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Dawson KLD, Rosato G, Egloff S, Burgener C, Oevermann A, Grest P, Hilbe M, Seuberlich T. Fatal tick-borne encephalitis virus infection in Dalmatian puppy-dogs after putative vector independent transmission. Vet Q 2024; 44:1-7. [PMID: 38596900 PMCID: PMC11008312 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2024.2338385] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In a retrospective metatranscriptomics study, we identified tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) to be the causative agent for a fatal non-suppurative meningoencephalitis in a three-week-old Dalmatian puppy in Switzerland. Further investigations showed that the two other littermates with similar signs and pathological lesions were also positive for TBEV. By using an unbiased approach of combining high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics we were able to solve the etiology and discover an unusual case of TBEV in three young puppies. Based on our findings, we suggest that a vector-independent transmission of TBEV occurred and that most likely an intrauterine infection led to the severe and fulminant disease of the entire litter. We were able to demonstrate the presence of TBEV RNA by in situ hybridization (ISH) in the brain of all three puppies. Furthermore, we were able to detect TBEV by RT-qPCR in total RNA extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks containing multiple peripheral organs. Overall, our findings shed light on alternative vector-independent transmission routes of TBEV infections in dogs and encourage veterinary practitioners to consider TBEV as an important differential diagnosis in neurological cases in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L. D. Dawson
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giuliana Rosato
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Egloff
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carole Burgener
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Oevermann
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paula Grest
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monika Hilbe
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Seuberlich
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Elgueta I, Allen K, Liatis T, Gonzalo-Nadal V, Laming E, Dagleish MP, Jamieson PM, Innocent G, Rocchi MS. Seropositivity to louping ill virus in dogs in the UK. Vet Rec 2024:e4702. [PMID: 39344584 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Louping ill virus (LIV) is a tick-borne flavivirus that can cause fatal meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs. Four dogs with confirmed LIV infection and a case series of dogs with suspected flavivirus infection have been reported in the UK. However, underreporting of LIV infection due to lack of testing is suspected. METHODS Surplus serum/plasma from 220 dogs was used to determine the seroprevalence of LIV by haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test. Signalment and environmental factors were investigated for potential correlations with a positive titre (serum dilution of 1:20 or more). RESULTS Two hundred and two dogs were suitable for inclusion in the study, nine of which (4.5%) were seropositive. Among the dogs investigated for neurological disease (40/202; 19.8%), six (15%) were seropositive. Ectoparasiticide use approached significance (p = 0.055) for being protective against LIV seropositivity. LIMITATIONS The main limitations were the specificity of the HAI test, the relatively small number of samples, the low number of seropositive dogs, the poor geographical distribution of the samples and the inherent limitations of questionnaire-based research. CONCLUSION The seroprevalence of LIV in the UK dog population appears to be low. However, LIV should be considered in dogs presenting with unexplained acute or subacute progressive neurological clinical signs, especially because of the recent reports of several dogs with clinical flavivirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Elgueta
- Internal Medicine Service, Vets Now Referral Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kayleigh Allen
- Virus Surveillance Unit, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK
| | - Theofanis Liatis
- Neurology & Neurosurgery Service, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Eleanor Laming
- Virus Surveillance Unit, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK
| | - Mark P Dagleish
- Division of Veterinary Pathology, Public Health and Disease Investigation, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Mara S Rocchi
- Virus Surveillance Unit, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK
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3
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Galer J, Forward AK, Hughes J, Crawford AH, Behr S, Cherubini GB, Cornelis I, Royaux E. Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of juvenile dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:2214-2220. [PMID: 38932495 PMCID: PMC11256174 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17126] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The information relating to the outcome specifically for juvenile dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE) is lacking. OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome in a cohort of dogs with MUE <52 weeks old. ANIMALS Thirty-four client-owned dogs. METHODS Multicenter retrospective case series. Records from 5 referral centers were searched. Data was extracted from the medical records and referring veterinarians were contacted for survival data if this was not available from the record. RESULTS The mean age was 31 weeks; the youngest dog was 11 weeks and 3 dogs were <16 weeks old. Altered mentation (71%), ataxia (44%), seizures (29%), and circling (26%) were the most common presenting complaints. Neuroanatomical localization was to the forebrain (38%), multifocal (35%), brainstem (18%), and cerebellum (12%). Corticosteroid monotherapy (n = 15) and corticosteroid plus cytosine arabinoside (n = 15) were used in equal proportions. Outcome data was available for 26 dogs, 8 (31%) were alive at the time of data collection with a follow-up range of 135 to 2944 days. Death or euthanasia was related to MUE in 17/18 dogs that died during the study period. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a median survival time for all-cause death of 84 days. CONCLUSION The prognosis for MUE in this subset of dogs was considered poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Galer
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Part of Linnaeus Veterinary Ltd, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Alexander K Forward
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Part of Linnaeus Veterinary Ltd, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Jonathan Hughes
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Part of Linnaeus Veterinary Ltd, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Abbe Harper Crawford
- Royal Veterinary College, Clinical Services Division, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Hatfield, UK
| | - Sebastien Behr
- Willows Referral Services, Neurology, Highlands Road Shirley, Solihull, UK
| | - Giunio Bruto Cherubini
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Mario Modenato, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Dick White Referrals Ltd, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Ine Cornelis
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Emilie Royaux
- Davies Veterinary Specialists, Part of Linnaeus Veterinary Ltd, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire, UK
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4
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Gonzalo-Nadal V, Kohl A, Rocchi M, Brennan B, Hughes J, Nichols J, Da Silva Filipe A, Dunlop JI, Fares M, Clark JJ, Tandavanitj R, Patel AH, Cloquell-Miro A, Bongers J, Deacon J, Kaczmarska A, Stalin C, Liatis T, Irving J, Gutierrez-Quintana R. Suspected tick-borne flavivirus meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs from the UK: six cases (2021). J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:132-143. [PMID: 37956993 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus are neurotropic flaviviruses transmitted by ticks. Epidemiologically, tick-borne encephalitis is endemic in Europe whereas louping ill's predominant geographical distribution is the UK. Rarely, these flaviviruses affect dogs causing neurological signs. This case series aimed to describe the clinical, clinicopathological, and imaging findings, as well as the outcomes in six dogs with meningoencephalitis and/or meningomyelitis caused by a flavivirus in the UK in 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS Observational retrospective case-series study. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records of dogs with positive serological or immunohistochemical results from three different institutions from spring to winter 2021. RESULTS Six dogs were included in the study. All dogs presented an initial phase of pyrexia and/or lethargy followed by progressive signs of spinal cord and/or intracranial disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral and symmetrical lesions affecting the grey matter of the thalamus, pons, medulla oblongata, and thoracic or lumbar intumescences with none or mild parenchymal and meningeal contrast enhancement. Serology for tick-borne encephalitis virus was positive in five dogs with the presence of seroconversion in two dogs. The viral distinction between flaviviruses was not achieved. One dog with negative serology presented positive immunohistochemistry at post-mortem examination. Three dogs survived but presented neurological sequelae. Three dogs were euthanased due to the rapid progression of the clinical signs or static neurological signs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE These cases raise awareness of the presence of tick-borne encephalitis as an emergent disease or the increased prevalence of louping ill virus affecting dogs in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Gonzalo-Nadal
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Midlothian, UK
| | - B Brennan
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Hughes
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Nichols
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - J I Dunlop
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Fares
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - J J Clark
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - R Tandavanitj
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - A H Patel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Cloquell-Miro
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Bongers
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Moorview Vets, Cramlington, UK
| | | | - A Kaczmarska
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - C Stalin
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Moorview Vets, Cramlington, UK
| | - T Liatis
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
| | - J Irving
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
- Harper & Keele Veterinary School, Newport, Shropshire, UK
| | - R Gutierrez-Quintana
- Division of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Simkute E, Pautienius A, Grigas J, Urbute P, Stankevicius A. The Prevalence, Seroprevalence, and Risk Factors of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Dogs in Lithuania, a Highly Endemic State. Viruses 2023; 15:2265. [PMID: 38005941 PMCID: PMC10674385 DOI: 10.3390/v15112265] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising awareness and increasing number of case reports of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in dogs indicate that the virus might be an important tick-borne pathogen in dogs, especially in endemic areas. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rate of TBEV RNA and TBEV-specific antibodies in clinical samples of dogs living in a highly endemic region of Lithuania and to evaluate the main risk factors for severe disease course and death. The blood samples (n = 473) of dogs were collected in two veterinary clinics in central Lithuania. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) RNA was detected in 18.6% (88/473; CI 95% 15.2-22.4) and TBEV-specific antibodies were found in 21.6% (102/473; CI 95% 17.9-25.6) of dog blood serum samples after confirmation with a virus neutralization test. The death/euthanasia rate was 18.2% (16/88; CI 95% 10.8-27.8) in PCR-positive dogs. Male dogs were more likely to develop neurological symptoms (p = 0.008). Older dogs (p = 0.003), dogs with the presence of neurological symptoms (p = 0.003), and dogs with the presence of TBEV-specific antibodies (p = 0.024) were more likely to experience worse outcomes of the disease. The results of the present study demonstrate that TBEV is a common and clinically important pathogen in dogs in such endemic countries as Lithuania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Simkute
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
| | - Arnoldas Pautienius
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Juozas Grigas
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Paulina Urbute
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
| | - Arunas Stankevicius
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, (J.G.)
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6
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Sioutas G, Tsakou K, Top C, Jongejan F, Papadopoulos E. First clinical case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in a dog in Greece. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102226. [PMID: 37419000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), affecting human health in Europe and Asia. Reports on canine clinical cases of TBE are rare, although dogs are used as sentinels for assessing human health risks. The first canine clinical TBE case in Greece is reported in this case report. The dog had a history of tick infestation and displayed neurological symptoms, particularly tetraparesis, neck hyperalgesia, and a sudden behavior change. Serum samples were obtained and examined in a commercial ELISA to detect anti-TBEV specific IgG and IgM antibodies. The dog tested seropositive for both IgG and IgM, and based on its history and compatible clinical signs, the diagnosis of TBE infection was reached. The prognosis was initially poor, and treatment included the administration of fluids, corticosteroids, and antibiotics, followed by physical therapy. After a 10-day hospitalization, the dog had a much better prognosis. This case highlights that TBEV does emerge in new locations, increasing human and animal infection risk. Veterinarians should include TBE in their differential diagnosis of canine patients with a history of tick infestations, progressive neurological symptoms, and abnormal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Tsakou
- Veterinary Center of Companion Animals "Pet Vet Academy", Xanthi, GR 67100, Greece
| | - Chousein Top
- Veterinary Center of Companion Animals "Pet Vet Academy", Xanthi, GR 67100, Greece
| | - Frans Jongejan
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
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Topp AK, Springer A, Mischke R, Rieder J, Feige K, Ganter M, Nagel-Kohl U, Nordhoff M, Boelke M, Becker S, Pachnicke S, Schunack B, Dobler G, Strube C. Seroprevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in wild and domestic animals in northern Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102220. [PMID: 37356181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a tick-transmitted flavivirus, which can infect humans and animals, sometimes even with a fatal outcome. Since many decades, TBEV is endemic in southern Germany, while only sporadic occurrence has been noted in northern parts of the country so far. Nevertheless, autochthonous human clinical cases are increasing in the federal state of Lower Saxony in north-western Germany, and several natural foci of TBEV transmission have recently been detected in this federal state. In order to shed more light on the current distribution of TBEV in Lower Saxony, the present study examined blood samples from wild and domestic animals for antibodies against TBEV. Overall, samples from 4,085 animals were tested by ELISA, including wild boar (N = 1,208), roe deer (N = 149), red deer (N = 61), fallow deer (N = 18), red foxes (N = 9), nutria (N = 9), raccoon dogs (N = 3), raccoons (N = 3), badgers (N = 1), European pine martens (N = 1), horses (N = 574), sheep (N = 266), goats (N = 67), dogs (N = 1,317) and cats (N = 399). Samples with an ELISA result of ≥60 Vienna units (VIEU)/ml were subjected to confirmatory serum neutralization tests (SNT). In total, 343 of 4,085 (8.4%) animals tested positive for anti-TBEV-IgG by ELISA, of which 60 samples were confirmed by SNT. Samples of 89 animals showed a cytotoxic effect in the SNT and were excluded from seroprevalence calculation, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 1.5% (60/3,996). Seroprevalence was higher among wild animals (wild boar: 2.9% [34/1,190], roe deer: 2.7% [4/149], red deer: 1.7% [1/60], fallow deer: 5.6% [1/18]) than among domestic animals (dogs: 1.1% [15/1,317], horses: 0.8% [4/505], sheep: 0.4% [1/266]). No anti-TBEV-antibodies were detected in the other wild animal species as well as goats and cats. A notable clustering of positive samples was observed in districts where TBEV transmission foci have been described. Further clusters in other districts suggest the existence of so far undetected transmission foci, underlining the fact that both wild and domestic animals are useful sentinels for monitoring the spread of TBEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katharina Topp
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Reinhard Mischke
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Johanna Rieder
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Uschi Nagel-Kohl
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Veterinary Institute Hannover, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Marcel Nordhoff
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Institute Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26133, Germany
| | - Matthias Boelke
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Stefanie Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Schunack
- Elanco Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Monheim 40789, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich 80937, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany.
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Salat J, Hunady M, Svoboda P, Strelcova L, Strakova P, Fortova A, Palus M, Ruzek D. Efficacy and immunogenicity of a veterinary vaccine candidate against tick-borne encephalitis in dogs. Vaccine 2023; 41:6150-6155. [PMID: 37716828 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.09.019] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe neuroinfection of humans. Dogs are also commonly infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). These infections are usually asymptomatic, but sometimes show clinical signs similar to those seen in humans and can be fatal. To date, there is no TBEV vaccine available for use in dogs. To address this need, a TBEV vaccine candidate for dogs based on inactivated whole virus antigen was developed. The safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the vaccine candidate were tested in mice as the preclinical model and in dogs as the target organism. The vaccine was well tolerated in both species and elicited the production of specific anti-TBEV antibodies with virus neutralising activity. Vaccination of mice provided complete protection against the development of fatal TBE. Immunisation of dogs prevented the development of viremia after challenge infection. Therefore, the developed vaccine candidate is promising to protect dogs from severe TBEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Salat
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Milan Hunady
- Bioveta, Inc., Ivanovice na Hane, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Svoboda
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petra Strakova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Fortova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Palus
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Ruzek
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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9
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Zakham F, Korhonen EM, Puonti PT, Castrén RS, Uusitalo R, Smura T, Kant R, Vapalahti O, Sironen T, Kinnunen PM. Molecular detection of pathogens from ticks collected from dogs and cats at veterinary clinics in Finland. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:327. [PMID: 37704990 PMCID: PMC10498522 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05864-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks carry microbes, some of which are pathogenic for humans and animals. To assess this One Health challenge, 342 ticks were collected from pet dogs and cats at 10 veterinary clinics in Finland as part of the European project "Protect Our Future Too". METHODS The tick species were identified, and ticks were screened with quantitative PCR (qPCR) for tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia miyamotoi, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Babesia spp. For comparison, a subset of tick DNA (20 qPCR-positive samples) was analysed with 16S next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS Most ticks were Ixodes ricinus (289, 84.5%), followed by Ixodes persulcatus (51, 14.9%). One hybrid tick (I. ricinus/I. persulcatus, 0.3%) and one Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick (0.3%) were identified. We found one or more of the analysed pathogens in 17% (59/342) of the ticks. The most prevalent pathogen was B. burgdorferi s.l. (36, 10.5%), followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum (12, 3.5%), B. miyamotoi (5, 1.5%), Babesia venatorum (4, 1.2%), and TBEV (1, 0.3%). Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis DNA was amplified from three (0.9%) ticks. Ehrlichia canis was not detected. In the 16S NGS, six samples produced enough reads for the analysis. In these six samples, we confirmed all the positive qPCR findings of Borrelia spp. and Ca. N. mikurensis. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in the ticks of this study emphasizes the importance of awareness of ticks and tick-borne diseases and prevention. Furthermore, the results show that veterinary surveillance can facilitate early detection of tick-borne pathogens and new tick species and draw attention to possible co-infections that should be considered both in symptomatic humans and animals after tick bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathiah Zakham
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi M Korhonen
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petteri T Puonti
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Robert S Castrén
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinical Microbiology, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Clinical Microbiology, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paula M Kinnunen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Companion Animal Business Unit, Nordic Cluster, MSD Animal Health, Espoo, Finland.
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10
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Chiffi G, Grandgirard D, Leib SL, Chrdle A, Růžek D. Tick-borne encephalitis: A comprehensive review of the epidemiology, virology, and clinical picture. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2470. [PMID: 37392370 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus commonly found in at least 27 European and Asian countries. It is an emerging public health problem, with steadily increasing case numbers over recent decades. Tick-borne encephalitis virus affects between 10,000 and 15,000 patients annually. Infection occurs through the bite of an infected tick and, much less commonly, through infected milk consumption or aerosols. The TBEV genome comprises a positive-sense single-stranded RNA molecule of ∼11 kilobases. The open reading frame is > 10,000 bases long, flanked by untranslated regions (UTR), and encodes a polyprotein that is co- and post-transcriptionally processed into three structural and seven non-structural proteins. Tick-borne encephalitis virus infection results in encephalitis, often with a characteristic biphasic disease course. After a short incubation time, the viraemic phase is characterised by non-specific influenza-like symptoms. After an asymptomatic period of 2-7 days, more than half of patients show progression to a neurological phase, usually characterised by central and, rarely, peripheral nervous system symptoms. Mortality is low-around 1% of confirmed cases, depending on the viral subtype. After acute tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a minority of patients experience long-term neurological deficits. Additionally, 40%-50% of patients develop a post-encephalitic syndrome, which significantly impairs daily activities and quality of life. Although TBEV has been described for several decades, no specific treatment exists. Much remains unknown regarding the objective assessment of long-lasting sequelae. Additional research is needed to better understand, prevent, and treat TBE. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, virology, and clinical picture of TBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Chiffi
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denis Grandgirard
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephen L Leib
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aleš Chrdle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Ceske Budejovice, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel Růžek
- Veterinary Research Institute, Emerging Viral Diseases, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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11
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Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus RNA Found in Frozen Goat's Milk in a Family Outbreak. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911632. [PMID: 36232930 PMCID: PMC9570086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911632] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the commonest arthropod-borne viral diseases in Middle-East Europe and North Asia. The main reservoir of the virus is comprised of small rodents and domestic mammals with the common tick (Ixodes) being the usual vector. The clinical spectrum of TBE ranges from mild meningitis to severe meningoencephalomyelitis. This disease can lead to severe sequelae and has a mortality up to 2% in Europe. Even though the majority of cases are transmitted through bites of infected ticks, infections through ingestion of contaminated milk and dairy products from farms in endemic areas have been reported. We report a family outbreak of a febrile disease, initially suggestive of human-to-human infection, during the early summertime in Austria. Tick-borne encephalitis was diagnosed following consumption of unpasteurised goat’s milk and the virus was subsequently detected in frozen milk samples. Although this is a rare manifestation of TBE, this case series shows that TBE should be included in the differential diagnosis of an outbreak of febrile disease, and a careful clinical history with reference to unpasteurized dairy products is crucial in order to prevent further disease spread. The best preventive measure is active immunisation of people living in, or travelling to, endemic areas.
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12
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Meers LL, Contalbrigo L, Samuels WE, Duarte-Gan C, Berckmans D, Laufer SJ, Stevens VA, Walsh EA, Normando S. Canine-Assisted Interventions and the Relevance of Welfare Assessments for Human Health, and Transmission of Zoonosis: A Literature Review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:899889. [PMID: 35782560 PMCID: PMC9247644 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.899889] [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: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CAIs (canine-assisted interventions) include "canine-assisted therapy" in which a therapist sets client-oriented goals, 'canine-assisted activities' with recreational goals for clients, and 'canine-assisted education/learning' in which teachers or coaches create learning goals for students or clients. CAIs vary in nearly every way; their only common trait is the involvement of dogs to respond to human need. However, the benefits of involving dogs are highly dependent on the animal's health and behavior. A dog exhibiting negative behavior or an unwell dog might pose a risk, especially for CAI target groups, specifically individuals with immunosuppression, chronic illness, children, elderly, etc. Therefore, positive animal welfare as preventative medicine to avoid incidents or transmission of zoonosis is an attractive hypothesis, with implications for human and animal, health and well-being. This review aims to summarize the current published knowledge regarding different aspects of welfare in CAIs and to discuss their relevance in the light of health and safety in CAI participants. As method for this study, a literature search was conducted (2001-2022) using the Prisma method, describing issues of dog welfare as defined in the Welfare Quality® approach. This welfare assessment tool includes 4 categories related to behavior, health, management, and environment; it was, therefore, applicable to CAIs. Results indicate that dogs working in CAIs are required to cope with diverse variables that can jeopardize their welfare. In conclusion, we propose regular welfare assessments for dogs in CAIs, which would also protect the quality of the CAI sessions and the clients' safety and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Instituto Zooprofilattico, Legnaro, Italy
| | - William Ellery Samuels
- Hunter College, School of Nursing, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carolina Duarte-Gan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Daniel Berckmans
- Department of Biosystems, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Dier en Mens, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Simona Normando
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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13
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Takahashi Y, Kobayashi S, Nakao R, Kariwa H, Yoshii K. Characterization of tick-borne encephalitis virus isolated from tick infesting dog in central Hokkaido in 2018. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101900. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Elbert JA, Yau W, Rissi DR. Neuroinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system of dogs: A retrospective study of 207 cases (2008-2019). THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2022; 63:178-186. [PMID: 35110776 PMCID: PMC8759338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study we describe 207 cases of neuroinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in dogs autopsied at the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (University of Georgia, United States) from 2008 to 2019. Idiopathic and infectious diseases were diagnosed in 111 cases (53.6%) and 96 cases (46.4%), respectively. Idiopathic diseases consisted of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (n = 42; 37.8% of idiopathic cases), nonspecific lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalomyelitis (n = 39; 35.1%), necrotizing meningoencephalomyelitis (n = 22; 19.8%), presumed steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (n = 6; 5.4%), and necrotizing leukoencephalitis (n = 2; 1.8%). Infectious diseases consisted of bacterial infections (n = 49; 51% of infectious cases), viral infections (n = 39; 40.6%), fungal infections (n = 5; 5.2%), and parasitic infections (n = 3; 3.1%). Our study provides an overview of the most frequent neuroinflammatory diseases of the CNS of dogs in our diagnostic routine; indicates that a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including a thorough evaluation of the pathology findings and ancillary laboratory testing results, is important for an adequate diagnosis of neurologic diseases in dogs; and underscores the problems associated with the variability in tissue sample collection methods among cases. The great number of nonspecific lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis also highlights the need for development of molecular laboratory tests to identify potential infectious agents in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Elbert
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Rissi), Department of Pathology (Elbert), University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia; Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, California (Yau)
| | - Wilson Yau
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Rissi), Department of Pathology (Elbert), University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia; Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, California (Yau)
| | - Daniel R Rissi
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Rissi), Department of Pathology (Elbert), University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia; Antech Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, California (Yau)
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15
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Da Rold G, Obber F, Monne I, Milani A, Ravagnan S, Toniolo F, Sgubin S, Zamperin G, Foiani G, Vascellari M, Drzewniokova P, Castellan M, De Benedictis P, Citterio CV. Clinical Tick-Borne Encephalitis in a Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). Viruses 2022; 14:v14020300. [PMID: 35215891 PMCID: PMC8875940 DOI: 10.3390/v14020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a severe zoonosis occurring in the Palearctic region mainly transmitted through Ixodes ticks. In Italy, TBEV is restricted to the north-eastern part of the country. This report describes for the first time a case of clinical TBE in a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). The case occurred in the Belluno province, Veneto region, an area endemic for TBEV. The affected roe deer showed ataxia, staggering movements, muscle tremors, wide-base stance of the front limbs, repetitive movements of the head, persistent teeth grinding, hypersalivation and prolonged recumbency. An autopsy revealed no significant lesions to explain the neurological signs. TBEV RNA was detected in the brain by real-time RT-PCR, and the nearly complete viral genome (10,897 nucleotides) was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the gene encoding the envelope protein revealed a close relationship to TBEV of the European subtype, and 100% similarity with a partial sequence (520 nucleotides) of a TBEV found in ticks in the bordering Trento province. The histological examination of the midbrain revealed lymphohistiocytic encephalitis, satellitosis and microgliosis, consistent with a viral etiology. Other viral etiologies were ruled out by metagenomic analysis of the brain. This report underlines, for the first time, the occurrence of clinical encephalitic manifestations due to TBEV in a roe deer, suggesting that this pathogen should be included in the frame of differential diagnoses in roe deer with neurologic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Da Rold
- U.O. Ecopathology SCT2-Belluno, Istituto Zoprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (F.O.); (C.V.C.)
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Federica Obber
- U.O. Ecopathology SCT2-Belluno, Istituto Zoprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (F.O.); (C.V.C.)
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
| | - Isabella Monne
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Genomics and Trascriptomics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Adelaide Milani
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Genomics and Trascriptomics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Federica Toniolo
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sofia Sgubin
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Zamperin
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Genomics and Trascriptomics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Greta Foiani
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Histopathology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Universita 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marta Vascellari
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Histopathology Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Universita 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Petra Drzewniokova
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Emerging Zoonoses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Martina Castellan
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Emerging Zoonoses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paola De Benedictis
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
- Laboratory for Viral Emerging Zoonoses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Vittorio Citterio
- U.O. Ecopathology SCT2-Belluno, Istituto Zoprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Via Cappellari 44/A, 32100 Belluno, Italy; (F.O.); (C.V.C.)
- OIE Collaborating Centre for Diseases at the Animal/Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (I.M.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (F.T.); (S.S.); (G.Z.); (G.F.); (M.V.); (P.D.); (M.C.); (P.D.B.)
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16
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Ličková M, Fumačová Havlíková S, Sláviková M, Klempa B. Alimentary Infections by Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus. Viruses 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 35062261 PMCID: PMC8779402 DOI: 10.3390/v14010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes serious the neurological disease, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). TBEV can be transmitted to humans by ticks as well as by the alimentary route, which is mediated through the consumption of raw milk products from infected ruminants such as sheep, goats, and cows. The alimentary route of TBEV was recognized in the early 1950s and many important experimental studies were performed shortly thereafter. Nowadays, alimentary TBEV infections are recognized as a relevant factor contributing to the overall increase in TBE incidences in Europe. This review aims to summarize the history and current extent of alimentary TBEV infections across Europe, to analyze experimental data on virus secretion in milk, and to review possible alimentary infection preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Boris Klempa
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.L.); (S.F.H.); (M.S.)
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17
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Kleeb C, Golini L, Beckmann K, Torgerson P, Steffen F. Canine Tick-Borne Encephalitis: Clinical Features, Survival Rate and Neurological Sequelae: A Retrospective Study of 54 Cases (1999-2016). Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:782044. [PMID: 34859094 PMCID: PMC8631292 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.782044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most important infectious diseases of the central nervous system in dogs from endemic areas. While in humans survival rate and long-term outcomes are well described, these data are lacking in veterinary literature. The aim of the present paper is to characterize the clinical aspects of TBE and to investigate fatality rate, long-term outcome and the long-term neurological sequelae in a population of dogs infected with TBE. We performed a retrospective analysis of 54 dogs diagnosed with TBE at the veterinary hospital of the University of Zurich between 1999 and 2016. Medical data such as signalment, clinical presentation, results of diagnostic procedures, treatment and outcome were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis including a cox proportional hazard model using a backward stepwise regression approach was performed. In 62% of the TBE cases unspecific signs were described before the onset of neurological signs, resembling a biphasic appearance that is well known in human TBE. Case fatality rate was 33% and all dogs died within the first 4 months after diagnosis. Long-term neurological sequalae were detected in 17% of the TBE cases. For each day of clinical signs before hospital entry the odds of sequalae increased by a factor of 1.88 (CI 1.04–3.15). Older dogs and dogs presented with seizure activity had an increased hazard risk of death (Hazard ration = 1.2, p = 0.03; and 9.38, p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, despite TBE being a life-threatening disease with severe clinical signs, the survival rate in our study was 67%. However, long-term sequalae can be of concern especially in dogs with longer clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kleeb
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Marigin Tierarztpraxis Farnenbüel, Eschenbach, Switzerland
| | - Lorenzo Golini
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Beckmann
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul Torgerson
- Section of Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Steffen
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Dultz R, Goldhammer M. [Tick-borne encephalitis in a dog]. TIERAERZTLICHE PRAXIS AUSGABE KLEINTIERE HEIMTIERE 2021; 49:377-381. [PMID: 34670313 DOI: 10.1055/a-1580-8386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks and rarely diagnosed in dogs. The diagnosis of a TBE virus infection in a living animal is based on the simultaneous presence of typical clinical-neurological signs, an acute and rapidly progressive course of the disease, the detection of TBE-specific antibodies (in the cerebrospinal fluid) or virus detection (in blood or cerebrospinal fluid), as well as the presence of pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid. In the case described, the results of the performed tests led to the assumption of the presence of TBE. In addition to hyperthermia and central nervous disorders (ataxia, hyperaesthesia, seizures, changes in behavior) the classic symptoms of clinically overt TBE frequently include neck pain on flexion of the cervical spine. In the case described, a chronic form of the disease with a regeneration period of several months is documented. Treatment is based on symptomatic measures, as there is no specific therapy to date. In contrast to human medicine, there is no vaccine against TBE currently approved for use in the veterinary field. Therefore, tick prophylaxis is the only possibility to prevent TBE in dogs.
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Salat J, Hunady M, Schanilec P, Strakova P, Stefanik M, Svoboda P, Strelcova L, Bojcukova J, Palus M, Růžek D. Experimental and Natural Infections of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Dogs. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102039. [PMID: 34696468 PMCID: PMC8537875 DOI: 10.3390/v13102039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are frequently infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). However, to date, only a few clinically manifest cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) have been reported in dogs. In this study, three-month-old beagle dogs were infected with TBEV through a subcutaneous injection. Body temperature, clinical signs, blood haematology, blood biochemistry, and immune responses were monitored for up to 28 days postinfection (p.i.). No changes in body temperature or clinical signs were observed in the infected dogs. Most haematology and blood biochemistry parameters were unchanged after the infection, except for a slight reduction in blood lymphocyte counts, but they were within the physiological range. Low-titre viraemia was detected in 2/4 infected dogs between days 1 and 3 p.i. All infected dogs developed a robust immune response, in terms of neutralising antibodies. Thus, TBEV infections lead to effective seroconversion in dogs. Next, to assess TBEV exposure in dogs in the TBEV-endemic region of the Czech Republic, we conducted a serosurvey. Virus neutralisation tests revealed TBEV-specific antibodies in 17 of 130 (13.07%) healthy dogs, which confirmed a high, but clinically inappreciable TBEV exposure rate in the endemic area. The seropositivity rate was similar (12.7%; 41 positives out of 323) in a subgroup of dogs with various clinical disorders, and it was 13.4% (23 out of 171) in a subgroup of dogs with signs of acute neurological disease. Two dogs with fatal acute meningoencephalitis showed positive results for TBEV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies. These data extended our understanding of the clinical presentation of TBEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Salat
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (D.R.)
| | - Milan Hunady
- Bioveta, Inc., Komenského 212, 68323 Ivanovice na Hane, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Pavel Schanilec
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Petra Strakova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Stefanik
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1665, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Svoboda
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Lucie Strelcova
- Bioveta, Inc., Komenského 212, 68323 Ivanovice na Hane, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Jana Bojcukova
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Martin Palus
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Růžek
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Infections, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.S.); (M.S.); (P.S.); (J.B.); (M.P.)
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Arbovirology, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (D.R.)
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Alnefelt Y, Van Meervenne S, Varjonen K, Tidholm A, Rohdin C. Evaluation of antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis in dogs. Acta Vet Scand 2021; 63:32. [PMID: 34446031 PMCID: PMC8396403 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-021-00597-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by the neurotropic tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In dogs, this virus may affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing meningoencephalitis, meningomyelitis, radiculitis or any combination of these. Diagnosis of TBE relies on a combination of clinical signs of CNS disease and laboratory findings, including CSF pleocytosis and serum TBEV antibody titers. Exposure to TBEV does not necessarily cause clinical disease, and seroprevalence has been reported as high as 40% in endemic areas. This causes concerns of over-diagnosing TBE in dogs with CNS disease. By examining TBEV antibodies in dogs with and without neurological disease in a TBEV endemic area, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of TBEV antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in dogs. Eighty-nine dogs were included in the study, 56 with neurological disease and 33 neurologically normal control dogs. A positive TBEV CSF and serum IgG antibody titer (> 126 U/mL) was found in 3/89 dogs (3.4%). A positive serum TBEV antibody titer was found in 11 of the 89 dogs (12.4%). None of the control dogs showed a positive CSF antibody titer, whilst two showed positive serum concentrations. A positive CSF IgG antibody titer supports a clinical diagnosis of TBE in patients with acute onset of CNS disease and may help reduce the risk of over-diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Alnefelt
- Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, 182 36 Danderyd, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anna Tidholm
- Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, 182 36 Danderyd, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Rohdin
- Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, 182 36 Danderyd, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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Krzysiak MK, Anusz K, Konieczny A, Rola J, Salat J, Strakova P, Olech W, Larska M. The European bison (Bison bonasus) as an indicatory species for the circulation of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in natural foci in Poland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101799. [PMID: 34358779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in Europe transmitted by Ixodidae vectors. While small mammals such as bank voles and ticks constitute the main reservoirs for virus transmission, large sylvatic species act as a food source for ticks. Cervids such as roe deer and red deer are considered sentinel species for TBE in natural foci. In addition, an increase of the population size and density of large wild mammals in an area corresponds to an increase in the tick burden and may potentially increase the prevalence of TBE virus (TBEV) in ticks and tick hosts and further exposure risk in humans. Humans are considered accidental hosts. The prevalence of TBE relies on interactions between host, vector and environment. The present study examines the exposure of the largest European herbivore, the European bison (Bison bonasus) to TBEV infection. Assessed using the IMMUNOZYM FSME ELISA (PROGEN), the overall TBEV seroprevalence was 62.7% in the 335 European bison that were studied. ELISA results were confirmed by the gold-standard virus neutralization test (VNT) with 98.7% sensitivity and thus giving a true prevalence of 63.5%. TBEV seroprevalence was significantly correlated to the origin, age group, sex, population type (free living/captive) and sanitary status (healthy/selectively eliminated/found dead/killed in accident) of the European bison in the univariable analysis. The highest seroprevalences were observed in the three largest north-eastern wild populations (Białowieska, Borecka and Knyszyńska forests), which corresponded with the highest incidence of human cases reported in the country. The risk of TBEV seropositivity increased with age and was higher in female and free-ranging European bison. Additionally, to the epidemiological investigation, the continuous detection of TBEV antibodies was studied by repetitive testing of animals over the course of 34 months. Two of six seropositive animals remained seropositive throughout the study. The presence of antibodies was followed throughout the study in seropositive European bison and for at least a year in animals that seroconverted during the observation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał K Krzysiak
- Białowieża National Park, Park Pałacowy 11, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland; Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Forest Sciences, Białystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45 E, 15-351, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Anusz
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University Of Life Sciences (WULS), ul. Nowoursynowska 166, Warszawa 02-786, Poland
| | - Andrzej Konieczny
- Faculty of Agrobioengineering, University of Live Sciences, ul. Akademicka 13, Lublin 20-950, Poland
| | - Jerzy Rola
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, AL. Partyzantów 57, Pulawy 24-100, Poland
| | - Jiri Salat
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno 621 00, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Ceské Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Strakova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno 621 00, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Ceské Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Wanda Olech
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Science (WULS), ul. Ciszewskiego 8, Warszawa 02-786, Poland
| | - Magdalena Larska
- Department of Virology, National Veterinary Research Institute, AL. Partyzantów 57, Pulawy 24-100, Poland
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Michelitsch A, Fast C, Sick F, Tews BA, Stiasny K, Bestehorn-Willmann M, Dobler G, Beer M, Wernike K. Long-term presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in experimentally infected bank voles (Myodes glareolus). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101693. [PMID: 33690089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a vector-borne pathogen that can cause serious neurological symptoms in humans. Across large parts of Eurasia TBEV is found in three traditional subtypes: the European, the Siberian and the Far-eastern subtype. Small mammalian animals play an important role in the transmission cycle as they enable the spread of TBEV among the vector tick population. To assess the impact of TBEV infection on its natural hosts, outbred bank voles (Myodes glareolus) were inoculated with one out of four European TBEV strains. Three of these TBEV strains were recently isolated in Germany. The forth one was the TBEV reference strain Neudörfl. Sampling points at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days post inoculation allowed the characterization of the course of infection. At each time point, six animals per strain were euthanized and eleven organ samples (brain, spine, lung, heart, small and large intestine, liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, sexual organ) as well as whole blood and serum samples were collected. The majority of bank voles (92/96) remained clinically unaffected after the inoculation with TBEV, but still developed a systemic infection during the first week, which transitioned to a viraemia and an infestation of the brain in some animals for the remainder of the first month. Viral RNA was found in whole blood samples of several animals (50/96), but only in a small fraction of the corresponding serum samples (4/50). From the whole blood, virus was successfully reisolated in cell culture until 14 days after inoculation. Less than five percent of all inoculated bank voles (4/96) displayed signs of distress in combination with a rapid weight loss and had to be euthanized prematurely. Overall, the recently isolated TBEV strains showed marked differences, such as a more frequent development of long-term viraemia and a higher detection rate of viral RNA in various organs, in comparison to the reference strain Neudörfl. Overall, our data suggest that the bank vole is a potential amplifying host in the TBEV transmission cycle and appears to be highly adapted to circulating TBEV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Michelitsch
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Christine Fast
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10,17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Franziska Sick
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Birke Andrea Tews
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Gerhard Dobler
- Dept. of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Munich, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, München, Germany.
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
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Blomqvist G, Näslund K, Svensson L, Beck C, Valarcher JF. Mapping geographical areas at risk for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) by analysing bulk tank milk from Swedish dairy cattle herds for the presence of TBE virus-specific antibodies. Acta Vet Scand 2021; 63:16. [PMID: 33827636 PMCID: PMC8028798 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-021-00580-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The vector-borne human viral zoonosis tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is of growing concern in Sweden. The area where TBE is considered endemic has expanded, with an increasing geographical distribution of Ixodes ricinus as the tick vector and a rising number of reported TBE cases in humans. Efforts to map TBE risk areas have been carried out by sentinel monitoring, mainly based on individual sampling and analysis of wild and domestic animals, as well as ticks, for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). However, the interpretation of the geographical distribution has been hampered by the patchy and focal nature of TBEV occurrence. This study presents TBEV surveillance data based on antibody analysis of bulk tank milk collected from dairy herds located throughout Sweden before (May) and after (November) the vector season. A commercial TBEV antibody ELISA was modified and evaluated for use in this study. Results The initial comparative TBEV antibody analysis revealed a good correlation between milk and serum antibody levels from individually sampled cows. Also, the TBEV-antibody levels for the mean-herd serum showed good comparability with TBEV antibody levels from bulk tank milk, thus indicating good predictability of seroprevalence when analysing bulk tank milk from a herd. Analyses of bulk tank milk samples collected from 616 herds in May and 560 herds in November showed a geographical distribution of TBEV seropositive herds that was largely consistent with reported human TBE cases. A few TBEV-reactive herds were also found outside known locations of human TBE cases. Conclusion Serological examination of bulk tank milk from dairy cattle herds may be a useful sentinel surveillance method to identify geographical presence of TBEV. In contrast to individual sampling this method allows a large number of animals to be monitored. TBEV seropositive herds were mainly found in coastal areas of southern Sweden similar to human TBE cases. However, some antibody-reactive herds were found outside known TBE areas at the time of the study.
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Comparison of Three Serological Methods for the Epidemiological Investigation of TBE in Dogs. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020399. [PMID: 33671962 PMCID: PMC7919048 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is an emerging pathogen that causes severe infections in humans. Infection risk areas are mostly defined based on the incidence of human cases, a method which does not work well in areas with sporadic TBE cases. Thus, sentinel animals may help to better estimate the existing risk. Serological tests should be thoroughly evaluated for this purpose. Here, we tested three test formats to assess the use of dogs as sentinel animals. A total of 208 dog sera from a known endemic area in Southern Germany were tested in an All-Species-ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assays (IIFA), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sensitivity and specificity for both were determined in comparison to the micro-neutralization test (NT) results. Of all 208 samples, 22.1% tested positive in the micro-NT. A total of 18.3% of the samples showed characteristic fluorescence in the IIFA and were, thus, judged positive. In comparison to the micro-NT, a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 98.8% was obtained. In the ELISA, 19.2% of samples tested positive, with a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 99.4%. The ELISA is a highly specific test for TBE-antibody detection in dogs and should be well suited for acute diagnostics. However, due to deficits in sensitivity, it cannot replace the NT, at least for epidemiological studies. With even lower specificity and sensitivity, the same applies to IIFA.
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Waindok P, Raue K, Grilo ML, Siebert U, Strube C. Predators in northern Germany are reservoirs for parasites of One Health concern. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4229-4239. [PMID: 33547507 PMCID: PMC8599236 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Urbanisation and invasion of wildlife into urban areas as well as human leisure activities create diverse wildlife-domestic animal-human interfaces, increasing the risk of (zoonotic) parasite spillover from sylvatic to domestic and synanthropic cycles. This study investigated the endo- and ectoparasite fauna, emphasising on parasites of One Health Concern, of the most common predators in northern Germany between November 2013 and January 2016. Eighty red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 18 stone martens (Martes foina) and nine raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were available for the study. Overall, 79 (73.8%) of the examined predators (n=107) harboured at least one endoparasite. The most frequently detected endoparasites in red foxes were Toxocara canis (43.8% positive individuals), Capillaria spp. (36.3%), Alaria alata (25.0%), Echinococcus multilocularis (26.3%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (25.0%). Furthermore, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Taenia ssp., Mesocestoides spp. and coccidian oocysts were observed. The endoparasite species richness in raccoon dogs was comparable to red foxes, while in stone martens, only Capillaria spp. were found. Muscle digestion for detection of Trichinella spp. and antigen testing for Giardia spp. did not show positive results. Ectoparasite analyses revealed infestations with ticks species of the genus Ixodes as well as Dermacentor reticulatus. Scabies mites were not present in digested skin samples, while Demodex spp. mites were observed by faecal flotation in one red fox. Furthermore, fleas (Archaeopsylla erinacei and Chaetopsylla globiceps) were observed in the fur of red foxes, while lice were not present in any predator species. However, infestation frequency with ectoparasites was with 19.2% generally low in available predator skins (n=99). Overall, the present study showed that predators in northern Germany serve as reservoirs for parasites of One Health concern, with four of the five most frequent endoparasites being zoonotic, highlighting the need of parasite surveillance in wildlife predators in order to implement measures avoiding spillovers to domestic animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Waindok
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Katharina Raue
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Miguel L Grilo
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany.,CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
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Springer A, Glass A, Probst J, Strube C. Tick-borne zoonoses and commonly used diagnostic methods in human and veterinary medicine. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4075-4090. [PMID: 33459849 PMCID: PMC8599405 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07033-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Around the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Antje Glass
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Julia Probst
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
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27
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Panayotova-Pencheva MS, Vichova B, Dakova VI, Salkova DS. Ticks and associated tick-borne pathogens from dogs and red foxes from Bulgaria. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate changes in recent years led to a sharp rise in the tick population and an increase in the number of animals and people with tick-borne infections. The domestic and wild carnivores, especially the dogs, have a huge role for the distribution of ticks in certain areas. In this study 60 ixodid ticks collected from domestic dogs and red foxes from Bulgaria have been investigated for infection with Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia spp., and Rickettsia spp. The results showed that the dogs were infected with two tick species - Rhipicephalus sanguineus (72%) and Ixodes ricinus (28%). The red foxes were infected with only one species - I. ricinus. Out of all R. sanguineus ticks, 43.6% were female and 56.4% male. The opposite was observed for I. ricinus - female specimens (86.7%) were significantly more prevalent than males (13.3%). Similar trend was found out for I. ricinus collected from red foxes - 66.7% of the ticks were female and 33.3% male. Infectious agents were found in 31.7% of the investigated ticks. Ehrlichia spp. was established in 79% and Rickettsia spp. in 21% of the infected ticks. Ehrlichia spp. was found only in ticks collected from dogs. The majority of the ticks infected with Ehrlichia spp. were Rh. sanguineus (93.3%) and only one tick was I. ricinus (6.7%). Four ticks were positive for Rickettsia spp., two were Rh. sanguineus and two - I. ricinus, one of the latter was found on a fox. This is the first report about detection of Ehrlichia spp. in Rh. sanguineus ticks from Bulgaria as well as Rickettsia spp. in I. ricinus ticks collected from red foxes from this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Panayotova-Pencheva
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - B. Vichova
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - V. I. Dakova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - D. S. Salkova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Springer A, Glass A, Topp AK, Strube C. Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Temperate and Cold Regions of Europe-A Review on the Prevalence in Domestic Animals. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:604910. [PMID: 33363242 PMCID: PMC7758354 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.604910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens affecting both human and animal health. In temperate and cold regions of Europe (Western, Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe), the most relevant zoonotic tick-borne pathogens are tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Borrelia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. More rarely, Rickettsia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and zoonotic Babesia spp. are identified as a cause of human disease. Domestic animals may also be clinically affected by these pathogens, and, furthermore, can be regarded as sentinel hosts for their occurrence in a certain area, or even play a role as reservoirs or amplifying hosts. For example, viraemic ruminants may transmit TBEV to humans via raw milk products. This review summarizes the role of domestic animals, including ruminants, horses, dogs, and cats, in the ecology of TBEV, Borrelia spp., A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., N. mikurensis, and zoonotic Babesia species. It gives an overview on the (sero-)prevalence of these infectious agents in domestic animals in temperate/cold regions of Europe, based on 148 individual prevalence studies. Meta-analyses of seroprevalence in asymptomatic animals estimated an overall seroprevalence of 2.7% for TBEV, 12.9% for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), 16.2% for A. phagocytophilum and 7.4% for Babesia divergens, with a high level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses with regard to animal species, diagnostic test, geographical region and decade of sampling were mostly non-significant, with the exception of significantly lower B. burgdorferi s.l. seroprevalences in dogs than in horses and cattle. More surveillance studies employing highly sensitive and specific test methods and including hitherto non-investigated regions are needed to determine if and how global changes in terms of climate, land use, agricultural practices and human behavior impact the frequency of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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Khamassi Khbou M, Romdhane R, Foughali AA, Sassi L, Suin V, Rekik M, Benzarti M. Presence of antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus in sheep in Tunisia, North Africa. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:441. [PMID: 33183295 PMCID: PMC7664096 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) is a flavivirus that circulates in a complex cycle involving small mammals as amplifying hosts and ticks as vectors and reservoirs. The current study aimed to investigate the presence of TBEv in Tunisian sheep. A sample of 263 adult sheep were selected from 6 localities where Ixodes ricinus is well established. Sera were screened using ELISA for TBEv IgG detection, then the doubtful and positive sera were tested by the seroneutralisation test (SNT) and screened for West Nile Virus (WNv) IgG for cross-reaction assessment. RESULTS The ELISA for TBEv IgG detected one positive serum and 17 borderlines. The SNT showed one positive serum among the 18 tested, giving an overall antibody prevalence of 0.38% (95% CI = 0.07-2.12%). All but one serum tested negative to WNv ELISA. None of the sheep farmers reported neurological signs among sheep or humans in their households. CONCLUSIONS The results may indicate the circulation of TBEv for the first time in Tunisia and in North Africa. Further studies based on either virus isolation or RNA detection, are needed to confirm the presence of TBEv in North Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Médiha Khamassi Khbou
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonosis and Sanitary Regulation, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Rihab Romdhane
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Asma Amina Foughali
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Limam Sassi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Vanessa Suin
- Viral Diseases Service, Sciensano. Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 950764, 11195, Amman, Jordan
| | - M'hammed Benzarti
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonosis and Sanitary Regulation, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Andersson E, Kendall A, Url A, Auer A, Leschnik M. The first RT-qPCR confirmed case of tick-borne encephalitis in a dog in Scandinavia. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:51. [PMID: 32912238 PMCID: PMC7488111 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-00550-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a zoonotic neurological disease caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus endemic in parts of Europe and Asia. Seroconversion without signs of clinical disease is common in dogs and most of the cases previously described have been tentatively diagnosed by combining neurologic signs with serum antibody titres. Here, the first Scandinavian RT-qPCR-confirmed clinical case of TBE in a dog is reported. Case presentation A 4-year old castrated male Pointer Labrador cross was presented with acute-onset ataxia. During hospitalisation, the dog developed seizures. Despite aggressive treatment with steroids, antimicrobials and sedation/anaesthesia, there was continued deterioration during the following 24 h after admission and the dog was euthanised and submitted for necropsy. Histopathological changes in the brain were consistent with lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis. RT-qPCR examination of the brain was positive for TBEV, confirming infection. Conclusions Meningoencephalomyelitis caused by TBEV should be a diagnostic consideration in dogs presenting with clinical signs of central nervous system disease such as acute-onset ataxia and seizures in areas where TBEV-positive ticks are endemic. Clinical TBE may be underdiagnosed in dogs due to lack of specific testing.
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Buhmann G, Wielaender F, Rosati M, Matiasek K, Hartmann K, Fischer A. [Canine meningoencephalitis and meningitis: retrospective analysis of a veterinary hospital population]. TIERAERZTLICHE PRAXIS AUSGABE KLEINTIERE HEIMTIERE 2020; 48:233-244. [PMID: 32823346 DOI: 10.1055/a-1186-8051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterization of the etiology of meningoencephalitis and meningitis in dogs through an analysis of a veterinary hospital population. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective study (2011-2016) with evaluation of clinical and diagnostic data of dogs with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis (> 5/µl). Only dogs with cytological evaluation of CSF or pathological examination of CNS were included. Results of CSF cytology and examination for infectious diseases were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 62 dogs met the inclusion criteria. 14.5 % (n = 9) were classified as reactive CSF pleocytosis due to other structural CNS disease, such as neoplasia or infarct. Meningoencephalitis or meningitis of unknown origin was diagnosed in 56.5 % (n = 35). In 29.0 % (n = 18), investigations for infectious diseases or presence of bacteria in CSF cytology (n = 5) indicated an infectious etiology. This infectious etiology appeared reliable in 6 dogs (9.7 %) based on the examination findings, in 9 dogs (14.5 %), there was only a suspicion of infectious meningoencephalitis or meningitis and in 3 dogs (4.8 %), the findings were of uncertain significance. CONCLUSION The most common cause of CSF pleocytosis was meningoencephalitis or meningitis of unknown origin. Nevertheless, there was evidence of a possible infectious etiology in 29 % of the dogs. For a reliable diagnosis, it is important to assess the CSF cytology and to conduct investigations for infectious diseases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Meningoencephalitis or meningitis of unknown origin requires immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, CSF cytology and investigations for infectious diseases are important for an exclusion of infectious meningoencephalitis or meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesine Buhmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Zentrum für Klinische Tiermedizin der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Franziska Wielaender
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Zentrum für Klinische Tiermedizin der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Marco Rosati
- Sektion für Klinische und Vergleichende Neuropathologie, Zentrum für Klinische Tiermedizin der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Sektion für Klinische und Vergleichende Neuropathologie, Zentrum für Klinische Tiermedizin der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Zentrum für Klinische Tiermedizin der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Zentrum für Klinische Tiermedizin der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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In Vivo Characterization of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Bank Voles ( Myodes glareolus). Viruses 2019; 11:v11111069. [PMID: 31731773 PMCID: PMC6893798 DOI: 10.3390/v11111069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis is the most important tick-transmitted zoonotic virus infection in Eurasia, causing severe neurological symptoms in humans. The causative agent, the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), circulates between ticks and a variety of mammalian hosts. To study the interaction between TBEV and one of its suspected reservoir hosts, bank voles of the Western evolutionary lineage were inoculated subcutaneously with either one of eight TBEV strains or the related attenuated Langat virus, and were euthanized after 28 days. In addition, a subset of four strains was characterized in bank voles of the Carpathian linage. Six bank voles were inoculated per strain, and were housed together in groups of three with one uninfected in-contact animal each. Generally, most bank voles did not show any clinical signs over the course of infection. However, one infected bank vole died and three had to be euthanized prematurely, all of which had been inoculated with the identical TBEV strain (Battaune 17-H9, isolated in 2017 in Germany from a bank vole). All inoculated animals seroconverted, while none of the in-contact animals did. Viral RNA was detected via real-time RT-PCR in the whole blood samples of 31 out of 74 inoculated and surviving bank voles. The corresponding serum sample remained PCR-negative in nearly all cases (29/31). In addition, brain and/or spine samples tested positive in 11 cases, mostly correlating with a positive whole blood sample. Our findings suggest a good adaption of TBEV to bank voles, combining in most cases a low virulence phenotype with detectable virus replication and hinting at a reservoir host function of bank voles for TBEV.
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Michelitsch A, Wernike K, Klaus C, Dobler G, Beer M. Exploring the Reservoir Hosts of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus. Viruses 2019; 11:E669. [PMID: 31336624 PMCID: PMC6669706 DOI: 10.3390/v11070669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is an important arbovirus, which is found across large parts of Eurasia and is considered to be a major health risk for humans. Like any other arbovirus, TBEV relies on complex interactions between vectors, reservoir hosts, and the environment for successful virus circulation. Hard ticks are the vectors for TBEV, transmitting the virus to a variety of animals. The importance of these animals in the lifecycle of TBEV is still up for debate. Large woodland animals seem to have a positive influence on virus circulation by providing a food source for adult ticks; birds are suspected to play a role in virus distribution. Bank voles and yellow-necked mice are often referred to as classical virus reservoirs, but this statement lacks strong evidence supporting their highlighted role. Other small mammals (e.g., insectivores) may also play a crucial role in virus transmission, not to mention the absence of any suspected reservoir host for non-European endemic regions. Theories highlighting the importance of the co-feeding transmission route go as far as naming ticks themselves as the true reservoir for TBEV, and mammalian hosts as a mere bridge for transmission. A deeper insight into the virus reservoir could lead to a better understanding of the development of endemic regions. The spatial distribution of TBEV is constricted to certain areas, forming natural foci that can be restricted to sizes of merely 500 square meters. The limiting factors for their occurrence are largely unknown, but a possible influence of reservoir hosts on the distribution pattern of TBE is discussed. This review aims to give an overview of the multiple factors influencing the TBEV transmission cycle, focusing on the role of virus reservoirs, and highlights the questions that are waiting to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Michelitsch
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Klaus
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) partner site Munich, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 München, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Velay A, Paz M, Cesbron M, Gantner P, Solis M, Soulier E, Argemi X, Martinot M, Hansmann Y, Fafi-Kremer S. Tick-borne encephalitis virus: molecular determinants of neuropathogenesis of an emerging pathogen. Crit Rev Microbiol 2019; 45:472-493. [PMID: 31267816 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2019.1629872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a zoonotic agent causing severe encephalitis. The transmission cycle involves the virus, the Ixodes tick vector, and a vertebrate reservoir, such as small mammals (rodents, or shrews). Humans are accidentally involved in this transmission cycle. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been a growing public health problem in Europe and Asia over the past 30 years. The mechanisms involved in the development of TBE are very complex and likely multifactorial, involving both host and viral factors. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on TBE neuropathogenesis in the human host and to demonstrate the emergence of common themes in the molecular pathogenesis of TBE in humans. We discuss and review data on experimental study models and on both viral (molecular genetics of TBEV) and host (immune response, and genetic background) factors involved in TBE neuropathogenesis in the context of human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Velay
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,INSERM, IRM UMR_S 1109 , Strasbourg , France
| | - Magali Paz
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Marlène Cesbron
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Pierre Gantner
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,INSERM, IRM UMR_S 1109 , Strasbourg , France
| | - Morgane Solis
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,INSERM, IRM UMR_S 1109 , Strasbourg , France
| | | | - Xavier Argemi
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Martin Martinot
- Service de Médecine Interne et de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar , Colmar , France
| | - Yves Hansmann
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Samira Fafi-Kremer
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,INSERM, IRM UMR_S 1109 , Strasbourg , France
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Dorko E, Hockicko J, Rimárová K, Bušová A, Popaďák P, Popaďáková J, Schréter I. Milk outbreaks of tick-borne encephalitis in Slovakia, 2012-2016. Cent Eur J Public Health 2018; 26 Suppl:S47-S50. [DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Mlera L, Bloom ME. The Role of Mammalian Reservoir Hosts in Tick-Borne Flavivirus Biology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:298. [PMID: 30234026 PMCID: PMC6127651 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-to-medium sized mammals and large animals are lucrative sources of blood meals for ixodid ticks that transmit life-threatening tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs). TBFVs have been isolated from various organs obtained from wild-caught Myodes and Apodemus species in Europe and Asia. Thus, these rodents are well-established reservoirs of TBFVs. Wild-caught Peromyscus species have demonstrated seropositivity against Powassan virus, the only TBFV known to circulate in North America, suggesting that they may play an important role in the biology of the virus in this geographic region. However, virus isolation from Peromyscus species is yet to be demonstrated. Wild-caught medium-sized mammals, such as woodchucks (Marmota monax) and skunks (Mephitis mephitis) have also demonstrated seropositivity against POWV, and virus was isolated from apparently healthy animals. Despite the well-established knowledge that small-to-medium sized animals are TBFV reservoirs, specific molecular biology addressing host-pathogen interactions remains poorly understood. Elucidating these interactions will be critical for gaining insight into the mechanism(s) of viral pathogenesis and/or resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luwanika Mlera
- Biology of Vector-Borne Viruses Section, Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Marshall E Bloom
- Biology of Vector-Borne Viruses Section, Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hamilton, MT, United States
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Littman MP, Gerber B, Goldstein RE, Labato MA, Lappin MR, Moore GE. ACVIM consensus update on Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:887-903. [PMID: 29566442 PMCID: PMC5980284 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An update of the 2006 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Small Animal Consensus Statement on Lyme Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention was presented at the 2016 ACVIM Forum in Denver, CO, followed by panel and audience discussion and a drafted consensus statement distributed online to diplomates for comment. The updated consensus statement is presented below. The consensus statement aims to provide guidance on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl P. Littman
- Department of Clinical Studies‐PhiladelphiaUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvania
| | - Bernhard Gerber
- The Clinic for Small Animal Internal MedicineVetsuisse Faculty, University of ZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Mary Anna Labato
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusetts
| | - Michael R. Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - George E. Moore
- Department of Veterinary Administration, College of Veterinary MedicinePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndiana
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Sprong H, Azagi T, Hoornstra D, Nijhof AM, Knorr S, Baarsma ME, Hovius JW. Control of Lyme borreliosis and other Ixodes ricinus-borne diseases. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:145. [PMID: 29510749 PMCID: PMC5840726 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) and other Ixodes ricinus-borne diseases (TBDs) are diseases that emerge from interactions of humans and domestic animals with infected ticks in nature. Nature, environmental and health policies at (inter)national and local levels affect the risk, disease burden and costs of TBDs. Knowledge on ticks, their pathogens and the diseases they cause have been increasing, and resulted in the discovery of a diversity of control options, which often are not highly effective on their own. Control strategies involving concerted actions from human and animal health sectors as well as from nature managers have not been formulated, let alone implemented. Control of TBDs asks for a “health in all policies” approach, both at the (inter)national level, but also at local levels. For example, wildlife protection and creating urban green spaces are important for animal and human well-being, but may increase the risk of TBDs. In contrast, culling or fencing out deer decreases the risk for TBDs under specific conditions, but may have adverse effects on biodiversity or may be societally unacceptable. Therefore, in the end, nature and health workers together must carry out tailor-made control options for the control of TBDs for humans and animals, with minimal effects on the environment. In that regard, multidisciplinary approaches in environmental, but also medical settings are needed. To facilitate this, communication and collaboration between experts from different fields, which may include patient representatives, should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hein Sprong
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands. .,Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Tal Azagi
- Centre for Zoonoses & Environmental Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Dieuwertje Hoornstra
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Knorr
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Ewoud Baarsma
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joppe W Hovius
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Hansford KM, Pietzsch ME, Cull B, Gillingham EL, Medlock JM. Potential risk posed by the importation of ticks into the UK on animals: records from the Tick Surveillance Scheme. Vet Rec 2017; 182:107. [PMID: 29217768 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to monitor important tick vectors in the UK, Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) receives specimens from across the country for identification. In recent years, an increasing number of these specimens have been removed from animals with a recent history of travel outside the UK. This paper presents all data collated by the TSS on ticks entering the country on recently travelled or imported animals since surveillance commenced in 2005. Ten different tick species representing six different genera were identified, entering the UK from 15 different countries. Key themes appear to be emerging from the last 10 years of data, including canine travel from Cyprus and Spain being associated with Rhipicephalus sanguineus importation, and canine travel from France being associated with the importation of multiple tick species and canine illness. In addition, more unusual importation routes have been uncovered, such as the importation of Hyalomma lusitanicum on a dog. Some companion animal owners may not be fully aware of the risks associated with ticks, and may not seek advice from a veterinarian before travel or importing a pet. Promoting awareness of ticks and tickborne disease risk during and after travel or animal importation is needed and veterinarians play an importation role in disseminating this information to their clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh M Hansford
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Environmental Change & Health, UK
| | - Maaike E Pietzsch
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK
| | - Emma L Gillingham
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Department of Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department - Science & Technology, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Environmental Change & Health, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, UK
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Goats as sentinel hosts for the detection of tick-borne encephalitis risk areas in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:217. [PMID: 28693561 PMCID: PMC5504567 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an important tick-borne disease in Europe. Detection of the TBE virus (TBEV) in local populations of Ixodes ricinus ticks is the most reliable proof that a given area is at risk for TBE, but this approach is time-consuming and expensive. A cheaper and simpler approach is to use immunology-based methods to screen vertebrate hosts for TBEV-specific antibodies and subsequently test the tick populations at locations with seropositive animals. Results The purpose of the present study was to use goats as sentinel animals to identify new risk areas for TBE in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. A total of 4114 individual goat sera were screened for TBEV-specific antibodies using immunological methods. According to our ELISA assay, 175 goat sera reacted strongly with TBEV antigen, resulting in a seroprevalence rate of 4.3%. The serum neutralization test confirmed that 70 of the 173 ELISA-positive sera had neutralizing antibodies against TBEV. Most of the 26 seropositive goat flocks were detected in the known risk areas in the canton of Valais, with some spread into the connecting valley of Saas and to the east of the town of Brig. One seropositive site was 60 km to the west of the known TBEV-endemic area. At two of the three locations where goats were seropositive, the local tick populations also tested positive for TBEV. Conclusion The combined approach of screening vertebrate hosts for TBEV-specific antibodies followed by testing the local tick population for TBEV allowed us to detect two new TBEV foci in the canton of Valais. The present study showed that goats are useful sentinel animals for the detection of new TBEV risk areas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1136-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Collini M, Albonico F, Rosà R, Tagliapietra V, Arnoldi D, Conterno L, Rossi C, Mortarino M, Rizzoli A, Hauffe HC. Identification of Ixodes ricinus blood meals using an automated protocol with high resolution melting analysis (HRMA) reveals the importance of domestic dogs as larval tick hosts in Italian alpine forests. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:638. [PMID: 27955678 PMCID: PMC5154095 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, Ixodes ricinus L. is the main vector of a variety of zoonotic pathogens, acquired through blood meals taken once per stage from a vertebrate host. Defining the main tick hosts in a given area is important for planning public health interventions; however, until recently, no robust molecular methods existed for blood meal identification from questing ticks. Here we improved the time- and cost-effectiveness of an HRMA protocol for blood meal analysis and used it to identify blood meal sources of sheep tick larvae from Italian alpine forests. METHODS Nine hundred questing nymphs were collected using blanket-dragging in 18 extensive forests and 12 forest patches close to rural villages in the Province of Trento. Total DNA was either extracted manually, with the QIAamp DNA Investigator kit, or automatically using the KingFisher™ Flex Magnetic Particle Processors (KingFisher Cell and Tissue DNA Kit). Host DNA was amplified with six independent host group real-time PCR reactions and identified by means of HRMA. Statistical analyses were performed in R to assess the variables important for achieving successful identification and to compare host use in the two types of forest. RESULTS Automating DNA extraction improved time- and cost-effectiveness of the HRMA protocol, but identification success fell to 22.4% (KingFisher™) from 55.1% (QIAamp), with larval hosts identified in 215 of 848 questing nymphs; 23 mixed blood meals were noted. However, the list of hosts targeted by our primer sets was extended, improving the potential of the method. Host identification to species or genus level was possible for 137 and 102 blood meals, respectively. The most common hosts were Rodentia (28.9%) and, unexpectedly, Carnivora (28.4%), with domestic dogs accounting for 21.3% of all larval blood meals. Overall, Cetartiodactyla species fed 17.2% of larvae. Passeriformes (14.6%) fed a significantly higher proportion of larvae in forest patches (22.3%) than in extensive forest (9.6%), while Soricomorpha (10.9%) were more important hosts in extensive forest (15.2%) than in forest patches (4.3%). CONCLUSIONS The HRMA protocol for blood meal analysis is a valuable tool in the study of feeding ecology of sheep ticks, especially with the cost- and time- reductions introduced here. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that domestic dogs are important larval hosts in the Alps, which may have possible implications for tick-borne disease cycles in urbanized areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Collini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Albonico
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Lorenza Conterno
- Department of Food Quality and Nutrition, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Rossi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Heidi Christine Hauffe
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
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Sievert C, Richter H, Beckmann K, Kircher PR, Carrera I. COMPARISON BETWEEN PROTON MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY FINDINGS IN DOGS WITH TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS AND CLINICALLY NORMAL DOGS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2016; 58:53-61. [PMID: 27714889 DOI: 10.1111/vru.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis is difficult due to high seroprevalence and rapid viral clearance, limiting detection of antibodies in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of tick-borne encephalitis have been reported, however MRI studies can also be negative despite the presence of neurologic signs. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 H MRS) is an imaging method that provides additional information about the metabolic characteristics of brain tissues. The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to describe brain metabolites using short echo time single-voxel 1 H MRS in dogs with confirmed tick-borne encephalitis and compare them with healthy dogs. Inclusion criteria for the affected dogs were neurological symptoms suggestive of tick-borne encephalitis, previous endemic stay and tick-bite, diagnostic quality brain MRI and 1 H MRS studies, and positive antibody titers or confirmation of tick-borne encephalitis with necropsy. Control dogs were 10, clinically normal beagles that had been used in a previous study. A total of six affected dogs met inclusion criteria. All dogs affected with tick-borne encephalitis had 1 H MRS metabolite concentration alterations versus control dogs. These changes included mild to moderate decreases in N-acetyl aspartate and creatine peaks, and mild increases in glutamate/glutamine peaks. No lactate or lipid signal was detected in any dog. Myoinositol and choline signals did not differ between affected and control dogs. In conclusion, findings supported the use of 1 H MRS as an adjunctive imaging method for dogs with suspected tick-borne encephalitis and inconclusive conventional MRI findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Sievert
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henning Richter
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Beckmann
- Department of Neurology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick R Kircher
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ines Carrera
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 258c, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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Reperant LA, Brown IH, Haenen OL, de Jong MD, Osterhaus ADME, Papa A, Rimstad E, Valarcher JF, Kuiken T. Companion Animals as a Source of Viruses for Human Beings and Food Production Animals. J Comp Pathol 2016; 155:S41-53. [PMID: 27522300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Companion animals comprise a wide variety of species, including dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, guinea pigs, reptiles, birds and ornamental fish, as well as food production animal species, such as domestic pigs, kept as companion animals. Despite their prominent place in human society, little is known about the role of companion animals as sources of viruses for people and food production animals. Therefore, we reviewed the literature for accounts of infections of companion animals by zoonotic viruses and viruses of food production animals, and prioritized these viruses in terms of human health and economic importance. In total, 138 virus species reportedly capable of infecting companion animals were of concern for human and food production animal health: 59 of these viruses were infectious for human beings, 135 were infectious for food production mammals and birds, and 22 were infectious for food production fishes. Viruses of highest concern for human health included hantaviruses, Tahyna virus, rabies virus, West Nile virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, Aichi virus, European bat lyssavirus, hepatitis E virus, cowpox virus, G5 rotavirus, influenza A virus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Viruses of highest concern for food production mammals and birds included bluetongue virus, African swine fever virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, lumpy skin disease virus, Rift Valley fever virus, porcine circovirus, classical swine fever virus, equine herpesvirus 9, peste des petits ruminants virus and equine infectious anaemia virus. Viruses of highest concern for food production fishes included cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (koi herpesvirus), viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. Of particular concern as sources of zoonotic or food production animal viruses were domestic carnivores, rodents and food production animals kept as companion animals. The current list of viruses provides an objective basis for more in-depth analysis of the risk of companion animals as sources of viruses for human and food production animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Reperant
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I H Brown
- Animal and Plant Health Agency Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - O L Haenen
- National Reference Laboratory for Fish, Shellfish and Crustacean Diseases, Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - M D de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A D M E Osterhaus
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Rimstad
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - J-F Valarcher
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Parasitology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - T Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Jasik KP, Okła H, Słodki J, Rozwadowska B, Słodki A, Rupik W. Congenital Tick Borne Diseases: Is This An Alternative Route of Transmission of Tick-Borne Pathogens In Mammals? Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 15:637-44. [PMID: 26565770 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have become a popular topic in many medical journals. Besides the obvious participation of ticks in the transmission of pathogens that cause TBD, little is written about alternative methods of their spread. An important role is played in this process by mammals, which serve as reservoirs. Transplacental transfer also plays important role in the spread of some TBD etiological agents. Reservoir species take part in the spread of pathogens, a phenomenon that has extreme importance in synanthropic environments. Animals that accompany humans and animals migrating from wild lands to urban areas increase the probability of pathogen infections by ticks This article provides an overview of TBDs, such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and TBDs caused by spirochetes, α-proteobacteria, γ-proteobacteria, and Apicomplexa, with particular attention to reports about their potential to cross the maternal placenta. For each disease, the method of propagation, symptoms of acute and chronic phase, and complications of their course in adults, children, and animals are described in detail. Additional information about transplacental transfer of these pathogens, effects of congenital diseases caused by them, and the possible effects of maternal infection to the fetus are also discussed. The problem of vertical transmission of pathogens presents a new challenge for medicine. Transfer of pathogens through the placenta may lead not only to propagation of diseases in the population, but also constitute a direct threat to health and fetal development. For this reason, the problem of vertical transmission requires more attention and an estimation of the impact of placental transfer for each of listed pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof P Jasik
- 1 Department of Skin Structural Studies, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice , School of Pharmacy with Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Hubert Okła
- 1 Department of Skin Structural Studies, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice , School of Pharmacy with Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, Poland .,2 University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Computer Science and Material Science, Institute of Material Science , Katowice, Poland
| | - Jan Słodki
- 1 Department of Skin Structural Studies, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice , School of Pharmacy with Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Beata Rozwadowska
- 1 Department of Skin Structural Studies, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice , School of Pharmacy with Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, Poland .,3 Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Katowice , Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Słodki
- 1 Department of Skin Structural Studies, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice , School of Pharmacy with Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Weronika Rupik
- 4 Department of Animal Histology and Embryology, University of Silesia in Katowice , Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Katowice, Poland
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Kunze U. Tick-borne encephalitis—still on the map. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:911-914. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Levanov L, Vera CP, Vapalahti O. Prevalence estimation of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) antibodies in dogs from Finland using novel dog anti-TBEV IgG MAb-capture and IgG immunofluorescence assays based on recombinant TBEV subviral particles. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:979-982. [PMID: 27189583 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most dangerous human neurological infections occurring in Europe and Northern parts of Asia with thousands of cases and millions vaccinated against it. The risk of TBE might be assessed through analyses of the samples taken from wildlife or from animals which are in close contact with humans. Dogs have been shown to be a good sentinel species for these studies. Serological assays for diagnosis of TBE in dogs are mainly based on purified and inactivated TBEV antigens. Here we describe novel dog anti-TBEV IgG monoclonal antibody (MAb)-capture assay which is based on TBEV prME subviral particles expressed in mammalian cells from Semliki Forest virus (SFV) replicon as well as IgG immunofluorescence assay (IFA) which is based on Vero E6 cells transfected with the same SFV replicon. We further demonstrate their use in a small-scale TBEV seroprevalence study of dogs representing different regions of Finland. Altogether, 148 dog serum samples were tested by novel assays and results were compared to those obtained with a commercial IgG enzyme immunoassay (EIA), hemagglutination inhibition test and IgG IFA with TBEV infected cells. Compared to reference tests, the sensitivities of the developed assays were 90-100% and the specificities of the two assays were 100%. Analysis of the dog serum samples showed a seroprevalence of 40% on Åland Islands and 6% on Southwestern archipelago of Finland. In conclusion, a specific and sensitive EIA and IFA for the detection of IgG antibodies in canine sera were developed. Based on these assays the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies in dogs from different regions of Finland was assessed and was shown to parallel the known human disease burden as the Southwestern archipelago and Åland Islands in particular had considerable dog TBEV antibody prevalence and represent areas with high risk of TBE for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Levanov
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Cristina Pérez Vera
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Virology and Immunology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Jalil WI, Zenad MM. Isolation of aerobic bacteria from ticks infested sheep in Iraq. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Beckmann K, Steffen F, Ohlerth S, Kircher PR, Carrera I. THREE TESLA MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN 12 CASES OF CANINE CENTRAL EUROPEAN TICK-BORNE MENINGOENCEPHALOMYELITIS. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2015; 57:41-8. [DOI: 10.1111/vru.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Beckmann
- Section of Neurology, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Frank Steffen
- Section of Neurology, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Ohlerth
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Patrick R. Kircher
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Inés Carrera
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; 8057 Zurich Switzerland
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