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Šiljegović S, Mouillaud T, Jiolle D, Petrić D, Ignjatović-Ćupina A, Vasić A, Paupy C, Kavran M. Dirofilaria sp. and Blood Meal Analysis in Mosquitoes Collected in Vojvodina and Mačva, and the First Report of Setaria tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) in Serbia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1255. [PMID: 38731259 PMCID: PMC11083277 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two most widespread and important species of mosquito-borne nematodes, posing a significant threat to veterinary health and particularly affecting canines and felines. While D. immitis causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, D. repens causes subcutaneous infections in dogs and other carnivores. Despite the extensive knowledge on these parasites, little is known about their natural vectors in Serbia. The parasite Setaria tundra, known to infect deer, has not yet been detected in Serbia but has been documented in neighboring countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to (i) further map out Dirofilaria sp. hotspots in the Vojvodina Province and detect S. tundra for the first time, (ii) detect positive mosquito species that can provide insights into how the nematodes spread in Serbia, and (iii) analyze the blood-fed female mosquitoes of species found to be infected, in order to identify the potential source of parasite infection. A total of 2902 female mosquitoes were collected across 73 locations during 2021 and 2022. Molecular biology methods, based on conventional PCR, were used to analyze non-blood-fed (2521 specimens) and blood-fed (381 specimens) female mosquitos, in order to detect filarial nematode presence and identify blood-meal sources, respectively. When the parasite genome was detected, the amplicon (cox1 gene, 650 bp fragment) was sent for Sanger sequencing, further confirming the presence of nematodes and species assignation. D. immitis was detected in three Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected in Zrenjanin (August 2021) and Glogonj and Svetozar Miletić (both in July 2021). Additionally, Setaria tundra was detected in Aedes vexans collected in Iđoš (mid-August 2021) and Aedes caspius, which was collected in Mali Iđoš (end of July 2021). This work identifies two new locations where D. immitis occurs in Vojvodina, and is the first report of S. tundra in Serbian territory. Blood-meal analysis provided insights into the preferences of mosquitoes that were positive for Dirofilaria sp. and S. tundra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Šiljegović
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
| | - Théo Mouillaud
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Montpellier University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34090 Montpellier, France; (T.M.); (D.J.); (C.P.)
| | - Davy Jiolle
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Montpellier University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34090 Montpellier, France; (T.M.); (D.J.); (C.P.)
| | - Dušan Petrić
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović-Ćupina
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
| | - Ana Vasić
- Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Christophe Paupy
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Montpellier University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34090 Montpellier, France; (T.M.); (D.J.); (C.P.)
| | - Mihaela Kavran
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
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Čurlík J, Šmigová J, Šmiga Ľ, Lazár J, Lazár P, Konjević D, Papajová I. The first report of Setaria tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) in Slovakia by using of molecular methods. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2247-2251. [PMID: 37086327 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10127-9] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Setaria tundra is a filarioid parasite occurring in the northern hemisphere. Adult forms of helminths are located free in the peritoneal cavity of its definitive host - cervids, while microfilariae are presented in the host's bloodstream. Intermediate hosts are represented by several mosquito species, mainly of the genus Aedes.Nematode S. tundra is well adapted to roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and therefore is the infection usually asymptomatic. In this study we present the first report of S. tundra in Slovakia. During a period 2022 a total of 6 roe deer coming from eastern Slovakia (Trebišov district) were examined. Nematodes were found during the evisceration process in the abdominal cavity of 3 specimens Intensity of infection was in range from 5 to 38 helminths per host. Mean intensity of infection reached 18.3 parasites per host. The helminths were identified as S. tundra by morphological examination and molecular typing of the COI gene. This study is the first report of S. tundra in Slovakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ján Čurlík
- Department of Breeding and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Ecology and Cynology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, Košice, 041 81, Slovak Republic
| | - Júlia Šmigová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, Košice, 040 01, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ľubomír Šmiga
- Department of Breeding and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Ecology and Cynology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, Košice, 041 81, Slovak Republic
| | - Jozef Lazár
- Department of Breeding and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Ecology and Cynology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, Košice, 041 81, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Lazár
- Department of Breeding and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Ecology and Cynology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, Košice, 041 81, Slovak Republic
| | - Dean Konjević
- Department of Veterinary Economics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Ingrid Papajová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, Košice, 040 01, Slovak Republic
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Bertola M, Mazzucato M, Pombi M, Montarsi F. Updated occurrence and bionomics of potential malaria vectors in Europe: a systematic review (2000-2021). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:88. [PMID: 35292106 PMCID: PMC8922938 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the eradication of malaria across most European countries in the 1960s and 1970s, the anopheline vectors are still present. Most of the malaria cases that have been reported in Europe up to the present time have been infections acquired in endemic areas by travelers. However, the possibility of acquiring malaria by locally infected mosquitoes has been poorly investigated in Europe, despite autochthonous malaria cases having been occasionally reported in several European countries. Here we present an update on the occurrence of potential malaria vector species in Europe. Adopting a systematic review approach, we selected 288 papers published between 2000 and 2021 for inclusion in the review based on retrieval of accurate information on the following Anopheles species: An. atroparvus, An. hyrcanus sensu lato (s.l.), An. labranchiae, An. maculipennis sensu stricto (s.s.), An. messeae/daciae, An. sacharovi, An. superpictus and An. plumbeus. The distribution of these potential vector species across Europe is critically reviewed in relation to areas of major presence and principal bionomic features, including vector competence to Plasmodium. Additional information, such as geographical details, sampling approaches and species identification methods, are also reported. We compare the information on each species extracted from the most recent studies to comparable information reported from studies published in the early 2000s, with particular reference to the role of each species in malaria transmission before eradication. The picture that emerges from this review is that potential vector species are still widespread in Europe, with the largest diversity in the Mediterranean area, Italy in particular. Despite information on their vectorial capacity being fragmentary, the information retrieved suggests a re-definition of the relative importance of potential vector species, indicating An. hyrcanus s.l., An. labranchiae, An. plumbeus and An. sacharovi as potential vectors of higher importance, while An. messeae/daciae and An. maculipennis s.s. can be considered to be moderately important species. In contrast, An. atroparvus and An. superpictus should be considered as vectors of lower importance, particularly in relation to their low anthropophily. The presence of gaps in current knowledge of vectorial systems in Europe becomes evident in this review, not only in terms of vector competence but also in the definition of sampling approaches, highlighting the need for further research to adopt the appropriate surveillance system for each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Matteo Mazzucato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy.,Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
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Fuehrer HP, Morelli S, Unterköfler MS, Bajer A, Bakran-Lebl K, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Farkas R, Grandi G, Heddergott M, Jokelainen P, Knific T, Leschnik M, Miterpáková M, Modrý D, Petersen HH, Skírnisson K, Vergles Rataj A, Schnyder M, Strube C. Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: Current Risk of Spreading in Central and Northern Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1268. [PMID: 34684217 PMCID: PMC8537668 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the relevance of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and of Angiostrongylus vasorum, causing canine angiostrongylosis, has steadily increased in Central and Northern Europe. In this review, a summary of published articles and additional reports dealing with imported or autochthonous cases of these parasites is provided for Central (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and Northern (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) Europe. Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few. The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes. Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries. Both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum merit further monitoring and research focus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Department of Zoology, Musée National d’Historire Naturelle, 25, Rue Münster, 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Tanja Knific
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department/Universitätsklinik für Kleintiere und Pferde, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Karl Skírnisson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
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Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Cavalera MA, Mendoza‐Roldan JA, Maia C, Otranto D. Molecular detection of zoonotic filarioids in Culex spp. from Portugal. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:468-477. [PMID: 33948978 PMCID: PMC8453905 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of dipterans in the transmission of Onchocerca lupi and other zoonotic filarioids, samples were collected from different sites in Algarve, southern Portugal, morphologically identified and molecularly tested for filarioids. Culex sp. (72.8%) represented the predominant genus followed by Culicoides sp. (11.8%), Ochlerotatus sp. (9.7%), Culiseta sp. (4.5%), Aedes sp. (0.9%) and Anopheles sp. (0.3%). Nineteen (2.8%) specimens scored positive for filarioids, with Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (2%) positive for Dirofilaria immitis (1.4%), Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Onchocerca lupi, unidentified species of Filarioidea (0.2%, each) and Onchocercidae (0.6%). Additionally, Culiseta longiareolata (6.5%), Ochlerotatus caspius (3%) and Culex laticinctus (0.2%) scored positive for unidentified Onchocercidae, A. reconditum and for O. lupi, respectively. This is the first report of the occurrence of DNA of O. lupi, D. repens and A. reconditum in Culex spp. in Portugal. Information regarding the vectors and the pathogens they transmit may help to adopt proper prophylactic and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. R. S. Manoj
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | - M. S. Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | - M. A. Cavalera
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | | | - C. Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT)Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100Lisbon, 1349‐008Portugal
| | - D. Otranto
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
- Faculty of Veterinary SciencesBu‐Ali Sina UniversityHamedanIran
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Lanková S, Vejl P, Melounová M, Čílová D, Vadlejch J, Miklisová D, Jankovská I, Langrová I. Setaria cervi (Filarioidea, Onchocercidae) undressing in ungulates: altered morphology of developmental stages, their molecular detection and complete sequence cox1 gene. Parasitology 2021; 148:598-611. [PMID: 33407959 PMCID: PMC10950381 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002449] [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: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This work introduces new morphological and molecular information on the filaroid nematode Setaria cervi (Rudolphi, 1819) obtained from 13 infected game ungulates out of 96 dissected. The hosts comprised the following: a single moose (Alces alces), ten red deer (Cervus elaphus) and two sika deer (Cervus nippon) originating from the western and northern regions of the Czech Republic. Based on the complete sequences of the gene encoding mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), all 20 females and four males belonged to the species S. cervi. We detected three developmental female stages (adult fertile females, juvenile L5 females and L4 female larvae) differing in size and some morphological traits as the subtle structure of peribuccal crown and shape and features of tail knob. Such differences were described in detail for the first time. The phylogenetic relationships within the family Onchocercidae have been evaluated using new information on the cox1 sequence of S. cervi (maximum likelihood method, GTR + I + G model). In accordance with the latest phylogenetic studies, the present analysis confirmed the ancient separation of the subclass Setariinae from the remaining two onchocercid lineages Dirofilariinae and Onchocerinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylva Lanková
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Vejl
- Department of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Melounová
- Department of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Čílová
- Department of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Vadlejch
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Miklisová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Jankovská
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Langrová
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha – Suchdol, Czech Republic
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Binkienė R, Chagas CRF, Bernotienė R, Valkiūnas G. Molecular and morphological characterization of three new species of avian Onchocercidae (Nematoda) with emphasis on circulating microfilariae. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:137. [PMID: 33673865 PMCID: PMC7934436 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood parasites have been the subject of much research, with numerous reports of the presence of microfilariae in the peripheral blood (circulating microfilariae) of birds belonging to many orders. Current limitations in molecular characterization methods and species identification using morphological characters of circulating microfilariae are major obstacles to improving our understanding the biology of Filarioidea species, particularly in wildlife. The aim of this study was to partially fill these gaps, with particular emphasis on morphological features of microfilariae, which are the most readily accessible stages of these pathogens. Methods Peripheral blood samples of 206 birds belonging to genera Acrocephalus (five species) and Sylvia (five species) were examined using the buffy coat method to process the blood samples for the presence of microfilariae. Positive birds were dissected to collect adult nematodes. Microfilariae and adult nematodes were described, and sequences of their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear 28S rDNA gene fragments were obtained and used for molecular characterization and Bayesian phylogenetic inferences. Results Overall prevalence of microfilariae was 2.9%. Microfilariae were found in the blood samples from six birds (2 Acrocephalus scirpaceus and 1 each of A. arundinaceus, Sylvia atricapilla, S. borin and S. curruca), which were dissected. All parasite species observed were new. Eufilaria acrocephalusi sp. n. and Eufilaria sylviae sp. n. were present in subcutaneous, peritracheal and periesophageal connective tissues in A. scirpaceus and S. borin, respectively. Splendidofilaria bartletti sp. n. was found in finger joins of S. atricapilla. Illustrations of microfilariae and adult nematodes are shown, and morphological and phylogenetic analyses identified the DNA barcode haplotypes that are associated with these species. Phylogenetic analysis places the parasites of different genera in different closely related clades. Conclusions Adult nematode morphological characters, which have been traditionally used in the taxonomy of Filarioidea species, have a phylogenetic value. Importantly, in our study parasites of different genera were readily distinguishable based on the morphology of their microfilariae. The link between molecular and morphology data requires more study in Filarioidea species research, particularly because this approach provides new knowledge on species identity using only readily accessible blood stages (microfilariae), thereby avoiding host dissection and thus minimizing harm to wildlife during research.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Binkienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Stanicka A, Zając KS, Jefimow M, Wojciechowski MS. Diplotriaena obtusa (Nematoda: Filariidae) infection in first-year Sylvia atricapilla from Poland – molecular evidence. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2021.1998679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Stanicka
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - K. S. Zając
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - M. Jefimow
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - M. S. Wojciechowski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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Mosquito-borne parasites in the Great Plains: searching for vectors of nematodes and avian malaria parasites. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105735. [PMID: 33159896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases in the United States have recently increased as a result of the changing nature of vectors, hosts, reservoirs, parasite/pathogens, and the ecological and environmental conditions. While most focus has been on mosquito-borne pathogens affecting humans, little is known regarding parasites of companion animal, livestock and wildlife and their potential mosquito hosts in the United States. This study assessed the prevalence of mature infections of Dirofilaria immitis and avian malaria parasites (Haemosporida) within urban mosquito (Diptera, Culicidae) communities in Oklahoma. 2,620 pools consisting of 12,686 mosquitoes from 13 species collected over two summers were tested for the presence of filarioid and haemosporidian DNA. Dirofilaria immitis-infected mosquitoes were detected only in Aedes albopictus (MIR=0.18-0.22) and Culex pipiens complex (MIR=0.12) collected in cities in central and southern Oklahoma. Two other filarioid nematode species with 91-92% similarity with Onchocerca spp. and Mansonella spp. were also detected. Haemosporidian DNA was detected in 13 mosquito pools (0.9% of pools tested) from seven mosquito species out of 13 species tested. Plasmodium DNA in four species (Cx. coronator, Cx. pipiens complex, Cx. tarsalis, and Psorophora columbiae) had high homology with published sequences of avian Plasmodium species while DNA in four other species (Cx. nigripalpus, Ps. columbiae, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and An. punctipennis) were closely related to Plasmodium species from deer. One pool of Cx. tarsalis was positive with a 100% sequence identity of Haemoproteus sacharovi. This study provides a baseline concerning the diversity of parasites in different mosquito species present in the southern Great Plains. These studies provide important information for understanding the factors of transmission involving the mosquito community, potential hosts, and different mosquito-borne parasites in this important region involved in livestock management and wildlife conservation.
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Čurlík J, Konjević D, Bujanić M, Sabol Ž, Martinković F, Sindičić M. The First Description of Setaria Tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) in Roe Deer from Croatia. Helminthologia 2019; 56:252-255. [PMID: 31662697 PMCID: PMC6799578 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genus Setaria, Viborg 1795, comprises 46 species that parasitize in the peritoneal cavity of Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla and Hyracoidea. The majority of these infections pass unnoticed, but occasionally they can induce severe peritonitis or neurological signs in aberrant hosts and, rarely, even in humans. In this paper we describe for the first time the finding of Setaria tundra in roe deer in Croatia. We examined 45 roe deer and determined the presence of Setaria nematodes in 24.4% of samples, which were subsequently diagnosed as Setaria tundra using molecular methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Čurlík
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - D. Konjević
- University of Zagreb, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M. Bujanić
- University of Zagreb, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - F. Martinković
- University of Zagreb, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M. Sindičić
- University of Zagreb, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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11
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New findings of Setaria tundra and Setaria cervi in the red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Poland. Parasitology 2019; 146:1333-1337. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOur study aimed at examining the phylogenetic position of the newly-found Setaria nematodes obtained from the red deer (Cervus elaphus) based on sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX-1). Alignment and phylogenetic analyses, as well as SEM microscopic analysis, revealed the presence of two Setaria species: S. cervi and S. tundra. Setaria tundra was noted in only one individual, a calf of the red deer, while S. cervi was observed in three stages, two hinds and one calf of the red deer. According to our knowledge, it is the first case of S. cervi in the red deer in Poland confirmed in molecular studies and also the first case of S. tundra infection in the red deer.
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12
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Heym EC, Kampen H, Krone O, Schäfer M, Werner D. Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens from mosquitoes collected in two zoological gardens in Germany. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2097-2105. [PMID: 31154526 PMCID: PMC6611737 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In Germany, knowledge of disease agents transmitted by arthropods in zoological gardens is scarce. In the framework of ecological studies, mosquitoes were therefore collected in German zoological gardens and examined for mosquito-borne pathogen DNA and RNA. In total, 3840 mosquitoes were screened for filarial nematodes and three groups of viruses (orthobunyaviruses, flaviviruses, alphaviruses) while 405 mosquitoes were tested for avian malaria parasites. In addition to the filarial nematode species Dirofilaria repens (n = 1) and Setaria tundra (n = 8), Sindbis virus (n = 1) and the haemosporidian genera Haemoproteus (n = 8), Leucocytozoon (n = 10) and Plasmodium (n = 1) were demonstrated. Identified pathogens have the potential to cause disease in zoo and wild animals, but some of them also in humans. Positive mosquitoes were collected most often in July, indicating the highest infection risk during this month. Most of the pathogens were found in mosquito specimens of the Culex pipiens complex, suggesting that its members possibly act as the most important vectors in the surveyed zoos, although the mere demonstration of pathogen DNA/RNA in a homogenised complete mosquito is not finally indicative for a vector role. Outcomes of the study are not only significant for arthropod management in zoological gardens, but also for the general understanding of the occurrence and spread of mosquito-borne disease agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C Heym
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Muencheberg, Germany.
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mandy Schäfer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374, Muencheberg, Germany
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13
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Martínez-de la Puente J, Ferraguti M, Jiménez-Peñuela J, Ruiz S, Martínez J, Roiz D, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Filarial worm circulation by mosquitoes along an urbanization gradient in southern Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1752-1757. [PMID: 30874363 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the main vectors of pathogens affecting wild animals, livestock and humans. Here, we used molecular tools to assess the local circulation of filarial parasites in mosquitoes collected during 2013 from natural, rural and urban habitats from southern Spain. We screened parasites in 22,791 female mosquitoes of the genera Aedes, Culex and Culiseta. Filarial worms were only detected in two mosquito pools. An Ae. caspius pool was positive for Setaria equina and an unidentified worm related to Onchocerca was detected in a Cx. pipiens pool. None of the mosquito pools were positive for Dirofilaria. These results underlay the role of Ae. caspius in the transmission of Setaria parasites among livestock and/or wildlife to humans in southern Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Santiago Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Diputación de Huelva, Área de Medio Ambiente, Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Huelva, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología (área Parasitología), Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - David Roiz
- Infectious Diseases and Vectors: Ecology, Genetics, Evolution and Control. IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), Montpellier, France
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Rydzanicz K, Golab E, Rozej-Bielicka W, Masny A. Screening of mosquitoes for filarioid helminths in urban areas in south western Poland-common patterns in European Setaria tundra xenomonitoring studies. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:127-138. [PMID: 30535561 PMCID: PMC6329736 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, numerous studies screening mosquitoes for filarioid helminths (xenomonitoring) have been performed in Europe. The entomological monitoring of filarial nematode infections in mosquitoes by molecular xenomonitoring might serve as the measure of the rate at which humans and animals expose mosquitoes to microfilariae and the rate at which animals and humans are exposed to the bites of the infected mosquitoes. We hypothesized that combining the data obtained from molecular xenomonitoring and phenological studies of mosquitoes in the urban environment would provide insights into the transmission risk of filarial diseases. In our search for Dirofilaria spp.-infected mosquitoes, we have found Setaria tundra-infected ones instead, as in many other European studies. We have observed that cross-reactivity in PCR assays for Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis, and S. tundra COI gene detection was the rule rather than the exception. S. tundra infections were mainly found in Aedes mosquitoes. The differences in the diurnal rhythm of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes did not seem a likely explanation for the lack of S. tundra infections in Culex mosquitoes. The similarity of S. tundra COI gene sequences found in Aedes vexans and Aedes caspius mosquitoes and in roe deer in many European studies, supported by data on Ae. vexans biology, suggested host preference as the most likely cause of the mosquito genus-biased infections. High diversity of the COI gene sequences isolated in the city of Wroclaw in south western Poland and the presence of identical or almost identical sequences in mosquitoes and roe deer across Europe suggests that S. tundra has been established in most of Europe for a very long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Rydzanicz
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Golab
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Wioletta Rozej-Bielicka
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Aleksander Masny
- Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warszawa, Poland
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15
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Capelli G, Genchi C, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Brianti E, Cardoso L, Danesi P, Fuehrer HP, Giannelli A, Ionică AM, Maia C, Modrý D, Montarsi F, Krücken J, Papadopoulos E, Petrić D, Pfeffer M, Savić S, Otranto D, Poppert S, Silaghi C. Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:663. [PMID: 30567586 PMCID: PMC6299983 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariosis in the Old World. In the last decades, D. repens has increased in prevalence in areas where it has already been reported and its distribution range has expanded into new areas of Europe, representing a paradigmatic example of an emergent pathogen. Despite its emergence and zoonotic impact, D. repens has received less attention by scientists compared to Dirofilaria immitis. In this review we report the recent advances of D. repens infection in dogs and humans, and transmission by vectors, and discuss possible factors that influence the spread and increase of this zoonotic parasite in Europe. There is evidence that D. repens has spread faster than D. immitis from the endemic areas of southern Europe to northern Europe. Climate change affecting mosquito vectors and the facilitation of pet travel seem to have contributed to this expansion; however, in the authors' opinion, the major factor is likely the rate of undiagnosed dogs continuing to perpetuate the life-cycle of D. repens. Many infected dogs remain undetected due to the subclinical nature of the disease, the lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic tools and the poor knowledge and still low awareness of D. repens in non-endemic areas. Improved diagnostic tools are warranted to bring D. repens diagnosis to the state of D. immitis diagnosis, as well as improved screening of imported dogs and promotion of preventative measures among veterinarians and dog owners. For vector-borne diseases involving pets, veterinarians play a significant role in prevention and should be more aware of their responsibility in reducing the impact of the zoonotic agents. In addition, they should enhance multisectorial collaboration with medical entomologists and the public health experts, under the concept and the actions of One Health-One Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Capelli
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Patrick Bourdeau
- Veterinary School of Nantes ONIRIS, University of Nantes, LUNAM, Nantes, France
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dušan Petrić
- Laboratory for medical and veterinary entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Sven Poppert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre of Vector Entomology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Isle of Riems, Greifswald, Germany
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16
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Kurucz K, Kiss V, Zana B, Jakab F, Kemenesi G. Filarial nematode (order: Spirurida) surveillance in urban habitats, in the city of Pécs (Hungary). Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3355-3360. [PMID: 30196322 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As part of the seasonal mosquito control activities in the city of Pécs (Baranya County, Hungary), a total of 1123 adult female mosquitoes belonging to 18 species (including the invasive species Aedes koreicus) were collected from human-inhabited areas, using CO2-baited traps, during two consecutive years. To survey the presence and prevalence of filarial parasites in these mosquitoes, we performed a molecular survey for filarial DNA, attempted by PCR using generic primers (COI), and followed by DNA sequencing. Filaroid nematode DNA was detected in 4% of investigated mosquito pools. Out of 410 pools, 9 pools of mosquitoes were positive for Dirofilaria repens (Aedes vexans, Aedes koreicus, Coquillettidia richiardii), and/or Dirofilaria immitis (Ae. vexans, Cq. richiardii), and further 8 pools were positive for Setaria tundra (Ae. vexans, Cq. richiardii). Our study provides novel insight for prevalence of filaroid nematodes in mosquitoes occurring in close proximity to humans, thereby highlights the possible human and veterinary health importance of these mosquito species, including the recently introduced invasive mosquito Ae. koreicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Kurucz
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Vivien Kiss
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.,Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Zana
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.,Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.,Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Pécs, 7624, Hungary. .,Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
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17
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Heym EC, Kampen H, Walther D. Mosquito species composition and phenology (Diptera, Culicidae) in two German zoological gardens imply different risks of mosquito-borne pathogen transmission. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2018; 43:80-88. [PMID: 29757518 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to their large diversity of potential blood hosts, breeding habitats, and resting sites, zoological gardens represent highly interesting places to study mosquito ecology. In order to better assess the risk of mosquito-borne disease-agent transmission in zoos, potential vector species must be known, as well as the communities in which they occur. For this reason, species composition and dynamics were examined in 2016 in two zoological gardens in Germany. Using different methods for mosquito sampling, a total of 2,257 specimens belonging to 20 taxa were collected. Species spectra depended on the collection method but generally differed between the two zoos, while species compositions and relative abundances varied seasonally in both of them. As both sampled zoos were located in the same climatic region and potential breeding sites within the zoos were similar, the differences in mosquito compositions are attributed to immigration of specimens from surrounding landscapes, although the different sizes of the zoos and the different blood host populations available probably also have an impact. Based on the differences in species composition and the various biological characteristics of the species, the risk of certain pathogens to be transmitted must also be expected to differ between the zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C Heym
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Doreen Walther
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
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18
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Xenomonitoring of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) for the Presence of Filarioid Helminths in Eastern Austria. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2018; 2018:9754695. [PMID: 29736197 PMCID: PMC5875040 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9754695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Information on mosquito-borne filarioid helminths in Austria is scarce, but recent discoveries of Dirofilaria repens indicate autochthonous distribution of this parasite in Eastern Austria. In the current xenomonitoring study, more than 48,000 mosquitoes were collected in Eastern Austria between 2013 and 2015, using different sampling techniques and storage conditions, and were analysed in pools with molecular tools for the presence of filarioid helminth DNA. Overall, DNA of D. repens, Setaria tundra, and two unknown filarioid helminths were documented in twenty mosquito pools within the mitochondrial cox1 gene (barcode region). These results indicate that S. tundra, with roe deer as definite hosts, is common in Eastern Austria, with most occurrences in floodplain mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes vexans). Moreover, DNA of D. repens was found in an Anopheles plumbeus mosquito close to the Slovakian border, indicating that D. repens is endemic in low prevalence in Eastern Austria. This study shows that xenomonitoring is an adequate tool to analyse the presence of filarioid helminths, but results are influenced by mosquito sampling techniques, storage conditions, and molecular protocols.
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Ionică AM, Zittra C, Wimmer V, Leitner N, Votýpka J, Modrý D, Mihalca AD, Fuehrer HP. Mosquitoes in the Danube Delta: searching for vectors of filarioid helminths and avian malaria. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:324. [PMID: 28679443 PMCID: PMC5499018 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes are arthropods of major importance to animal and human health because they are able to transmit pathogenic agents such as filarioids (Spirurida), vector-borne nematodes, which reside in the tissues of vertebrates. In Europe, recent research has mostly focused on mosquito-borne zoonotic species, while others remain neglected. Mosquitoes are also vectors of avian malaria, which has an almost worldwide distribution, and is caused by several Plasmodium species and lineages, the most common being P. relictum. The Danube Delta region of Romania is one of the most important stopover sites for migratory birds. The local mosquito fauna is diverse and well represented, while filarial infections are known to be endemic in domestic dogs in this area. The aim of the present study was thus to assess the potential vector capacity for various filarial helminths and avian malaria of mosquitoes trapped in the Danube Delta. METHODS In July 2015, mosquitoes were collected at seven sites located in and around a rural locality in the Danube Delta region of Romania, using CO2-baited traps and hand aspirators. Additionally, a trap was placed next to a microfilaremic dog co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and D. immitis. All randomly trapped mosquitoes were identified to the species level and pooled according to date, sampling site, and taxon. Three hundred individual mosquitoes sampled next to the microfilaremic dog were processed individually and divided into abdomen and thorax/head. Following DNA extraction, all samples were screened for the presence of DNA of filarioid helminths and avian malaria agents by PCR techniques. RESULTS All 284 pools (a total of 5855 mosquitoes) were negative for filarioid DNA. One pool of Culex modestus mosquitoes was positive for Plasmodium sp. lineage Donana03. In the individually extracted mosquitoes, one abdomen of Aedes vexans was positive for D. repens DNA, one thorax/head of Ae. vexans was positive for DNA of Setaria labiatopapillosa, and two thorax/head of Cx. pipiens f. pipiens were positive for P. relictum lineage pSGS1. CONCLUSION The present study suggests the vector competence of Cx. modestus and Cx. pipiens for avian Plasmodium including pathogenic species P. relictum and Ae. vexans for mammalian filarioids. Moreover, it indicates the role of Cx. pipiens f. pipiens as a potential natural vector of P. relictum lineage pSGS1 in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Wimmer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natascha Leitner
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budĕjovice, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budĕjovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 335700, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Enemark HL, Oksanen A, Chriél M, le Fèvre Harslund J, Woolsey ID, Al-Sabi MNS. Detection and molecular characterization of the mosquito-borne filarial nematode Setaria tundra in Danish roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2017; 6:16-21. [PMID: 28229043 PMCID: PMC5312512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Setaria tundra is a mosquito-borne filarial nematode of cervids in Europe. It has recently been associated with an emerging epidemic disease causing severe morbidity and mortality in reindeer and moose in Finland. Here, we present the first report of S. tundra in six roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) collected between October 2010 and March 2014 in Denmark. The deer originated from various localities across the country: the eastern part of the Jutland peninsular and four locations on the island Zealand. With the exception of one deer, with parasites residing in a transparent cyst just under the liver capsule, worms (ranging from 2 to >20/deer) were found free in the peritoneal cavity. The worms were identified as S. tundra by morphological examination and/or molecular typing of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cox1 genes, which showed 99.1–99.8% identity to previously published S. tundra isolates from Europe. Roe deer are generally considered as asymptomatic carriers and their numbers in Denmark have increased significantly in recent decades. In light of climatic changes which result in warmer, more humid weather in Scandinavia greater numbers of mosquitoes and, especially, improved conditions for development of parasite larvae in the mosquito vectors are expected, which may lead to increasing prevalence of S. tundra. Monitoring of this vector-borne parasite may thus be needed in order to enhance the knowledge of factors promoting its expansion and prevalence as well as predicting disease outbreaks. Setaria tundra was recovered from six roe deer in Denmark. Infected deer originated from Jutland and Zealand. Worms were found in the peritoneal cavity and under the liver capsule. 12S rRNA and cox1sequences showed 99.1–99.8% identity to other European isolates. Climatic changes and increasing density of deer may affect prevalence of S. tundra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Larsen Enemark
- Technical University of Denmark, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750, Sentrum, NO-0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Production Animal and Wildlife Health Research Unit (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mariann Chriél
- Technical University of Denmark, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | | | - Ian David Woolsey
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750, Sentrum, NO-0106 Oslo, Norway
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Angelone-Alasaad S, Jowers MJ, Panadero R, Pérez-Creo A, Pajares G, Díez-Baños P, Soriguer RC, Morrondo P. First report of Setaria tundra in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from the Iberian Peninsula inferred from molecular data: epidemiological implications. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:521. [PMID: 27682456 PMCID: PMC5041566 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1793-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filarioid nematode parasites are major health hazards with important medical, veterinary and economic implications. Recently, they have been considered as indicators of climate change. FINDINGS In this paper, we report the first record of Setaria tundra in roe deer from the Iberian Peninsula. Adult S. tundra were collected from the peritoneal cavity during the post-mortem examination of a 2 year-old male roe deer, which belonged to a private fenced estate in La Alcarria (Guadalajara, Spain). Since 2012, the area has suffered a high roe deer decline rate (75 %), for unknown reasons. Aiming to support the morphological identification and to determine the phylogenetic position of S. tundra recovered from the roe deer, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene from the two morphologically identified parasites was amplified, sequenced and compared with corresponding sequences of other filarioid nematode species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolate of S. tundra recovered was basal to all other formely reported Setaria tundra sequences. The presence of all other haplotypes in Northern Europe may be indicative of a South to North outbreak in Europe. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of S. tundra in roe deer from the Iberian Peninsula, with interesting phylogenetic results, which may have further implications in the epidemiological and genetic studies of these filarioid parasites. More studies are needed to explore the reasons and dynamics behind the rapid host/geographic expansion of the filarioid parasites in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Angelone-Alasaad
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J. Jowers
- CIBIO/InBIO (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario De Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210, Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do 33657 Korea
| | - Rosario Panadero
- INVESAGA Group, Departamento de Patología Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27071, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Creo
- INVESAGA Group, Departamento de Patología Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27071, Lugo, Spain
| | - Gerardo Pajares
- INVESAGA Group, Departamento de Patología Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27071, Lugo, Spain
| | - Pablo Díez-Baños
- INVESAGA Group, Departamento de Patología Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27071, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ramón C. Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- INVESAGA Group, Departamento de Patología Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 27071, Lugo, Spain
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Masny A, Sałamatin R, Rozej-Bielicka W, Golab E. Is molecular xenomonitoring of mosquitoes for Dirofilaria repens suitable for dirofilariosis surveillance in endemic regions? Parasitol Res 2016; 115:511-25. [PMID: 26490684 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4767-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a parasite of animals and humans, transferred by mosquitoes. The assessment of the presence of D. repens-infected vertebrate hosts in the investigated area can be performed by xenomonitoring—detection of the parasite in blood-feeding arthropods. Our study aimed to evaluate PCR xenomonitoring of mosquitoes as a tool for dirofilariosis surveillance in Poland. We were also interested whether inter-study comparisons at the international level would be possible. Mosquitoes were collected in a single locality in Mazowsze province in Poland, in which between 12 and 20% of dogs were infected with D. repens and autochthonous human dirofilariosis was confirmed. All captured female mosquitoes were divided into pools; alternatively, single mosquitoes were analyzed; DNA was isolated and subjected to PCR and real-time PCR for detection of D. repens. The estimations of infection rates of mosquitoes with D. repens, based on PCR results, varied from 0 to 1.57% even between assays for detection of distinct fragments of the same marker—cytochrome oxidase subunit one gene. Polymorphisms of the DNA sequence within binding sites of the primers used in D. repens xenomonitoring assays, applied in European studies, were identified. Non-specific amplification of Setaria tundra (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) DNA occurred. Surveillance of dirofilariosis by PCR mosquito xenomonitoring is possible; however, the efficiency of the approach on territories where the prevalence of the disease among definitive hosts is lower than 12% remains unknown. Furthermore, mosquito infection rate estimations can be PCR assay dependent, which makes inter-study comparisons difficult. The results obtained in independent European xenomonitoring studies were contradictory. International collaboration would be required to establish a standardized set of assays for sensitive and specific xenomonitoring-based dirofilariosis surveillance.
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Raele DA, Pugliese N, Galante D, Latorre LM, Cafiero MA. Development and Application of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Approach for the Rapid Detection of Dirofilaria repens from Biological Samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004789. [PMID: 27341205 PMCID: PMC4920375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis by Dirofilaria repens is an important mosquito vector borne parasitosis, and the dog represents the natural host and reservoir of the parasite. This filarial nematode can also induce disease in humans, and in the last decades an increasing number of cases have been being reported. The present study describes the first loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect D. repens DNA in blood and mosquitoes. Two versions of the technique have been developed and described: in the first, the amplification is followed point by point through a real time PCR instrument (ReT-LAMP); in the second, the amplification is visualized by checking UV fluorescence of the reaction mixture after addition of propidium iodide (PI-LAMP). The two variants use the same set of 4 primers targeting the D. repens cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. To assess the specificity of the method, reactions were carried out by using DNA from the major zoonotic parasites of the family of Onchocercidae, and no amplification was observed. The lower limit of detection of the ReT-LAMP assay was 0.15 fg/μl (corresponding to about 50 copy of COI gene per μl). Results suggest that the described assay is specific, and its sensitivity is higher than the conventional PCR based on the same gene. It is also provide a rapid and cost-effective molecular detection of D. repens, mainly when PI-LAMP is applied, and it should be performed in areas where this emerging parasitosis is endemic. Dirofilaria repens is a filarial nematode which mainly infests the dog, but humans may be occasionally infested, too. The spread of the parasite is mediated by a number of mosquitoes species, which are well recognized as vectors of D. repens. The majority of reports of the disease come from the European Countries, especially those along the Mediterranean basin, but in the last decade several cases have been recorded also from Asian and African Countries, and this led the scientific community to consider such parasitosis an emerging disease. To date, diagnosis is based the morphologic analysis of microfilariae, isolated from the blood of infected hosts, but this may be time-consuming and the identification of parasite requires specialized parasitologists. The here described approach, based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), allows the detection of D. repens genomic DNA directly from the biological samples, and it may be easily and rapidly performed, producing unequivocal results in less than a hour. We also presented two versions of the assays. The first, a real-time LAMP, is characterized by a very high sensitivity but it requires an expensive real time PCR instrument, while the second, performed with the addition of propidium iodide, does not need such equipment, therefore being very affordable. This makes it suitable to be carried out in field and whenever expensive equipment or specialized personnel lacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Antonio Raele
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Unit of Medical Entomology, Department of Virology, Foggia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicola Pugliese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Unit of Medical Entomology, Department of Virology, Foggia, Italy
| | - Domenico Galante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Unit of Medical Entomology, Department of Virology, Foggia, Italy
| | - Laura Maria Latorre
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Unit of Medical Entomology, Department of Virology, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Cafiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Unit of Medical Entomology, Department of Virology, Foggia, Italy
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Bravo-Barriga D, Parreira R, Almeida AP, Calado M, Blanco-Ciudad J, Serrano-Aguilera FJ, Pérez-Martín JE, Sánchez-Peinado J, Pinto J, Reina D, Frontera E. Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain. Vet Parasitol 2016; 223:173-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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First molecular identification of Dirofilaria spp. (Onchocercidae) in mosquitoes from Serbia. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3257-60. [PMID: 27193348 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5126-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariosis is a common and widespread veterinary health issue in several European countries with notable zoonotic potential. The causative agents are Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens nematoda species which are transmitted by different mosquito vectors. Similar to other mosquito-borne infections, the knowledge about mosquito species involved in disease transmission is crucial for the complex understanding of local transmission cycles. Since there is no available data on mosquito species, potentially involved in disease transmission from Serbia, 6369 female mosquito individuals were retrospectively tested for Dirofilaria nematodes, collected from 13 localities in Vojvodina province, Serbia, in 2013. Altogether, 8.33 % of tested pools showed positivity, composed of five mosquito species, mainly, Culex pipiens and Aedes vexans. D. immitis and D. repens were both detected from multiple localities, during the whole period of mosquito breeding season, which provides the first data on local transmission characteristics regarding mosquitoes from the Balkans.
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26
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Masny A, Sałamatin R. Molecular mass screening of mosquitoes for filarial parasites in Germany--re-interpretation of PCR xenomonitoring results would be required. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:626. [PMID: 26646774 PMCID: PMC4673836 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1241-3] [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: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Comments concerning interpretation of the PCR xenomonitoring results in the article „Molecular detection of Setaria tundra (Nematoda: Filarioidea) and an unidentified filarial species in mosquitoes in Germany” Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Masny
- Department of Medical Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Rusłan Sałamatin
- Department of Medical Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Kemenesi G, Kurucz K, Kepner A, Dallos B, Oldal M, Herczeg R, Vajdovics P, Bányai K, Jakab F. Circulation of Dirofilaria repens, Setaria tundra, and Onchocercidae species in Hungary during the period 2011-2013. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:108-13. [PMID: 26412142 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens and recently Dirofilaria immitis are known to be endemic in Hungary. Since there is no related research on Dirofilaria carrier mosquito species from Hungary, we conducted a three-year mosquito surveillance study between 2011 and 2013. During the study period we examined 23,139 female mosquitoes with a generic filaria-specific TaqMan PCR assay, and characterized them by sequencing a 500 bp segment of 12S rRNA. An important result of our study was the detection of Setaria tundra and D. repens along with an unidentified Onchocercidae nematode. D. repens is known to be endemic in Hungary, however, the detection of S. tundra in all sampling sites throughout the study period indicates for the first time the endemicity of this parasite in Hungary. The Onchocercidae sp. nematode showed 95% nucleotide identity with previously detected unidentified nematodes from Germany, indicating a broader geographical distribution of this nematode in Europe. D. immitis specific DNA was not detected among the screened mosquitoes in this study. Here we report 11 mosquito species as potential vector organisms for local filarial infections, including Aedes vexans, Ochlerotatus annulipes, Ochlerotatus sticticus, Coquillettidia richiardii, Anopheles hyrcanus and Ochlerotatus rusticus. Dirofilaria development unit was calculated and the potential transmission period was estimated, which ranged between 65 and 113 days between sampling seasons. A relatively high infection rate (36.8%) was identified, which is a notable finding for veterinary and human health professionals. Moreover, the results of our study widen the group of possible mosquito vector species for D. repens and S. tundra in Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Kemenesi
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Kurucz
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anett Kepner
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bianka Dallos
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Oldal
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Péter Vajdovics
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Oncology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Bányai
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- Virological Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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Zittra C, Kocziha Z, Pinnyei S, Harl J, Kieser K, Laciny A, Eigner B, Silbermayr K, Duscher GG, Fok É, Fuehrer HP. Screening blood-fed mosquitoes for the diagnosis of filarioid helminths and avian malaria. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:16. [PMID: 25582219 PMCID: PMC4305256 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0637-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both Dirofilaria repens and recently D. immitis are known to be endemic in Hungary. As one of several recent cases, the fatal case of a dog infested with D. immitis in Szeged, Southern Hungary, received attention from the media. Hence it was decided to catch mosquitoes in the garden where the dog lived to screen for filarioid helminths and Plasmodium spp. using molecular tools. Methods Mosquitoes were caught in Szeged, in the garden where the infected dog was kept, in July 2013 with M-360 electric mosquito traps and were stored in ethanol until further procedure. Female mosquitoes were classified to genus level by morphology. Each mosquito was homogenized and analyzed for filarioid helminths and avian malaria using standardized PCR techniques. Positive mosquito samples were further identified to species level by comparing a section of the mitochondrial COI gene to GenBank® entries. Results In this study, 267 blood-fed mosquitoes were caught in July 2013 in Szeged. Subsequent molecular screening revealed that not only D. immitis was present in the analyzed specimens but also DNA of D. repens, Setaria tundra and Plasmodium spp. was confirmed. Conclusions The analysis of blood-fed mosquitoes for the diagnosis of Dirofilaria spp. and other mosquito-borne pathogens seems to be an adequate technique to evaluate if filarioid helminths are present in a certain area. Usually only unfed female mosquitoes are analyzed for epidemiological studies. However, blood-fed mosquitoes can only be used for screening if a pathogen is present because the role of the mosquito as vector cannot be classified (blood of bitten host). Furthermore, Setaria tundra was confirmed for the first time in Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Zittra
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Zsanett Kocziha
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Szilárd Pinnyei
- Institute of Animal Sciences and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Szeged University, Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary.
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katrin Kieser
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alice Laciny
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Barbara Eigner
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katja Silbermayr
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Éva Fok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Zélé F, Vézilier J, L'Ambert G, Nicot A, Gandon S, Rivero A, Duron O. Dynamics of prevalence and diversity of avian malaria infections in wild Culex pipiens mosquitoes: the effects of Wolbachia, filarial nematodes and insecticide resistance. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:437. [PMID: 25228147 PMCID: PMC4261254 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying the parasites transmitted by a particular vector and the factors that render this vector susceptible to the parasite are key steps to understanding disease transmission. Although avian malaria has become a model system for the investigation of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of Plasmodium parasites, little is still known about the field prevalence, diversity and distribution of avian Plasmodium species within the vectors, or about the extrinsic factors affecting Plasmodium population dynamics in the wild. Methods We examined changes in avian malaria prevalence and Plasmodium lineage composition in female Culex pipiens caught throughout one field season in 2006, across four sampling sites in southern France. Using site occupancy models, we correct the naive estimates of Plasmodium prevalence to account for PCR-based imperfect detection. To establish the importance of different factors that may bear on the prevalence and diversity of avian Plasmodium in field mosquitoes, we focus on Wolbachia and filarial parasite co-infections, as well as on the insecticide resistance status of the mosquito. Results Plasmodium prevalence in Cx. pipiens increased from February (0%) to October (15.8%) and did not vary significantly among the four sampling sites. The application of site occupancy models leads to a 4% increase in this initial (naive) estimate of prevalence. The parasite community was composed of 15 different haemosporidian lineages, 13 of which belonged to the Plasmodium genus, and 2 to the Haemoproteus genus. Neither the presence of different Wolbachia types and of filarial parasites co-infecting the mosquitoes, nor their insecticide resistance status were found to affect the Plasmodium prevalence and diversity. Conclusion We found that haemosporidian parasites are common and diverse in wild-caught Cx. pipiens mosquitoes in Southern France. The prevalence of the infection in mosquitoes is unaffected by Wolbachia and filarial co-infections as well as the insecticide resistant status of the vector. These factors may thus have a negligible impact on the transmission of avian malaria. In contrast, the steady increase in prevalence from February to October indicates that the dynamics of avian malaria is driven by seasonality and supports that infected birds are the reservoir of a diverse community of lineages in southern France. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-3305-7-437) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flore Zélé
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, (UMR CNRS-UM1-UM2 5290, IRD 224), Centre de Recherche IRD, 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpellier, France.
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Czajka C, Becker N, Jöst H, Poppert S, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Krüger A, Tannich E. Stable transmission of Dirofilaria repens nematodes, northern Germany. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:328-31. [PMID: 24447653 PMCID: PMC3901495 DOI: 10.3201/eid2002.131003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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31
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Larrat S, Dallaire AD, Lair S. Emaciation and larval filarioid nematode infection in boreal owls (Aegolius funereus). Avian Pathol 2014; 41:345-9. [PMID: 22834547 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2012.688940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Microfilariae are considered non-pathogenic in wild birds. The objective of the current communication is to report host reactions to microfilarial infection of unusual intensity in emaciated boreal owls (Aegolius funereus). An unusually large number of boreal owls (n = 21) were submitted to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Center-Quebec Region for post-mortem examination during the winter of 2009. Nineteen out of 21 birds were considered emaciated based on atrophy of adipose tissue and pectoral muscles and suboptimal weight. A microscopic examination of a subset of nine owls revealed the presence of microfilariae in six owls. Three of the birds with a heavy parasite burden had masses of larval nematodes obstructing large vessels of the lungs. The emaciated owls are believed to have died from starvation due to a cyclic decrease in prey abundance in the boreal forest. This cycle also drives winter movements of boreal owls to urbanized areas of southern Quebec, presumably accounting for the large number of birds submitted in 2009. In the most severely infected owls, the extreme microfilarial burden might have caused an alteration in circulatory dynamics, gaseous exchanges and also probably some metabolic cost. Consequently, microfilariae could have significantly contributed to the death of some of these owls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Larrat
- Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Center/Centre Québécois sur la Santé des Animaux Sauvages, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St. Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
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Silbermayr K, Eigner B, Joachim A, Duscher GG, Seidel B, Allerberger F, Indra A, Hufnagl P, Fuehrer HP. Autochthonous Dirofilaria repens in Austria. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:226. [PMID: 24885284 PMCID: PMC4026151 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe animal and human infections due to Dirofilaria repens are increasing. FINDINGS In a nationwide screening for filarioid parasites in Austria, 7,632 mosquitoes were collected from June till October 2012 and divided into 437 pools according to same trapping date and sight and mosquito species. For the molecular detection, a real-time PCR approach was followed by conventional PCR. D. repens was detected in the villages Moerbisch and Rust, Burgenland in one Anopheles maculipennis group and one Anopheles algeriensis species pool, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The geographical distribution of the two positive pools points to the invasion of D. repens from Eastern neighboring countries. The finding of D. repens in mosquito vectors suggests the occurrence of the causative agent for cutaneous dirofilariosis in Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Silbermayr
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Filarial Nematode Infection in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected from Southern Connecticut. Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/vetsci1010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Kronefeld M, Kampen H, Sassnau R, Werner D. Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens and Setaria tundra in mosquitoes from Germany. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:30. [PMID: 24433279 PMCID: PMC3898823 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a result of globalization and climate change, Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, the causative agents of dirofilariosis in Europe, continue to spread from endemic areas in the Mediterranean to northern and northeastern regions of Europe where autochthonous cases of dirofilarial infections have increasingly been observed in dogs and humans. Whilst D. repens was recently reported from mosquitoes in putatively non-endemic areas, D. immitis has never been demonstrated in mosquitoes from Europe outside the Mediterranean. Methods From 2011 to 2013, mosquitoes collected within the framework of a German national mosquito monitoring programme were screened for filarial nematodes using a newly designed filarioid-specific real-time PCR assay. Positive samples were further processed by conventional PCR amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, amplicons were sequenced and sequences blasted against GenBank. Results Approximately 17,000 female mosquitoes were subjected to filarial screening. Out of 955 pools examined, nine tested positive for filariae. Two of the COI sequences indicated D. immitis, one D. repens and four Setaria tundra. Two sequences could not be assigned to a known species due to a lack of similar GenBank entries. Whilst D. immitis and the unknown parasites were detected in Culex pipiens/torrentium, D. repens was found in a single Anopheles daciae and all S. tundra were demonstrated in Aedes vexans. All positive mosquitoes were collected between mid-June and early September. Conclusion The finding of dirofilariae in German mosquitoes implies the possibility of a local natural transmission cycle. While the routes of introduction to Germany and the origin of the filariae cannot be determined retrospectively, potential culicid vectors and reservoir hosts must prospectively be identified and awareness among physicians, veterinarians and public health personnel be created. The health impact of S. tundra on the indigenous cervid fauna needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Carter JR, Balaraman V, Kucharski CA, Fraser TS, Fraser MJ. A novel dengue virus detection method that couples DNAzyme and gold nanoparticle approaches. Virol J 2013; 10:201. [PMID: 23809208 PMCID: PMC3765938 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent epidemics of dengue viruses (DENV) coupled with new outbreaks on the horizon have renewed the demand for novel detection methods that have the ability to identify this viral pathogen prior to the manifestation of symptoms. The ability to detect DENV in a timely manner is essential for rapid recovery from disease symptoms. A modified lab-derived 10-23 DNAzyme tethered to gold nanoparticles provides a powerful tool for the detection of viruses, such as DENV. Results We examined the effectiveness of coupling DNAzyme (DDZ) activation to the salt-induced aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) to detect dengue virus (DENV) progeny in mosquito cells. A DNAzyme was designed to recognize the 5’ cyclization sequence (5’ CS) that is conserved among all DENV, and conjugated to AuNPs. DDZ-AuNP has demonstrated the ability to detect the genomic RNA of our model dengue strain, DENV-2 NGC, isolated from infected Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells. These targeting events lead to the rapid aggregation of AuNPs, resulting in a red to clear color transition of the reaction mixes, and thus positive detection of the DENV RNA genome. The inclusion of SDS in the reaction mixture permitted the detection of DENV directly from cell culture supernatants without additional sample processing. Specificity assays demonstrated detection is DENV-specific, while sensitivity assays confirm detection at levels of 1 × 101 TCID50 units. These results demonstrate DDZ-AuNP effectively detects DENV genomes in a sequence specific manner and at concentrations that are practical for field use. Conclusions We have developed an effective detection assay using DNAzyme catalysis coupled with AuNP aggregation for the detection of DENV genomes in a sequence specific manner. Full development of our novel DDZ-AuNP detection method will provide a practical, rapid, and low cost alternative for the detection of DENV in mosquito cells and tissues, and possibly infected patient serum, in a matter of minutes with little to no specialized training required.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Carter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eck Institute of Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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Werblow A, Bolius S, Dorresteijn AWC, Melaun C, Klimpel S. Diversity of Culex torrentium Martini, 1925 - a potential vector of arboviruses and filaria in Europe. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2495-501. [PMID: 23604567 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3418-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Culex torrentium is one of the most common mosquito species in Germany. Due to its sympatric occurrence as well as its similar morphological and ecological characteristics, it has often been confused with another common species, Culex pipiens. Both species are known to be potential vectors for different arboviruses (not only in Germany) with C. torrentium being a possible vector for Sindbis or Ockelbo virus. In our study, we analyzed the genetic variability in a 658 bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (coxI) of C. torrentium, from nine localities in the Frankfurt/Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region. The results of our genetic survey indicate a higher genetic diversity in this gene region for C. torrentium than for the morphologically similar C. pipiens. Our findings may explain the difficulties in the past to find morphological characteristics that apply to all populations of C. torrentium, when attempting to separate them clearly from C. pipiens, by any other criteria than male genitalia. Being ornithophilic, possible hybrids between C. torrentium and the humanophilic C. pipiens biotype molestus, could potentially serve as important vectors for zoonotic diseases. Therefore, we recommend that greater emphasis is placed on the ecological characteristics, population structure, and the taxonomy of this often neglected species, in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Werblow
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Medical Biodiversity and Parasitology; Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity; Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main 60325, Germany
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Mutinda M, Otiende M, Gakuya F, Kariuki L, Obanda V, Ndeere D, Ndambiri E, Kariuki E, Lekolool I, Soriguer RC, Rossi L, Alasaad S. Putative filariosis outbreak in white and black rhinoceros at Meru National Park in Kenya. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:206. [PMID: 22992297 PMCID: PMC3480890 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Habitat and food supply loss and disruption, together with man's pursuit of the animal's unique horn pose significant threats to the charismatic rhinoceros. Filarial worms have been thought to cause cutaneous lesions in black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Kenya and South Africa, but never in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the wild, despite the fact that the two species live often in close proximity. Stephanofilaria dinniki has been implicated in the past as the causal agents for such lesions. FINDINGS In this paper we report a putative filariosis outbreak in both black and white rhinos at Meru National Park in Kenya. Four black and five white rhinos were affected by various degrees of filarioid-like lesions, while apparently all sympatric wild and domestic animals were filarial worm-free. Affected rhinos were captured and successfully treated. Comparison between the epidemiological aspects of white and black rhinoceros filariosis, and the possible relations between this outbreak and annual seasons, the presence of oxpeckers and other host species are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights (i) that filarial infection is not restricted to black rhinos, but it affects both rhinoceros species, and (ii) the importance of the earlier detection and immediate treatment (capture-treat and release) of filarioid infections, which is of pivotal interest for wildlife conservation, and especially the endangered and isolated white and black rhinoceros populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mutinda
- Department of Veterinary and Capture Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya.
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