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Hernández-Núñez A, Vidal-Martínez VM, Aguirre-Macedo ML. New distribution record, morphological and molecular characterization of Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) tenuis (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in raccoons ( Procyon lotor) from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 25:100981. [PMID: 39286545 PMCID: PMC11403458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100981] [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: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) tenuis is a mosquito-borne subcutaneous parasite of raccoons, regarded as the causative agent of most human dirofilarial infections in North America. Despite the wide geographic range of raccoons in the Americas, the presence of this parasite has not been confirmed outside its known endemic areas in the Southern United States. Based on morphological and molecular data, we present the first record of D. (N.) tenuis in wild raccoons from the Yucatan Peninsula. Adult thread-like worms recovered from subcutaneous tissues of wild raccoons were analyzed with light microscopy, histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cox1 gene sequencing for identification and phylogenetic analysis. The collected nematodes were identified as D. (N.) tenuis based on their morphology. SEM analysis revealed details about different facial ornamentations in male worms, which had not been previously described. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed morphological observations by placing our specimens within clades of the Dirofilaria genus. Our findings represent the first molecular characterization for this nematode and extend the geographical range of this parasite to Mexico. Further studies are required for a more accurate picture of the epidemiology of this filarioid across Mexico and other areas overlapping the raccoon's range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarón Hernández-Núñez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento Recursos del Mar, Carretera Antigua a Progreso Km 6, Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97310, Mexico
| | - Víctor M Vidal-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento Recursos del Mar, Carretera Antigua a Progreso Km 6, Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97310, Mexico
| | - M Leopoldina Aguirre-Macedo
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento Recursos del Mar, Carretera Antigua a Progreso Km 6, Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, C.P. 97310, Mexico
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Checa R, Peteiro L, Pérez-Hernando B, de la Morena M, Cano L, López-Suárez P, Barrera JP, Estévez-Sánchez E, Sarquis J, Fernández-Cebrián B, Montoya A, Miró G. High serological and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:374. [PMID: 39232789 PMCID: PMC11373305 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06437-9] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the high global impacts of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) due to their wide distribution and zoonotic potential, the current epidemiological situation of CVBD in many tropical and subtropical regions remains unknown. This study examines the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other pathogens causing CVBDs (Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon canis) in dogs living on the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde Republic). Blood samples and infesting ticks were taken from 150 dogs across the island (stray, shelter, and pet dogs). Serum samples were tested using a rapid immunochromatographic test (Uranotest® Quattro) that detects antibodies against E. canis, L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen. Levels of serum antibodies against E. canis were measured using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). In addition, tick-borne pathogens in blood samples (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia canis) were detected by microscopy observation and/or PCR plus sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis was extremely high at 82% (123/150), as revealed by both immunochromatography and IFAT. Most dogs returning a seropositive test result (82.92%; 102/123) had antibody titres > 1:1280 but showed no clinical signs or notable laboratory abnormalities. Of the 123 animals testing seropositive for E. canis, 67 (54.47%) also presented antibodies against Anaplasma spp., and 13 (10.56%) showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the blood smear. Ehrlichia canis infection was detected in 17.1% (25/146) of dogs tested by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Co-infections were detected in seven of these dogs: four dogs tested PCR-positive for both E. canis and A. platys, two dogs tested positive for E. canis and Hepatozoon spp., and one dog tested positive for E. canis, A. platys and Hepatozoon spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the only tick species found infesting the canine study population. The high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs from Boa Vista Island highlights a need for improved control measures designed to prevent the transmission of these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Checa
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Laura Peteiro
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Pérez-Hernando
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María de la Morena
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lourdes Cano
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan Pedro Barrera
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Efrén Estévez-Sánchez
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juliana Sarquis
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Montoya
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Chocobar MLE, Schmidt EMDS, Weir W, Panarese R. The Distribution, Diversity, and Control of Dirofilariosis in Brazil: A Comprehensive Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2462. [PMID: 39272246 PMCID: PMC11394567 DOI: 10.3390/ani14172462] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Brazil's extensive coastline, tropical and subtropical climate, and well-preserved environment represent a conducive setting for dirofilariosis, a zoonotic mosquito-borne disease. Although this condition has long been recognised in the country, it has been relatively under-studied, and it is currently considered to be an emerging disease. Diagnosis, treatment, and control remain challenging due to the extensive gaps in knowledge. In order to help address this issue, this review aims to (i) summarise the available literature on the distribution of Dirofilaria spp. in Brazilian dogs over the last decade, (ii) review case reports of dirofilariosis in cats, wild animals, and humans over the last twenty years, and (iii) highlight the benefits of taking a One Health approach to managing this disease. While there have been several prevalence studies in dogs, disease distribution is poorly characterised in cats, and little is known about the occurrence of the parasite in wildlife. Human cases are sporadically reported, and no large-scale studies have been undertaken to date. Evidence indicates that Dirofilaria immitis is the main species circulating in Brazil, although Dirofilaria repens has also been detected. Molecular studies have also suggested the circulation of a highly virulent form of D. immitis, which may be genetically distinct from those of the Old World. A programme of epidemiological, ecological, genomic, and pathogenicity-based studies is required to quantify the impact of dirofilariosis in Brazil on both veterinary and public health and to inform others on its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Laura Elis Chocobar
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Moreira Dos Santos Schmidt
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Rossella Panarese
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Ramos RA, Hakimi H, Salomon J, Busselman RE, Curtis-Robles R, Hodo CL, Hamer SA, Verocai GG. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) detected in wild carnivores from Texas, United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100954. [PMID: 39022402 PMCID: PMC11253277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) are epidemiologically important filarial nematodes detected in wild carnivores sympatric to domestic animals and humans. In this study we surveyed for Dirofilaria species among previous studies archived blood samples (n = 202) of wild carnivores sourced across Texas between the years of 2014-2016 and 2020 to 2023. In total, 117 coyotes (Canis latrans), 67 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 12 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), five bobcats (Lynx rufus), and one striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) were tested through the amplification of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI) gene followed by sequencing. Dirofilaria immitis was detected in 11.39% (95% CI = 7.71-16.51) of the samples (21 coyotes and two raccoons), while D. striata was detected in a single bobcat. Dirofilaria immitis sequences had 99.85%-100% (99.92% ± 0.08) similarity with other D. immitis sequences in GenBank. The sequence of D. striata from the bobcat was 100% similar to the single COI sequence available in GenBank. Data from this study reinforce the role of coyotes as a wild reservoir for D. immitis and suggest that raccoons may also play a role in the epidemiology of this parasite. This study additionally provides molecular data on D. striata, an understudied filarioid of felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A.N. Ramos
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, PE, 55282-278, Brazil
| | - Hassan Hakimi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jordan Salomon
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, 78601, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Bečejac T, Marcelić L, Danolić D, Vrančić M, Hiršl D, Jalšovec D. Pulmonary presentation and coil marcation of dirofilaria lung coin nodes - case report. Wien Med Wochenschr 2024:10.1007/s10354-024-01044-w. [PMID: 38836951 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-024-01044-w] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Clinicians face significant diagnostic challenges when dealing with nodal lesions of the lung. The majority of lung nodules are benign; however, a significant number can be cancerous. Dirofilaria infestation should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of nodal lung lesions. Most patients with Dirofilaria infestation are asymptomatic. To determine the etiology of nodal lung infiltrations, procedures like radiological imaging, bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), transthoracic biopsy (TTB), tumor markers, nonspecific serological tests, or surgical removal of the lung coin lesions can be performed. Coil marking of the smaller lung lesions under computed tomography (CT) guidance is a helpful tool in determining the position and localization of the nodal lung lesions. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) wedge resection is a diagnostic and therapeutic method of choice. No additional treatment of Dirofilaria other than wedge resection of the lung is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Bečejac
- Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luka Marcelić
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital for Tumors, University Hospital Centre Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital for Tumors, University Hospital Centre Sestre Milosrdnice, Ilica 197, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Damir Danolić
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital for Tumors, University Hospital Centre Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Vrančić
- Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dorian Hiršl
- Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravko Jalšovec
- Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Fagundes-Moreira R, Bezerra-Santos MA, May-Junior JA, Berger L, Baggio-Souza V, Souza UA, Bilhalva LC, Reis AO, Wagner PGC, Peters FB, Favarini MO, Albano APN, Sartorello L, Rampim LE, Tirelli FP, Otranto D, Soares JF. Dirofilaria immitis and Onchocercidae spp. in wild felids from Brazil. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:195. [PMID: 38658460 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08209-x] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Among the species described within the Onchocercidae family, Dirofilaria immitis is regarded as the most common worldwide, causing severe and often fatal conditions in dogs, cats, and occasionally humans. Dirofilaria spp. are vectored by mosquitoes, simulids, and culicoids, with their epidemiology dependent on the geographical distribution of competent vectors. Eight species of Dirofilaria have been reported so far in Brazil, of which six parasitize non-human primates, deer, procyonids, and marsupials. Here, we investigated the occurrence of Onchocercidae in wild felids (i.e., Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus guttulus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Leopardus munoai) from different locations in Brazil. Overall, 82 samples (n = 63 blood; n = 19 tissues) were molecularly screened for cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 (cox1) gene. Four (i.e., 4.8%) wild felid samples were positive, and at BLAST analysis, the obtained sequences showed varying percentage of nucleotide identity with the genera Brugia (i.e., 87-88%), Setaria (i.e., 89%), and D. immitis (i.e., 94.4%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences obtained into three distinct clades, one with D. immitis and the remaining two with other Onchocercidae spp. Data herein obtained highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and biology of Onchocercidae in South America in order to assess the potential impact that these species may have for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | | | - Joares Adenilson May-Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
- Onçafari Association, São Paulo, Brazil
- Panthera Corporation, New York, USA
| | - Laura Berger
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Baggio-Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Ugo Araújo Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Lina Crespo Bilhalva
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Adeyldes Oliveira Reis
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Paulo Guilherme Carniel Wagner
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
- Instituto Brasileiro Do Meio Ambiente E Dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Felipe Bortolotto Peters
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina Ochoa Favarini
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula N Albano
- Hospital de Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Flavia Pereira Tirelli
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil.
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Perles L, Gernone F, Menga G, Taurino R, Fornelli S, Covino M, Russo U, Ionascu I, Otranto D. Microfilaruria of Dirofilaria immitis in a dog from Italy. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:191. [PMID: 38647713 PMCID: PMC11035387 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08206-0] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne nematode-causing canine heartworm disease, with adult worms localized in the pulmonary arteries and right heart. In rare cases, ectopic migration might occur, and adults and blood circulating microfilariae can be found in unusual organs or fluids (e.g., eyes, abdominal cavity, bone marrow, and urine). A 17-year-old mixed-breed female dog was presented in a private veterinary clinic in Italy for hematuria and dysuria. Physical examination showed cardiac mitral murmur with marked respiratory distress and cyanotic mucous membranes after handling. Abdominal ultrasounds revealed a non-specific chronic cystopathy, while the echocardiography showed enlargement of the right heart associated with tricuspid insufficiency and mitral regurgitation, with the presence of an adult filariae in the right ventricular chamber. Circulating microfilariae were observed in the blood smear and molecularly identified as D. immitis. Unusual microfilaruria was detected in the urine sediment. Data presented raise awareness about the occurrence of microfilariae in unusual locations, such as the bladder, suggesting the need of a thorough clinical and laboratory assessment where D. immitis is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Perles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Floriana Gernone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Menga
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory ACV Triggiano, Triggiano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Iuliana Ionascu
- University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory ACV Triggiano, Triggiano, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Esteban-Mendoza MV, Arcila-Quiceno VH, Ríos Chacón C, Jaimes Dueñez JE, Tique Oviedo M, Díaz Bustos A, Castellanos MF, Morchón R. Microfilaremic infection in canine filariosis in Colombia: a challenge in morphological and molecular diagnostics. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1368307. [PMID: 38601908 PMCID: PMC11005679 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1368307] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine filariosis is caused by filiform nematodes and affects several species of animals as well as humans. The disease produces a wide range of symptoms that can often be confused with other diseases, which increases the complexity of its diagnosis. The search for methodologies to facilitate its diagnosis is a challenge, and specific and differential identification of the parasite species causing the disease holds key to a successful diagnosis. In Colombia, there is a problem of underdiagnosis of filariosis in microfilaremic dogs infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum, and of microfilaremias not related to heartworm disease. The highest prevalences have been reported for D. immitis infections, although new cases of A. reconditum infections are beginning to appear. The aim of this study was to differentiate the microfilariae infections caused by D. immitis and A. reconditum by a morphological and molecular characterization of microfilariae so as to facilitate an accurate diagnosis of canine filariosis in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga (Colombia). For this purpose, 400 blood samples with anticoagulants were collected from the dogs and analyzed with the help of a commercial immunochromatography kit for the detection of D. immitis circulating antigen. The Woo, Knott, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were employed for determining the parasite count, morphological observation, and molecular identification of microfilariae present in the dogs respectively. The prevalence of microfilaremic dogs in Bucaramanga metropolitan area was 18.75% (75/400). The prevalence of dogs that tested positive for D. immitis in the antigen and in PCR tests was 1.25% (5/400) and 1% (4/400), respectively. Furthermore, the PCR test revealed that 17.75% of the microfilaremic dogs tested positive for A. reconditum (71/400) (first report in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga), with one animal co-infected by both species, and 0% for D. repens (0/400). However, by morphological characterization, 4% of the microfilariae (3/75) corresponded to D. immitis, 20% (15/75) to D. repens, and 76% (57/75) to A. reconditum. The use of molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR aids in the specific identification of the parasite, thus making it a more accurate method than the morphological characterization of microfilariae. The identification of the parasites by PCR helps improve the veterinary diagnosis of canine filariosis in Colombia, which would lead to the establishment of an appropriate treatment protocol for each species of filaria and also to the generation of reliable data to be used at the clinical and epidemiological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Esteban-Mendoza
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Victor Hernán Arcila-Quiceno
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Catalina Ríos Chacón
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Jeiczon Elim Jaimes Dueñez
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Marisol Tique Oviedo
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Díaz Bustos
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - María Fernanda Castellanos
- Grupo GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Maestría en Salud y Producción Animal, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
- Biovet Diagnóstico Veterinario Bga, Laboratorio Clínico Veterinario, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Center for Tropical Diseases University of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Centre for Environmental Studies and Rural Dynamization (CEADIR), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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9
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Mõttus M, Mõtsküla PF, Jokelainen P. Heartworm disease in domestic dogs in Estonia: indication of local circulation of the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis farther north than previously reported. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:124. [PMID: 38475885 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mosquito-borne zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis continues to spread northwards in Europe. This parasite can cause potentially life-threatening heartworm disease in dogs and pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans and is, therefore, a major health concern in both the veterinary medicine and human medical fields. This is the first report of D. immitis infections and heartworm disease in the Baltic country Estonia. METHODS Data on canine D. immitis infections and heartworm disease were collected from the electronic patient records database of the Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, the only university clinic in Estonia. The patient records of dogs with confirmed diagnosis of D. immitis infection or heartworm disease were reviewed and summarised. RESULTS Six dogs had been diagnosed with confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease at the university clinic in 2021-2022. The confirmed diagnoses had been reached following international guidelines, based on a combination of different tests. Molecular confirmation of the parasite species had not been performed. Two of the dogs had been imported while four had no travel history outside of the country. CONCLUSIONS Four of the dogs with a confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease had no history of being imported or travelling outside of the country, indicating autochthonous infections and, consequently, local circulation of the parasite in Estonia. These findings represent the new northernmost autochthonous cases of D. immitis infection and canine heartworm disease reported in the European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maare Mõttus
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Perles L, Dantas-Torres F, Krücken J, Morchón R, Walochnik J, Otranto D. Zoonotic dirofilariases: one, no one, or more than one parasite. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:257-270. [PMID: 38228446 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.007] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria spp. are vector-borne filarial nematodes that affect a variety of animal species, including humans. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the two main zoonotic species, but also other wildlife-associated Dirofilaria species are occasionally reported as causative agents of human dirofilariasis, including Dirofilaria striata, Dirofilaria tenuis, Dirofilaria ursi, Dirofilaria spectans, and Dirofilaria magnilarvata. Since the etiological identity of most of the species mentioned here is arguable, we summarized and critically discussed data concerning infections in humans, focusing on the reliability of Dirofilaria species identification. We advocate the importance of combined morphological and genomic approaches to provide unequivocal evidence for their zoonotic potential and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Perles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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11
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Gabrielli S, Brustenga L, Morganti G, Ciuca L, Barlozzari G, Rigamonti G, Orlandi M, Sforna M, Veronesi F. Genetic variability of Dirofilaria repens isolates from humans and dogs in Italy. Vet Parasitol 2024; 326:110096. [PMID: 38141355 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110096] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a paradigmatic example of an emerging vector-borne pathogen (VBP) in both human and veterinary fields. The spatial expansion and the increasing zoonotic impact of this VBP can be related to several drivers including the genetic structure of parasite populations. Italy is one of the European countries traditionally endemic with the highest incidence of canine and human cases of subcutaneous dirofilariosis. The present study aimed to assess the genetic identity and variability of D. repens isolates of human and canine origin from areas of Central Italy, compared with those isolated from different areas of Europe by sequence analysis of mtDNA genes (i.e., 12 S rDNA and cox1). A total of twenty isolates of D. repens were obtained from biopsies of subcutaneous and ocular cases of dirofilariosis occurring in 10 dogs and 10 humans. The sequence analysis of 12 S rDNA showed that all the sequences obtained clustered as a monophyletic group with a strong nodal support, indicating that all sequence types represented D. repens. The cox1 and the 12 S sequence analysis did not show host-related polymorphisms between human and dog-derived specimens. The sequence analysis of cox1 was performed including 8 additional sequences previously obtained from human and canine isolates in the same areas. Out of the 28 sequences analyzed, 20 were grouped in a haplogroup comprising 15 haplotypes (i.e., DR1, DR2, DR4, DR5, DR7, DR8, DR10-DR18), 2 sequences matched to DR9, reported for the first time in Italy, and 6 showed peculiar polymorphisms that were not previously described. The results obtained have implications for a better understanding of the epidemiology and phylogeography of this emerging vector-borne zoonotic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naple, Italy
| | - Giulia Barlozzari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Margherita Orlandi
- Freelance Veterinarian for MyLav - La Vallonea, Laboratorio di Analisi Veterinarie s.r.l. Passirana di Rho (MI), Italy
| | - Monica Sforna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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12
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Gandasegui J, Power RI, Curry E, Lau DCW, O'Neill CM, Wolstenholme A, Prichard R, Šlapeta J, Doyle SR. Genome structure and population genomics of the canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:89-98. [PMID: 37652224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.07.006] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, is a filarial parasitic nematode responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in wild and domesticated canids. Resistance to macrocyclic lactone drug prevention represents a significant threat to parasite control and has prompted investigations to understand the genetic determinants of resistance. This study aimed to improve the genomic resources of D. immitis to enable a more precise understanding of how genetic variation is distributed within and between parasite populations worldwide, which will inform the likelihood and rate by which parasites, and in turn, resistant alleles, might spread. We have guided the scaffolding of a recently published genome assembly for D. immitis (ICBAS_JMDir_1.0) using the chromosomal-scale reference genomes of Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, resulting in an 89.5 Mb assembly composed of four autosomal- and one sex-linked chromosomal-scale scaffolds representing 99.7% of the genome. Publicly available and new whole-genome sequencing data from 32 D. immitis samples from Australia, Italy and the USA were assessed using principal component analysis, nucleotide diversity (Pi) and absolute genetic divergence (Dxy) to characterise the global genetic structure and measure within- and between-population diversity. These population genetic analyses revealed broad-scale genetic structure among globally diverse samples and differences in genetic diversity between populations; however, fine-scale subpopulation analysis was limited and biased by differences between sample types. Finally, we mapped single nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with macrocyclic lactone resistance in the new genome assembly, revealing the physical linkage of high-priority variants on chromosome 3, and determined their frequency in the studied populations. This new chromosomal assembly for D. immitis now allows for a more precise investigation of selection on genome-wide genetic variation and will enhance our understanding of parasite transmission and the spread of genetic variants responsible for resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rosemonde I Power
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Emily Curry
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
| | - Daisy Ching-Wai Lau
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Connor M O'Neill
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Adrian Wolstenholme
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Roger Prichard
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Stephen R Doyle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, United Kingdom.
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13
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Murillo DFB, Wang C. Pre-treatment of canine plasma with heat, rather than acid, efficiently enhances Dirofilaria immitis antigen detection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:463. [PMID: 38115152 PMCID: PMC10731902 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06083-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dissociation of antigen-antibody complexes has been utilized to enhance the accuracy of serological tests for infectious diseases, including Dirofilaria immitis. Currently, the antigen detected by available tests is primarily a glycoprotein found in the reproductive tract of female worms. However, this antigen can become inaccessible when bound to excessive circulating antibodies, leading to reduced test sensitivity and false-negative results. Acid and heat treatments of the sera or plasma have been established as reliable methods for inducing immune complex dissociation (ICD). Previous antigen testing for heartworm infection in dogs and cats has demonstrated that these treatments improve the diagnostic sensitivity without compromising specificity. This study aims to evaluate the performance of four distinct ICD methods in the detection of D. immitis antigen. METHODS We utilized twofold serial dilutions of a well-characterized plasma (ranging from 1:2 to 1:4096) obtained from a D. immitis-infected dog to simulate the diverse antigen levels encountered in real-life infected dogs. The presence of antigen in the diluted samples, both without treatment and treated with four ICD protocols, was assessed in triplicate visually using DiroCHEK® by observing color changes. OD values were also obtained using the microplate reader SpectraMax® i Series-Spectramax Id3. A Factorial ANOVA test was conducted to compare the OD values between samples with and without treatments. RESULTS The highest dilution at which color changes were observed was 1:128 for untreated samples and for samples subjected to acid treatments in ICD-3 and the hybrid ICD-4 protocol. In contrast, both heat treatment protocols (ICD-1 and ICD-2) exhibited color changes at a 512-fold dilution. The OD values in samples subjected to heat treatment were significantly higher than those in untreated samples, up to dilutions of 512-fold. Although OD values tended to be higher in samples subjected to acid treatment and the hybrid protocol compared to untreated samples up to a 128-fold dilution, this difference was not significant as the samples underwent further dilution. CONCLUSIONS Our findings affirm that heat treatments, rather than acid treatment, efficiently enhance the detection of D. immitis antigen by liberating the sequestered antigen from the immune complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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14
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Perles L, Otranto D, Barreto W, de Macedo G, Lia R, Mendoza-Roldan J, Herrera H, de Oliveira C, Machado R, André M. Mansonella sp. and associated Wolbachia endosymbionts in ring-tailed coatis ( Nasua nasua) in periurban areas from Midwestern Brazil. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:14-19. [PMID: 37584011 PMCID: PMC10424073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Coatis (Nasua nasua) are wild carnivorous well adapted to anthropized environments especially important because they act as reservoirs hosts for many arthropod-borne zoonotic pathogens. Information about filarioids from coatis and associated Wolbachia spp. in Brazil is scant. To investigate the diversity of filarial nematodes, blood samples (n = 100 animals) were obtained from two urban areas in midwestern Brazil and analyzed using blood smears and buffy coats and cPCR assays based on the cox1, 12S rRNA, 18S rRNA, hsp70 and myoHC genes for nematodes and 16S rRNA for Wolbachia. When analyzing coati blood smears and buffy coats, 30% and 80% of the samples presented at least one microfilaria, respectively. Twenty-five cox1 sequences were obtained showing 89% nucleotide identity with Mansonella ozzardi. Phylogenetic analyses clustered cox1 sequences herein obtained within the Mansonella spp. clade. Sequences of both myoHC and two hsp70 genes showed 99.8% nucleotide identity with Mansonella sp. and clustered into a clade within Mansonella sp., previously detected in coatis from Brazil. Two blood samples were positive for Wolbachia, with a 99% nucleotide identity with Wolbachia previously found in Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi and Mansonella atelensis and in ectoparasites of the genus Pseudolynchia, Melophagus and Cimex. The study showed a high prevalence of Mansonella sp. in the coati population examined, suggesting that this animal species play a role as reservoirs of a novel, yet to be described, species within the Onchocercidae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Perles
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D. Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70100, Valenzano, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6516738695, Hamedan, Iran
| | - W.T.G. Barreto
- Post-Graduation of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - G.C. de Macedo
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - R.P. Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70100, Valenzano, Italy
| | - J.A. Mendoza-Roldan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70100, Valenzano, Italy
| | - H.M. Herrera
- Post-Graduation of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - C.E. de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - R.Z. Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M.R. André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, s/n, Zona Rural, Jaboticabal, 14884-900, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Roblejo-Arias L, Díaz-Corona C, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Zając Z, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Moutailler S, Obregon D, Foucault-Simonin A, Corona-González B, Cabezas-Cruz A. First molecular characterization of Dirofilaria Immitis in Cuba. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:239. [PMID: 37978522 PMCID: PMC10655431 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03803-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilarioses are widespread diseases caused by mosquito-borne nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. The major etiologic agent of canine dirofilariosis in the American continent is the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Existing reports of filarioid nematodes in Cuba are based solely on morphological and immunological analysis which do not allow unambiguous identification and/or direct detection of causal agents. RESULTS Here we present the molecular characterization of filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and cox1 gene fragments, the worms were unambiguously classified as D. immitis. Sequence analysis showed high identity of the gene fragments in this study with others previously obtained from D. immitis found in dogs, wolfs and jackals but also from mosquito vectors of D. immitis. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are guarantee to better understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in Cuba as well as the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisset Roblejo-Arias
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
| | - Cristian Díaz-Corona
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
| | - Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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16
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Gonçalves GP, Xavier SG, Lima NDC, Bendas AJR. Frequency of Dirofilaria immitis infection in blood donor dogs of the Rio de Janeiro state. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2023; 45:e002223. [PMID: 37868091 PMCID: PMC10588812 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm002223] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis, a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as heartworm, primarily inhabits the pulmonary artery and right heart of dogs and other animals. The disease is transmitted through diptera, predominantly from the Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles genera. Dirofilariasis is cosmopolitan in nature, endemic in coastal regions and tropical climates. Factors such as temperature, humidity, vector density, and the presence of definitive hosts significantly contribute to the spread of this parasitic disease. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, a prevalence of 58.6% of D. immitis infected animals has been recorded in municipalities like Niterói. Given that blood transfusions are routine clinical procedures and blood bags are not always accurately evaluated, an investigation into D. immitis infection in blood donor dogs from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro was conducted. A total of 1044 blood donor dog files from a blood bank in Niterói, RJ, collected from January 2019 to December 2022, were analyzed. These samples, originating from kennels in various municipalities in the Metropolitan Region, were tested for the presence of microfilariae through direct examination using tubes and microhematocrit evaluated in optical microscopy. Additionally, the search for antigens was conducted using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Out of the 1044 records evaluated, 17.8% (186/1044) were positive for heartworm infection, with 2% (21/1044) samples positive for microfilariae and 14.8% (154/1044) positive for D. immitis antigens. The high prevalence rate indicates that canine D. immitis infection remains prevalent in the state of Rio de Janeiro, necessitating effective guidelines for prescribing preventive medications by veterinarians and an increase in epidemiological surveillance in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genilson Pereira Gonçalves
- Undergraduate in Veterinary Medicine, Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Seropédica, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
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17
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Oshima K. Clinical Characteristics of Human Pulmonary Dirofilariasis in Japan: An Uncommon Differential Diagnosis of a Solitary Pulmonary Nodule. Jpn J Infect Dis 2023; 76:310-313. [PMID: 37258177 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2022.617] [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] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Human pulmonary dirofilariasis (HPD) is a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Most HPD cases are asymptomatic and are either detected during annual health checkups or incidentally identified during the investigation of other diseases, particularly primary or metastatic pulmonary lung cancers. However, the frequency and clinical features of Japanese patients with HPD remain unclear. We analyzed data from the Japanese Medical Abstract Society database and identified 69 cases between 1978 and 2022. The incidence of HPD increased until the 2000s but declined markedly in the 2010s. The incidence is higher in the southwestern region and lower in the northeastern region of Japan. Health checkups are the primary diagnostic opportunities. The Chugoku and Shikoku regions have had high incidence rates per population. The diagnosis of HPD using a noninvasive procedure is typically difficult because of the absence of specific clinical symptoms, and approximately 70% of the cases are detected using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Climate change may increase the incidence of HPD in the northeastern region of Japan, and travel to countries with poor vector control may be a risk factor for HPD transmission. Physicians should consider this parasitic infectious disease when examining patients presenting with solitary lung nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Oshima
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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18
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Murillo DFB, Starkey L, Wood T, Smith R, Blagburn B, Bowles J, Allen H, Lewis C, Shu Y, Wang C. A nationwide serological survey for Dirofilaria immitis in companion cats in the United States of America: 3.5% antibody and 0.3% antigen positivity. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:296. [PMID: 37620911 PMCID: PMC10463928 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05829-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline heartworm disease (HWD) is a complex and often misdiagnosed disease in cats, caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis. Despite its significant impact, studies reporting the prevalence of D. immitis in apparently healthy pet cats in the USA are lacking. METHODS To investigate feline heartworm seroprevalence in apparently healthy pet cats in the USA, serum samples (n = 2165) collected from cats across 47 states and Washington District of Columbia were analyzed for D. immitis antibody (Heska Corp.) and antigen (DiroCHEK®; Zoetis Inc.) with and without acid treatment of the samples. RESULTS Antibodies to D. immitis antibodies were identified in 3.5% (76/2165) of cats from 26 states, with a significantly higher prevalence in cats from the westernmost US states (West region; 5.4%, 23/429) compared to those from the South (3.8%, 32/847), Midwest (2.7%, 9/338) and Northeast regions (2.2%, 12/551) (P < 0.04). Antigen from D. immitis was detected in 0.3% (6/2165) of cats, which was significantly lower than the antibody detection (P < 10-4), and no samples were positive for both antibody and antigen. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest antibody-based, nationwide serosurvey of feline heartworm in an apparently healthy cat population, and the results suggest that cats in the USA have a high risk of exposure to D. immitis-infected mosquitoes. The high nationwide prevalence (3.5%) indicates that the true prevalence of cats infected with D. immitis in the USA may be significantly underestimated. Our findings emphasize the need for increased awareness and routine testing of cats for heartworm infection, especially in non-endemic areas of the USA. Clinicians should consider appropriate use of broad-spectrum veterinary-approved parasiticides and lifestyle management in feline patients to reduce the risk of infection. Future studies should focus on evaluating the D. immitis infection status in healthy cats and developing better diagnostic assays to detect this complex infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsay Starkey
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Theresa Wood
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Rachel Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Byron Blagburn
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Joy Bowles
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Hill Allen
- College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Caroline Lewis
- College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Yue Shu
- College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Ying Z, Upadhyay A, Wang J, Han Q, Liu Q. The prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:207. [PMID: 37340314 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05770-9] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilariasis, the disease caused by Dirofilaria spp., and in particular by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in canines, occurs frequently in canids and felids, and occasionally in humans, in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions globally. Although highly effective, safe and convenient preventive medicines have been available for the treatment of dirofilariasis for the past three decades, the disease remains a major veterinary and public health concern in endemic areas. The insect vectors, host-parasite relationships and interactions of Dirofilaria spp. have received little attention in China, and there is very little information in English regarding the prevalence of dirofilariasis in animals and humans in the country. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the status of canine dirofilariasis in China based on the available literature in English and in Chinese. METHODS We systematically searched five databases for epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China and finally selected 42 studies eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model in the meta package in R v4.2.1. RESULTS The random effects model gave a pooled and weighted prevalence of Dirofilaria infection among dogs in China in the past 100 years of 13.8% (2896/51,313, 95% confidence interval 8.2-20.4%) with a high level of heterogeneity (I2 = 99.5%). CONCLUSIONS Our analyses indicated that the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China has gradually declined, but that the range of Dirofilaria spp. has expanded. Older and outdoor dogs presented a higher rate of positive infection. The findings indicated that more attention should be paid to host factors for the effective control and management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Ying
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Archana Upadhyay
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
- School of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Qian Han
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, Hainan, China.
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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20
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Dantas-Torres F, Ketzis J, Pérez Tort G, Mihalca AD, Baneth G, Otranto D, Watanabe M, Linh BK, Inpankaew T, Borrás P, Arumugam S, Penzhorn BL, Ybañez AP, Irwin P, Traub RJ. Heartworm adulticide treatment: a tropical perspective. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:148. [PMID: 37106364 PMCID: PMC10141906 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05690-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis (the canine heartworm) is widespread in the tropics, with prevalence surpassing 30% in high-risk areas. In addition to the suitable climatic conditions that favour mosquito abundance and filarial larva development, there is low compliance with the recommended year-round use of preventives in these transmission hotspots. This represents a major concern, considering that melarsomine (first-line heartworm adulticide) is unavailable in several tropical countries, resulting in the so-called slow-kill protocol being the only available adulticide treatment option. In this article, the members of TroCCAP (Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites) review the current distribution of heartworm in the tropics and the availability of melarsomine, and discuss alternatives for the management of heartworm infections in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Jennifer Ketzis
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Gabriela Pérez Tort
- University of Buenos Aires and Virreyes Veterinary Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gad Baneth
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | - Bui Khanh Linh
- Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Pablo Borrás
- Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sangaran Arumugam
- Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca J Traub
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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21
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Guimarães FDR, Barros LA, Saddi TM, Cardoso JR, Vasconcelos VS, Ramos DGDS. Parasitism of Dirofilaria incrassata Molin, 1858 in coatis (Nasua nasua). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 39:100842. [PMID: 36878627 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Populations of the coati, Nasua nasua, like the populations of other wild animals, are regulated by several biotic or abiotic factors. For example, parasites act as a biotic factor affecting the dynamics and density of coati populations. The parasitic nematodes of coatis include Dirofilaria species, such as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, and Dirofilaria incrassata. Considering that there are few records on parasitism by D. incrassata, including information on the life cycle or location in the host body, this study aimed to investigate the infection of N. nasua by D. incrassata in midwestern Brazil. Thus, two coatis (males and adults) from the Cerrado of Goiás, which died (cause unknown) at the Wild Animal Screening Center/IBAMA in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, Midwestern of Brazil, were dissected and all helminths found were collected, identified following specific keys and quantified. A total of 85 specimens of D. incrassata were collected, with a mean parasitic intensity of 42.5 and a parasitic amplitude ranging from 40 to 45, measuring 41-93 mm in length and 0.23-0.45 mm in width. All helminths were adults and were distributed in the superficial and deep fascia (at different levels) from the neck to the hind limb. Most helminths were tangled, with some encased in a connective tissue film. Most reported human heartworm cases refer to subcutaneous or ocular heartworm infection, mainly caused by D. repens, although other species of heartworm may be associated. D. incrassata was not reported as zoonotic agent, diferently of other Dirofilaria species associated with wild animals and with zoonotic potential in the Americas. This study reiterates N. nasua as the definitive host for D. incrassata and the subcutaneous tissue as the site of choice for this helminth in the adult form. In addition, it reports new body regions where the parasite occurs. This study is the first to document the occurrence of D. incrassata infestation in the State of Goiás, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciano Antunes Barros
- Department of Veterinary Collective Health and Public Health, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thelma Michella Saddi
- Pro-Rectorate of Culture, Extension and Experience, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | - Victor Silva Vasconcelos
- Graduate Program in Health and Sustainable Animal Production, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco, AC, Brazil
| | - Dirceu Guilherme de Souza Ramos
- Graduate Program of Animal Bioscience, Academic Unit of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil.
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22
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Torres-Castro M, Suárez-Galaz A, Yeh-Gorocica A, Sánchez-Montes S, Arjona-Torres M, Panti-May A, Colunga-Salas P, Cruz-Romero A, Manrique-Saide P. A case of natural infection with Dirofilaria immitis in a coati ( Nasua narica) from Mexico. Helminthologia 2023; 60:106-111. [PMID: 37305665 PMCID: PMC10251755 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper aims to describe the natural infection with Dirofilaria immitis in Nasua narica (white-nosed coati) from Yucatán, Mexico. Two carcasses of N. narica were collected on a highway that crosses through a dense forest with patches used for agriculture and livestock activities. We performed necropsies, and two female adult nematode parasites from the heart of one specimen were collected and preserved for their molecular identification using a conventional PCR directed at a fragment of the small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA (18S-rRNA) gene. Bioinformatic analysis showed a similarity of 99 % with three sequences from D. immitis (two from Japan). Additionally, we performed a phylogenetic tree with the recovered sequence. All these analyses showed that D. immitis is present in N. narica from Mexico. The transmission of D. immitis toward populations of Nasua sp. may be due to indirect and accidental contact with domestic dogs or wild canids that share the same environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Torres-Castro
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - A. Suárez-Galaz
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - A. Yeh-Gorocica
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - S. Sánchez-Montes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Túxpam de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, México
| | - M. Arjona-Torres
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - A. Panti-May
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis y otras Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - P. Colunga-Salas
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa Enríquez, Veracruz, México
| | - A. Cruz-Romero
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Rancho Torreón del Molino, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Veracruz, México
| | - P. Manrique-Saide
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
- Unidad Colaborativa para Bioensayos Entomológicos, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Mérida, Yucatán, México
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23
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Gomes-de-Sá S, Santos-Silva S, Moreira ADS, Barradas PF, Amorim I, Cardoso L, Mesquita JR. Assessment of the circulation of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from northern Portugal through combined analysis of antigens, DNA and parasite forms in blood. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106799. [PMID: 36572345 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease frequent in many countries. Not only infected dogs, but also cats and wild canids (including wolves and foxes), represent important sources of infection for mosquitoes, which are the pathogen vectors. The disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries with increasing incidence in Italy, France, Greece and Spain, but limited epidemiological data is available from Portugal regarding its distribution and impact. Aiming to clarify this, canine whole blood samples (n = 244) from the north of Portugal were tested for Dirofilaria spp. antigens by use of a commercial rapid immunomigration test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the modified Knott test were also used to assess the presence of microfilariae. Results were also compared to assess the performance of each test used. Of the 244 animals tested, 118 (48.4%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) in the serological adult worm rapid antigen detection test, and 36 (14.8%) had circulating microfilariae, identified as D. immitis. A combined positivity of 51.6% (126/244) was found. Results indicate that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in dogs is high in this region of Portugal, and that prophylaxis against the parasite is advisable to decrease the occurrence of canine infection and disease. The present study highlights the diagnostic value of serological and molecular tests in determining the prevalence of D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gomes-de-Sá
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Patrícia Ferreira Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Sciences, CESPU, CRL, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Gandra, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and CECAV - Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
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Huggins LG, Koehler AV, Gasser RB, Traub RJ. Advanced approaches for the diagnosis and chemoprevention of canine vector-borne pathogens and parasites-Implications for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 120:1-85. [PMID: 36948727 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of canines are a diverse range of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and multicellular parasites, that are pernicious and potentially lethal to their hosts. Dogs across the globe are afflicted by canine VBPs, but the range of different ectoparasites and the VBPs that they transmit predominate in tropical regions. Countries within the Asia-Pacific have had limited prior research dedicated to exploring the epidemiology of canine VBPs, whilst the few studies that have been conducted show VBP prevalence to be high, with significant impacts on dog health. Moreover, such impacts are not restricted to dogs, as some canine VBPs are zoonotic. We reviewed the status of canine VBPs in the Asia-Pacific, with particular focus on nations in the tropics, whilst also investigating the history of VBP diagnosis and examining recent progress in the field, including advanced molecular methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tools are rapidly changing the way parasites are detected and discovered, demonstrating a sensitivity equal to, or exceeding that of, conventional molecular diagnostics. We also provide a background to the armoury of chemopreventive products available for protecting dogs from VBP. Here, field-based research within high VBP pressure environments has underscored the importance of ectoparasiticide mode of action on their overall efficacy. The future of canine VBP diagnosis and prevention at a global level is also explored, highlighting how evolving portable sequencing technologies may permit diagnosis at point-of-care, whilst further research into chemopreventives will be essential if VBP transmission is to be effectively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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25
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Smith R, Murillo DFB, Chenoweth K, Barua S, Kelly PJ, Starkey L, Blagburn B, Wood T, Wang C. Nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in companion dogs and cats, United States of America. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:367. [PMID: 36229848 PMCID: PMC9559157 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heartworms, Dirofilaria immitis, are known to be widespread in dogs and cats in the USA, but there have been no country-wide prevalence studies performed to date. There have also been no large-scale studies to determine whether the closely related species, Dirofilaria repens, occurs in the USA. Methods To provide this large-scale data, we examined whole blood samples (n = 2334) submitted from around the USA to the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University between 2016 and 2022. Quantitative PCRs for D. immitis (targeting 16S rRNA) and D. repens (targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) were performed to determine the presence of Dirofilaria DNA. DNA sequencing was performed to confirm the results. Results Dirofilaria immitis DNA was found in 6.3% (68/1080) of the dogs from 17/39 states, and 0.3% (4/1254) of the cats from 4/42 states. None of the dogs or cats were positive for D. repens. The average 16S rRNA copy number of D. immitis in the dogs was 1,809,604 in 200 µl whole blood, while only a single copy was found in each of the four D. immitis-positive cats. The prevalence of D. immitis in dogs of different ages, sexes, and breeds did not differ significantly, but the prevalence in Southern states (7.5%, 60/803) was significantly higher than in the Western (1.7%, 1/58), Midwest (3.3%, 4/120), and Northeastern states (3.1%, 3/98) (P < 0.05). Dogs positive for D. immitis were identified in each study year (2016: 4.2%, 2/48; 2017: 9.8%, 4/41; 2018: 5.1%, 8/156; 2019: 4.9%, 15/306; 2020: 9.8%, 26/265; 2021: 4.9%, 13/264). Interestingly, dogs infected with Hepatozoon spp. (11.8%, 37/313) were significantly more likely to also be positive for D. immitis than dogs without evidence of Hepatozoon infection (3.9%, 30/760) (P < 0.0001). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs and cats in the USA, and the largest molecular survey of canine and feline dirofilariosis worldwide. Further studies are warranted to combine PCR with standard heartworm diagnostics to better understand the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. and aid in determining the risks posed to dogs and cats in the USA. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Smith
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Kelly Chenoweth
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Subarna Barua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Patrick John Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Lindsay Starkey
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Byron Blagburn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Theresa Wood
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.
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26
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Negron V, Saleh MN, Sobotyk C, Luksovsky JL, Harvey TV, Verocai GG. Probe-based qPCR as an alternative to modified Knott's test when screening dogs for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in combination with antigen detection tests. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:306. [PMID: 36038928 PMCID: PMC9425932 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current recommendations for diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs rely on the detection of antigen produced largely by adult females coupled with the visualization of microfilariae (mf) in the circulation via a microfilaria detection test (MFDT). It is hypothesized that qPCR assays used in parallel with antigen detection tests will perform better in detecting mf than modified Knott's test (MK), when combined with antigen detection. This study compares probe-based qPCR and MK techniques for mf detection used in parallel with the DiroCHEK® antigen test to screen for heartworm infection in shelter dogs. METHODS Matching blood and serum samples were collected from 300 shelter dogs in Brazos and Harris counties, Texas, USA. Blood was assessed for the presence of mf via MK and the presence of D. immitis DNA by a species-specific probe-based qPCR assay. Serum samples were tested for the presence of heartworm antigen using DiroCHEK® before and after immune complex dissociation (ICD) via heat treatment. In addition, the performance of each diagnostic test was evaluated via Chi-square test, Cochran's Q test, and post hoc analysis. RESULTS Qualitatively, MK detected mf in 22.0% (66/300) of samples, 55 of which were morphologically identified as D. immitis and 11 as Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The range of heartworm mf was 28 to 88,803 mf/ml (median: 6627.5). Real-time PCR detected D. immitis DNA in 20.7% (62/300) of samples. Heartworm antigen was detected in 24.7% (74/300) of samples pre-ICD, and in 29.3% (88/300) post-ICD. When comparing tests, the Chi-square and McNemar's tests showed that the difference between positive and negative proportions was statistically significant. The Cochran test showed the difference in the distributions of cases and non-cases was significant when individual tests were combined (χ2 = 62.3, df = 3, P < 0.0001) and when parallel methods were combined (χ2 = 43.1, df = 4, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Considering individual and combined test performances, practicality, and efficient use of bench time, this heartworm-specific probe-based qPCR method is a viable option as a mf detection test to be used in parallel with antigen tests for canine heartworm infection in diagnostic and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Negron
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Meriam N. Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Caroline Sobotyk
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Joe L. Luksovsky
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Tatiani V. Harvey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
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Sobotyk C, Nguyen N, Negrón V, Varner A, Saleh MN, Hilton C, Tomeček JM, Esteve-Gasent MD, Verocai GG. Detection of Dirofilaria immitis via integrated serological and molecular analyses in coyotes from Texas, United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:20-24. [PMID: 35399590 PMCID: PMC8987650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Wild canids serve as reservoir for various vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical importance, including the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis. In North and Central America, coyotes (Canis latrans) may be a relevant reservoir host for heartworm transmission. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of D. immitis in coyotes across Texas using integrated antigen detection test and molecular assays. Matching whole blood and serum samples were collected from 122 coyotes from different locations across the state of Texas, United States, encompassing nine counties. Collections occurred from February to April 2016, and December 2016. Samples were assessed serologically using a commercial microtiter plate ELISA (DiroCHEK®), and molecularly by conventional PCR targeting the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) of the mitochondrial DNA, and via a TaqMan© probe-based real-time PCR protocol, also targeting a fragment of the cox1 gene. Overall, 12 (9.83%) samples tested positive when serological and molecular results were combined. Seven of 122 samples (5.73%) were antigen-positive, 8 (6.55%) were qPCR-positive, and 4 (3.27%) were positive using conventional PCR. Of 12 positive samples, 4 tested antigen-positive by DiroCHEK® but were negative in all molecular tests, another 4 tested positive by at least one of the molecular assays but tested negative by DiroCHEK®, and 3 samples tested positive by both antigen test and at least one of the molecular assays. Two samples (16.67%) tested positive on both the antigen test and both conventional PCR and qPCR. Our study confirmed the presence of D. immitis infection in coyotes from southern and northern Texas. The combination of serologic and molecular diagnostic tests was proven synergistic for the identification of D. immitis infections, including occult dirofilariosis, and revealed a more accurate picture of heartworm occurrence in the sampled coyotes. Coyotes are an important wild reservoir for Dirofilaria immitis in North America. We collected 121 matching blood and serum samples of coyotes from Texas, USA. Twelve samples (9.92%) tested positive combining serology and molecular tests data. Probe-based qPCR was superior than conventional PCR for heartworm diagnosis. Combined DiroCHEK® and qPCR data showed a higher prevalence than each test alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sobotyk
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Nathalia Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Veronica Negrón
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Amanda Varner
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Meriam N Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Clayton Hilton
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - John M Tomeček
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Maria D Esteve-Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Sgroi G, Buono F, Iatta R, Beall M, Chandrashekar R, Buch J, Piantedosi D, Veneziano V, Otranto D. Vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern in hunting dogs of southern Italy. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106502. [PMID: 35523272 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106502] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are commonly exposed to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), yet few data are available on hunting dogs, which are often at high risk of infection due to their involvement in field activities. To investigate the occurrence of VBPs and evaluate the relative performance of different diagnostic tools, blood and serum samples were collected from hunting dogs (n = 1,433) in rural areas of southern Italy. All samples were tested by Knott's technique for filarioids, serologically (SNAP® 4Dx® Plus) for Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Dirofilaria immitis and Ehrlichia spp. and molecularly (qPCR) for all except B. burgdorferi of the above pathogens plus Babesia spp. and Leishmania infantum. Logistic regression was run to evaluate the statistical associations between the risk of VBP infection and independent variables (such as geographic area of provenience, age class and sex) and K-Cohen formula for assessing the concordance among diagnostic tests. Overall, out of 321 dogs (22.4%) positive to at least one VBP, 28 (1.9%) were infected by filarial species at the Knott's technique. In particular, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the most prevalent (1.6%), followed by D. immitis (0.2%) and Dirofilaria repens (0.1%). One hundred forty (9.8%) and 231 (16.1%) dogs scored positive to VBPs by serological and molecular methods, respectively. The most prevalent pathogens detected were Ehrlichia spp. (7.3%) with SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, and A. reconditum (7.7%) by qPCR. Statistics revealed a significant association (p < 0.001) between A. reconditum infestation and both Ehrlichia spp. seropositivity and geographical origin of dogs. An agreement of 99.9%, 94.0% and 95.7% for Knott - SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, Knott - qPCR and SNAP® 4Dx® Plus - qPCR for D. immitis was found, respectively. Data demonstrate a high prevalence of VBPs in hunting dogs, indicating that this group of animals is largely exposed to several arthropod vector species and suggesting the transmission risk of pathogens to humans in rural areas of southern Italy. A multi-diagnostic approach and a deeper cooperation among healthcare and stakeholders are required to prevent VBP infections to animals and humans.
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Louzada-Flores VN, Kramer L, Brianti E, Napoli E, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Bezerra-Santos MA, Latrofa MS, Otranto D. Treatment with doxycycline is associated with complete clearance of circulating Wolbachia DNA in Dirofilaria immitis-naturally infected dogs. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106513. [PMID: 35598650 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Wolbachia are endosymbionts of parasitic filarial nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis, and are a target for the treatment of canine heartworm disease. In the present study, 53 naturally-infected dogs were divided in three groups, based on their positivity to D. immitis by antigen and Knott tests, to assess the efficacy of doxycycline treatment in eliminating Wolbachia from circulating blood. At T0, dogs that scored positive to both tests (G1) or to antigen only (G2) were submitted to doxycycline (10 mg/kg BID PO) treatment and to 10% Imidacloprid + 2.5% Moxidectin (Advocate®), while those negative to both tests (G3) received only 10% Imidacloprid + 2.5% Moxidectin (Advocate®). All dogs were followed-up for one year, monthly treated with Advocate® and regularly monitored by antigen and Knott tests. During the whole period, all blood samples were screened for Wolbachia-D. immitis DNA load by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). At T0, 88.2% of the microfilariemic dogs were positive for Wolbachia DNA, while none of the dogs from G2 or G3 were positive. Wolbachia DNA was no longer detectable in dogs from G1 following 1 month of doxycycline treatment and microfilariae (mfs) were cleared at T2. All dogs from the G1 and G2 were negative for D. immitis antigen at 12 months. Results of this study suggest that successful elimination of mfs by doxycycline is associated with complete clearance of Wolbachia DNA in D. immitis-naturally infected dogs.
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Cháves-González LE, Morales-Calvo F, Mora J, Solano-Barquero A, Verocai GG, Rojas A. What lies behind the curtain: Cryptic diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100094. [PMID: 35800064 PMCID: PMC9253710 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Parasite cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms, leading to taxa with unclear species boundaries. Speciation mechanisms such as cospeciation, host colonization, taxon pulse, and oscillation may lead to the emergence of cryptic species, influencing host-parasite interactions, parasite ecology, distribution, and biodiversity. The study of cryptic species diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance has gained relevance, since their distribution may affect clinical and epidemiological features such as pathogenicity, virulence, drug resistance and susceptibility, mortality, and morbidity, ultimately affecting patient management, course, and outcome of treatment. At the same time, the need for recognition of cryptic species diversity has implied a transition from morphological to molecular diagnostic methods, which are becoming more available and accessible in parasitology. Here, we discuss the general approaches for cryptic species delineation and summarize some examples found in nematodes, trematodes and cestodes of medical and veterinary importance, along with the clinical implications of their taxonomic status. Lastly, we highlight the need for the correct interpretation of molecular information, and the correct use of definitions when reporting or describing new cryptic species in parasitology, since molecular and morphological data should be integrated whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Enrique Cháves-González
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Morales-Calvo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Javier Mora
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alberto Solano-Barquero
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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dos Santos Conceição M, Chahad-Ehlers S, dos Santos-Neto LG, Sant’Ana AL, Ribeiro GPM, do Rocio Klisiowicz D, Silva-Inacio CL, de Moura Barbosa T, Gama RA, Lozovei AL, de Andrade AJ. Culicidae (Diptera: Culicomorpha) in the southern Brazilian 'Ana Leuch Lozovei' collection, with notes on distribution and diversity. GIGABYTE 2022; 2022:gigabyte55. [PMID: 36824533 PMCID: PMC9930534 DOI: 10.46471/gigabyte.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological collections are important for acquiring knowledge of the biodiversity of a specific environment. Here, we organize, list and catalog adult specimens of Culicidae from the Parasitology Collection of the Basic Pathology Department at the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil, and present a databank of taxonomic and collection information for each sample. Culicids were collected using different methodologies in 18 municipalities in Paraná state, between 1967 and 1999. There are 5,739 catalogued specimens, of which 4,703 (81.94%) are identified at species level, with a diversity of 100 species. Of these, 18 are new recorded samples for Paraná, and three are new for Brazil. This collection is named the Ana Leuch Lozovei Entomological Collection in honor of the 30 years Prof Lovozei dedicated to culicid study in Paraná. The collection comprises insect vectors or potential vectors, of agents causing human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurício dos Santos Conceição
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil,Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil, Corresponding authors. E-mail: ;
| | - Samira Chahad-Ehlers
- Genetics and Evolution Department, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235 SP-310, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga dos Santos-Neto
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Adson Luís Sant’Ana
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Princival Marques Ribeiro
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Débora do Rocio Klisiowicz
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil,Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Cássio Lázaro Silva-Inacio
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Taciano de Moura Barbosa
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Renata Antonaci Gama
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal, RN 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Leuch Lozovei
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Andrey José de Andrade
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil,Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil,Post-graduate Programme in Entomology, Zoology Department, Federal University of Paraná, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil, Corresponding authors. E-mail: ;
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Kryvoruchenko D. Hematological parameters of dogs for parasitism Dirofilaria immitis. UKRAINIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.32718/ujvas5-1.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between helminths and the host is built on a subtle molecular biological basis. Their pathogenic effect is characterized by the mechanical, toxic, inoculating effect on the host organism and the state of reactivity of his organism, immunological and allergic reorganization. It has been proved that helminths of the species Dirofilaria immitis are the most pathogenic nematodes of this genus because the localization of the imaginal stage of the parasite causes more complex pathogenesis of the invasion. The study aimed to establish changes in hematological parameters of dogs infected with D. immitis, considering the intensity of microfilariasis invasion. Studies have shown that the intensity of the invasion of up to 20 larvae/cm3 in the blood of dogs, significant changes in the number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit and ESR were not found. The intensity of the invasion of 20–40 larvae/cm3 in infected dogs in the blood decreases the number of erythrocytes by 11.92 % (P < 0.05), the hemoglobin content by 16.33 % (P < 0.05), the hematocrit by 12.70% (P < 0.05) and the number of leukocytes increases by 15.17 % (P < 0.05). Indicators of the intensity of invasion of 40–60 larvae/cm3 in infected dogs showed more significant changes in the blood, which are characterized by a decrease in the number of erythrocytes by 25.54 % (P < 0.001), platelets by 34.03 % (P < 0.01), hemoglobin content by 30.86 % (P < 0.001), hematocrit by 20.56 % (P < 0.001) and an increase in the number of leukocytes by 32.75 % (P < 0.001) and ESR by 1.84 times 0.001). At indicators of the intensity of invasion of more than 60 larvae/cm3, in dogs significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the number of erythrocytes by 47.21 %, thrombocytes by 42.84 %, the content of hemoglobin by 42.27 %, the indicator of hematocrit by 41.57 % and an increase in the number of leukocytes by 44.98 % and ESR by 2.51 times. In the leukoform of dogs with increasing rates of microfilariae invasion, the number of eosinophils gradually increases to 62.38 % (P < 0.001), rod-shaped neutrophils to 27.48 % (P < 0.05), monocytes to 23.21 % (P < 0.01) and the number of lymphocytes is reduced to 45.45 % (P < 0.001). The data obtained indicate the importance of determining these indicators for heartworm disease, which complements the picture of clinical examination of animals and will allow more effective treatment of dogs in this invasion.
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Laidoudi Y, Bedjaoui S, Latrofa MS, Fanelli A, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Genetic and geographical delineation of zoonotic vector-borne helminths of canids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6699. [PMID: 35462560 PMCID: PMC9035454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several zoonotic vector-borne helminths (VBHs) infesting canids cause serious veterinary and medical diseases worldwide. Increasing the knowledge about their genetic structures is pivotal to identify them and therefore to settle effective surveillance and control measures. To overcome the limitation due to the heterogeneity of large DNA sequence-datasets used for their genetic characterization, available cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) (n = 546) and the 12S rRNA (n = 280) sequences were examined using combined bioinformatic approach (i.e., distance-clustering, maximum likelihood phylogeny and phylogenetic evolutionary placement). Out of the 826 DNA available sequences from GenBank, 94.7% were characterized at the haplotype level regardless sequence size, completeness and/or their position. A total of 89 different haplotypes were delineated either by cox1 (n = 35), 12S rRNA (n = 21) or by both genes (n = 33), for 14 VBHs (e.g., Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Brugia spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Onchocerca lupi and Thelazia spp.). Overall, the present approach could be useful for studying global genetic diversity and phylogeography of VBHs. However, as barcoding sequences were restricted to two mitochondrial loci (cox1 and 12S rRNA), the haplotype delineation proposed herein should be confirmed by the characterization of other nuclear loci also to overcome potential limitations caused by the heteroplasmy phenomenon within the mitogenome of VBHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University of Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Samia Bedjaoui
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Hosseini SH, Manshori-Ghaishghorshagh F, Ramezani M, Nayebzadeh H, Ahoo MB, Eslamian A, Soltani M, Jamshidi S, Bezerra-Santos MA, Jalousian F, Sazmand A, Otranto D. Canine microfilaraemia in some regions of Iran. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:90. [PMID: 35303931 PMCID: PMC8932200 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonotic parasites which affect mainly dogs and humans worldwide. In Iran, information about the distribution of those nematodes is scant in several regions. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of these filarial parasites in stray dogs from five Iranian provinces where no information about these parasites is available. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 344 stray dogs in five provinces of Iran (i.e. Mazandaran, Gilan, Esfahan, Qazvin and Loresan). The presence of microfilariae was assessed using direct smear, modified Knott's test, molecular detection of filarial DNA (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of parasitic nematodes (ftsZ gene) by conventional PCR (cPCR). All of the PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. RESULTS In total, 75 dogs (21.8%) were found to be positive for D. immitis by cPCR. Infection was detected in all provinces, with the highest prevalence in Gilan province (22/28; 78.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was diagnosed in five dogs (1.4%) from three provinces (i.e. Esfahan, Mazandaran, Gilan). Two dogs were infected with both parasites and three were only infected with A. reconditum. Dirofilaria repens infection was not found in the examined population. Representative sequences of the D. immitis cox1 gene from dogs from the northern provinces (Mazandaran, Gilan, Qazvin) were grouped together and distinctly separate from the ones from western and central provinces (Lorestan and Esfahan), suggesting that different nematode populations are present in the country. CONCLUSION The data reported herein fill existing gaps in knowledge about canine filarial infection in two Iranian provinces and record the highest prevalence of D. immitis ever reported in the country (i.e. 78.6%). A geographical review of the literature about Dirofilaria spp. and A. reconditum infections in dogs and humans has also been summarized, indicating that D. immitis and D. repens are distributed in 22 of 31 provinces in Iran, whereas A. reconditum is present in fewer regions. Effective control strategies are advocated for owned dogs, and a national program for the management of stray dogs is needed to minimize the risk of infection in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- The Iranian Museum of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hassan Nayebzadeh
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Ahoo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- The Iranian Museum of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahdieh Eslamian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Minoo Soltani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rastegar Reference Laboratory, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Jamshidi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Jalousian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Gutiérrez-Jara JP, Salazar-Viedma M, González CR, Cancino-Faure B. The emergence of Dirofilaria repens in a non-endemic area influenced by climate change: dynamics of transmission using a mathematical model. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106230. [PMID: 34801478 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106230] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes of different genera. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariasis in the Old World. The geographic distribution of D. repens is changing rapidly, and several factors contribute to the spread of the infection to non-endemic areas. A mathematical model for transmission of Dirofilaria spp. was built, using a system of ordinary differential equations that consider the interactions between reservoirs, vectors, and humans. The transmission simulations of D. repens were carried out considering a projection in time, with intervals of 15 and 100 years. For the dynamics of the vector, seasonal variations were presented as series with quarter periodicity during the year. The results of the simulations highlight the peak of contagions in the reservoir and in humans, a product of the action of the vector when it remains active throughout the year. A 300% infection increase in the reservoir was observed during the first decade and remains present in the population with a representative number of cases. When the vector maintains its density and infectivity during the year, the incidence of the infection in humans increases. Accumulated cases amount to 45 per 100,000 inhabitants, which corresponds to a cumulative incidence of 0.05%, in 85 years. This indicates that early prevention of infection in canids would significantly reduce the disease, also reducing the number of accumulated cases of human dirofilariasis by D. repens. The interaction between the simulations generated by the model highlights the sensitivity of the epidemiological curve to the periodicity of seasonality, reaffirming the hypothesis of the probability of movement of the zoonotic disease to non-endemic areas, due to climate change.
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Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Otalora Ó, Couto G, Benavides J, Mucha C, Morchón R. Current distribution of selected canine vector-borne diseases in domestic dogs from Barranquilla and Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia. Vet Med Sci 2021; 8:46-51. [PMID: 34861101 PMCID: PMC8788967 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change, the increase of travel with infected animals from endemic areas, the introduction of new vectors in these areas and environmental changes caused by human activity, among other factors, have contributed to the establishment and increase of canine vector‐borne diseases (CVBDs), several of which are zoonotic and pose a risk to the human population. In Colombia, there are very few studies that address the prevalence of these diseases. The objective of this study was to update the prevalence of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and Lyme borreliosis in dogs in Barranquilla and Puerto Colombia, areas of northern Colombia. Materials and methods The present study included 354 dogs presented to veterinary clinics for routine health examination and foundations for stray dogs between November 2016 and July 2018. Results The percentage of dogs positive for Ehrlichia spp. was 61.86%, followed by 22.03% for Anaplasma spp., 11.30% positive for Dirofilaria immitis antigens and 0.56% positive for Borrelia burgdorferi. In addition, several dogs positive for antibodies against two or more infectious diseases were found. Higher seroprevalences were documented in outdoor dogs compared to indoor‐housed dogs. Conclusion These results suggest that veterinarians should routinely implement prophylactic programmes for these CVBDs, particularly for dogs that reside outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Otalora
- Clinica Veterinaria Vida Animal del Caribe, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | | | - Julio Benavides
- Departamento Administrativo Distrital de Salud (DADIS), Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Carlos Mucha
- Práctica Privada en Cardiología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Beasley EA, Pessôa-Pereira D, Scorza BM, Petersen CA. Epidemiologic, Clinical and Immunological Consequences of Co-Infections during Canine Leishmaniosis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113206. [PMID: 34827938 PMCID: PMC8614518 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), the most severe, visceralizing form of disease caused by Leishmania infantum transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. CanL is frequently diagnosed in the Mediterranean basin and South America, although it is also found in other regions, including the United States (U.S.). Dogs in these regions are at risk for co-infections, prominently tick-borne diseases. Our review examines epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic mechanisms found during the most common eight CanL co-infections reported in published literature. Co-infections alter immunologic processes and disease progression impacting CanL diagnosis, therapeutic responses, and prognosis. Abstract Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a vector-borne, parasitic disease. CanL is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and South America but also found in Northern Africa, Asia, and the U.S. Regions with both competent sand fly vectors and L. infantum parasites are also endemic for additional infectious diseases that could cause co-infections in dogs. Growing evidence indicates that co-infections can impact immunologic responses and thus the clinical course of both CanL and the comorbid disease(s). The aim for this review is to summarize epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic factors contributing to eight primary co-infections reported with CanL: Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, Paracoccidioides braziliensis. Co-infection causes mechanistic differences in immunity which can alter diagnostics, therapeutic management, and prognosis of dogs with CanL. More research is needed to further explore immunomodulation during CanL co-infection(s) and their clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A. Beasley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Danielle Pessôa-Pereira
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Breanna M. Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Correspondence:
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Giubega S, Imre M, Ilie MS, Imre K, Luca I, Florea T, Dărăbuș G, Morariu S. Identity of Microfilariae Circulating in Dogs from Western and South-Western Romania in the Last Decade. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111400. [PMID: 34832556 PMCID: PMC8618794 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria infections in dogs are recognized as widespread mosquito-borne diseases with zoonotic potential, that are caused by the filarioid nematode (Onchocercidae) species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The long-term survey conducted in western and south-western Romania was undertaken in order to provide valuable data on the occurrence of Dirofilaria infections in dogs. Blood samples from 1088 dogs, originating from 73 localities of 11 western and south-western counties in Romania, were collected and examined using the modified Knott test. Subsequently, all of the microscopically positive samples were subjected to molecular analysis for confirmation. Altogether, the data obtained showed the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae to be 21.42% (233/1088) of dogs tested in the investigated region. The identified species, in cases of monoinfections, were D. immitis, D. repens, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in 106 (9.74%) samples, 102 (9.38%) samples, and 1 (0.09%) sample, respectively. Twenty-four (2.21%) samples were simultaneously positive for D. immitis and D. repens. There was no association (p > 0.05) between infection status and breed; however, sex and lifestyle were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae and might be regarded as risk factors for infection. The results of the present investigation indicate potential zoonotic risks for humans living in the screened area and support the imperative to increase awareness among both veterinarians and physicians, regarding the continuous spread of these zoonotic filariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Giubega
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Mirela Imre
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Marius Stelian Ilie
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-256-277-190
| | - Kálmán Imre
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Iasmina Luca
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Tiana Florea
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Sorin Morariu
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
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Momčilović S, Gabrielli S, Đenić N, Živković N, Stevanović G, Krstić M, Ranđelović M, Tasić-Otašević S. New cases of human dirofilariosis on the Balkan Peninsula - "Masked intruders" uncovered by a surgeon. Parasitol Int 2021; 86:102482. [PMID: 34673233 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102482] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria spp. nematodes are accidental parasites of humans causing mild to serious, superficial or visceral infections. Superficial dirofilariosis is rather common in Europe and is typically manifested as subcutaneous form. Herein we report 46 new cases of human dirofilariosis (19 patients with subcutaneous, 18 patients with ocular, 4 patients wih genital, 2 patients with submucosal, 2 patients with pulmonary and 1 patient with intramuscular form of infection) that were recorded from the beginning of 2015 to May 2021 on the Balkan Peninsula with a goal to update the prevalence of this parasitosis and point out potential problems in diagnosis and treatment. Besides, given the high possibility of misinterpretation as tumor, our second aim was to encourage the inclusion of this pathogen in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules. Although quite common forms, subcutaneous and ocular dirofilariosis can be very often misdiagnosed in clinical practice due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations. Therefore, raising awareness of clinicians about this zoonosis is needed as well as closer collaboration between physicians and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Momčilović
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nebojša Đenić
- Department of Surgical Diseases, Military Hospital Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica bb, 18 000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Nataša Živković
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Hospital Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica bb, 18 000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Goran Stevanović
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Miljan Krstić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marina Ranđelović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
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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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Oliveira LB, McHale BJ, Verocai GG, Rissi DR. Subcutaneous and cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis in a dog. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2021; 62:854-856. [PMID: 34341598 PMCID: PMC8281948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis is rare and typically caused by Dirofilaria repens. An adult male, intact, mixed breed dog from South Carolina, USA, was examined because of physical trauma to the right maxilla. The dog died during hospitalization and was submitted for necropsy. Gross post-mortem changes included approximately 150 adult nematodes morphologically consistent with Dirofilaria spp. in the pulmonary artery, right atrium, and right ventricle. Histologically there was widespread proliferative pulmonary endarteritis with intraluminal nematodes morphologically consistent with Dirofilaria spp. Four similar nematodes were present in the subcutaneous tissue of the left medial thigh and tibial area. These nematodes were located within the fascia and skeletal muscles. They were surrounded by epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, with some lymphocytes and plasma cells, and areas of mineralization (interpreted as mineralized cross sections of nematodes). Nematodes were morphologically identified as D. immitis. Subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by D. immitis occurs when migrating nematode larvae develop into adults in the subcutaneous and skeletal muscle tissues. Key clinical message: Subcutaneous dirofilariasis in dogs is rare and most often associated with Dirofilaria repens. This case highlights the pathology findings of subcutaneous D. immitis in a dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia B Oliveira
- Minas Gerais Federal University Veterinary School, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Oliveira); Infectious Disease Laboratory, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery (McHale), Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathology (Rissi), University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA (Verocai)
| | - Brittany J McHale
- Minas Gerais Federal University Veterinary School, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Oliveira); Infectious Disease Laboratory, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery (McHale), Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathology (Rissi), University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA (Verocai)
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Minas Gerais Federal University Veterinary School, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Oliveira); Infectious Disease Laboratory, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery (McHale), Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathology (Rissi), University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA (Verocai)
| | - Daniel R Rissi
- Minas Gerais Federal University Veterinary School, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Oliveira); Infectious Disease Laboratory, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery (McHale), Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathology (Rissi), University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA (Verocai)
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Human and Animal Dirofilariasis in Southeast of France. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071544. [PMID: 34361979 PMCID: PMC8307238 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is one of the oldest known zoonotic infections of humans mainly caused by the filarial parasites of the species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, which primarily infect dogs. A five-year survey (2017 to 2021) was conducted among the dog population to assess the molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. in southeast France. Morphological and genetic analysis were performed on filaroids from dogs and one infected woman from the studied area. A total of 12 (13%) dogs scored molecularly positive for Dirofilaria spp. of which nine carried blood microfilariae. Ocular dirofilariasis was detected in a 79-year-old woman with no travel history. Both electron microscopy and molecular sequencing identified the worm in the human case as D. repens. Molecularly, D. repens isolates were identical in the human and dog cases, representing the only genotype reported so far in France. Despite the distribution of this genotype through all Europe, it was grouped separately with the other two European genotypes and with Asian ones. As in almost all previous human cases in France, D. repens parasites were mainly recovered from the ocular region of patients and were geographically concentrated in the southeastern regions. Data demonstrate the sympatric occurrence of D. immitis and D. repens with high risk of infection to human and dog populations in these investigated geographical areas, thereby underlining the urgent need to implement preventive chemoprophylactic strategies and vector control to reduce the risk of these filaroids in dog and human populations.
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Krücken J, Czirják GÁ, Ramünke S, Serocki M, Heinrich SK, Melzheimer J, Costa MC, Hofer H, Aschenborn OHK, Barker NA, Capodanno S, de Carvalho LM, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, East ML, Wachter B. Genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in spotted and brown hyenas from Namibia and Tanzania relates to ecological conditions rather than host taxonomy. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:328. [PMID: 34134753 PMCID: PMC8207800 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved knowledge on vector-borne pathogens in wildlife will help determine their effect on host species at the population and individual level and whether these are affected by anthropogenic factors such as global climate change and landscape changes. Here, samples from brown hyenas (Parahyaena brunnea) from Namibia (BHNA) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) from Namibia (SHNA) and Tanzania (SHTZ) were screened for vector-borne pathogens to assess the frequency and genetic diversity of pathogens and the effect of ecological conditions and host taxonomy on this diversity. Methods Tissue samples from BHNA (n = 17), SHNA (n = 19) and SHTZ (n = 25) were analysed by PCRs targeting Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., piroplasms, specifically Babesia lengau-like piroplasms, Hepatozoidae and filarioids. After sequencing, maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses were conducted. Results The relative frequency of Anaplasmataceae was significantly higher in BHNA (82.4%) and SHNA (100.0%) than in SHTZ (32.0%). Only Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys-like and Anaplasma bovis-like sequences were detected. Rickettsia raoultii was found in one BHNA and three SHTZ. This is the first report of R. raoultii from sub-Saharan Africa. Babesia lengau-like piroplasms were found in 70.6% of BHNA, 88.9% of SHNA and 32.0% of SHTZ, showing higher sequence diversity than B. lengau from South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). In one SHTZ, a Babesia vogeli-like sequence was identified. Hepatozoon felis-like parasites were identified in 64.7% of BHNA, 36.8% of SHNA and 44.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis placed the sequences outside the major H. felis cluster originating from wild and domestic felids. Filarioids were detected in 47.1% of BHNA, 47.4% of SHNA and 36.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genetic diversity and suggested the presence of several undescribed species. Co-infections were frequently detected in SHNA and BHNA (BHNA median 3 pathogens, range 1–4; SHNA median 3 pathogens, range 2–4) and significantly rarer in SHTZ (median 1, range 0–4, 9 individuals uninfected). Conclusions The frequencies of all pathogens groups were high, and except for Rickettsia, multiple species and genotypes were identified for each pathogen group. Ecological conditions explained pathogen identity and diversity better than host taxonomy. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04835-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Serocki
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja K Heinrich
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Melzheimer
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Carolina Costa
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nancy A Barker
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Stefano Capodanno
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Marion L East
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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45
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Meyers AC, Auckland L, Meyers HF, Rodriguez CA, Kontowicz E, Petersen CA, Travi BL, Sanders JP, Hamer SA. Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Pathogens Among U.S. Government Working Dogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:358-368. [PMID: 33601954 PMCID: PMC8086402 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of U.S. domestic dogs for exposure to vector-borne pathogens can identify regions of transmission that are relevant for human and animal health. Working dogs with high levels of outdoor exposure may be sensitive indicators of local risk, owing to increased contact with vectors. We randomly selected 476 high-value government working dogs from 40 states to determine the prevalence of infection with Dirofilaria immitis and Rickettsia spp., and exposure to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi, and identify risk factors for positivity. Additionally, we tested 100 of these dogs from Texas for Leishmania spp. where sand fly vectors occur. Previously published Trypanosoma cruzi infection data on these dogs were used to identify coinfection or co-exposures. Infection prevalence was 0.84% for D. immitis, and all dogs were negative for Rickettsia spp. DNA. Seroprevalence of each pathogen was: B. burgdorferi 0.84%, Ehrlichia spp. 1.3%, Anaplasma spp. 1.5%, Leishmania spp. 2.0%, and T. cruzi 12.2%. Coinfection or co-exposure took place in four (0.84%) dogs. In bivariable analysis, we found that D. immitis-positive and Ehrlichia-seropositive dogs were significantly older than negative dogs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. was significantly higher among dogs in the Northeast United States relative to other areas of the country (4.7% vs. ≤1.4%; p = 0.041). Although autochthonous Leishmania infections have been described in the United States, the cases reported herein may represent imported Leishmania infection. Most federal working dogs are bred in Europe, where the parasite is endemic and congenitally transmitted. Serological cross-reaction between T. cruzi and Leishmania spp. complicates diagnosis. In this study, the use of multiple testing strategies in a comparative complementary manner provided evidence for these dogs' true exposures. Comprehensive surveillance for vector-borne pathogens in dogs can improve clinician awareness and target prevention and treatment in a One Health manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah F. Meyers
- Department of Chemistry, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Carlos A. Rodriguez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Eric Kontowicz
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bruno L. Travi
- Department of Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - John P. Sanders
- Office of Workforce Health and Safety, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.,Address correspondence to: Sarah A. Hamer, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4458, USA
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46
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Brianti E, Panarese R, Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Gaglio G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Dirofilaria immitis infection in the Pelagie archipelago: The southernmost hyperendemic focus in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1274-1280. [PMID: 33787005 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne filarioids of zoonotic concern, which primarily cause canine heartworm disease (HWD) and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. The geographical distribution of these nematodes is constantly changing, due to many factors such as the colonization by new invasive mosquito species, the increased movement of animals and the absence of chemoprophylactic strategies in non-endemic regions. Although HWD has always been considered endemic in northern Italy, an increase in the prevalence of this disease has been recorded in the last decades in central and southern regions. We describe the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in the Pelagie archipelagos. From June to November 2020, 157 dogs and 46 cats were sampled in Linosa and Lampedusa islands for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens by modified Knott's, rapid antigen and molecular tests. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light and BG sentinel-2 traps and aspirators, and tested for host blood meal and Dirofilaria spp. DNA. Out of 56 dogs in Linosa and 101 in Lampedusa, 33 (i.e. 58.9%) and 8 (i.e. 7.9%) were positive to D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. Three cats scored positive to D. immitis (i.e. 17.6%) in Linosa. Six mosquito species were identified, and the abdomen of a non-engorged Aedes albopictus was positive for D. immitis and human DNA. The results suggest that D. immitis infection could spread to new previously non-endemic territories in southern Europe, representing a real threat to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Panarese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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47
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Gabrielli S, Mangano V, Furzi F, Oliva A, Vita S, Poscia R, Fazii P, Di Paolo J, Marocco R, Mastroianni CM, Bruschi F, Mattiucci S. Molecular Identification of New Cases of Human Dirofilariosis ( Dirofilaria repens) in Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:251. [PMID: 33672411 PMCID: PMC7926647 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne parasitic disease mainly in domestic and wild carnivores caused by Dirofilaria (Noctiella) repens, which is endemic in many countries of the Old World, and D. immitis, which has a worldwide distribution. In recent years, an increase in the number of human cases has been reported, suggesting that dirofilariosis is an emergent zoonosis. Here, we describe further cases (N = 8), observed in Central Italy during the years 2018-2019. (2) Molecular diagnosis was performed on: (i) live worms extracted from ocular conjunctiva, cheek, and calf muscle; (ii) histological sections of surgically removed nodules from parenchymal lung, coccyx, and breast. (3) Sequence analysis (650-bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (mtDNA cox1) showed a match of 100% with the sequences of D. repens previously deposited in GenBank. ELISA test to detect IgG against filarial antigens was performed on four patients' sera and resulted positive in two patients who showed ocular and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. Microfilariae have been never detected in the peripheral blood of the patients. (4) The occurrence of N = 8 new cases of human D. repens-infections observed in a two-year period suggests an increased circulation of the parasite in Italy. Therefore, dirofilariosis should be included in differential diagnosis in patients presenting subcutaneous and/or pulmonary nodules. Molecular diagnosis of the etiological agents is fundamental. Specific serological diagnosis needs to be improved in future research work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
- UOS Parasitology, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Mangano
- Department of Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Furzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Serena Vita
- INMI IRCCS Lazzaro Spallanzani, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Poscia
- Clinical Research Department, Direzione Generale AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paolo Fazii
- S. Spirito Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (P.F.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Josephine Di Paolo
- S. Spirito Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (P.F.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Raffaella Marocco
- S. Maria Goretti University Hospital, Via Antonio Canova, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Programma Monitoraggio Parassitosi, AOU Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
- UOS Parasitology, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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48
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Natalini MB, Notarnicola J, Sanchez Gavier F, Kowalewski MM. Helminth infracommunity in a maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, from the humid Chaco, Argentina. Parasitol Int 2021; 82:102303. [PMID: 33601021 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Parasitism is an important factor in conservation worldwide, especially for endangered species, as it can affect host populations by reducing growth rates, fecundity and affecting nutritional status. The maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus, a near-threatened species, is distributed across different habitats from the south Amazonian forest in Brazil to northern Argentina, Paraguay and eastern Bolivia. Most studies on gastrointestinal parasites in wild maned wolves are based on coprological findings, and there is little information about adult parasites and parasite species richness. Therefore, this study aims to expand the knowledge about the helminth infracommunity of a maned wolf, describe adult parasites, and explore parasitic coinfections. We performed a necropsy of an adult individual found road killed in Chaco province, Argentina. We collected adult worms from subcutaneous tissues, from the right ventricle, kidneys, and intestine. The parasites were morphologically identified as Dirofilaria immitis, Dioctophyma renale and Spirometra sp. respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first record for adults of Dirofilaria immitis in maned wolves. Filarioids were located within the heart as well as in subcutaneous tissues with mature females containing uterine microfilariae; this study also adds C. brachyurus as a new host for Spirometra sp. in Argentina. Considering that the three helminths found herein are zoonotic and that the maned wolf is an endangered canid, it is essential provide baseline information to determine the risk factors involved in the transmission and extend the studies to sympatric wild and domestic canids in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Natalini
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CCT Nordeste CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401 San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina.
| | - J Notarnicola
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS), CCT Nordeste CONICET - UNaM, Bertoni 85, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
| | - F Sanchez Gavier
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CCT Nordeste CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401 San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - M M Kowalewski
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CCT Nordeste CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401 San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina
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49
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The first case of autochthonous subcutaneous dirofilariasis (Dirofilaria repens) in a dog from Białowieża (NE Poland) and possible threat posed to inhabitants of Białowieża Primeval Forest area. Parasitol Res 2020; 120:359-364. [PMID: 33205237 PMCID: PMC7846540 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06955-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
We present the first case of dirofilariasis in a dog from Białowieża village located in the primeval European forest—Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland). Molecular analysis of adult nematode specimens isolated from subcutaneous tissue confirmed the infection with Dirofilaria repens. An adult male dog has not travelled out of the Białowieża village for at least five years; therefore, we assume this is the autochthonous case of the disease. We discuss possible inter- and intra-species transmission routes of dirofilariasis on this territory, which is inhabited by diverse community of wild carnivores, domestic animals, and humans. We also discuss the likely sources of the disease in this, highly biodiverse unique European forest complex. We underline the lack of attention to this problem and its importance for veterinary, wildlife, and human health safety.
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50
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Esteban-Mendoza MV, Arcila-Quiceno V, Albarracín-Navas J, Hernández I, Flechas-Alarcón MC, Morchón R. Current Situation of the Presence of Dirofilaria immitis in Dogs and Humans in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:488. [PMID: 32851048 PMCID: PMC7426359 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is a vector-borne infection, which can be transmitted to humans. The main hosts are both domestic and wild canids. This species mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical climates, and temperature and humidity are the main factors that favor the presence and proliferation of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of the disease. There are few reports of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and humans in Colombia, a region with favorable climatic conditions which favors the presence of mosquitoes that act as vectors of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to examine its current prevalence in dogs and the risk of human exposure to the disease in Bucaramanga, one of the most populated areas in Colombia located at the center of the country. Furthermore, its demographic and environmental characteristics could be useful as a study model for other similar locations and neighboring countries. Serum samples from 351 dogs and 506 humans from the Bucaramanga Metropolitan area were analyzed. All dog samples were analyzed by Knott's technique and tested with a commercial immunochromatographic to detect the presence of circulating antigens of D. immitis. Human samples were analyzed using a non-commercial ELISA test kit to detect IgG against the somatic antigens of adult D. immitis and Wolbachia. Positive results were further confirmed using western blot analysis. Thirty-eight dogs tested positive with a overall prevalence of 10.82%. Of these dogs, 18 showed D. immitis microfilariae, being 5.12% of the total population. The overall seroprevalence in humans was 6.71%; seroprevalence was significantly higher in individuals aged 16-34 years-old and in women than in men. To our knowledge, this study describes seropositivity to D. immitis for the first time in a Colombian human population located in the same area as that of dogs infected with D. immitis, which represents a potential threat to public health. In humans, age and gender can be considered risk factors for exposure to D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Esteban-Mendoza
- Animal Science Research Group (GRICA), School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Master's in Animal Health and Production, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Víctor Arcila-Quiceno
- Animal Science Research Group (GRICA), School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Master's in Animal Health and Production, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Javier Albarracín-Navas
- Animal Science Research Group (GRICA), School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, Master's in Animal Health and Production, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Isabel Hernández
- Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Department of Faculty, Parasitology Area, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Animal and Human Dirofilariosis Group, Department of Faculty, Parasitology Area, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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