1
|
Šipková A, Anettová L, Izquierdo-Rodriguez E, Velič V, Modrý D. Release of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae from live intermediate hosts under stress. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:212. [PMID: 38755287 PMCID: PMC11098861 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis causes eosinophilic meningitis in a variety of homeothermic hosts including humans. Third-stage infectious larvae develop in gastropods as intermediate hosts. Humans are usually infected by intentional or incidental ingestion of an infected mollusk or paratenic host (poikilothermic vertebrates and invertebrates). The infection may also hypothetically occur through ingestion of food or water contaminated by third-stage larvae spontaneously released from gastropods. Larvae are thought to be released in greater numbers from the intermediate host exposed to stress. This study aimed to compare larval release from stressed with unstressed gastropods. Experimentally infected Limax maximus and Lissachatina fulica were exposed to a stress stimulus (shaking on an orbital shaker). The mucus was collected before and after the stress and examined microscopically and by qPCR for the presence of A. cantonensis larvae and their DNA. In the case of L. maximus, no larvae were detected microscopically in the mucus, but qPCR analysis confirmed the presence of A. cantonensis DNA in all experimental replicates, without clear differences between stressed and non-stressed individuals. In contrast, individual larvae of A. cantonensis were found in mucus from Li. fulica after stress exposure, which also reflects an increased number of DNA-positive mucus samples after stress. Stress stimuli of intensity similar to the transport or handling of mollusks can stimulate the release of larvae from highly infected intermediate hosts. However, these larvae are released in small numbers. The exact number of larvae required to trigger neuroangiostrongyliasis is unknown. Therefore, caution is essential when interacting with potential intermediate hosts in regions where A. cantonensis is endemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Šipková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Anettová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Vivienne Velič
- University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mendonça CLF, Caldeira RL, Carvalho OS, D'ávila S, Gomes SR. Semperula wallacei (Mollusca, Veronicellidae) um hospedeiro natural recém-descoberto de Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda, Angiostrongylidae) na Bacia do Pacífico. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e7. [PMID: 38225903 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000809] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Semperula wallacei (Issel, 1874) is a species of terrestrial slug that occurs in southeast China and the Pacific Basin and is the only species of its genus that occurs beyond the Oriental region and to the east of Wallace's line in the Australian region, where it has probably been introduced. In this study, we report for the first time S. wallacei as an intermediate host for Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) based on histological and molecular analyses of slugs from Tuamasaga, Samoa, deposited at the Medical Malacological Collection (Fiocruz-CMM). DNA was obtained from the deparafinized tissues scraped from specimen slides. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) targeted to the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region were carried out using the restriction enzyme Cla I. The RFLP profile observed for our larval specimen of S. wallacei was identical to the profile previously established for A. cantonensis, demonstrating that S. wallacei can be naturally infected with A. cantonensis and is likely to be an intermediate host for this parasitic nematode species in the field. The potential for geographical range expansion of S. wallacei in the Pacific Basin, its small size, and the general role of veronicellids as crop pests and hosts of nematodes, indicate the significance of S. wallacei as an invasive species in the Pacific Basin. Our work also highlights the importance of biological collections for investigating the environmental impact of invasive species on agriculture, public health, and biodiversity conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L F Mendonça
- Coleção de Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - R L Caldeira
- Coleção de Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Brazil
| | - O S Carvalho
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Brazil
| | - S D'ávila
- Museu de Malacologia Prof. Maury Pinto de Oliveira, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - S R Gomes
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Estaño LA. Prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in definitive and intermediate hosts collected from agricultural areas in Ampayon, Butuan City, Southern Philippines. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:807-814. [PMID: 38009157 PMCID: PMC10667161 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01626-2] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease and a leading cause of human eosinophilic meningoencephalitis caused by rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This parasite infects a wide range of animal hosts, including snails and rats, which plays a significant role in zoonotic transmission. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of A. cantonensis infection in freshwater snails and definitive rat hosts in the agricultural area in Ampayon, Butuan City, Philippines. A total of 54 rat samples and 719 snail individuals were collected in June and July 2020. An overall 2.36% prevalence rate of A. cantonensis snail infection was recorded, consisting of Pomacea canaliculata and Melanoides tuberculata, with a prevalence rate of 4.05% and 1.38%, respectively. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 38.9% in rat infection. Rattus tanezumi (48.48%) showed a higher infection than Rattus norvegicus (23.80%). Higher infection rates were found in rice field environments than residential houses, with 44.12% and 30% prevalence rates, respectively. Moreover, male rats showed higher infection rates (50%) than female rats (26.92%). Among age classes, adult rats had significantly higher infection rates (48.57%) than juvenile rats (21.05%). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between A. cantonensis infection intensity to the body length (r = 0.603; p = 0.001) and body weight (r = 0.715; p = 0.000) of rats. The study exemplifies the critical role of intermediate and definitive hosts for angiostrongyliasis. Infected freshwater snails and rats in rice fields make these agricultural areas a venue for A. cantonensis emergence. Integrated actions, health education campaigns, surveillance, hygiene, and good farming practices will help prevent the potential risk of the transmission of angiostrongyliasis in the area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo A. Estaño
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rivory P, Pillay K, Lee R, Taylor D, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Fatal neural angiostrongyliasis in the Bolivian squirrel monkey ( Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) leading to defining Angiostrongylus cantonensis risk map at a zoo in Australia. One Health 2023; 17:100628. [PMID: 38024275 PMCID: PMC10665155 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in western Sydney, Australia. The objective was to identify the A. cantonensis cox1 haplotype responsible for the infection and compare its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to known Australian mtDNA. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to assess the risk of infection, focusing on the resident rat population in the zoo. Methods involved trapping rats and collecting rat faeces for Angiostrongylus detection, speciation, and cox1 haplotype confirmation. Various techniques were employed, including necropsy, morphological examination, and molecular methods such as ITS-2 qPCR, cox1 sequencing, and ITS-2 metabarcoding. Cluster analysis of rat faeces distribution and Angiostrongylus detection utilised an equal sampling effort (ESE) approach. Gastropods were collected throughout the study for Angiostrongylus surveillance using a hypersensitive qPCR assay. Results revealed significant clustering of rat faeces near exhibits with fresh food provision and absence of predators. Angiostrongylus-positive faeces were uniformly distributed across the zoo property. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the Ac13 haplotype of A. cantonensis in the monkey. Morphology, ITS-2 metabarcoding and partial cox1 sequencing detected only A. cantonensis, with the Ac13 cox1 haplotype predominating. A high prevalence of infection (64%, 9/14) was found in brown rats, with quantification of larvae indicating high shedding rates. Co-infections with both Ac13 and local SYD.1 A. cantonensis cox1 haplotypes were observed. Only three gastropods (all of which were Angiostrongylus-negative) were found in the survey. To minimise the risk of exposure for susceptible species, targeted rodent control was implemented in areas with higher exposure risk. A potential strategy (which requires further exploration) to consider for future zoo design was suggested. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of A. cantonensis in Australia, emphasising the importance of control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kresen Pillay
- Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee, New South Wales 2767, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- NSW Health Pathology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Lab Services, Level 3 ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - David Taylor
- Vetnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Anettová L, Šipková A, Izquierdo-Rodriguez E, Velič V, Modrý D. Rat lungworm survives winter: experimental overwintering of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae in European slugs. Parasitology 2023; 150:950-955. [PMID: 37614202 PMCID: PMC10577657 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode that causes neurological disorders in its accidental hosts, including humans. This invasive pathogen is native to Southeast Asia and adjacent regions and is gradually expanding its distribution to tropical and subtropical areas with new foci discovered near temperate regions. The parasite has a complex life cycle with a range of gastropods serving as intermediate hosts. A broad spectrum of poikilotherm vertebrates and invertebrates can serve as paratenic hosts. Since it has already been demonstrated that other, non-zoonotic metastrongyloids can survive in their intermediate hosts during the winter, the aim of our study was to evaluate the survival of A. cantonensis third-stage larvae in experimentally infected slugs (Limax maximus) kept at 4.5–7°C for 60 days. Third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis survived the period of low temperature and remained capable of infecting definitive hosts (laboratory rats) afterwards, even though their numbers dropped significantly. These results suggest that further spread to higher latitudes or altitudes is possible in areas with sufficient abundance of definitive hosts, since low winter temperatures are not necessarily an obstacle to the spread of the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Anettová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Šipková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Vivienne Velič
- University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rivory P, Lee R, Šlapeta J. Rat lungworm ( Angiostrongylus cantonensis) active larval emergence from deceased bubble pond snails ( Bullastra lessoni) into water. Parasitology 2023; 150:700-704. [PMID: 37232239 PMCID: PMC10410370 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (the rat lungworm) is a zoonotic parasite of non-permissive accidental (dogs, humans, horses, marsupials, birds) hosts. The 3rd stage larvae (L3s) in the intermediate host (molluscs) act as the source of infection for accidental hosts through ingestion. Larvae can spontaneously emerge from dead gastropods (slugs and snails) in water, which are experimentally infective to rats. We sought to identify the time when infective A. cantonensis larvae can autonomously leave dead experimentally infected Bullastra lessoni snails. The proportion of A. cantonensis larvae that emerge from crushed and submerged B. lessoni is higher in snails 62 days post-infection (DPI) (30.3%). The total larval burden of snails increases at 91 DPI, indicating that emerged larvae subsequently get recycled by the population. There appears to be a window of opportunity between 1 and 3 months for infective larvae to autonomously escape dead snails. From a human and veterinary medicine viewpoint, the mode of infection needs to be considered; whether that be through ingestion of an infected gastropod, or via drinking water contaminated with escaped larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- NSW Health Pathology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Lab Services, Level 3 ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cowie RH, Malik R, Morgan ER. Comparative biology of parasitic nematodes in the genus Angiostrongylus and related genera. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 121:65-197. [PMID: 37474239 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The rise to prominence of some Angiostrongylus species through associated emerging disease in humans and dogs has stimulated calls for a renewed focus on the biology of this genus and three related genera. Although significant research efforts have been made in recent years these have tended to focus on individual species and specific aspects such as diagnosis and treatment of disease or new records of occurrence and hosts. This comprehensive review takes a comparative approach, seeking commonalities and differences among species and asking such questions as: Which species belong to this and to closely related genera and how are they related? Why do only some species appear to be spreading geographically and what factors might underlie range expansion? Which animal species are involved in the life cycles as definitive, intermediate, paratenic and accidental hosts? How do parasite larvae find, infect and develop within these hosts? What are the consequences of infection for host health? How will climate change affect future spread and global health? Appreciating how species resemble and differ from each other shines a spotlight on knowledge gaps and provides provisional guidance on key species characteristics warranting detailed study. Similarities exist among species, including the basic life cycle and transmission processes, but important details such as host range, climatic requirements, migration patterns within hosts and disease mechanisms differ, with much more information available for A. cantonensis and A. vasorum than for other species. Nonetheless, comparison across Angiostrongylus reveals some common patterns. Historically narrow definitive host ranges are expanding with new knowledge, combining with very broad ranges of intermediate gastropod hosts and vertebrate and invertebrate paratenic and accidental hosts to provide the backdrop to complex interactions among climate, ecology and transmission that remain only partly understood, even for the species of dominant concern. Key outstanding questions concern larval dynamics and the potential for transmission outside trophic relations, relations between infection and disease severity in different hosts, and how global change is altering transmission beyond immediate impacts on development rate in gastropods. The concept of encounter and compatibility filters could help to explain differences in the relative importance of different gastropod species as intermediate hosts and determine the importance of host community composition and related environmental factors to transmission and range. Across the group, it remains unclear what, physiologically, immunologically or taxonomically, delimits definitive, accidental and paratenic hosts. Impacts of infection on definitive host fitness and consequences for population dynamics and transmission remain mostly unexplored across the genus. Continual updating and cross-referencing across species of Angiostrongylus and related genera is important to synthesise rapid advances in understanding of key traits and behaviours, especially in important Angiostrongylus species that are emerging causative agents of disease in humans and other animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Maile Way, Gilmore, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pandian D, Najer T, Modrý D. An Overview of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae), an Emerging Cause of Human Angiostrongylosis on the Indian Subcontinent. Pathogens 2023; 12:851. [PMID: 37375541 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human angiostrongylosis is an emerging zoonosis caused by the larvae of three species of metastrongyloid nematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus, with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) being dominant across the world. Its obligatory heteroxenous life cycle includes rats as definitive hosts, mollusks as intermediate hosts, and amphibians and reptiles as paratenic hosts. In humans, the infection manifests as Angiostrongylus eosinophilic meningitis (AEM) or ocular form. Since there is no comprehensive study on the disease in the Indian subcontinent, our study aims at the growing incidence of angiostrongylosis in humans, alongside its clinical course and possible causes. A systematic literature search revealed 28 reports of 45 human cases from 1966 to 2022; eosinophilic meningitis accounted for 33 cases (75.5%), 12 cases were reported as ocular, 1 case was combined, and 1 case was unspecified. The presumed source of infection was reported in 5 cases only. Importantly, 22 AEM patients reported a history of eating raw monitor lizard (Varanus spp.) tissues in the past. As apex predators, monitor lizards accumulate high numbers of L3 responsible for acute illness in humans. For ocular cases, the source was not identified. Most cases were diagnosed based on nematode findings and clinical pathology (primarily eosinophilia in the cerebrospinal fluid). Only two cases were confirmed to be A. cantonensis, one by immunoblot and the other by q-PCR. Cases of angiostrongylosis have been reported in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Telangana, and West Bengal. With a population of more than 1.4 billion, India is one of the least studied areas for A. cantonensis. It is likely that many cases remain undetected/unreported. Since most cases have been reported from the state of Kerala, further research may focus on this region. Gastropods, amphibians, and reptiles are commonly consumed in India; however, typical preparation methods involve cooking, which kills the nematode larvae. In addition to studying rodent and mollusk hosts, monitor lizards can be used as effective sentinels. Sequence data are urgently needed to answer the question of the identity of Angiostrongylus-like metastrongylid nematodes isolated from all types of hosts. DNA-based diagnostic methods such as q-PCR and LAMP should be included in clinical diagnosis of suspected cases and in studies of genetic diversity and species identity of nematodes tentatively identified as A. cantonensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divakaran Pandian
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Najer
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gurltia paralysans: A Neglected Angio-Neurotropic Parasite of Domestic Cats (Felis catus) and Free-Ranging Wild Felids (Leopardus spp.) in South America. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070792. [PMID: 35890036 PMCID: PMC9324590 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gurltia paralysans is a neglected and re-emerging metastrongyloid angio-neurotropic nematode causing severe chronic meningomyelitis in domestic cats (Felis catus) as well as in free-ranging small wild felids such as kodkods (Leopardus guigna), margays (Leopardus wiedii) and the northern tiger cat (Leopardus triginus) in South America. Within these definitive hosts (DH), adult males and females of G. paralysans parasitize the leptomeningeal veins of the subarachnoid space and/or the meningeal veins of spinal cord parenchyma, inducing vascular alterations. Feline gurltiosis has been associated with progressive thrombophlebitis of the meningeal veins, resulting in ambulatory paraparesis, paraplegia, ataxia, hindlimb proprioceptive deficit, uni- or bilateral hyperactive patellar reflexes, faecal and urinary incontinence, and tail paralysis. The complete life cycle of G. paralysans has not been elucidated yet, but most probably involves gastropods as obligate intermediate hosts (IH). In terms of epidemiology, G. paralysans infections in domestic and wild felids are scattered around various South American countries, with hyperendemic areas in southern parts of Chile. Etiological diagnosis of G. paralysans still represents a challenge for clinicians due to a lack of evidence of the excretion of either eggs or larvae in faeces or in other body fluids. Diagnosis is based on clinical neurological signs, imaging findings through computed tomography (CT), myelography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and post mortem examination. Nonetheless, novel diagnostic tools have been developed, including semi-nested PCR for detecting circulating G. paralysans DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid, serum and blood samples as well as in serological diagnostic kits detecting parasite-derived antigens, but these need validation for routine usage. The hypothetical life cycle of G. paralysans is addressed in this article, including the exogenous stages (i.e., eggs, and first- (L1), second- (L2) and third-stage (L3) larvae) and obligate gastropod IH and/or paratenic hosts (PH), and we propose possible anatomical migration routes of infective L3 that reach the leptomeningeal veins in vivo. Finally, the pro-inflammatory endothelium- and leukocyte-derived innate immune reactions of the host against G. paralysans, which most likely result in thrombophlebitis and meningomyelitis, are briefly touched on.
Collapse
|
10
|
Segeritz L, Westhoff KM, Schaper R, Hermosilla C, Taubert A. Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Crenosoma vulpis and Troglostrongylus brevior Infections in Native Slug Populations of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070747. [PMID: 35889992 PMCID: PMC9315663 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior can cause severe cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms in companion animals and wildlife. Recently, these nematodes were reported to spread within Europe and South America. The reasons behind this are still unknown, but obligate gastropod intermediate host populations might play a role. Therefore, lungworm infections in terrestrial slug populations in selected geographic areas of the Federal States of Bavaria and of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, were studied. In total, 517 slugs (462 Arion spp., 51 Deroceras reticulatum, one Limax maximus, and three unknown slug species) were collected in the summer and autumn seasons, artificially digested and microscopically and molecularly analyzed for the presence of metastrongyloid lungworm larvae. Overall, gastropods showed a prevalence of 11.61% (60/517) for A. vasorum, 1.74% (9/517) for A. abstrusus, 0.77% (4/517) for C. vulpis and 0.97% (5/517) for T. brevior infections, respectively. In Obrigheim (Baden-Wuerttemberg), a hyperendemic focus of canine angiostrongylosis was identified. Here, gastropod infection rates rose from 13.60% (17/125) to 62.96% (34/54) within a few months. In total, 25.61% (84/328) of analysed terrestrial gastropods from Baden-Wuerttemberg were positive for metastrongyloids. In contrast, Bavarian gastropods showed a much lower prevalence of 4.76% (9/189). For the first time, the presence of T. brevior was confirmed for Arion spp. in Baden-Wuerttemberg via molecular analyses. Overall, the current data confirm that canine angiostrongylosis occurs in hyperendemic foci in certain geographic areas with high infection rates in intermediate host populations. As a result, the prevalence for a specific region can rise remarkably within a short period of time. Thus, for a better understanding of lungworm epidemiology in Germany and to protect dogs from angiostrongylosis in hyperendemic foci, it seems mandatory to enhance current efforts on Metastrongyloidea-targeted monitoring on a geographical and time span-related level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Segeritz
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-99-39746
| | - Katharina Mareike Westhoff
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.M.W.); (C.H.); (A.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stanicka A, Maciaszek R, Cichy A, Templin J, Świderek W, Żbikowska E, Labecka AM. Unwanted ‘hitchhikers’ of ornamental snails: A case report of digeneans transported via the international pet trade. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2065039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Stanicka
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - R. Maciaszek
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A. Cichy
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - J. Templin
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - W. Świderek
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - E. Żbikowska
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - A. M. Labecka
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Eosinophilic Meningitis (Angiostrongylus spp. and Gnathostoma spp.). CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00256-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
13
|
Anettová L, Izquierdo-Rodriguez E, Foronda P, Baláž V, Novotný L, Modrý D. Endemic lizard Gallotia galloti is a paratenic host of invasive Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Tenerife, Spain. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-23. [PMID: 35321776 PMCID: PMC10090600 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an invasive zoonotic nematode which causes eosinophilic meningitis in accidental hosts – vertebrates including humans – and is known to impact wildlife. Even though the parasite originates in Southeast Asia, it has spread worldwide, especially into fragile island ecosystems. The Canary Islands are a biodiversity hot spot with numerous endemic species affected by biological invasions. Among others, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus threaten many endemic species by predation and may spread invasive pathogens, such as the rat lungworm A. cantonensis , which was first described in Tenerife in 2010. Since it is known that lizards can act as paratenic hosts for A. cantonensis and Gallotia galloti is a lizard abundant in Tenerife, the aim of this study was to reveal the role of these endemic lizards in the parasite's life cycle. Gallotia galloti were captured in Tegueste, Tenerife, and after euthanasia, liver and tail muscle samples were examined for the presence of A. cantonensis . During microscopic examination, 8/36 liver samples (22.2%) contained granulomas with nematode larvae. In total, 10/39 liver samples (25.6%) and 7/36 tail muscle samples (19.4%) were positive for A. cantonensis DNA using qPCR. This is a first report of a reptile endemic to the Canary Islands acting as paratenic host of A. cantonensis . The fact that the parasite is obviously well-established in the island ecosystem and exploits endemic lizards as hosts may have important implications for the parasite's ecoepidemiology. Moreover, the parasite might threaten other species which depend on lizards in the island trophic web.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Anettová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Vojtech Baláž
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Novotný
- Finn Pathologists, CVS Group plc, Norfolk, UK
- Novopath Ltd, Ceperka, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Morgan ER, Modry D, Paredes-Esquivel C, Foronda P, Traversa D. Angiostrongylosis in Animals and Humans in Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1236. [PMID: 34684185 PMCID: PMC8538298 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lungworms in the genus Angiostrongylus cause disease in animals and humans. The spread of Angiostrongylus vasorum within Europe and the recent establishment of Angiostrongylus cantonensis increase the relevance of these species to veterinary and medical practitioners, and to researchers in parasitology, epidemiology, veterinary science and ecology. This review introduces the key members of the genus present in Europe and their impacts on health, and updates the current epidemiological situation. Expansion of A. vasorum from localized pockets to wide distribution across the continent has been confirmed by a rising prevalence in foxes and increasing reports of infection and disease in dogs, while the list of carnivore and mustelid definitive hosts continues to grow. The tropically distributed rat lungworm A. cantonensis, meanwhile, has been recorded on islands south of Europe, previously the Canary Islands, and now also the Balearic Islands, although so far with limited evidence of zoonotic disease. Other members of the genus, namely, A. chabaudi, A. daskalovi and A. dujardini, are native to Europe and mainly infect wildlife, with unknown consequences for populations, although spill-over can occur into domestic animals and those in zoological collections. The epidemiology of angiostrongylosis is complex, and further research is needed on parasite maintenance in sylvatic hosts, and on the roles of ecology, behaviour and genetics in disease emergence. Improved surveillance in animals and humans is also required to support risk assessments and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - David Modry
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Claudia Paredes-Esquivel
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain;
| | - Pilar Foronda
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain;
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Didelphis spp. opossums and their parasites in the Americas: A One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4091-4111. [PMID: 33788021 PMCID: PMC8599228 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Medium sized opossums (Didelphis spp.) are among the most fascinating mammals of the Americas, playing important ecological roles (e.g., dispersal of seeds and control of insect populations) in the environment they inhabit. Nevertheless, as synanthropic animals, they are well adapted to human dwellings, occupying shelters within the cities, peripheral areas, and rural settings. These marsupials can harbor numerous pathogens, which may affect people, pets, and livestock. Among those, some protozoa (e.g., Leishmania infantum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii), helminths (e.g., Ancylostoma caninum, Trichinella spiralis, Alaria marcianae, Paragonimus spp.) and arthropods (e.g., ticks, fleas) present substantial public health and veterinary importance, due to their capacity to cause disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Here, we reviewed the role played by opossums on the spreading of zoonotic parasites, vectors, and vector-borne pathogens, highlighting the risks of pathogens transmission due to the direct and indirect interaction of humans and domestic animals with Didelphis spp. in the Americas.
Collapse
|
16
|
Jarvi S, Prociv P. Angiostrongylus cantonensis and neuroangiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease): 2020. Parasitology 2021; 148:129-132. [PMID: 33315004 PMCID: PMC11010204 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202000236x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Jarvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai`i at Hilo, Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - Paul Prociv
- Formerly of Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4067, Australia
| |
Collapse
|