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Latrofa MS, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Louzada-Flores VN, Iatta R, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Roura X, Zatelli A, Epis S, Bandi C, Otranto D. Interaction between Wolbachia pipientis and Leishmania infantum in heartworm infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:77. [PMID: 36850014 PMCID: PMC9972713 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05662-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wolbachia is a Gram-negative endosymbiont associated with several species of arthropods and filarioid nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis. This endosymbiont may elicit a Th1 response, which is a component of the immunity against Leishmania infantum. METHODS To investigate the interactions between Wolbachia of D. immitis and L. infantum in naturally infected dogs and cytokine circulation, dogs without clinical signs (n = 187) were selected. Dogs were tested for microfilariae (mfs) by Knott, for female antigens of D. immitis by SNAP, and for anti-L. infantum antibodies by IFAT and assigned to four groups. Dogs of group 1 (G1) and 2 (G2) were positive for D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Dogs of group 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) were negative to D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Wolbachia and L. infantum DNA was quantified by real-time PCR (qPCR) in dog blood samples. A subset of dogs (n = 65) was examined to assess pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production using an ELISA test. RESULTS Of 93 dogs positive to D. immitis with circulating mfs, 85% were positive to Wolbachia, with the highest amount of DNA detected in G1 and the lowest in dogs with low mfs load in G1 and G2. Among dogs positive to L. infantum, 66% from G1 showed low antibody titer, while 48.9% from G3 had the highest antibody titer. Of 37 dogs positive to Wolbachia from G1, 26 (70.3%) had low antibody titers to L. infantum (1:160). Among cytokines, TNFα showed the highest mean concentration in G1 (246.5 pg/ml), IFNγ being the one most represented (64.3%). IL-10 (1809.5 pg/ml) and IL-6 (123.5 pg/ml) showed the highest mean concentration in dogs from G1. A lower percentage of dogs producing IL-4 was observed in all groups examined, with the highest mean concentration (2794 pg/ml) recorded in G2. CONCLUSION Results show the association of D. immitis and Wolbachia with the lower antibody titers of L. infantum in co-infected dogs, suggesting the hypothesis that the endosymbiont may affect the development of the patent leishmaniosis. However, due to the limitations associated with the heterogeneity of naturally infected dogs in field conditions, results should be validated by investigation on experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania Latrofa
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Iatta
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Xavier Roura
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Pediatric CRC ‘Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Pediatric CRC ‘Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Pérez-Ramírez RD, Lugo-Vargas R, Petano-Duque JM, Cruz-Méndez JS, Rondón-Barragán IS. First study on microscopic and molecular detection of Acanthocheilonema reconditum and Leishmania infantum coinfection in dogs in Southwest Colombia. Vet World 2023; 16:94-103. [PMID: 36855357 PMCID: PMC9967715 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.94-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Canine vector-borne diseases represent an important issue for the welfare and health of animals, but also have great zoonotic potential. These diseases are caused by bacteria, nematodes such as filariae, and other parasites such as Leishmania spp. Given the difficulty in differentiating common microfilariae in dogs by microscopy and serological methods, molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing should be valuable for reaching a reliable diagnosis. This study aimed to use microscopy and PCR to identify the microfilarial species in dogs from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and a possible association with Leishmania infantum parasites. Materials and Methods This study was conducted on 270 dogs from Pradera and Florida municipalities. Microfilariae were detected in dogs by optical microscopy and amplification with 5.8S-ITS2-28S. Species identification was achieved through the amplification of the gene cytochrome oxidase I (COX1). Results Microscopic detection of microfilariae was possible in 4.81% (13/270) of the dogs. In addition, by PCR of COX1 and Sanger sequencing of ITS2, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was identified as the circulating microfilarial species in 12 dogs, coinfecting with the species L. infantum (Leishmania donovani complex). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on A. reconditum and L. infantum mixed infection in dogs in Colombia, particularly in the Valle del Cauca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Dario Pérez-Ramírez
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo Lugo-Vargas
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Julieth Michel Petano-Duque
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Juan Sebastian Cruz-Méndez
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia,Poultry Research Group, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia
| | - Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán
- Research Group in Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia,Poultry Research Group, Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Universidad del Tolima, Santa Helena Highs, Ibagué-Tolima, Colombia,Corresponding author: Iang Schroniltgen Rondón-Barragán, e-mail: Co-authors: RDP: , RL: , JMP: , JSC:
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Saini I, Joshi J, Kaur S. Unwelcome prevalence of leishmaniasis with several other infectious diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Urbani L, Tirolo A, Balboni A, Troia R, Dondi F, Battilani M. Concomitant Infections With Canine Parvovirus Type 2 and Intracellular Tick-Borne Pathogens in Two Puppy Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:964177. [PMID: 35928114 PMCID: PMC9343697 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.964177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report the concomitant infection with canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis in two puppy dogs from Southern Italy is described. Dogs were referred to a veterinary university hospital for the acute onset of lethargy and gastrointestinal signs. A complete clinical and clinicopathological evaluation was carried out and the multiple infection was confirmed by microscopic detection of inclusion bodies in peripheral blood smear, rapid immunoenzymatic tests, indirect fluorescent antibody tests, and molecular assays. Sequence analysis revealed that the CPV-2 identified belonged to the 2c variant and had amino acid residues in the predicted VP2 protein typical of “Asian-like” strains widespread in Asia and occasionally reported in Romania, Nigeria and Italy, particularly in the region of Sicily. Numerous monocytes were infected by both H. canis gamonts and E. canis morulae, suggesting that this co-infection is not accidental and that E. canis preferably infects those cells parasitized by H. canis. The clinical presentation of these animals was severe but supportive cares associated with early etiological therapy allowed a good prognosis. Movement of puppies from geographic areas where vector-borne pathogens are endemic must be carefully evaluated and core vaccinations and ectoparasite prevention treatments must be rigorously adopted.
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Lymphatic filariasis and visceral leishmaniasis coinfection: A review on their epidemiology, therapeutic, and immune responses. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106117. [PMID: 34464587 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Coinfection is less commonly observed in individuals around the world, yet it is more common than the single infection. Around 800 million people worldwide are infected with helminths as a result of various diseases. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are chronic, deadly, crippling, and debilitating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that are endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Due to poor hygienic conditions, poverty, and genetic predisposition, those living in endemic areas are more likely to develop both leishmaniasis and filariasis. One of the key challenges in the management of LF/VL coinfection is the development of an effective therapeutic strategy that not only treats the first episode of VL but also prevents LF. However, there is a scarcity of knowledge and data on the relationship between LF and VL coinfection. While reviewing it was apparent that only a few studies relevant to LF/VL coinfections have been reported from southeastern Spain, Sudan, and the Indian subcontinents, highlighting the need for greater research in the most affected areas. We also looked at LF and VL as a single disease and also as a coinfection. Some features of the immune response evolved in mammalian hosts against LF and VL alone or against coinfection are also discussed, including epidemiology, therapeutic regimens, and vaccines. In addition to being potentially useful in clinical research, our findings imply the need for improved diagnostic methodology and therapeutics, which could accelerate the deployment of more specific and effective diagnosis for treatments to lessen the impact of VL/LF coinfections in the population.
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Beasley EA, Pessôa-Pereira D, Scorza BM, Petersen CA. Epidemiologic, Clinical and Immunological Consequences of Co-Infections during Canine Leishmaniosis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113206. [PMID: 34827938 PMCID: PMC8614518 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), the most severe, visceralizing form of disease caused by Leishmania infantum transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. CanL is frequently diagnosed in the Mediterranean basin and South America, although it is also found in other regions, including the United States (U.S.). Dogs in these regions are at risk for co-infections, prominently tick-borne diseases. Our review examines epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic mechanisms found during the most common eight CanL co-infections reported in published literature. Co-infections alter immunologic processes and disease progression impacting CanL diagnosis, therapeutic responses, and prognosis. Abstract Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a vector-borne, parasitic disease. CanL is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and South America but also found in Northern Africa, Asia, and the U.S. Regions with both competent sand fly vectors and L. infantum parasites are also endemic for additional infectious diseases that could cause co-infections in dogs. Growing evidence indicates that co-infections can impact immunologic responses and thus the clinical course of both CanL and the comorbid disease(s). The aim for this review is to summarize epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic factors contributing to eight primary co-infections reported with CanL: Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, Paracoccidioides braziliensis. Co-infection causes mechanistic differences in immunity which can alter diagnostics, therapeutic management, and prognosis of dogs with CanL. More research is needed to further explore immunomodulation during CanL co-infection(s) and their clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A. Beasley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Danielle Pessôa-Pereira
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Breanna M. Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Correspondence:
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Potential co-infection of Wolbachia with Leishmania among sand fly vectors caught from endemic leishmaniasis foci in Fars province, southern Iran. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:817-822. [PMID: 34475664 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases in the tropical region of many countries in the world. The etiological agents (Leishmania parasites) of the disease are transmitted to human and other vertebrate hosts by infectious bites of female phlebotomine sand flies. On the other hand, some symbiotic microorganisms such as Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) may be transmitted vertically in many arthropods and may cause synergistic or antagonistic effects on epidemiology of the vector-borne diseases. Hence, in the present study, potential coinfection of Wolbachia with Leishmania in the sand fly vectors will be examined by PCR technique in the important leishmaniasis foci of Fars province in southern Iran, as a new feature for the disease long-term control. Sand flies were collected by sticky traps from indoor and outdoor locations of 5 different areas of Fars province during 2018 and 2019. DNAs of sand flies were extracted and PCR method was performed based on primers which were designed from surface proteins (WSP) genome region for Wolbachia and minicircle kDNA gene for Leishmania detections. At last, PCR products were sequenced and recorded in the GenBank. Out of 1002 sand flies caught from 5 different foci of Fars province, 909 male and female and 386 female sand flies' DNAs were extracted for detection of Wolbachia and Leishmania by PCR, respectively. Accordingly, out of the total 44 pools prepared from sand flies, 6 out of 28 pools form P. papatasi female were positive for Wolbachia in Shiraz, Marvdasht and Kharameh. However, none of female sand flies were positive for Leishmania. The study also focused on monitoring of sand flies co-infection of Wolbachia with Leishmania, which was not found in any of the studied samples. The negative results may be due to control strategies implemented which were done against Leishmaniasis in the studied areas during last years.
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Oliveira VDC, Junior AAVM, Ferreira LC, Calvet TMQ, dos Santos SA, Figueiredo FB, Campos MP, Rodrigues FDCDC, de Oliveira RDVC, de Lemos ERS, Rozental T, da Silva RG, Amendoeira MRR, Teles-de-Freitas R, Bruno RV, Morgado FN, Miranda LDFC, Menezes RC. Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247560. [PMID: 33705437 PMCID: PMC7951870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, little is known about how co-infections with or co-seropositivities for other pathogens can influence aggravation of this disease. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of co-infections with or co-seropositivities for certain pathogens in dogs seropositive for L. infantum and their relationship with clinical signs, histological changes and L. infantum load. Sixty-six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to clinical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow, culling, and necropsy. Antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and Toxoplasma gondii and Dirofilaria immitis antigens were investigated in serum. Samples from different tissues were submitted to histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the detection of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the L. infantum load in spleen samples. For detection of Coxiella burnetii, conventional PCR and nested PCR were performed using bone marrow samples. All 66 dogs tested positive for L. infantum by qPCR and/or culture. Fifty dogs (76%) were co-seropositive for at least one pathogen: T. gondii (59%), Ehrlichia spp., (41%), and Anaplasma spp. (18%). Clinical signs were observed in 15 (94%) dogs monoinfected with L. infantum and in 45 (90%) dogs co-seropositive for certain pathogens. The L. infantum load in spleen and skin did not differ significantly between monoinfected and co-seropositive dogs. The number of inflammatory cells was higher in the spleen, lung and mammary gland of co-seropositive dogs and in the mitral valve of monoinfected dogs. These results suggest that dogs infected with L. infantum and co-seropositive for certain pathogens are common in the region studied. However, co-seropositivities for certain pathogens did not aggravate clinical signs or L. infantum load, although they were associated with a more intense inflammatory reaction in some organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luiz Claudio Ferreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Shanna Araujo dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tatiana Rozental
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rafaela Vieira Bruno
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM)/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Montoya-Alonso JA, Morchón R, Costa-Rodríguez N, Matos JI, Falcón-Cordón Y, Carretón E. Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:564429. [PMID: 33195540 PMCID: PMC7643126 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.564429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, climate change, modifications of landscapes and habitats due to human activities, as well as an increase in the movement of reservoirs and new species of competent vectors, have contributed to the spread of canine vector-borne diseases. These are mostly emerging and neglected diseases, some of them with zoonotic potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of four major canine vector-borne diseases (Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia canis) in Spain. Between September 2018 and February 2020, blood was sampled from 4643 client-owned dogs from 111 veterinary clinics from the 17 autonomous communities of Spain. All samples were tested for the detection of D. immitis antigens, and for antibodies against L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and E. canis. Of the studied dogs, 22.14% were positive for one or several diseases while the prevalence was 6.25% (CI: 5.59–6.98) for D. immitis, and the seroprevalences were 10.36% (CI: 9.52–11.27) for L. infantum, 5.06% (CI: 4.47–5.73) for Anaplasma spp., and 4.26% (CI: 3.72–4.88) for E. canis. Co-infections by two and three vector-borne diseases were reported in 13% and 2% of the infected dogs, respectively. The studied vector-borne diseases are widely distributed throughout the Spanish geography, being observed and expanding northward in the case of D. immitis and L. infantum. The results point to an insufficiency of preventive measures to avoid the infection, and the need of the implementation of awareness campaigns among veterinarians and owners. Furthermore, a close collaboration between veterinarians, physicians and health authorities would be necessary for such zoonotic vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Abstract
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a disease of clinical importance in dogs. It is to this end that a case of a seven-year-old mongrel with dirofilariasis was presented to examine the unique features and presentation in the canine patient in question. The dog had clinical signs consistent with the disease. Further diagnostic tests were performed to establish the presence and severity of the disease and make an appropriate treatment plan. The Knott’s test revealed Dirofilaria species in the circulating blood and radiography showed right ventricular hypertrophy with pulmonary arterial enlargement and increased bronchial opacification. The treatment instituted was ivermectin therapy by subcutaneous injection every two weeks for six months, cardiac glycoside and antibiotics for 14 days. The clinical signs resolved after completion of the treatment. A general overview of heartworm infection in dogs was also done to update current knowledge of the disease. Though the risk of significant propagation of Dirofilaria immitis is considered low, with the climate change and international pet travel regulations, this emerging zoonosis remains a threat.
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Laidoudi Y, Davoust B, Varloud M, Niang EHA, Fenollar F, Mediannikov O. Development of a multiplex qPCR-based approach for the diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:319. [PMID: 32571427 PMCID: PMC7309989 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum are the main causative agents of zoonotic canine filariosis. Methods We developed a combined multiplex approach for filaria and Wolbachia detection using the 28S-based pan-filarial and 16S-based pan-Wolbachia qPCRs, respectively, involving a fast typing method of positive samples using triplex qPCR targeting A. reconditum, D. immitis and D. repens, and a duplex qPCR targeting Wolbachia of D. immitis and D. repens. The approach was complemented by a duplex qPCR for the differential diagnosis of heartworms (D. immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum) and pan-filarial cox1 and pan-Wolbachia ftsZ PCRs to identify other filarial parasites and their Wolbachia, respectively. A total of 168 canine blood and sera samples were used to validate the approach. Spearmanʼs correlation was used to assess the association between filarial species and the strain of Wolbachia. Positive samples for both the heartworm antigen-test after heating sera and at least one DNA-positive for D. immitis and its Wolbachia were considered true positive for heartworm infection. Indeed, the presence of D. repens DNA or that of its Wolbachia as well as A. reconditum DNA indicates true positive infections. Results The detection limit for Wolbachia and filariae qPCRs ranged from 5 × 10−1 to 1.5 × 10−4 mf/ml of blood. When tested on clinical samples, 29.2% (49/168) tested positive for filariae or Wolbachia DNA. Filarial species and Wolbachia genotypes were identified by the combined multiplex approach from all positive samples. Each species of Dirofilaria was significantly associated with a specific genotype of Wolbachia. Compared to the true positives, the approach showed excellent agreement (k = 0.98–1). Unlike D. immitis DNA, no A. vasorum DNA was detected by the duplex qPCR. The immunochromatographic test for heartworm antigen showed a substantial (k = 0.6) and a weak (k = 0.15) agreements before and after thermal pre-treatment of sera, respectively. Conclusions The proposed approach is a reliable tool for the exploration and diagnosis of occult and non-occult canine filariosis. The current diagnosis of heartworm disease based on antigen detection should always be confirmed by qPCR essays. Sera heat pre-treatment is not effective and strongly discouraged.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 Avenue de la Ballastière, 33500, Libourne, France
| | - El Hadji Amadou Niang
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,VITROME, UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, SSA, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France. .,IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.
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12
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Anvari D, Narouei E, Daryani A, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Ziaei Hezarjaribi H, Narouei MR, Gholami S. The global status of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on published articles. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:104-116. [PMID: 32330696 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic filarial nematode responsible for heartworm disease in domestic as well as wild canines and felines and pulmonary or cutaneous infections in humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the status of D. immitis in dogs based on available literature. Four English language databases (ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Science Direct) containing data on D. immitis prevalence in dogs were thoroughly searched resulting in the inclusion of 193 studies. The findings revealed that the pooled and weighted prevalence of D. immitis infection in dog population based on published papers throughout the world was 10.91% (95% CI=10.18-11.65). In addition, subgroup analysis based on meta-regression revealed that a significant difference between the pooled and weighted prevalence of D. immitis in dogs and country (β =0.14, P=0.049). Given the relatively high prevalence of D. immitis infection in dogs and its adverse effects, it is suggested that to perform more research on the prevention and control of dirofilariasis infection in dogs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davood Anvari
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran.
| | - Elahe Narouei
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Science Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Shirzad Gholami
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Leishmania infection in cats positive for immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus in an endemic region of Iran. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020; 20:100387. [PMID: 32448520 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bezerra JAB, Oliveira IVPDM, Yamakawa AC, Nilsson MG, Tomaz KLR, Oliveira KDSD, Rocha CSD, Calabuig CIP, Fornazari F, Langoni H, Antunes JMADP. Serological and molecular investigation of Leishmania spp. infection in cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:790-796. [PMID: 31691733 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. antibodies, and its association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), in domestic cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Ninety-one cats were subjected to a complete clinical exam, and blood samples were collected. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to investigate the risk factors. IgG anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies were detected by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cut-off value of 1:40. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect genetic material of Leishmania spp. in the blood samples. The presence of antibodies against FIV and antigens of FeLV was evaluated using an immunochromatographic test. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp., FIV, and FeLV was observed in 14/91 (15.38%), 26/91 (28.57%), and 3/91 (3.29%) cats, respectively. All samples gave negative results on PCR analysis. Based on these data, no significant statistical association was observed between seropositivity for Leishmania spp., and sex, age, presence of clinical signs, evaluated risk factors, and positivity for retroviruses. These findings demonstrated for the first time that cats from Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, are being exposed to this zoonosis and might be part of the epidemiological chain of transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Artur Brilhante Bezerra
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Carolina Yamakawa
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Mariana Guimarães Nilsson
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Klívio Loreno Raulino Tomaz
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Célio Souza da Rocha
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Cecília Irene Perez Calabuig
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Felipe Fornazari
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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15
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Pennisi MG. Leishmaniosis. FELINE DERMATOLOGY 2020. [PMCID: PMC7294574 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-29836-4_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. affecting cats include L. infantum, L. mexicana, L. venezuelensis, L. amazonensis, and L. braziliensis. Leishmania infantum is the species most frequently reported in cats and causes feline leishmaniosis (FeL). Cats exposed to L. infantum are able to mount a cell-mediated immune response that does not parallel antibody production. Cats with L. infantum-associated clinical disease have positive blood PCR and low to very high antibody levels. About half of the clinical cases of FeL are diagnosed in cats with impaired immunocompetence. Skin or mucocutaneous lesions are the most common clinical findings; however, FeL is a systemic disease. Skin or mucocutaneous lesions and lymph node enlargement are seen in at least half of cases, ocular or oral lesions and some aspecific signs (weight loss, anorexia, lethargy) in about 20–30% of cases, and many other clinical signs (e.g., respiratory, gastrointestinal) are sporadically observed. Ulcerative and nodular lesions due to diffuse granulomatous dermatitis are the most frequent skin manifestations, mainly distributed on the head or symmetrically on the distal limbs. Diagnosis can be obtained by cytology and histology, and immunohistochemistry is useful to confirm the causative role of Leishmania infection in the dermopathological manifestations; however, other skin diseases may coexist with FeL. Polymerase chain reaction is used in case of suggestive lesions with lack of parasites and for Leishmania speciation. Comorbidities, coinfections, and chronic renal disease influence the prognosis and should be investigated. Treatment is currently based on the same drugs used for canine leishmaniosis, and generally clinical cure is obtained; however recurrence is possible.
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Sabūnas V, Radzijevskaja J, Sakalauskas P, Petkevičius S, Karvelienė B, Žiliukienė J, Lipatova I, Paulauskas A. Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Lithuania. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:177. [PMID: 30999960 PMCID: PMC6472076 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3406-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Lithuania, the first case of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis was recorded in 2010. Since then, an increasing number of cases of canine dirofilariosis have been documented in different veterinary clinics throughout the country. Human dirofilariosis was diagnosed in Lithuania for the first time in September 2011. However, to the authors' knowledge, there are no published data on the presence and prevalence of autochthonous dirofilariosis in dogs and humans in the country. The present study provides information about the predominant species and prevalence of Dirofilaria in dogs and describes the cases of human dirofilariosis in Lithuania. It also outlines PCR detection of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia that contributes to the inflammatory features of filarioid infection. RESULTS A total of 2280 blood samples and six adult worms from pet and shelter dogs were collected in the central and eastern regions of Lithuania in 2013-2015. Based on their morphological appearance, morphometric measurements and molecular analysis, all the adult nematodes were identified as Dirofilaria repens. The diagnosis of microfilariae in blood samples was based on blood smear analysis and Knott's test. The PCR and sequence analysis of the ribosomal DNA ITS2 region and cox1 gene confirmed the presence of D. repens. Overall, 61 (2.7%) of the 2280 blood samples were found to be positive for the presence of D. repens. The infection rate of D. repens was significantly higher in shelter dogs (19.0%; 19/100) than in pet dogs (1.9%; 42/2180) (χ2 = 100.039, df = 1, P < 0.0001). Forty-nine DNA samples of D. repens-infected dogs were tested for the presence of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia and, of these, 40 samples (81.6%) were found to be positive. Three ocular and six subcutaneous cases of human dirofilariosis were diagnosed in Lithuania in the period 2011-2018. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of autochthonous D. repens infection in dogs and humans in Lithuania. The present data demonstrate that D. repens is the main etiological agent of dirofilariosis in Lithuania. The DNA of the filarioid endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was detected in the vast majority of dogs infected with D. repens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vytautas Sabūnas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Linas Veterinary Clinic, Debreceno str. 5, 94175 Klaipėda, Lithuania
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Povilas Sakalauskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Petkevičius
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Birutė Karvelienė
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jolanta Žiliukienė
- National Public Health Surveillance Laboratory, Žolyno str. 36, 10210 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Indrė Lipatova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Abbate JM, Napoli E, Arfuso F, Gaglio G, Giannetto S, Halos L, Beugnet F, Brianti E. Six-month field efficacy and safety of the combined treatment of dogs with Frontline Tri-Act® and NexGard Spectra®. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:425. [PMID: 30012179 PMCID: PMC6048810 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2957-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safety and efficacy of the combined monthly use of spot-on fipronil 6.76% w/v / permethrin 50.48% w/v (Frontline Tri-Act®) and chewable tablets of afoxolaner 1.9% w/w / milbemycin oxime 0.4% w/w (NexGard Spectra®) in dogs was evaluated in a field study over a period of 6 months. METHODS Forty-one healthy dogs living in highly endemic area for canine leishmaniosis and other canine vector borne diseases (VBD) were included in the study at the beginning of the Leishmania transmission season. Sixteen dogs were pet dogs living each in a single household; twenty-five dogs were hunting dogs living in three kennels. At inclusion, the dogs were ELISA (rapid test) negative for antibodies to Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and for antigens of Dirofilaria. The dogs were also negative for blood microfilariae at the Knott's test, and no clinical or haematological abnormalities were observed. Of the included dogs, six hunting, apparently healthy, dogs were ELISA (rapid test) positive to Leishmania, and some were naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes (58.5%) and/or infested by fleas (58.5%) and ticks (9.8%). All the included dogs were treated at Days 0, 28, 56, 84, 112 and 140, and followed-up for efficacy until the study end (Day 168). RESULTS No adverse events related to the two products, nor skin reactions, general signs, or changes in the haematological profile, were observed during the study. At Day 14, anthelminthic efficacy was 100% for Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina and Capillaria aerophila, while few hunting dogs were still shedding eggs of Trichuris vulpis (1/25 hunting dog) and Ancylostomatidae (9/25 hunting dogs). All pet dogs were nematode free at the end of the study. Hunting dogs were free of roundworms and whipworms. Twenty-four hours after the first treatment, 95.8% of the ectoparasite infested dogs were free from fleas and ticks. Ectoparasites were significantly controlled during the 6-month study period, with 100% efficacy on both fleas and ticks from Day 56 to Day 168. Blood and serum samples collected on Day 168 were tested for vector-borne pathogens using same methods of the inclusion and no new seroconversions or circulating blood microfilariae were observed. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant use of Frontline Tri-Act® and NexGard Spectra® in dogs for six months was well tolerated. The combination was effective in controlling fleas, ticks, gastro-intestinal nematodes, and neither new seroconversion to the tested vector-borne pathogens nor blood microfilariae were detected in treated dogs at the end of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Abbate
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giannetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Lenaig Halos
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Av Tony Garnier, Lyon, France
| | - Frederic Beugnet
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Av Tony Garnier, Lyon, France
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Baxarias M, Álvarez-Fernández A, Martínez-Orellana P, Montserrat-Sangrà S, Ordeix L, Rojas A, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Solano-Gallego L. Does co-infection with vector-borne pathogens play a role in clinical canine leishmaniosis? Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:135. [PMID: 29554918 PMCID: PMC5859550 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum might be affected by other vector-borne organisms that mimic its clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens based on serological and molecular techniques in dogs with clinical leishmaniosis living in Spain and to associate them with clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities as well as disease severity. METHODS Sixty-one dogs with clinical leishmaniosis and 16 apparently healthy dogs were tested for Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Bartonella henselae antigens by the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and filarioid DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Among the dogs examined by IFAT, the seroprevalences were: 69% for R. conorii, 57% for E. canis, 44% for A. phagocytophilum and 37% for B. henselae; while the prevalences found by PCR were: 8% for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, 3% for Anaplasma platys and 1% for H. canis. No other pathogen DNA was detected. Statistical association was found between dogs with clinical leishmaniosis and seroreactivity to R. conorii antigen (Fisher's exact test: P = 0.025, OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1-17) and A. phagocytophilum antigen (Fisher's exact test: P = 0.002, OR = 14.3, 95% CI = 2-626) and being positive to more than one serological or molecular tests (co-infections) (Mann-Whitney test: U = 243, Z = -2.6, n 1 = 14, n 2 = 61, P = 0.01) when compared with healthy dogs. Interestingly, a statistical association was found between the presence of R. conorii, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum and B. henselae antibodies in sick dogs and some clinicopathological abnormalities such as albumin and albumin/globulin ratio decrease and increase in serum globulins. Furthermore, seroreactivity with A. phagocytophilum antigens was statistically associated with CanL clinical stages III and IV. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that dogs with clinical leishmaniosis from Catalonia (Spain) have a higher rate of co-infections with other vector-borne pathogens when compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, positivity to some vector-borne pathogens was associated with more marked clinicopathological abnormalities as well as disease severity with CanL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baxarias
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Pamela Martínez-Orellana
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sara Montserrat-Sangrà
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Ordeix
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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DA Rocha NO, Lambert SM, Dias-Lima AG, Julião FS, Souza BMPS. Molecular detection of Wolbachia pipientis in natural populations of sandfly vectors of Leishmania infantum in endemic areas: first detection in Lutzomyia longipalpis. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 32:111-114. [PMID: 28799248 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A polymerase chain reaction-based method was used to screen sandflies for infection with Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), an intracellular bacterial endosymbiont found in many arthropods and filarial hosts. Positive results were obtained in five of 200 field-collected sandflies and were confirmed by sequencing. All sandflies were Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) captured in a region endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. This is the first study to identify Wolbachia infection in this Lutzomyia species, which is the main vector of leishmaniasis in the study area. The low infection rate found in this study (2.5%), together with the lack of detection of Wolbachia in previous studies and the diversity found in the sequences analysed, suggests horizontal transmission to these sandflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N O DA Rocha
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - S M Lambert
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - A G Dias-Lima
- Department of Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - F S Julião
- Department of Faculty of Zootecnia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Baiano, Santa Ines, Brazil
| | - B M P S Souza
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Pennisi MG, Persichetti MF. Feline leishmaniosis: Is the cat a small dog? Vet Parasitol 2018; 251:131-137. [PMID: 29426470 PMCID: PMC7130840 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is a vector-borne zoonotic disease transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and dogs are considered the main reservoir of the parasite. Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) caused by L. infantum is an emergent feline disease more and more frequently reported in endemic areas. This review summarizes current knowledge focusing similarities and differences with canine leishmaniosis (CanL). Cats are infected by the same Leishmania species than dogs but prevalence of the infection is lower and cases of disease are less frequently reported. Scarce information is available on adaptive immune response of cats naturally exposed to L. infantum infection and mechanisms responsible for susceptibility or resistance of feline hosts. However, about half of clinical cases of FeL are reported in cats with possible impaired immunocompetence. Coinfections or comorbidities are frequently detected in sick cats and they can contribute to a misrepresentation of clinical FeL albeit lesions associated with the presence of the parasite have been detected in skin, lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, liver, oral mucosa, stomach, large bowel, kidney, nasal exudate, lung, eye. As for dogs, skin or mucocutaneous lesions are the most common reason for veterinary consultation and finding on physical examination in cats with leishmaniosis. Molecular investigations of Leishmania DNA and anti- Leishmania antibody detection are largely used with the same methodologies for both CanL and FeL, however few information is available about their diagnostic performance in feline hosts. Treatment of cats with clinical FeL is still empirically based and off label by using the most common drugs prescribed to dogs. Life expectancy of cats with clinical FeL is usually good unless concurrent conditions or complications occur and prognosis does not seem significantly influenced by therapy or retroviral coinfection. According to current knowledge, cats can play a role as additional reservoir host of L. infantum and, in a « One Health » perspective, preventative measures should be taken. In conclusion, albeit feline infection and the associated cat disease caused by L. infantum is increasingly reported in endemic areas and have many similarities with CanL, consolidated evidence-based knowledge is not available and we cannot exclude that important differences between dogs and cats exist about transmission, immunopathogenesis and best practice for management and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina - Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina - Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri" - Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
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Maia C, Altet L, Serrano L, Cristóvão JM, Tabar MD, Francino O, Cardoso L, Campino L, Roura X. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum, filariae and Wolbachia spp. in dogs from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:170. [PMID: 27160085 PMCID: PMC4862134 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and dirofilariosis caused by the nematodes Dirofilaria immitis or Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonoses widely present in the Mediterranean basin. In addition, some studies reported that the endosymbiont Wolbachia spp. play a role in the biology and pathogenesis of filarial parasites. The aim of this work was to evaluate the frequency of mono- and co-infections by L. infantum, filariae and Wolbachia spp. and their association with clinical signs in dogs from the south of Portugal. Leishmanial, filarial and Wolbachia spp. DNA were evaluated by specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays in blood samples from 230 dogs. Findings One hundred and thirty-nine (60.4 %) dogs were qPCR-positive for L. infantum and 26 (11.3 %) for filariae (24 for D. immitis only, one D. immitis and for Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and another one for Acanthocheilonema reconditum only). Wolbachia spp. DNA was amplified from 16 (64.0 %) out of the 25 D. immitis-positive dogs. Nineteen (8.3 %) dogs were co-infected with L. infantum and D. immitis, including the one (0.4 %) A. drancunculoides-positive animal. In dogs without clinical signs consistent with leishmaniosis and/or dirofilariosis, L. infantum prevalence was 69 %, whereas in those dogs with at least one clinical manifestation compatible with any of the two parasitoses prevalence was 42.7 %. Leishmania prevalence was significantly higher in apparently healthy mongrels (77.2 %) and pets (76.9 %) than in defined-breed dogs (including crosses; 58.8 %) and in dogs with an aptitude other than pet (i.e. farm, guard, hunting, shepherd or stray), respectively, whereas in those dogs with at least one clinical sign, the detection of L. infantum DNA was higher in males (53.3 %) and in those dogs not receiving insect repellents (52.8 %). Conclusions The molecular detection of canine vector-borne disease (CVBD) agents, some of which are zoonotic, reinforces the need to implement efficient prophylactic measures, such as insect repellents and macrocyclic lactones (including compliance to administration), in the geographical areas where these agents are distributed, with the view to prevent infection and disease among mammalian hosts including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Laura Altet
- Vetgenomics, Parc de Recerca Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Serrano
- Vetgenomics, Parc de Recerca Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Olga Francino
- Vetgenomics, Parc de Recerca Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,SVGM, Departamento de Ciencia Animal y de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum and is a systemic disease, which can present with variable clinical signs, and clinicopathological abnormalities. Clinical manifestations can range from subclinical infection to very severe systemic disease. Leishmaniosis is categorized as a neglected tropical disease and the complex immune responses associated with Leishmania species makes therapeutic treatments and vaccine development challenging for both dogs and humans. In this review, we summarize innate and adaptive immune responses associated with L. infantum infection in dogs, and we discuss the problems associated with the disease as well as potential solutions and the future direction of required research to help control the parasite.
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Maia C, Coimbra M, Ramos C, Cristóvão JM, Cardoso L, Campino L. Serological investigation of Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from southern Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:152. [PMID: 25890353 PMCID: PMC4369833 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis, dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis are parasitic diseases of established importance in dogs worldwide. The aim of the present report was to determine all together levels of infection with or exposure to Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs from the Algarve region, in southern Portugal. Findings Serum samples were obtained from a total of 170 apparently healthy dogs. Antibodies to L. infantum were detected by the direct agglutination test; and antigens of D. immitis and of A. vasorum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an immunochromatography test, respectively. Antibodies to L. infantum were found in 18.2% (31/170) of dogs, while D. immitis antigen was detected in 9.4% (16/170). None of 120 dogs tested out of the 170 under investigation had evidence of infection with A. vasorum. D. immitis infection was more prevalent in dogs aged 84–204 months than in those younger than 12 months. Three dogs were positive to both L. infantum and D. immitis. Conclusions Dogs living in southern Portugal are at risk of leishmaniosis and dirofilariosis. This scenario should make the veterinary community, local dog owners and also tourists from non-endemic countries coming on vacation with their pets aware of the need of effective prophylactic measures, in order to protect animals and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, IHMT-UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias (ULHT), Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mónica Coimbra
- Clínica Veterinária Porto Seguro, Rua Patrão Joaquim Casaca, Edifício Majuca, 8700-507, Olhão, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Ramos
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Lenea Campino
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal. .,Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
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24
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Rojas A, Rojas D, Montenegro VM, Baneth G. Detection of Dirofilaria immitis and other arthropod-borne filarioids by an HRM real-time qPCR, blood-concentrating techniques and a serological assay in dogs from Costa Rica. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:170. [PMID: 25851920 PMCID: PMC4377020 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0783-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine filarioids are important nematodes transmitted to dogs by arthropods. Diagnosis of canine filariosis is accomplished by the microscopic identification of microfilariae, serology or PCR for filarial-DNA. The aim of this study was to evaluate a molecular assay for the detection of canine filariae in dog blood, to compare its performance to other diagnostic techniques, and to determine the relationship between microfilarial concentration and infection with other vector-borne pathogens. METHODS Blood samples from 146 dogs from Costa Rica were subjected to the detection of canine filarioids by four different methods: the microhematocrit tube test (MCT), Knott's modified test, serology and a high resolution melt and quantitative real-time PCR (HRM-qPCR). Co-infection with other vector-borne pathogens was also evaluated. RESULTS Fifteen percent of the dogs were positive to Dirofilaria immitis by at least one of the methods. The HRM-qPCR produced distinctive melting plots for the different filarial worms and revealed that 11.6% of dogs were infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The latter assay had a limit of detection of 2.4x10⁻⁴ mf/μl and detected infections with lower microfilarial concentrations in comparison to the microscopic techniques and the serological assay. The MCT and Knott's test only detected dogs with D. immitis microfilaremias above 0.7 mf/μl. Nevertheless, there was a strong correlation between the microfilarial concentration obtained by the Knott's modified test and the HRM-qPCR (r = 0.906, p < 0.0001). Interestingly, one dog was found infected with Cercopithifilaria bainae infection. Moreover, no association was found between microfilaremia and co-infection and there was no significant difference in microfilarial concentration between dogs infected only with D. immitis and dogs co-infected with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys or Babesia vogeli. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of A. reconditum and C. bainae in Costa Rica and Central America. Among the evaluated diagnostic techniques, the HRM-qPCR showed the most sensitive and reliable performance in the detection of blood filaroids in comparison to the Knott's modified test, the MCT test and a serological assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- />Departamento de Parasitología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box 11501–2060, San José, Costa Rica
- />Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
| | - Diana Rojas
- />Departamento de Parasitología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, P.O. Box 11501–2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Víctor M Montenegro
- />Laboratorio de Parasitología, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86–3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Gad Baneth
- />Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100 Israel
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Baneth G, Harrus S, Gal A, Aroch I. Canine vector-borne co-infections: Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in the same host monocytes. Vet Parasitol 2014; 208:30-4. [PMID: 25560923 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The protozoon Hepatozoon canis and the rickettsia Ehrlichia canis are tick-borne pathogens, transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which cause canine hepatozoonosis and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, respectively. Co-infection of the same host monocytes with H. canis and E. canis confirmed by molecular characterization of the infecting agents and quantitative assessment of co-infected cells is described for the first time in three naturally-infected dogs. Blood smear evaluation indicated that at least 50% of the leukocytes infected with H. canis gamonts contained E. canis morulae. Co-infection of the same host cell demonstrated in this report suggests that infection with one pathogen may permit or enhance invasion or prolonged cellular survival of the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arnon Gal
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Itamar Aroch
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
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26
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Landum M, Ferreira CC, Calado M, Alho AM, Maurício IL, Meireles JS, de Carvalho LM, Cunha C, Belo S. Detection of Wolbachia in Dirofilaria infected dogs in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2014; 204:407-10. [PMID: 24912954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Wolbachia pipiens, an intracellular endosymbiont bacteria of filarial nematodes, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of filarial diseases, in particular in heavy Dirofilaria spp. infections. Antibiotic therapy (doxycycline) against Wolbachia has been proven to be suitable adjunct therapy, prior to adulticide treatment of canine dirofilariosis. Despite its importance, investigation on the Wolbachia/Dirofilaria complex in Portugal had not been undertaken so far. This study reports the first detection of Wolbachia in Dirofilaria spp. infected dogs in the context of an ongoing epidemiological survey in central-south regions in the country. Wolbachia DNA was detected by PCR in 52.6% (20/38) of canine blood samples positive for Dirofilaria immitis based on parasitological (Knott's and Acid Phosphatase) and serological (Witness(®)Dirofilaria) methods. No Wolbachia DNA could be detected in samples from dogs with occult infections (parasite negative but antigen positive). The lack of Wolbachia detection in some microfilaremic dogs was somewhat unexpected and needs to be elucidated in further studies, as the presence or absence of these bacteria in association with microfilaria is of importance for veterinarians in the management and control of canine dirofilariosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Landum
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Helminthology and Malacology Group, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cátia C Ferreira
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Helminthology and Malacology Group, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Calado
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Helminthology and Malacology Group, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M Alho
- Laboratory of Parasitology, CIISA - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel L Maurício
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Helminthology and Malacology Group, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José S Meireles
- Laboratory of Parasitology, CIISA - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Parasitology, CIISA - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Celso Cunha
- Medical Microbiology Unit, Center for Malaria and Tropical Diseases, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Silvana Belo
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Helminthology and Malacology Group, Medical Parasitology & Microbiology Unit, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
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27
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Farrell M. Scientific writing - following guidelines. J Small Anim Pract 2013; 54:171-3. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Farrell
- Fitzpatrick Referrals; Halfway Lane, Eashing Godalming Surrey GU7 2QQ
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