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Neuber C, Koch U, Nell B. [Ophthalmic findings caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi (strain III) in a dog]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:42-47. [PMID: 36917992 DOI: 10.1055/a-1982-3564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
A 2-year-old female mixed-breed canine patient from Namibia presented originally with chronic uveitis. A serum antibody titer and a PCR test performed on the aqueous humor were positive for encephalitozoon cuniculi. The left eye showed an immature anterior focal cortical cataract in the periphery with suspected lens capsule rupture and signs of chronic uveitis. An incipient anterior focal cortical cataract was also perceivable in the patient's right eye. Despite local treatment as well as systemic administration of carprofen, prednisolone, and fenbendazol recurrent uveitis occurred. The patient then underwent bilateral extracapsular lensextraction via phacoemulsification. A PCR test of the lens material was positive for encephalitozoon cuniculi strain III. Recurring uveitis and secondary glaucoma 10 months post-op resulted in permanent blindness of the left eye. The patient then continued to receive local anti-inflammatory treatment. The last recheck examination of both eyes, 31 month post-op, revealed no signs of uveitis. This is the first case reported of a cataract in a canine patient caused by encephalitozoon cuniculi strain III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Neuber
- Tierärztliches Gesundheitszentrum Oerzen, Melbeck, Deutschland
| | - Ulrike Koch
- Tierärztliches Gesundheitszentrum Oerzen, Melbeck, Deutschland
| | - Barbara Nell
- Department für Kleintiere und Pferde, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Österreich
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2
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Magalhães TR, Pinto FF, Queiroga FL. A multidisciplinary review about Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2463-2479. [PMID: 35840730 PMCID: PMC9286959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite mostly associated with its natural host, the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). However, other animals can be infected, like other mammals, birds, and even humans. Although it usually causes subclinical infection, it can also lead to encephalitozoonosis, a clinical disease characterized by neurological, ocular, and/or renal signs that can be even fatal, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, this multidisciplinary review contributes with updated information about the E. cuniculi, deepening in its molecular and genetic characterization, its mechanisms of infection and transmission, and its prevalence among different species and geographic locations, in a One Health perspective. Recent information about the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the main host species and the prophylaxis and infection control measures currently suggested are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Rodrigues Magalhães
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Fontes Pinto
- HIPRA, Malveira, Portugal
- Cytology Diagnostic Services, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Sciences, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Lin J, Nell B, Horikawa T, Zarfoss M. Feline intralenticular Encephalitozoon cuniculi: three cases from California. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221106721. [PMID: 35935143 PMCID: PMC9350498 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221106721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary Three domestic shorthair cats from California presented to veterinary ophthalmologists with immature cataracts. Other presenting clinical signs included corneal edema, anisocoria, anterior uveitis, elevated intraocular pressure, blepharospasm and/or lethargy. All patients were immunocompromised due to concurrent diseases and/or immunomodulatory drugs. Diagnostics included serial comprehensive ophthalmic examinations with tonometry, ocular ultrasound, electroretinogram and testing for other causes of feline uveitis. Testing for Encephalitozoon cuniculi included serology, histopathology and/or PCR of aqueous humor, lens material or paraffin-embedded whole eye. Treatments included antiparasitic medication, anti-inflammatory medication and supportive care in all three cases. Surgical treatment included enucleation (one case), bilateral phacoemulsification and unilateral intraocular lens placement (one case) and bilateral phacoemulsification with bilateral endolaser ciliary body ablation and bilateral intraocular lens implantation (one case). Both cats for which serologic testing for E cuniculi was performed were positive (1:64-1:4096). In all cats, diagnosis of intraocular E cuniculi was based on at least one of the following: lens histopathology or PCR of aqueous humor, lens material or paraffin-embedded ocular tissue. The clinical visual outcome was best in the patient undergoing phacoemulsification at the earliest stage of the cataract. Relevance and novel information Encephalitozoon cuniculi should be considered as a differential cause of cataracts and uveitis in cats in California, the rest of the USA and likely worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joie Lin
- School of Veterinary Medicine,
University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Nell
- Department for Small Animals and
Horses, Veterinary University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Sak B, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Tinavská J, Kicia M, Zajączkowska Ż, Kváč M. Comparison of the Concentration of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotypes I and III in Inflammatory Foci Under Experimental Conditions. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2721-2730. [PMID: 35502243 PMCID: PMC9056047 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s363509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: Bohumil Sak, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic, Tel +420387775421, Fax +420385310388, Email
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Tinavská
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kicia
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Zajączkowska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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5
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Abstract
Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many microsporidia species play an important role in the development of serious diseases that have significant implications in human and veterinary medicine. While microsporidia were originally considered to be opportunistic pathogens in humans, it is now understood that infections also occur in immune competent humans. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are primarily mammalian pathogens. However, many other species of microsporidia that have some other primary host that is not a mammal have been reported to cause sporadic mammalian infections. Experimental models and observations in natural infections have demonstrated that microsporidia can cause a latent infection in mammalian hosts. This chapter reviews the published studies on mammalian microsporidiosis and the data on chronic infections due to these enigmatic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Nguyen L, Boorstein J, Wynn ER, Welihozkiy A, Baldwin T, Stine JM, Miller Michau T. Prevalence and type of ocular disease in a population of aged captive nondomestic felids. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 25:31-43. [PMID: 34176199 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12913] [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: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Report of prevalence and type of ocular disease in a captive population of nondomestic felids. METHODS Medical records of 202 cats from 1993 to 2018 were reviewed. Species, age at diagnosis, sex, ocular examination abnormalities, systemic/physical examination abnormalities, type of examination (visual, sedated, or anesthetized), ocular structures affected, other diagnostics, therapy, and resolution of ocular disease were recorded. RESULTS A total of 202 nondomestic felids including 18 different species (bobcat, caracal, cougar, Fishing cat, Geoffroy's cat, jaguar, jungle cat, leopard, leopard cat, liger, lion, lynx, ocelot, Sand cat, Savannah cat, serval, snow leopard, and tiger) from a rescue facility were evaluated. Forty-six ocular lesions were diagnosed in 33 (16.3%) cats from 8 different species (bobcat, caracal, cougar, leopard, lion, ocelot, serval, and tiger) with a mean age of 16 ± 5.9 years at time of diagnosis. Ocular lesions included corneal disease (37%) (ulcerations, perforations, keratitis, corneal scars), cataracts (23.9%), hyphema (8.7%), lens luxation (6.5%), retinal detachment (6.5%), uveitis (4.3%), conjunctival disease (4.3%), retinal degeneration (2.1%), glaucoma (2.1%), and optic neuritis (2.1%). Therapies included medical (topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, serum, etc.) and/or surgical management (enucleation, intracapsular lens extraction, corneoconjunctival transposition, and corneal burr debridement). CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the prevalence of ocular disease in a population of captive nondomestic felids. It is difficult to diagnose and treat ocular disease in nondomestic cats due to challenges related to handling, diagnostics, and therapeutics in nondomestic species. Ocular disease seen in this population is similar to that found in domestic cat populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laison Nguyen
- BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Tampa, FL, USA.,BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Sarasota, FL, USA.,BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Clearwater, FL, USA
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7
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Sak B, Brdíčková K, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kváč M. The course of infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in mice possess combination of features reported in genotypes II and III. Exp Parasitol 2021; 224:108101. [PMID: 33773998 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108101] [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: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Out of three genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (I-III) available for experimental studies, E. cuniculi genotype I remains the less characterized. This study describes for the first time individual phases of microsporidiosis caused by E. cuniculi genotype I and efficacy of albendazole treatment in immunocompetent BALB/c and C57Bl/6 mice and immunodeficient SCID, CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice using molecular detection and quantification methods. We demonstrate asymptomatic infection despite an intense dissemination of microsporidia into most organs within the first weeks post infection, followed by a chronic infection characterized by significant microsporidia persistence in immunocompetent, CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice and a lethal outcome for SCID mice. Albendazole application led to loss E. cuniculi genotype I infection in immunocompetent mouse strains, decreased spore burden by half in CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice, and prolongation of survival of SCID mice. These results showed Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I infection extend and albendazole sensitivity was comparable to E. cuniculi genotype II, but the infection onset speed and mortality rate was similar to E. cuniculi genotype III. These imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on immunological status of the host, but also on the genotype causing the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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8
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Sak B, Brdíčková K, Holubová N, Květoňová D, Hlásková L, Kváč M. A massive systematic infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III in mice does not cause clinical signs. Microbes Infect 2020; 22:467-473. [PMID: 32579904 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2020.06.004] [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: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III disseminated intensively into most of the organs in all strains of mice, followed by a chronic infection with massive microsporidia persistence in immunodeficient mice and a partial decrease in C57Bl/6 mice. Treatment with 0.2 mg Albendazole/mouse/day temporarily reduces the number of affected organs in immunocompetent C57Bl/6 mice, but not in CD4-/- and CD8-/- mice. The application of medication temporarily decreased the spore burden at least by one order of magnitude in all groups. These results demonstrate that the E. cuniculi genotype III infection had a progressive course and surprisingly, Albendazole treatment had only a minimal effect. The E. cuniculi genotype III spore burden in individual organs reached up to 108 or 109 in immunocompetent or immunodeficient mice, respectively; however, these mice did not demonstrate any obvious clinical signs of microsporidiosis, and the immunodeficient mice survived longer. Our findings clearly show that the survival of mice does not correspond to spore burden, which provides new insight into latent microsporidiosis from an epidemiological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Klára Brdíčková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Holubová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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9
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Scurrell E, Manning S, Malho P, Civello A, Mould J, Carrozza R, Wagner BE. Microsporidial keratopathy in two dogs. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 23:402-408. [PMID: 31758652 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A microsporidial keratopathy is described in two dogs. Both dogs presented with a unilateral stromal keratopathy characterized by multifocal coalescing opacities, and the diagnosis was made on histopathologic examination of keratectomy specimens. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded corneal tissue was performed in one dog, and the morphologic features were consistent with Nosema species infection. Both dogs were initially diagnosed and treated by superficial keratectomy. One dog received additional antifungal medication and underwent a penetrating keratoplasty following local recurrence two years later. No other systemic lesions attributable to the microsporidial infection were identified clinically. The clinical and diagnostic pathology findings, treatment, and follow-up are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - John Mould
- Eye Veterinary Clinic, Leominster, Herefordshire, UK
| | | | - Bart E Wagner
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Department of Histopathology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
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10
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Ozkan O, Karagoz A, Kocak N. First molecular evidence of ocular transmission of Encephalitozoonosis during the intrauterine period in rabbits. Parasitol Int 2019; 71:1-4. [PMID: 30853450 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many reports have been published on the suspected vertical transmission of Encephalitozoon cuniculi; however, prior to 2003, these reports were based on circumstantial evidence, such as histopathological, immunohistochemical, or serological diagnosis of the infection. In 2003, vertical transmission of the parasite was confirmed by detection of E. cuniculi DNA in fetuses with the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. However, the passage of the parasite to eyes of fetus during the intrauterine stage still requires verification. In the current study, natively infected with parasite spores female rabbits were mated with non-infected males. All resulting offspring that died before ten postpartum days were investigated using molecular techniques to confirm the intrauterine transmission of the parasite to the offspring' eyes. In total, 119 DNA samples from rabbit offspring tissues were collected from blood, kidney, brain, eye (both eyes were used as single samples), lung, placenta, liver and heart were used for PCR. Parasitic DNA in the eyes of offspring was detected (54%) 6 of 11 naturally seropositive mother rabbits. PCR results were found to be positive for the eyes of 63% (19/30) of the offsprings from seropositive rabbits. Therefore, mother rabbits naturally infected with E. cuniculi showed the molecular presence of the parasite in their offspring' eyes. Sequence analysis confirmed the partial DNA sequence data of E. cuniculi and blast analysis identified the agent as genotype I. These results confirm transmission of E. cuniculi to rabbit offspring' eyes in the intrauterine period. This is the first molecular evidence to show ocular transmission of the infection via an intrauterine route in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozcan Ozkan
- Çankırı Karatekin University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, 18100 Çankırı, Turkey.
| | - Alper Karagoz
- Usak University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic, 64000 Usak, Turkey
| | - Nadir Kocak
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetic, 42130 Konya, Turkey
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11
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Knollinger AM, McDonald JE, Carpenter NA, Crook EK. Use of equine amniotic membrane free-island grafts for treatment of a midstromal corneal ulcer and descemetocele in a snow leopard (Panthera uncia). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2018; 253:1623-1629. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.12.1623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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Künzel F, Fisher PG. Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2018; 21:69-82. [PMID: 29146032 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Central vestibular dysfunction caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi frequently mimics the condition of a peripheral disorder. A negative antibody titer rules out E cuniculi as the cause of present clinical signs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis including polymerase chain reaction is considered an inappropriate diagnostic method for in vivo diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis. The usefulness of glucocorticoid anti-inflammatories in the treatment of encephalitozoonosis is called into question. Encouraging activity early in the course of disease and adding in therapeutic exercise may represent the most important part of therapy in rabbits with vestibular dysfunction associated with encephalitozoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Künzel
- Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter G Fisher
- Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, 5201 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
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13
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Kotková M, Sak B, Hlásková L, Kváč M. The course of infection caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Exp Parasitol 2017; 182:16-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Kourgelis C, Reilly C, Von Roedern M, Cray C. Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cats within the United States. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 9:122-124. [PMID: 31014834 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that causes clinical and subclinical infection in many species. It is also considered a potential zoonotic disease. In the present study, a serological survey was conducted using samples from pet cats using an ELISA with a confirmed positive control sample from a cat with E. cuniculi related uveitis. Thirty-four of 127 serum samples or 26.8% were found to demonstrate reactivity with titers ranging from 1:32 to 1:1024. There were no significant differences by age or sex (p=0.99 and p=0.32, respectively). This is the first description of the use of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of E. cuniculi antibodies in cats in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kourgelis
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
| | - C Reilly
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95615, USA
| | - M Von Roedern
- Department of Critical Care, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
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15
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Hinney B, Sak B, Joachim A, Kváč M. More than a rabbit's tale - Encephalitozoon spp. in wild mammals and birds. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:76-87. [PMID: 28560162 PMCID: PMC5439460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Within the microsporidian genus Encephalitozoon, three species, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis have been described. Several orders of the Class Aves (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Apodiformes, Ciconiiformis, Gruiformes, Columbiformes, Suliformes, Podicipediformes, Anseriformes, Struthioniformes, Falconiformes) and of the Class Mammalia (Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Primates, Artyodactyla, Soricomorpha, Chiroptera, Carnivora) can become infected. Especially E. cuniculi has a very broad host range while E. hellem is mainly distributed amongst birds. E. intestinalis has so far been detected only sporadically in wild animals. Although genotyping allows the identification of strains with a certain host preference, recent studies have demonstrated that they have no strict host specificity. Accordingly, humans can become infected with any of the four strains of E. cuniculi as well as with E. hellem or E. intestinalis, the latter being the most common. Especially, but not exclusively, immunocompromised people are at risk. Environmental contamination with as well as direct transmission of Encephalitozoon is therefore highly relevant for public health. Moreover, endangered species might be threatened by the spread of pathogens into their habitats. In captivity, clinically overt and often fatal disease seems to occur frequently. In conclusion, Encephalitozoon appears to be common in wild warm-blooded animals and these hosts may present important reservoirs for environmental contamination and maintenance of the pathogens. Similar to domestic animals, asymptomatic infections seem to occur frequently but in captive wild animals severe disease has also been reported. Detailed investigations into the epidemiology and clinical relevance of these microsporidia will permit a full appraisal of their role as pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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