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Ferrara G, Flores-Ramirez G, Palkovicova K, Ferrucci F, Pagnini U, Iovane G, Montagnaro S. Serological and molecular survey of Q fever in the dog population of the Campania region, southern Italy. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107299. [PMID: 38955320 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107299] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Q fever is a re-emerging zoonosis whose epidemiological cycle in ruminants is well defined, while the role of other species (including pets) is still debated. In this study, the serological and molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in a sample of dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy was evaluated. A seroprevalence of 5.97 % (16/268) was observed using a commercial multispecies ELISA, compared to only 2.7 % (5/197) at the molecular level. No risk factors correlated with higher levels of exposure except for the size of the animal (small dogs showed significantly higher seroprevalence). Positive samples were further evaluated for reactivity to phase I and II antigens using IFA and phase-specific ELISAs (for specific IgG detection). Two animals showed antibodies against both phases of infection, suggesting that Coxiella burnetii seroconversion in dogs follows similar dynamics to those observed in ruminants. One of the five samples that showed positive results in real-time PCR was confirmed at the PCR endpoint and showed similarity with other Coxiella spp. strains detected in tick and dog samples when sequenced. In this study, we demonstrated exposure to Coxiella burnetii for different categories of dogs in southern Italy, including pet dogs living indoors. Since reports of transmission of infection from pets to humans have been described in both rural and urban areas, careful surveillance of these species is also necessary. In the lack of additional information, comprehending the risk to humans requires monitoring of wild and domestic animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ferrara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
| | - G Flores-Ramirez
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - K Palkovicova
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - F Ferrucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - U Pagnini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - G Iovane
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - S Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino n.1, 80137 Naples, Italy
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Saratsis A, Ligda P, Aal F, Jelicic M, Polgar J, de Vries M, Mastranestasis I, Musella V, Rinaldi L, Jongejan F, Sotiraki S. The Scenario of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens of Sheep on a Mediterranean Island. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081551. [PMID: 36013969 PMCID: PMC9412349 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081551] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and transmitted pathogens constitute a major concern for livestock health/welfare and productivity for the Mediterranean region, often posing an important zoonotic threat. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence, infection intensity, and seasonality of ticks and tick-borne pathogens on the island of Lesvos in Greece, which was selected as a potential hotspot for their circulation. To this end, 101 sheep farms were visited over a tick activity season, and ticks, blood samples, and questionnaire data were collected. Ticks were identified by species, and DNA from both ticks and blood samples was further investigated using the polymerase chain reaction–reverse line blot (PCR–RLB) technique. In 72.3% of the farms, sheep were found to be infected by 9 ixodid species, with Rhipicephalus turanicus being the most common during the spring/early summer period. As regards tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), 84.9% of the animals were found to be infected with at least one pathogen, the most common being genera of Anaplasma and Theileria, alone or in co-infections. To further characterize the Anaplasma species found, selected samples were sequenced, revealing isolates of A. ovis, A. capra, A. marginale, and A. phagocytophilum. Of the 169 female R. turanicus ticks analyzed by PCR–RLB, 89.9% were harboring at least one TBP belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, or Rickettsia. Overall, the data presented in this study revealed a high burden of ticks and TBPs in sheep, including zoonotic species, stressing the need for applying effective monitoring and control programs using a more holistic One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Saratsis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); or (S.S.)
| | - Panagiota Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
| | - Fredie Aal
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Mandy Jelicic
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Juliette Polgar
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Myrthe de Vries
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
| | - Ioannis Mastranestasis
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Science, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | - Frans Jongejan
- Utrecht Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases (UCTD), FAO Reference Centre for Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.A.); (M.J.); (J.P.); (M.d.V.); or (F.J.)
- TBD International B.V., Ramstraat 39, 3581 HE Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.L.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); or (S.S.)
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3
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Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals and Their Ticks in the Countries of the Mediterranean Basin between 2000 and 2021: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061236. [PMID: 35744755 PMCID: PMC9228937 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) include a wide range of bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause a large spectrum of animal, human and zoonotic tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The object of this review was to establish an inventory and an analysis of TBPs found in domestic animals in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. This geographic area occupies a central position between several continents and is an area of movement for animals, humans and pathogens of interest and their vectors, which is important in terms of animal and human health. In this systematic review, we included a total of 271 publications produced between 2000–2021 concerning TBPs in domestic animals. Among this literature, we found a total of 90 pathogen species (known as TBPs) reported in the 20 countries of the area; these were detected in tick species from domestic animals and were also directly detected in domestic animals. In all, 31 tick species were recorded and 12 domestic animal species, the latter comprising nine livestock and three pet species. More than 50% of the publications were from Western Europe. Island data were extracted and assessed, as islands of the Mediterranean Basin were represented in 16% of the publications and 77.8% of the TBPs reported. Our results show the importance of islands in the monitoring of TBPs, despite the low percentage of publications.
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First Molecular Evidence for the Presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Naturally Infected Small Ruminants in Tunisia, and Confirmation of Anaplasma ovis Endemicity. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030315. [PMID: 35335639 PMCID: PMC8950766 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma species are obligate intracellular rickettsial vector-borne pathogens that impose economic constraints on animal breeders and threaten human health. Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infect sheep and goats worldwide. A duplex PCR targeting the msp2 and msp4 genes of A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis, respectively, was developed to analyze the field blood samples collected from sheep and goats. A total of 263 apparently healthy small ruminants from 16 randomly selected flocks situated in 3 bioclimatic zones in Tunisia were analyzed for Anaplasma infections. Anaplasma spp. was detected in 78.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 72.8–83.1) of the analyzed animals. The prevalence of A. ovis in sheep (80.4%) and goats (70.3%) was higher than that of A. phagocytophilum (7.0% in sheep and 1.6% in goats). Using an inexpensive, specific, and rapid duplex PCR assay, we provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first molecular evidence for the presence of A. phagocytophilum in small ruminants in Tunisia. A. phagocytophilum generally presented as a co-infection with A. ovis. This study provides important data to understand the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in small ruminants, and highlights the risk of contracting the infection upon tick exposure.
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Rubel W, Schoneberg C, Wolf A, Ganter M, Bauer BU. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Anaplasma spp. in German Small Ruminant Flocks. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2793. [PMID: 34679815 PMCID: PMC8532635 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge about the distribution of Anaplasma spp. in small ruminants from Germany is limited. Therefore, serum samples were examined from 71 small ruminant flocks (2731 sheep, 447 goats) located in the five German federal states: Schleswig-Holstein (SH), Lower Saxony (LS), North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW) and Bavaria (BAV). Antibodies to Anaplasma spp. were determined by a cELISA based on the MSP5 antigen. A risk factor analysis at animal and flock level was also performed. Antibodies to Anaplasma spp. were detected in 70/71 flocks without significant difference in the intra-flock prevalence (IFP) between the federal states. The mean antibody levels from sheep were significantly lower in northern Germany (LS, SH) compared to west (NRW) and south Germany (BW, BAV). Sheep had a 2.5-fold higher risk of being seropositive than goats. Females and older animals (>2 years) were more likely to have antibodies to Anaplasma spp. in one third and one quarter of cases, respectively. Flocks used for landscape conservation had a five times higher risk of acquiring an IFP greater than 20%. Cats and dogs on the farms increased the probability for small ruminant flocks to have an IFP of above 20% 10-fold and 166-fold, respectively. Further studies are necessary to assess the impact of Anaplasma species on the health of small ruminants in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Rubel
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (A.W.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Annika Wolf
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (A.W.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (A.W.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
| | - Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (A.W.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
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Nadal C, Bonnet SI, Marsot M. Eco-epidemiology of equine piroplasmosis and its associated tick vectors in Europe: A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of prevalence. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2474-2498. [PMID: 34333863 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
When studying a vector-borne disease, an eco-epidemiological approach is vital for a comprehensive understanding of how the pathogen circulates amongst populations. Equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, is endemic in the Mediterranean basin of Europe and causes both animal health and economic issues for the equine sector. With no vaccine available, defining the episystem of the disease can help to identify which components of the host-pathogen-vector-environment system to target to improve preventive measures. In this systematic literature review, we collected relevant data on the eco-epidemiology of EP in Europe. The 62 studies remaining after the selection procedure explored potential vectors, indicators of parasite circulation and putative risk factors of EP. Eight hard tick species were identified as potential vectors of one or both piroplasm species. Meta-analyses were then conducted on prevalence and seroprevalence data in equids in European countries, demonstrating an estimated seroprevalence of 30% and 8% and prevalence of 25% and 2% for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Finally, herd management practices and environmental risk factors analysed in studies showed no real consensus between studies, but revealed a general trend highlighting age and exposure to ticks as risk factors, and vaccination as a protective factor. Through this study, we point out that only a few studies have focused on disease management practices and even fewer have studied the effect of environmental parameters on equid infections. Further investigation in these areas is required to better characterize the eco-epidemiology of EP and risk factors associated with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Nadal
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France.,ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sarah I Bonnet
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maud Marsot
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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El Hamiani Khatat S, Daminet S, Duchateau L, Elhachimi L, Kachani M, Sahibi H. Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Features of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs: A Systematic Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:686644. [PMID: 34250067 PMCID: PMC8260688 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.686644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a worldwide emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodid ticks and naturally maintained in complex and incompletely assessed enzootic cycles. Several studies have demonstrated an extensive genetic variability with variable host tropisms and pathogenicity. However, the relationship between genetic diversity and modified pathogenicity is not yet understood. Because of their proximity to humans, dogs are potential sentinels for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the strong molecular similarity between human and canine isolates of A. phagocytophilum in Europe and the USA and the positive association in the distribution of human and canine cases in the USA emphasizes the epidemiological role of dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects and survives within neutrophils by disregulating neutrophil functions and evading specific immune responses. Moreover, the complex interaction between the bacterium and the infected host immune system contribute to induce inflammatory injuries. Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile illness characterized by lethargy, inappetence, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain. Hematological and biochemistry profile modifications associated with this disease are unspecific and include thrombocytopenia, anemia, morulae within neutrophils and increased liver enzymes activity. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) may occur, especially with Borrelia burgdorferi, complicating the clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to treatment. Although clinical studies have been published in dogs, it remains unclear if several clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities can be related to this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Hamiani Khatat
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Department of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Latifa Elhachimi
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Parasitology, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Hamid Sahibi
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Parasitology, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Rabat, Morocco
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Epizootic Situation on Anaplasmosis of Small Ruminants in the Irkutsk Region. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2021. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2021-6.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis of ruminants is a group of natural focal infections caused by bacteria from the genus Anaplasma of the Anaplasmataceae family. The main etiological agent of anaplasmosis in sheep, goats, and wild ruminants is Anaplasma ovis, which parasitizes in the erythrocytes of these animals. The purpose of this study was the finding and identification of Anaplasma spp. in the blood of small ruminants using genetic methods and obtaining data on the distribution of anaplasmosis in the Irkutsk region. 20 goat blood samples, 611 sheep blood samples and 209 Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from 12 districts of the Irkutsk region were examined for the presence of Anaplasma spp. Only one type of anaplasma, A. ovis, was found among the genotyped samples. A. ovis was found in the blood of sheep and goats in all of the studied districts of the Irkutsk region. The proportion of sheep blood samples containing anaplasma DNA varied from 30 % to 85 %, in goats – from 10 % to 100 % in different districts, and averaged 57.8 % in sheep and 55,0 % in goats. Frequency of infection of D. nuttalli ticks with A. ovis was 5.7 %. The nucleotide sequences of the samples detected in the blood of small ruminants on the territory of the Irkutsk region differed from each other by a single nucleotide substitution and were identical to the sequences of the type strain Haibei, as well as the sequences of A. ovis previously found in the blood of sheep from Mongolia, deer from China, and Dermacentor niveus and Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from China. These sequences were also identical to the sequences previously found in the blood of sheep from Altai and in Dermacentor nuttalli ticks from Tuva, which indicates the wide distribution of these A. ovis genovariants in Siberia and the probable role of D. nuttalli as a carrier of the agent of anaplasmosis of small ruminants in the Irkutsk region.
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Abstract
There is no updated information on the spread of Rickettsiales in Italy. The purpose of our study is to take stock of the situation on Rickettsiales in Italy by focusing attention on the species identified by molecular methods in humans, in bloodsucking arthropods that could potentially attack humans, and in animals, possible hosts of these Rickettsiales. A computerized search without language restriction was conducted using PubMed updated as of December 31, 2020. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was followed. Overall, 36 species of microorganisms belonging to Rickettsiales were found. The only species identified in human tissues were Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Rickettsia conorii, R. conorii subsp. israelensis, R. monacensis, R. massiliae, and R. slovaca. Microorganisms transmissible by bloodsucking arthropods could cause humans pathologies not yet well characterized. It should become routine to study the pathogens present in ticks that have bitten a man and at the same time that molecular studies for the search for Rickettsiales can be performed routinely in people who have suffered bites from bloodsucking arthropods.
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Apicomplexan Protozoa Responsible for Reproductive Disorders: Occurrence of DNA in Blood and Milk of Donkeys ( Equus asinus) and Minireview of the Related Literature. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020111. [PMID: 33499205 PMCID: PMC7912328 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Donkeys may be susceptible to many pathological agents and may act as carriers of pathogens for other animal species and humans. This study evaluated the occurrence of potentially abortifacient apicomplexan protozoa DNA in blood and milk samples collected at different time periods during lactation (1, 6, and 10 months) from 33 healthy dairy jennies. A total of 73 blood and 73 milk samples were used for DNA extraction and analysis. Blood specimens from 11/33 (33%) jennies scored positive for Theileria equi, while milk samples scored negative. Blood and milk of 3/33 jennies yielded DNA of Toxoplasma gondii at 6 months (n. 1) and 10 months (n. 2) after parturition. Neospora caninum DNA was found in four milk and in five blood samples only at one month after parturition. This study is the first report about the presence of N. caninum DNA in milk of naturally infected jennies. Moreover, the excretion of N. caninum DNA in some of these jennies at 30 days from the parturition may suggest a possible occurrence of an endogenous cycle, while the presence of T. gondii DNA in the milk collected at 6 and 10 months after parturition may be suggestive of a discontinuous excretion.
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11
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Ebani VV. Retrospective Study on the Occurrence of Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in Dogs from Central Italy. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121068. [PMID: 33419246 PMCID: PMC7766669 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, a cause of infection in humans and several animal species, is transmitted through inhalations and oral route but also tick bites. Its spreading in ruminants has been largely investigated, whereas data about the occurrence of this infection in canine population are scanty. In this retrospective study, blood serum samples of 516 dogs were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect antibodies against C. burnetii; 42 (8.13%) were positive with titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. The highest seroprevalences were detected in dogs aged > 5 years, employed in hunting activity and living in a peri-urban/rural environment. Diagnosis for C. burnetii infection should be always carried out in bitches with reproductive disorders. Moreover, in view of the zoonotic impact of this infection, asymptomatic dogs exposed to ticks’ bites and/or to contact with infected farm animals should be checked, too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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12
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Wei W, Li J, Wang YW, Jiang BG, Liu HB, Wei R, Jiang RR, Cui XM, Li LF, Yuan TT, Wang Q, Zhao L, Xia LY, Jiang JF, Qiu YF, Jia N, Cao WC, Hu YL. Anaplasma platys-Like Infection in Goats, Beijing, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:755-762. [PMID: 32679008 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the important tick-borne zoonotic pathogens, Anaplasma has both veterinary and public health significance. Here, we performed a survey of Anaplasma infection in the goats from a farm in Beijing, China, and found 44.6% (41/92) were infected with Anaplasma capra, and 22.8% (21/92) were infected with Anaplasma sp. This Anaplasma sp. bacterium was close to a recently emerging Anaplasma platys strain based on gltA and groEL gene phylogenetic analysis. As to further understand the characteristics of Anaplasma sp., we raised a couple of positive goats (n = 2) in the laboratory with tick-free settings. We observed inappetence, vomiting, high fever, and weakness of limbs in the goat's offspring (n = 3). In addition, the blood samples from all offspring were all positive of this Anaplasma spp. We did not see any intracellular morulae in neutrophils, monocytes, and erythrocytes, but we identified some in the platelets of the blood smears from the positive goats by light microscopy. We named it A. platys-like and suggested it may infect platelets and be transmitted vertically through the placenta of goats. These findings deserve further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,Center for Disease Control and Prevention of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Ruo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,Institute of NBC Defense, Yangfang, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lian-Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,School of Information and Management, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ting-Ting Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,Shanghai Institute for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Luo-Yuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ye-Feng Qiu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Hu
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Hurtado C, Torres R, Pérez-Macchi S, Sagredo K, Uberti B, de Souza Zanatto DC, Machado RZ, André MR, Bittencourt P, Müller A. Serological and molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Thoroughbred horses from Chilean racecourses. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101441. [PMID: 32305236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA). This study aimed to perform serological and molecular surveys of A. phagocytophilum in thoroughbred horses from racecourses in Chile. Additionally, hematological findings related to A. phagocytophilum molecular positivity were addressed, and phylogenetic analysis of selected positive samples was performed. Complete blood count and msp2 gene real-time PCR were performed in 457 thoroughbred horses from three racecourses located in three different cities of Chile (Santiago, Viña del Mar and Concepción). Sera from horses in two racecourses (Santiago and Vina del Mar) were tested by Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to detect IgG antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. The occurrence of A. phagocytophilum by real-time PCR was 13.6 % (62/457, 95 % CI: 10.8-16.3 %), with the highest occurrence observed in Santiago (26.5 %), followed by Concepción (9%), and the lowest in Viña del Mar (5%). The overall frequency of IgG antibodies to A. phagocytophilum was 7.9 % (23/290, 95 % CI: 4.8-12.7 %), with 9.9 % in Santiago and 6.5 % in Viña del Mar. Only three animals from Santiago Racecourse were positive in both real-time PCR and serology. PCR-positive horses from Santiago racecourse presented significantly lower hemoglobin, mean corpuscular value (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (CHCM), and higher eosinophil counts. Phylogenetic analysis based on the msp2 gene showed that A. phagocytophilum sequences found in the present study were closely related with A. phagocytophilum sequences from the USA and Europe. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA is detected for the first time in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Hurtado
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Reinaldo Torres
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sandra Pérez-Macchi
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Katherine Sagredo
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Benjamin Uberti
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Diego Carlos de Souza Zanatto
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Ananda Müller
- Instituto de Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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14
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Matei IA, Estrada-Peña A, Cutler SJ, Vayssier-Taussat M, Varela-Castro L, Potkonjak A, Zeller H, Mihalca AD. A review on the eco-epidemiology and clinical management of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and its agent in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:599. [PMID: 31864403 PMCID: PMC6925858 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the agent of tick-borne fever, equine, canine and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. The common route of A. phagocytophilum transmission is through a tick bite, the main vector in Europe being Ixodes ricinus. Despite the apparently ubiquitous presence of the pathogen A. phagocytophilum in ticks and various wild and domestic animals from Europe, up to date published clinical cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) remain rare compared to the worldwide status. It is unclear if this reflects the epidemiological dynamics of the human infection in Europe or if the disease is underdiagnosed or underreported. Epidemiologic studies in Europe have suggested an increased occupational risk of infection for forestry workers, hunters, veterinarians, and farmers with a tick-bite history and living in endemic areas. Although the overall genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum in Europe is higher than in the USA, the strains responsible for the human infections are related on both continents. However, the study of the genetic variability and assessment of the difference of pathogenicity and infectivity between strains to various hosts has been insufficiently explored to date. Most of the European HGA cases presented as a mild infection, common clinical signs being pyrexia, headache, myalgia and arthralgia. The diagnosis of HGA in the USA was recommended to be based on clinical signs and the patient’s history and later confirmed using specialized laboratory tests. However, in Europe since the majority of cases are presenting as mild infection, laboratory tests may be performed before the treatment in order to avoid antibiotic overuse. The drug of choice for HGA is doxycycline and because of potential for serious complication the treatment should be instituted on clinical suspicion alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana A Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sally J Cutler
- School of Health, Sport & Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK.
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- Department of Animal Health, French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Lucía Varela-Castro
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Herve Zeller
- Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Programme, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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15
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The host-specificity of Theileria sp. (sable) and Theileria sp. (sable-like) in African Bovidae and detection of novel Theileria in antelope and giraffe. Parasitology 2019; 147:213-224. [PMID: 31566155 DOI: 10.1017/s003118201900132x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases caused by Theileria are of economic importance in domestic and wildlife ruminants. The majority of Theileria infects a limited number of host species, supporting the concept of host specificity. However, some Theileria seem to be generalists challenging the host specificity paradigm, such as Theileria sp. (sable) reported from various vertebrate hosts, including African buffalo, cattle, dogs and different antelope species. We tested the hypothesis that T. sp. (sable) uses Bovidae as hosts in general using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay specific for T. sp. (sable) and a closely related genotype: T. sp. (sable-like). Various antelope species from the Tragelaphini (black wildebeest, blesbuck, blue wildebeest, gemsbuck, sable and waterbuck) tested positive for either T. sp. (sable) or T. sp. (sable-like). However, no African buffalo (n = 238) or cattle (n = 428) sampled in the current study tested positive, suggesting that these latter species are not carrier hosts. The results were confirmed using next-generation sequencing which also indicated at least 13 new genotypes or species found in various antelope and giraffes. Genotypes were found in single host species or in evolutionarily related hosts, suggesting that host specificity in Theileria may be a lineage specific phenomenon likely associated with tick-host-parasite co-evolution.
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16
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Serological Survey of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Dogs from Central Italy: An Update (2013⁻2017). Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8010003. [PMID: 30621134 PMCID: PMC6471581 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are tick-borne bacteria of veterinary concern. Indirect immunofluorescent assay was carried out to detect antibodies against E. canis and A. phagocytophilum in 1026 owned dogs living in Central Italy during the period 2013–2017. One hundred and eighty-six (18.12%) dogs were positive for at least one pathogen and 14 (1.36%) for both agents. More in detail, 166 (16.18%) samples were positive for E. canis and 34 (3.31%) for A. phagocytophilum. No statistically significant differences in the seroprevalence values related to gender were detected, whereas the highest rate to E. canis occurred in animals aged more than 10 years. Mean seroprevalence values for both E. canis and A. phagocytophilum detected in 2014 and 2015 were statistically higher with respect to other years. Even though dogs’ owners are informed about the risk of pet infections by tick-borne pathogens and prophylaxis against ticks is often executed, E. canis and A. phagocytophilum are still present and infect the canine population in Central Italy.
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Zhou Z, Wu Y, Chen Y, Wang Z, Hu S, Zhou R, Dong C, Lin H, Nie K. Molecular and serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Anaplasma spp. infection in goats from Chongqing Municipality, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:20. [PMID: 29633708 PMCID: PMC5892175 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and anaplasmosis are severe zoonotic diseases, the former caused by Toxoplasma gondii and the latter by Anaplasma spp. In the present study, 332 goat blood samples were randomly collected from Chongqing Municipality, China to screen for T. gondii and Anaplasma spp. We used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect DNA, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to test for T. gondii antibodies. The prevalence of T. gondii and Anaplasma spp. was 38% and 35% respectively by PCR, and 42% for T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. The co-infection rate by T. gondii and Anaplasma was 13%, where the two predominant pathogens co-infecting were Anaplasma phagocytophilum + A. bovis (10%), followed by T. gondii + A. phagocytophilum (9.64%). While co-infection by three pathogens varied ranging from 1.81% to 5.72%, less than 1% of goats were found to be positive for four pathogens. This is the first investigation of T. gondii and Anaplasma spp. infection in goats from Chongqing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoyong Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China - Veterinary Science Engineering Research Center of Chongqing, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China
| | - Yutong Wu
- Guizhou Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, No. 2 Laolipo, Naming District, Guizhou 550005, PR China
| | - Yiwang Chen
- College of Animal Science, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China - Veterinary Science Engineering Research Center of Chongqing, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China
| | - Zhiying Wang
- College of Animal Science, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China - Veterinary Science Engineering Research Center of Chongqing, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China
| | - Shijun Hu
- College of Animal Science, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China - Veterinary Science Engineering Research Center of Chongqing, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China
| | - Rongqiong Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China - Veterinary Science Engineering Research Center of Chongqing, No. 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing 402460, PR China
| | - Chunxia Dong
- Chongqing Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Chongqing 400174, PR China
| | - Hongquan Lin
- Chongqing Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Chongqing 400174, PR China
| | - Kui Nie
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Beibei District Chongqing 400715, PR China
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Saleem S, Ijaz M, Farooqi SH, Rashid MI, Khan A, Masud A, Aqib AI, Hussain K, Mehmood K, Zhang H. First molecular evidence of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in Pakistan. Acta Trop 2018; 180:18-25. [PMID: 29306724 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) disease in equines. This pathogen has zoonotic potential, which makes it very important to be detected and controlled as early as possible. This study was aimed to assess the molecular prevalence, associated risk factors of EGA along with its effects on various hematological parameters. This study revealed an overall 10.67% prevalence in equine. Horses showed highest prevalence followed by mules and donkeys presenting 11.86, 10.53 and 9.43% prevalence, respectively. The samples were confirmed for anaplasmosis through sequencing. The BLAST queries confirmed very high homology of our isolates with Chinese and Japanese isolates of A. phagocytophilum (Accession no's; KX505303, KY242456 and LC002836). The phylogenetic analysis found the study isolates clustered with each other and this cluster closely resembled Chinese isolate of A. bovis (FJ169957), A. phagocytophilum (HQ872464) and A. phagocytophilum (NR_044762) human isolate from northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The key risk factors identified for occurrence of EGA in equine species on the basis of univariable analysis were sex of animal, housing type, tick infestation, previous tick history and tick control status, type of acaricides used, rearing system and farm hygiene, respectively. The hematological parameters like Hemoglobin (Hb), Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Total Erythrocytes Count (TEC), and granulocytes were decreased in diseased animals. The mules showed no typical hematological variations which make sense for its nature as carrier of infection to the susceptible species. This is the first molecular evidence of EGA in Pakistan. The disease needs to be handled seriously as it has zoonotic potential. The animals should be properly attended in disease conditions as leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia can aggravate the condition by making the animal prone to secondary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Saleem
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ijaz
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Shahid Hussain Farooqi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Khan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Awais Masud
- District Diagnostic Laboratory, Livestock and Dairy Development Department, 42200 Mianwali, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Islam Aqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Hussain
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54600 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- University College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China.
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Teshale S, Geysen D, Ameni G, Dorny P, Berkvens D. Survey of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. 'Omatjenne' infection in cattle in Africa with special reference to Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2018. [PMID: 29523210 PMCID: PMC5845267 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As evidence of the infection of domestic animals by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. ‘Omatjenne’ is presently becoming available, understanding the epidemiological and ecological significance of infection is important to quantify the clinical and socio-economic impact of the diseases they cause. Methods The first aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence of A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. ‘Omatjenne’ in cattle samples collected from selected African countries using a polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism. Secondly, this study was aimed at the molecular identification of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. infection in ruminants raised under different production systems in selected sites in central Ethiopia. Results In total, 695 samples from cattle in six African countries were analysed. Overall, 45 positive results were obtained for Anaplasma sp. ‘Omatjenne’ (6.47%) and 19 for A. phagocytophilum (2.73%). Anaplasma sp. ‘Omatjenne’ was detected in all countries except Tanzania while A. phagocytophilum was detected only in samples from Ethiopia. The proportion of samples tested positive for Anaplasma sp. ‘Omatjenne’ ranged from 1.2% in Morocco to 16% in Rwanda. The occurrence of both agents is now confirmed in African cattle. For the survey in Ethiopia a semi-nested 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the identification of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in blood samples. Randomly selected samples were also analysed by pCS20 polymerase chain reaction for the detection of E. ruminantium. Positive results were obtained for E. ruminantium and five species of Anaplasma including a zoonotic species. To our knowledge, this is the first report of infection of domestic ruminants with A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and Anaplasma sp. ‘Omatjenne’ in Ethiopia. Conclusion The present study showed widespread occurrence of Anaplasma sp. 'Omatijenne' in African cattle and five Anaplasma species in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sori Teshale
- Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Bishoftu, Ethiopia. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Dirk Geysen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gobena Ameni
- Addis Ababa University, Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Ghent University, Faculty of Bio-engineering Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Berkvens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Ghent University, Faculty of Bio-engineering Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and D. immitis in hunting dogs from southern Italy. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2651-2660. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Bilgic HB, Bakırcı S, Kose O, Unlu AH, Hacılarlıoglu S, Eren H, Weir W, Karagenc T. Prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in small ruminants in Turkey and diagnostic sensitivity of single-PCR and RLB. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:211. [PMID: 28449722 PMCID: PMC5408456 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases (TBHDs), caused by Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, are common in regions of the world where the distributions of host, pathogen and vector overlap. Many of these diseases threaten livestock production and some also represent a concern to human public health. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the above-mentioned pathogens in a large number of blood samples (n = 1979) collected from sheep (n = 1727) and goats (n = 252) in Turkey. A secondary aim was to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of a number of species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and the reverse line blotting (RLB) assay. DNA samples were screened using species-specific PCR for the presence of Theileria ovis, Theileria sp. MK, T. lestoquardi, T. uilenbergi, T. luwenshuni, Babesia ovis, Anaplasma ovis and A. phagocytophilum while RLB was undertaken to test for the presence of all known Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species. The diagnostic sensitivity of these two approaches was then compared in terms of their ability to detect single species and mixed infections. Results Overall, 84 and 74.43% of the small ruminants sampled were identified as hosting one or more pathogen(s) by species-specific PCR and RLB respectively. The presence of Theileria sp. OT1, T. luwenshuni and T. uilenbergi in Turkey was revealed for the first time while the presence of Babesia motasi, B. crassa and T. separata in Turkish small ruminants was confirmed using molecular methods. A high prevalence of mixed infection was evident, with PCR and RLB approaches indicating that 52.24 and 35.42% of animals were co-infected with multiple species, respectively. More than 80% of the mixed infections contained T. ovis and/or A. ovis. The RLB approach was found to be capable of detecting mixed infections with species such as Theileria sp. OT1, Theileria sp. OT3, T. separata, B. crassa and Babesia spp. Conclusion The results indicated that pathogens causing TBHDs are highly prevalent in sheep and goats in Turkey. The diagnostic sensitivity of species-specific single PCR was generally higher than that of RLB. However, the latter approach was still capable of identifying a high proportion of individuals containing mixed-species infections. The use of species-specific single PCR is recommended to accurately estimate pathogen prevalence and to identify co-infected hosts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2151-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bakırcı
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Onur Kose
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Hakan Unlu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Yuzuncu Yil, Vocational high School of Gevas, Programme of Laboratorian and Veterinary Health, 65700, Van, Turkey
| | - Selin Hacılarlıoglu
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - Hasan Eren
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
| | - William Weir
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Tulin Karagenc
- Department of Parasitology, University of Adnan Menderes, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 09016, Isıklı/Aydın, Turkey
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Elhamiani Khatat S, Daminet S, Kachani M, Leutenegger CM, Duchateau L, El Amri H, Hing M, Azrib R, Sahibi H. Anaplasma spp. in dogs and owners in north-western Morocco. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:202. [PMID: 28438220 PMCID: PMC5404288 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2148-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of increased interest worldwide which has been detected in northern Africa. Anaplasma platys is also present in this region and could possibly have a zoonotic potential. However, only one recent article reports on the human esposure to A. phagocytophilum in Morocco and no data are available on canine exposure to both bacteria. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study aiming to assess both canine and human exposure to Anaplasma spp. in Morocco. A total of 425 dogs (95 urban, 160 rural and 175 working dogs) and 11 dog owners were sampled from four cities of Morocco. Canine blood samples were screened for Anaplasma spp. antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for A. phagocytophilum and A. platys DNA by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the msp2 gene. Human sera were tested for specific A. phagocytophilum immunoglobulin G (IgG) using a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFA) kit. RESULTS Anaplasma spp. antibodies and A. platys DNA were detected in 21.9 and 7.5% of the dogs, respectively. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was not amplified. Anaplasma platys DNA was significantly more frequently amplified for working dogs. No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies or A. platys DNA detection were observed between sexes, age classes or in relation to exposure to ticks. A total of 348 Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks were removed from 35 urban and working dogs. The majority of dog owners (7/10) were seroreactive to A. phagoyctophilum IgG (one sample was excluded because of hemolysis). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. exposure and A. platys infection in dogs, and A. phagocytophilum exposure in humans in Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elhamiani Khatat
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA USA
| | | | - Luc Duchateau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | | | - Mony Hing
- National Reference Laboratory for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rahma Azrib
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hamid Sahibi
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
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Zanet S, Bassano M, Trisciuoglio A, Taricco I, Ferroglio E. Horses infected by Piroplasms different from Babesia caballi and Theileria equi : species identification and risk factors analysis in Italy. Vet Parasitol 2017; 236:38-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Galiero A, Fratini F, Cammà C, Di Domenico M, Curini V, Baronti I, Turchi B, Cerri D. Occurrence of Coxiella burnetii in goat and ewe unpasteurized cheeses: Screening and genotyping. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 237:47-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Anaplasma marginale and A. phagocytophilum in cattle in Tunisia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:556. [PMID: 27765073 PMCID: PMC5072335 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1840-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne diseases caused by Anaplasma species put serious constraints on the health and production of domestic cattle in tropical and sub-tropical regions. After recovering from a primary infection, cattle typically become persistent carriers of pathogens and play a critical role in the epidemiology of the disease, acting as reservoirs of the Anaplasma spp. Methods In this study a duplex PCR assay was used for the simultaneous detection of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cattle using two primer pairs targeting msp4 and msp2 genes, respectively. We used this method to analyze DNA preparations derived from 328 blood cattle samples that were collected from 80 farms distributed among Tunisia’s four bioclimatic zones. Results The prevalence of the A. marginale infection (24.7 %) was significantly higher and more widespread (in all bioclimatic areas) than that of A. phagocytophilum (0.6 %), which was found in a mixed infection with A. marginale. Conclusions The duplex PCR assay used proved to be a rapid, specific and inexpensive mean for the simultaneous detection of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cattle blood. It allowed us to report the identification of A. phagocytophilum for the first time in cattle in Tunisia and confirm the presence of A. marginale in cattle from several geographical areas of the country. Further epidemiological studies undertaken using this assay will help improve the surveillance of the associated diseases in the regions where they are endemic.
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Seong G, Han YJ, Chae JB, Chae JS, Yu DH, Lee YS, Park J, Park BK, Yoo JG, Choi KS. Detection of Anaplasma sp. in Korean Native Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) on Jeju Island, Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:765-9. [PMID: 26797447 PMCID: PMC4725243 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.6.765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma species are obligate intracellular pathogens that can cause tick-borne diseases in mammalian hosts. To date, very few studies of their occurrence in Korean native goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) have been reported. In the present study, we investigated Anaplasma infection of Korean native goats on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, and performed phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences. Our results showed that Anaplasma infection was found mostly in adult female goats. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the 7 sequences identified in Korean native goats could belong to Anaplasma sp. and were distinct from A. marginale, A. centrale, and A. ovis. The results indicated that the sequences identified to belong to Anaplasma were closely related to sequences isolated from goats in China and were clustered within the same group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect Anaplasma sp. infection in Korean native goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giyong Seong
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Yu-Jung Han
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Do-Hyeon Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Young-Sung Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Jinho Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Bae-Keun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jae-Gyu Yoo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinics, National Institute of Animal Science Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54875, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
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Sgorbini M, Bonelli F, Nardoni S, Rocchigiani G, Corazza M, Mancianti F. Seroprevalence and Molecular Analysis of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in Horses From Central Italy During a 10-Year Period. J Equine Vet Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Laus F, Spaterna A, Faillace V, Veronesi F, Ravagnan S, Beribé F, Cerquetella M, Meligrana M, Tesei B. Clinical investigation on Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infections in Italian donkeys. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:100. [PMID: 25927984 PMCID: PMC4410693 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0411-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in the welfare and diseases of donkeys is constantly increasing in several countries. Despite this, clinical research into donkeys needs to be in continual development since they show different reactions compared to horses in many conditions, including infectious diseases, and need specific clinical and therapeutic approaches. No reports are currently available on clinical and clinical pathology data regarding donkeys with natural piroplasms infection. RESULTS Venous blood samples were taken from one hundred and thirty eight donkeys and underwent indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to detect IgG antibodies against Theileria equi and Babesia caballi and real-time polimerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Clinical examinations, haematological analyses and serum bilirubin evaluation were also performed and compared with positive or negative status. A seroprevalence of 40.6% and 47.8% was found for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively; double positivity was detected in 19.6% of the animals. PCR results showed that 17.4% of the animals tested positive for T.equi and 3.6% for B. caballi with no double positivity. Twelve donkeys (8.7%) had clinical signs consistent with chronic forms of the disease and no acute forms were detected. Fifty-eight donkeys had haematological and serum bilirubin alterations and 56 (96.6%) of them were IFAT and/or PCR positive. Changes in erythrocyte number, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, platelets number and total bilirubin were significantly associated with positive and symptomatic animals. CONCLUSION Nonspecific clinical presentation seems to be very common in donkeys and several clinical pathology alterations persist after natural infection. Therefore, apparently healthy donkeys can have masked but severe clinical pathology alterations. Acute forms are very seldom observed in donkeys. Clinical monitoring of chronically infected donkeys is recommended since such animals represent a risk both for transmission to other animals and for their own health; furthermore, their production performances could be reduced. The study should also be intended as a contribution for veterinary practitioners because it describes the most usual clinical presentations and laboratory findings of equine piroplasmosis in naturally infected donkeys in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio Laus
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, (MC), Italy.
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, (MC), Italy.
| | - Vanessa Faillace
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, (MC), Italy.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, 06100, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, (PD), Italy.
| | - Francesca Beribé
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, (MC), Italy.
| | - Matteo Cerquetella
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, (MC), Italy.
| | - Marina Meligrana
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, (MC), Italy.
| | - Beniamino Tesei
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, (MC), Italy.
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Solano-Gallego L, Caprì A, Pennisi MG, Caldin M, Furlanello T, Trotta M. Acute febrile illness is associated with Rickettsia spp infection in dogs. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:216. [PMID: 25886403 PMCID: PMC4407383 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0824-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickettsia conorii is transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and causes Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) in humans. Although dogs are considered the natural host of the vector, the clinical and epidemiological significance of R. conorii infection in dogs remains unclear. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether Rickettsia infection causes febrile illness in dogs living in areas endemic for human MSF. METHODS Dogs from southern Italy with acute fever (n = 99) were compared with case-control dogs with normal body temperatures (n = 72). Serology and real-time PCR were performed for Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/A. platys and Leishmania infantum. Conventional PCR was performed for Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. Acute and convalescent antibodies to R. conorii, E. canis and A. phagocytophilum were determined. RESULTS The seroprevalence rates at first visit for R. conorii, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum and L. infantum were 44.8%, 48.5%, 37.8% and 17.6%, respectively. The seroconversion rates for R. conorii, E. canis and A. phagocytophilum were 20.7%, 14.3% and 8.8%, respectively. The molecular positive rates at first visit for Rickettsia spp., E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, L. infantum, Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were 1.8%, 4.1%, 0%, 2.3%, 11.1%, 2.3% and 0.6%, respectively. Positive PCR for E. canis (7%), Rickettsia spp. (3%), Babesia spp. (4.0%) and Hepatozoon spp. (1.0%) were found only in febrile dogs. The DNA sequences obtained from Rickettsia and Babesia PCRs positive samples were 100% identical to the R. conorii and Babesia vogeli sequences in GenBank®, respectively. Febrile illness was statistically associated with acute and convalescent positive R. conorii antibodies, seroconversion to R. conorii, E. canis positive PCR, and positivity to any tick pathogen PCRs. Fourteen febrile dogs (31.8%) were diagnosed with Rickettsia spp. infection based on seroconversion and/or PCR while only six afebrile dogs (12.5%) seroconverted (P = 0.0248). The most common clinical findings of dogs with Rickettsia infection diagnosed by seroconversion and/or PCR were fever, myalgia, lameness, elevation of C-reactive protein, thrombocytopenia and hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates acute febrile illness associated with Rickettsia infection in dogs living in endemic areas of human MSF based on seroconversion alone or in combination with PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola, 08193, , Barcelona, Spain. .,Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom.
| | - Alessandra Caprì
- Clinica Veterinaria Camagna, Reggio, Calabria, Italy. .,Dip.to di Scienze Veterinarie, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Messina, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Caldin
- Laboratorio Veterinario San Marco, Padova, Italy.
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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Bertelloni F, Rocchigiani G, Mancianti F. Tick-Borne Infections in Horses From Tuscany, Italy. J Equine Vet Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sainz Á, Roura X, Miró G, Estrada-Peña A, Kohn B, Harrus S, Solano-Gallego L. Guideline for veterinary practitioners on canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:75. [PMID: 25649069 PMCID: PMC4324656 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are important tick-borne diseases with a worldwide distribution. Information has been continuously collected on these infections in Europe, and publications have increased in recent years. Prevalence rates are high for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp. infections in dogs from different European countries. The goal of this article was to provide a practical guideline for veterinary practitioners on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in dogs from Europe. This guideline is intended to answer the most common questions on these diseases from a practical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Clinic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clinic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Clinic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia caballi and Theileria equi infections in donkeys from Southern Italy. Vet J 2014; 202:578-82. [PMID: 25457263 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) has been frequently described in donkeys in subtropical and tropical regions, but published data reflecting large scale surveys are very limited in Europe. The seroprevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi was determined in a donkey population from Campania Region in Southern Italy using a commercial indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the infection were assessed. Of 203 samples, the overall seroprevalence for EP was 57.1% (116/203), with 35.5% (72/203) for B. caballi and 44.3% (90/203) for T. equi. Co-infection was detected in 46 donkeys (22.6%). The distribution of IFAT antibody titres to B. caballi was: 1:80 (n= 67), 1:160 (n= 2), 1:320 (n= 3); while the distribution of IFAT antibody titres to T. equi was: 1:80 (n= 25), 1:160 (n= 42), 1:320 (n= 12), 1:640 (n= 8), 1:1280 (n= 3). All examined donkeys were asymptomatic, except one adult male (with a titre of 1:640 against T. equi) that showed clinical signs corresponding to the acute stage of EP, reported for the first time in Italy. The unique risk factor associated with a higher B. caballi seroprevalence was the presence of horses in the farms, while risk factors associated with a higher T. equi seroprevalence were poor body condition, presence of ruminants in the farms and milk production. The results indicate a high level of exposure in donkeys living in Southern Italy and suggest that donkeys may be an important reservoir of EP.
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Renneker S, Abdo J, Salih DEA, Karagenç T, Bilgiç H, Torina A, Oliva AG, Campos J, Kullmann B, Ahmed J, Seitzer U. Can Anaplasma ovis in small ruminants be neglected any longer? Transbound Emerg Dis 2014; 60 Suppl 2:105-12. [PMID: 24589109 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma species are obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogens transmitted by ticks with an impact on human and animal health. Anaplasma ovis infects sheep and goats in many regions of the world, and it can be diagnosed by different methods like Giemsa staining, PCR or competitive ELISA. In this study, a PCR based on the gene coding for major surface protein 4 (MSP-4) was used to examine field samples collected from sheep in different countries. Altogether, 1161 blood samples from Turkey (n = 830), Iraq (n = 195), Sudan (n = 96) and Portugal (n = 40) were examined, of which 31.4%, 66.6% 41.6% and 82.5%, respectively, were positive. This indicates high prevalence of A. ovis in the countries under investigation, and it can be assumed that the situation in other areas of the world might be similar. Thus, A. ovis should be considered as an important constraint of livestock production, and further efforts are needed to better understand the epidemiology and to implement suitable control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Renneker
- Division of Veterinary Infection Biology and Immunology, Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
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Lledó L, Domínguez-Peñafiel G, Giménez-Pardo C, Gegúndez I, González R, Saz JV. Molecular and serological study of rickettsial infection in humans, and in wild and farm animals, in the province of Burgos, Spain. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:383-8. [PMID: 24866558 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited information is available on the presence of rickettsial infection in humans and animal reservoirs in Spain. Exposure to spotted fever group rickettsia in healthy humans and in farm and wild animals in the Province of Burgos, Spain, was examined by serological methods. Rickettsial DNA was also sought by PCR in animal samples. Of 102 human serum samples examined by indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA), 5.88% were positive for antibodies against Rickettsia conorii (titers 1/128-1/512). Significant differences were detected in human seroprevalence with respect to age. In further IFAs, 102 out of 375 (27.2%) serum samples from the wild animals reacted with R. conorii antigens (titers 1/64-1/1024); 32 out of 281 (11.38%) samples from farm animals were also positive for R. conorii (titers 1/64-1/2048). The prevalence detected among total wild animals was significantly higher than among total farm animals. No rickettsial DNA was found by PCR in any farm or wild animal sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Lledó
- 1 Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá , Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Ceci L, Iarussi F, Greco B, Lacinio R, Fornelli S, Carelli G. Retrospective study of hemoparasites in cattle in southern Italy by reverse line blot hybridization. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 76:869-75. [PMID: 24614604 PMCID: PMC4108771 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are widespread in tropical and temperate regions and are
responsible for important economic losses in those areas. In order to assess the presence
and prevalence of various pathogens in southern Italy, we retrospectively analyzed cattle
blood samples collected for a previous study in 2000 using reverse line blot (RLB)
hybridization. The study had been carried out in three regions of southern Italy on 1,500
randomly selected and apparently healthy adult cattle. RLB showed that 43.7% of the cattle
were positive for nine different species of hemoparasites with either a single infection
or a mixed infection. Theileria buffeli was the most common species
found, being present in 27.3% of the animals, followed by Anaplasma
marginale in 18.1%, Anaplasma centrale in 13.8%,
Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma bovis in 4.2%,
Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 1.7%, Babesia bovis in
1.6%, Babesia major in 0.2% and Babesia divergens in
0.1%. Complete blood counts showed different degrees of anemia in 363 animals (24.2%) and
of these, 169 were RLB-positive for at least one pathogen. Among the ticks that were
collected from the cattle, the following species were identified: Rhipicephalus
bursa, Ixodes ricinus, Hyalomma marginatum, Boophilus
annulatus, Dermacentor marginatus and
Haemaphysalis (sulcata, parva,
inermis and punctata). The results obtained confirmed
the spread of endemic tick-borne pathogens in the regions studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Ceci
- Dipartimento dell'Emergenza e dei Trapianti di Organi, Sezione Cliniche Veterinarie e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Strada per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano (Bari), Italy
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Rosa CT, Pazzi P, Nagel S, McClure V, Christie J, Troskie M, Dvir E. Theileriosis in six dogs in South Africa and its potential clinical significance. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2014; 85:1114. [DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v85i1.1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by a piroplasma of the genus Theileria that can causeanaemia and thrombocytopenia. Its clinical importance for dogs’ remains poorly understood,as only some develop clinical signs. In this study, physical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcomes of six client-owned diseased dogs presented at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital are described retrospectively. In the dogs, Theileria species (n = 4)and Theileria equi (n = 2) were detected by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-reverse blothybridisation assay in blood samples, whilst PCR for Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia were negative. The most common physical findings were pale mucous membranes (five out of six dogs), bleeding tendencies (five out of six dogs) and lethargy (three out of six dogs). All dogs were thrombocytopenic [median 59.5 x 109/L (range 13–199)] and five out of six dogs were anaemic [median haematocrit 18% (range 5–32)]. Bone marrow core biopsies performed in two dogs showed myelofibrosis. Theileriosis was treated with imidocarb dipropionate and the suspected secondary immune-mediated haematological disorders with prednisolone and azathioprine. Five dogs achieved clinical cure and post-treatment PCR performed in three out of five dogs confirmed absence of circulating parasitaemia. An immune-mediated response to Theileria species is thought to result in anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia in diseased dogs with theileriosis. A bleeding tendency, most likely secondary to thrombocytopenia and/or thrombocytopathy, was the most significant clinical finding in these cases. The link between thrombocytopenia, anaemia and myelofibrosis in theileriosis requires further investigation and theileriosis should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia in endemic tick-borne disease areas.
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Hussain MH, Saqib M, Raza F, Muhammad G, Asi MN, Mansoor MK, Saleem M, Jabbar A. Seroprevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in five draught equine populated metropolises of Punjab, Pakistan. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:248-56. [PMID: 24582524 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) caused by intraerythrocytic parasites (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi) is an emerging equine disease of world-wide distribution. In Pakistan, the prevalence and incidence of EP are unknown. In order to obtain the first insights into the prevalence of the disease, a total of 430 equids, including 33 mules, 65 horses and 332 donkeys, aging from ≤ 5 to ≥ 10 years of either sex, from five metropolises of Punjab, Pakistan, were serologically tested for the presence of antibodies directed against B. caballi and T. equi, using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Out of 430 equid serum samples tested, 226 (52.6%, 95% CI 47.7-57.4) were found cELISA positive for EP (T. equi and/or B. caballi infections). The overall seroprevalence of EP was 41.2% (95% CI 36.5-46.0) for T. equi and 21.6% (95% CI 17.8-25.8) for B. caballi. A small proportion of equids (10.2%, 95% CI 7.5-13.5) was seropositive for both T. equi and B. caballi. Seroprevalence of T. equi was significantly higher (P<0.01) in equines from the metropolis of Lahore (66.7%, 95% CI 54.3-77.6) and in horses (56.9%, 95% CI 44.0-69.2). Multivariable logistic regression model analysis indicated that factors associated with prevalence of EP were being an equine species kept in metropolis Lahore (OR=4.24, 95% CI 2.28-7.90), horse (OR=2.82, 95% CI 1.53-5.20) and male equids (OR=1.81, 95% CI 1.15-2.86).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Raza
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Muhammad
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Asi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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Torina A, Moreno-Cid JA, Blanda V, Fernández de Mera IG, de la Lastra JMP, Scimeca S, Blanda M, Scariano ME, Briganò S, Disclafani R, Piazza A, Vicente J, Gortázar C, Caracappa S, Lelli RC, de la Fuente J. Control of tick infestations and pathogen prevalence in cattle and sheep farms vaccinated with the recombinant Subolesin-Major Surface Protein 1a chimeric antigen. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:10. [PMID: 24398155 PMCID: PMC3896746 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the use of chemical acaricides, tick infestations continue to affect animal health and production worldwide. Tick vaccines have been proposed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for tick control. Vaccination with the candidate tick protective antigen, Subolesin (SUB), has been shown experimentally to be effective in controlling vector infestations and pathogen infection. Furthermore, Escherichia coli membranes containing the chimeric antigen composed of SUB fused to Anaplasma marginale Major Surface Protein 1a (MSP1a) (SUB-MSP1a) were produced using a simple low-cost process and proved to be effective for the control of cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and R. annulatus infestations in pen trials. In this research, field trials were conducted to characterize the effect of vaccination with SUB-MSP1a on tick infestations and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in a randomized controlled prospective study. METHODS Two cattle and two sheep farms with similar geographical locations and production characteristics were randomly assigned to control and vaccinated groups. Ticks were collected, counted, weighed and classified and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens at the DNA and serological levels were followed for one year prior to and 9 months after vaccination. RESULTS Both cattle and sheep developed antibodies against SUB in response to vaccination. The main effect of the vaccine in cattle was the 8-fold reduction in the percent of infested animals while vaccination in sheep reduced tick infestations by 63%. Female tick weight was 32-55% lower in ticks collected from both vaccinated cattle and sheep when compared to controls. The seroprevalence of Babesia bigemina was lower by 30% in vaccinated cattle, suggesting a possible role for the vaccine in decreasing the prevalence of this tick-borne pathogen. The effect of the vaccine in reducing the frequency of one A. marginale msp4 genotype probably reflected the reduction in the prevalence of a tick-transmitted strain as a result of the reduction in the percent of tick-infested cattle. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence of the dual effect of a SUB-based vaccine for controlling tick infestations and pathogen infection/transmission and provide additional support for the use of the SUB-MSP1a vaccine for tick control in cattle and sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Marenzoni ML, Stefanetti V, Papa P, Casagrande Proietti P, Bietta A, Coletti M, Passamonti F, Henning K. Is the horse a reservoir or an indicator of Coxiella burnetii infection? Systematic review and biomolecular investigation. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:662-9. [PMID: 24144862 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of the horse in Coxiella burnetii infection has not been defined. Accordingly, a twofold approach was taken to further our knowledge on this topic: (1) conduct a systematic review of the literature to establish available evidence of C. burnetii infection in the horse; (2) undertake a biomolecular investigation of 122 cases of equine abortion, stillbirth and neonatal foal death, for the presence of C. burnetii using a PCR test targeting the IS1111 gene of C. burnetii. A review of the literature turned up seven studies that identified C. burnetii DNA in equine specimens, especially aborted fetuses, while an additional 34 studies sought to determine seroprevalence of the infection in the horse. A meta-analytical approach was taken to calculate a pooled mean seroprevalence in equines based on published studies. A seroprevalence of 15.8% (95% confidence interval: 9.6-23.0%) was obtained. This figure is comparable to those previously reported in other species, especially ruminants. None of the 122 cases of equine abortion, stillbirth or neonatal foal death were positive for C. burnetii DNA. C. burnetii has rarely been looked for in equine specimens in previous studies. Cases of equine abortion should be comprehensively investigated to assess the risk of abortion in a pregnant mare infected with C. burnetii. Consideration should also be given to the possible role of the horse as a source of the organism for other animal species including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Marenzoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Dzięgiel B, Adaszek L, Winiarczyk M, García-Bocanegra I, Carbonero A, Dębiak P, Winiarczyk S. Comparative analysis of 16S RNA nucleotide sequences of Anaplasma phagocytophilum detected in the blood of horses from various parts of Europe. J Med Microbiol 2013; 62:1891-1896. [PMID: 23788590 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.058636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene fragment nucleotide sequences for Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains detected in the blood of horses from various parts of Europe. The study comprised 234 horses that had had contact with ticks. Using PCR, the genetic material of A. phagocytophilum was identified in the blood of 42 animals. The sequences of the 16S RNA gene amplicons that were obtained from our A. phagocytophilum isolates had 100 % similarity with each other and 96.4-100 % similarity with Anaplasma spp. sequences selected from those available in GenBank. Nucleotide substitutions at positions 248 and 249 were demonstrated in all the 16S RNA gene sequences of Anaplasma obtained in our study. This may indicate the emergence of a new rickettsial genotype that is the cause of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in southern and eastern Europe. These results add new information on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum detected in the blood of horses from southern and eastern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dzięgiel
- Department of Epizootiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, 30 Głęboka St 20-612 Lublin, Poland
| | - Lukasz Adaszek
- Department of Epizootiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, 30 Głęboka St 20-612 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Winiarczyk
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCO Campus, Universitarios de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alfonso Carbonero
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCO Campus, Universitarios de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Piotr Dębiak
- Laboratory of Radiology and Ultrasonography, Department and Clinic of Animal Surgery, University of Life Science in Lublin, Gleboka 30 St, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisław Winiarczyk
- Department of Epizootiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, 30 Głęboka St 20-612 Lublin, Poland
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Pennisi MG, Caprì A, Solano-Gallego L, Lombardo G, Torina A, Masucci M. Prevalence of antibodies against Rickettsia conorii, Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum antigens in dogs from the Stretto di Messina area (Italy). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:315-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Galindo RC, Ayllón N, Smrdel KS, Boadella M, Beltrán-Beck B, Mazariegos M, García N, de la Lastra JMP, Avsic-Zupanc T, Kocan KM, Gortazar C, de la Fuente J. Gene expression profile suggests that pigs (Sus scrofa) are susceptible to Anaplasma phagocytophilum but control infection. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:181. [PMID: 22935149 PMCID: PMC3453518 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects a wide variety of hosts and causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, horses and dogs and tick-borne fever in ruminants. Infection with A. phagocytophilum results in the modification of host gene expression and immune response. The objective of this research was to characterize gene expression in pigs (Sus scrofa) naturally and experimentally infected with A. phagocytophilum trying to identify mechanisms that help to explain low infection prevalence in this species. Results For gene expression analysis in naturally infected pigs, microarray hybridization was used. The expression of differentially expressed immune response genes was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR in naturally and experimentally infected pigs. Results suggested that A. phagocytophilum infection affected cytoskeleton rearrangement and increased both innate and adaptive immune responses by up regulation of interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein-like 1 (IL1RAPL1), T-cell receptor alpha chain (TCR-alpha), thrombospondin 4 (TSP-4) and Gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) genes. Higher serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-8 and TNF-alpha in infected pigs when compared to controls supported data obtained at the mRNA level. Conclusions These results suggested that pigs are susceptible to A. phagocytophilum but control infection, particularly through activation of innate immune responses, phagocytosis and autophagy. This fact may account for the low infection prevalence detected in pigs in some regions and thus their low or no impact as a reservoir host for this pathogen. These results advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms at the host-pathogen interface and suggested a role for newly reported genes in the protection of pigs against A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth C Galindo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
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M'ghirbi Y, Yaïch H, Ghorbel A, Bouattour A. Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses and ticks in Tunisia. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:180. [PMID: 22935132 PMCID: PMC3453519 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum , the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis, affects several species of wild and domesticated mammals, including horses. We used direct and indirect methods to compare and evaluate exposure to A. phagocytophilum in horses in northern Tunisia. Methods Serum from 60 horses was tested by IFA for antibodies to A. phagocytophilum , and whole blood was tested for A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene using a nested-PCR. To examine the risk of A. phagocytophilum transmission, 154 ticks that had been collected from horses were examined for the presence of A. phagocytophilum by nested-PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene. Results This is the first time that A. phagocytophilum has been detected in horses in Tunisia, with an overall seroprevalence of 40/60 (67%). Six of the seroreactive samples (10%) had an IFA titer of 1:80, 14 (23%) of 1:160, 8 (13%) of 1:320 and 12 (20%) a titer 1 ≥ 640. The seroprevalence revealed no significant regional and sex differences. In contrast, a significant difference was observed between breeds. Eight (13%) of the horses were positive for A. phagocytophilum in the PCR, with no significant breed and age differences. Hyalomma marginatum was a predominant tick species (130/154), and 3 were infected by A. phagocytophilum (a prevalence of 2.3%). The concordance rate of A. phagocytophilum detection between IFA and PCR had a k value of −0.07. Conclusions The results presented in this study suggest that horses infested by ticks in Tunisia are exposed to A. phagocytophilum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youmna M'ghirbi
- Laboratoire d'Épidémiologie et Microbiologie Vétérinaire, Service d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
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Characterization of the tick-pathogen interface by quantitative proteomics. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:154-8. [PMID: 22647712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of pathogens that affect human and animal health worldwide. Ticks and the pathogens they transmit have co-evolved molecular interactions involving genetic traits of both the tick and the pathogen that mediate their development and survival. Proteomics and genomics studies of infected ticks are required to understand tick-pathogen interactions and identify potential vaccine antigens to control tick infestations and pathogen transmission. In this paper, the application of quantitative proteomics to characterize differential protein expression in ticks and cultured tick cells in response to pathogen infection is reviewed. Analyses using (a) two-dimensional differential in gel electrophoresis (DIGE) labeling and (b) protein one-step in gel digestion, peptide iTRAQ labeling, and isoelectric focusing fractionation, both followed by peptide and protein identifications by mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of host, pathogen, and tick proteins differentially expressed in response to infection. Although at its infancy, these results showed that quantitative proteomics is a powerful approach to characterize the tick-pathogen interface and demonstrated pathogen and tick-specific differences in protein expression in ticks and cultured tick cells in response to pathogen infection.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum seroprevalence in equids: a survey in Sicily (Italy). Parasitol Res 2012; 111:951-5. [PMID: 22362364 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2854-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Equidae and investigate the possibility of exposure to the organism in Sicily (Southern Italy). During the study blood samples were collected in horses and donkeys housed in five of the nine provinces of Sicilian Island. Of 133 horses and 100 donkeys tested, respectively 9.0% and 6.0% were seroactive (IFAT) with A. phagocytophilum antigen. In only 4.7% of the horses, specific A. phagocytophilum DNA was recorded; in donkey, Anaplasma DNA was not found. Our results indicate a low prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in Sicilian equids. This condition does not justify the exclusion of equids from prophylactic plans for this multihost pathogen infection, a zoonosis with a wide distribution in other European countries. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the possible mechanisms that involve the Equidae as host of this pathogen.
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Cassini R, Marcer F, di Regalbono AF, Cancrini G, Gabrielli S, Moretti A, Galuppi R, Tampieri MP, Pietrobelli M. New insights into the epidemiology of bovine piroplasmoses in Italy. Vet Parasitol 2011; 184:77-82. [PMID: 21864982 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have been published on bovine piroplasmoses in Italy, and therefore a clear picture of the epidemiology of these infections is difficult to obtain. Vertebrate and invertebrate hosts in Central and Northern Regions of Italy were investigated in 2005 and 2006, when microscopy, molecular tools and serological tests were applied to 468 blood samples drawn from cattle in order to evaluate the presence of these protozoa and identify possible risk factors. Ticks were also collected, identified and analyzed by molecular techniques. Microscopy identified 6.5% of the animals as positive, whereas PCR detected piroplasm DNA in 21.6%. BLAST analysis showed 67 amplicons (17.0%) referable to the Theileria sergenti/buffeli/orientalis group, 17 (4.3%) to Theileria annae, and 1 to Babesia divergens. Serology evidenced a prevalence of 45.4% for Babesia bovis, 17.4% for Babesia bigemina, and 34.9% for B. divergens. The 127 collected ticks were identified as belonging to 5 species, mostly represented by Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma marginatum and Ixodes ricinus. Molecular analyses evidenced the presence of B. bovis and B. bigemina, in 3 and 5 ticks, respectively. Our findings suggest that different species of piroplasms are circulating in bovine populations in Central and Northern Italy, and provide new insights into the complex epidemiology of bovine piroplasmoses in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cassini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Sperimentali Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16 - 35020 - Legnaro (PD), Italy.
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Grandi G, Molinari G, Tittarelli M, Sassera D, Kramer LH. Prevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi Infection in Horses from Northern Italy. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:955-6. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Grandi
- Dipt. di Salute Animale, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Tittarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”—Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Davide Sassera
- Dipt. Patologia Veterinaria, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Derdáková M, Stefančíková A, Spitalská E, Tarageľová V, Košťálová T, Hrkľová G, Kybicová K, Schánilec P, Majláthová V, Várady M, Peťko B. Emergence and genetic variability of Anaplasma species in small ruminants and ticks from Central Europe. Vet Microbiol 2011; 153:293-8. [PMID: 21684091 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasmoses are common tick-borne zoonotic bacterial diseases of livestock and free-living ungulates from the genus Anaplasma that are recently emerging in Central Europe. The main aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and genetic variability of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma ovis in small ruminants and questing ticks from six different sites in Slovakia and the Czech Republic using the PCR of the msp4 gene followed by the sequence analysis. At two farms from southeastern Slovakia, 66.1% small ruminants were infected with A. ovis in contrast to one positive animal from both sites in northern Slovakia. It was represented by two different genotypes. A. phagocytophilum was present in all tested flocks with the infection prevalence ranging from 0.9% to 5.7%. None of the tested questing ticks carried A. ovis. A. phagocytophilum was detected in 1.1% and 7.8% of questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected around the farms located in southeastern and northern Slovakia, respectively. A. phagocytophilum revealed higher intraspecific diversity than A. ovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markéta Derdáková
- Parasitological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic.
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Giudice E, Giannetto C, Torina A, Niutta PP. Seroconversion for Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a Mare with Concomitant Piroplasmosis. J Equine Vet Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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