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Pace W, Oppong J. Trypanosoma Cruzi antibody screening in North Texas client owned dogs. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 49:101003. [PMID: 38462304 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101003] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite multiple screening efforts to identify exposures to Trypanosoma cruzi, in dogs across southern USA, no published studies could be found involving client owned dogs in the North Texas Metroplex area. Therefore, a limited screen was conducted for client owned dogs, seeking routine or preventative care, from participating veterinary practices in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex from 2019 to 2021. Participants, with owner consent, ranged in age, breed, and length of time at recorded residence. Ninety-nine samples were acquired from participating veterinary practices, initially assessed with the Chagas StatPak, and positive samples were confirmed with IFA (indirect fluorescent antibody test) at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL), College Station, Texas. Six samples were positive with the StatPak and only two were confirmed positive with IFA. Both animals were senior (10 and 8 years) with no owner reports of previous cardiac issues. The results appear reasonable within the context of previous studies and the seropositivity rate of 2% (n = 99) for client owned dogs included in this study are lower than previously reported rates for shelter dogs from the North Texas area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Pace
- University of North Texas, 1510 Chestnut St., Denton, TX 76201. USA.
| | - Joseph Oppong
- University of North Texas, 1510 Chestnut St., Denton, TX 76201. USA
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Busselman RE, Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Hodo CL, Christopher D, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Abundant triatomines in Texas dog kennel environments: Triatomine collections, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, and blood feeding hosts. Acta Trop 2024; 250:107087. [PMID: 38061614 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107087] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine insects are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi- the causative agent of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is endemic to Latin America and the southern United States and can cause severe cardiac damage in infected mammals, ranging from chronic disease to sudden death. Identifying interactions among triatomines, T. cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs), and blood feeding hosts is necessary to understand parasite transmission dynamics and effectively protect animal and human health. Through manual insect trapping efforts, kennel staff collections, and with the help of a trained scent detection dog, we collected triatomines from 10 multi-dog kennels across central and south Texas over a one-year period (2018-2019) and tested a subset to determine their T. cruzi infection status and identify the primary bloodmeal hosts. We collected 550 triatomines, including Triatoma gerstaeckeri (n = 515), Triatoma lecticularia (n = 15), Triatoma sanguisuga (n = 6), and Triatoma indictiva (n = 2), with an additional 10 nymphs and 2 adults unable to be identified to species. The trained dog collected 42 triatomines, including nymphs, from areas not previously considered vector habitat by the kennel owners. Using qPCR, we found a T. cruzi infection prevalence of 47 % (74/157), with T. lecticularia individuals more likely to be infected with T. cruzi than other species. Infected insects harbored two T. cruzi discrete typing units: TcI (64 %), TcIV (23 %), and mixed TcI/TcIV infections (13 %). Bloodmeal host identification was successful in 50/149 triatomines, revealing the majority (74 %) fed on a dog (Canis lupus), with other host species including humans (Homo sapiens), raccoons (Procyon lotor), chickens (Gallus gallus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), black vulture (Coragyps atratus), cat (Felis catus), and curve-billed thrasher (Toxostoma curviostre). Given the frequency of interactions between dogs and infected triatomines in these kennel environments, dogs may be an apt target for future vector control and T. cruzi intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - A C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - I B Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - L D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - C L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States; Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, United States
| | | | - A B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - S A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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Afonso P, Lopes AP, Quintas H, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia conorii Infections in Shelter Dogs: Seropositivity and Implications for Public Health. Pathogens 2024; 13:129. [PMID: 38392867 PMCID: PMC10893242 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to gain insight into the epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis in northern Portugal. Specific IgG antibodies to Ehrlichia canis were analysed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibodies to Rickettsia conorii were analysed using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). A total of 113 dogs from two different shelters were sampled, and seroprevalence values of 0.9% (95% confidence (CI): 0.2-4.8%) for E. canis and 9.7 (95% CI: 5.5-16.6%) for R. conorii were found. Multiple logistic regression investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds ratios (ORs) of R. conorii seropositivity were higher for female dogs (OR = 6.429; 95% CI: 1.201-34.407). Dogs seropositive for co-infection (E. canis + R. conorii) were more frequently observed among females (OR = 7.606; CI 95%: 1.478-39.132) and in Shelter 2 (OR = 18.229; 95% CI: 2.190-151.756). These findings show that shelter dogs in northern Portugal are exposed to E. canis and R. conorii, which can affect both canines and humans. It is imperative to adopt a One Health approach to educate the public about the hazards of canine zoonoses and develop legislation and procedures to control their spread and preserve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Afonso
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hélder Quintas
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Chaves LF, Meyers AC, Hodo CL, Sanders JP, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs along the US-Mexico border: R 0 changes with vector species composition. Epidemics 2023; 45:100723. [PMID: 37935075 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100723] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, is common in US government working dogs along the US-Mexico border. This 3145 km long border comprises four states: Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), Arizona (AZ) and California (CA) with diverse ecosystems and several triatomine (a.k.a., kissing bug) species, primary vectors of T. cruzi in this region. The kissing bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) community ranging from CA to TX includes Triatoma protracta (Uhler), Triatoma recurva (Stål) and Triatoma rubida (Uhler) and becomes dominated by Triatoma gerstaeckeri Stål in TX. Here, we ask if T. cruzi infection dynamics in dogs varies along this border region, potentially reflecting changes in vector species and their vectorial capacity. Using reversible catalytic models of infection, where seropositivity can be lost, we estimated an R0 (Estimate ± S.E.) of 1.192 ± 0.084 for TX and NM. In contrast, seropositivity decayed to zero as dogs aged in AZ and CA. These results suggest that dogs are likely infected by T. cruzi during their training in western TX, with a force of infection large enough for keeping R0 above 1, i.e., the disease endemically established, in TX and NM. In AZ and CA, a lower force of infection, probably associated with different vector species communities and associated vectorial capacity and/or different lineages of T. cruzi, results in dogs decreasing their seropositivity with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Chaves
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington IN 47405, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - John P Sanders
- Office of Health Security, US Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Gettings JR, McMahan CS, Cleveland CA, Varela-Stokes A, Hubbard K, Hamer SA, Walden HS, Yabsley MJ. Association between vector-borne pathogen seroprevalence in shelter-housed and owned dog populations in the contiguous United States of America. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:405. [PMID: 37936243 PMCID: PMC10629048 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs are susceptible to numerous vector-borne pathogens that are of significant importance for their health. In addition to being of veterinary importance, many of these pathogens are zoonotic and thus may pose a risk to human health. In the USA, owned dogs are commonly screened for exposure to or infection with several canine vector-borne pathogens. Although the screening data are widely available to show areas where infections are being diagnosed, testing of owned dogs is expected to underestimate the actual prevalence in dogs that have no access to veterinary care. The goal of this study was to measure the association between the widely available data from a perceived low-risk population with temporally and spatially collected data from shelter-housed dog populations. These data were then used to extrapolate the prevalence in dogs that generally lack veterinary care. The focus pathogens included Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi. There was a linear association between the prevalence of selected vector-borne pathogens in shelter-housed and owned dog populations and, generally, the data suggested that prevalence of heartworm (D. immitis) infection and seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. and B. burgdorferi are higher in shelter-housed dogs, regardless of their location, compared with the owned population. The seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was predicted to be higher in areas that have very low to low seroprevalence, but unexpectedly, in areas of higher seroprevalence within the owned population, the seroprevalence was expected to be lower in the shelter-housed dog population. If shelters and veterinarians make decisions to not screen dogs based on the known seroprevalence of the owned group, they are likely underestimating the risk of exposure. This is especially true for heartworm. With this new estimate of the seroprevalence in shelter-housed dogs throughout the USA, shelters and veterinarians can make evidence-based informed decisions on whether testing and screening for these pathogens is appropriate for their local dog population. This work represents an important step in understanding the relationships in the seroprevalences of vector-borne pathogens between shelter-housed and owned dogs, and provides valuable data on the risk of vector-borne diseases in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna R Gettings
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Christopher S McMahan
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634, USA
| | - Christopher A Cleveland
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Andrea Varela-Stokes
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, 39762, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Kris Hubbard
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi, 39762, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Heather S Walden
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32608, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA.
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA.
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Hazelrig CM, Gettings JR, Cleveland CA, Varela-Stokes A, Majewska AA, Hubbard K, Burton KW, Yabsley MJ. Spatial and risk factor analyses of vector-borne pathogens among shelter dogs in the Eastern United States. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:197. [PMID: 37301970 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05813-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne infections pose significant health risks to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in the United States may be infected with and serve as sentinel hosts for several zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. In this study, we analyzed the geographical distribution, risk factors, and co-infections associated with infection with Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis in shelter dogs in the Eastern United States. METHODS From 2016 to 2020, blood samples from 3750 shelter dogs from 19 states were examined with IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® Plus tests to determine the seroprevalence of infection with tick-borne pathogens and infection with D. immitis. We assessed the impact of factors including age, sex, intact status, breed group, and location on infection using logistic regression. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis was 11.2% (n = 419/3750), the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 2.4% (n = 90/3750), the seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. was 8.0% (n = 299/3750), and the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi was 8.9% (n = 332/3750). Regional variation in seroprevalence was noted: D. immitis (17.4%, n = 355/2036) and Ehrlichia spp. (10.7%, n = 217/2036) were highest in the Southeast while seroprevalence for B. burgdorferi (19.3%, n = 143/740) and Anaplasma spp. (5.7%, n = 42/740) were highest in the Northeast. Overall, 4.8% (n = 179/3750) of dogs had co-infections, the most common of which were D. immitis/Ehrlichia spp. (1.6%, n = 59/3750), B. burgdorferi/Anaplasma spp. (1.5%, n = 55/3750), and B. burgdorferi/Ehrlichia spp. (1.2%, n = 46/3750). Risk factors significantly influenced infection across the evaluated pathogens were location and breed group. All evaluated risk factors were significant for the seroprevalence of D. immitis antigens. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a regionally variable risk of infection with vector-borne pathogens in shelter dogs throughout the Eastern United States, likely due to varying distributions of vectors. However, as many vectors are undergoing range expansions or other changes in distribution associated with climate and landscape change, continued vector-borne pathogen surveillance is important for maintaining reliable risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna M Hazelrig
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Jenna R Gettings
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Christopher A Cleveland
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Varela-Stokes
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - Ania A Majewska
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kris Hubbard
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- West Asheville Family Vet, Asheville, NC, USA
| | - K Wade Burton
- IDEXX Laboratories, One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, ME, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Mosley IA, Zecca IB, Tyagi N, Harvey TV, Hamer SA, Verocai GG. Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in shelter cats in the lower Rio Grande Valley region in South Texas, United States, using integrated diagnostic approaches. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100871. [PMID: 37208080 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne filarioid nematode that affects dogs and cats. Although heartworm infections in cats can be fatal, it is commonly neglected by cat owners and veterinarians. Moreover, diagnosing heartworm infection in cats can be challenging, requiring the integration of multiple laboratorial tests and clinical examination. The objective of this study was to estimate the occurrence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region of Texas using a combination of immunodiagnostic and molecular methods. The RGV has a large population of stray animals with limited access to veterinary care. One hundred and twenty-two paired samples of serum and DNA extracted from the blood clots of cats from 14 towns in this region were analyzed. Serum samples were used for heartworm antibody detection (Heska® Solo Step®), and heartworm antigen detection using a commercial ELISA kit (DiroCHEK®) pre- and post-immune-complex dissociation (ICD) via heat treatment. A species-specific probe-based qPCR assay targeting a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 of the mitochondrial DNA was utilized to detect the presence of parasite DNA. Twenty-two cats (18%) were positive in at least one diagnostic test. Antibody testing detected most cases (19/122; 15.6%); pre- and post-ICD antigen testing detected 6 cases (6/122; 4.9%); and qPCR detected the fewest cases (4/122; 3.3%), with 2 cats positive on all three diagnostic tests. Veterinarians should encourage local cat owners to utilize year-round heartworm prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana A Mosley
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Italo B Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Neha Tyagi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tatiani V Harvey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Upton KE, Budke CM, Verocai GG. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in carnivores kept in zoos in Texas, USA: risk perception, practices, and antigen detection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:150. [PMID: 37106348 PMCID: PMC10142401 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05750-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of heartworm disease in wild and domestic canids, felids, and mustelids. Recent studies demonstrate that additional families in the order Carnivora are also susceptible to infection. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) better understand current practices surrounding heartworm prevention and diagnostics in zoological facilities located in the state of Texas, USA, and (2) assess archival serum samples of carnivores kept in these facilities for the presence D. immitis antigen and/or antibody. METHODS A questionnaire was completed by veterinarians or veterinary technicians representing 10 zoological facilities across Texas. This questionnaire was designed at the taxonomic family level, encompassing the 12 terrestrial carnivore families Ailuridae, Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Hyaenidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, Prionodontidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae, and Viverridae. The second objective was achieved with the use of archival serum samples made available by six zoo facilities. RESULTS Risk perception varied across facilities for every family, including among species belonging to Canidae. All facilities used monthly heartworm prevention in canids and felids, with more variation existing in the other families. The use of diagnostic testing and type and route of administration of preventive varied by facility, with oral ivermectin the most commonly used preventive. A total of 217 archival serum samples, belonging to 211 individual animals encompassing 11 families and 39 species, were tested with a commercial heartworm antigen ELISA test, pre- and post-immune-complex dissociation. A subset of samples was also assessed for the presence of feline anti-heartworm antibodies using a commercial ELISA test. Two animals, both of which were Asian small-clawed otters from the same facility, had antigen detected (0.95%). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that while the zoo veterinary community is aware of the risk and health impact of heartworm disease in canids and felids, there is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding the risks and ideal strategies for prevention in other carnivore families. The low proportion of antigen detection may serve as a baseline for future prevalence studies across the southern United States, where there is an emerging concern of macrocyclic lactone resistance in heartworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Upton
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Christine M Budke
- Department of Veterinary Integrated Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Rodriguez JY, Cummings KJ, Hodo CL, Hamer SA. A repeated cross-sectional study of intestinal parasites in Texas shelter dogs using fecal flotation and saline sedimentation. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:237-243. [PMID: 36372803 PMCID: PMC9853879 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07722-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Estimates of intestinal parasite prevalence in canine populations have largely been based on use of fecal flotation methods only. Dogs in animal shelters are likely at higher risk of intestinal parasite infection because of their previous exposure history. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among Texas shelter dogs using centrifugal fecal flotation and saline sedimentation techniques, to identify risk factors for infection, and to compare proportions of positive samples detected via fecal flotation vs. saline sedimentation for the most common parasites. Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected fecal samples from dogs on three visits to each of seven Texas animal shelters between May 2013 and December 2014. Fecal flotation and/or saline sedimentation were used to identify parasites in samples. Fecal samples were collected from 529 dogs. The most frequently detected parasites were Ancylostoma caninum (26.4% via fecal flotation, 20.7% via saline sedimentation) and Trichuris vulpis (12.0% via fecal flotation, 14.1% via saline sedimentation). Risk factors for certain parasites were identified; for example, dogs with abnormal fecal consistency were more likely to be shedding T. vulpis eggs than dogs with normal fecal consistency (OR = 1.8, p = 0.005). The addition of fecal sedimentation not only added to the number of parasite species detected in this study, but it also increased the number of dogs diagnosed with the common intestinal parasites that are primarily detected using fecal flotation methods. Texas shelter dogs carry a high burden of intestinal parasites, including those of zoonotic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Rodriguez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA,Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Kevin J. Cummings
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA,Department of Comparative Medicine, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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10
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Scavo NA, Zecca IB, Sobotyk C, Saleh MN, Lane SK, Olson MF, Hamer SA, Verocai GG, Hamer GL. High prevalence of canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, in pet dogs in south Texas, USA, with evidence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes contributing to transmission. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:407. [PMID: 36329477 PMCID: PMC9635171 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05514-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, a filarioid nematode of dogs and other carnivores, is widespread in the USA and the world. Over 20 different mosquito species serve as intermediate hosts of D. immitis, but their contribution to transmission varies according to factors like host feeding patterns, geographic locations and climatic conditions. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a competent vector of D. immitis but is often dismissed as a vector of veterinary relevance given its anthropophilic feeding behavior. We evaluated the prevalence of D. immitis in pet dogs along the USA-Mexico border and assessed whether Ae. aegypti in the area are naturally infected with heartworm and are potentially acting as a vector. Methods A total of 200 whole blood samples collected from pet dogs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas from 2016 to 2019 were included in this study. Canine serum samples for D. immitis were tested using the DiroCHEK® Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit pre- and post-immune complex dissociations (ICD) and blood samples were tested using high-resolution melt (HRM) quantitative PCR (qPCR) and a probe-based qPCR. Additionally, mosquito specimens were collected and identified, and Ae. aegypti heads, abdomens and pools were tested using conventional PCR (cPCR) and HRM qPCR. Results Overall, heartworm prevalence in dogs aged > 6 months was 40.8% (64/157) when the results from all testing modalities were considered. Heartworm antigen was detected in 33.5% and 40.7% of the dogs using DiroCHEK® pre- and post-ICD, respectively. By molecular screening, 20.1% of dogs tested positive with probe-based qPCR, while only one tested positive with HRM qPCR. Of the Ae. aegypti abdomens from blood-fed Ae. aeygpti tested, 20 (21.7%) from mosquitoes that fed on dogs and four (7%) from those that fed on humans tested positive for heartworm. Among Ae. aegypti heads from blood-fed Ae. aeygpti, two (1.1%) were positive based on cPCR and four (2.5%) were positive based on HRM qPCR. No D. immitis DNA was detected in the 208 pools of whole bodies (358 individuals) of Ae. aegypti gravid females. Conclusions Our study highlights a high prevalence of heartworm in dogs in south Texas and provides evidence that Ae. aegypti could be contributing to heartworm transmission in canine populations in this region. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Scavo
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Caroline Sobotyk
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Meriam N. Saleh
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Sarah K. Lane
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Mark F. Olson
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
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11
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Hamer SA, Saunders AB. Veterinary Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis) in the United States. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1267-1281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.008] [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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12
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Smith R, Murillo DFB, Chenoweth K, Barua S, Kelly PJ, Starkey L, Blagburn B, Wood T, Wang C. Nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in companion dogs and cats, United States of America. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:367. [PMID: 36229848 PMCID: PMC9559157 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heartworms, Dirofilaria immitis, are known to be widespread in dogs and cats in the USA, but there have been no country-wide prevalence studies performed to date. There have also been no large-scale studies to determine whether the closely related species, Dirofilaria repens, occurs in the USA. Methods To provide this large-scale data, we examined whole blood samples (n = 2334) submitted from around the USA to the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University between 2016 and 2022. Quantitative PCRs for D. immitis (targeting 16S rRNA) and D. repens (targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) were performed to determine the presence of Dirofilaria DNA. DNA sequencing was performed to confirm the results. Results Dirofilaria immitis DNA was found in 6.3% (68/1080) of the dogs from 17/39 states, and 0.3% (4/1254) of the cats from 4/42 states. None of the dogs or cats were positive for D. repens. The average 16S rRNA copy number of D. immitis in the dogs was 1,809,604 in 200 µl whole blood, while only a single copy was found in each of the four D. immitis-positive cats. The prevalence of D. immitis in dogs of different ages, sexes, and breeds did not differ significantly, but the prevalence in Southern states (7.5%, 60/803) was significantly higher than in the Western (1.7%, 1/58), Midwest (3.3%, 4/120), and Northeastern states (3.1%, 3/98) (P < 0.05). Dogs positive for D. immitis were identified in each study year (2016: 4.2%, 2/48; 2017: 9.8%, 4/41; 2018: 5.1%, 8/156; 2019: 4.9%, 15/306; 2020: 9.8%, 26/265; 2021: 4.9%, 13/264). Interestingly, dogs infected with Hepatozoon spp. (11.8%, 37/313) were significantly more likely to also be positive for D. immitis than dogs without evidence of Hepatozoon infection (3.9%, 30/760) (P < 0.0001). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs and cats in the USA, and the largest molecular survey of canine and feline dirofilariosis worldwide. Further studies are warranted to combine PCR with standard heartworm diagnostics to better understand the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. and aid in determining the risks posed to dogs and cats in the USA. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Smith
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Kelly Chenoweth
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Subarna Barua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Patrick John Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Lindsay Starkey
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Byron Blagburn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Theresa Wood
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.
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13
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Freitas NEM, Habib FL, Santos EF, Silva ÂAO, Fontes ND, Leony LM, Sampaio DD, de Almeida MC, Dantas-Torres F, Santos FLN. Technological advances in the serological diagnosis of Chagas disease in dogs and cats: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:343. [PMID: 36167575 PMCID: PMC9516836 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted mainly through the feces/urine of infected triatomine bugs. The acute phase lasts 2–3 months and is characterized by high parasitemia and nonspecific symptoms, whereas the lifelong chronic phase features symptoms affecting the heart and/or digestive tract occurring in 30–40% of infected individuals. As in humans, cardiac abnormalities are observed in T. cruzi-infected dogs and cats. We reviewed the technological advances in the serological diagnosis of CD in dogs and cats. Methods A review of the published literature during the last 54 years (1968–2022) on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CD in dogs and cats was conducted. Results Using predefined eligibility criteria for a search of the published literature, we retrieved and screened 436 publications. Of these, 84 original studies were considered for inclusion in this review. Dogs and cats are considered as sentinels, potentially indicating an active T. cruzi transmission and thus the risk for human infection. Although dogs and cats are reputed to be important for maintaining the T. cruzi domestic transmission cycle, there are no commercial tests to detect past or active infections in these animals. Most published research on CD in dogs and cats have used in-house serological tests prepared with native and/or full-length recombinant antigens, resulting in variable diagnostic performance. In recent years, chimeric antigens have been used to improve the diagnosis of chronic CD in humans with encouraging results. Some of them have high performance values (> 95%) and extremely low cross-reactivity rates for Leishmania spp., especially the antigens IBMP-8.1 to IBMP-8.4. The diagnostic performance of IBMP antigens was also investigated in dogs, showing high diagnostic performance with negligible cross-reactivity with anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. Conclusions The development of a commercial immunodiagnostic tool to identify past or active T. cruzi infections in dogs and cats is urgently needed. The use of chimeric recombinant T. cruzi antigens may help to fill this gap and is discussed in this review. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Erdens Maron Freitas
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Lopes Habib
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Emily Ferreira Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ângelo Antônio Oliveira Silva
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Natália Dantas Fontes
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Maia Leony
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Daniel Dias Sampaio
- Brazil's Family Health Strategy, Municipal Health Department, Tremedal City Hall, Bahia, Tremedal, Brazil
| | - Marcio Cerqueira de Almeida
- Pathology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil. .,Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease From Fiocruz (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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14
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Negron V, Saleh MN, Sobotyk C, Luksovsky JL, Harvey TV, Verocai GG. Probe-based qPCR as an alternative to modified Knott's test when screening dogs for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in combination with antigen detection tests. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:306. [PMID: 36038928 PMCID: PMC9425932 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current recommendations for diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs rely on the detection of antigen produced largely by adult females coupled with the visualization of microfilariae (mf) in the circulation via a microfilaria detection test (MFDT). It is hypothesized that qPCR assays used in parallel with antigen detection tests will perform better in detecting mf than modified Knott’s test (MK), when combined with antigen detection. This study compares probe-based qPCR and MK techniques for mf detection used in parallel with the DiroCHEK® antigen test to screen for heartworm infection in shelter dogs. Methods Matching blood and serum samples were collected from 300 shelter dogs in Brazos and Harris counties, Texas, USA. Blood was assessed for the presence of mf via MK and the presence of D. immitis DNA by a species-specific probe-based qPCR assay. Serum samples were tested for the presence of heartworm antigen using DiroCHEK® before and after immune complex dissociation (ICD) via heat treatment. In addition, the performance of each diagnostic test was evaluated via Chi-square test, Cochran’s Q test, and post hoc analysis. Results Qualitatively, MK detected mf in 22.0% (66/300) of samples, 55 of which were morphologically identified as D. immitis and 11 as Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The range of heartworm mf was 28 to 88,803 mf/ml (median: 6627.5). Real-time PCR detected D. immitis DNA in 20.7% (62/300) of samples. Heartworm antigen was detected in 24.7% (74/300) of samples pre-ICD, and in 29.3% (88/300) post-ICD. When comparing tests, the Chi-square and McNemar’s tests showed that the difference between positive and negative proportions was statistically significant. The Cochran test showed the difference in the distributions of cases and non-cases was significant when individual tests were combined (χ2 = 62.3, df = 3, P < 0.0001) and when parallel methods were combined (χ2 = 43.1, df = 4, P < 0.0001). Conclusion Considering individual and combined test performances, practicality, and efficient use of bench time, this heartworm-specific probe-based qPCR method is a viable option as a mf detection test to be used in parallel with antigen tests for canine heartworm infection in diagnostic and research settings. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Negron
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Meriam N Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Caroline Sobotyk
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Joe L Luksovsky
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Tatiani V Harvey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA.
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15
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Allen KE, Lineberry MW. Trypanosoma cruzi and Other Vector-Borne Infections in Shelter Dogs in Two Counties of Oklahoma, United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:273-280. [PMID: 35580215 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is an emerging zoonotic vector-borne parasite infecting dogs and other mammals in the United States. In this study we evaluated shelter dogs in one northeastern and one southeastern county in Oklahoma for prevalence of exposure to T. cruzi. Dogs were tested for antibodies against T. cruzi using the Chagas STAT PAK® assay and for T. cruzi in circulation by PCR. In addition, dogs were tested for evidence of infection with other vector-borne organisms using the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus Test and PCR. Overall, 26 of 197 (13.2%) shelter dogs had detectable antibodies against T. cruzi and 3 of 189 (1.6%) dogs were PCR positive. In addition, we found that 42 of 197 (21.3%) shelter dogs had evidence of exposure to or were infected with at least one vector-borne agent other than T. cruzi based on serology and/or PCR; 9 of 42 (21.4%) of these dogs were also positive for T. cruzi antibodies. Other infections identified in dogs included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Babesia sp. (Coco), Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Hepatozoon americanum. This study serves to boost state-wide veterinary and public health awareness of T. cruzi and other vector-borne pathogens infecting shelter dogs in Oklahoma. Results indicate the need for more comprehensive screening of shelter dogs in Oklahoma for exposure to vector-borne agents to enhance surveillance and to identify dogs in need of additional specific veterinary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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16
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Busselman RE, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Castro AH, Dowd RE, Curtis-Robles R, Hodo CL, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. High incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infections in dogs directly detected through longitudinal tracking at 10 multi-dog kennels, Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009935. [PMID: 34758049 PMCID: PMC8631682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly recognized as a health concern for dogs in the USA, and infected dogs may signal geographic regions of risk for human disease. Dogs living in multi-dog kennel environments (kennels with more than one dog) where triatomine vectors are endemic may be at high risk for infection. We monitored a cohort of 64 T. cruzi-infected and uninfected dogs across 10 kennels in Texas, USA, to characterize changes in infection status over one year. We used robust diagnostic criteria in which reactivity on multiple independent platforms was required to be considered positive. Among the 30 dogs enrolled as serologically- and/or PCR-positive, all but one dog showed sustained positive T. cruzi diagnostic results over time. Among the 34 dogs enrolled as serologically- and PCR-negative, 10 new T. cruzi infections were recorded over a 12-month period. The resulting incidence rate for dogs initially enrolled as T. cruzi-negative was 30.7 T. cruzi infections per 100 dogs per year. This study highlights the risk of T. cruzi infection to dogs in kennel environments. To protect both dog and human health, there is an urgent need to develop more integrated vector control methods as well as prophylactic and curative antiparasitic treatment options for T. cruzi infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa D. Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andres H. Castro
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rebecca E. Dowd
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Busselman RE, Hamer SA. Chagas Disease Ecology in the United States: Recent Advances in Understanding Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Triatomines, Wildlife, and Domestic Animals and a Quantitative Synthesis of Vector-Host Interactions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:325-348. [PMID: 34758274 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-043949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease present in the Americas, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Hundreds of vertebrate host species are involved in the ecology of Chagas disease. The sylvatic nature of most triatomines found in the United States accounts for high levels of animal infections but few reports of human infections. This review focuses on triatomine distributions and animal infections in the southern United States. A quantitative synthesis of available US data from triatomine bloodmeal analysis studies shows that dogs, humans, and rodents are key taxa for feeding triatomines. Imperfect and unvalidated diagnostic tools in wildlife complicate the study of animal T. cruzi infections, and integrated vector management approaches are needed to reduce parasite transmission in nature. The diversity of animal species involved in Chagas disease ecology underscores the importance of a One Health approach for disease research and management. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
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18
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Meyers AC, Auckland L, Meyers HF, Rodriguez CA, Kontowicz E, Petersen CA, Travi BL, Sanders JP, Hamer SA. Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Pathogens Among U.S. Government Working Dogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:358-368. [PMID: 33601954 PMCID: PMC8086402 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of U.S. domestic dogs for exposure to vector-borne pathogens can identify regions of transmission that are relevant for human and animal health. Working dogs with high levels of outdoor exposure may be sensitive indicators of local risk, owing to increased contact with vectors. We randomly selected 476 high-value government working dogs from 40 states to determine the prevalence of infection with Dirofilaria immitis and Rickettsia spp., and exposure to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi, and identify risk factors for positivity. Additionally, we tested 100 of these dogs from Texas for Leishmania spp. where sand fly vectors occur. Previously published Trypanosoma cruzi infection data on these dogs were used to identify coinfection or co-exposures. Infection prevalence was 0.84% for D. immitis, and all dogs were negative for Rickettsia spp. DNA. Seroprevalence of each pathogen was: B. burgdorferi 0.84%, Ehrlichia spp. 1.3%, Anaplasma spp. 1.5%, Leishmania spp. 2.0%, and T. cruzi 12.2%. Coinfection or co-exposure took place in four (0.84%) dogs. In bivariable analysis, we found that D. immitis-positive and Ehrlichia-seropositive dogs were significantly older than negative dogs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was significantly higher among dogs in the Northeast United States relative to other areas of the country (4.7% vs. ≤1.4%; p = 0.041). Although autochthonous Leishmania infections have been described in the United States, the cases reported herein may represent imported Leishmania infection. Most federal working dogs are bred in Europe, where the parasite is endemic and congenitally transmitted. Serological cross-reaction between T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. complicates diagnosis. In this study, the use of multiple testing strategies in a comparative complementary manner provided evidence for these dogs' true exposures. Comprehensive surveillance for vector-borne pathogens in dogs can improve clinician awareness and target prevention and treatment in a One Health manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah F. Meyers
- Department of Chemistry, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Carlos A. Rodriguez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Eric Kontowicz
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bruno L. Travi
- Department of Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - John P. Sanders
- Office of Workforce Health and Safety, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.,Address correspondence to: Sarah A. Hamer, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
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19
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Lane JN, Litster A, Little SE, Rodriguez JY, Mwacalimba KK, Sundstrom KD, Amirian ES, Guerios SD, Serrano MA, Hays KM, Levy JK. Optimizing heartworm diagnosis in dogs using multiple test combinations. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:224. [PMID: 33902687 PMCID: PMC8074442 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04715-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various heartworm (HW) diagnostic testing modalities detect products of, or reactions to, different life cycle stages of Dirofilaria immitis. Microfilariae (Mf) can be directly visualized in blood, antigen (Ag) from immature and adult heartworms may be detected on commercial assays, and antibody (Ab) tests detect the host immune response to larval stages. Ag and Mf tests are commonly used in dogs, which frequently carry adult HW infections, but Ab tests have only been validated for use in cats. In some HW-infected dogs, Ag is blocked by immune complexing leading to false-negative results. Heat-treatment (HT) to disrupt these complexes can increase the sensitivity of HW Ag tests. The aim of this study was to compare different methods for diagnosing HW infection in dogs at high risk using individual and paired diagnostic tests, including an exploration of using Ab tests designed for cats to test canine samples. Methods One hundred stray adult (≥ 2-year-old) dogs in Florida shelters were tested using Mf, HW Ag, and HW Ab tests (feline HW Ab tests currently not commercially validated/approved for use in dogs); two versions of each test platform were used. Results Fourteen dogs tested positive using point-of-care (POC) Ag tests; an additional 2 dogs tested positive with microtiter well assay, and an additional 12 dogs tested positive using HT Ag testing. For individual tests, Ag test sensitivity/specificity compared to HT Ag was 50–57%/100%, and Ab tests were 46–64%/82–94%. Sensitivity estimates for individual tests were higher when comparing to non-HT Ag. Pairing POC Ag tests with Mf tests improved sensitivity without loss of specificity, while pairing POC Ag and Ab tests modestly increased sensitivity at the expense of specificity. Conclusions Screening dogs for HW infection using both POC Ag and Mf detection, which is recommended by the American Heartworm Society, improved diagnostic performance in this study compared to single Ag test use, but may have missed more than one in four infected dogs. The need to improve access to highly accurate, rapid, and inexpensive large-scale HW testing for dogs in animal shelters remains largely unmet by current testing availability. The development of practical and validated protocols that incorporate heat or chemical treatment to disrupt Ag-Ab complexes in POC testing or decreasing the cost and time required for such testing in reference laboratories might provide solutions to this unmet need. Similar studies performed in countries where the prevalence of parasites such as D. repens or A. vasorum is different to the USA could potentially yield very different positive predictive values for both HT and non-HT Ag tests. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Lane
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | | | - Susan E Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | | | | | - Kellee D Sundstrom
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - E Susan Amirian
- Research Department, Austin Pets Alive!, Austin, TX, 78703, USA
| | - Simone D Guerios
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Maria A Serrano
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kellie M Hays
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Julie K Levy
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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20
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Rivadeneira-Barreiro PE, Montes de Oca-Jiménez R, Vázquez-Chagoyán JC, Martínez-Subiela S, Morán-Loor A, Ochoa-García L, Zambrano-Rodríguez PC, Garg NJ, Varela-Guerrero JA. Trypanosoma cruzi co-infections with other vector borne diseases are frequent in dogs from the pacific coast of Ecuador. Microb Pathog 2021; 155:104884. [PMID: 33864876 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are a reservoir for Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), and other companion vector-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia ewingii), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys), dirofilariasis (Dirofilaria immitis) and Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). This study has two key objectives: 1) to determine seroreactivity against T. cruzi in dogs from the town of Colón, in Portoviejo city, in the central coast of Ecuador; and 2) to establish the coinfection frequency of other companion vector-borne diseases in dogs positive for T. cruzi. Antibodies against T. cruzi were detected using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Diagnostic consensus between ELISA tests was established using the Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Other haemoparasitic diseases were detected using the IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® kit in dogs previously diagnosed as T. cruzi-seropositive. From 84 dogs sampled, 57.14% (48/84) tested positive for T. cruzi. Co-infection analysis of 25 dogs positive for T. cruzi revealed antibodies also against Ehrlichia spp. (48%), Anaplasma spp. (28%), and Dirofilaria immitis (12%). These results provide a novel perspective regarding the status of these pathogens which co-infect dogs in Colón. Since all these pathogens are zoonotic, our findings should warn regional health authorities to implement sanitary programs, to better prevent and control vectors associated to these pathogens. On the other hand, human and veterinarian doctors, should consider that patients with a cardiac infection condition could be suffering co-infections with two or more vector transmitted pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Eliana Rivadeneira-Barreiro
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 15.5 Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, Toluca, Estado de México, C.P. 50200, México; Departamento de Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador
| | - Roberto Montes de Oca-Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 15.5 Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, Toluca, Estado de México, C.P. 50200, México.
| | - Juan Carlos Vázquez-Chagoyán
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 15.5 Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, Toluca, Estado de México, C.P. 50200, México.
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis of the University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Laucel Ochoa-García
- Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública del Instituto de Salud del Estado de México, Independencia Oriente #1310 Colonia: Reforma y FFCC, CP. 50070, Toluca, Estado de México, México
| | - Pablo C Zambrano-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador
| | - Nisha Jain Garg
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-1070, United States
| | - Jorge Antonio Varela-Guerrero
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 15.5 Carretera Panamericana Toluca-Atlacomulco, Toluca, Estado de México, C.P. 50200, México
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21
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Fudge JM, Boyanowski B, Page B, Liu S, Rogovskyy AS. Serological prevalence of six vector-borne pathogens in dogs presented for elective ovariohysterectomy or castration in the South central region of Texas. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:381. [PMID: 33032588 PMCID: PMC7545558 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02607-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most vector-borne pathogens cause zoonotic diseases. These zoonoses often have wild animal reservoirs that play a significant role in disease epidemiology. However, pet animals have also been implicated in transmission of zoonotic agents to humans. To exemplify, dogs are competent reservoir hosts for several zoonotic vector-borne bacteria and protozoa. Despite that vector-borne diseases can be life-threatening for both pets and humans, studies on pathogen seroprevalence are very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the serological prevalence of six zoonotic vector-borne agents in dogs from the South Central region of Texas (US). Electronic medical records of dogs, presenting over 2014–2019 for elective ovariohysterectomy or castration at a high volume spay and neuter clinic, were reviewed for serological testing. Sera from 418 dogs were tested for the Dirofilaria immitis antigen, and antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Ehrlichia ewingi, using a commonly available commercial test kit. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize the respective seroprevalence rates of the dog population. The study involved 192 (46%) male and 226 (54%) female dogs. Results Overall, 85 (20%) dogs tested positive for at least one of the 6 pathogens investigated. The highest seroprevalence rate averaged over the 6-year period was 11.7% for D. immitis followed by 8.4% for E. canis and/or E. ewingii, 4.3% for A. phagocytophilum and/or A. platys, and 0.2% for B. burgdorferi. The co-exposure or co-infection was only detected in 3.8% of the dog population. Conclusions Together, opportunistic testing of dogs presenting for elective surgical procedures may provide an effective way of assessing seroprevalence and/or risk factors for common vector-borne diseases within a geographic region of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mack Fudge
- Hill Country Animal League, 924 N. Main St, Boerne, TX, 78006, USA
| | | | - Bernie Page
- Hill Country Animal League, 924 N. Main St, Boerne, TX, 78006, USA
| | - Shuling Liu
- Statistical Collaboration Center, Department of Statistics, College of Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Artem S Rogovskyy
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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22
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Stoner CH, Saunders AB. Cardiac Manifestations of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in a Domestic Dog. CASE (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2020; 4:410-414. [PMID: 33117940 PMCID: PMC7581647 DOI: 10.1016/j.case.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomiasis manifests as myocardial dysfunction with arrhythmias in dogs. Arrhythmias in this dog prompted further evaluation with echocardiography. Echocardiography confirms cardiac enlargement and dysfunction in Chagas myocarditis. Bundle branch block and ventricular aneurysms are features of Chagas disease. These features are more frequently described in humans than in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin H Stoner
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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23
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Madigan R, Majoy S, Ritter K, Luis Concepción J, Márquez ME, Silva SC, Zao CL, Pérez Alvarez A, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Mogollón-Mendoza AC, Estep JS, Benaím G, Paniz-Mondolfi AE. Investigation of a combination of amiodarone and itraconazole for treatment of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 255:317-329. [PMID: 31298647 DOI: 10.2460/javma.255.3.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical, serologic, parasitological, and histologic outcomes of dogs with naturally occurring Trypanosoma cruzi infection treated for 12 months with amiodarone and itraconazole. ANIMALS 121 dogs from southern Texas and southern Louisiana. PROCEDURES Treatment group dogs (n = 105) received a combination of amiodarone hydrochloride (approx 7.5 mg/kg [3.4 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, with or without a loading dosage protocol) and itraconazole (approx 10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, adjusted to maintain a plasma concentration of 1 to 2 μg/mL) for 12 months. Control group dogs (n = 16) received no antitrypanosomal medications. Serologic assays for anti-T cruzi antibodies, PCR assays for T cruzi DNA in blood, and physical evaluations were performed 1, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after study initiation. Adverse events were recorded. Outcomes of interest were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS 86 of 105 treatment group dogs and 8 of 16 control group dogs survived and completed the study (5/19 and 6/7 deaths of treatment and control group dogs, respectively, were attributed to T cruzi infection). Mean survival time until death attributed to T cruzi was longer (23.19 vs 15.64 months) for the treatment group. Results of PCR assays were negative for all (n = 92) tested treatment group dogs (except for 1 dog at 1 time point) from 6 to 24 months after study initiation. Clinical improvement in ≥ 1 clinical sign was observed in 53 of 54 and 0 of 10 treatment and control group dogs, respectively; adverse drug events were minor and reversible. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested efficacy of this trypanocidal drug combination for the treatment of T cruzi infection in dogs.
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24
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Patterson G, Tanhauser M, Schmidt P, Spangler D, Faulkner C, Faulkner V, Kish D, Gruszynski K, Naikare H, Coarsey MD, Verma A. Serosurvey of arthropod-borne diseases among shelter dogs in the Cumberland Gap Region of the United States. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:221. [PMID: 32605566 PMCID: PMC7324960 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02440-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Cumberland Gap Region (CGR) of the United States is a natural corridor between the southeastern, northeastern, and midwestern regions of the country. CGR has also many species of ticks and mosquitos that serve as competent vectors for important animal and human pathogens. In this study, we tested dogs from six different animal shelters in the CGR for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis and canine heartworm disease. Results Sera from 157 shelter dogs were tested for antibodies to RMSF agent, Rickettsia rickettsii, using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Sixty-six dogs (42.0%) were positive for either IgM or IgG, or both IgM and IgG antibodies to R. rickettsii. Moreover, the same set of sera (n = 157) plus an and additional sera (n = 75) from resident dogs at the same shelters were tested using the SNAP 4Dx Plus. Of 232 dogs tested, two (0.9%) were positive for antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum/A. platys, nine (3.9%) were positive for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, 23 (9.9%) for positive for antibodies to Ehrlichia canis/E. ewingii, and 13 (5.6%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Co-infection with two or more etiologic agents was detected in five animals. Three dogs had antibodies to both B. burgdorferi and E. canis/E. ewingii, and two dogs were positive for D. immitis antigen and antibodies to B. burgdorferi and E. canis/E. ewingii. Conclusions Shelter dogs in the CGR are exposed to a number of important vector-borne pathogens. Further studies are required to ascertain the roles these animals play in maintenance and transmission of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Patterson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA.,Center for Human and Animal Health in Appalachia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Matthew Tanhauser
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Paul Schmidt
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Dawn Spangler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Charles Faulkner
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA.,Center for Infectious, Zoonotic and Vector-borne diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Vina Faulkner
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA.,Center for Infectious, Zoonotic and Vector-borne diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Daniel Kish
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Karen Gruszynski
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA.,Center for Human and Animal Health in Appalachia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Hemant Naikare
- Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 43 Brighton Road, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - Michele D Coarsey
- Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 43 Brighton Road, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - Ashutosh Verma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA. .,Center for Infectious, Zoonotic and Vector-borne diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN, USA.
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25
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McCauley SR, Clark SD, Quest BW, Streeter RM, Oxford EM. Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa155. [PMID: 32542359 PMCID: PMC7447921 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the literature and news because of the recent opinion-based journal articles and public releases by regulatory agencies. DCM is commonly associated with a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds and can also occur secondary to other diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Recent communications in veterinary journals have discussed a potential relationship between grain-free and/or novel protein diets to DCM, citing a subjective increase in DCM in dog breeds that are not known to have a genetic predisposition for the disease. This literature review describes clinical presentations of DCM, common sequelae, treatment and preventative measures, histopathologic features, and a discussion of the varied etiological origins of the disease. In addition, current literature limitations are addressed, in order to ascertain multiple variables leading to the development of DCM. Future studies are needed to evaluate one variable at a time and to minimize confounding variables and speculation. Furthermore, to prevent sampling bias with the current FDA reports, the veterinary community should be asked to provide information for all cases of DCM in dogs. This should include cases during the same time period, regardless of the practitioner's proposed etiology, due to no definitive association between diets with specific characteristics, such as, but not limited to, grain-free diets and those containing legumes, novel protein diets, and those produced by small manufacturers to DCM in dogs. In summary, in order to determine if certain ingredients, categories of diets, or manufacturing processes are related to an increased risk of DCM, further studies investigating these variables are necessary.
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26
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Olson MF, Ndeffo-Mbah ML, Juarez JG, Garcia-Luna S, Martin E, Borucki MK, Frank M, Estrada-Franco JG, Rodríguez-Pérez MA, Fernández-Santos NA, Molina-Gamboa GDJ, Carmona Aguirre SD, Reyes-Berrones BDL, Cortés-De la cruz LJ, García-Barrientos A, Huidobro-Guevara RE, Brussolo-Ceballos RM, Ramirez J, Salazar A, Chaves LF, Badillo-Vargas IE, Hamer GL. High Rate of Non-Human Feeding by Aedes aegypti Reduces Zika Virus Transmission in South Texas. Viruses 2020; 12:E453. [PMID: 32316394 PMCID: PMC7232486 DOI: 10.3390/v12040453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses are emerging or re-emerging globally, afflicting millions of people around the world. Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, is the principal vector of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, and has well-established populations across tropical and subtropical urban areas of the Americas, including the southern United States. While intense arboviral epidemics have occurred in Mexico and further south in the Americas, local transmission in the United States has been minimal. Here, we study Ae. aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus host feeding patterns and vertebrate host communities in residential environments of South Texas to identify host-utilization relative to availability. Only 31% of Ae. aegypti blood meals were derived from humans, while 50% were from dogs and 19% from other wild and domestic animals. In Cx. quinquefasciatus, 67% of blood meals were derived from chicken, 22% came from dogs, 9% from various wild avian species, and 2% from other mammals including one human, one cat, and one pig. We developed a model for the reproductive number, R0, for Zika virus (ZIKV) in South Texas relative to northern Mexico using human disease data from Tamaulipas, Mexico. We show that ZIKV R0 in South Texas communities could be greater than one if the risk of human exposure to Ae. aegypti bites in these communities is at least 60% that of Northern Mexico communities. The high utilization of non-human vertebrates and low risk of human exposure in South Texas diminishes the outbreak potential for human-amplified urban arboviruses transmitted by Ae. aegypti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark F. Olson
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.F.O.); (J.G.J.); (S.G.-L.); (E.M.); (I.E.B.-V.)
| | - Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Jose G. Juarez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.F.O.); (J.G.J.); (S.G.-L.); (E.M.); (I.E.B.-V.)
| | - Selene Garcia-Luna
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.F.O.); (J.G.J.); (S.G.-L.); (E.M.); (I.E.B.-V.)
| | - Estelle Martin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.F.O.); (J.G.J.); (S.G.-L.); (E.M.); (I.E.B.-V.)
| | - Monica K. Borucki
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Chemistry, Materials and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (M.K.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Matthias Frank
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Chemistry, Materials and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA; (M.K.B.); (M.F.)
| | - José Guillermo Estrada-Franco
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Cd. Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (J.G.E.-F.); (M.A.R.-P.); (N.A.F.-S.)
| | - Mario A. Rodríguez-Pérez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Cd. Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (J.G.E.-F.); (M.A.R.-P.); (N.A.F.-S.)
| | - Nadia A. Fernández-Santos
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Cd. Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (J.G.E.-F.); (M.A.R.-P.); (N.A.F.-S.)
| | - Gloria de Jesús Molina-Gamboa
- Secretary of Health of the State of Tamaulipas, Epidemiology Directorate, Cd. Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (G.d.J.M.-G.); (S.D.C.A.); (B.d.L.R.-B.); (L.J.C.-D.l.c.); (A.G.-B.); (R.E.H.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Santos Daniel Carmona Aguirre
- Secretary of Health of the State of Tamaulipas, Epidemiology Directorate, Cd. Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (G.d.J.M.-G.); (S.D.C.A.); (B.d.L.R.-B.); (L.J.C.-D.l.c.); (A.G.-B.); (R.E.H.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Bernardita de Lourdes Reyes-Berrones
- Secretary of Health of the State of Tamaulipas, Epidemiology Directorate, Cd. Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (G.d.J.M.-G.); (S.D.C.A.); (B.d.L.R.-B.); (L.J.C.-D.l.c.); (A.G.-B.); (R.E.H.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Luis Javier Cortés-De la cruz
- Secretary of Health of the State of Tamaulipas, Epidemiology Directorate, Cd. Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (G.d.J.M.-G.); (S.D.C.A.); (B.d.L.R.-B.); (L.J.C.-D.l.c.); (A.G.-B.); (R.E.H.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Alejandro García-Barrientos
- Secretary of Health of the State of Tamaulipas, Epidemiology Directorate, Cd. Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (G.d.J.M.-G.); (S.D.C.A.); (B.d.L.R.-B.); (L.J.C.-D.l.c.); (A.G.-B.); (R.E.H.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Raúl E. Huidobro-Guevara
- Secretary of Health of the State of Tamaulipas, Epidemiology Directorate, Cd. Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (G.d.J.M.-G.); (S.D.C.A.); (B.d.L.R.-B.); (L.J.C.-D.l.c.); (A.G.-B.); (R.E.H.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Regina M. Brussolo-Ceballos
- Secretary of Health of the State of Tamaulipas, Epidemiology Directorate, Cd. Victoria 87000, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (G.d.J.M.-G.); (S.D.C.A.); (B.d.L.R.-B.); (L.J.C.-D.l.c.); (A.G.-B.); (R.E.H.-G.); (R.M.B.-C.)
| | - Josue Ramirez
- Health Department, City of Harlingen, TX 78550, USA;
| | - Aaron Salazar
- Hidalgo County Health & Human Services, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Luis F. Chaves
- Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA), Apartado Postal, Tres Ríos, Cartago 4-2250, Costa Rica;
| | - Ismael E. Badillo-Vargas
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.F.O.); (J.G.J.); (S.G.-L.); (E.M.); (I.E.B.-V.)
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.F.O.); (J.G.J.); (S.G.-L.); (E.M.); (I.E.B.-V.)
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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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Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infections and associated pathology in urban-dwelling Virginia opossums ( Didelphis virginiana). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:287-293. [PMID: 32215248 PMCID: PMC7090276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects a wide range of mammals. The southern United States has endemic sylvatic transmission cycles maintained by several species of wildlife and domestic dogs. We hypothesized that urban-dwelling opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in South Texas are infected with T. cruzi, and that tissue pathology would be associated with infection. In 2017, we collected blood, heart tissue and anal gland secretions from 100 wild opossums across three seasons that were trapped by animal control in South Texas. In addition, anal gland tissue and intercostal muscle were collected from 43 of the 100 opossums for which time allowed the extra tissue collection. All blood, tissue, and secretion samples were screened for T. cruzi DNA using qPCR with confirmation of positive status achieved through one or more additional PCR assays, including a qPCR to determine the parasite discrete typing unit (DTU). T. cruzi DNA was detected in at least one tissue of 15% of the opossums sampled: blood clot (9%), heart tissue (10%), anal gland secretions (12%), intercostal muscle (16.3%), and anal gland tissue (11.6%). Infection was detected in two or more different tissue types in nine of the opossums. The 35 tissues for which parasite DTU was determined were exclusively 'Tcl'- a DTU previously associated with locally-acquired human disease in the United States. T. cruzi-positive opossums were nearly 14 times more likely to exhibit significant heart lesions on histopathology (lympoplasmacytic inflammation±fibrosis) when compared to negative opossums (OR = 13.56, CI = 1.23-751.28, p-value = 0.03). Three triatomines were opportunistically collected from the study site, of which two were infected (66.7%), and bloodmeal analysis revealed canine, opossum, and human bloodmeals. Given the presence of parasite in opossum blood, unique potential for shedding of parasite in anal glad secretions, and evidence of vectors feeding on opossums, it is likely that opossums serve as wild reservoirs around urban dwellings in South Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo B. Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
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Kendricks AL, Gray SB, Wilkerson GK, Sands CM, Abee CR, Bernacky BJ, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Craig SL, Jones KM. Reproductive Outcomes in Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca mulatta) with Naturally-acquired Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Comp Med 2020; 70:152-159. [PMID: 32183928 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-19-000077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a zoonotic vector-borne disease caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. T. cruzi is found in Latin America and the Southern United States, where it infects many species, including humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). NHPs are susceptible to natural infection and can develop clinical symptoms consistent with human disease, including Chagasic cardiomyopathy, gastrointestinal disease and transplacental transmission, leading to congenital infection. Due to evidence of Chagas transmission in Texas, this study hypothesized T. cruzi infection was present in a closed, outdoor-housed breeding colony of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) located at a biomedical research facility in Central Texas. In addition, we questioned whether seropositive female rhesus macaques might experience reproductive complications consistent with maternal-fetal Chagas disease. The seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in the colony was assessed using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against Tc24 antigen as a screening assay, and a commercially available immunochromatographic test (Chagas Stat Pak) as a confirmatory assay. Retrospective serologic analysis was performed to confirm the status of all T. cruzi-infected animals between the years 2012 to 2016. The medical history of all seropositive and seronegative breeding females within the colony from 2012 to 2016 was reviewed to determine each animals' level of reproductive fitness. The percentage of T. cruzi-seropositive animals ranged from 6.7% to 9.7% in adult animals and 0% to 0.44% in juveniles or weanling animals, depending on the year. An overall 3.9% seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection was found in the total population. No significant differences in any measure of reproductive outcomes were identified between seropositive and seronegative females from 2012 to 2016. The lack of significant adverse reproductive outcomes reported here may help inform future management decisions regarding seropositive female rhesus macaques within breeding colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L Kendricks
- Southwest Electronic Energy Medical Research Institute, Houston, Texas; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas;,
| | - Stanton B Gray
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine, Bastrop, Texas
| | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine, Bastrop, Texas
| | | | - Christian R Abee
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine, Bastrop, Texas
| | | | - Peter J Hotez
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Suzanne L Craig
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Kathryn M Jones
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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PATHOLOGY AND DISCRETE TYPING UNIT ASSOCIATIONS OF TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTION IN COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS) AND RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR) OF TEXAS, USA. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:134-144. [DOI: 10.7589/2019-03-071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bern C, Messenger LA, Whitman JD, Maguire JH. Chagas Disease in the United States: a Public Health Approach. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 33:e00023-19. [PMID: 31776135 PMCID: PMC6927308 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00023-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, usually transmitted by triatomine vectors. An estimated 20 to 30% of infected individuals develop potentially lethal cardiac or gastrointestinal disease. Sylvatic transmission cycles exist in the southern United States, involving 11 triatomine vector species and infected mammals such as rodents, opossums, and dogs. Nevertheless, imported chronic T. cruzi infections in migrants from Latin America vastly outnumber locally acquired human cases. Benznidazole is now FDA approved, and clinical and public health efforts are under way by researchers and health departments in a number of states. Making progress will require efforts to improve awareness among providers and patients, data on diagnostic test performance and expanded availability of confirmatory testing, and evidence-based strategies to improve access to appropriate management of Chagas disease in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Bern
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D Whitman
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James H Maguire
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Rodgers S, Killets KC, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated histologic findings in domestic cats (Felis catus). Vet Parasitol 2019; 278:109014. [PMID: 31972512 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic protozoan parasite transmitted by triatomines that infects a wide range of mammals. South Texas is a hotspot for triatomines, T. cruzi-infected dogs and wildlife, and local transmission to humans also occurs. However, little is known about the infection of domestic cats (Felis catus) in the United States. Given the role cats play in the ecology of T. cruzi in Mexico and South America, we hypothesized that T. cruzi infection occurs in cats from south Texas, sometimes associated with cardiac pathology. In 2017, 167 euthanized cats from a south Texas shelter were sampled across winter, spring, and summer. We collected whole blood and hearts from all cats, with additional tissues from a subset. Serum samples were screened for T. cruzi antibodies using two independent rapid immunochromatographic tests and an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Cats were considered seropositive if they were positive on at least two independent serological tests. Blood clot, heart tissue and other tissues were subjected to qPCR for parasite detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination. Tissues from selected seropositive or PCR-positive animals and a subset of negative animals were processed routinely for histopathology and examined by a board-certified pathologist. A total of 19 cats (11.4%) were seropositive and three cats (1.8%) - one of which was seropositive - had one or more PCR-positive tissues. Infected tissues included heart, bicep femoris muscle, sciatic nerve, esophagus, and mesentery. Genotyping of the parastite to the level of DTU showed that exclusively DTU TcI was present, despite past studies showing both TcI and TcIV in vectors of the region. Eight of 19 (42.1%) seropositive cats exhibited lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, sometimes with fibrosis, in cardiac tissue compared to 28.6% of 28 seronegative cats (P = 0.10). Domestic cats are affected hosts in the eco-epidemiology of Chagas disease. Future prospective studies are needed to understand disease progression. Veterinarians in the southern United States should consider T. cruzi in their index of suspicion in cats with exposure to vectors and undetermined cardiac abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo B Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sandy Rodgers
- Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 483 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Keswick C Killets
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA.
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33
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Hodo CL, Rodriguez JY, Curtis‐Robles R, Zecca IB, Snowden KF, Cummings KJ, Hamer SA. Repeated cross-sectional study of Trypanosoma cruzi in shelter dogs in Texas, in the context of Dirofilaria immitis and tick-borne pathogen prevalence. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:158-166. [PMID: 30499189 PMCID: PMC6335532 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne diseases have an adverse impact on health of dogs, and infected dogs can be sentinels for human infection. Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, an agent of Chagas disease, causes fatal heart disease in dogs across the southern United States but has been neglected from wide-scale prevalence studies. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of exposure to T. cruzi, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and infection with Dirofilaria immitis among dogs in shelters across Texas and to identify risk factors for T. cruzi seropositivity. ANIMALS Six hundred and eight dogs. METHODS This repeated cross-sectional study was performed by collecting blood from ~30 dogs during each of the 3 visits to 7 shelters. We tested serum for antibodies to T. cruzi using 2 tests in series and for antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and B. burgdorferi and D. immitis antigen using the IDEXX SNAP 4DX Plus point-of-care test. DNA was extracted from blood clots and tested for T. cruzi DNA and strain type via quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR). We used logistic regression to assess risk factors. RESULTS One hundred ten (18.1%) of 608 dogs were seropositive for T. cruzi. Prevalence of exposure to the other vector-borne agents was: Ehrlichia spp. 3.6%; Anaplasma spp. 6.9%; B. burgdorferi 0.2%; and D. immitis infection 16.0%. Six of 559 (1.1%) dogs were qPCR-positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE T. cruzi seroprevalence was comparable to D. immitis prevalence and higher than seroprevalence of the tick-borne pathogens. T. cruzi is an underrecognized health threat to dogs across Texas and possibly other southern states where triatomine vectors are endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Jessica Y. Rodriguez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
- Zoetis, US Companion Animal Specialty OperationsParsippanyNew Jersey
| | - Rachel Curtis‐Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Karen F. Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Kevin J. Cummings
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNew York
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
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