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Panicker VP, Narayanan A, Sreedharan Nair AK, Krishnan A, Ajay N, Kumar V. Standardization of quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to detect the level of parasitaemia in Babesia gibsoni infected dogs. J Microbiol Methods 2024; 224:107009. [PMID: 39098402 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2024.107009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The present investigation aimed to quantitatively assess the level of parasitemia in dogs using qPCR.The dogs selected for this study were infected with the haemoprotozoan parasite Babesia gibsoni. In the study, dogs diagnosed with babesiosis were divided into two groups (n = 12) and subjected to distinct treatment strategies. The first group received clindamycin-metronidazole-doxycycline (CMD) therapy, while the second group was treated with a combination of buparvaquone-azithromycin (BPV-AZM). The level of parasitemia in the infected dogs was determined using an absolute quantification-based qPCR method. This assessment was conducted both prior to initiating the treatment and on the 10th day following the commencement of the treatment protocols. On the tenth day after the initiation of treatment, the CMD group exhibited a lower level of parasitemia in comparison to the BPV-AZM group. In the CMD treated groups, the mean parasitemia decreased from 4.9E + 06 to 3.4E + 06, indicating a reduction in parasitic load. Conversely, in the BPV-AZM treatment groups, the mean parasitemia increased from 1.62E + 06 to 2.87E + 06, suggesting an increase in parasitic load. On the 10th day, the CMD-treated group demonstrated a statistically significant decline in the level of parasitemia, with a P-value of ≤0.001. This indicates a strong and significant reduction in parasitic load following the CMD treatment. Therefore, the absolute quantification-based qPCR method could effectively assess the initial treatment response by measuring the level of parasitemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varuna Purushothama Panicker
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, India.
| | - Athira Narayanan
- University Veterinary Hospital & Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, India
| | - Ajith Kumar Sreedharan Nair
- University Veterinary Hospital & Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, India
| | - Anjaly Krishnan
- Project Scientist B, IHCI, NIE-ICMR, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Nimna Ajay
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, Wayanad, India
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Vijaykumar LK, Chikkachowdappa PG, Venkatappa MH, Gowda AKJ, Jacob SS, Mani S, Bayyappa MRG. Analysis of Genetic Diversity of cytb gene from Babesia gibsoni Isolates from Naturally Infected Dogs in Karnataka, India. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:375-383. [PMID: 38133744 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00757-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to investigate genetic diversity in Babesia gibsoni, the causative agent of canine babesiosis, and to assess the presence of atovaquone-resistant isolates in naturally infected dogs. METHODS A total of 24 blood samples confirmed for B. gibsoni infection was subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing based on cytb gene. Genetic characterization of B. gibsoni as well as attempts to detect the point mutation rendering atovaquone resistance was carried out based on the analysis of nucleotide sequence of cytb gene using bioinformatics software. RESULTS The findings indicated that the B. gibsoni isolates in the investigation exhibited a high nucleotide identity with the Asian genotype, ranging from 98.41 to 98.69%. Notably, none of the isolates carried cytb gene variants associated with atovaquone resistance. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of most isolates with those from Japan and China, except for one isolate forming a distinct subclade. Haplotype network analysis indicated a high diversity with 22 distinct haplotypes among the B. gibsoni isolates, emphasizing the genetic variability within the studied population. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the cytb gene exhibited remarkable conservation among the twenty-four B. gibsoni isolates studied and the study represents the first genetic diversity assessment of B. gibsoni using the cytb gene in dogs from India. These findings shed light on the genetic characteristics of B. gibsoni in the region and provide valuable insight for addressing the challenges posed by this life-threatening disease in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya K Vijaykumar
- Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560024, India
- Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560024, India
| | | | | | | | - Siju Susan Jacob
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Saminathan Mani
- ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, UP, 243122, India
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Dear JD, Birkenheuer A. Babesia in North America. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1193-1209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.07.016] [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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Strobl A, Pantchev N, Martin L, Guija-De-Arespacochaga A, Hinney B, Fuehrer HP, Leschnik M. Co-infection with Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni in a dog. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 69:347-353. [PMID: 34773454 DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A four-year-old intact male Boxer, that had a history of travelling to Serbia, was referred for lethargy and anaemia. Shortly before the dog was referred, it was diagnosed twice with an infection with Babesia canis and was treated with imidocarb both times. A blood smear evaluation was indicative of the presence of intraerythrocytic piroplasms. After receiving inconclusive results regarding the type of piroplasm, the dog was diagnosed with simultaneous infections with B. canis and Babesia gibsoni via real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) testing. The dog was treated with imidocarb, atovaquone and azithromycin, and in a follow-up examination, the PCR results were negative for B. canis and B. gibsoni. Several weeks later, the dog was presented again, and a PCR was positive for B. gibsoni. After atovaquone and azithromycin failed to eliminate the parasites, a therapy attempt using metronidazole, clindamycin and doxycycline was initiated. Six months after diagnosis, the treatment appeared successful in eliminating B. gibsoni. This case report describes the clinical findings of the co-infection and the initiated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Strobl
- 1 Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lukas Martin
- 1 Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Barbara Hinney
- 4 Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- 4 Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Leschnik
- 1 Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Tuska-Szalay B, Vizi Z, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Vajdovich P, Takács N, Meli ML, Farkas R, Stummer-Knyihár V, Jerzsele Á, Kontschán J, Szekeres S, Hornok S. Babesia gibsoni emerging with high prevalence and co-infections in “fighting dogs” in Hungary. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100048. [PMID: 35284859 PMCID: PMC8906116 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is considered as an emerging protozoan parasite of dogs in North America and Europe. However, no data have been published on its prevalence, molecular-phylogenetic characteristics and associated co-infections in dogs used for illegal fighting (i.e. predisposed to acquiring this piroplasm via biting) in Europe. In this study, blood samples from 79 American Staffordshire Terrier dogs, confiscated for illegal dog fights, were molecularly analyzed for tick-borne pathogens. Babesiagibsoni was detected in 32 dogs, i.e. with a prevalence of 40.5%. In addition, Babesia vulpes was found in 8 samples (prevalence of 10.1%), for the first time in dogs in Hungary. Canine hemoplasmas were also identified in 49 samples (62%): only Mycoplasma haemocanis in 32 (40.5%) dogs, only “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” in 9 (11.4%) dogs, and both hemoplasmas in 8 (10.1%) dogs. Thus, hemoplasma infections also showed a particularly high prevalence in this dog population. Based on a partial fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, B. gibsoni from Hungary exhibited complete sequence identity with conspecific strains reported from Europe and Asia. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequence of this isolate showed the closest identity with B. gibsoni reported from Japan but had a nonsynonymous mutation (M33I). Furthermore, the 11 B. gibsoni-positive samples analyzed for sequence variants of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene showed the presence of a common mutation (P310S). Most importantly, B. gibsoni had two further nonsynonymous mutations, M121I and F258L, in a dog with severe and relapsing anemia following atovaquone treatment. Phylogenetically, both cytb sequence variants clustered together, with a clear geographical pattern showing the closest relationship of both haplotypes identified in Hungary with those from China and Japan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first cox1 and cytb characterization of B. gibsoni in Europe, as well as the first report on the emergence of this piroplasm and hemoplasmas with high prevalence among “fighting dogs” north of the Mediterranean Basin. High prevalence of Babesia gibsoni and canine hemoplasmas in “fighting dogs”. Molecular evidence for infection with Babesia vulpes in dogs in Hungary. Closest identity with sequences from Asia in two of the three genetic markers tested. Two unique nonsynonymous mutations of B. gibsoni in the case of a dog. First report of atovaquone resistance for B. gibsoni in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zsuzsanna Vizi
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Péter Vajdovich
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Oncology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Stummer-Knyihár
- Police Education and Training Centre of Hungarian Police, Service Dog Training Centre, Dunakeszi, Hungary
| | - Ákos Jerzsele
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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Almendros A, Burchell R, Wierenga J. An alternative combination therapy with metronidazole, clindamycin and doxycycline for Babesia gibsoni (Asian genotype) in dogs in Hong Kong. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:1334-1340. [PMID: 32759546 PMCID: PMC7538310 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia spp. are globally distributed hemoparasites that cause disease in many mammalian species. The species Babesia gibsoni
(Asian genotype) is prevalent and endemic in many Asian countries but has also been reported in growing numbers in countries outside of Asia. Standard therapies
for the treatment of B. gibsoni often fail to result in consistent and successful clearance of the organism. This study evaluated the use of a
combination of three antibiotics: metronidazole, clindamycin and doxycycline after atovaquone and azithromycin failed to eliminate the infection on a polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) test. The aim of this study was to determine whether the triple antibiotic combination was an appropriate alternative or additional
treatment for the elimination of B. gibsoni. The medical records of 24 patients treated from December 2012 to July 2015 were retrospectively
analyzed. The diagnosis of B. gibsoni was confirmed with a PCR test that was also used to assess treatment response. All patients were
initially treated with the standard therapy, atovaquone and azithromycin with a 25% success rate clearing B. gibsoni. Dogs that remained
positive on PCR using the standard therapy were then treated with the triple antibiotic protocol achieving an 87% success rate. The inclusion of an alternative
and potentially effective protocol for the treatment of B. gibsoni would increase the options for the current therapeutic options, could aid in
clearance of the organism and offer a more affordable option for clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Almendros
- Veterinary Medical Centre, City University of Hong Kong, 339 Lai Chi Kok Road, Hong Kong
| | - Richard Burchell
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Janelle Wierenga
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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Panti-May JA, Rodríguez-Vivas RI. Canine babesiosis: A literature review of prevalence, distribution, and diagnosis in Latin America and the Caribbean. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100417. [PMID: 32862915 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease with worldwide distribution and global significance. Traditionally, canine babesiosis was caused by B. canis (large Babesia) and B. gibsoni (small Babesia) based on cytological examination of stained blood smears. Currently, molecular techniques have demonstrated that several Babesia species infect dogs: B. canis, B. vogeli, and B. rossi (large forms) and B. gibsoni, B. conradae, and B. vulpes (small forms). In this study, we compiled and reviewed currently available data on Babesia infections in dogs in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as on distribution of Babesia species with respect to prevalence, geographic location, and methods of detection. Forty-three studies on canine babesiosis published from 2005 to 2019 were included. The publications retrieved reported three species of Babesia (B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, and B. caballi) based on molecular confirmation of the species. Babesia vogeli was reported in Mexico, Costa Rica, Granada, Haiti, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. In contrast, B. gibsoni was recorded in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Brazil. Babesia caballi was found in a dog from Brazil. Babesia prevalence in dogs varied considerably based on parasite species and geographic location, with values close zero to 26.2%. Besides molecular techniques such as PCR, studies included examination of blood smears by microscopy and/or serologic tests. Few countries in the region, e.g., Brazil and Costa Rica, possess profound data availability, whereas the majority of them have scarce information or no data. A deeper understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of Babesia spp. in dogs is needed for the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Alonso Panti-May
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida 97135, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Roger Iván Rodríguez-Vivas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida 97135, Yucatán, Mexico.
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Birkenheuer AJ, Marr HS, Wilson JM, Breitschwerdt EB, Qurollo BA. Babesia gibsoni cytochrome b mutations in canine blood samples submitted to a US veterinary diagnostic laboratory. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1965-1969. [PMID: 30307644 PMCID: PMC6272040 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15300] [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: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesiosis caused by Babesia gibsoni is recognized throughout the world and can be difficult to treat. Resistance to atovaquone is associated with mutations in the B. gibsoni mitochondrial genome, specifically the M128 position of cytochrome b (cytb). The prevalence of cytb mutations in North America has not been reported. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES The objective of our study was to describe the prevalence of cytb M128 mutations in B. gibsoni in canine blood samples submitted to a US veterinary diagnostic laboratory. A secondary objective was to determine whether or not some dogs had wild-type cytb in our initial samples then had M128 mutations detected in follow-up samples. ANIMALS One-Hundred seventy-four dogs that tested positive for the presence of B. gibsoni between 2012 and 2017. METHODS Case series of consecutive samples submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Partial B. gibsoni cytb genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and screened for the presence of mutations at the M128 position. RESULTS The overall prevalence of M128 mutants was 3.5% (6/173 dogs) in the initial samples. The incidence of new cytb mutants in dogs that tested positive for B. gibsoni, which then had follow-up testing, was 12.1% (5/41). Conclusions and Clinic Importance: Our study reaffirms that B. gibsoni infection is widespread and most commonly detected in American Staffordshire Terrier/American Pit Bull Terrier dogs (128/174, 74% of the infected dogs in our study). The prevalence of cytb mutations does not warrant pretreatment genotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Henry S. Marr
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - James M. Wilson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Barbara A. Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
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