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Romig T, Wassermann M. Echinococcus species in wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100913. [PMID: 38405672 PMCID: PMC10884515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Transmission of Echinococcus spp. in life cycles that involve mainly wildlife is well recognized for those species with small mammals as intermediate hosts (e. g. E. multilocularis), as well as for E. felidis and the 'northern' genotypes of E. canadensis (G8 and G10). In contrast, the remaining taxa of E. granulosus sensu lato are best known for their domestic life cycles, and the numerous wild mammal species (mainly ungulates) that have been recorded with cystic echinococcosis in the past were mainly considered a result of spill-over from the dog-livestock transmission system. This view was challenged with the advent of molecular characterization, allowing discrimination of the metacestodes, although the contribution of wild mammals to various Echinococcus life cycles has remained uncertain for scarcity of wildlife studies. Numerous records of cysts in wild ungulates date back to the 20th century, but cannot with certainty be allocated to the Echinococcus species and genotypes that are recognized today. This means that our current knowledge is largely restricted to studies of the past two decades that kept adding gradually to our concepts of transmission in various geographic regions. In particular, new insights were gathered in the past years on E. granulosus s.l. in wildlife of sub-Saharan Africa, but also on transmission patterns of E. multilocularis in previously neglected regions, e. g. North America. Here, an update is provided on the current state of knowledge on wild mammals as hosts for all Echinococcus species, listing >150 species of wild hosts with references, as well as estimates on their epidemiological impact and our current gaps of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marion Wassermann
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Thaikoed S, Mitsuwan W, Chaisiri K, Tanthanathipchai N, de Lourdes Pereira M, Paul AK, Nissapatorn V, Saengsawang P. The infection of Cysticercus fasciolaris in natural rats (Rattus species) residing in human residence areas, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102152. [PMID: 38447382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102152] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Cysticercus fasciolaris (C. fasciolaris) is the larval stage of a cestode parasite named Taenia taeniaeformis (T. taeniaeformis). C. fasiolaris is found in small rodents, especially rats. Rattus species are listed as intermediate hosts of this parasite, and cats are the main definitive host of C. fasiolaris. The objective of this study was to study the pathological, microscopic, and molecular aspects of C. fasciolaris in rodents residing in human residence areas. One hundred and two rodents were trapped in human settlements and dissected for larva-containing cyst examinations in the body cavity. The larvae of C. fasciolaris were investigated using histopathological examination, microscopic observations under a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope, and molecular detection using polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of hepatic cysts containing larvae was 8.91% (95% CI = 4.16-16.24). In addition, the older larvae also had longer micropapillae. Histopathological investigation revealed normal hepatic tissue containing larvae and a scanty fluid cyst. The cyst capsule contains mostly mononuclear cells and spindle cells in all infected rats. The molecular detection using two primer sets revealed the amplicons were similar to the clade of C. fasciolaris. In the future, more investigation is necessary to fully understand the parasite's molecular pathogenesis and virulent molecules, which are less obvious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunsaneeya Thaikoed
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Kittipong Chaisiri
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials & Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Alok K Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team), World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), and Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Phirabhat Saengsawang
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.
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Simoncini A, Massolo A. Multiscale ecological drivers of Echinococcus multilocularis spatial distribution in wild hosts: A systematic review. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 34:e00216. [PMID: 38152424 PMCID: PMC10749871 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00216] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the ecological factors that drive the spatial patterns of parasites transmission is essential to predict their distribution under global change and to direct proactive surveillance efforts. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature to assess the main ecological drivers responsible for the spatial distribution and transmission of the zoonotic cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, the aetiological agent of alveolar echinococcosis, focusing on wild hosts. The 23 retrieved studies suggested that the dispersal of definitive hosts, climatic and biotic factors (distribution of intermediate hosts, composition of host communities) shape continental-scale distribution patterns of E. multilocularis, whereas the relative importance of climate and land cover in driving E. multilocularis distribution at a smaller (country/regional) scale varies with the geographic area considered. At a local scale, two additional factors contribute to determine the distribution of micro-foci of transmission: the trophic relationships between carnivores definitive hosts and small mammals intermediate hosts, and the defecation and marking behaviour of definitive hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Simoncini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa 56121, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université Franche-Comté, Besançon 25030, France
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Miljević M, Rajičić M, Umhang G, Bajić B, Bjelić Čabrilo O, Budinski I, Blagojević J. Cryptic species Hydatigera kamiyai and other taeniid metacestodes in the populations of small mammals in Serbia. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:250. [PMID: 37491284 PMCID: PMC10369706 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydatigera (Cestoda: Taeniidae) is a recently resurrected genus with the description of a new species, Hydatigera kamiyai, a cryptic entity within the Hydatigera taeniaeformis species complex. Rodents are intermediate hosts and correct taxonomic identification of H. taeniaeformis sensu lato (s.l.) species is difficult without the use of molecular methods. The aim of this study was to identify and explore the genetic diversity of Hydatigera and other taeniid species. METHODS Ten different small mammals species (856 individuals) (Rattus rattus, three Apodemus, three Arvicolinae and three Soricidae species) were examined from 2013 to 2023. Captured animals were visually examined for cysts and visible lesions. Two markers were used for amplification and sequencing: cox1 and 12S rDNA. RESULTS Molecular analysis of cysts and visible lesions revealed four taeniid species: Hydatigera kamiyai, H. taeniaeformis sensu stricto (s.s.), Taenia martis and T. crassiceps. Hydatigera kamiyai was found in Apodemus flavicollis, A. agrarius, Microtus arvalis and Crocidrua leucodon, while H. taeniaeformis s.s. is registered in R. rattus. Hydatigera kamiyai cox1 sequences clustered with European populations and showed at least 25 nucleotid differences compared to Asian, African, Australian and one of our isolates of H. taeniaeformis s.s acquired from a rat, followed by large sequence distances (9.4% to 12.9%), indicating clear molecular distinction of two species. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the few mitochondrial gene-based studies performed after the description of cryptic entities within the Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.l. complex and represents a valuable contribution to understanding of genetic diversity, host suitability and geographic distribution of these tapeworm species. Also, our study provides an important basis of molecular data from this part of Europe for further studies. We emphasize the importance of additional studies of intermediate hosts, especially rats from Europe and Apodemus spp. and voles from Asia and Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Miljević
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marija Rajičić
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gérald Umhang
- Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus Spp, ANSES, Technopôle Agricole Et Vétérinaire, 40009, 54220, Malzéville, CS, France
| | - Branka Bajić
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olivera Bjelić Čabrilo
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 2, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivana Budinski
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Blagojević
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Pardo Gil M, Hegglin D, Briner T, Ruetten M, Müller N, Moré G, Frey CF, Deplazes P, Basso W. High prevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii in cat-hunted small mammals - Evidence for parasite induced behavioural manipulation in the natural environment? Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:108-116. [PMID: 36747510 PMCID: PMC9898578 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes one of the most frequent parasitic infections in vertebrates on earth. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of T. gondii infection in cat-hunted wild small mammals, and to determine the circulating T. gondii genotypes in cat prey. There is evidence suggesting that T. gondii may manipulate rodents' behaviour enhancing transmission to their definitive feline host by facilitating predation. Given that most studies focusing on rodent behavior have been performed under laboratory conditions, we tested this hypothesis in the natural environment. We analysed 157 cat-hunted wild small mammals of six different species from Switzerland. Brain and skeletal muscle samples from each animal were tested for T. gondii DNA by PCR, and positive samples were genotyped using a multilocus sequence typing approach, including 10 genetic markers. Additionally, to evaluate exposure to cat faeces, the presence of Taenia taeniaeformis metacestodes was investigated at necropsy. The prevalence of T. gondii in cat-hunted Arvicola amphibius s.l. was 11.1% (7/63), 14.6% (7/48) in Apodemus spp., 13.6% (3/22) in Myodes glareolus, 6.7% (1/15) in Crocidura russula, and 0% in Microtus arvalis (0/8) and Sorex sp. (0/1). All completely genotyped T. gondii parasites, exhibited the ToxoDB #3 genotype, a Type II variant. We additionally analysed 48 trap-captured A. amphibius s.l., which all tested negative for T. gondii infection, contrasting with the higher prevalence in cat-hunted A. amphibius s.l. (0% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.0176). Furthermore, T. taeniaeformis was detected in both groups, indicating widespread contamination with cat faeces in the sampled areas. These results provide evidence that T. gondii infected rodents are at higher risk to be predated by cats and therewith support the behaviour manipulation hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pardo Gil
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
| | - Daniel Hegglin
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- SWILD– Urban Ecology and Wildlife Research, Wuhrstrasse 12, CH-8003, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Briner
- Naturmuseum Solothurn, Klosterplatz 2, CH-4500, Solothurn, Switzerland
| | - Maja Ruetten
- PathoVet AG, Buckstrasse 2, CH-8317, Tagelswangen, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gastón Moré
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
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Echinococcus multilocularis and Other Taeniid Metacestodes of Muskrats in Luxembourg: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Parasite Reproduction, and Genetic Diversity. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121414. [PMID: 36558748 PMCID: PMC9781964 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are competent intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, are frequently infected with this zoonotic cestode, and have even been proposed as a target species to monitor endemicity levels of this parasite. However, their contribution to maintaining the parasitic lifecycle is still unclear. To obtain data on infection frequency and reproductive potential, 280 muskrats from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were examined for cestode larvae in the years 2013−2017. Based on morphological and molecular identification, Echinococcus multilocularis was found at a prevalence of 14.6%. Other metacestodes were Hydatigera kamiyai, with a prevalence of 45.7%, Taenia martis with 8.9%, Taenia polyacantha with 5.0%, and Versteria mustelae, which was found in 0.7% of all muskrats. More than 80% of E. multilocularis-infected muskrats contained fertile metacestodes with a mean number of >300,000 (and up to 1,609,816) protoscoleces, which is by far the highest reproductive potential known from any intermediate host species in Europe. Temporal analysis of E. multilocularis prevalence within the study period (and in comparison with earlier data) strongly indicates a robust increase in the studied area. Host age seemed to be an important risk factor for infection, as well as co-infections with Hydatigera kamiyai. A preference for the right medial lobe of the liver as the location of E. multilocularis metacestode was observed. Intraspecific genetic variation among 89 discrete E. multilocularis metacestodes was non-existent based on 300−1590 bp sections of cox1. This is a stark contrast to H. kamiyai, of which nine haplotypes were found on a short 318 bp section of cox1, resulting in genetic diversity in the small country of Luxembourg at a similar level than previously reported from large stretches of Europe and northern Asia.
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Wesołowska A. Sex—the most underappreciated variable in research: insights from helminth-infected hosts. Vet Res 2022; 53:94. [PMID: 36397174 PMCID: PMC9672581 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex of a host affects the intensity, prevalence, and severity of helminth infection. In many cases, one sex has been found to be more susceptible than the other, with the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections being generally higher among male than female hosts; however, many exceptions exist. This observed sex bias in parasitism results primarily from ecological, behavioural, and physiological differences between males and females. Complex interactions between these influences modulate the risk of infection. Indeed, an interplay among sex hormones, sex chromosomes, the microbiome and the immune system significantly contributes to the generation of sex bias among helminth-infected hosts. However, sex hormones not only can modulate the course of infection but also can be exploited by the parasites, and helminths appear to have developed molecules and pathways for this purpose. Furthermore, host sex may influence the efficacy of anti-helminth vaccines; however, although little data exist regarding this sex-dependent efficacy, host sex is known to influence the response to vaccines. Despite its importance, host sex is frequently overlooked in parasitological studies. This review focuses on the key contributors to sex bias in the case of helminth infection. The precise nature of the mechanisms/factors determining these sex-specific differences generally remains largely unknown, and this represents an obstacle in the development of control methods. There is an urgent need to identify any protective elements that could be targeted in future therapies to provide optimal disease management with regard to host sex. Hence, more research is needed into the impact of host sex on immunity and protection.
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Yan WL, Meng JX, Li XM, Zhao JP, Zhang M, Wang XY, Sun YZ, Ni HB, Ma H. Global Prevalence of Echinococcosis in Goats: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022; 19:675-685. [PMID: 36036962 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2022.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a foodborne parasitic zoonosis caused by the larvae of Echinococcus. This disease can affect goats and other mammals. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis for echinococcosis in global goats were performed based on the following five databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], VIP Chinese Journal Database, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and ScienceDirect). In total, 108,197 samples were collected. The global prevalence of echinococcosis in goats was identified to be 10.85% (3217/108,197). The prevalence of echinococcosis in goats was 6.16% (1369/22,208) and 13.27% (874/5932) in South America and Africa, respectively. The prevalence of echinococcosis in goats before 2010 (9.76%; 112/713) was significantly higher than that from 2010 to 2014 (1.44%; 45/32,145) or after 2014 (2.95%; 154/3889). The prevalence of echinococcosis in goats aged <12 months (4.48%; 70/2911) was higher than that in goats aged ≥12 months (2.88%; 36/819). We also investigated the effects of geographical factors and climates on the prevalence of echinococcosis in goats. The results showed that the prevalence of echinococcosis was higher in the areas with high altitude and cold climate. This meta-analysis indicated that echinococcosis was ubiquitous in goats. Thus, we should improve the feeding conditions for goats, and strengthen the control measures of echinococcosis epidemic in goats, with the aims of reducing the economic losses of animal husbandry and providing protection for humans in the aspects of food security and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lan Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jin-Xin Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Man Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jin-Ping Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu-Zhe Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - He Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
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Massolo A, Gerber A, Umhang G, Nicholas C, Liccioli S, Mori K, Klein C. Droplet digital PCR as a sensitive tool to assess exposure pressure from Echinococcus multilocularis in intermediate hosts. Acta Trop 2021; 223:106078. [PMID: 34363776 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A key element to understanding parasite epidemiology is assessing their prevalence in the respective wild reservoir hosts. The tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis circulates between canid species (definite hosts) and small mammals (mostly rodents; intermediate hosts). Prevalence rates of Echinococcus multilocularis in the intermediate host are most exclusively determined through macroscopic examination of the liver generally followed by molecular or histological diagnostic for parasite species confirmation. The overall objective of the study was to investigate the suitability of Real-Time PCR and Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) analysis as tool to detect exposure pressure (frequency of infection events) from E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts even in the absence of macroscopic lesions in the liver. One hundred six small mammals (meadow voles and deer mice) were trapped followed by post-mortem examination including macroscopic evaluation of the liver to detect lesions indicative of infection with Echinococcus multilocularis but also by sampling a piece of liver in absence of lesion to submit it to molecular assay. Macroscopic lesions were present in the livers of two samples. Including the latter two samples, five samples yielded a positive result following Real-Time PCR, whereas 16 samples displayed three or more positive droplets upon ddPCR and were considered positive. Whether these additional cases without macroscopic lesions would have become infectious during the lifespan of the rodent or were abortive or early infections is unclear, but these data suggest levels of exposure of intermediate hosts to the parasite is much higher than assumed.
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Divari S, Danelli M, Pregel P, Ghielmetti G, Borel N, Bollo E. Biomolecular Investigation of Bartonella spp. in Wild Rodents of Two Swiss Regions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101331. [PMID: 34684280 PMCID: PMC8539893 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents represent a natural reservoir of several Bartonella species, including zoonotic ones. In this study, small wild rodents, collected from two sites in rural areas of Switzerland, were screened for Bartonella spp. using molecular detection methods. In brief, 346 rodents were trapped in two rural sites in the Gantrisch Nature Park of Switzerland (Plasselb, canton of Fribourg, and Riggisberg, canton of Bern). Pools of DNA originating from three animals were tested through a qPCR screening and an end-point PCR, amplifying the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer region and citrate synthase (gltA) loci, respectively. Subsequently, DNA was extracted from spleen samples belonging to single animals of gltA positive pools, and gltA and RNA polymerase subunit beta (rpoB) were detected by end-point PCR. Based on PCR results and sequencing, the prevalence of infection with Bartonella spp. in captured rodents, was 21.10% (73/346): 31.78% in Apodemus sp. (41/129), 10.47% in Arvicola scherman (9/86), 17.05% in Myodes glareolus (22/129), and 50% in Microtus agrestis (1/2). A significant association was observed between Bartonella spp. infection and rodent species (p < 0.01) and between trapping regions and positivity to Bartonella spp. infection (p < 0.001). Similarly, prevalence of Bartonella DNA was higher (p < 0.001) in rodents trapped in woodland areas (66/257, 25.68%) compared to those captured in open fields (9/89, 10.11%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the extracted Bartonella DNA belonged mainly to B. taylorii and also to Candidatus “Bartonella rudakovii”, B. grahamii, B. doshiae, and B. birtlesii. In conclusion, the present study could rise public health issues regarding Bartonella infection in rodents in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Divari
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Danelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Paola Pregel
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Giovanni Ghielmetti
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Enrico Bollo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
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Alvi MA, Li L, Ohiolei JA, Qamar W, Saqib M, Tayyab MH, Altaf J, Ashfaq K, Hassan A, Jamal M, Wahab A, Alvi AA, Usman M, Bajwa MRK, Fu BQ, Yan HB, Jia WZ. Hydatigera taeniaeformis in urban rats (Rattus rattus) in Faisalabad, Pakistan. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 92:104873. [PMID: 33905888 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hydatigera taeniaeformis formerly referred to as Taenia taeniaeformis is a cestode of cats (definitive hosts) and rodents (intermediate hosts). The prevalence of the metacestode larval stage has been reported in rodents in many parts of the world even though the genetic polymorphisms or intraspecies variation is still understudied. Here, we report a prevalence of 22.09% (38/172) from an urban rodent population in Pakistan and a nucleotide diversity (cox1) of 0.00463 among the population. Infection was higher in male (27.85%) and adult (32.29%) rats than female and sub-adult/young rats. Interestingly, The median-joining network and phylogenetic construction comprising isolates from China, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, and countries in Europe demonstrated that Pakistani H. taeniaeformis are closer to Asian and African population than those of European origin. The results of the study will add-in preliminary data for H. taeniaeformis and will also contribute to understand the global molecular epidemiology and population structure of H. taeniaeformis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughees Aizaz Alvi
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - John Asekhaen Ohiolei
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Warda Qamar
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, (Jhang Campus), Jhang, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Haleem Tayyab
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Javaria Altaf
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Khurram Ashfaq
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hassan
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jamal
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department (Extension), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Wahab
- Livestock and Dairy Development Department (Extension), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Usman
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, Gansu Province, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Hong-Bin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, Gansu Province, PR China.
| | - Wan-Zhong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Professional Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, Gansu Province, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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12
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Gao Y, Wang W, Lyu C, Wei XY, Chen Y, Zhao Q, Ran ZG, Xia YQ. Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Echinococcus in Sheep in China From 1983 to 2020. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:711332. [PMID: 34381740 PMCID: PMC8350519 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.711332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of cestode species that belong to the genus Echinococcus. The infection of hydatid in sheep is very common in China, especially in the northwestern China. Here, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis of echinococcosis in sheep in China. Six databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Chinese Journal Database) were used to retrieve the literatures on echinococcosis in sheep in China from 1983 to 2020, and 74 studies. The random effects model was used in the “meta” package of the R software and the PFT was chosen for rate conversion. The research data were analyzed through subgroup analysis and univariate meta-regression analysis to reveal the factors that lead to research heterogeneity. The combined prevalence of Echinococcus in the selected period was estimated to be 30.9% (192,094/826,406). In the analysis of sampling year, the lowest positive rate was 13.9% (10,296/177,318) after 2011. The highest prevalence of Echinococcus was 51.1% (278/531) in the southwestern China. The highest infection rate in sheep was 20.1% (58,344/597,815) in the liver. The analysis based on age showed that the infection rate of elderly sheep was significantly higher than that in younger animals (P < 0.05). We also evaluated the effects of different geographic and climatic factors on the prevalence of Echinococcus in sheep. The results showed that the prevalence of Echinococcus was higher in high altitude, cold, humid, and high rainfall areas. It is necessary to carry out long-term monitoring and control of echinococcosis, cut off the infection route, and reduce the risk of infection in the high risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Agricultural Ministry, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Research and Development Department, Chongqing Auleon Biological Co., Ltd., Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China.,College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Chuang Lyu
- Animal Health Center, Shandong New Hope Liuhe Group Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China.,Animal Health Center, Qingdao Jiazhi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, China
| | - Zhi-Guang Ran
- Research and Development Department, Chongqing Auleon Biological Co., Ltd., Chongqing, China
| | - You-Qing Xia
- The Key Sericultural Laboratory of Agricultural Ministry, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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13
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Borhani M, Fathi S, Darabi E, Jalousian F, Simsek S, Ahmed H, Kesik HK, Hosseini SH, Romig T, Harandi MF, Mobedi I. Echinococcoses in Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan: Old Diseases in the New Millennium. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0029020. [PMID: 34076492 PMCID: PMC8262809 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00290-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is considered a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by different species of small taeniid tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus and is regarded as a neglected zoonosis. Cystic and alveolar echinococcoses are endemic diseases of Tibetan, Pamir, and Iranian plateaus. All of the countries within the Iranian plateau are affected by echinococcosis. Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran are the three most populous countries of the region, in which echinococcosis is highly endemic. The three neighboring countries share strong cultural and socioeconomic ties. The present study aimed to provide a broad review of the status of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, summarizing the current knowledge about geographical distribution, molecular epidemiology, and transmission dynamics of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and Echinococcus multilocularis in this region. Additionally, we aimed to understand disease burden and risk factors as basic requirements for establishing a surveillance system and planning prevention and control programs. A considerable body of information is available on different aspects of echinococcosis in this region; however, several information and research gaps need to be filled before planning control programs. None of the countries in the region have an elaborate echinococcosis control program. Effective control programs require multi/intersectoral coordination within a One Health approach with a long-term political and administrative commitment and enhanced international collaboration among the three countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Borhani
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeid Fathi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Enayat Darabi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Jalousian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sami Simsek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Harun Kaya Kesik
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bingol, Bingol, Turkey
| | - Seyed Hossein Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Thomas Romig
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Mobedi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Prullage J, Bowman D, Ulrich M, Tielemans E. Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against Echinococcus multilocularis infections in cats. Parasite 2021; 28:29. [PMID: 33812461 PMCID: PMC8019559 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NexGard® Combo, a novel topical endectoparasiticide formulation for cats combining esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel, for the treatment of internal and external parasite infestations, including arthropods, nematodes and cestodes, was tested for efficacy against induced infections of Echinococcus multilocularis in cats, in two experimental studies. The two studies were performed in the United States with the same E. multilocularis isolate sourced locally. In each study, 20 cats were inoculated intra-gastrically with ~30,000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces three weeks before treatment, then ten cats were randomly allocated to a placebo control group or to the novel formulation treated group. Inoculated cats were treated topically once at the minimum recommended dose of the novel formulation, or with an identical volume of placebo. One week after treatment, cats were humanely euthanized for parasite recovery and count. The efficacy calculation was based on comparison of number of scoleces found in the control group and the novel formulation group. In the two control groups, E. multilocularis scoleces were found in five (range: 30-1025) and eight (range 2-345) cats, the geometric means inclusive of the ten cats per group were 8.9 and 28.8, respectively. In the two novel formulation-treated groups, none of the cats harbored any E. multilocularis scoleces, demonstrating 100% efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Prullage
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, Missouri Research Center 6498 Jade Rd. Fulton 65251 MO USA
| | - Dwight Bowman
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca 14850 NY USA
| | - Michael Ulrich
- Cheri Hill Kennel and Supply Inc. 17190 Polk Rd. Stanwood 49346 MI USA
| | - Eric Tielemans
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health 29 Avenue Tony Garnier 69007 Lyon France
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15
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Emerging human alveolar echinococcosis in Hungary (2003-2018): a retrospective case series analysis from a multi-centre study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:168. [PMID: 33568075 PMCID: PMC7877032 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by Echinococcus multilocularis is an underreported, often misdiagnosed and mistreated parasitic disease mainly due to its low incidence. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human AE patients in Hungary for the first time. Method Between 2003 and 2018, epidemiological and clinical data of suspected AE patients were collected retrospectively from health database management systems. Results This case series included a total of 16 AE patients. The mean age of patients was 53 years (range: 24–78 years). The sex ratio was 1:1. Four patients (25%) revealed no recurrence after radical surgery and adjuvant albendazole (ABZ) therapy. For five patients (31.3%) with unresectable lesions, a stabilization of lesions with ABZ treatment was achieved. In seven patients (43.8%), progression of AE was documented. The mean diagnostic delay was 33 months (range: 1–122 months). Three AE related deaths (fatality rate 18.8%) were recorded. Conclusions AE is an emerging infectious disease in Hungary with a high fatality rate since based on our results, almost every fifth AE patient died in the study period. Differential diagnosis and appropriate surgical and medical therapy for AE is an urging challenge for clinicians in Hungary, as well as in some other European countries where E. multilocularis is prevalent.
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16
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Citterio CV, Obber F, Trevisiol K, Dellamaria D, Celva R, Bregoli M, Ormelli S, Sgubin S, Bonato P, Da Rold G, Danesi P, Ravagnan S, Vendrami S, Righetti D, Agreiter A, Asson D, Cadamuro A, Ianniello M, Capelli G. Echinococcus multilocularis and other cestodes in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) of northeast Italy, 2012-2018. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:29. [PMID: 33413547 PMCID: PMC7789758 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04520-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Echinococcus multilocularis is a small tapeworm affecting wild and domestic carnivores and voles in a typical prey-predator life cycle. In Italy, there has been a focus of E. multilocularis since 1997 in the northern Italian Alps, later confirmed in red foxes collected from 2001 to 2005. In this study, we report the results of seven years of monitoring on E. multilocularis and other cestodes in foxes and describe the changes that occurred over time and among areas (eco-regions) showing different environmental and ecological features on a large scale. Methods Eggs of cestodes were isolated from feces of 2872 foxes with a sedimentation/filtration technique. The cestode species was determined through multiplex PCR, targeting and sequencing ND1 and 12S genes. Analyses were aimed to highlight variations among different eco-regions and trends in prevalence across the study years. Results Out of 2872 foxes, 217 (7.55%) samples resulted positive for cestode eggs at coproscopy, with differences of prevalence according to year, sampling area and age class. Eight species of cestodes were identified, with Taenia crassiceps (2.65%), Taenia polyacantha (1.98%) and E. multilocularis (1.04%) as the most represented. The other species, Mesocestoides litteratus, Taenia krabbei, T. serialis, T. taeniaeformis and Dipylidium caninum, accounted for < 1% altogether. Echinococcus multilocularis was identified in foxes from two out of six eco-regions, in 30 fecal samples, accounting for 1.04% within the cestode positives at coproscopy. All E. multilocularis isolates came from Bolzano province. Prevalence of cestodes, both collectively and for each of the three most represented species (T. crassiceps, T. polyacantha and E. multilocularis), varied based on the sampling year, and for E. multilocularis an apparent increasing trend across the last few years was evidenced. Conclusions Our study confirms the presence of a focus of E. multilocularis in red foxes of northeast Italy. Although this focus seems still spatially limited, given its persistence and apparent increasing prevalence through the years, we recommend research to be conducted in the future on the ecological factors that, on a smaller scale, allow this zoonotic species to persist. On the same scale, we recommend a health education campaign to inform on the measures to prevent this zoonosis, targeted at people living in the area, especially hunters, dog owners, forestry workers and other potentially exposed categories.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Obber
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Karin Trevisiol
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Debora Dellamaria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Roberto Celva
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Marco Bregoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Silvia Ormelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Sofia Sgubin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Paola Bonato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Graziana Da Rold
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Stefano Vendrami
- Provincia di Belluno, Wildlife Management Office, Belluno, Italy
| | - Davide Righetti
- Provincia di Bolzano, Wildlife Management Office, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Andreas Agreiter
- Provincia di Bolzano, Wildlife Management Office, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Daniele Asson
- Provincia di Trento, Wildlife Management Office, Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Cadamuro
- Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia, Wildlife Management Office, Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Ianniello
- Ministry of Health, General Directorate for Animal Health and Veterinary Drugs, Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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Balog T, Nagy G, Halász T, Csányi E, Zomborszky Z, Csivincsik Á. The occurrence of Echinococcus spp. in golden jackal (Canis aureus) in southwestern Hungary: Should we need to rethink its expansion? Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102214. [PMID: 33137507 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis are severe zoonotic diseases caused by Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus s.l. in Europe. To present knowledge, in the European continent, the most important definitive hosts of these parasites belong to the Canidae family. The golden jackal as an opportunistic mesopredator frequently preys on rodents including arvicolids and other easily available food resources, such as viscera and other carrion. By these reasons, the golden jackal can promote the maintenance of both Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus s.l. Our investigation was conducted in the southwestern part of Hungary where one of the densest golden jackal populations exists. We examined altogether 173 golden jackal small intestines to determine the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus s.l. After the molecular diagnostic procedure, we found 27 Echinococcus multilocularis-positive (prevalence: 15.6%; mean intensity: 664 worms) and three Echinococcus granulosus s.l. infected hosts (prevalence: 1.7%; mean intensity: 554.3 worms). We suggest the invasion of the golden jackal in Europe can enhance the spread of both Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus s.l. This novel epidemiological situation can influence the geographical distribution of these helminths and the characteristics of their endemic in different host species, as well as in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Balog
- SEFAG Forest Management and Wood Industry Share Co., Department of Game Management, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nagy
- Kaposvár University, Department of Physiology and Animal Hygiene, Kaposvár, Hungary.
| | - Tibor Halász
- SEFAG Forest Management and Wood Industry Share Co., Department of Game Management, Kaposvár, Hungary; Kaposvár University, Department of Physiology and Animal Hygiene, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Erika Csányi
- 'Fauna' South Transdanubian Hunting Party, Nagybajom, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Zomborszky
- Kaposvár University, Department of Physiology and Animal Hygiene, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Csivincsik
- Kaposvár University, Department of Physiology and Animal Hygiene, Kaposvár, Hungary
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A grid-cell based fecal sampling scheme reveals: land-use and altitude affect prevalence rates of Angiostrongylus vasorum and other parasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2235-2245. [PMID: 31079253 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In view of the role of foxes as a reservoir for Angiostrongylus vasorum, a nematode of the heart and lungs of dogs and foxes, its occurrence across Switzerland was investigated in foxes applying a standardized sampling scheme for fox fecal samples. In 72 study areas, which consisted of three 1-km2 grid cells, a total of 1481 samples were collected by walking transects following linear features in the terrain, and analyzed by a flotation-sieving method. The overall prevalence rate of A. vasorum in fecal samples was 8.8% (95% confidence interval, CI 7.4-10.3%), being significantly higher in the Swiss Plateau (11.4%, CI. 9.4-13.8%) compared with other bioregions, and more prevalent in areas with less than 50% of cultivated land (p = 0.043). Prevalence rates increased with decreasing altitudes being significantly higher below 400 m above sea level (20.6%, 95% CI 15.2-26.9%), while all samples collected above 900 m asl were negative. Eggs of Toxocara sp. (12.1%), Taeniidae (10.5%), Capillaria spp. (8.3%), Trichuris vulpis (5.5%), hookworms (5.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and Strongyloides sp. (0.4%) were furthermore identified. Taeniid eggs were positively and Capillaria spp. negatively associated with the amount of cultivated land. The prevalence rates based on our fecal analyses were generally lower compared with previous studies from Switzerland which were based on fox necropsies. However, the grid cell-based sampling scheme with replicable transects for fox feces collection proved to be a suitable, non-invasive method for parasitic large-scale surveys providing information on the relative infectious pressure for the local dog population.
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Craig PS, Giraudoux P, Wang ZH, Wang Q. Echinococcosis transmission on the Tibetan Plateau. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 104:165-246. [PMID: 31030769 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the mid-1990s detailed studies and field investigations on the Tibetan Plateau have revealed human echinococcosis to be an under-reported major public health problem, particularly in the dominant pastoral communities in the eastern and central regions. Human prevalence surveys showed that cystic echinococcosis (CE, caused by Echinococcus granulosus) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE, caused by Echinococcus multilocularis) are co-endemic with higher burdens of each disease than other endemic world regions. Epidemiological investigations identified some major risk factors for human CE and AE including dog ownership, husbandry practices and landscape features. Dogs appear to be the major zoonotic reservoir for both E. granulosus and E. multilocularis, but the latter is also transmitted in complex wildlife cycles. Small mammal assemblages especially of vole and pika species thrive on the Plateau and contribute to patterns of E. multilocularis transmission which are influenced by landscape characteristics and anthropogenic factors. Tibetan foxes are a principal definitive host for both E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus. In 2006 a national echinococcosis control programme was initiated in Tibetan communities in northwest Sichuan Province and rolled out to all of western China by 2010, and included improved surveillance (and treatment access) of human disease and regular deworming of dogs with annual copro-testing. Control of echinococcosis in Tibetan pastoral communities poses a difficult challenge for delivery and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil S Craig
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Patrick Giraudoux
- Department of Chrono-Environment, UMR UFC/CNRS, Université de Franche-Comté, Besancon, France; Laboratory of Wildlife Management and Ecosystem Health, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, Kunming, China.
| | - Zheng Huan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Urbanization and Ecological Restoration, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China; Joint Translational Science and Technology Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
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Wildlife-transmitted Taenia and Versteria cysticercosis and coenurosis in humans and other primates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 9:342-358. [PMID: 31338294 PMCID: PMC6626850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wild mustelids and canids are definitive hosts of Taenia and Versteria spp. while rodents act as natural intermediate hosts. Rarely, larval stages of these parasites can cause serious zoonoses. In Europe, four cases of Taenia martis cysticercosis have been diagnosed in immunocompetent women, and two cases in zoo primates since 2013. In North America, a zoonotic genotype related but distinct from Versteria mustelae has been identified in 2014, which had caused a fatal infection in an orangutan and liver- and disseminated cysticercoses in two severely immune deficient human patients in 2018, respectively. Additionally, we could attribute a historic human case from the USA to this Versteria sp. by reanalysing a published nucleotide sequence. In the last decades, sporadic zoonotic infections by cysticerci of the canid tapeworm Taenia crassiceps have been described (4 in North America, 8 in Europe). Besides, 3 ocular cases from North America and one neural infection from Europe, all in immunocompetent patients, 6 cutaneous infections were described in severely immunocompromised European patients. Correspondingly, besides oral infections with taeniid eggs, accidental subcutaneous oncosphere establishment after egg-contamination of open wounds was suggested, especially in cases with a history of cutaneous injuries at the infection site. Taenia multiceps is mainly transmitted in a domestic cycle. Only five human coenurosis cases are published since 2000. In contrast, T. serialis coenurosis (1 human case since 2000) is primarily transmitted by wild canids. The etiological diagnosis of exotic cysticercoses is challenging. Usually, clinical material does not allow for a morphological identification, and serological tests are not available. These limitations have partly been overcome by molecular tools. Without claiming any dramatic emergence of cysticercoses and coenuroses transmitted by wild carnivores, further sporadic cases of such ‘exotic’ infections have to be expected. Wild canids and mustelids transmit rare but potentially fatal cysticercoses and coenuroses. Martens and weasels can rarely transmit dangerous parasitic infections. Tapeworm eggs may contaminate wounds and develop locally. In North America, the mustelid tapeworm Versteria causes severe human infections. Molecular analyses from minute clinical material allows for a specific diagnosis.
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Zottler EM, Bieri M, Basso W, Schnyder M. Intestinal parasites and lungworms in stray, shelter and privately owned cats of Switzerland. Parasitol Int 2019; 69:75-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Dispersion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs from infected dogs under natural conditions in Patagonia, Argentina. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e29. [PMID: 30714557 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus is a major zoonosis of public health significance in the Patagonian region of Argentina. This investigation sought to test the hypothesis that the persistence and dispersion of the parasite eggs can be explained by physical and meteorological parameters along with final host infection and behaviour. This observational study was carried out over a five-year period within an enclosure where two dogs harbouring a worm burden ranging from 100 to 1000 mature adult E. granulosus, as well as two uninfected dogs, had previously been kept for six months. Environmental canine faeces, topsoil, pond water, and sediment samples were examined to control for the presence of eggs and coproantigens of the parasite using microscope-based techniques and copro-ELISA plus copro-Western Blot tests. The parasite eggs were detected up to 41 months later in faeces from infected dogs, soil and sediment, and coproantigen tests remained positive for up to 70 months in faeces. Overall, parasite eggs were found within a maximum distance of 115 m from the contaminated dog faeces deposition site. Our findings indicate that under Patagonian environmental conditions, egg persistence and dispersion seem to be related to the worm burden and habits of the infected dog, to prevailing wind direction and to the existence of low bushes as well as natural bodies of water. The present study is the first to provide direct evidence of interaction between bioclimatic conditions and E. granulosus egg dispersion under Patagonian field conditions.
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Ybañez RHD, Resuelo KJG, Kintanar APM, Ybañez AP. Detection of gastrointestinal parasites in small-scale poultry layer farms in Leyte, Philippines. Vet World 2018; 11:1587-1591. [PMID: 30587893 PMCID: PMC6303491 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.1587-1591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites can affect poultry productivity by compromising its health. It is well studied in other countries, but the documented reports in the Philippines have been limited. AIM The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of GIT parasites in selected small-scale poultry layer farms in Leyte, Philippines. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 243 stool samples from eight small-scale poultry layer farms in Leyte, Philippines, were examined for GIT parasites using floatation and sedimentation technique. Profile parameters were also obtained. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Statistical significance between GIT parasite positivity and profile parameters was determined using Chi-square test. RESULTS GIT parasites were detected in 92.2% of the samples (24.7% with single infection, 42.0% with 2-3 parasites, and 25.5% with three or more parasites). The common parasites detected were Ascaridia spp. (41.2%), Heterakis spp. (59.3%), Capillaria spp. (10.7%), Eimeria spp. (43.2%), and Strongyloides spp. (74.1%). Some profile parameters, including farm location, years in business, number of workers, nearby water system, the practice of fecal cleaning, and presence of other animals, were found to be significantly associated with GIT positivity. CONCLUSION GIT parasites were detected in the poultry of small-scale layer farms in selected areas in Leyte, Philippines. This finding calls for the importance of routine GIT parasite monitoring and the implied need for regular deworming or dewormer rotation in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Haidee D. Ybañez
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines
- Unit for Host Defense, National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kurt Jimwell G. Resuelo
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Ara Patrice M. Kintanar
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Adrian P. Ybañez
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine at Barili Campus, Cebu Technological University, Barili, Cebu, Philippines
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Rodents of Senegal and their role as intermediate hosts of Hydatigera spp. (Cestoda: Taeniidae). Parasitology 2018; 146:299-304. [PMID: 30152308 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018001427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Hydatigera (Cestoda: Taeniidae) is a recently resurrected genus including species seldom investigated in sub-Saharan Africa. We surveyed wild small mammal populations in the areas of Richard Toll and Lake Guiers, Senegal, with the objective to evaluate their potential role as intermediate hosts of larval taeniid stages (i.e. metacestodes). Based on genetic sequences of a segment of the mitochondrial DNA gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), we identified Hydatigera parva metacestodes in 19 out of 172 (11.0%) Hubert's multimammate mice (Mastomys huberti) and one out of six (16.7%) gerbils (Taterillus sp.) and Hydatigera taeniaeformis sensu stricto metacestodes in one out of 215 (0.5%) Nile rats (Arvicanthis niloticus). This study reports epidemiological and molecular information on H. parva and H. taeniaeformis in West African rodents, further supporting the phylogeographic hypothesis on the African origin of H. parva. Our findings may indicate significant trophic interactions contributing to the local transmission of Hydatigera spp. and other parasites with similar life-cycle mechanisms. We therefore propose that further field investigations of rodent population dynamics and rodent-borne infectious organisms are necessary to improve our understanding of host-parasite associations driving the transmission risks of rodent parasites in West Africa.
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Beiromvand M, Rafiei A, Razmjou E, Maraghi S. Multiple zoonotic helminth infections in domestic dogs in a rural area of Khuzestan Province in Iran. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:224. [PMID: 30045732 PMCID: PMC6060460 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Echinococcosis and toxocarosis caused by the genus of Echinococcus and Toxocara spp. are among important helminthic diseases worldwide. Limited data on the prevalence of these parasites persuaded us to determine the prevalence of E. granulosus, E. multilocularis, and T. canis infections in domestic dogs in rural areas of Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. Fecal samples from 167 domestic dogs were examined using both microscopy and PCR techniques. Multiplex PCR was performed for the presence of Echinococcus, and Taenia spp. and single PCR for detection of T. canis and Toxascaris leonina. Results The total occurrence of identified parasites was 65 (38.9%). The microscopic examinations showed that 40 (24%), 18 (10.8%), and four (2.4%) of dogs were infected with taeniid-like, ascarid, and both genera eggs, respectively. Echinococcus granulosus was identified in seven (4.2%), Taenia spp. in 29 (17.4%), and mixed infection with both in 11 (6.6%) samples. Sequencing of PCR-positive samples identified E. granulosus s.s. (G1), 18 T. hydatigena (10.8%), five T. multiceps (3%), three T. serialis (1.8%), one T. ovis (0.6%), one Spirometra erinaceieuropaei voucher (0.6%), and two Mesocestoides corti (1.2%). This is the first report of S. erinaceieuropaei voucher and M. corti in dogs in Iran. Nine (5.4%) and 16 (9.6%) dogs showed infection with T. canis and T. leonina, respectively. Two samples showed coinfection with both ascarids. Conclusions Several studies have reported echinococcosis and toxocarosis in intermediate hosts from the southwest of Iran; however, this study is the first molecular research on E. granulosus and T. canis in domestic dogs in a rural area of southwestern Iran. Furthermore, issues of soil contamination with dogs’ feces and recent dust storms in Khuzestan may have a role in the spreading of these zoonotic infections to other provinces close to it, and neighboring countries such as Iraq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molouk Beiromvand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. .,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Abdollah Rafiei
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Razmjou
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharif Maraghi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Institute of Health Research, Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Wang X, Liu J, Zuo Q, Mu Z, Weng X, Sun X, Wang J, Boufana B, Craig PS, Giraudoux P, Raoul F, Wang Z. Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus shiquicus in a small mammal community on the eastern Tibetan Plateau: host species composition, molecular prevalence, and epidemiological implications. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:302. [PMID: 29769131 PMCID: PMC5956848 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau is now recognized as an endemic region with the highest reported human infection rates in the world of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Existing epidemiological studies on AE have mainly focused on the synanthropic environment, while basic parasitological and ecological aspects in wildlife host species remain largely unknown, especially for small mammal hosts. Therefore, we examined small mammal host species composition, occurrence, and the prevalence of both E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus in Shiqu County (Sichuan Province, China), eastern Tibetan Plateau. Results In total, 346 small mammals from five rodent and one pika species were trapped from four randomly set 0.25 ha square plots. Two vole species, Lasiopodomys fuscus (n = 144) and Microtus limnophilus (n = 44), and the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) (n = 135), were the three most-dominant species trapped. Although protoscoleces of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus were only observed in L. fuscus and O. curzoniae, respectively, cox1 and nad1 gene DNA of E. shiquicus was detected in all the small mammal species except for Neodon irene, whereas E. multilocularis was detected in the three most-dominant species. The overall molecular prevalence of Echinococcus species was 5.8 (95% CI: 3.3–8.2%) ~ 10.7% (95% CI: 7.4–14.0%) (the conservative prevalence to the maximum prevalence with 95% CI in parentheses), whereas for E. multilocularis it was 4.3 (95% CI: 2.2–6.5%) ~ 6.7% (95% CI: 4.0–9.3%), and 1.5 (95% CI: 0.2–2.7%) ~ 4.1% (95% CI: 2.0–6.1%) for E. shiquicus. The prevalence of both E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus, was significantly higher in rodents (mainly voles) than in pikas. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Echinococcus haplotypes of cox1 from small mammal hosts were actively involved in the sylvatic and anthropogenic transmission cycles of E. multilocularis in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Conclusions In contrast to previous studies, the current results indicated that rodent species, rather than pikas, are probably more important natural intermediate hosts of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Thus, understanding interspecific dynamics between rodents and pikas is essential to studies of the echinococcosis transmission mechanism and human echinococcosis prevention in local communities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2873-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqiu Zuo
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Mu
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Weng
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Belgees Boufana
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immuno-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Philip S Craig
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Patrick Giraudoux
- Chrono-Environment Lab, University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and CNRS, Besançon, France
| | - Francis Raoul
- Chrono-Environment Lab, University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and CNRS, Besançon, France
| | - Zhenghuan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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Tiwari K, Springer CC, Chikweto A, Tang J, Sepulveda Y, Smith AL, Rametta N, Sharma RN. Giardiasis: Serum antibodies and coproantigens in brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies. Vet World 2018; 11:293-296. [PMID: 29657419 PMCID: PMC5891842 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.293-296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Giardia is a serious zoonotic parasite, which causes diarrheal disease in humans and animals including rodents. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Giardia spp. in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada. Materials and Methods: Intestinal contents from 99 and serum samples from 169 brown rats (R. norvegicus) from Grenada were collected. These samples were examined for the Giardia coproantigens using Cryptosporidium/Giardia Quik Chek assay (Tech lab® Inc., USA), and the serum was screened through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit for Giardia antibody (anti-GD) ELISA kit (MyBioSource, San Diego, CA, USA). Result: Giardia coproantigens were positive in 17.17% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 10.33-26.06%) rats, whereas 55% (95% CI: 47.20-62.68) were positive with serum antibodies (anti-GD) to Giardia. Conclusion: The prevalence of Giardia spp. in brown rats in Grenada was moderate based on the presence of coproantigens in the intestinal contents and antibody in serum. The findings of Giardia infections and prevalence in brown rats will help veterinarians and physicians to better plan diagnostic and preventative strategies. This is the first report of prevalence of Giardia in brown rats in Grenada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshaw Tiwari
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | | | - Alfred Chikweto
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Josephine Tang
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Yvette Sepulveda
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Amanda Leigh Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Nia Rametta
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Ravindra Nath Sharma
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies
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Cysticercus fasciolaris in Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada, West Indies. J Parasitol Res 2018; 2017:1723406. [PMID: 29318036 PMCID: PMC5727795 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1723406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat is the definitive host of Taenia taeniaeformis (T. taeniaeformis). Cysticercus fasciolaris (C. fasciolaris), the larval stage of T. taeniaeformis, develops in small rodents which act as intermediate host. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of C. fasciolaris in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the densely human populated parishes, St. George's and St. David's of Grenada, West Indies. One hundred and seventy rats were trapped near the residential areas from May to July, 2017 and examined for C. fasciolaris in their liver. Of the 170 rats 115 (67.6%, CI 95% from 60.1 to 74.6) were positive for the larval stage of T. taeniaeformis. One to three cysts were observed in each liver, containing a single larva in each cyst. The prevalence was 77.9% in St. George and 59.1% in St. David which is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two parishes under study. Based on gender, prevalence in males was 60.9% and females 74.7%. Significant difference was observed between young and adult rats (p = 0.03). Prevalence in young rats was 45.0% compared to adults (70.7%). Further study of risk assessment in the cat population in areas of the present research is strongly suggested.
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Beerli O, Guerra D, Baltrunaite L, Deplazes P, Hegglin D. Microtus arvalis and Arvicola scherman: Key Players in the Echinococcus multilocularis Life Cycle. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:216. [PMID: 29326950 PMCID: PMC5733337 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A broad range of rodent species are described as potential intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, a wide-spread zoonotic cestode causing alveolar echinococcosis. However, little is known about the relative contribution of these species for parasite reproduction and the maintenance of its life cycle. In a comparative study in a high endemic region in Zurich, Switzerland, we investigated prevalence rates and fertility of E. multilocularis in the most abundant vole species as well as the predation rate of foxes on these species. To ensure that the fox families had access to different vole species and that these voles were exposed to the same environmental contamination with parasite eggs, we selected eight study plots where at least two rodent species co-occurred. The parasite prevalence in Microtus arvalis [11.0%, confidence intervals (CI) 8.9–13.4] was significantly higher than in Arvicola scherman (5.3%, 3.9–7.1) and Myodes glareolus (3.9%, 2.0–6.7). None of the, only 29 individuals of, Microtus agrestis was infected (0%, 0.0–9.8) and the species was excluded for further analyses. Logistic regression models for the prevalences revealed significant differences between nearby study plots and higher infection rates for females, heavier individuals, and individuals trapped during spring, when the prevalence in M. arvalis peaked up to 65% (CI 50–79) in one plot. Furthermore, we detected significantly higher percentages of fertile infections in M. arvalis and M. glareolus than in A. scherman (OR 11.2 and 6.4, respectively) and a significantly higher protoscolex number in M. glareolus (median 100,000) than in M. arvalis (13,500) and A. scherman (4,290). The most abundant fox prey remains were of the genera Microtus (12.3%, CI 8.4–17.2) and Arvicola (11.5%, 7.7–16.3), whereas Myodes was never recorded as prey (0.0–1.3%). We conclude that M. arvalis and to a lesser extent A. scherman can be regarded as key intermediate hosts in Western and Central European high-endemic regions whereas M. glareolus and M. agrestis play a marginal role. We, therefore, postulate that distribution models of these species could contribute to predict parasite occurrence on a more detailed spatial scale than models of the distribution of foxes which have a very broad and uniform distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Beerli
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Diogo Guerra
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laima Baltrunaite
- Laboratory of Mammalian Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Hegglin
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rondón S, Ortiz M, León C, Galvis N, Link A, González C. Seasonality, richness and prevalence of intestinal parasites of three neotropical primates ( Alouatta seniculus, Ateles hybridus and Cebus versicolor) in a fragmented forest in Colombia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2017; 6:202-208. [PMID: 28794984 PMCID: PMC5537371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies on parasites infecting non-human primates are essential to better understand the potential threat to humans of zoonoses transmission, particularly under the current processes of pervasive land use change and biodiversity loss. The natural ecosystems in the Middle Magdalena river basin in Colombia have suffered a dramatic reduction and transformation into pastures and agroindustrial monocultures, threatening their biodiversity, and probably affecting the dynamics between parasites and their hosts, as well as altering the disease transmission cycles between wild populations and humans. This study evaluated seasonality, prevalence and richness of intestinal parasites in three species of neotropical primates: Cebus versicolor, Ateles hybridus and Alouatta seniculus, in a fragmented forest in the Middle Magdalena river valley, Colombia. One hundred and eighty five faecal samples were collected between 2010 and 2015. Direct faecal smears were performed with saline solution (0.85%) and iodine solution (1%), in order to identify larvae and eggs based on their morphology. A large proportion of the samples examined (72.9%) was positive for intestinal parasites; seven families of nematodes were identified: Trichuridae, Trichostrongylidae, Oxyuridae, Strongyloididae, Ancylostomatidae, Ascarididae and Gnathostomatidae, two of protozoans: Entamoebidae and Balantiididae, as well as some eggs of trematodes, cestodes and acanthocephalans. Additionally, DNA extraction and sequencing were conducted on 30 faecal samples in order to identify Giardia sp. and Blastocystis hominis, two parasite species also present in humans. Molecular testing for Giardia sp. was negative and Blastocystis hominis was identified in a single sample of Alouatta seniculus. No clear patterns were observed for prevalence of intestinal parasites according to the season; nonetheless, parasite species richness was higher during the dry season. This study builds on our current understanding of intestinal parasites infecting wild neotropical primates and provides novel information on the patterns of intestinal parasites in primate communities exposed to anthropogenic disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rondón
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mario Ortiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cielo León
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nelson Galvis
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Bosques Tropicales y Primatología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Link
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Bosques Tropicales y Primatología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de Administración, Universidad de Los Andes, Calle 21 N° 1-20, of. SD-935, Bogotá, Colombia
- Fundación Proyecto Primates, Cra. 11a N° 91-55, Apartamento 202, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, CIMPAT, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Cra. 1 N° 18-12, Bogotá, Colombia
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First detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in rodent intermediate hosts in Turkey. Parasitology 2017; 144:1821-1827. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYEchinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a potentially fatal zoonotic disease. Large parts of Turkey are considered as endemic for E. multilocularis. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of metacestode of E. multilocularis in wild rodents in Erzurum, an endemic region for human AE in Turkey. During the sampling period, a total of 498 rodents were trapped in twenty counties of Erzurum Province. Suspected lesions were observed on the livers of 48 rodents, and then partial fragment of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was PCR-amplified. Five liver samples exhibited E. multilocularis infection. The prevalence of E. multilocularis for Microtus spp. was 1·3%. All of the infected rodents had fertile metacestodes. Infected rodents were morphologically and molecularly analysed and were confirmed to be Microtus irani by the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence analysis. This is the first report of the presence of E. multilocularis in rodent intermediate hosts in Turkey. Our findings of infected M. irani with protoscoleces show that this rodent can act as suitable intermediate host for E. multilocularis’ life cycle in Turkey. However, there was a complete lack of data on the infection of carnivores from the country. An extensive survey is recommended to determine the prevalence of E. multilocularis in definitive hosts in this endemic region.
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Transmission ecology of taeniid larval cestodes in rodents in Sweden, a low endemic area for Echinococcus multilocularis. Parasitology 2017; 144:1041-1051. [PMID: 28274289 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although local prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis may be high, this zoonotic parasite has an overall low prevalence in foxes and rodents in Sweden. To better understand opportunities for E. multilocularis transmission in the Swedish environment, the aim of this study was to investigate other taeniid cestodes and to relate observed patterns to E. multilocularis. Cestode parasites were examined in fox feces and rodents caught in different habitats from four regions of Sweden. Arvicola amphibius and Microtus agrestis were parasitized with Versteria mustelae, Hydatigera taeniaeformis s. l., and E. multilocularis, whereas Myodes glareolus and Apodemus spp. were parasitized with V. mustelae, Taenia polyacantha, H. taeniaeformis s.l., and Mesocestoides spp. Rodents caught in field habitat (Ar. amphibius, Mi. agrestis) were more likely (OR 10, 95% CI 5-19) to be parasitized than rodents caught in forest habitat (My. glareolus, Apodemus spp.). The parasite preference for each rodent species was present regardless of the type of background contamination from fox feces. These results further support the importance of both ecological barriers and individual species susceptibility in parasite transmission, and indicate that future monitoring for E. multilocularis in the Swedish environment should focus in field habitats where Mi. agrestis and Ar. amphibius are abundant.
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Otero-Abad B, Rüegg SR, Hegglin D, Deplazes P, Torgerson PR. Mathematical modelling of Echinococcus multilocularis abundance in foxes in Zurich, Switzerland. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:21. [PMID: 28077161 PMCID: PMC5225524 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Europe, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the main definitive host of Echinococcus multilocularis, the aetiological agent of a severe disease in humans called alveolar echinococcosis. The distribution of this zoonotic parasite among the fox population is remarkably aggregated with few heavily infected animals harbouring much of the parasite burdens and being responsible for most of the environmental parasitic egg contamination. Important research questions explored were: (i) spatial differences in parasite infection pressure related to the level of urbanization; (ii) temporal differences in parasite infection pressure in relation to time of the year; (iii) is herd immunity or an age-dependent infection pressure responsible for the observed parasite abundance; (iv) assuming E. multilocularis infection is a clumped process, how many parasites results from a regular infection insult. Methods By developing and comparing different transmission models we characterised the spatio-temporal variation of the infection pressure, in terms of numbers of parasites that foxes acquired after exposure per unit time, in foxes in Zurich (Switzerland). These included the variations in infection pressure with age of fox and season and the possible regulating effect of herd immunity on parasite abundance. Results The model fitting best to the observed data supported the existence of spatial and seasonal differences in infection pressure and the absence of parasite-induced host immunity. The periodic infection pressure had different amplitudes across urbanization zones with higher peaks during autumn and winter. In addition, the model indicated the existence of variations in infection pressure among age groups in foxes from the periurban zone. Conclusions These heterogeneities in infection exposure have strong implications for the implementation of targeted control interventions to lower the intensity of environmental contamination with parasite eggs and, ultimately, the infection risk to humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1951-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Otero-Abad
- Section for Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon R Rüegg
- Section for Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Hegglin
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul R Torgerson
- Section for Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Romig T, Deplazes P, Jenkins D, Giraudoux P, Massolo A, Craig PS, Wassermann M, Takahashi K, de la Rue M. Ecology and Life Cycle Patterns of Echinococcus Species. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 95:213-314. [PMID: 28131364 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The genus Echinococcus is composed of eight generally recognized species and one genotypic cluster (Echinococcus canadensis cluster) that may in future be resolved into one to three species. For each species, we review existing information on transmission routes and life cycles in different geographical contexts and - where available - include basic biological information of parasites and hosts (e.g., susceptibility of host species). While some Echinococcus spp. are transmitted in life cycles that involve predominantly domestic animals (e.g., dog - livestock cycles), others are wildlife parasites that do or do not interact with domestic transmission. In many cases, life cycle patterns of the same parasite species differ according to geography. Simple life cycles contrast with transmission patterns that are highly complex, involving multihost systems that may include both domestic and wild mammals. Wildlife transmission may be primary or secondary, i.e., resulting from spillovers from domestic animals. For most of the species and regions, existing information does not yet permit a conclusive description of transmission systems. Such data, however, would be highly relevant, e.g., for anticipation of geographical changes of the presence and frequency of these parasites in a warming world, or for initiating evidence-based control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - P Deplazes
- University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D Jenkins
- Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - P Giraudoux
- University of Franche-Comté and Institut Universitaire de France, Besancon, France
| | - A Massolo
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - P S Craig
- University of Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - M de la Rue
- University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria RS, Brazil
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Abstract
Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) has been eliminated or significantly reduced as a public health problem in several previously highly endemic regions. This has been achieved by the long-term application of prevention and control measures primarily targeted to deworming dogs, health education, meat inspection, and effective surveillance in livestock and human populations. Human CE, however, remains a serious neglected zoonotic disease in many resource-poor pastoral regions. The incidence of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) has increased in continental Europe and is a major public health problem in parts of Eurasia. Better understanding of wildlife ecology for fox and small mammal hosts has enabled targeted anthelmintic baiting of fox populations and development of spatially explicit models to predict population dynamics for key intermediate host species and human AE risk in endemic landscapes. Challenges that remain for echinococcosis control include effective intervention in resource-poor communities, better availability of surveillance tools, optimal application of livestock vaccination, and management and ecology of dog and wildlife host populations.
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Oksanen A, Siles-Lucas M, Karamon J, Possenti A, Conraths FJ, Romig T, Wysocki P, Mannocci A, Mipatrini D, La Torre G, Boufana B, Casulli A. The geographical distribution and prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in animals in the European Union and adjacent countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:519. [PMID: 27682156 PMCID: PMC5039905 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1746-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to provide a systematic review on the geographical distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis in definitive and intermediate hosts in the European Union (EU) and adjacent countries (AC). The relative importance of the different host species in the life-cycle of this parasite was highlighted and gaps in our knowledge regarding these hosts were identified. METHODS Six databases were searched for primary research studies published from 1900 to 2015. From a total of 2,805 identified scientific papers, 244 publications were used for meta-analyses. RESULTS Studies in 21 countries reported the presence of E. multilocularis in red foxes, with the following pooled prevalence (PP): low (≤ 1 %; Denmark, Slovenia and Sweden); medium (> 1 % to < 10 %; Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and the Ukraine); and high (> 10 %; Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Liechtenstein and Switzerland). Studies from Finland, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Norway reported the absence of E. multilocularis in red foxes. However, E. multilocularis was detected in Arctic foxes from the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard in Norway. CONCLUSIONS Raccoon dogs (PP 2.2 %), golden jackals (PP 4.7 %) and wolves (PP 1.4 %) showed a higher E. multilocularis PP than dogs (PP 0.3 %) and cats (PP 0.5 %). High E. multilocularis PP in raccoon dogs and golden jackals correlated with high PP in foxes. For intermediate hosts (IHs), muskrats (PP 4.2 %) and arvicolids (PP 6.0 %) showed similar E. multilocularis PP as sylvatic definitive hosts (DHs), excluding foxes. Nutrias (PP 1.0 %) and murids (PP 1.1 %) could play a role in the life-cycle of E. multilocularis in areas with medium to high PP in red foxes. In areas with low PP in foxes, no other DH was found infected with E. multilocularis. When fox E. multilocularis PP was >3 %, raccoon dogs and golden jackals could play a similar role as foxes. In areas with high E. multilocularis fox PP, the wolf emerged as a potentially important DH. Dogs and cats could be irrelevant in the life-cycle of the parasite in Europe, although dogs could be important for parasite introduction into non-endemic areas. Muskrats and arvicolids are important IHs. Swine, insectivores, murids and nutrias seem to play a minor or no role in the life-cycle of the parasite within the EU and ACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Department of Parasitic Zoonoses, IRNASA, CSIC, Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jacek Karamon
- Department of Parasitology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Alessia Possenti
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanitá, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- European Reference Laboratory for Parasites (EURLP), Rome, Italy
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Romig
- Universität Hohenheim, FG Parasitologie 220 B, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Patrick Wysocki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Alice Mannocci
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza University of Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Mipatrini
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza University of Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Torre
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza University of Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Belgees Boufana
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanitá, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- European Reference Laboratory for Parasites (EURLP), Rome, Italy
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar echinococcosis (in humans and animals), Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Casulli
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanitá, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- European Reference Laboratory for Parasites (EURLP), Rome, Italy
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for the Epidemiology, Detection and Control of Cystic and Alveolar echinococcosis (in humans and animals), Rome, Italy
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Rijks J, Cito F, Cunningham A, Rantsios A, Giovannini A. Disease Risk Assessments Involving Companion Animals: an Overview for 15 Selected Pathogens Taking a European Perspective. J Comp Pathol 2016; 155:S75-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Woolsey ID, Jensen PM, Deplazes P, Kapel CMO. Peroral Echinococcus multilocularis egg inoculation in Myodes glareolus, Mesocricetus auratus and Mus musculus (CD-1 IGS and C57BL/6j). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2016; 5:158-63. [PMID: 27330986 PMCID: PMC4906142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis transmission predominantly occurs in Europe between the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and various species of rodent intermediate hosts. We infected 3 species of rodent, Myodes glareolus (n = 47), Mesocricetus auratus (n = 11) and outbred Mus musculus (CD-1 IGS) (n = 9) with an E. multilocularis egg suspension that contained 100 eggs with viable oncospheres and performed post mortem examination 6, 8 (M. glareolus) and 10 weeks post inoculation (wpi). C57BL/6j mice (n = 4) were used as positive controls as they have been shown to exhibit macroscopic liver lesions 4 wpi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to experimentally assess susceptibility in the ostensibly competent host M. glareolus. Lesions were only detected in 2 of 47 M. glareolus (4.3%) at 8 and 10 wpi and although both contained protoscolices (1675 at 8 wpi and 88 at 12 wpi) the low percentage of infected animals brings into question their role as transmitters of the parasite. Significant differences were observed between inbred and outbred mice with E. multilocularis infection in the former demonstrating increased establishment (p ≤ 0.0001) and growth (p ≤ 0.0001). No lesions were found in all 11 M. auratus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian David Woolsey
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Per Moestrup Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Moliin Outzen Kapel
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Wahlström H, Comin A, Isaksson M, Deplazes P. Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis by MC-PCR: evaluation of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity without gold standard. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2016; 6:30173. [PMID: 26968153 PMCID: PMC4788769 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v6.30173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A semi-automated magnetic capture probe-based DNA extraction and real-time PCR method (MC-PCR), allowing for a more efficient large-scale surveillance of Echinococcus multilocularis occurrence, has been developed. The test sensitivity has previously been evaluated using the sedimentation and counting technique (SCT) as a gold standard. However, as the sensitivity of the SCT is not 1, test characteristics of the MC-PCR was also evaluated using latent class analysis, a methodology not requiring a gold standard. Materials and methods Test results, MC-PCR and SCT, from a previous evaluation of the MC-PCR using 177 foxes shot in the spring (n=108) and autumn 2012 (n=69) in high prevalence areas in Switzerland were used. Latent class analysis was used to estimate the test characteristics of the MC-PCR. Although it is not the primary aim of this study, estimates of the test characteristics of the SCT were also obtained. Results and discussion This study showed that the sensitivity of the MC-PCR was 0.88 [95% posterior credible interval (PCI) 0.80–0.93], which was not significantly different than the SCT, 0.83 (95% PCI 0.76–0.88), which is currently considered as the gold standard. The specificity of both tests was high, 0.98 (95% PCI 0.94–0.99) for the MC-PCR and 0.99 (95% PCI 0.99–1) for the SCT. In a previous study, using fox scats from a low prevalence area, the specificity of the MC-PCR was higher, 0.999% (95% PCI 0.997–1). One reason for the lower estimate of the specificity in this study could be that the MC-PCR detects DNA from infected but non-infectious rodents eaten by foxes. When using MC-PCR in low prevalence areas or areas free from the parasite, a positive result in the MC-PCR should be regarded as a true positive. Conclusion The sensitivity of the MC-PCR (0.88) was comparable to the sensitivity of SCT (0.83).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Wahlström
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Arianna Comin
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mats Isaksson
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Miller AL, Olsson GE, Walburg MR, Sollenberg S, Skarin M, Ley C, Wahlström H, Höglund J. First identification of Echinococcus multilocularis in rodent intermediate hosts in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2016; 5:56-63. [PMID: 27054089 PMCID: PMC4804384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic tapeworm with a sylvatic lifecycle and an expanding range in Europe. Monitoring efforts following its first identification in 2011 in Sweden have focused on the parasite's definitive host, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). However, identifying rodent intermediate hosts is important to recognize opportunities for parasite transmission. During 2013–2015, livers from a total of 1566 rodents from four regions in Sweden were examined for E. multilocularis metacestode lesions. Species identity of suspect parasite lesions was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. E. multilocularis positive lesions >6 mm in diameter were also examined histologically. One Microtus agrestis out of 187 (0.5%, 95%CI: 0–2.9%), 8/439 (1.8%, 95%CI: 0.8–3.6%) Arvicola amphibius, 0/655 (0%, 95%CI: 0–0.6%) Myodes glareolus, and 0/285 (0%, 95%CI: 0–1.3%) Apodemus spp. contained E. multilocularis metacestode lesions. Presence of protoscoleces was confirmed in the infected M. agrestis and in three of eight infected A. amphibius. Six of the nine positive rodents were captured from the same field. This is the first report of E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts in Sweden. The cluster of positive rodents in one field shows that local parasite prevalence can be high in Sweden despite overall low national prevalence in foxes (<0.1%). The presence of protoscoleces in infected M. agrestis and A. amphibius indicate these species can serve as competent intermediate hosts in Sweden. However, their relative importance for E. multilocularis transmission in the Swedish environment is not yet possible to assess. In contrast, the negative findings in all M. glareolus and Apodemus spp. suggest that these species are of no importance. Overall prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in rodents is low in Sweden. The distribution of infected rodents was focalized. Absence of competent intermediate hosts may limit parasite occurrence. Arvicola amphibius and Microtus agrestis are confirmed intermediate hosts in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Gert E Olsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, 901 83, Sweden
| | - Marion R Walburg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Sofia Sollenberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Moa Skarin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Ley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Helene Wahlström
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, Zoonosiscenter, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, 751 89, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7036, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
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Woolsey ID, Jensen PM, Deplazes P, Kapel CMO. Establishment and development of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes in the common vole ( Microtus arvalis ) after oral inoculation with parasite eggs. Parasitol Int 2015; 64:571-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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43
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Trophic ecology, behaviour and host population dynamics in Echinococcus multilocularis transmission. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:162-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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44
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Conraths FJ, Deplazes P. Echinococcus multilocularis: Epidemiology, surveillance and state-of-the-art diagnostics from a veterinary public health perspective. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:149-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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45
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Piarroux M, Gaudart J, Bresson-Hadni S, Bardonnet K, Faucher B, Grenouillet F, Knapp J, Dumortier J, Watelet J, Gerard A, Beytout J, Abergel A, Wallon M, Vuitton DA, Piarroux R, the FrancEchino network C. Landscape and climatic characteristics associated with human alveolar echinococcosis in France, 1982 to 2007. Euro Surveill 2015; 20. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.18.21118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piarroux
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM-IRD-AMU UMR 912, Marseille, France
| | - J Gaudart
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM-IRD-AMU UMR 912, Marseille, France
| | - S Bresson-Hadni
- Franche-Comté University, CNRS UMR 6249, Besançon, France
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University Hospital Jean Minjoz, Department of digestive surgery, Besançon, France
| | - K Bardonnet
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University Hospital Jean Minjoz, Department of digestive surgery, Besançon, France
- University Hospital Jean Minjoz, Department of biochemistry, Besançon, France
| | - B Faucher
- Aix-Marseille University, UMR MD 3, Marseille, France
| | - F Grenouillet
- Centre National de Référence Echinococcose alvéolaire, Department of parasitology, CHRU Jean Minjoz Besançon, France
| | - J Knapp
- Centre National de Référence Echinococcose alvéolaire, Department of parasitology, CHRU Jean Minjoz Besançon, France
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University Hospital Jean Minjoz, Department of digestive surgery, Besançon, France
| | - J Dumortier
- University Hospital Edouard Herriot, Department of hepatogastroenterology, Hospices civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - J Watelet
- University Hospital Brabois, Department of hepatogastroenterology, Nancy, France
| | - A Gerard
- University Hospital Brabois, Department of intensive care, Nancy, France
| | - J Beytout
- University Hospital G Montpied, Department of tropical medicine and infectious diseases, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - A Abergel
- University Hospital Estaing, Department of hepatogastroenterology, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Wallon
- University Hospital de la Croix Rousse, Institute of parasitology and medical mycology, Hospices civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - D A Vuitton
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University Hospital Jean Minjoz, Department of digestive surgery, Besançon, France
- Franche-Comté University, CNRS UMR 6249, Besançon, France
| | - R Piarroux
- Aix-Marseille University, UMR MD 3, Marseille, France
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Hegglin D, Bontadina F, Deplazes P. Human–wildlife interactions and zoonotic transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:167-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Liccioli S, Bialowas C, Ruckstuhl KE, Massolo A. Feeding ecology informs parasite epidemiology: prey selection modulates encounter rate with Echinococcus multilocularis in urban coyotes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121646. [PMID: 25768437 PMCID: PMC4359113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of urban coyote feeding ecology in the transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of Alveolar Echinococcosis in humans. As coyotes can play a main role in the maintenance of this zoonotic parasite within North American urban settings, such study can ultimately aid disease risk management. Between June 2012 and June 2013, we collected 251 coyote feces and conducted trapping of small mammals (n = 971) in five parks in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We investigated E. multilocularis epidemiology by assessing seasonal variations of coyote diet and the selective consumption of different rodent intermediate host species. Furthermore, accounting for small mammal digestibility and coyote defecation rates we estimated the number of small mammal preys ingested by coyote and consequently, coyote encounter rates with the parasite. Dominant food items included small mammals, fruit and vegetation, although hare and deer were seasonally relevant. The lowest frequency of occurrence per scat of small mammals was recorded in winter (39.4%), when consumption of deer was highest (36.4%). However, highest encounter rates (number of infected hosts predated/season) with E. multilocularis (95% CI: 1.0-22.4), combined with the lack of predation on non-competent small mammal species, suggest that winter is the critical season for transmission and control of this parasite. Within the small mammal assemblage, voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus and Myodes gapperi) were the selected preys of urban coyotes and likely played a key role for the maintenance of the urban sylvatic life-cycle of E. multilocularis in Calgary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Liccioli
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Carly Bialowas
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Kathreen E. Ruckstuhl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
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Takeuchi-Storm N, Woolsey ID, Jensen PM, Fredensborg BL, Pipper CB, Kapel CMO. Predictors of Echinococcus multilocularis Prevalence in Definitive and Intermediate Hosts: A Meta-Analysis Approach. J Parasitol 2015; 101:297-303. [PMID: 25723380 DOI: 10.1645/14-645.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis (EM) is a pathogenic and potentially fatal cestode causing human alveolar echinococcosis (AE). A meta-analysis was conducted using a generalized estimation equation approach (GEE) to assess the effect of taxonomic, environmental, and diagnostic variables on EM prevalence in different hosts. Red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) had significantly higher prevalence of EM than domestic dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris), with the diagnostic method playing an important factor in assessing prevalence. For intermediate hosts genera was significantly associated with EM prevalence, although there was some indication of publication bias in this dataset. This study also highlights the possible importance of temperature and precipitation to EM transmission. This implies the possibility of a changing climate affecting the future distribution of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Takeuchi-Storm
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Ian David Woolsey
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Per Moestrup Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Brian Lund Fredensborg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christian Bressen Pipper
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Christian Moliin Outzen Kapel
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Echinococcus multilocularis infection in the field vole (Microtus agrestis): an ecological model for studies on transmission dynamics. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1703-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Massolo A, Liccioli S, Budke C, Klein C. Echinococcus multilocularis in North America: the great unknown. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:73. [PMID: 25531581 PMCID: PMC4273702 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, studies have begun to shed light on the distribution and genetic characterization of Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), in North America. Recent findings indicate that the parasite is likely expanding its range in the central region of the United States and Canada and that invasions of European strains might have occurred. In our review, we present the available data on E. multilocularis infections in wild and domestic animals and humans in North America and emphasize the lack of knowledge on the distribution of the parasite in wild and domestic hosts. Furthermore, we stress the need to better understand the complexity of host communities and their roles in shaping the transmission and distribution of the parasite. We hypothesize that a lack of knowledge about AE by North American physicians might result in the misdiagnosis of cases and an underestimation of disease incidence. The endemic presence of the parasite in urban areas and a recent human case in Alberta, Canada, suggest that the scientific community may need to reconsider the local public health risks, re-assess past cases that might have been overlooked and increase surveillance efforts to identify new cases of human AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stefano Liccioli
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christine Budke
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Claudia Klein
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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