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Diniz PPV, Moura de Aguiar D. Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1225-1266. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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2
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Kidd L. How Changing Tick-Borne Disease Prevalence in Dogs Affects Diagnostic Testing. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1153-1161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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3
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Vasconcelos EJR, Roy C, Geiger JA, Oney KM, Koo M, Ren S, Oakley BB, Diniz PPVP. Data analysis workflow for the detection of canine vector-borne pathogens using 16 S rRNA Next-Generation Sequencing. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:262. [PMID: 34332568 PMCID: PMC8325813 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02969-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) impact both human and veterinary medicine and pose special public health challenges. The main bacterial vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of importance in veterinary medicine include Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia. Taxon-targeted PCR assays are the current gold standard for VBP diagnostics but limitations on the detection of genetically diverse organisms support a novel approach for broader detection of VBPs. We present a methodology for genetic characterization of VBPs using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and computational approaches. A major advantage of NGS is the ability to detect multiple organisms present in the same clinical sample in an unsupervised (i.e. non-targeted) and semi-quantitative way. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) presented here combines industry-standard microbiome analysis tools with our ad-hoc bioinformatic scripts to form a complete analysis pipeline accessible to veterinary scientists and freely available for download and use at https://github.com/eltonjrv/microbiome.westernu/tree/SOP . RESULTS We tested and validated our SOP by mimicking single, double, and triple infections in genomic canine DNA using serial dilutions of plasmids containing the entire 16 S rRNA gene sequence of (A) phagocytophilum, (B) v. berkhoffii, and E. canis. NGS with broad-range 16 S rRNA primers followed by our bioinformatics SOP was capable of detecting these pathogens in biological replicates of different dilutions. These results illustrate the ability of NGS to detect and genetically characterize multi-infections with different amounts of pathogens in a single sample. CONCLUSIONS Bloodborne microbiomics & metagenomics approaches may help expand the molecular diagnostic toolbox in veterinary and human medicine. In this paper, we present both in vitro and in silico detailed protocols that can be combined into a single workflow that may provide a significant improvement in VBP diagnostics and also facilitate future applications of microbiome research in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton J R Vasconcelos
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA.,Leeds Omics, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Chayan Roy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA
| | - Joseph A Geiger
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA
| | - Kristina M Oney
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA
| | - Melody Koo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA
| | - Songyang Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA
| | - Brian B Oakley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA
| | - Pedro Paulo V P Diniz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East 2nd Street, CA, 91766 - 1854, Pomona, USA.
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Saleh MN, Allen KE, Lineberry MW, Little SE, Reichard MV. Ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America: Biology, geographic distribution, and pathogen transmission. Vet Parasitol 2021; 294:109392. [PMID: 33971481 PMCID: PMC9235321 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A diverse array of ixodid and argasid ticks infest dogs and cats in North America, resulting in skin lesions, blood loss, and disease. The ticks most commonly found on pets in this region are hard ticks of the genera Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus, as well as the more recently established Haemaphysalis longicornis. Soft tick genera, especially Otobius and Ornithodoros, are also reported from pets in some regions. In this review, we provide a summary of the complex and diverse life histories, distinct morphologies, and questing and feeding behaviors of the more common ticks of dogs and cats in North America with a focus on recent changes in geographic distribution. We also review pathogens of dogs and cats associated with the different tick species, some of which can cause serious, potentially fatal disease, and describe the zoonotic risk posed by ticks of pets. Understanding the natural history of ticks and the maintenance cycles responsible for providing an ongoing source of tick-borne infections is critical to effectively combatting the challenges ticks pose to the health of pets and people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriam N Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
| | - Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States.
| | - Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
| | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, United States
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5
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Little S, Braff J, Place J, Buch J, Dewage BG, Knupp A, Beall M. Canine infection with Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. in the United States, 2013-2019. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:10. [PMID: 33407758 PMCID: PMC7789229 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs in the US are commonly infected with vector-borne pathogens, including heartworm and tick-borne disease agents. The geographic distribution of both arthropod vectors and the pathogens they transmit continues to expand. METHODS To describe the current geographic distribution and prevalence of antigen of Dirofilaria immitis and antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia spp., and Anaplasma spp. in dogs, we summarized over 144 million test results from 2013 to 2019, inclusive, by county, state, and region. Canine seroprevalence by state was compared to population-adjusted human reports of tick-borne diseases. RESULTS Results varied regionally, with D. immitis antigen and Ehrlichia spp. antibodies more frequently detected in the Southeast (2.6% and 5.2%, respectively) and antibody to B. burgdorferi and Anaplasma spp. most common in the Northeast (12.1% and 7.3%, respectively). Overall, percent positive test results to D. immitis decreased in the Southeast by 33.3% when compared to earlier summaries using the same strategy (from 3.9 to 2.6%). Geographic expansion of areas where dogs commonly test positive for Ehrlichia spp. was evident, likely because of a change in the test made in 2012 to allow detection of antibodies to E. ewingii concomitant with expansion of vector tick populations. Percent positive test results to Ehrlichia spp. increased in every region; this shift was particularly pronounced in the Southeast, where percent positive test results increased fourfold (from 1.3 to 5.2%). Continued geographic expansion of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum was apparent in the Northeast, Midwest, and Upper South, although canine seroprevalence of antibody to B. burgdorferi was much lower than prior surveys in many Lyme-endemic areas. Annual reports of human cases of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis were associated with percent positive canine results by state for the three tick-borne disease agents (R2 = 0.812, 0.521, and 0.546, respectively). Within endemic areas, percent positive test results for all three tick-borne agents demonstrated evidence of geographic expansion. CONCLUSIONS Large scale analysis of results from screening dogs in practice for evidence of vector-borne infections, including those with zoonotic importance, continues to be a valuable strategy for understanding geographic trends in infection risk over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | | | - Joshua Place
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
| | - Jesse Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME USA
| | - Bhagya Galkissa Dewage
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK USA
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Qurollo BA, Stillman BA, Beall MJ, Foster P, Hegarty BC, Breitschwerdt EB, Chandrashekar R. Comparison of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species-specific peptide ELISAs with whole organism-based immunofluorescent assays for serologic diagnosis of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs. Am J Vet Res 2020; 82:71-80. [PMID: 33369490 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.82.1.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the performance of 5 synthetic peptide-based ELISAs with that of 3 commercially available immunofluorescent assays (IFAs) for serologic diagnosis of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs. SAMPLE A convenience set of 109 serum samples obtained before and at various times after inoculation for 23 dogs that were experimentally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, or Ehrlichia ewingii and 1 uninfected control dog in previous studies. PROCEDURES All serum samples were assessed with 5 synthetic peptide-based ELISAs designed to detect antibodies against A phagocytophilum, A platys, E canis, E chaffeensis, and E ewingii and 3 whole organism-based IFAs designed to detect antibodies against A phagocytophilum, E canis, and E chaffeensis. The species-specific seroreactivity, cross-reactivity with the other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each assay and compared among assays. RESULTS All serum samples obtained from dogs experimentally infected with a TBP yielded positive results on a serologic assay specific for that pathogen. In general, sensitivity was comparable between ELISAs and IFAs and tended to increase with duration after inoculation. Compared with the IFAs, the corresponding ELISAs were highly specific and rarely cross-reacted with antibodies against other TBPs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that peptide-based ELISAs had enhanced specificity relative to whole organism-based IFAs for detection of antibodies against Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp, which should facilitate accurate diagnosis and may help detect dogs coinfected with multiple TBPs.
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7
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Kotwa JD, Jardine CM, Pearl DL, Berke O, Mercer NJ, Peregrine AS. Evaluation of the SNAP® 4Dx® plus test for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and characterization of exposure to tick-borne pathogens in wild canids in southern Ontario. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109176. [PMID: 32615402 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Population-level surveys for Dirofilaria immitis in wild canids typically rely on identification of the parasite at necropsy. More recently, some studies have employed the use of the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test. However, since the assay was designed for use with domestic dogs it needs to be validated for use with wild canids for accurate interpretation of results. We therefore evaluated the performance of the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test for detection of D. immitis in wild canids in southern Ontario. Overall, 199 wild canid carcasses were collected from across the region and assessed for the presence of D. immitis parasites at necropsy; ten were infected. Lung tissue extract (LE) and thoracic fluid filter paper extract (TFE) prepared from each wild canid were tested via the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test, which simultaneously tests for the presence of D. immitis antigen and antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. The prevalence adjusted bias adjusted kappa (PABAK) and Gwet's first-order-agreement coefficient (AC1) were used to assess the level of agreement between sample pairs. The PABAK and AC1 between LF and TFE applied to the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test and the necropsy-confirmed D. immitis status indicated a very high level of agreement for all sample pairs. Compared to necropsy-confirmed D. immitis status, the estimated sensitivity and specificity of the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test for D. immitis antigen in LE was 80 % (95 % CI 44.4-97.5%) and 98.9 % (95 % CI 96.2-99.9%), respectively. For the TFE, the sensitivity was 70 % (95 % CI 34.8-93.3%) and the specificity was 97.9 % (95 % CI 94.7-99.4%). With respect to the tick-borne pathogen components, 1.5 % (3/199; 95 % CI 0.3-4.5%) of wild canids tested positive for B. burgdorferi antibody; 1.0 % (2/199; 95 % CI 0-3.8%) of LE samples were positive and 0.5 % (1/199; 95 % CI 0-3.1%) of TFE samples were positive. No samples tested positive for antibody to Anaplasma spp. (95 % CI 0-2.3%) or Ehrlichia spp. (95 % CI 0-2.3%). Collectively, the results suggest that the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test may be a suitable test for use with LE and TFE for the detection of D. immitis antigen in wild canids from southern Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon D Kotwa
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada; Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - David L Pearl
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Olaf Berke
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nicola J Mercer
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 0E1, Canada
| | - Andrew S Peregrine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Gettings JR, Self SCW, McMahan CS, Brown DA, Nordone SK, Yabsley MJ. Local and regional temporal trends (2013-2019) of canine Ehrlichia spp. seroprevalence in the USA. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:153. [PMID: 32228712 PMCID: PMC7106614 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the USA, there are several Ehrlichia spp. of concern including Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia muris eauclarensis, and “Panola Mountain Ehrlichia”. Of these, E. canis is considered the most clinically relevant for domestic dogs, with infection capable of causing acute, subclinical, and chronic stages of disease. Changes in climate, land use, habitats, and wildlife reservoir populations, and increasing contact between both human and dog populations with natural areas have resulted in the increased risk of vector-borne disease throughout the world. Methods A Bayesian spatio-temporal binomial regression model was applied to serological test results collected from veterinarians throughout the contiguous USA between January 2013 and November 2019. The model was used to quantify both regional and local temporal trends of canine Ehrlichia spp. seroprevalence and identify areas that experienced significant increases in seroprevalence. Results Regionally, increasing seroprevalence occurred within several states throughout the central and southeastern states, including Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas. The underlying local trends revealed increasing seroprevalence at a finer scale. Clusters of locally increasing seroprevalence were seen from the western Appalachian region into the southern Midwest, along the Atlantic coast in New England, parts of Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and in a couple areas of the Mountain region. Clusters of locally decreasing seroprevalence were seen throughout the USA including New York and the mid-Atlantic states, Texas, the Midwest, and California. Conclusions Canine Ehrlichia spp. seroprevalence is increasing in both endemic and non-endemic areas of the USA. The findings from this study indicate that dogs across a wide area of the USA are at risk of exposure and these results should provide veterinarians and pet owners with the information they need to make informed decisions about prevention of tick exposure.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna R Gettings
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, USA.
| | - Stella C W Self
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, 29208, USA
| | - Christopher S McMahan
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, 29634, USA
| | - D Andrew Brown
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, 29634, USA
| | - Shila K Nordone
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, 27607, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, USA.,Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, USA
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Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. My Mother's Story: Tick Borne Ehrlichiosis and a Life Well-Lived. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:319-324. [PMID: 31841654 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Canine vector-borne disease: mapping and the accuracy of forecasting using big data from the veterinary community. Anim Health Res Rev 2019; 20:47-60. [PMID: 31895020 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252319000045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vector-borne disease (VBD) in pets is one cornerstone of companion animal practices. Veterinarians are facing new challenges associated with the emergence, reemergence, and rising incidence of VBD, including heartworm disease, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Increases in the observed prevalence of these diseases have been attributed to a multitude of factors, including diagnostic tests with improved sensitivity, expanded annual testing practices, climatologic and ecological changes enhancing vector survival and expansion, emergence or recognition of novel pathogens, and increased movement of pets as travel companions. Veterinarians have the additional responsibility of providing information about zoonotic pathogen transmission from pets, especially to vulnerable human populations: the immunocompromised, children, and the elderly. Hindering efforts to protect pets and people is the dynamic and ever-changing nature of VBD prevalence and distribution. To address this deficit in understanding, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) began efforts to annually forecast VBD prevalence in 2011. These forecasts provide veterinarians and pet owners with expected disease prevalence in advance of potential changes. This review summarizes the fidelity of VBD forecasts and illustrates the practical use of CAPC pathogen prevalence maps and forecast data in the practice of veterinary medicine and client education.
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Evason M, Stull JW, Pearl DL, Peregrine AS, Jardine C, Buch JS, Lailer Z, O'Connor T, Chandrashekar R, Weese JS. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Dirofilaria immitis in Canadian dogs, 2008 to 2015: a repeat cross-sectional study. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:64. [PMID: 30691522 PMCID: PMC6350403 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3299-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-borne pathogens are emerging concerns in multiple regions of Canada. Determining regional prevalence of canine vector-borne pathogens and documenting change will improve clinician awareness, enable targeted prevention, enhance diagnosis and ideally reduce the risk of disease. Study objectives were to: (i) estimate the prevalence of positive canine vector-borne test results from samples submitted in Canada; (ii) assess change in prevalence over time, from baseline (2008) to 2015; and (iii) estimate the prevalence of pathogen co-infections. Methods This repeat cross-sectional study evaluated 753,468 test results for D. immitis antigen and B. burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis/ewingii/muris serology, and 753,208 test results for Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys serology using the SNAP® 4Dx®Test and SNAP 4Dx® Plus Test. Results Based on all submitted samples from Canada (2008–2015), the period seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen were 2.0%, 0.5%, 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Over the 7 years (2008 compared to 2015) we observed a significant increase in seroprevalence for B. burgdorferi (144.4%) and Ehrlichia spp. (150%). Co-infections (positive for two or more pathogens on a single 4 pathogen test kit) were estimated at 5.4% (1162/21,612) of total positive tests. Conclusions The temporal rise and geographical differences in prevalence detected for these pathogens (notably B. burgdorferi) are consistent with anecdotal information on canine illness related to tick-borne pathogen exposure in multiple regions of Canada, particularly canine Lyme disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3299-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Evason
- University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 4P3, Canada. .,University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Jason W Stull
- University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 4P3, Canada.,The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - David L Pearl
- University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | | | - Jesse S Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, Maine, 04092, USA
| | - Zachary Lailer
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, Maine, 04092, USA
| | - Tom O'Connor
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, Maine, 04092, USA
| | | | - J Scott Weese
- University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Liu J, Drexel J, Andrews B, Eberts M, Breitschwerdt E, Chandrashekar R. Comparative Evaluation of 2 In-Clinic Assays for Vector-Borne Disease Testing in Dogs. Top Companion Anim Med 2018; 33:114-118. [DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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Tsachev I, Pantchev N, Marutsov P, Petrov V, Gundasheva D, Baymakova M. Serological Evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia Spp. Infections in Horses from Southeastern Bulgaria. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:588-594. [PMID: 29969382 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme Borreliosis and granulocytic anaplasmosis are less extensively studied in horses than in dogs and humans. Equine ehrlichiosis is not known in Europe and is in the initial stage of investigation in South, Central, and North America. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of these infections in Bulgaria. A total of 155 horses were investigated from five regions in Southeastern Bulgaria. Horses were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia spp. antibodies by a commercial rapid ELISA test. B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum antibodies were found in all five regions (Burgas, Sliven, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, and Kardzhali) at frequencies of 36/155 (23.2%; 95% CI: 16.8-30.7%; ranging by region from 6.4% to 50%) and 31/155 (20%; 95% CI: 14-27.2%; ranging by region from 10% to 30.8%), respectively. Antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. were found in horses from three regions (Burgas, Stara Zagora, and Haskovo) at a rate of 6/155 (3.9%; 95% CI: 1.4-8.2%; ranging by region from 5.7% to 6.4%). The combination of B. burgdorferi/A. phagocytophilum (11/155; 7.1%; 95% CI: 3.6-12.3%) was the most common coexposure observed, followed by B. burgdorferi/Ehrlichia spp. (2/155; 1.3%; 95% CI: 0.2-4.6%) and A. phagocytophilum/Ehrlichia spp. (1/155; 0.6%; 95% CI: 0-3.5%). The study shows that horses in Bulgaria are exposed or coexposed to three tick-transmitted zoonotic bacterial species. Furthermore, it reports Ehrlichia spp. seroreactivity in equines in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Tsachev
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University , Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Nikola Pantchev
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, IDEXX Laboratories , Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Plamen Marutsov
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University , Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Vladimir Petrov
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University , Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitrina Gundasheva
- 3 Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University , Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- 4 Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy , Sofia, Bulgaria
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Littman MP, Gerber B, Goldstein RE, Labato MA, Lappin MR, Moore GE. ACVIM consensus update on Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:887-903. [PMID: 29566442 PMCID: PMC5980284 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An update of the 2006 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Small Animal Consensus Statement on Lyme Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention was presented at the 2016 ACVIM Forum in Denver, CO, followed by panel and audience discussion and a drafted consensus statement distributed online to diplomates for comment. The updated consensus statement is presented below. The consensus statement aims to provide guidance on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl P. Littman
- Department of Clinical Studies‐PhiladelphiaUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvania
| | - Bernhard Gerber
- The Clinic for Small Animal Internal MedicineVetsuisse Faculty, University of ZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Mary Anna Labato
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusetts
| | - Michael R. Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - George E. Moore
- Department of Veterinary Administration, College of Veterinary MedicinePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndiana
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Mylonakis ME, Theodorou KN. Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis: An Update on Diagnosis and Treatment. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/acve-2017-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease of worldwide distribution. The major causative agent is Ehrlichia canis, a gram-negative, obligate intracellular, pleomorphic bacterium of the genus Ehrlichia, which infects monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes, forming intracytoplasmic, membrane-bound bacterial aggregates, called morulae. After an incubation period of 8-20 days, the course of E. canis infection, can be sequentially divided into acute, subclinical and chronic phases, although these phases can hardly be distinguished in the clinical setting. Clinical recovery is the typical outcome of acutely infected dogs, entering the subclinical phase, during which they show no or minimal clinical signs and/or mild hematological abnormalities. Immunocompetent dogs may eliminate the infection during the acute or subclinical phases, but an unpredictable proportion of dogs will eventually develop the chronic phase, characterized by aplastic pancytopenia and high mortality, due to septicemia and/or severe bleeding. This article outlines briefly the pathogenesis of CME due to E. canis, and more thoroughly reviews the recent scientific literature pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathios E. Mylonakis
- Konstantina N. Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Konstantina N. Theodorou
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki , Greece
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Herrin BH, Peregrine AS, Goring J, Beall MJ, Little SE. Canine infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in Canada, 2013-2014. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:244. [PMID: 28526093 PMCID: PMC5437676 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine test results generated by veterinarians throughout Canada from 2013-2014 were evaluated to assess the geographical distribution of canine infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia spp., and Anaplasma spp. METHODS The percent positive test results of 115,636 SNAP® 4Dx® Plus tests from dogs tested were collated by province and municipality to determine the distribution of these vector-borne infections in Canada. RESULTS A total of 2,844/115,636 (2.5%) dogs tested positive for antibody to B. burgdorferi. In contrast, positive test results for D. immitis antigen and antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. were low, with less than 0.5% of dogs testing positive for any one of these three agents nationwide. Provincial seroprevalence for antibodies to B. burgdorferi ranged from 0.5% (Saskatchewan)-15.7% (Nova Scotia); the areas of highest percent positive test results were in proximity to regions in the USA considered endemic for Lyme borreliosis, including Nova Scotia (15.7%) and Eastern Ontario (5.1%). These high endemic foci, which had significantly higher percent positive test results than the rest of the nation (P < 0.0001), were surrounded by areas of moderate to low seroprevalence in New Brunswick (3.7%), Quebec (2.8%), and the rest of Ontario (0.9%), as well as northward and westward through Manitoba (2.4%) and Saskatchewan (0.5%). Insufficient results were available from the westernmost provinces, including Alberta and British Columbia, to allow analysis. CONCLUSION Increased surveillance of these vector-borne disease agents, especially B. burgdorferi, is important as climate, vector range, and habitat continues to change throughout Canada. Using dogs as sentinels for these pathogens can aid in recognition of the public and veterinary health threat that each pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H Herrin
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - Andrew S Peregrine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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17
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Murphy DS, Lee X, Larson SR, Johnson DKH, Loo T, Paskewitz SM. Prevalence and Distribution of Human and Tick Infections with the Ehrlichia muris-Like Agent and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wisconsin, 2009-2015. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:229-236. [PMID: 28055326 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are important emerging tickborne zoonoses that affect both humans and animals. Knowledge of the geographic distribution and prevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wisconsin is important information as a baseline for future comparisons. Reported human cases between 2009 and 2015 were identified using the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) and mapped by county of residence. Vector surveillance was established using ticks collected from animals by partners, including veterinary medical clinics, domestic animal shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation centers from 40 Wisconsin counties. A total of 1835 Ixodes scapularis tick specimens (larvae, nymphs, and adults) were collected from 18 different domestic and wildlife species from July 2011 to November 2015. An additional 1136 nymphs were collected by drag sampling at 23 locations in 19 counties in 2015. A real-time PCR assay that detects and distinguishes several Ehrlichia species, including a pathogenic Ehrlichia muris-like agent (EMLA), and A. phagocytophilum was performed on adult and nymphal ticks. A total of 757 I. scapularis ticks (predominately adults) were tested from animal collections, with 67 (8.9%) individuals positive for A. phagocytophilum and 22 (2.9%) positive for EMLA DNA. Of the 1150 questing nymphs, 62 (5.4%) were positive for A. phagocytophilum and 10 (0.9%) were positive for EMLA DNA. Specimens of I. scapularis that were positive for A. phagocytophilum were found in 27 of the 33 counties surveyed. Specimens that were positive for EMLA were less common and were found in nine counties. This study provides the first statewide survey of I. scapularis ticks for these pathogens and indicates that the risk of human exposure is widely distributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby S Murphy
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Xia Lee
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Scott R Larson
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Diep K Hoang Johnson
- 2 Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Theoren Loo
- 2 Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services , Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Susan M Paskewitz
- 1 Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin
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Jara RF, Wydeven AP, Samuel MD. Gray Wolf Exposure to Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases in Wisconsin with Comparison to Domestic Dogs and Humans. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165836. [PMID: 27898670 PMCID: PMC5127498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
World-wide concern over emerging vector-borne diseases has increased in recent years for both animal and human health. In the United Sates, concern about vector-borne diseases in canines has focused on Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and heartworm which infect domestic and wild canids. Of these diseases, Lyme and anaplasmosis are also frequently diagnosed in humans. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) recolonized Wisconsin in the 1970s, and we evaluated their temporal and geographic patterns of exposure to these four vector-borne diseases in Wisconsin as the population expanded between 1985 and 2011. A high proportion of the Wisconsin wolves were exposed to the agents that cause Lyme (65.6%) and anaplasma (47.7%), and a smaller proportion to ehrlichiosis (5.7%) and infected with heartworm (9.2%). Wolf exposure to tick borne diseases was consistently higher in older animals. Wolf exposure was markedly higher than domestic dog (Canis familiaris) exposure for all 4 disease agents during 2001–2013. We found a cluster of wolf exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi in northwestern Wisconsin, which overlaps human and domestic dog clusters for the same pathogen. In addition, wolf exposure to Lyme disease in Wisconsin has increased, corresponding with the increasing human incidence of Lyme disease in a similar time period. Despite generally high prevalence of exposure none of these diseases appear to have slowed the growth of the Wisconsin wolf population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio F. Jara
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Adrian P. Wydeven
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Retired, Ashland, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Samuel
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Serological and molecular investigation of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in ticks and blood of dogs, in the Thrace Region of Turkey. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:706-714. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Best Practices for Preventing Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs and Humans. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:43-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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21
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O'Nion VL, Montilla HJ, Qurollo BA, Maggi RG, Hegarty BC, Tornquist SJ, Breitschwerdt EB. Potentially novel Ehrlichia species in horses, Nicaragua. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 21:335-8. [PMID: 25625228 PMCID: PMC4313632 DOI: 10.3201/eid2102.140290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia sp. DNA was amplified from 4 Ehrlichia-seroreactive horses from Mérida, Nicaragua. Sequencing of 16S rDNA, sodB, and groEL genes indicated that the bacterium is most likely a novel Ehrlichia species. The tick vector and the potential for canine and human infection remain unknown.
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22
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Starkey LA, Barrett AW, Beall MJ, Chandrashekar R, Thatcher B, Tyrrell P, Little SE. Persistent Ehrlichia ewingii infection in dogs after natural tick infestation. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:552-5. [PMID: 25776536 PMCID: PMC4895497 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ehrlichia ewingii, which causes disease in dogs and people, is the most common Ehrlichia spp. infecting dogs in the United States, but little is known about how long E. ewingii infection persists in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate the persistence of natural infection with E. ewingii in dogs. Animals Four Class A Beagles; no previous exposure to ticks or tick‐borne infectious agents. Methods Dogs were exposed to ticks by weekly walks through tick habitat in north central Oklahoma; dogs positive for infection with Ehrlichia spp. by sequence‐confirmed PCR and peptide‐specific serology were evaluated for 733 days (D). Whole blood was collected once weekly for PCR, and serum was collected once monthly for detection of antibodies to Ehrlichia canis (peptide p16), Ehrlichia chaffeensis (indirect fluorescence antibody [IFA] and variable‐length PCR target [VLPT]), and E. ewingii (peptide p28). Results All dogs (4/4) became infected with Ehrlichia spp. as evidenced by seroconversion on IFA to E. chaffeensis (4/4); PCR detection of E. ewingii (4/4) and E. chaffeensis (2/4) DNA using both nested and real‐time assays; and presence of specific antibodies to E. ewingii (4/4) and E. chaffeensis (2/4). Infection with E. chaffeensis was not detected after D55. Intermittent E. ewingii rickettsemia persisted in 3 of 4 dogs for as long as 733 days. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Our data demonstrate that dogs infected with E. ewingii from tick feeding are capable of maintaining infection with this pathogen long‐term, and may serve as a reservoir host for the maintenance of E. ewingii in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Starkey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
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23
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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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Starkey LA, Barrett AW, Chandrashekar R, Stillman BA, Tyrrell P, Thatcher B, Beall MJ, Gruntmeir JM, Meinkoth JH, Little SE. Development of antibodies to and PCR detection of Ehrlichia spp. in dogs following natural tick exposure. Vet Microbiol 2014; 173:379-84. [PMID: 25213230 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dogs exposed to ticks in the southern US may become infected with multiple species of Ehrlichia. To better define infection risk, blood samples collected from 10 dogs infested with ticks via a natural infestation model were evaluated by blood smear examination, PCR, patient-side ELISAs (SNAP® 4Dx® and SNAP® 4Dx® Plus), IFA, and peptide based ELISA for evidence of infection with Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, and/or E. ewingii. Although morulae were rarely identified in blood smears, every dog (10/10) became infected with Ehrlichia spp. as evidenced by nested PCR detection of E. chaffeensis (7/10) and E. ewingii DNA (10/10); real-time PCR detection of E. chaffeensis (0/10) and E. ewingii (9/10); seroconversion on two different patient-side ELISAs (4/10 or 10/10); seroconversion on IFA to E. canis (10/10, maximum inverse titer=128-4096, GMTMAX=548.7) and E. chaffeensis (10/10, maximum inverse titer=1024-32,768, GMTMAX=4096); and seroconversion on peptide specific ELISA to E. chaffeensis VLPT (7/10) and E. ewingii p28 (9/10). Rickettsemia with E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii, as determined by nested PCR, persisted in dogs for an average of 3.2 or 30.5 days, respectively. Ehrlichia canis was not detected in any dog by any method, and no dogs developed signs of clinical disease. Our data suggest that in areas where ticks are common, dogs are at high risk of infection with Ehrlichia spp., particularly E. ewingii and E. chaffeensis, and can serve as a sentinel for monitoring for the presence of these zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Starkey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Anne W Barrett
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeff M Gruntmeir
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - James H Meinkoth
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Carmichael RC, Duell JR, Holbrook TC, Herrin BH, Leutenegger CM, O'Connor TP, Little SE. Antibodies Reactive toEhrlichiaspp. Are Common in Oklahoma Horses. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:552-6. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Carmichael
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Jason R. Duell
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Todd C. Holbrook
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Brian H. Herrin
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | | | | | - Susan E. Little
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
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26
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Stillman BA, Monn M, Liu J, Thatcher B, Foster P, Andrews B, Little S, Eberts M, Breitschwerdt EB, Beall MJ, Chandrashekar R. Performance of a commercially available in-clinic ELISA for detection of antibodies againstAnaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, andEhrlichia ewingiiandDirofilaria immitisantigen in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014; 245:80-6. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.245.1.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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27
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Breitschwerdt EB, Hegarty BC, Qurollo BA, Saito TB, Maggi RG, Blanton LS, Bouyer DH. Intravascular persistence of Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Ehrlichia ewingii DNA in the blood of a dog and two family members. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:298. [PMID: 24984562 PMCID: PMC4089936 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys, and ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, the "Panola Mountain Ehrlichia" and Ehrlichia muris-like pathogens have been identified as emerging tick borne infectious diseases in dogs and human patients. Persistent intravascular infection with these bacteria is well documented in dogs, but is less well documented in human beings. Methods Serology and PCR targeting multiple microbial genes, followed by DNA sequencing, was used to test sequential blood samples. Tissue culture isolation was attempted in two laboratories. Results A. platys, E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingii DNA was amplified from two Anaplasma and Ehrlichia seronegative family members and their dog, all lacking typical symptoms of anaplasmosis or ehrlichiosis. Following treatment with doxycycline, the dog and mother were Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. PCR negative. Conclusions Sequential PCR testing provided molecular evidence supporting intravascular persistence of A. platys and Ehrlichia spp. in two humans and their dog. Diagnosticians and clinicians should consider the potential for co-infections due to these tick borne organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory and the Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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28
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Little SE, Beall MJ, Bowman DD, Chandrashekar R, Stamaris J. Canine infection with Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. in the United States, 2010-2012. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:257. [PMID: 24886589 PMCID: PMC4057565 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographic distribution of canine infection with vector-borne disease agents in the United States appears to be expanding. METHODS To provide an updated assessment of geographic trends in canine infection with Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia spp., and Anaplasma spp., we evaluated results from an average of 3,588,477 dogs tested annually by veterinarians throughout the United States from 2010 - 2012. RESULTS As in an earlier summary report, the percent positive test results varied by agent and region, with antigen of D. immitis and antibody to Ehrlichia spp. most commonly identified in the Southeast (2.9% and 3.2%, respectively) and antibody to both B. burgdorferi and Anaplasma spp. most commonly identified in the Northeast (13.3% and 7.1%, respectively) and upper Midwest (4.4% and 3.9%, respectively). Percent positive test results for D. immitis antigen were lower in every region considered, including in the Southeast, than previously reported. Percent positive test results for antibodies to B. burgdorferi and Ehrlichia spp. were higher nationally than previously reported, and, for antibodies to Anaplasma spp., were higher in the Northeast but lower in the Midwest and West, than in the initial report. Annual reports of human cases of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis were associated with percent positive canine test results by state for each respective tick-borne disease agent (R2=0.701, 0.457, and 0.314, respectively). Within endemic areas, percent positive test results for all three tick-borne agents demonstrated evidence of geographic expansion. CONCLUSIONS Continued national monitoring of canine test results for vector-borne zoonotic agents is an important tool for accurately mapping the geographic distribution of these agents, and greatly aids our understanding of the veterinary and public health threats they pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Room 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | | - Dwight D Bowman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Irwin PJ. It shouldn't happen to a dog … or a veterinarian: clinical paradigms for canine vector-borne diseases. Trends Parasitol 2013; 30:104-12. [PMID: 24388563 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) comprise a diverse group of viral, bacterial, protozoal, and helminth pathogens, transmitted predominantly by ticks and fleas, and cause significant health problems for dogs worldwide. Growing numbers of reports indicate that CVBDs are emerging in regions where they previously did not exist and this, combined with pathogens that are inherently difficult to detect, is providing companion animal veterinarians with some significant diagnostic challenges. This review discusses six paradigms concerning the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and zoonotic implications of CVBDs from a veterinary clinical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Irwin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
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Allison RW, Little SE. Diagnosis of rickettsial diseases in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Pathol 2013; 42:127-44. [DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robin W. Allison
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology; Center for Veterinary Health Sciences; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater; OK; USA
| | - Susan E. Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology; Center for Veterinary Health Sciences; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater; OK; USA
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Abstract
"One Health" is a term that encapsulates and underscores the inherent interrelatedness of the health of people, animals, and the environment. Vector-borne infections are central in one health. Many arthropod vectors readily feed on humans and other animals, serving as an ideal conduit to move pathogens between a wide spectrum of potential hosts. As ecological niches flux, opportunities arise for vectors to interact with novel species, allowing infectious agents to broaden both geographic and host ranges. Habitat change has been linked to the emergence of novel human and veterinary disease agents, and can dramatically facilitate expansion opportunities by allowing existing vector populations to flourish and by supporting the establishment of new pathogen maintenance systems. At the same time, control efforts can be hindered by the development of parasiticide and pesticide resistance, foiling efforts to meet these challenges. Using examples drawn from representative diseases important in one health in the Americas, including rickettsial infections, Lyme borreliosis, Chagas disease, and West Nile virus, this paper reviews key aspects of vector-borne disease maintenance cycles that present challenges for one health in the Americas, including emergence of vector-borne disease agents, the impact of habitat change on vector-borne disease transmission, and the complexities faced in developing effective control programs. Novel strategies will be required to effectively combat these infections in the future if we are to succeed in the goal of fostering an environment which supports healthy animals and healthy people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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