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Amato A, Cavallo C, Marín-García PJ, Emmanuele G, Tomasello M, Tomasella C, Floridia V, Liotta L, Llobat L. Effect of Breed on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Apparently Healthy Dogs Infected with Zoonotic Pathogens Endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1516. [PMID: 38891563 PMCID: PMC11171318 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dogs are considered the main reservoir of several zoonoses endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, a prevalence of infections and coinfections of canine vector-borne diseases was analyzed in apparently healthy dogs of different canine pure breeds in Sicily (Italy), where these diseases are endemic. The seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum, Ricketsia ricketsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Erlichia canis was assessed, as single and coinfections. Biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated, and epidemiological factors, including sex, age, and canine breed, were recovered. The most frequent infection was L. infantum (45.61%), following R. ricketsii (36.84%), both as single, double, or triple coinfections. Coinfections change the biochemical and hematological parameters of the host, and canine breeds are related to the infection frequency and the parameters observed during infections. Changes in the complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical values also differ between canine breeds, with the Cirneco dell'Etna dogs infected with L. infantum being the animals presenting the most interesting results in our study. High values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and albumin and low levels of β-2 globulin and γ-globulin were found only in this canine breed, suggesting some resistance to infection in these dogs. Future studies about the immune response of this canine breed could be interesting to determine their possible resistance to zoonotic pathogens, such as L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Amato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Carmelo Cavallo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Giovanni Emmanuele
- BIOGENE, Veterinary Diagnostic Center, 95127 Catania, Italy; (G.E.); (M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Mario Tomasello
- BIOGENE, Veterinary Diagnostic Center, 95127 Catania, Italy; (G.E.); (M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Cristina Tomasella
- BIOGENE, Veterinary Diagnostic Center, 95127 Catania, Italy; (G.E.); (M.T.); (C.T.)
| | - Viviana Floridia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Luigi Liotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.C.); (V.F.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisns of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
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Van Wyk CL, Mtshali S, Ramatla T, Lekota KE, Xuan X, Thekisoe O. Distribution of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Heamaphysalis elliptica dog ticks and pathogens they are carrying: A systematic review. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100969. [PMID: 38199685 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100969] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The role of ixodid ticks especially Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Heamaphysalis elliptica in the epidemiology of several diseases of veterinary and public health importance have been documented. This study conducted a systematic review focusing on the distribution of R. sanguineus and H. elliptica, as well as the common tick-borne pathogens they harbour. The Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to search for English journal articles published between January 1990 and June 2021. The articles were assessed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO [(ID no: CRD42022327372). Of the studies included in the systematic review, 247 and 19 articles had identified R. sanguineus and H. elliptica respectively, whereas 15 articles had identified both tick species. There is a reported worldwide distribution of R. sanguineus from 64 countries, whereas H. elliptica was only reported in the African continent from 6 countries. In total, 120 articles that were included in this systematic review reported detection of tick-borne pathogens from R. sanguineus (n = 118 articles) and/or H. elliptica (n = 2 articles) ticks. According to the studies tick-borne pathogens harboured by R. sanguineus included protozoa such as Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania spp., and Theileria spp., as well as bacteria such as Acinetobacter spp. Anaplasma spp., Bacillus spp., Borrelia spp., Brucella spp., Coxiella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. The H. elliptica was reported to be harbouring Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. Most of the studies (50%) used the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the detection of tick-borne pathogens, followed by real-time PCR (qPCR) (n = 26), and nested PCR (n = 22). This systematic review has shed light on the distribution of two common dog ticks as well as the tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic importance they are harbouring. This data will enable surveillance studies that can report whether the distribution of these ticks and their associated tick-borne pathogens is expanding or shrinking or is stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara-Lee Van Wyk
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Senzo Mtshali
- National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Sandringham 2131, South Africa
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa.
| | - Kgaugelo E Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Quantitative Detection of Leishmania in Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma sabanerae in the Peruvian Amazon Basin. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7110358. [PMID: 36355900 PMCID: PMC9698973 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease of public importance with a complex transmission cycle. A quantitative PCR was developed by using the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) as a DNA target, which is conserved in all Leishmania species. A TaqMan ® probe was designed to have a high specificity. In all, 22 out of 23 (95.7%) ticks classified as R. microplus tested positive for Leishmania sp. The quantification was between 34.1 and 2197.1 parasites per tick in a range of 12 to 769 fg/uL. In addition, 9 out of 10 (90%) ticks classified as Amblyomma sabanerae tested positive for Leishmania sp. The quantification was between 448.6 and 5428.6 parasites per tick in a range of 157 to 1900 fg/µL. Leishmania sp. was identified in very high percentages in Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma sabanerae from wild Pecari tajacu and Chelonoidis denticulata, in quantities of 34.1 and 5428.6 parasites per arthropod, and this could suggest that the ticks were parasitized by sucking blood from the animals from which they were collected. This is the first report about Leishmania parasites found in wild Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma sabanerae, adding new information about the distribution and epidemiology of the parasite in sylvatic areas.
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Magri A, Caffara M, Fioravanti M, Galuppi R. Detection of Leishmania sp. kDNA in questing Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodidae) from the Emilia-Romagna Region in northeastern Italy. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3331-3336. [PMID: 36076092 PMCID: PMC9556345 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To date, sand flies (Phlebotominae) are the only recognized biological vectors of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of human visceral leishmaniasis, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and also widespread in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Dogs are the main domestic reservoir of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis, and the role of secondary vectors such as ticks and fleas and particularly Rhipicephalus sanguineus (the brown dog tick) in transmitting L. infantum has been investigated. In the present paper, the presence of Leishmania DNA was investigated in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 4 rural areas included in three parks of the Emilia-Romagna Region (north-eastern Italy), where active foci of human visceral leishmaniasis have been identified. The analyses were performed on 236 DNA extracts from 7 females, 6 males, 72 nymph pools, and 151 larvae pools. Four samples (1.7%) (i.e., one larva pool, 2 nymph pools, and one adult male) tested positive for Leishmania kDNA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of Leishmania kDNA in questing I. ricinus ticks collected from a rural environment. This finding in unfed larvae, nymphs, and adult male ticks supports the hypothesis that L. infantum can have both transstadial and transovarial passage in I. ricinus ticks. The potential role of I. ricinus ticks in the sylvatic cycle of leishmaniasis should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Magri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Caffara
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marialetizia Fioravanti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences – Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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Canine visceral leishmaniasis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus: evaluation and comparison of classical techniques. Vet Res Commun 2021; 46:109-120. [PMID: 34554364 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-021-09834-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was evaluating the association and correlation between the diagnostics tests used for Leishmania spp. detection in dogs and ticks. We evaluated 99 dogs and 990 Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In dogs, we used bone marrow aspirates and lymph node fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for direct parasitological examinations and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and collected blood samples for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In ticks, two laboratory techniques [immunohistochemistry to lipophosphoglycan (IHC) and RT-PCR] were performed in the intestine, ovaries and salivary glands. With respect to the measurement of diagnostic performance in dogs, lymph node RT-PCR proved to be the best test followed by ELISA and bone marrow RT-PCR. In ticks, intestine IHC were considered as a gold standard for diagnosis of leishmaniasis with intestinal RT-PCR being the best diagnostic test. To arrive at the correlation between laboratory techniques for dogs and their ticks, we evaluated the diagnostic test used for dogs with tests performed in R. sanguineus, which used lymph node FNAB as the gold standard. The intestine IHC technique showed strongest association. We demonstrated that the best tissue for Leishmania spp. detection in dogs was the lymph node and the intestine in case of ticks. As for laboratory techniques, the isolated analysis of each species presented a strong agreement between immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR when compared to its gold standard. In addition, we concluded that the immunohistochemistry of ticks' intestines was a better technique for diagnosing Leishmania spp. in R. sanguineus, thereby showing almost perfect correlation with the lymph node FNAB.
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Naddaf N, Haddad S. Apigenin effect against Leishmania tropica amastigotes in vitro. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:574-578. [PMID: 32801509 PMCID: PMC7410876 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01230-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a current public health problem in Syria. It causes different skin lesions that vary in their severity from spontaneously heal lesions to permanent deformity ones. However, the used treatments have many disadvantages as their high toxicity and many side effects. Flavonoids including Apigenin reported to have many anti parasitic properties. As well as their preference as potential therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of Leishmaniasis due to its low side effects and toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Apigenin against L.tropica amastigotes in vitro using Leishmania-Macrophage Interaction Assay. Our study demonstrated the possibility of efficacy of Apigenin against L.tropica amastigotes since Apigenin reduced the infection index at IC50 60.44 µM and this requires subsequent studies in humans and using Apigenin as a candidate for the chemotherapeutic treatment against Leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagham Naddaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Shaden Haddad
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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8
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Panahi E, Shivas M, Hall-Mendelin S, Kurucz N, Rudd PA, De Araujo R, Skinner EB, Melville L, Herrero LJ. Utilising a novel surveillance system to investigate species of Forcipomyia ( Lasiohelea) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as the suspected vectors of Leishmania macropodum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in the Darwin region of Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 12:192-198. [PMID: 32637311 PMCID: PMC7327299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Up until recently, Australia was considered free of Leishmania due to the absence of phlebotomine sandfly species (Diptera: Phlebotominae) known to transmit Leishmania parasites in other parts of the world. The discovery of Leishmania (Mundinia) macropodum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in Northern Australia sparked questions as to the existence of alternative vectors of Leishmania. This has added to the complexity of fully understanding the parasite's interaction with its vector, which is known to be very specific. Previous findings demonstrated L. macropodum infection beyond the blood meal stage in the day-biting midges Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) implicating them in the parasite's life cycle. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence demonstrating this suspected vector to transmit L. macropodum to a naïve host. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the vector competency of day-biting midge F. (Lasiohelea) to transmit L. macropodum utilising a novel technology that preserves nucleic acids. Honey-soaked Flinders Technology Associates (FTA®) filter-paper cards were used to obtain saliva expectorated from biting midges while sugar-feeding. F. (Lasiohelea) were aspirated directly off macropods from a known Leishmania-transmission site and were kept in a waxed-paper container holding a honey-coated FTA® card for feeding. Insect identification and Taqman quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) screening assays revealed L. macropodum DNA in F. (Lasiohelea) up to 7 days post field-collection, and in an unidentified biting midge, previously known as F. (Lasiohelea) sp.1. Moreover, 7/145 (4.83%) of FTA® cards were confirmed positive with L. macropodum DNA after exposure to field-collected F. (Lasiohelea). Additionally, FTA® cards were found to be a valuable surveillance tool, given the ease of use in the field and laboratory. Overall, our findings support previous reports on L. macropodum transmission by an alternative vector to phlebotomine sandflies. Further studies identifying and isolating infective L. macropodum promastigotes is necessary to resolve questions on the L. macropodum vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Panahi
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Martin Shivas
- Mosquito Management, Brisbane City Council, Eagle Farm, QLD, 4009, Australia
| | - Sonja Hall-Mendelin
- Public Health Virology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Coopers Plains, QLD, 4108, Australia
| | - Nina Kurucz
- Medical Entomology, Centre for Disease Control, Top End Health Service, Casuarina, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Penny A Rudd
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Rachel De Araujo
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Primary Industry and Resources, Berrimah, NT, 0828, Australia
| | - Eloise B Skinner
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Lorna Melville
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Primary Industry and Resources, Berrimah, NT, 0828, Australia
| | - Lara J Herrero
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia.,Redland Hospital, Metro South, Queensland Health, Cleveland, QLD, 4163, Australia
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Tsokana CN, Sokos C, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Valiakos G, Spyrou V, Athanasiou LV, Rodi Burriel A, Billinis C. European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as a source of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of Public Health importance: A review. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:550-564. [PMID: 32088933 PMCID: PMC7397891 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
European brown hare (Lepus europaeus, EBH) is probably the most important game animal in Europe throughout its historical distribution. The decline in its populations across its geographic range in Europe have been attributed to factors such as reproductive rate and the ability for adaptation, climate, feed availability, predators, anthropogenic factors and diseases. Apart from common diseases of hares with a high impact on their mortality such as European Brown hare Syndrome, EBH has been involved in the epidemiology of pathogens with zoonotic potential. In this work, the role of EBH as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum is discussed. Hares may significantly contribute to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens through maintenance of high endemicity levels as in the case of CCHFV, as a reservoir of important pathogens such as Yersinia spp., B. suis, F. tularensis and L. infantum and as a potential source of T. gondii for other animals, especially for carnivores but also for humans. However, EBH may also be a host of minor importance as in the case of HEV. The continuous surveillance of hare populations will enable the collection of information on the population health status and the pathogens currently circulating in the area posing risk for wildlife, domestic animals and humans. The possible live animal translocations of infected hares, the fact that this species acts as a host of vectors (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and sandflies) and the prey of carnivores and omnivores that travel in great distances getting into contact with domestic animals and humans, further highlights the need to be included in surveillance studies. Besides, the hunter‐harvested EBH population is an excellent indicator for recent pathogen transmission due to its short lifespan. The present review provides an overview of the role of European Brown Hare as a source of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Yersinia spp., Brucella spp., Francisella tularensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum aiming to highlight the contribution of this species to the epidemiology of important emerging zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantina N Tsokana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Christos Sokos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Research Division, Hunting Federation of Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Forestry and Natural Environment Administration, Technological Institute of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - George Valiakos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Department of Animal Production, Technological Education Institute of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | | | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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Latif AA, Nkabinde B, Peba B, Matthee O, Pienaar R, Josemans A, Marumo D, Labuschagne K, Abdelatief NA, Krüger A, Mans BJ. Risk of establishment of canine leishmaniasis infection through the import of dogs into South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 86:e1-e11. [PMID: 31170780 PMCID: PMC6556918 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v86i1.1634] [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: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania that affect dogs, humans and wildlife. Sandflies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia are the primary vectors. Canine leishmaniasis is an exotic and controlled disease in South Africa. The main purpose of our risk assessment study was to evaluate the likelihood that this exotic disease could enter and be established in South Africa through importation of live dogs. Risk analysis to the spread of the disease follows the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) formal method of quantitative risk assessment documented as a step-by-step process. We have identified and discussed 11 possible risk factors involved in three steps for final assessment. The annual average number of diagnostic tests performed on imported dogs from 44 countries for 2011-2015 was 1158. Leishmania is reported to occur in 21/44 (47.7%) exporting countries. A total of 71.1% of Leishmania positive dogs were imported from these endemic countries. The yearly percentage of Leishmania positive dogs ranged from 0.2% to 2%. Three confirmed clinical and fatal cases of leishmaniasis in dogs of unidentified origin have been reported by our laboratory and the state veterinarians. The disease has been reported in neighbouring countries as well as the putative sandfly vectors. This study concluded that the risk for the introduction and degree of uncertainty of Leishmania in imported dogs in South Africa are moderate. Risk mitigation and recommendations such as investigations into possible occurrence of autochthonous leishmaniasis in the country, surveillance in its wildlife reservoirs and systematic surveillance of sandfly populations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalla A Latif
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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11
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Chen H, Li J, Zhang J, Guo X, Liu J, He J, Song Q, Zhang J, Chen M, Zheng Z, Chen D, Chen J. Multi-locus characterization and phylogenetic inference of Leishmania spp. in snakes from Northwest China. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210681. [PMID: 31022192 PMCID: PMC6483563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania is a neglected disease which is endemic in the northwest of China. Reptiles were considered to be the potential reservoir hosts for mammalian Leishmaniasis, and Leishmania had been detected in lizards from the epidemic area in the northwest of China. To date, few studies are focused on the natural infection of snakes with Leishmania. METHODS In this study, 15 snakes captured from 10 endemic foci in the northwest of China were detected Leishmania spp. on the base of mitochondrial cytochrome b, heat shock protein 70 gene and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 regions, and identified with phylogenetic and network analyses. RESULT In total, Leishmania gene was found in 7 snakes. The phylogenetic inference trees and network analysis suggests that the species identification was confirmed as Leishmania donovani, L. turanica and L. (Sauroleishmania) sp. CONCLUSION Our work is the first time to investigate the natural Leishmania spp. infection of snakes in the northwest of China. Mammalian Leishmania (L. donovani and L. turanica) was discovered in snakes and the reptilian Leishmania (Sauroleishmania sp.) was closely related to the clinical strains both prompt the importance of snakes in the disease cycle. To indicate the epidemiological involvement of snakes, a wide sample size in epidemic area and the pathogenic features of reptilian Leishmania promastigotes are recommended in the future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junrong Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianguang Guo
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinlong Liu
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlei He
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Song
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Minli Chen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwan Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dali Chen
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Galluzzi L, Ceccarelli M, Diotallevi A, Menotta M, Magnani M. Real-time PCR applications for diagnosis of leishmaniasis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:273. [PMID: 29716641 PMCID: PMC5930967 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2859-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by many Leishmania species, which can infect both humans and other mammals. Leishmaniasis is a complex disease, with heterogeneous clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infections to lesions at cutaneous sites (cutaneous leishmaniasis), mucosal sites (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis) or in visceral organs (visceral leishmaniasis), depending on the species and host characteristics. Often, symptoms are inconclusive and leishmaniasis can be confused with other co-endemic diseases. Moreover, co-infections (mainly with HIV in humans) can produce atypical clinical presentations. A correct diagnosis is crucial to apply the appropriate treatment and the use of molecular techniques in diagnosis of leishmaniasis has become increasingly relevant due to their remarkable sensitivity, specificity and possible application to a variety of clinical samples. Among them, real-time PCR (qPCR)-based approaches have become increasingly popular in the last years not only for detection and quantification of Leishmania species but also for species identification. However, despite qPCR-based methods having proven to be very effective in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, a standardized method does not exist. This review summarizes the qPCR-based methods in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis focusing on the recent developments and applications in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Marcello Ceccarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU Italy
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Persichetti MF, Pennisi MG, Vullo A, Masucci M, Migliazzo A, Solano-Gallego L. Clinical evaluation of outdoor cats exposed to ectoparasites and associated risk for vector-borne infections in southern Italy. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:136. [PMID: 29554931 PMCID: PMC5859451 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats can be carriers of infected arthropods and be infected with several vector-borne pathogens (VBP) but there is limited knowledge about their pathogenic role in cats. RESULTS A cross-sectional controlled study investigated the clinical status and antibody (Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti and Leishmania infantum) and/or blood PCR (Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, L. infantum, Hepatozoon felis) prevalence in 197 cats. Outdoor cats lacking ectoparasiticide treatment or hosting ectoparasites (study group [SG], n = 134) and indoor cats treated against ectoparasites (control group [CG], n = 63) were enrolled. Clinical data and retroviral co-infections were compared between the two groups. Multivariable analysis tested associations between variables and VBP exposure. Lymphadenia, stomatitis, and various haematological abnormalities were statistically more frequent in SG. Antibodies against R. conorii, B. henselae, A. phagocytophylum, B. microti, E. canis and L. infantum were detected. Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Mycoplasma haemofelis, "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" and "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" DNA were identified. Very high antibody (87.8%) and PCR (40.1%) positivity to at least one pathogen were detected and were significantly higher in SG. Co-infections were confirmed in about one-third of the cats and were more frequent in SG cats. Molecular and overall (antibody and PCR) positivity to Bartonella and antibody positivity to R. conorii were higher in SG. Multivariable analysis found significant associations of Bartonella spp. infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection and increased globulins, and of Mycoplasma spp. infection with adult age, FIV infection, anaemia, and increased creatinine. CONCLUSIONS A very high prevalence of exposure to zoonotic VBP was found in cats, with Rickettsia and Bartonella infections being most prevalent. Some risk factors were documented namely for Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. The lifestyle of cats is clinically relevant and requires specific preventative measures to protect their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, A. Mirri, Via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
| | - Angela Vullo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, A. Mirri, Via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marisa Masucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Migliazzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, A. Mirri, Via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
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Dabaghmanesh T, Asgari Q, Moemenbellah-Fard MD, Soltani A, Azizi K. Natural transovarial and transstadial transmission of Leishmania infantum by naïve Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks blood feeding on an endemically infected dog in Shiraz, south of Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2017; 110:408-13. [PMID: 27496515 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The visceral leishmaniasis parasite, Leishmania infantum, is naturally transmitted through the bites of phlebotomine sand flies. Alternative routes of transmission are questioned. The main aim is to verify the passage of L. infantum kDNA in ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, blood feeding on a parasitemic dog in Shiraz, south of Iran. METHODS A total of 180 Leishmania-free ticks collected from fields and bred on lab rodents, were divided into eight groups and allowed to feed on a dog (Canis familiaris) for fixed periods of time. These and all third generation stages of ticks were checked for L. infantum kDNA using conventional PCR protocol. RESULTS The infection rate was significantly higher in female than male ticks (p=0.043). The rates were higher among nymphs (25/60; 42%) than adult ticks (37/120; 30.8%). The kDNA of L. infantum was not detected in ticks 24 h post-feeding. It was, however, positive among the second to fourth groups of nymphs (4/10; 40%, 10/20; 50% and 11/20; 55%) and adult (12/30; 40%, 14/30; 46.6% and 11/30; 36.6%) ticks. Eggs and unfed larvae recovered from the third and fourth adult groups (2 weeks, 4 weeks) were 100% PCR-positive. The data revealed the passage of L. infantum kDNA in nymphs and adults of brown dog tick following fixed time intervals post blood feeding on an infected dog. CONCLUSIONS The natural transovarial and transstadial passage of kDNA through ticks was shown by PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Dabaghmanesh
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Djaefar Moemenbellah-Fard
- Research Centre for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Aboozar Soltani
- Research Centre for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kourosh Azizi
- Research Centre for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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15
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Sosa-Gutierrez CG, Vargas-Sandoval M, Torres J, Gordillo-Pérez G. Tick-borne rickettsial pathogens in questing ticks, removed from humans and animals in Mexico. J Vet Sci 2017; 17:353-60. [PMID: 26726019 PMCID: PMC5037303 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.3.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsial diseases (TBRD) are commonly encountered in medical and veterinary clinical settings. The control of these diseases is difficult, requiring disruption of a complex transmission chain involving a vertebrate host and ticks. The geographical distribution of the diseases is related to distribution of the vector, which is an indicator of risk for the population. A total of 1,107 ticks were collected by tick dragging from forests, ecotourism parks and hosts at 101 sites in 22 of the 32 states of Mexico. Collected ticks were placed in 1.5 mL cryovials containing 70% ethanol and were identified to species. Ticks were pooled according to location/host of collection, date of collection, sex, and stage of development. A total of 51 ticks were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm species identification using morphological methods. A total of 477 pools of ticks were assayed using PCR techniques for selected tick-borne pathogens. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was the most commonly detected pathogen (45 pools), followed by, Ehrlichia (E.) canis (42), Rickettsia (R.) rickettsii (11), E. chaffeensis (8), and R. amblyommii (1). Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the tick most frequently positive for selected pathogens. Overall, our results indicate that potential tick vectors positive for rickettsial pathogens are distributed throughout the area surveyed in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina G Sosa-Gutierrez
- Unit of Research in Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital, National Medical Center, Institute of Mexico Social Security, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Margarita Vargas-Sandoval
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agrobiology, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Uruapan 60150, Mexico
| | - Javier Torres
- Unit of Research in Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital, National Medical Center, Institute of Mexico Social Security, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Gordillo-Pérez
- Unit of Research in Infectious Diseases, Children Hospital, National Medical Center, Institute of Mexico Social Security, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
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16
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Detection of Leishmania (V) guyanensis in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from Pecari tajacu. BIOMEDICA 2017; 37:208-214. [PMID: 29161493 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v37i0.3435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies identified the presence of Leishmania infantum in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and indicated the possibility that it could transmit leishmaniasis to a variety of hosts. OBJECTIVE To identify parasites of Leishmania (Viannia) spp. in ticks collected from wild animals in an endemic area for leishmaniasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed 81 individual DNA extractions from ticks collected from three Tapirus terrestris and three Pecari tajacu in Madre de Dios, Perú. Ticks were taxonomically identified and they were subsequently prepared to identify Leishmania (Viannia) spp. kDNA by PCR and the species of Leishmania by HRM-PCR. RESULTS Leishmania (Viannia) kDNA was detected in three wild ticks of the species R. microplus, collected from a collard peccary (P. tajacu) hunted in the forests of Madre de Dios. The HRM-PCR showed that one of the positive samples had a kDNA curve compatible with L. (V) guyanensis. CONCLUSION The results showed the presence of L. (V) guyanensis DNA in R. microplus possibly acquired after biting a collarde peccary. Therefore, it is important to design future studies to clarify R. microplus involvement in the transmission of leishmaniasis.
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17
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Cevidanes A, Altet L, Chirife AD, Proboste T, Millán J. Drivers of Bartonella infection in micromammals and their fleas in a Mediterranean peri-urban area. Vet Microbiol 2017; 203:181-188. [PMID: 28619142 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
People living at the human/wildlife interface are at risk of becoming infected with Bartonella for which micromammals act as reservoir. We aimed to determine the factors related to the prevalence of Bartonella and its haplotype diversity in micromammals and in their fleas in a Mediterranean peri-urban environment. We analyzed 511 micromammals, chiefly 407 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), captured into Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain) in spring and autumn from 2011 to 2013 in two natural and two adjacent residential areas, their fleas (grouped in 218 monospecific pools) and 29 fetuses from six Bartonella-positive female wood mice. Amplification of a fragment of ITS was carried out by real time PCR. Prevalence was 49% (57% in the dominant species, the wood mouse), and 12 haplotypes were detected. In general, prevalence was higher in those hosts more heavily infested by fleas, coincident with higher rates of capture, in autumn than in spring, and in adults than in juveniles. Prevalence did not differ between natural and residential areas except for one prevalent haplotype, which was more frequent in natural areas. Prevalence in flea pools (58%) was only explained by Bartonella occurrence in the pool host. In 56.4% of the flea pools with identified Bartonella haplotypes, we found the same haplotype in the host and in its flea pool. Prevalence in wood mouse fetuses was 69%, with at least one infected fetus in all litters, and two litters with all the fetuses infected. indicating that vertical transmission might be important in Bartonella epidemiology in the wood mouse. There is a hazard of Bartonella infection for people living in residential areas and those visiting peri-urban natural areas in Barcelona.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Cevidanes
- PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Laura Altet
- Vetgenomics, Edificio Eureka, Research Facilities, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Andrea D Chirife
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tatiana Proboste
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile.
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18
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Oliveira ACD, Figueiredo FB, Silva VL, Santos FN, Souza MBD, Madeira MDF, Abrantes TR, Périssé ARS. CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS CASE INVESTIGATION IN THE JACARE REGION OF NITEROI, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 57:325-32. [PMID: 26422157 PMCID: PMC4616918 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000400009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
American visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne zoonosis in expansion in Brazil. Dogs are the main urban reservoir. Departing from a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Jacaré, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro State, an epidemiological canine and entomological study was performed to assess the extension of the disease at the location. Sample was collected around the case and the dogs identified by serological tests (rapid double platform immunochromatographic exams, immunoenzymatic assay/ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence/IFAT). The parasitological diagnosis was performed in animals positive in at least one of these tests. The entomological study was carried out by using light traps and manual collection. The associations between canine variables and outcome (ELISA and IFAT reagents) were assessed by the chi-square test and adjusted by multivariate logistic regression for those associations with p < 0.1 in the bivariate analysis. Seventeen cases of CVL were detected among 110 evaluated dogs (prevalence of 15.5%). Presence of ectoparasites (OR 6.5; 95% CI 1.1-37.4), animals with clinical signs (OR 9.5; 95% CI 1.2-76.6), and previous cases of CVL in the same house (OR 17.9; 95% CI 2.2-147.1) were associated with the outcome. Lutzomyia longipalpiswas not detected. Our results are indicative of an ongoing transmission in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Codeço de Oliveira
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, BR, , , , ,
| | | | - Valmir Laurentino Silva
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, BR, , , , ,
| | - Fernanda Nunes Santos
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, BR, , , , ,
| | - Marcos Barbosa de Souza
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, BR, , , , ,
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Detection and quantification of Leishmania infantum in naturally and experimentally infected animal samples. Vet Parasitol 2016; 226:57-64. [PMID: 27514885 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is one of the causative agents of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). VL is the most severe form of leishmaniasis and can be fatal if it is not properly treated. Although several PCR works are intended to detect L. infantum, in silico analysis of available primers and/or primer-probes reveals potential cross species amplification. Here, a TaqMan-based quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) assay was developed for specific detection and quantitation of L. infantum in tissue samples from experimentally or naturally infected animals, mice or dogs, respectively. For this assay, primers and probes were designed for the kinetoplast minicircle DNA of L. infantum. The qPCR assay achieved a detection limit of 0.01pg of parasite DNA, and allowed specific amplification of L. infantum in both asymptomatic and symptomatic naturally infected dogs with inter-assay variation coefficients between 0.05-0.11. There was no cross amplification with dog DNA or with L. braziliensis, L. donovani, L. major, L. tropica or Trypanosoma cruzi. In addition, our assay detected a significantly higher parasite load in symptomatic than in the asymptomatic animals (p<0.0001). We believe this approach will be a valuable tool for the specific detection of L. infantum in regions of sympatric transmission of VL-causing parasites.
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Viol MA, Guerrero FD, de Oliveira BCM, de Aquino MCC, Loiola SH, de Melo GD, de Souza Gomes AH, Kanamura CT, Garcia MV, Andreotti R, de Lima VMF, Bresciani KDS. Identification of Leishmania spp. promastigotes in the intestines, ovaries, and salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus actively infesting dogs. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3479-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Molecular detection of Theileria, Babesia, and Hepatozoon spp. in ixodid ticks from Palestine. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:734-741. [PMID: 26969489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ixodid ticks transmit various infectious agents that cause disease in humans and livestock worldwide. A cross-sectional survey on the presence of protozoan pathogens in ticks was carried out to assess the impact of tick-borne protozoa on domestic animals in Palestine. Ticks were collected from herds with sheep, goats and dogs in different geographic districts and their species were determined using morphological keys. The presence of piroplasms and Hepatozoon spp. was determined by PCR amplification of a 460-540bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene followed by RFLP or DNA sequencing. A PCR-RFLP method based on the 18S rRNA was used in order to detect and to identify Hepatozoon, Babesia and Theileria spp. A total of 516 ticks were collected from animals in six Palestinian localities. Five tick species were found: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Haemaphysalis parva and Haemaphysalis adleri. PCR-based analyses of the ticks revealed Theileria ovis (5.4%), Hepatozoon canis (4.3%), Babesia ovis (0.6%), and Babesia vogeli (0.4%). Theileria ovis was significantly associated with ticks from sheep and with R. turanicus ticks (p<0.01). H. canis was detected only in R. sanguineus s.l. and was significantly associated with ticks from dogs (p<0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of these pathogens in ticks collected from Palestine. Communicating these findings with health and veterinary professionals will increase their awareness, and contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases.
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Akhoundi M, Kuhls K, Cannet A, Votýpka J, Marty P, Delaunay P, Sereno D. A Historical Overview of the Classification, Evolution, and Dispersion of Leishmania Parasites and Sandflies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004349. [PMID: 26937644 PMCID: PMC4777430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to describe the major evolutionary historical events among Leishmania, sandflies, and the associated animal reservoirs in detail, in accordance with the geographical evolution of the Earth, which has not been previously discussed on a large scale. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Leishmania and sandfly classification has always been a controversial matter, and the increasing number of species currently described further complicates this issue. Despite several hypotheses on the origin, evolution, and distribution of Leishmania and sandflies in the Old and New World, no consistent agreement exists regarding dissemination of the actors that play roles in leishmaniasis. For this purpose, we present here three centuries of research on sandflies and Leishmania descriptions, as well as a complete description of Leishmania and sandfly fossils and the emergence date of each Leishmania and sandfly group during different geographical periods, from 550 million years ago until now. We discuss critically the different approaches that were used for Leishmana and sandfly classification and their synonymies, proposing an updated classification for each species of Leishmania and sandfly. We update information on the current distribution and dispersion of different species of Leishmania (53), sandflies (more than 800 at genus or subgenus level), and animal reservoirs in each of the following geographical ecozones: Palearctic, Nearctic, Neotropic, Afrotropical, Oriental, Malagasy, and Australian. We propose an updated list of the potential and proven sandfly vectors for each Leishmania species in the Old and New World. Finally, we address a classical question about digenetic Leishmania evolution: which was the first host, a vertebrate or an invertebrate? CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE We propose an updated view of events that have played important roles in the geographical dispersion of sandflies, in relation to both the Leishmania species they transmit and the animal reservoirs of the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Akhoundi
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital de l’Archet, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Katrin Kuhls
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genetics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
| | - Arnaud Cannet
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pierre Marty
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital de l’Archet, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Pascal Delaunay
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital de l’Archet, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
- Inserm U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Denis Sereno
- MIVEGEC, UMR CNRS-IRD-Université de Montpellier Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
- UMR177, Centre IRD de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Pennisi MG, Persichetti MF, Serrano L, Altet L, Reale S, Gulotta L, Solano-Gallego L. Ticks and associated pathogens collected from cats in Sicily and Calabria (Italy). Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:512. [PMID: 26445916 PMCID: PMC4596469 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited information is available about the species of ticks infesting the cat and the pathogens that they harbor. The aims of the present study were to identify the species of ticks removed from cats living in Sicily and Calabria (Italy) and to detect DNA of vector-borne pathogens in the same ticks. Findings Morphological identification of 132 adult ticks collected throughout the year from cats was carried out. Real-time PCRs for Hepatozoon felis, Piroplasmid, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp. and Leishmania infantum were performed from each individual tick. Ticks belonging to Rhipicephalus (R. sanguineus sensu lato, R. pusillus) and Ixodes (I. ricinus, I. ventalloi) genera were identified. Ixodes ventalloi was the most frequently found tick species (47 %). The positivity rate to at least one pathogen was 14.4 % (19/132 ticks). Leishmania infantum, Rickettsia spp. (R. monacensis and R. helvetica), Bartonella spp. (B. clarridgeiae), Piroplasmid (Babesia vogeli), and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. (E. canis) DNAs were amplified in 8.3, 5.3, 1.5, 0.75 and 0.75 % of ticks, respectively. Hepatozoon felis, Anaplasma spp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNAs were not detected. Four (21.1 %) out of nineteen positive ticks were co-infected. Conclusions This study provides novel data about ticks infesting cats and the DNA of pathogens that they harbor. In Southern Italy, anti-tick prophylaxis should be implemented throughout the year in cats without neglecting winter time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Messina, 98168, Italy.
| | - Maria-Flaminia Persichetti
- Dottorato di Ricerca Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Messina, 98168, Italy.
| | - Lorena Serrano
- Vetgenomics, Edifici Eureka, PRUAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Altet
- Vetgenomics, Edifici Eureka, PRUAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Stefano Reale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, A. Mirri, Via G. Marinuzzi 3, Palermo, 90129, Italy.
| | - Laura Gulotta
- Veterinary practitioner, Via F. Crispi 56, Lipari, 98055, Messina, Italy.
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals. Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Bellaterra, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
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24
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Proboste T, Kalema-Zikusoka G, Altet L, Solano-Gallego L, Fernández de Mera IG, Chirife AD, Muro J, Bach E, Piazza A, Cevidanes A, Blanda V, Mugisha L, de la Fuente J, Caracappa S, Millán J. Infection and exposure to vector-borne pathogens in rural dogs and their ticks, Uganda. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:306. [PMID: 26043771 PMCID: PMC4460633 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0919-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In rural parts of Africa, dogs live in close association with humans and livestock, roam freely, and usually do not receive prophylactic measures. Thus, they are a source of infectious disease for humans and for wildlife such as protected carnivores. In 2011, an epidemiological study was carried out around three conservation areas in Uganda to detect the presence and determine the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in rural dogs and associated ticks to evaluate the risk that these pathogens pose to humans and wildlife. METHODS Serum samples (n = 105), blood smears (n = 43) and blood preserved on FTA cards (n = 38) and ticks (58 monospecific pools of Haemaphysalis leachi and Rhipicephalus praetextatus including 312 ticks from 52 dogs) were collected from dogs. Dog sera were tested by indirect immunofluorescence to detect the presence of antibodies against Rickettsia conorii and Ehrlichia canis. Antibodies against R. conorii were also examined by indirect enzyme immunoassay. Real time PCR for the detection of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella spp. and Babesia spp. was performed in DNA extracted from FTA cards and ticks. RESULTS 99% of the dogs were seropositive to Rickettsia spp. and 29.5% to Ehrlichia spp. Molecular analyses revealed that 7.8% of the blood samples were infected with Babesia rossi, and all were negative for Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Ticks were infected with Rickettsia sp. (18.9%), including R. conorii and R. massiliae; Ehrlichia sp. (18.9%), including E. chaffeensis and Anaplasma platys; and B. rossi (1.7%). Bartonella spp. was not detected in any of the blood or tick samples. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the presence of previously undetected vector-borne pathogens of humans and animals in East Africa. We recommend that dog owners in rural Uganda be advised to protect their animals against ectoparasites to prevent the transmission of pathogens to humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Proboste
- Facultad de Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
- Conservation Through Public Health, Plot 3 Mapera Lane, Uringi Crescent, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Laura Altet
- VetGenomics, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, IREC (CSIC-UCLM- JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, Ciudad Real, 13005, Spain.
| | | | - Jesús Muro
- Andorra Veterinary Services, Government of Andorra, Andorra La Vella, Andorra.
| | - Ester Bach
- Servei d'Hematologia Clinica Veterinaria (SHCV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Antonio Piazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Republica 252, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, 7062, Uganda.
- Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Kampala, 34153, Uganda.
| | - José de la Fuente
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 74078, OK, USA.
| | - Santo Caracappa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Javier Millán
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andres Bello, Republica 252, Santiago, Chile.
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25
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Fooks AR, Johnson N. Jet set pets: examining the zoonosis risk in animal import and travel across the European Union. VETERINARY MEDICINE (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2014; 6:17-25. [PMID: 30101093 PMCID: PMC6067792 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s62059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ownership of companion animals or pets is popular throughout the world. Unfortunately, such animals are susceptible to and potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Close proximity to and contact with pets can lead to human infections. The distribution of zoonotic diseases associated with companion animals such as dogs and cats is not uniform around the world, and moving animals between regions, countries, and continents carries with it the risk of relocating the pathogens they might harbor. Critical among these zoonotic diseases are rabies, echinococcosis, and leishmania. In addition, the protozoan parasites, Toxoplasma gondii and Giardia duodenalis, are also significant agents for human disease of pet origin. Considerable effort is applied to controlling movements of companion animals, particularly dogs, into the European Union. However, free movement of people and their pets within the European Union is a risk factor for the translocation of diseases and their vectors. This review considers the current distribution of some of these diseases, the risks associated with pet travel, and the controls implemented within Europe to prevent the free movement of zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Fooks
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey,
- Department of Clinical Infection, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey,
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26
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Campos JHF, Costa FAL. Participation of ticks in the infectious cycle of canine visceral leishmaniasis, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2014; 56:297-300. [PMID: 25076429 PMCID: PMC4131814 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652014000400005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we detected Leishmania spp. infection in
R. sanguineus collected from dogs that were naturally infected
with L. (L.) infantum. We examined 35 dogs of both sexes and unknown
ages. The infected dogs were serologically positive by the immunofluorescence
antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Quick Test-DPP
(Dual Path Platform), as well as parasitological examination of a positive skin
biopsy or sternal bone marrow aspiration. Ten negative dogs were included as
controls. The ticks that infested these dogs were collected in pools of 10 adult
females per animal. The PCR was performed with specific primers for
Leishmania spp., which amplified a 720-bp fragment. Of the 35
analyzed samples, a product was observed in eight samples (8/35; 22.9%). We conclude
that the presence of parasite DNA suggests that ticks participate in the zoonotic
cycle of canine visceral leishmaniasis, in the city of Teresina, Piauí.
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27
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Seblova V, Sadlova J, Carpenter S, Volf P. Speculations on biting midges and other bloodsucking arthropods as alternative vectors of Leishmania. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:222. [PMID: 24884857 PMCID: PMC4024269 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sand flies remain the only proven vectors of Leishmania spp. but recent implementation of PCR techniques has led to increasing speculation about "alternative vectors", including biting midges. Here, we summarize that PCR has considerable limits for studing the role of bloodsucking arthropods in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis. The Leishmania life cycle in the sand fly includes a complex series of interactions which are in many cases species-specific, the early phase of the infection is, however, non-specific to sand flies. These facts should be considered in detection of Leishmania in ,"alternative" or "new" vectors to avoid mistaken speculation about their vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague 2 128 44, Czech Republic.
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28
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Haeberlein S, Fischer D, Thomas SM, Schleicher U, Beierkuhnlein C, Bogdan C. First assessment for the presence of phlebotomine vectors in Bavaria, Southern Germany, by combined distribution modeling and field surveys. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81088. [PMID: 24260539 PMCID: PMC3832422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by sand flies from mammalian reservoirs to humans. In recent years, a northward spread of L. infantum from highly endemic Mediterranean countries into previously non-endemic Central European areas has been suspected based on presumed sporadic cases of autochthonous leishmaniasis. Here, we investigated whether sand flies are prevalent in Bavaria in Southern Germany, a federal state in which autochthonous cases have previously been reported. Considering the present and future climatic conditions, we determined whether Bavaria is suitable for five sand fly species with assumed spreading tendencies towards Central Europe: Phlebotomus ariasi, P. neglectus, P. perfiliewi and P. perniciosus that are known vectors for Leishmania in Europe, and P. mascittii, a suspected but not proven vector. Within Bavaria we defined sampling regions based on their climatic suitability and their spatial distance to the sites of the autochthonous cases and/or to areas of reported sand fly detection in states adjacent to Bavaria. At 155 locations in 7 sampling regions, CDC light traps were placed during 38 nights in the summers of 2009 and 2010, resulting in 202 trap-nights. All traps were negative for sand flies. The results suggest that Bavaria is not yet endemic for sand flies, but do not exclude the possibility of sporadic cases of autochthonous human or zoonotic Leishmania infections. This study, which combined methodological approaches from different disciplines, serves as reference for future surveys and risk analyses of sand flies and leishmaniasis in so far non-endemic areas of Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Haeberlein
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dominik Fischer
- Department of Biogeography, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Schleicher
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Christian Bogdan
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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29
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de Morais RCS, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque SDC, Pessoa e Silva R, Costa PL, da Silva KG, da Silva FJ, Brandão-Filho SP, Dantas-Torres F, de Paiva-Cavalcanti M. Detection and quantification of Leishmania braziliensis in ectoparasites from dogs. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:506-8. [PMID: 23601843 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a disease caused by different species of Leishmania protozoa, Leishmania braziliensis being the main species found in Brazil. In this study, two rural areas in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, where ACL is endemic, were selected. Genomic DNA was extracted from canine ectoparasites (ticks, fleas, and lice) and tested using a conventional PCR and a quantitative real time PCR. A total of 117 ectoparasites were collected, being 50 (42.74%) of them positive for L. braziliensis (in at least one PCR protocol), with a mean parasite load of 14.14 fg/μL. Furthermore, 46 (92.00%) positive ectoparasites were collected from positive dogs and 4 (8.00%) from negative ones. This study reports the detection of L. braziliensis DNA in ectoparasites, but does not prove their vector competence. Certainly, experimental transmission studies are necessary to assess their role, if any, in the transmission of Leishmania parasites to dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayana Carla Silva de Morais
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, 50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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