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Jokelainen P, Virtala AMK, Raulo S, Kantele A, Vapalahti O, Kinnunen PM. Veterinarians and zoonotic pathogens, infections and diseases - questionnaire study and case series, Finland. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:384-392. [PMID: 38344824 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2313662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinarians are at risk for numerous zoonotic infections. In this paper, we summarise descriptions of zoonotic infections from a questionnaire study and a series of work-related zoonotic cases, aiming to add to the knowledge on occupational zoonotic risks of veterinarians. METHODS We collected data on zoonotic infections contracted by veterinarians in Finland in two studies:1) using a questionnaire in 2009, and 2) inviting veterinarians who had encountered an occupational zoonosis to report it in structured interviews in 2019. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In the questionnaire study in 2009, of 306 veterinarians several reported zoonotic bacterial skin infections (12%), dermatophytosis (ringworm; 4.2%), virus infections (3.9%), bacterial gastroenteritis (3.3%), other bacterial zoonoses (2.3%), and parasitic infections/infestations (2.3%). In the 2019 interviews, 16 occupational zoonosis cases were reported. Of them, seven were selected to the case series. The selected cases included Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis following a dog bite, cryptosporidiosis after a contact with calves, cutaneous listeriosis following calving assistance, Salmonella gastroenteritis contracted at laboratory, Trichophyton dermatophytosis after equine contact, Bacillus anthracis exposure at necropsy, and exposure to rabies through a horse bite. In four of the seven cases, the veterinarian disagreed or strongly disagreed with having had good knowledge of the zoonosis before the incident. The results from the questionnaire study and the case series illustrate the variety of zoonotic pathogens that veterinarians may encounter. There is a need to improve the occupational health of veterinarians and to increase awareness in the occupational health sector. We encourage addressing this need using a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Saara Raulo
- Zoonosis Centre, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu Kantele
- Meilahti Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research Center MeIVac, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paula M Kinnunen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Genchi M, Kramer L, Venco L, Ciuca L, Vismarra A. How Italian practitioners manage dirofilariosis in dogs and cats? Data of a second national survey. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 46:100934. [PMID: 37935535 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic nematodes Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are endemic in many European countries and their distribution is changing. A correct diagnosis is the starting point to reduce their spread and veterinary practitioners represent the first line of defense against these two vector-borne diseases in pets and humans. With the aim to better understand current knowledge by veterinarians and to compare them with the previous survey, an online questionnaire was sent to Italian companion animal veterinary facilities. The overall response rate was 22.3%. Approximately 50% and 5% of facilities have diagnosed at least one case of Dirofilaria spp. in the last year in dogs and cats, respectively. In agreement with international guidelines, of the 665 facilities that responded to the questionnaire, 16.8% used Knott's test in combination with serology (Antigenic test-Ag-) to diagnose heartworm infection in dogs. For the diagnosis of D. repens infection, 13.8% used Knott's test in dogs and cats, and 10.5% used Knott's test only in dogs. Most facilities recommended beginning prevention of canine heartworm disease in April and ending in November. Injectable moxidectin and oral ivermectin were the two most commonly used preventives for D. immitis in dogs, while selamectin was most frequently used in cats. The drug most commonly used for heartworm adulticide treatment in dogs was melarsomine followed by the combined ivermectin-doxycycline treatment. The results of this study suggest that, on the one hand, veterinarians are aware of the recent developments in adulticide therapy, while on the other hand, diagnosis is not always made according to what is recommended by international guidelines and that the start and end times of prevention may not be optimal. Furthermore, the data show an increase in cases of coinfection compared to the previous survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, strada del Taglio, 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, strada del Taglio, 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Luigi Venco
- Ospedale Veterinario Città di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Parasitology Unit, via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, strada del Taglio, 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
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3
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Jensen AL, Krogh AKH, Lundsgaard JFH, Willesen JL, Lyngby JGH, Schrøder AS, Bach MBT, Berg RPKD. Dirofilaria repens in a dog imported to Denmark: A potential for emerging zoonotic disease. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100872. [PMID: 37208081 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100872] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilarosis is spreading among dogs and humans in Europe with infections being established in many countries. Here, we describe the first molecular biologically confirmed case of D. repens infection in an imported dog in Denmark and highlight the potential zoonotic aspects from this emerging zoonotic parasite in central and northern Europe as at least one to two generations of Dirofilaria spp. can occur per year in Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asger Lundorff Jensen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Anne Kirstine Havnsøe Krogh
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Jo Fjeldsted-Holm Lundsgaard
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Jakob Lundgren Willesen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Janne Graarup-Hansen Lyngby
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Anders Simon Schrøder
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Maiken Bayer Thode Bach
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, Frederiksberg C DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Rebecca P K D Berg
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Mistry MA, Hoejvig J, Helleberg M, Stensvold CR, Jokelainen P, Noehr A, Bonde C. Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis: the 'migrating' skin tumor. CASE REPORTS IN PLASTIC SURGERY AND HAND SURGERY 2021; 8:181-185. [PMID: 34790837 PMCID: PMC8592590 DOI: 10.1080/23320885.2021.2002154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A 46-year-old woman presented with facial pain and discomfort. Diagnosis of subcutaneous dirofilariasis was reached after several months from symptom onset. Dirofilariasis should be suspected, also in non-endemic areas, in patients with a migrating subcutaneous nodule. Plastic surgery is preferred, as the face is often involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Alexandra Mistry
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery and Burns Treatment, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Jens Hoejvig
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery and Burns Treatment, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Marie Helleberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Noehr
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Bonde
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery and Burns Treatment, Copenhagen University Teaching Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
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Deak G, Berriatua E, Mihalca AD. The current situation of Angiostrongylus vasorum in Romania: a national questionnaire-based survey. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:323. [PMID: 34620165 PMCID: PMC8496003 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea) is a vascular nematode that resides in the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a wide variety of carnivores, with an indirect life cycle using coprophagic gastropods as intermediate hosts. For domestic dogs, the infection with A. vasorum can be asymptomatic, but more frequently, it is associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations like cardio-respiratory signs, bleedings, neurological signs, and ocular problems which can lead to death when not treated accordingly. Angiostrongylosis was confirmed for the first time in Romania in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in 2017 and two years later a seroepidemiologic study was conducted among domestic dogs. However, to this date, no clinical canine angiostrongylosis cases were published in Romania. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the knowledge about canine angiostrongylosis among veterinarians in Romania and to update the distribution of this disease using a national wide anonymous questionnaire. Results Overall, 147 unique responses were submitted, from 31 out of 42 counties. Twelve veterinarians (8%) from 8 counties (26%) acknowledged diagnosing a case of angiostrongylosis including 5 from the Bucharest and 1 from each of the remaining seven counties. All affected dogs had respiratory distress, 75% suffered cardiopathy, 16% coagulopathies and 8% neurological signs. Case diagnosis was based mostly on larval detection by coprology (67%) and serological antigen detection test (42%). Conclusions Romanian veterinarians are aware of canine angiostrongylosis and a significant number have clinical experience with the disease. Epidemiological studies are now needed to assess its distribution in the country, and further efforts are required to improve understanding of the disease, its diagnostic and treatment methods among veterinarians. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03034-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Eduardo Berriatua
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Fuehrer HP, Morelli S, Unterköfler MS, Bajer A, Bakran-Lebl K, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Farkas R, Grandi G, Heddergott M, Jokelainen P, Knific T, Leschnik M, Miterpáková M, Modrý D, Petersen HH, Skírnisson K, Vergles Rataj A, Schnyder M, Strube C. Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: Current Risk of Spreading in Central and Northern Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1268. [PMID: 34684217 PMCID: PMC8537668 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the relevance of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and of Angiostrongylus vasorum, causing canine angiostrongylosis, has steadily increased in Central and Northern Europe. In this review, a summary of published articles and additional reports dealing with imported or autochthonous cases of these parasites is provided for Central (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and Northern (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) Europe. Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few. The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes. Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries. Both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum merit further monitoring and research focus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Department of Zoology, Musée National d’Historire Naturelle, 25, Rue Münster, 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Tanja Knific
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department/Universitätsklinik für Kleintiere und Pferde, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - David Modrý
- 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
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Karl Skírnisson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
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Alsarraf M, Levytska V, Mierzejewska EJ, Poliukhovych V, Rodo A, Alsarraf M, Kavalevich D, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Behnke JM, Bajer A. Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Northeastern Europe: high prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in sled dog kennels from the Baltic countries. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1068. [PMID: 33441797 PMCID: PMC7806926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a fast-spreading disease of dogs and humans in Europe. We investigated whether Dirofilaria spp. have spread northwards in Europe, invading the Baltic countries. Altogether, 424 blood samples were collected from eight countries in the period 2017-2019, including 227 samples from sled dogs and 197 samples from other dogs. PCR amplification and sequencing were conducted employing three genetic markers (mitochondrial [mt] 12S rDNA, mt cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] gene and mt dehydrogenase subunit I [NAD1] gene). The SNAP test (IDEXX) for detection of D. immitis infections was also implemented. The DNA of D. repens was detected in 59 of 424 dogs (prevalence 13.9%). D. repens was found in sled dogs from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Belarus. Only one dog from Estonia was infected, apparently an imported case. The highest prevalence was recorded in Lithuania (38%). Among pet dogs from the Ukraine, six dogs tested positive (3.8%). Our study has revealed a high prevalence of D. repens infections in Lithuania and Latvia, but no evidence for spread of the heartworm D. immitis. We conclude that sled dog kennels constitute hot spots for D. repens transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Alsarraf
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Viktoria Levytska
- Department of Infection and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Technology in Animal Husbandry, State Agrarian and Engineering University in Podilia, 13 Shevcnenka Street, Kamianets-Podilskyi, 32300 Ukraine
| | - Ewa J. Mierzejewska
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Vasyl Poliukhovych
- Department of Infection and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Technology in Animal Husbandry, State Agrarian and Engineering University in Podilia, 13 Shevcnenka Street, Kamianets-Podilskyi, 32300 Ukraine
| | - Anna Rodo
- grid.13276.310000 0001 1955 7966Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 159c Nowoursynowska Street, 02-766 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammed Alsarraf
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dziyana Kavalevich
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Anna Bajer
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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Deksne G, Jokelainen P, Oborina V, Lassen B, Akota I, Kutanovaite O, Zaleckas L, Cīrule D, Tupīts A, Pimanovs V, Talijunas A, Krūmiņa A. The Zoonotic Parasite Dirofilaria repens Emerged in the Baltic Countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 2008-2012 and Became Established and Endemic in a Decade. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:1-5. [PMID: 32986517 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria repens has spread toward north in Europe, and cases of autochthonous dirofilariosis caused by D. repens have emerged in the Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. We conducted a review on the emergence of dirofilariosis in humans and domestic dogs in these three countries in northeastern Europe. Based on the available literature and reports, the first finding in the Baltic countries was made in Latvia in 2008, followed by the first in Lithuania in 2010, and the first in Estonia in 2012. In all three countries, further findings were reported soon after the first reports. By the end of 2019, autochthonous human D. repens infections had been described from Latvia and Lithuania, and autochthonous canine D. repens infections had been described from all three Baltic countries. While no epidemiological studies estimating prevalence or incidence of the human infections have been published from the three countries, a substantial proportion of investigated dogs have tested positive for microfilariae in studies performed in Latvia and Lithuania. Dirofilariosis is an emerging zoonosis in northern Europe, and the summarized data confirm that D. repens has become established and endemic in the Baltic countries. The available data do not provide a good overview of the situation, and further epidemiological studies are needed. Awareness about the recently emerged zoonotic parasite should be increased among medical doctors, veterinarians, and the general public. Managing this zoonotic infection is a public health challenge that needs to be addressed using a One Health approach. Investigating the spread of D. repens in the Baltic countries could be useful for better preparedness for the anticipated further spread to the Nordic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR," Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Valentina Oborina
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Brian Lassen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ilze Akota
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Linas Zaleckas
- Vilnius University Hospital Zalgiris Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dina Cīrule
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR," Riga, Latvia
| | - Artjoms Tupīts
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Viktors Pimanovs
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Andrius Talijunas
- Vilnius University Hospital Zalgiris Clinics, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Institute of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Angelika Krūmiņa
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR," Riga, Latvia
- Department of Infectology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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9
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Deksne G, Davidson RK, Buchmann K, Kärssin A, Kirjušina M, Gavarāne I, Miller AL, Pálsdóttir GR, Robertson LJ, Mørk T, Oksanen A, Palinauskas V, Jokelainen P. Parasites in the changing world - Ten timely examples from the Nordic-Baltic region. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 10:e00150. [PMID: 32435705 PMCID: PMC7232095 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is changing, and parasites adapt. The Nordic-Baltic region in northern Europe - including the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and the Baltic States Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - is facing new parasitological challenges due to changes in populations of parasites and their hosts and the spread of new parasites to the region due to climate change. Some changes can also be ascribed to increased awareness and detection. In this paper, we review and discuss a convenience selection of ten timely examples of recent observations that exemplify trends and challenges from different fields of parasitology, with particular focus on climate change and potential changes in epidemiology of pathogens in northern Europe. The examples illustrate how addressing parasitological challenges often requires both intersectoral and international collaboration, and how using both historical baseline data and modern methodologies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food safety, Animal health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Str. 3, Riga LV-1076, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str. 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | | | - Kurt Buchmann
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 7, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Age Kärssin
- Veterinary and Food Laboratory, Kreutzwaldi 30, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Muza Kirjušina
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Inese Gavarāne
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Parādes Str. 1A, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia
| | - Andrea L. Miller
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department for Terrestrial Ecology, Postboks 5685 Sluppen, 7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Guðný Rut Pálsdóttir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Lucy J. Robertson
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section for Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Parasitology Lab, Adamstuen Campus, Ullevålsveien 72, 0454 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Mørk
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Stakkevollvegen 23b, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
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Saunders AB, Wesselowski S, Cusack K. Transesophageal Echocardiography–Guided Dirofilaria immitis Extraction from the Right Atrium in a Dog. CASE 2020; 4:299-302. [PMID: 32875199 PMCID: PMC7451933 DOI: 10.1016/j.case.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In Dirifilaria immitis infection, worms can migrate into the heart. Clinical signs are caused by hemolysis and and obstruction of blood flow. Transesophageal echocardiography guides removal of radiolucent foreign objects. TEE findings assisted in the extraction of intracardiac heartworms from a dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sonya Wesselowski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Katrina Cusack
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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