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Lisulo M, Namangala B, Mweempwa C, Banda M, Chambaro H, Moonga L, Kyoko H, Chihiro S, Picozzi K, Maciver SK, MacLeod ET. Domestic dogs as reservoirs for African trypanosomiasis in Mambwe district, eastern Zambia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21062. [PMID: 39256442 PMCID: PMC11387841 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69834-1] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The control of African trypanosomiasis (AT) in Eastern and Southern Africa, including Zambia, faces huge challenges due to the involvement of wild and domestic animal reservoirs. Free-roaming dogs in wildlife-populated and tsetse-infested villages of Zambia's Mambwe district are exposed to infectious tsetse bites. Consuming fresh raw game meat and bones further exacerbates their risk of contracting AT. We focus on the reservoir role of such dogs in maintaining and transmitting diverse species of trypanosomes that are infective to humans and livestock in Zambia's Mambwe district. A cohort of 162 dogs was enrolled for follow-up at 3 different time points from June to December 2018 in selected villages of Malama, Mnkhanya, and Nsefu chiefdoms of Mambwe district, eastern Zambia. Blood and serum were screened for AT by microscopy, GM6 ELISA, PCR (ITS1 and SRA), and Sanger sequencing. Out of the 162 dogs in the cohort, 40 were lost to follow-up and only 122 remained traceable at the end of the study. GM6 ELISA detected Trypanosoma antibodies in 121 dogs (74.7%) and ITS1-PCR detected DNA involving single and mixed infections of T. congolense, T. brucei, and suspected T. simiae or T. godfreyi in 115 dogs (70.9%). The human-infective T. b. rhodesiense was detected by SRA PCR in 67 dogs (41.4%), and some sequence data that support the findings of this study have been deposited in the GenBank under accession numbers OL961811, OL961812, and OL961813. Our study demonstrates that the Trypanosoma reservoir community in Zambia is wider than was thought and includes domesticated dogs. As dogs are active carriers of human and livestock-infective trypanosomes, they pose a risk of transmitting AT in endemic villages of Mambwe district as they are neglected and left untreated. To fully bring AT under control, countries such as Zambia where the role of animal reservoirs is important, should not limit their prevention and treatment efforts to livestock (especially cattle) but also include dogs that play an integral part in most rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malimba Lisulo
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
- Central Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, P.O. Box 33780, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Cornelius Mweempwa
- Department of Veterinary Services, Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Control Section, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Maxwell Banda
- Central Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, P.O. Box 33780, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Herman Chambaro
- Central Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, P.O. Box 33780, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ladslav Moonga
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Hayashida Kyoko
- Research Centre for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Sugimoto Chihiro
- Research Centre for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Kim Picozzi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Ewan T MacLeod
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
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CHIKUFENJI B, CHATANGA E, GALON EM, MOHANTA UK, MDZUKULU G, MA Y, NKHATA M, UMEMIYA-SHIRAFUJI R, XUAN X. First report of dog ticks and tick-borne pathogens they are carrying in Malawi. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:150-159. [PMID: 38171881 PMCID: PMC10898992 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0397] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are vectors for transmitting tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in animals and humans. Therefore, tick identification is necessary to understand the distribution of tick species and the pathogens they carry. Unfortunately, data on dog ticks and the TBPs they harbor in Malawi are incomplete. This study aimed to identify dog ticks and the TBPs they transmit in Malawi. One hundred thirty-two ticks were collected from 87 apparently healthy but infested domestic dogs in four districts of Malawi, which were pooled into 128 tick samples. The ticks were morphologically identified under a stereomicroscope using identification keys, and species identification was authenticated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) through the amplification and sequencing of 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1) genes. The tick species identified were Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (58.3%), Haemaphysalis elliptica (32.6%), and Hyalomma truncatum (9.1%). Screening for TBPs using species-specific PCR assays revealed that 48.4% of the ticks were infected with at least one TBP. The TBP detection rates were 13.3% for Anaplasma platys, 10.2% for Babesia rossi, 8.6% for B. vogeli, 6.3% for Ehrlichia canis, 3.9% for A. phagocytophilum, 3.1% for B. gibsoni, 2.3% for B. canis and 0.8% for Hepatozoon canis. Co-infections of up to three pathogens were observed in 48.4% of the positive samples. This is the first study to identify dog ticks and the TBPs they harbor in Malawi. These findings provide the basis for understanding dog tick distribution and pathogens they carry in Malawi. This study necessitates the examination of ticks from more study locations to have a better picture of tick challenge, and the development of ticks and tick-borne disease control methods in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boniface CHIKUFENJI
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
- Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development,
Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Vets of Purpose Organization, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Elisha CHATANGA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Eloiza May GALON
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,
Cavite State University, Cavite, Philippines
| | - Uday Kumar MOHANTA
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gift MDZUKULU
- Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development,
Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Yihong MA
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Rika UMEMIYA-SHIRAFUJI
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Xuenan XUAN
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro
University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
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Zygner W, Gójska-Zygner O, Bartosik J, Górski P, Karabowicz J, Kotomski G, Norbury LJ. Canine Babesiosis Caused by Large Babesia Species: Global Prevalence and Risk Factors-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2612. [PMID: 37627403 PMCID: PMC10451873 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a disease caused by protozoan pathogens belonging to the genus Babesia. Four species of large Babesia cause canine babesiosis (B. canis, B. rossi, B. vogeli, and the informally named B. coco). Although canine babesiosis has a worldwide distribution, different species occur in specific regions: B. rossi in sub-Saharan Africa, B. canis in Europe and Asia, and B. coco in the Eastern Atlantic United States, while B. vogeli occurs in Africa, southern parts of Europe and Asia, northern Australia, southern regions of North America, and in South America. B. vogeli is the most prevalent large Babesia species globally. This results from its wide range of monotropic vector species, the mild or subclinical nature of infections, and likely the longest evolutionary association with dogs. The most important risk factors for infection by large Babesia spp. include living in rural areas, kennels or animal shelters, or regions endemic for the infection, the season of the year (which is associated with increased tick activity), infestation with ticks, and lack of treatment with acaricides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Zygner
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Olga Gójska-Zygner
- Labros Veterinary Clinic, Św. Bonifacego 92, 02-940 Warsaw, Poland; (O.G.-Z.); (G.K.)
| | - Justyna Bartosik
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Paweł Górski
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Justyna Karabowicz
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.); (P.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Grzegorz Kotomski
- Labros Veterinary Clinic, Św. Bonifacego 92, 02-940 Warsaw, Poland; (O.G.-Z.); (G.K.)
| | - Luke J. Norbury
- Department of Biosciences and Food Technology, School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia;
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Preena P, Sarangom SB, Ramesh Kumar KV, Seeja S, Rajalekshmi S. Hematological alterations in large Babesia species infection in dogs of Kannur District of Kerala. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:1090-1095. [PMID: 34789994 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01404-y] [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: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan intraerythrocytic hemoprotozoan parasites. It is caused by the small (Babesia gibsoni, B. conradae, and B. vulpes) and large (B. vogeli, B. canis, and B. rossi) Babesia groups. As per the recent reports, the most prominent Babesia species encountered in the Kerala state are the small Babesia, B. gibsoni followed by the large Babesia, B. vogeli. The latter is regarded as mildly pathogenic, causing subclinical or mild disease; however severe complications like systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, etc. have also been reported. The information on the status of hematological alterations in naturally infected dogs with large Babesia is lacking, particularly from the state of Kerala. The present study involves a retrospective study of clinical cases of large Babesia infection in dogs. The complete haematological profile from well-documented laboratory records of 4039 dogs suspected for babesiosis presented to District Veterinary Centre, Kannur during the period from December 2018 to October 2020 was analyzed for the study. Natural infections were recorded in 35 (0.87%) dogs based on the presence of intraerythrocytic piroplasm of large Babesia spp. by light microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears. The most consistent features observed were mild to moderate regenerative, normocytic and normochromic anemia, lowered to normal neutrophil count and thrombocytopenia. In comparison to hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia was the most frequent clinicopathological finding in the study with an increased presence of large activated platelets or macro-platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Preena
- District Veterinary Centre, Kannur, India
| | | | | | - S Seeja
- District Veterinary Centre, Kannur, India
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Ngoka IT, Mbogo K, Kyallo M, Oduori DO, Pelle R. Genetic detection and phylogenetic relationship of Babesia species infecting domestic dogs from select regions in Kenya. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Ma W, Tang H, Zhou Y, Zhao G, Fan Y, Song X, Song J. THE INFECTION AND SPECIES IDENTIFICATION OF CANINE BABESIA SPP. IN PARTS OF SHAANXI PROVINCE. J Parasitol 2021; 107:780-784. [PMID: 34473292 DOI: 10.1645/19-177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a serious disease among tick-borne haemoprotozoan diseases that threaten dog health. To find out the prevalence of canine babesiosis and its main pathogenic species in Shaanxi Province, the study was centered on the infection of babesiosis in dogs in different regions of the Province. First, a total of 367 blood samples were collected in Shaanxi Province, and 53 Babesia nucleic-acid-positive samples were found by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification, with a positive rate of 14.44%, and Babesia gibsoni was found by sequencing analysis. Further analysis showed that the prevalence of canine babesiosis was significantly different in 5 regions. There was no significant difference in infection rates between age groups, with the lowest prevalence in young dogs (10.81%) and the highest in adult dogs (17.29%). The infection rate in male dogs was higher than in female dogs. The morbidity of canine Babesia spp. was significantly different between different seasons, with the highest infection rate in autumn (27.78%) and the lowest in winter (6.10%). In conclusion, the epidemicity of canine Babesia spp. in dogs was mainly affected by region and season, and B. gibsoni was the most common canine Babesia spp. within Shaanxi Province in our study. These results provide basic data for the prevention and control of canine babesiosis in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuren Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China.,Xi'an Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Northwest A&F University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710065, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China.,Chongqing Three Gorges Polytechnic College, Chongqing 404000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunpeng Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Junke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
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Morters MK, Archer J, Ma D, Matthee O, Goddard A, Leisewitz AL, Matjila PT, Wood JLN, Schoeman JP. Long-term follow-up of owned, free-roaming dogs in South Africa naturally exposed to Babesia rossi. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:103-110. [PMID: 32004510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Babesia rossi is an important, tick-borne intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite; however, its natural history and epidemiology is poorly understood. Babesia rossi is the most virulent Babesia sp. in domestic dogs and is generally considered to cause severe babesiosis, which is fatal if left untreated. However, subclinical infections and mild disease from B. rossi have been reported, although the clinical progression of these cases was not reported. Therefore, to better understand B. rossi under field conditions, we evaluated its clinical progression and seroprevalence in an owned, free-roaming dog population in Zenzele, South Africa, where the parasite is endemic and prevention is not routine. The entire dog population in Zenzele was monitored intensively at the individual level from March 2008 until April 2014, primarily for a longitudinal study on rabies control. Subsequent evaluation of B. rossi comprised analyses of clinical and laboratory data collected from the Zenzele dog population during the 6 year study period. A substantial proportion (31% (n = 34)) of 109 dogs (randomly selected from every available dog in February/March 2010 older than ~6-8 weeks (n = 246)) tested by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test had seroconverted strongly to B. rossi. All 34 dogs were generally consistently healthy adults, determined from regular clinical examinations between March 2008 and April 2014. Blood smear examinations at multiple time points between July 2009 and February 2011 were also undertaken for almost all of these (34) seropositive dogs and all those tested were consistently negative for Babesia spp. Subclinical infections and mild disease were also the main findings for a separate group of 18 dogs positive for Babesia spp. on blood smear examination and confirmed to be infected with B. rossi by Polymerase Chain Reaction - Reverse Line Blot. Almost all of these dogs were positive at only one time point from repeat blood smear examinations between July 2009 and February 2011. We suggest that these observations are consistent with immunity acquired from repeated, low-level exposure to the parasite, generating transient subclinical infections or mild disease. Should this be the case, the use of tick control, particularly in adult dogs in free-roaming populations in B. rossi endemic regions, should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Morters
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - J Archer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D Ma
- Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - O Matthee
- Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A Goddard
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A L Leisewitz
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P T Matjila
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J L N Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - J P Schoeman
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Seroprevalence of Canine Ehrlichiosis and Microscopic Screening for Canine Babesiosis in Dogs in Harare, Zimbabwe, 2016-2017. Vet Med Int 2019; 2019:4130210. [PMID: 31885847 PMCID: PMC6914920 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4130210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was done to determine ehrlichiosis seroprevalence and babesiosis prevalence in dogs that were presented to selected veterinary clinics in Harare. Sera from randomly selected dogs were tested for antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while microscopy of peripheral blood smears was used to confirm babesiosis. Overall, 75.2% (88/117, 95% CI: 66.2–82.5) of sera samples tested were positive to Ehrlichia spp. antibodies while the prevalence of canine babesiosis was 47.9% (56/117, 95% CI: 38.6–57.3). Age, breed, and sex were found not to be associated with the two disease conditions (p > 0.05). Most of the dogs with babesiosis (82.1%, 46/56) were also positive to Ehrlichia spp. antibodies. Hypoalbuminaemia (53.8%, 63/117), anaemia (53.0%, 62/117) and thrombocytopaenia (40.2%, 47/117) were the most common laboratory findings. Thrombocytopaenia and hypoalbuminaemia was more pronounced in dogs with babesiosis only while anaemia was more marked in dogs with babesiosis and positive to Ehrlichia spp. antibodies.
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Barash NR, Thomas B, Birkenheuer AJ, Breitschwerdt EB, Lemler E, Qurollo BA. Prevalence of Babesia spp. and clinical characteristics of Babesia vulpes infections in North American dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:2075-2081. [PMID: 31334887 PMCID: PMC6766513 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesiosis is an important cause of thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia in dogs. Babesia vulpes, reported in European dogs and North American foxes, rarely has been reported in domestic North American dogs. Newly optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers facilitate more sensitive amplification of B. vulpes DNA. Objectives To determine the prevalence of Babesia sp. infections in dogs being tested for Babesia infection, and to describe co‐infections and clinicopathologic abnormalities in B. vulpes positive dogs. Animals Dog blood or tissue samples (n = 9367) submitted to a diagnostic laboratory between June 2015 and June 2018 were tested using an optimized Babesia PCR assay. Methods Comprehensive canine vector‐borne disease diagnostic testing was performed on convenience samples. Results Babesia sp. DNA was amplified from 269/9367 (2.9%) North American dogs. Babesia sp. infections included B. gibsoni monoinfection (157; 1.7%), B. vulpes monoinfection (19; 0.20%), and B. gibsoni and B. vulpes coinfection (29; 0.31%). Forty‐three of the 48 total B. vulpes‐infected dogs were American Pit Bull Terrier‐type breeds, of which 36 historically were involved with dog fights. Coinfections with Mycoplasma, Dirofilaria immitis, or Wolbachia and coexposures to Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia spp. were documented in B. vulpes‐infected dogs. Clinicopathologic data in B. vulpes‐infected dogs both with and without coinfections included anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and proteinuria. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Babesia vulpes infection in domestic North American dogs is commonly found in conjunction with other coinfections, including B. gibsoni and hemotropic Mycoplasma. Similar to B. gibsoni, dog‐to‐dog transmission of B. vulpes may be a frequent mode of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanelle R Barash
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Brittany Thomas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Erica Lemler
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Barbara A Qurollo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Ubah AS, Abalaka SE, Idoko IS, Obeta SS, Ejiofor CE, Mshelbwala PP, Omeje JN, Ajayi IE. Canine babesiosis in a male Boerboel: Hematobiochemical and anatomic pathological changes in the cardiorespiratory and reproductive organs. Vet Anim Sci 2019; 7:100049. [PMID: 32734071 PMCID: PMC7386722 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2019.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A 9-month old male Boerboel was presented at the University of Abuja Small Animal Clinic with a primary complaint of inappetence and micturition with brownish-yellow urine. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, enlarged pre-scapular lymph nodes, bilateral ocular discharges, pyrexia (41.2 °C), depression and the presence of ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus sanguineus on the body of the animal. History revealed that the dog was recently vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHLPP) and rabies six days prior to the onset of clinical signs, and had been anorexic. Following clinical examination, blood and faecal samples were collected for biochemical and parasitological analyses, and the results revealed the presence of intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites, normocytic and normochromic anaemia with extensive cellular damage. However, during the course of the investigation, the dog died. With appropriate consent, a post-mortem examination was carried out. Diffuse oedema with interstitial pneumonia in the lung, focal haemorrhage with cellular infiltration in the heart and progressive necrosis of epithelial cells within the seminiferous tubules of the testicles were observed. Many of the observed clinicopathological alterations were consistent with complicated babesiosis. However, in the current case, some unique systemic complications such as testicular degeneration, which has not been previously observed in the Boerboel are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azubuike S Ubah
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Samson E Abalaka
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Idoko S Idoko
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sunday S Obeta
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Charles E Ejiofor
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Jude N Omeje
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Itopa E Ajayi
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
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Occurrence of tick-borne haemoparasites in cattle in the Mungwi District, Northern Province, Zambia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:707-717. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Vectors and vector-borne pathogens of dogs in Nigeria: a meta-analysis of their prevalence and distribution from data published between 1975 and 2016. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 12:69-77. [PMID: 31014812 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of vectors and the pathogens they transmit is essential for veterinarians and public health workers to ensure successful diagnosis, treatment and public health protection. In the present study, the guideline for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was employed to determine the prevalence and distribution of vectors and vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of dogs across Nigeria in a meta-analysis of data published between 1975 and 2016. Pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) was determined by the random-effects model while heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q-test. A total of 2897 cases of vectors and VBPs were reported from 9880 dogs in 28 studies across 15 Nigerian states. Overall PPE was 29.3% (95% CI: 28.4, 30.2) and ranged between 4.4% (95% CI: 2.3, 7.6) and 59.1% (95% CI: 55.7, 62.5) across sub-groups. Rhipicephalus sanquineus (Prev: 25.3%, 95% CI: 23.7, 27.0) and Hepatozoon canis (Prev: 16.9%, 95% CI: 13.9, 20.3) were the most prevalent vector and VBP respectively. Vectors and VBPs of zoonotic and veterinary importance were prevalent in Nigerian dogs and were distributed across the six regions. Vector control, adequate hygiene and sanitation as well as appropriate policies on pet ownership and implementation of control measures will help control these pathogens and curtail the risk of transmission to humans in Nigeria.
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Happi AN, Toepp AJ, Ugwu CA, Petersen CA, Sykes JE. Detection and identification of blood-borne infections in dogs in Nigeria using light microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 11:55-60. [PMID: 31014619 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many sick dogs brought to the University of Ibadan Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UIVTH) are infested with ticks and are anemic. Up until recently, light microscopy (LM) has been the only available means used for detection of blood-borne infections. In other parts of the world, PCR-based assays been used as a gold standard for accurate diagnosis of blood-borne infections. In this study, we used LM and broad-spectrum rRNA gene PCR-based assays on 116 blood samples from dogs brought to the UIVTH for detection of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia and the 16S rRNA genes of Ehrlichia and hemotropic mycoplasmas. The relationship between clinicopathological findings and PCR results was evaluated. Age, sex, presence of ticks, anemia, co-infection status, and fever were also assessed in relation to PCR positivity to determine the risk factors using stepwise logistic regression analyses. Light microscopic examination revealed an overall prevalence of infection of 14.7% (17/116). Organisms detected were Babesia canis (3.5%), Ehrlichia canis (10.3%) and Trypanosoma congolense (0.9%) and a single co-infection with Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis (0.9%). PCR analysis revealed 89/116 (76.7%) positive samples. Infections with 1, 2 and 3 infectious agents occurred in 49 (55.1%), 36 (40.4%) and 4 (4.5%) samples, respectively. Specifically, among the 89 PCR positive samples, Babesia spp. (85.4%) was the most abundant infection followed by Ehrlichia spp. (46.1%) and hemoplasmas (13.5%). Sequencing of PCR products identified two samples (1.7%) that contained Hepatozoon canis DNA. Sequencing of hemoplasma positive samples identified 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' in 0.8% of dogs. Using PCR, a 5-fold higher prevalence of blood-borne infections was found in the dogs (76.7%, 89/116) than with LM (14.7%, 17/116) alone" Dogs between 1 and 12months were the most frequently infected with multiple agents (47.2% double and 50.0% triple infections). Male dogs had the highest prevalence of infection (80.4%) and more triple infections (75.0%). A total of 57.3% of infected dogs were anemic. Anemic dogs were 2.77 times more likely to test positive for Ehrlichia spp. (OR: 2.77 95% CI: 1.25-6.16) and dogs with ticks were 3.6 times more likely to test positive for hemoplasmas (OR=3.60 95% CI: 1.05-12.38). This study underscores the abundance of blood-borne infections in dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria, which is underestimated using light microscopy. This is also the first evidence of existence of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' in a dog in Nigeria and in Africa. Consequently there is a need for molecular diagnostic facilities for routine screening of sick animals, as multiple infections were not found by light microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anise N Happi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Angela J Toepp
- College of Public Health, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - C A Ugwu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Christine A Petersen
- College of Public Health, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jane E Sykes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Bilwal AK, Mandali GC, Tandel FB. Clinicopathological alterations in naturally occurring Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs of Middle-South Gujarat, India. Vet World 2017; 10:1227-1232. [PMID: 29184369 PMCID: PMC5682268 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.1227-1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The present research work was undertaken to describe various clinical signs and hematobiochemical alterations in dogs affected with Babesia gibsoni. Materials and Methods Blood smears from a total of 79 suspected dogs of Anand region as well as Surat region of Gujarat state (India) were screened for detection of intraerythrocytic piroplasm of small form of Babesia. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical signs and demonstration of B. gibsoni organism in Giemsa-stained thin blood smears. The clinical signs were recorded at the time of presentation, and blood samples were subjected to estimation of hematobiochemical parameters by auto hematology analyzers at College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand. Statistical analysis, interpretation, and comparison of hematobiochemical changes with scientific literature were carried out to understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Results Out of 79 dogs, 16 were positive for naturally occurring babesiosis based on the presence of intraerythrocytic piroplasm of small form of Babesia in blood smears. The clinical cases were manifested by wide variety of non-specific clinical signs. The hematological evaluation revealed that the mean values of hemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts in dogs with babesiosis decreased significantly (p<0.01) in comparison to healthy dogs. Among differential leukocyte count, mean values of neutrophils and eosinophils increased while lymphocytes decreased (p<0.01) in dogs with babesiosis in comparison to healthy dogs. Serum biochemistry revealed increase (p<0.01) value of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and globulin as well as decrease in albumin levels (p<0.05) in dogs with babesiosis as compared to healthy dogs. Conclusion B. gibsoni is having multisystemic effects with atypical hematobiochemical changes in dog are discussed here, which would aid new insights in diagnosis of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash K Bilwal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Ghanshyam C Mandali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Falguni B Tandel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India
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