafchiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Simon Townson
- Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Harrow, Middlesex, United Kingdom
| | - Shigehiko Uni
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Coralie Martin
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245), Sorbonne Universités, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Paris, France.
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8
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McLean NJ, Newkirk K, Adema CM. Canine ocular onchocerciasis: a retrospective review of the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of 16 cases in New Mexico (2011-2015). Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 20:349-356. [PMID: 27624855 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical exam findings, treatment and outcomes of 16 dogs diagnosed with ocular onchocerciasis in New Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of dogs diagnosed by the primary author were reviewed (2011-2015). Records that were accessible and included a diagnosis of Onchocerca lupi by histopathologic or molecular identification of the nematode were included. RESULTS Sixteen cases were included. 3/16 dogs were treated with year-round heartworm prophylaxis prior to infection. Clinical exam findings included conjunctival hyperemia and/or episcleral injection (16/16), focal subconjunctival mass(es) (14/16), retinal detachment (7/16), corneal edema (4/16), chemosis (3/16), corneal opacity (2/16), exophthalmia (1/16), glaucoma (1/16), strabismus (1/16), blepharospasm (1/16), and vitreal degeneration (1/16). Ocular involvement was unilateral in 7/16 dogs and bilateral in 9/16 dogs. The diagnosis was confirmed via histologic identification of the nematodes and/or PCR. Treatment consisted of medical management or a combination medical and surgical management. Known or suspected recurrence of disease was documented in 10 dogs. CONCLUSIONS Canine ocular onchocerciasis is endemic in New Mexico. Histopathology and molecular identification are useful diagnostic tools. Medical management alone was successful in many cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Johnstone McLean
- Ophthalmology, VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, 9901 Montgomery Boulevard NE, 87111, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kimberly Newkirk
- Anatomic Pathobiology, Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Drive, Room A205, 37996-4542, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Coenraad M Adema
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, Castetter Hall Biology MSC03 2020, 87112-0001, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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9
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Campbell B, Cortes H, Annoscia G, Giannelli A, Parisi A, Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Cardoso L, Otranto D. Paramyosin of canine Onchocerca lupi: usefulness for the diagnosis of a neglected zoonotic disease. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:493. [PMID: 27604904 PMCID: PMC5013582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1783-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of increasing importance to the medical and veterinary communities is the zoonotic filarioid nematode Onchocerca lupi. Onchocercosis, thus far found in wolves, dogs, cats and humans, is diagnosed via skin snips to detect microfilariae and surgical removal of adults from the eye of the host. These methods are time-consuming, laborious and invasive, highlighting the need for new tools for the diagnosis of O. lupi in susceptible hosts. Symptoms related to the presence of the adults in the eye can range from none apparent to severe, including blindness. No reliable chemotherapeutic protocols are available, as yet, to eliminate the infection. Paramyosin, an invertebrate-specific protein, has been well-studied as an allergen, diagnostic marker and vaccine candidate. The aim of this study, therefore, was to isolate and characterise paramyosin from O. lupi to assess its suitability for the development of a serological diagnostic assay. METHODS The adult and microfilarial stages of O. lupi were isolated from the eyes and skin of a 3-year-old male dog. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into single stranded cDNA. Reverse-transcription PCR was used to isolate a full-length paramyosin cDNA from adult worms and to investigate the temporal expression patterns of this gene. All amplicons were sequenced using dideoxy chain termination sequencing. Bioinformatics was used to predict the amino acid sequence of the gene, to compare the DNA and protein sequences with those available in public databases and to investigate the phylogenetic relationship of all molecules. Antibody binding sites were predicted using bioinformatics and mapped along with published antigenic epitopes against the O. lupi paramyosin protein. The native protein, and three smaller recombinantly expressed peptides, were subjected to western blot using serum from dogs both positive and negative for O. lupi. RESULTS Paramyosin of O. lupi was herein molecularly characterized, encoded by a transcript of 2,643 bp and producing a protein of 881 amino acids (101.24 kDa). The paramyosin transcript was detected, by reverse transcription PCR, in adults and microfilariae, but not in eggs. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this molecule clusters with paramyosins from other filarioids to the exclusion of those from other taxa. A total of 621 unique antibody binding epitopes were predicted for this protein and another 28 were conserved in other organisms. This information was used to design three peptides, for recombinant expression, to identify the antibody binding epitope(s) and reduce potential cross-reactivity with serum from dogs infected with other filarioid nematodes. Native paramyosin, purified from microfilariae and adults, was detected by antibodies present in serum from dogs with known O. lupi infections. CONCLUSIONS Data provided herein may assist in the development of a serological diagnostic test, based on antibodies to O. lupi paramyosin, for the diagnosis of this infection, in order to gain more information on the real distribution of this little known filarioid of zoonotic concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Campbell
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Helder Cortes
- Victor Caeiro Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Parisi
- IZS Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Puglia e Basilicata, Putignano, Italy
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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10
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Cantey PT, Weeks J, Edwards M, Rao S, Ostovar GA, Dehority W, Alzona M, Swoboda S, Christiaens B, Ballan W, Hartley J, Terranella A, Weatherhead J, Dunn JJ, Marx DP, Hicks MJ, Rauch RA, Smith C, Dishop MK, Handler MH, Dudley RWR, Chundu K, Hobohm D, Feiz-Erfan I, Hakes J, Berry RS, Stepensaski S, Greenfield B, Shroeder L, Bishop H, de Almeida M, Mathison B, Eberhard M. The Emergence of Zoonotic Onchocerca lupi Infection in the United States--A Case-Series. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 62:778-83. [PMID: 26611778 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This case-series describes the 6 human infections with Onchocerca lupi, a parasite known to infect cats and dogs, that have been identified in the United States since 2013. Unlike cases reported outside the country, the American patients have not had subconjunctival nodules but have manifested more invasive disease (eg, spinal, orbital, and subdermal nodules). Diagnosis remains challenging in the absence of a serologic test. Treatment should be guided by what is done for Onchocerca volvulus as there are no data for O. lupi. Available evidence suggests that there may be transmission in southwestern United States, but the risk of transmission to humans is not known. Research is needed to better define the burden of disease in the United States and develop appropriately-targeted prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Cantey
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica Weeks
- Indian Health Service - Navajo Area, Window Rock, Arizona
| | | | - Suchitra Rao
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - G Amin Ostovar
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Walter Dehority
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque
| | | | - Sara Swoboda
- Indian Health Service - Navajo Area, Window Rock, Arizona
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christiana Smith
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Megan K Dishop
- Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Michael H Handler
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Roy W R Dudley
- Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kote Chundu
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Dan Hobohm
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Iman Feiz-Erfan
- Maricopa Medical Center, District Medical Group, University of Arizona, Phoenix
| | - Joseph Hakes
- San Juan Regional Medical Group, Farmington, New Mexico
| | - Ryan S Berry
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque
| | - Shelly Stepensaski
- Division of Dermatopathology, Pathology Associates of Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | | | - Henry Bishop
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marcos de Almeida
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Blaine Mathison
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mark Eberhard
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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11
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Grácio AJS, Richter J, Komnenou AT, Grácio MA. Onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca lupi: an emerging zoonotic infection. Systematic review. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2401-13. [PMID: 25990062 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4535-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Globalization has increased circulation of people, their food, livestock and pets in the world, and changes in the environment, climate and human behaviour have led to the rapid expansion of emerging infections throughout the world. One of the reasons of a new pathogen affecting humans is the passage from an animal to a human being. Onchocerca (O.) lupi, a filarial worm first described in a wolf in 1967, is an emerging pathogen which has been incriminated as the etiological agent for 205 canine, 2 feline and 18 human infections in Europe, Tunisia, Turkey, Iran and the USA. Most frequent findings in animals and humans are monolateral or asymmetrical variably painful subconjunctival swellings and nodules containing immature or mature worms affecting the eye and/or adjacent tissues accompanied by conjunctival hyperemia. Occasionally, subcutaneous nodules and masses affecting the spinal cord have been observed in humans. Diagnosis of O. lupi is achieved by microscopy of excised adult female worms which exhibit a particular cuticular structure and molecular analysis. Treatment consists in worm removal accompanied by antihelminthic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- António J Santos Grácio
- Medical Parasitology Unit/Medical Entomology Group, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Otranto D, Giannelli A, Scotty Trumble N, Chavkin M, Kennard G, Latrofa MS, Bowman DD, Dantas-Torres F, Eberhard ML. Clinical case presentation and a review of the literature of canine onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi in the United States. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:89. [PMID: 25884672 PMCID: PMC4346121 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Onchocerca lupi, a filarioid of zoonotic concern, infects dogs and cats causing ocular lesions of different degrees, from minor to severe. However, infected animals do not always display overt clinical signs, rendering the diagnosis of the infection obscure to the majority of veterinarians. Canine onchocercosis has been reported in the Old World and the information on its occurrence in the United States, as well as its pathogenesis and clinical management is still meagre. This study reports on the largest case series of O. lupi infection from the United States and reviews previous cases of canine onchocercosis in this country. Methods Information on the clinical history of a series of eight cases of O. lupi infection in dogs diagnosed in Minnesota, New Mexico, Colorado and Florida, from 2011 to 2014, was obtained from clinical records provided the veterinary practitioners. Nematodes were morphologically identified at species level and genetically analyzed. Results All dogs displayed a similar clinical presentation, including subconjunctival and episcleral nodules, which were surgically removed. Each dog was subjected to post-operative therapy. Whitish filaria-like parasites were morphologically and molecularly identified as O. lupi. Conclusions This study confirms that O. lupi is endemic in the United States, indicating that the distribution of the infection is probably wider than previously thought. With effect, further studies are urgently needed in order to improve the diagnosis and to assess the efficacy of therapeutic protocols, targeting the parasite itself and/or its endosymbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Matt Chavkin
- VRCC Animal Eye Specialists, Englewood, Colorado, USA.
| | | | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Mark L Eberhard
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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13
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Labelle AL, Maddox CW, Daniels JB, Lanka S, Eggett TE, Dubielzig RR, Labelle P. Canine ocular onchocercosis in the United States is associated with Onchocerca lupi. Vet Parasitol 2013; 193:297-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 11/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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14
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Human ocular onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) in Iran. J Helminthol 2013; 88:250-5. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x13000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCases of canine onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca lupi are increasingly reported from Europe and the western United States of America. The zoonotic role of this parasite had already been suspected in Europe as the clinical signs and histopathology seen in two ocular cases from Albania and the Crimean region were very similar to those of canine ocular onchocerciasis. In the most recent reports of human onchocerciasis, O. lupi has been morphologically and molecularly identified as the causative agent of ocular infestation in two patients from Turkey, and one patient from Tunisia. Here, we report an additional case of nodular lesions involving two, and possibly more, immature worms in a patient from Iran. The parasite was found to belong to the genus Onchocerca based on morphological features and the species was confirmed as O. lupi from a partial sequence analysis of 12S ribosomal DNA.
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15
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Labelle AL, Daniels JB, Dix M, Labelle P. Onchocerca lupi causing ocular disease in two cats. Vet Ophthalmol 2012; 14 Suppl 1:105-10. [PMID: 21923832 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2011.00911.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although canine ocular onchocerciasis has been well described as an emerging pathogen of dogs in Europe and North America over the past 20 years, there are no previous reports of feline ocular onchocerciasis. This report details the clinical, histopathologic, and molecular diagnosis of two domestic short hair cats residing in the United States infected with Onchocerca lupi causing episcleritis and orbital cellulitis. The results of this report suggest that O. lupi is a newly recognized disease of domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L Labelle
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon L Tharp Street, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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16
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Dhamodharan R, Hoti S, Sivapragasam G, Das M. Cloning and sequence analysis of partial genomic DNA coding for HtrA-type serine protease of Wolbachia from human lymphatic filarial parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti. Trop Parasitol 2011; 1:76-82. [PMID: 23508470 PMCID: PMC3593480 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.86935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Periplasmic serine proteases of HtrA type of Wolbachia have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of filarial disease. Aims: This study was aimed to sequence Wb-HtrA serine protease and analyze its phylogenetic position by comparing with other filarial and non-filarial nematode homologs. Materials and Methods: Partial HtrA gene fragment was amplified from DNA isolated from periodic and sub-periodic Wuchereria bancrofti parasites collected from Pondicherry and Nicobar islands, respectively. The amplicons were sequenced, and sequence homology and phylogenetic relationship with other filarial and non-filarial nematodes were analyzed. Results: Partial orthologue of HtrA-type serine protease from Wolbachia of W. bancrofti was amplified, cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited 87%, 81% and 74% identity with the homologous Wolbachia proteases identified from Brugia malayi, Onchocerca volvulus and Drosophila melanogaster, respectively. The Wb-HtrA has arthologues in several proteobacteria with very high homology and hence is highly conserved not only among Wolbachia of filarial parasites but also across proteobacteria. The phylogenetic tree constructed using Neighbor-Joining method showed two main clusters: cluster-I containing bacteria that dwell in diverse habitats such as soil, fresh and marine waters and plants and cluster-II comprising Anaplasma sp. and Erlichia, and Wolbachia endosymbionts of insects and nematodes, in distinct groups. Conclusions: HtrA-type serine protease from Wolbachia of W. bancrofti is highly conserved among filarial parasites. It will be of interest to know whether filarial Wolbachia HtrA type of serine protease might influence apoptosis and lymphatic epithelium, thereby playing a role in the filarial pathogenesis. Such information will be useful for identifying targets for the development of newer drugs for filariasis treatment, especially for preventing lymphatic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dhamodharan
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology Division, Vector Control Research Centre (ICMR), Puducherry, India
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17
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Faísca P, Morales-Hojas R, Alves M, Gomes J, Botelho M, Melo M, Xufre A. A case of canine ocular onchocercosis in Portugal. Vet Ophthalmol 2010; 13:117-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2010.00763.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Sréter T, Széll Z. Onchocercosis: A newly recognized disease in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2008; 151:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2007] [Revised: 08/26/2007] [Accepted: 09/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Sréter-Lancz Z, Széll Z, Sréter T. Molecular genetic comparison of Onchocerca sp. infecting dogs in Europe with other spirurid nematodes including Onchocerca lienalis. Vet Parasitol 2007; 148:365-70. [PMID: 17673369 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Revised: 05/13/2007] [Accepted: 06/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the past 15 years, subconjunctival onchocercosis has been reported from 63 dogs in south-western United States (Arizona, California, Utah) and Southern and Central Europe (Germany, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Switzerland). To reveal the taxonomic status of the parasite responsible for these infections, fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) genes of three European strains of canine Onchocerca sp. and the 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene of their Wolbachia endosymbionts were sequenced and compared to the homologous sequences of other spirurid nematodes. The evolutionary divergence between COI and ND5 gene sequences of Greek, Hungarian and Portuguese strains of canine Onchocerca sp. were similar in magnitude to that seen within Thelazia callipaeda or Onchocerca lienalis. The evolutionary divergence between the sequences of canine Onchocerca sp. and other Onchocerca spp. including O. lienalis were similar or higher in magnitude to that seen between other Onchocerca spp. The results of the current and earlier phylogenetic analyses indicate that canine Onchocerca sp. separated from other Onchocerca spp. early in the evolution. Based on the similar clinical pictures, the identical morphology of nematodes and the sequence analyses of COI and ND5 genes of the worms and 16S rRNA gene of their wolbachiae, the Onchocerca worms isolated from European dogs appear to belong to the same species. The results support the earlier biological and morphological arguments that a distinct species, most likely O. lupi originally described from the subconjunctival tissues of a Caucasian wolf is responsible for canine ocular onchocercosis in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Sréter-Lancz
- Laboratories for Food Microbiology, Food and Feed Safety Directorate, Central Agricultural Office, 1091 Budapest, Mester u. 81, Hungary
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20
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Krueger A, Fischer P, Morales-Hojas R. Molecular phylogeny of the filaria genus Onchocerca with special emphasis on Afrotropical human and bovine parasites. Acta Trop 2007; 101:1-14. [PMID: 17174932 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2006.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2006] [Revised: 11/10/2006] [Accepted: 11/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Filarial parasites of the genus Onchocerca are found in a broad spectrum of ungulate hosts. One species, O. volvulus, is a human parasite that can cause severe disease (onchocerciasis or 'river blindness'). The phylogenetic relationships and the bionomics of many of the nearly 30 known species remain dubious. Here, the phylogeny of 11 species representing most major lineages of the genus is investigated by analysing DNA sequences from three mitochondrial genes (ND5, 12S and 16S rRNA) and portions of the intergenic spacer of the nuclear 5s rRNA. Special emphasis is given to a clade containing a yet unassigned specimen from Uganda (O. sp. 'Siisa'), which appears to be intermediate between O. volvulus and O. ochengi. While the latter can be differentiated by the O-150 tandem repeat commonly used for molecular diagnostics, O. volvulus and O. sp.'Siisa' cannot be differentiated by this marker. In addition, a worm specimen from an African bushbuck appears to be closely related to the bovine O. dukei and represents the basal taxon of the human/bovine clade. At the base of the genus, our data suggest O. flexuosa (red deer), O. ramachandrini (warthog) and O. armillata (cow) to be the representatives of ancient lineages. The results provide better insight into the evolution and zoogeography of Onchocerca. They also have epidemiological and taxonomic implications by providing a framework for more accurate molecular diagnosis of filarial larvae in vectors.
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MESH Headings
- Africa South of the Sahara
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases/parasitology
- DNA, Helminth/chemistry
- DNA, Helminth/genetics
- DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry
- DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- Humans
- Molecular Sequence Data
- NADH Dehydrogenase/chemistry
- NADH Dehydrogenase/genetics
- Onchocerca/classification
- Onchocerca/genetics
- Onchocerciasis/parasitology
- Onchocerciasis/veterinary
- Phylogeny
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- Sequence Alignment
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Affiliation(s)
- A Krueger
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, and Federal Forces Department for Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany.
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21
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Foster J, Ganatra M, Kamal I, Ware J, Makarova K, Ivanova N, Bhattacharyya A, Kapatral V, Kumar S, Posfai J, Vincze T, Ingram J, Moran L, Lapidus A, Omelchenko M, Kyrpides N, Ghedin E, Wang S, Goltsman E, Joukov V, Ostrovskaya O, Tsukerman K, Mazur M, Comb D, Koonin E, Slatko B. The Wolbachia genome of Brugia malayi: endosymbiont evolution within a human pathogenic nematode. PLoS Biol 2005; 3:e121. [PMID: 15780005 PMCID: PMC1069646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 443] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2004] [Accepted: 02/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete genome DNA sequence and analysis is presented for Wolbachia, the obligate alpha-proteobacterial endosymbiont required for fertility and survival of the human filarial parasitic nematode Brugia malayi. Although, quantitatively, the genome is even more degraded than those of closely related Rickettsia species, Wolbachia has retained more intact metabolic pathways. The ability to provide riboflavin, flavin adenine dinucleotide, heme, and nucleotides is likely to be Wolbachia's principal contribution to the mutualistic relationship, whereas the host nematode likely supplies amino acids required for Wolbachia growth. Genome comparison of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of B. malayi (wBm) with the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Drosophila melanogaster (wMel) shows that they share similar metabolic trends, although their genomes show a high degree of genome shuffling. In contrast to wMel, wBm contains no prophage and has a reduced level of repeated DNA. Both Wolbachia have lost a considerable number of membrane biogenesis genes that apparently make them unable to synthesize lipid A, the usual component of proteobacterial membranes. However, differences in their peptidoglycan structures may reflect the mutualistic lifestyle of wBm in contrast to the parasitic lifestyle of wMel. The smaller genome size of wBm, relative to wMel, may reflect the loss of genes required for infecting host cells and avoiding host defense systems. Analysis of this first sequenced endosymbiont genome from a filarial nematode provides insight into endosymbiont evolution and additionally provides new potential targets for elimination of cutaneous and lymphatic human filarial disease. Analysis of this Wolbachia genome, which resides within filarial parasites, offers insight into endosymbiont evolution and the promise of new strategies for the elimination of human filarial disease
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Foster
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Mehul Ganatra
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Ibrahim Kamal
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Jennifer Ware
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Kira Makarova
- 2National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MarylandUnited States of America
| | - Natalia Ivanova
- 3Integrated Genomics, ChicagoIllinoisUnited States of America
| | | | | | - Sanjay Kumar
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Janos Posfai
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Tamas Vincze
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Jessica Ingram
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Laurie Moran
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Alla Lapidus
- 3Integrated Genomics, ChicagoIllinoisUnited States of America
| | - Marina Omelchenko
- 2National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MarylandUnited States of America
| | - Nikos Kyrpides
- 3Integrated Genomics, ChicagoIllinoisUnited States of America
| | - Elodie Ghedin
- 4Parasite Genomics, Institute for Genomic ResearchRockville, MarylandUnited States of America
| | - Shiliang Wang
- 4Parasite Genomics, Institute for Genomic ResearchRockville, MarylandUnited States of America
| | - Eugene Goltsman
- 3Integrated Genomics, ChicagoIllinoisUnited States of America
| | - Victor Joukov
- 3Integrated Genomics, ChicagoIllinoisUnited States of America
| | | | - Kiryl Tsukerman
- 3Integrated Genomics, ChicagoIllinoisUnited States of America
| | - Mikhail Mazur
- 3Integrated Genomics, ChicagoIllinoisUnited States of America
| | - Donald Comb
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Eugene Koonin
- 2National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MarylandUnited States of America
| | - Barton Slatko
- 1Molecular Parasitology Division, New England BiolabsBeverly, MassachusettsUnited States of America
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22
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Papaioannou N, Psalla D, Papadopoulos E, Adamama-Moraitou KK, Petanidis T, Rallis T, Vlemmas I. Obstructive, Granulomatous Tracheitis caused by Onchocerca sp. in a Dog. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 51:354-7. [PMID: 15533118 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2004.00660.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A 3-year-old spayed female dog was admitted with a history of episodes of dyspnoea and coughing. Severe tracheal stenosis was found on radiography. The dog died during an episode of refractory dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed an obstruction of the thoracic part of the trachea because of a chronic granulomatous inflammation protruding into the tracheal lumen. Histological examination revealed nematodes, which were identified as Onchocerca sp. according to their morphological characteristics. In contrast to the common ocular manifestation in dogs, obstructive tracheitis caused by Onchocerca infection has not been reported before.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Papaioannou
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54 124, Greece.
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23
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Benlarbi M, Ready PD. Host-specific Wolbachia strains in widespread populations of Phlebotomus perniciosus and P. papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae), and prospects for driving genes into these vectors of Leishmania. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2003; 93:383-391. [PMID: 14641977 DOI: 10.1079/ber2003251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A single strain of Wolbachia (alpha-proteobacteria, Rickettsiales) was found in widespread geographical populations of each of two Phlebotomus species, within which there was no indication of 'infectious speciation'. The two strains were identified by sequencing a fragment of wsp (a major surface protein gene), amplified by polymerase chain reaction from DNA extracted from the body parts of individual sandflies. Infection rates were high in the males and females of both sandflies, but they were lower for the B-group wPrn strain of Wolbachia in Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead (60.3% overall) than for the A-group wPap strain in P. papatasi (Scopoli) (81.7%). Infections were frequent in the thorax, where Leishmania develops infective forms, as well as in the abdomen, where Wolbachia must infect the reproductive tissues to ensure its vertical transmission. These findings were related to knowledge of the population biology of Wolbachia in other insects, leading to the conclusion that this endosymbiont could be useful for driving transgenes through wild populations of both sandflies. This will require characterizing the cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotypes of Wolbachia-sandfly combinations, as well as estimating for them the incidence of paternal transmission and the fidelity of maternal transmission. Paternal transmission is one explanation for finding a single Wolbachia strain associated with all mitochondrial haplotypes and lineages of each sandfly species. However, this distribution pattern could also result from multiple horizontal transmissions or the failure of wsp to provide strain markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Benlarbi
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD UK
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24
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Abstract
In recent decades, sporadic cases of ocular Onchocerca species infection have been reported in dogs in the USA and Europe. In the acute stage of the disease severe inflammation of the ocular and periocular tissues was observed. In chronic cases, the strongly coiled, gravid nematodes were incorporated in pea- to bean-sized granulomatous nodules in various parts of the eye, including the retrobulbar space, orbital fascia, eyelid, third palpebra, conjunctiva and sclera. Apart from the ophthalmological significance of the disease, the large number of microfilariae in the skin may be responsible for acute and chronic dermatological problems. The geographical distribution and prevalence of the infection may be greater than currently thought, because the lesions may have been erroneously regarded as other ocular diseases. Onchocerciasis is the world's second most prevalent infectious cause of blindness in human beings and parasitologists have long searched for an experimental model of human onchocerciasis; ocular onchocercosis infections in dogs may provide a useful experimental system.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sréter
- Department of Wildlife Diseases and Parasitology, Central Veterinary Institute, Budapest, Hungary
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25
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Sréter T, Széll Z, Egyed Z, Varga I. Subconjunctival zoonotic onchocerciasis in man: aberrant infection with Onchocerca lupi? ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2002; 96:497-502. [PMID: 12194710 DOI: 10.1179/000349802125001267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In the past few decades, 10 cases of cryptic, zoonotic onchocerciasis, including two subconjunctival infections, have been reported in man. In the majority of cases, Onchocerca cervicalis, O. gutturosa or O. dewittei, which normally infect horses, cattle and wild boar, respectively, were responsible for the lesions. However, the taxonomic status of the parasites involved in the two subconjunctival infections, both of which were European, has never been unambiguously determined. In such infections, the acute phase appears to be characterized by conjunctivitis. A single, strongly coiled, immature, female worm was found incorporated in a large granulomatous nodule, in the ocular and peri-ocular tissues, in the chronic stage of each of the two eye infections. Several, patent, sporadic cases of subconjunctival O. lupi infection have recently been reported in dogs. In terms of the location of the worms, clinical signs and histopathology, these canine infections were very similar to those seen in the two human patients with eye infection. When the parasites recovered from human eyes were compared morphologically with the Onchocerca spp. infecting animals in Europe, they appeared to be most similar to O. lupi. Although O. lupi is normally a parasite of dogs, it may thus also be responsible for aberrant, zoonotic, subconjunctival infections in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sréter
- Department of Wildlife Diseases and Parasitology, Central Veterinary Institute, H-1581 Budapest 146, P.O. Box 2, Hungary.
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