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Kuručki M, Sukara R, Ćirković V, Ćirović D, Tomanović S. Molecular Detection and Genetic Variability of Hepatozoon canis in Golden Jackals ( Canis aureus L. 1758) in Serbia. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:411. [PMID: 38927291 PMCID: PMC11201132 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan tick-borne parasite infecting domestic and wild canids, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. It is mainly found in dogs but has also been detected in several wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. Host transmission primarily occurs through the ingestion of infected ticks, typically Rhipicephalus sanguineus, with documented instances of transplacental transmission from infected females to cubs. In Serbia, the golden jackal is common throughout the country, and its population has increased in recent years. Previous research has documented the presence of several vector-borne pathogens in the jackal population in Serbia, so we conducted this study to determine the presence, prevalence, and genetic variability of H. canis. Over eleven years (2010-2020), 114 animal samples were collected from 23 localities in Serbia. A total of 90/114 (78.95%) jackals were positive for H. canis, and they came from 22 localities. Among 15 juveniles, almost half (6/15 (40%)) tested positive for H. canis. In addition to the high prevalence, high genetic variability of the pathogen was also found. According to the mutated positions, four sequence types (S4-S7) of H. canis were determined. Based on our earlier research on the grey wolf and on this study, it can be observed that various sequence types of H. canis circulate within wild canid populations in Serbia. The prevalence of H. canis infection in wild carnivores raises significant concerns for wildlife conservation and animal health. Infected animals may act as reservoirs for the disease, posing a potential risk to domestic animals by acting as a source of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Kuručki
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.S.); (V.Ć.); (S.T.)
| | - Valentina Ćirković
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.S.); (V.Ć.); (S.T.)
| | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.S.); (V.Ć.); (S.T.)
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Wang S, Cui N, Lv Z, Wang N, Liu G, Zhao S, Liu C, Wang Y. Molecular detection of Bartonella rochalimae and Hepatozoon canis in red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) from China. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100925. [PMID: 38560661 PMCID: PMC10981090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100925] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been recognized as natural reservoirs for multiple pathogens and a source of infection for domestic animals, wildlife and humans. To date, no reports are available on the Bartonella rochalimae and Hepatozoon canis infection in red foxes from China. In 2018-2022, a total of 16 red foxes were sampled in two counties and a city in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in northwest China. Subsequently analyzed by DNA extraction amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the present study, based on nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic tree analyses, B. rochalimae and H. canis were molecularly identified in red foxes. Our findings provide the first molecular evidence of B. rochalimae and H. canis in red foxes from China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Nannan Cui
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ziman Lv
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Changqing Liu
- Forestry and grassland Resources Monitoring Center of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
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Fernandes TDO, Duarte MA, Furtado AP, Scalon MC, Paludo GR. New insights on the phylogeography of Hepatozoon canis in Brazil. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:123. [PMID: 38315237 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08147-8] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to molecularly characterize the Hepatozoon spp. infecting domestic and wild dogs in Brazil. A total of 22 whole blood samples tested positive for Hepatozoon spp., and five samples were sequenced for the 18S rDNA gene from H. canis after PCR amplification with four primer sets. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference showed that the three H. canis isolates from domestic dogs were not monophyletic; however, they were more closely related to each other than to other H. canis sequences. The isolate from the hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus) was phylogenetically more distant. Two haplotype networks were constructed, identifying 10 haplotypes of H. canis in Brazil, with H10 constituting the largest group. It contains nine isolates, including three from domestic dogs. The H5 haplotype grouped the sequence of L. vetulus with two additional sequences from hosts Tapirus terrestris and L. vetulus, representing the sole haplotype with wild hosts. Bayesian analysis suggested the possible existence of two genetic groups of H. canis in Brazil, indicating gene flow of this agent within the country. These findings contribute valuable insights for a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in Brazil and may help in the development of effective control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais de Oliveira Fernandes
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, FAV/UnB, University of Brasilia, CEP, Darcy Ribeiro University Campus, ICC Center - North Wing, Brasília, Federal District, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Matheus Almeida Duarte
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, FAV/UnB, University of Brasilia, CEP, Darcy Ribeiro University Campus, ICC Center - North Wing, Brasília, Federal District, 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Marcela Correa Scalon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, FAV/UnB, University of Brasilia, CEP, Darcy Ribeiro University Campus, ICC Center - North Wing, Brasília, Federal District, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Giane Regina Paludo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, FAV/UnB, University of Brasilia, CEP, Darcy Ribeiro University Campus, ICC Center - North Wing, Brasília, Federal District, 70910-900, Brazil.
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El-Alfy ES, Abbas I, Saleh S, Elseadawy R, Fereig RM, Rizk MA, Xuan X. Tick-borne pathogens in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence in dromedaries. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102268. [PMID: 37769585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102268] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6-48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10-12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3-69.2%) was estimated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Somaya Saleh
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Rana Elseadawy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Shiri A, Kheirandish F, Sazmand A, Kayedi MH, Hosseini-Chegeni A. Molecular identification of hemoparasites in ixodid ticks in Iran. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100967. [PMID: 38199703 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100967] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
A total of 386 ticks were processed in order to investigate the occurrence of selected tick transmitted pathogens (i.e., Theileria, Babesia, Hepatozoon and Cytauxzoon) in ixodid ticks in six provinces of Iran (East Azerbaijan, Gilan, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, Sistan & Baluchestan and Tehran). Ticks identified as Dermacentor marginatus, Hyalomma aegyptium, Hy. anatolicum, Hy. asiaticum, Hy. marginatum, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus annulatus and R. sanguineus sensu lato were collected from sheep and cattle. Conventional PCR and sequencing results revealed DNA of Theileria ovis in three R. sanguineus sensu lato pools and one D. marginatus pool from sheep in Kermanshah and East Azerbaijan, T. annulata in one Hy. asiaticum pool from cattle in Kermanshah, and He. canis in an individual female Hy. aegyptium in Kermanshah. Data herein indicate the role of R. sanguineus complex and D. marginatus in the epidemiology of ovine theileriosis in western and northwestern Iran. Potential role of Hyalomma aegyptium in the transmission of He. canis is discussed. Considering non-principled movement of livestock across the country and increasing reports about the resistance of ticks to common acaricides, test-and-treatment of infected livestock, vaccination of the livestock against endemic tick-borne pathogens, and the use of non-chemical tick management strategies are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aioub Shiri
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran; Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran; Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Kayedi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran; Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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Tołkacz K, Kretschmer M, Nowak S, Mysłajek RW, Alsarraf M, Wężyk D, Bajer A. The first report on Hepatozoon canis in dogs and wolves in Poland: clinical and epidemiological features. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:313. [PMID: 37667369 PMCID: PMC10476436 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05928-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis is a common infection in dogs, with frequent case reports from the Mediterranean region and more recently from several Central European countries, such as Hungary and Germany. Despite the high prevalence of H. canis in red foxes, no infections have been reported to date in dogs in Poland. We describe here the first autochthonous cases of H. canis infection in dogs, including their clinical features, and report the prevalence of H. canis in grey wolves from different regions of Poland. METHODS Thin smears prepared from blood samples collected from dogs were evaluated by microscopic examination. A total of 60 wolves and 47 dogs were tested. Infections were confirmed by PCR and sequencing. RESULTS Gamonts of H. canis were found in > 50% of the neutrophils of two dogs and in < 10% of the neutrophils in another five dogs. Molecular typing by PCR sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene fragment confirmed infections in 11 dogs from different regions of Poland, in 2.7% of dogs attending veterinary practices in central Poland and in 35% of wolves from various geographical regions of Poland. Clinical features manifested mostly in older dogs, and the most common signs were anaemia and apathy. Young dogs usually remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of H. canis infection in dogs and wolves in Poland. Although the exact vector of the parasite is not known, veterinary practitioners should be aware of this new parasitosis and should consider appropriate diagnostics to confirm/exclude this infection. Further studies are needed to understand the transmission routes of H. canis in domestic and wild canids in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tołkacz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5A Pawińskiego Str, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Milena Kretschmer
- Vetlab Sp. Z O. O., Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Wodzisławska Str 6, 52-017 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sabina Nowak
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert W. Mysłajek
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mustafa Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Wężyk
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Yin F, Guo C, Li D, Tian Z, Li F. Molecular Survey and Genetic Characteristics of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Dogs from Four Regions of China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1867. [PMID: 37889788 PMCID: PMC10251890 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020165. [PMID: 36851469 PMCID: PMC9964035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020165] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Tołkacz K, Kowalec M, Alsarraf M, Grzybek M, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Behnke JM, Bajer A. Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Hepatozoon sp. in voles (Microtus spp.): occurrence and evidence for vertical transmission. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1733. [PMID: 36720952 PMCID: PMC9889374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28346-0] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (CNM) and Hepatozoon spp. are important vector-borne parasites of humans and animals. CNM is a relatively recently discovered pathogen of humans. Hepatozoon are parasites of reptiles, amphibians and mammals, commonly found in rodents and carnivores worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of CNM and Hepatozoon spp. in three species of Microtus and to assess the occurrence of vertical transmission in naturally-infected voles. Molecular techniques were used to detect pathogen DNA in blood and tissue samples of captured voles and their offspring. The prevalence of CNM in the vole community ranged 24-47% depending on Microtus species. The DNA of CNM was detected in 21% of pups from three litters of six infected Microtus dams (two Microtus arvalis and one M. oeconomus) and in 3/45 embryos (6.6%) from two litters of eight CNM-infected pregnant females. We detected Hepatozoon infection in 14% of M. arvalis and 9% of M. oeconomus voles. Hepatozoon sp. DNA was detected in 48.7% of pups from seven litters (6 M. arvalis and 1 M. oeconomus) and in two embryos (14.3%) obtained from one M. arvalis litter. The high prevalence of CNM infections in the Microtus spp. community may be a result of a relatively high rate of vertical transmission among naturally infected voles. Vertical transmission was also demonstrated for Hepatozoon sp. in M. arvalis and M. oeconomus. Our study underlines the significance of alternative routes of transmission of important vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Tołkacz
- Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland. .,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5A, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Maciej Kowalec
- Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammed Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Grzybek
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9, 81-512, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy M Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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Uiterwijk M, Vojta L, Šprem N, Beck A, Jurković D, Kik M, Duscher GG, Hodžić A, Reljić S, Sprong H, Beck R. Diversity of Hepatozoon species in wild mammals and ticks in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:27. [PMID: 36694253 PMCID: PMC9872412 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05626-8] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatozoon spp. are tick-borne parasites causing subclinical to clinical disease in wild and domestic animals. Aim of this study was to determine Hepatozoon prevalence and species distribution among wild mammals and ticks in Europe. METHODS Samples of wild mammals and ticks, originating from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Belgium and the Netherlands, were tested with PCR to amplify a ~ 670-bp fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. RESULTS Of the 2801 mammal samples that were used for this study, 370 (13.2%) tested positive. Hepatozoon canis was detected in samples of 178 animals (3 Artiodactyla, 173 Carnivora, 1 Eulipotyphia, 1 Lagomorpha), H. martis in 125 (3 Artiodactyla, 122 Carnivora), H. sciuri in 13 (all Rodentia), Hepatozoon sp. in 47 (among which Hepatozoon sp. Vole isolate, all Rodentia) and H. ayorgbor in 4 (all Rodentia). Regarding origin, 2.9% (6/208) tested positive from Austria, 2.8% (1/36) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, 14.6% (173/1186) from Croatia and 13.9% (190/1371) from Belgium/the Netherlands. Of the 754 ticks collected, 0.0% (0/35) Hyalomma sp., 16.0% (4/25) Dermacentor spp., 0.0% (0/23) Haemaphysalis spp., 5.3% (24/50) Ixodes and 1.4% (3/221) Rhipicephalus spp. tested positive for Hepatozoon (4.2%; 32/754), most often H. canis (n = 22). CONCLUSIONS Hepatozoon canis is most present in mammals (especially in Carnivora such as gray wolves and golden jackals) and ticks, followed by H. martis, which was found merely in stone martens and pine martens. None of the rodent-associated Hepatozoon spp. were detected in the ticks, suggesting the possible implication of other arthropod species or non-vectorial routes in the transmission cycle of the hemoprotozoans in rodents. Our findings of H. canis in ticks other than R. sanguineus add to the observation that other ticks are also involved in the life cycle of Hepatozoon. Now that presence of Hepatozoon has been demonstrated in red foxes, gray wolves, mustelids and rodents from the Netherlands and/or Belgium, veterinary clinicians should be aware of the possibility of spill-over to domestic animals, such as dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Uiterwijk
- grid.435742.30000 0001 0726 7822Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), Netherlands Institute for Vectors, Invasive plants and Plant health (NIVIP), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lea Vojta
- grid.4905.80000 0004 0635 7705Division of Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikica Šprem
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Beck
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daria Jurković
- grid.417625.30000 0004 0367 0309Laboratory for Parasitology, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marja Kik
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Georg G. Duscher
- grid.414107.70000 0001 2224 6253Austrian Agency for Health & Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Centre for Microbiology and Environmental System Science (CMESS), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology (DoME), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Slaven Reljić
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Relja Beck
- grid.417625.30000 0004 0367 0309Laboratory for Parasitology, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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Veronesi F, Deak G, Diakou A. Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020178. [PMID: 36839450 PMCID: PMC9964259 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesocarnivores are small- or mid-sized carnivore species that display a variety of ecologies and behaviours. In Europe, wild mesocarnivores are represented by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the Mustelidae of the genera Meles, Martes, Mustela, Lutra, the invasive species of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and American mink (Neogale vison). These abundant animals thrive in various habitats and often develop their activity close to human settlements. Thus, they may play an important role in the introduction, maintenance, and transmission of major parasitic zoonoses and promote bridging infections with domestic animals. Against this background, this article reports and discusses some of the most important endoparasites of wild mesocarnivores living in Europe, on the basis of their actual role as reservoirs, spreaders, or sentinels. The data derived from epizootiological studies in different European countries, and the proven or speculated implications of the detected endoparasites in human and domestic animals' health, are discussed. Through older and recent literature review, the state-of-the-art knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of the parasites under consideration is presented, showing further, warranted investigations and the need for surveillance and vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Veronesi
- Parasitology Laboratory of the University Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
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12
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High Prevalence and Genetic Variability of Hepatozoon canis in Grey Wolf ( Canis lupus L. 1758) Population in Serbia. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233335. [PMID: 36496856 PMCID: PMC9740517 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild canids are globally recognised as hosts and reservoirs of a large number of ecto- and endoparasites. Data that reveal the importance of the grey wolf (Canis lupus L.1758) in the spread of hepatozoonosis are very scarce. There are a large number of different potential host species that can be infected by Hepatozoon canis, but the most common are domestic and wild carnivores, such as dogs, jackals, foxes, and wolves. In this study, the epidemiological significance of the grey wolf as a host for the pathogen was analysed for the first time in Serbia, as well as the genetic variability of H. canis. The presence of H. canis in wolf spleens has been demonstrated using molecular methods. A total of 107 wolf spleen samples from 30 localities in Serbia were analysed. The presence of H. canis was confirmed in 62 (57.94%) individuals from 26 out of 30 localities. According to the analysis, the sampled H. canis sequences were found to be characterised by a certain heterogeneity. Based on five mutated nucleotide sites in the sequences, H. canis could be divided into five sequence types, S1 to S5. The five sequence types can potentially circulate in grey wolf populations as well as among other domestic and wild canids. This study is the first confirmation of the presence of H. canis in grey wolf populations in Serbia. Considering that the role of this vector-borne disease is poorly researched in wild carnivores, it is very important to indicate the role of this species in the circulation of this pathogen in natural ecosystems.
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Kolangath SM, Upadhye SV, Dhoot VM, Pawshe MD, Shalini AS, Kolangath RM. Molecular investigation and clinical management of Hepatozoon Canis infection in an Indian jackal - a case report. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:144. [PMID: 35443659 PMCID: PMC9020052 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03213-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatozoonosis is a common tick-borne illness reported from all over the world. The infection has been well documented in dogs and cats, and has also been identified in wild canids and felids. India is home to many canid species; however, the incidence of Hepatozoonosis in wild canids is rarely reported. A wide variety of protocols have been discussed for the clinical management of the infection in companion animals; however, the suitability of treatment protocols in wild canids is understudied. The current case report highlights the clinical management of Hepatozoonosis in an Indian jackal and molecular investigation to provide vital insights into the epidemiology of the disease. CASE PRESENTATION A paraplegic Indian jackal was rescued from Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India. The animal had extensive decubital ulcers on the left pin bone and could not walk; however, the animal was active and dragged the hindlimb during locomotion. The vital parameters, blood and serum investigations were normal. Post physiotherapy, massage and infrared therapy, the animal could walk but started knuckling, resulting in injuries. Eight weeks into rehabilitation, the animal had a steep fall in haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, weight loss and was diagnosed with Hepatozoonosis. Considering the altered vital parameters, the jackal was rationally treated with Doxycyclin @ 20 mg/Kg O.D. (Once Daily) for 45 days along with supportive therapy. The jackal recovered after the treatment and led a normal life. CONCLUSION Mono-drug regime using Doxycycline was effective in the alleviation of H.canis infection in jackal. The drug was effective in alleviating the clinical presentation without alteration of vital parameters. The molecular investigation provided qualitative inputs in understanding the epidemiology of Hepatozoon in wild canids.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Kolangath
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, MAFSU, Nagpur Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Fetri, Nagpur, 441501, India.
| | - S V Upadhye
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, MAFSU, Nagpur Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Fetri, Nagpur, 441501, India
| | - V M Dhoot
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, MAFSU, Nagpur Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Fetri, Nagpur, 441501, India
| | - M D Pawshe
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, MAFSU, Nagpur Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Fetri, Nagpur, 441501, India
| | - A S Shalini
- Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, MAFSU, Nagpur Opp. Hindustan Lever Godown Square, Mahurzhari Road, Fetri, Nagpur, 441501, India
| | - R M Kolangath
- Department of Biotechnology & Biochemistry, Saint Francis DeSales College, Seminary Hills, Nagpur, 440006, India
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Bhusri B, Lekcharoen P, Changbunjong T. First detection and molecular identification of Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis in an Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) from Thailand. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:225-229. [PMID: 35242529 PMCID: PMC8866107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. are apicomplexan parasites that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals. The life cycle of these parasites requires a tick vector as a definitive host and various vertebrates as reservoir hosts. The objective of this study was to detect and characterize Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in an Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) from a natural habitat in northeastern Thailand. Heart and spleen samples of an adult male wild dog were screened for Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the partial fragment of 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequence. Both Babesia sp. and Hepatozoon sp. were detected in the spleen of the wild dog. Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the detected parasites were Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis. This is the first report of B. gibsoni and H. canis in the Asiatic wild dog from Thailand using PCR. Our results indicate that wild dogs can serve as a potential reservoir of the protozoan parasites and that they may play an important role in the transmission of these parasites to other wild or domestic canids. The Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus) is involved in the cycle of tick-borne pathogens (TBP). This is the first report of Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis co-infection in an Asiatic wild dog. Wild dogs may be a source of TBP for other wild and domestic canids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjaporn Bhusri
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Paisin Lekcharoen
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10130, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
- Corresponding author. Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
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Fava NMN, Alves TS, Lopes MG, Labruna MB, Santos AQ, Cury MC. Occurrence and Molecular Identification of Hemoparasites in Wild Mammals Kept in Rehabilitation Centers in Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:476-486. [PMID: 34797498 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00492-3] [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: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatozoonosis and piroplasmosis are diseases caused by apicomplexan protozoa that affect different types of animals, including mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms in wild mammals kept in captivity in rehabilitation centers in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, Brazil. METHODS For this, blood samples from 152 animals were collected and analyzed by conventional optical microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, positive PCR samples were submitted to sequencing for molecular characterization of the specimens found. RESULTS Microscopic analysis revealed 53 of the 152 animals (28.3%) parasitized by piroplasms. No Hepatozoon sp. was observed. On the other hand, using the primers HepF300/HepR900 and Piro1F/Piro5R, both amplifying fragments of the 18S rDNA gene, eight animals (5.2%) were positive for Hepatozoon spp. and 40 (26.3%) for piroplasms. From the sequencing of the positive samples Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon felis, Theileria cervi, Theileria equi and Cytauxzoon felis were identified. In addition to the aforementioned hemoparasites, some animals were found parasitized by microfilaria. Such data ratify the presence of hemoparasites in captive wild animals, and are unprecedented in the two geographical regions covered by the present study. 19.7% of mammals harbored ectoparasites of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus. CONCLUSION Wild mammals are infected by several pathogens that can also infect domestic animals, some of them potentially zoonotic which can directly contribute to mortality and species reduction. Therefore, a deep understanding of the parasites, the hosts and the diseases is extremely necessary so that prevention, control and treatment measures are effectively applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália M N Fava
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Talita Silva Alves
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Marcos Gomes Lopes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Quagliatto Santos
- Wild Animals Teaching and Research Laboratory (LAPAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Mato Grosso Avenue, 3289-Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Márcia Cristina Cury
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Molecular Biology of Parasites, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Amazonas Avenue w/n, Umuarama Campus, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
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16
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Alić A, Šupić J, Goletić T, Rešidbegović E, Lutvikadić I, Hodžić A. A Unique Case of Fatal Coinfection Caused by Leptospira spp. and Hepatozoon canis in a Red Fox Cub ( Vulpes vulpes). Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010011. [PMID: 35055959 PMCID: PMC8777892 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010011] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Red foxes are the most abundant wild carnivore species in Europe commonly exposed to pathogenic Leptospira and Hepatozoon canis. Despite high seroprevalence, the clinical disease caused by these pathogens in red foxes has never been reported. Herein, we report the first-ever case of a fatal Leptospira spp. and H. canis coinfection in a two-month-old red fox cub with acute haemolytic anaemia, mild bronchopneumonia, intraalveolar haemorrhage, and tubulonephrosis. The presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in the kidney and lung tissues of the infected animal. In contrast to our previous knowledge, we believe that such fatal cases due to concomitant infection by Leptospira spp. and H. canis, especially in young animals, may commonly occur in nature. However, further studies are required to identify other factors that possibly contribute to the severity and the pathogenic effect of Leptospira spp. and H. canis infections in red foxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +387-33-729-133
| | - Jovana Šupić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Teufik Goletić
- Department of Avian Diseases and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (T.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Emina Rešidbegović
- Department of Avian Diseases and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (T.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Ismar Lutvikadić
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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Vásquez-Aguilar AA, Barbachano-Guerrero A, Angulo DF, Jarquín-Díaz VH. Phylogeography and population differentiation in Hepatozoon canis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) reveal expansion and gene flow in world populations. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:467. [PMID: 34521451 PMCID: PMC8439048 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan transmitted to dogs and other wild carnivores by the ingestion of ticks containing mature oocysts and is considered the principal cause of canine hepatozoonosis in the world. Here, we examined ribosomal RNA 18S gene sequence variation to determine the genetic differences and phylogeographic diversity of H. canis from various geographical areas around the world. METHODS We used 550 publicly available sequences of H. canis from 46 countries to assess haplotype relationships, geographical structure, genetic diversity indices, and relationships among populations. We performed neutrality tests and pairwise comparisons of fixation index (FST) values between groups and pairwise comparisons of FST values between populations. To determine whether populations are structured, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVAs) and spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) were performed. RESULTS The dataset of H. canis yielded 76 haplotypes. Differentiation among populations indicated that there is no phylogeographical structure (GST = 0.302 ± 0.0475). Moreover, when samples were grouped by continents a significant FST was obtained, meaning that populations were genetically differentiated. The AMOVA showed that 57.4% of the genetic variation was explained by differences within populations when all locations were treated as a single group and revealed that there is no population structure when populations are grouped into two, three, and four groups (FCT, p > 0.05), suggesting that dispersal between populations is high. SAMOVA revealed significant FCT values for groups K = 5. The Tajima's D and Fu's Fs show that populations have undergone recent expansion, and the mismatch distribution analysis showed population expansion (multimodal distribution). CONCLUSIONS The current molecular data confirmed that H. canis does not show phylogeographic or population structure. The haplotypes exhibit low genetic differentiation, suggesting a recent expansion due to gene flow among populations. These results provide pivotal information required for future detailed population genetic analysis or to establish control strategies of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Acini Vásquez-Aguilar
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz 91000 México
| | | | - Diego F. Angulo
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz Mexico
| | - Víctor Hugo Jarquín-Díaz
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
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Carvalho L, Félix ML, Bazzano V, da Costa A, Armúa-Fernández MT, Muñoz-Leal S, Venzal JM. An Hepatozoon americanum-like protozoan in crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes from Uruguay. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3587-3593. [PMID: 34480202 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07305-6] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In South America, apicomplexan parasites of the genus Hepatozoon have been sporadically detected in mammals. Previous studies in wild canids from Brazil and Argentina demonstrated infections by species genetically related to Hepatozoon americanum. The aim of the present work was to detect the presence of Hepatozoon in road-killed foxes encountered in Uruguayan highways. Blood samples from 45 crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and 32 grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes were analyzed by PCR for Hepatozoon 18S rRNA gene. Eight foxes (10.4%) were found to be infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, an Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences obtained in this study cluster with H. americanum from the United States, and with an H. americanum-like species from dog and foxes from Brazil and Argentina. In the Unites States, H. americanum causes severe disease in dogs. In addition to this, an increasing habitat overlap between dogs and foxes makes the presence of H. americanum-like protozoan in foxes acquires veterinary relevance. This work represents the first report of L. gymnocercus infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, and of wild canids infected with Hepatozoon in Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay.
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - María L Félix
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Valentin Bazzano
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Anthony da Costa
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - María T Armúa-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Casilla 537, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - José Manuel Venzal
- Laboratorio de Vectores Y Enfermedades Transmitidas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de La República, Rivera 1350, CP 50000, Salto, Uruguay
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19
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Viljoen S, O'Riain MJ, Penzhorn BL, Drouilly M, Vorster I, Bishop JM. Black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) from semi-arid rangelands in South Africa harbour Hepatozoon canis and a Theileria species but apparently not Babesia rossi. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 24:100559. [PMID: 34024375 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of disease as a wildlife management challenge in South Africa, baseline data on the epidemiology of pathogens occurring in free-ranging species has received little attention to date. Black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are a wide-ranging, abundant carnivore with substantial economic importance due to their role in livestock depredation. They are known reservoirs hosts of Babesia rossi, a virulent pathogen in domestic dogs in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the prevalence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens (TPBs) including Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species, together with host-attached tick diversity, in a black-backed jackal population from the semi-arid Central Karoo, a small-livestock farming region in South Africa. Using reverse line blot hybridisation, we screened 43 blood samples and sequenced the 18S rRNA gene from positive samples to confirm and characterise pathogen identity using a phylogenetic framework. Hepatozoon canis, a ubiquitous pathogen of domestic and wild canids globally, was observed in 47% of jackals, while a Theileria sp. most similar to T. ovis, a piroplasm found in small livestock, was observed in 5% of jackals. No Babesia, Ehrlichia or Anaplasma species were identified, although a Sarcocystis sp. sequence was isolated from one jackal. Host-attached ticks (n = 20) comprised three species, Amblyomma marmoreum, Haemaphysalis elliptica/zumpti and Ixodes rubicundus, commonly known ticks in the region. In summary, prevalence of TBPs in black-backed jackals from this semi-arid rangeland region was lower than in jackal populations in more mesic regions. These jackals were apparently not infected with B. rossi. While this study is one of the first investigations into the epidemiology of TBPs infecting jackals and adds to the sparse literature, further studies which span landscape uses, climate conditions and seasonality are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Viljoen
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - M J O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - B L Penzhorn
- Vectors & Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa; National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M Drouilly
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - I Vorster
- Vectors & Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J M Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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20
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Netherlands EC, Stroebel C, du Preez LH, Shabangu N, Matjila PT, van Schalkwyk OL, Penzhorn BL. Molecular confirmation of high prevalence of species of Hepatozoon infection in free-ranging African wild dogs ( Lycaon pictus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 14:335-340. [PMID: 33898235 PMCID: PMC8056134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Reports in the literature indicate that species of Hepatozoon commonly occur in African wild dog (AWD) or painted wolf (Lycaon pictus) populations. These findings were based on examination of blood smears by microscopy, and specific identity of the Hepatozoon sp. gamonts seen could not be confirmed. We present the first in-depth molecular data on the prevalence of species of Hepatozoon in a free-ranging AWD population. In a general health survey of AWDs in the Kruger National Park, blood specimens (n = 74) collected from 54 individuals were examined for the presence of Hepatozoon spp. At first sampling, specimens from 42 of 54 individuals (77.7%) were positive, based on the primer set HepF300 and HepR900. Twenty individuals were resampled between 51 and 69 days after first sampling; one of these was resampled twice. Samples from six individuals that had tested negative previously now reacted positive. Assuming that all 54 individuals were still alive, the prevalence had therefore increased to 48 individuals infected, or 88.8%. Resultant 18S rDNA sequences isolated from these specimens share high similarity to other Hepatozoon canis genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis recovered the Hepatozoon sp. isolated from AWDs within the H. canis cluster, which includes species of Hepatozoon from other canid and tick hosts. First in-depth molecular data on the prevalence of species of Hepatozoon in a free-ranging African wild dog population. High prevalence (89%) of African wild dogs in the Kruger National Park parasitised with Hepatozoon sp. Two species of Hepatozoon genotypes sequenced from this African wild dog population. Resultant 18S rDNA sequences share a 99% similarity to Hepatozoon canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Netherlands
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Carlie Stroebel
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Louis H du Preez
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Somerset Street, Makhanda, 6140, South Africa
| | - Ntji Shabangu
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - P Tshepo Matjila
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | | | - Barend L Penzhorn
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.,Research Affiliate, Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.,Research Associate, National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Boom Street, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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21
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Mierzejewska EJ, Dwużnik D, Koczwarska J, Stańczak Ł, Opalińska P, Krokowska-Paluszak M, Wierzbicka A, Górecki G, Bajer A. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a possible reservoir of Babesia vulpes, B. canis and Hepatozoon canis and its association with the tick Dermacentor reticulatus occurrence. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101551. [PMID: 33002808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is known to be a reservoir host of various vector-borne protozoan parasites. Yet, the impact of these parasitic infections on the health status of the red fox is unknown. In this study, we compared the prevalence of haemoprotozoa in juvenile and adult foxes from four regions in Poland. The abundance of questing adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks was shown to differ between regions and include a tick-endemic and non-endemic region, as well as two zones in which D. reticulatus recently expanded: an eastern and a western zone. Spleen and kidney enlargement indices were compared between infected, co-infected and non-infected foxes to evaluate pathogenic output of parasitic infections. Blood samples were collected from 383 necropsied red foxes and 25 live-trapped red fox cubs. The weights of spleens, kidneys and bodies were recorded for each necropsied individual. Blood and spleen DNA samples were screened by PCR to detect 18S rRNA and cox1 gene fragments of Babesia spp., and 18S rRNA of Hepatozoon spp. Prevalence of infection and mean organ weight indices were compared in relation to fox age and sex, origin (zone) and infection status. Hepatozoon canis (174/381; 45.7%) and Babesia vulpes (117/381; 30.7%) were the dominant pathogens infecting adult foxes. Babesia canis DNA was detected in 9 (2.4%) individuals. Two fox cubs from Western Poland were infected with B. vulpes (2/14; 14%), while H. canis infection (16/25; 59%) was detected in cubs from all three regions where trapping was carried out. Infection with B. vulpes was associated with significantly higher weights of spleens and kidneys. Spleen weight/ body weight and mean kidney weight/ body weight indices were shown as relevant in evaluating changes occurring during infection with B. vulpes. Babesia and Hepatozoon spp. infections differed in red foxes from D. reticulatus-endemic, non-endemic and newly inhabited areas. The prevalence of B. canis in foxes from four regions of Poland reflects the prevalence recorded in questing adult D. reticulatus collected in these areas. This finding suggests a contribution of red foxes to the establishment of new foci of B. canis-infected D. reticulatus ticks in areas recently invaded by this tick species. Spleen and kidney enlargement was identified in foxes infected with B. vulpes, particularly in individuals co-infected with B. vulpes and H. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa J Mierzejewska
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dorota Dwużnik
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Julia Koczwarska
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Stańczak
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Faculty of Forestry, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71 D, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Patrycja Opalińska
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Faculty of Forestry, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71 D, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Krokowska-Paluszak
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Faculty of Forestry, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71 D, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Wierzbicka
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Faculty of Forestry, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71 D, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Górecki
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Faculty of Forestry, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71 D, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Helm CS, Samson-Himmelstjerna GV, Liesner JM, Kohn B, Müller E, Schaper R, Pachnicke S, Schulze C, Krücken J. Identical 18S rRNA haplotypes of Hepatozoon canis in dogs and foxes in Brandenburg, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101520. [PMID: 32993940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis is a blood parasite of the suborder Adeleorina infecting wild and domestic canids. Transmission occurs by oral uptake of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato vector ticks infected with H. canis, but vertical transmission is also assumed to be possible. In German foxes, a high prevalence of H. canis has previously been reported despite the fact that R. sanguineus s.l. is not endemic. In the absence of knowledge about local transmission pathways, foxes should be considered to be possible reservoirs of H. canis and contribute to infection of domestic dogs. The present study aimed to determine how often foxes and dogs are infected in Brandenburg (Germany) and if identical or different H. canis 18S rRNA haplotypes are found in these host species. Hepatozoon spp. were detected by PCR in 46/1050 (4.4 %) of dog blood and 176/201 (77.6 %) of fox spleen samples from Brandenburg. Sequencing of 19 dog and 56 fox samples identified all as H. canis. For nine positive dogs, owners stated that they had never left Germany suggesting that autochthonous transmission occurs not only in foxes but also in dogs. Sequences for seven of these possible autochthonous cases were obtained and six were identical to the predominant haplotype found in the foxes. Haplotype network analysis confirmed that many dogs, including some without travel history, carried the same or very similar 18S rRNA haplotypes as the foxes suggesting that both hosts participate in the same epidemiological cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Helm
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jana M Liesner
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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23
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Guo WP, Xie GC, Xue ZQ, Yu JJ, Jian R, Du LY, Li YN. Molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs and ticks in Shaanxi province, China. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 72:101514. [PMID: 32634650 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis, transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is a tick-borne pathogen and causes canine hepatozoonosis. Until now, only limited previous studies were conducted on the molecular detection and characterization of Hepatozoon sp. in dogs in China. Blood samples were collected from 93 sick dogs that were clinically diagnosed as babesiosis but tested negative for Babesia, and 103 apparently healthy dogs, as well as their infesting ticks in Xi'an and Hanzhong cities, Shaanxi province of China. PCR amplifying partial 18S rRNA gene was used to detect the DNA of Hepatozoon sp. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis were performed to determine the Hepatozoon species. Our results demonstrated that H. canis was identified from the sick dogs and the infested ticks in Hanzhong, with no significant differences of prevalence between both genders and ages. No positive blood or tick samples were found in Xi'an. Moreover, all the 18S rRNA gene sequences recovered from both dogs and the infested ticks showed a high genetic similarity with each other, and also presented a close relationship with other known sequences in and outside China. In conclusion, H. canis was identified in babesiosis-suspected dogs and ticks infesting them in Shaanxi, China, although the association between clinical signs and H. canis need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China.
| | - Guang-Cheng Xie
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Zhong-Qiang Xue
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Yu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Jian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Luan-Ying Du
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Ya-Ning Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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24
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van As M, Netherlands EC, Smit NJ. Molecular characterisation and morphological description of two new species of Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) infecting leukocytes of African leopards Panthera pardus pardus (L.). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:222. [PMID: 32357916 PMCID: PMC7195708 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3933-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 07/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The African leopard Panthera pardus pardus (L.) is currently listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) red list of threatened species due to ongoing population declines. This implies that leopard-specific parasites are also vulnerable to extinction. Intracellular apicomplexan haemoparasites from the genus Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 have been widely reported from wild carnivores in Africa, including non-specific reports from leopards. This paper describes two new haemogregarines in captive and wild leopards from South Africa and provides a tabular summary of these species in relation to species of Hepatozoon reported from mammalian carnivores. METHODS Blood was collected from nine captive and eight wild leopards at various localities throughout South Africa. Thin blood smears were Giemsa-stained and screened for intraleukocytic haemoparasites. Gamont stages were micrographed and morphometrically compared with existing literature pertaining to infections in felid hosts. Haemogregarine specific primer set 4558F and 2733R was used to target the 18S rRNA gene for molecular analysis. Resulting sequences were compared to each other and with other available representative mammalian carnivore Hepatozoon sequences from GenBank. RESULTS Two species of Hepatozoon were found in captive and wild leopards. Of the 17 leopards screened, eight were infected with one or both morphologically and genetically distinct haemogregarines. When compared with other species of Hepatozoon reported from felids, the two species from this study were morphometrically and molecularly distinct. Species of Hepatozoon from this study were observed to exclusively parasitize a particular type of leukocyte, with Hepatozoon luiperdjie n. sp. infecting neutrophils and Hepatozoon ingwe n. sp. infecting lymphocytes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these haemogregarines are genetically distinct, with Hepatozoon luiperdjie n. sp. and Hepatozoon ingwe n. sp. falling in well supported separate clades. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first morphometric and molecular description of Hepatozoon in captive and wild African leopards in South Africa. This study highlights the value of using both morphometric and molecular characteristics when describing species of Hepatozoon from felid hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle van As
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Qwaqwa campus, Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866 South Africa
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520 South Africa
| | - Edward C. Netherlands
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520 South Africa
| | - Nico J. Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520 South Africa
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25
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Viljoen S, O'Riain MJ, Penzhorn BL, Drouilly M, Serieys LEK, Cristescu B, Teichman KJ, Bishop JM. Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in caracals (Caracal caracal) living in human-modified landscapes of South Africa. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:220. [PMID: 32354342 PMCID: PMC7191760 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Wild carnivores living alongside humans and domestic animals are vulnerable to changes in the infectious disease dynamics in their populations. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and diversity of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of veterinary and/or zoonotic concern in wild populations of caracals (Caracal caracal) occurring in human-modified landscapes in South Africa. Using molecular techniques, we screened 57 caracal blood samples for infection by rickettsial bacteria and piroplasms in three regions of South Africa: rangeland in the Central Karoo (n = 27) and Namaqualand (n = 14) as well as the urban edge of the Cape Peninsula (n = 16) of South Africa. To characterise pathogen identity, we sequenced the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes from positive samples and analysed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. We also examine the diversity of potential tick vectors. Results All individuals tested were infected with at least one tick-borne pathogen. Pathogens included Hepatozoon felis, Babesia felis, Babesia leo and a potentially novel Babesia species. An Anaplasma species previously described in South African domestic dogs was also found in 88% of urban edge caracals. Higher rates of co-infection characterised urban edge caracals (81% vs 15% and 0% in the two rangeland populations), as well as a greater incidence of mixed infections. Host attached tick species include Haemaphysalis elliptica, an important pathogen vector among carnivore hosts. Conclusions This study confirms the occurrence of previously undocumented tick-borne pathogens infecting free-ranging caracals in human-modified landscapes. We identify clear differences in the pathogen profiles among our study populations and discuss the likely health costs to caracals living adjacent to urban areas.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Storme Viljoen
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Barend L Penzhorn
- Vectors & Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marine Drouilly
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laurel E K Serieys
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bogdan Cristescu
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kristine J Teichman
- The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Jacqueline M Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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26
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Hornok S, Kováts D, Horváth G, Kontschán J, Farkas R. Checklist of the hard tick (Acari: Ixodidae) fauna of Hungary with emphasis on host-associations and the emergence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 80:311-328. [PMID: 32030605 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hungary is situated in the southern part of Central Europe, next to the northern boundary of the Mediterranean region. This geographical position may allow the northward expansion of Mediterranean ixodid tick species into Hungary, particularly in the era of warming climate. During the past 14 years numerous surveys have been published on the species and activity of hard ticks occurring in the country. However, it was 60 years ago that the last comprehensive review of ixodid ticks of Hungary was published, and only in Hungarian language. The purpose of the present checklist is to provide a comprehensive and complete overview of the ixodid fauna of Hungary, based on tick reports published so far in Hungarian or English, also including hitherto unpublished data. Altogether 27 hard tick species were identified in Hungary, of which 21 can be regarded as indigenous. Most importantly, the autochthonous occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was not known prior to 2005, but during the last 14 years increasing numbers of cases have been reported, attesting the emergence of this tick species in Hungary. Whereas R. sanguineus sensu lato was always associated with dogs and cats in Hungary, other tick species show differences in host associations according to habitat type, seasonal activity and questing height. Changes in the distribution, abundance and seasonality of a few tick species were also noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Dávid Kováts
- Ócsa Bird Ringing Station, Ócsa, Hungary
- Hungarian Biodiversity Research Society, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Researches, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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27
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Hodžić A, Georges I, Postl M, Duscher GG, Jeschke D, Szentiks CA, Ansorge H, Heddergott M. Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens reveals a high prevalence and low genetic variability of Hepatozoon canis in free-ranging grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101389. [PMID: 32008999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wild carnivores are important hosts for ixodid ticks and presumed reservoirs for several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of medical and veterinary importance. However, little is known about the role that the European grey wolf (Canis lupus) plays in the enzootic cycle of TBPs. The recent recolonization of Central European lowland, including some regions in Germany, by the grey wolf, opened up an excellent opportunity for studying the impact of the wolf population on pathogen diversity and transmission dynamics. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated spleen samples collected from 276 grey wolves in 11 federal states in Germany for common TBPs by molecular methods. In total, 127 grey wolves (46.0 %) were found to be positive for Hepatozoon canis. Only two genetic variants of this protozoan parasite (herein designated as G1 and G2) were found to circulate among the grey wolves, which can be potentially shared between populations of domestic and other wild carnivores in the country. Two grey wolves were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.7 %), and both were co-infected with H. canis G1 genotype. The presence of other pathogens could not be confirmed by PCR and sequencing. This study represents the first one reporting H. canis in a grey wolf population worldwide, and it provides highly relevant information, which may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of TBPs and the pathogen transmission dynamics among the reintroduced population of grey wolves and other carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabell Georges
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Postl
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Moedling, Austria.
| | - Diana Jeschke
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany
| | | | - Hermann Ansorge
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany; International Institute Zittau, Technische Universität Dresden, Zittau, Germany
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Basso W, Görner D, Globokar M, Keidel A, Pantchev N. First autochthonous case of clinical Hepatozoon felis infection in a domestic cat in Central Europe. Parasitol Int 2019; 72:101945. [PMID: 31228586 PMCID: PMC7108250 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.101945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Three different Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa, Hepatozoidae) species have been described infecting domestic cats in Europe (i.e. H. felis, H. canis and H. silvestris), however, reports on clinical hepatozoonosis are uncommon and treatment protocols are not clearly defined. A six-year-old male European short-hair cat from Austria presented poor general condition, lethargy, anorexia, icterus, a painful abdomen, fever, ruffled hair and a tick infestation, and it had never left Austria. Laboratory tests revealed leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and increased serum levels of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and bilirubin. In May Grünwald-Giemsa-stained blood smears, structures resembling Hepatozoon gamonts were observed inside neutrophil granulocytes. A PCR targeting a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. and DNA sequencing allowed the diagnosis of H. felis-DNA in blood samples. The cat was treated with imidocarb dipropionate (6 mg/kg body weight, repeated after 14 days) and doxycycline monohydrate (5 mg/kg body weight twice a day, p.o., for four weeks) and recovered completely. A broad haematological and biochemical laboratory control after six months showed all evaluated parameters under normal ranges. Coinfection with other feline pathogens (i.e. feline leukaemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline Coronavirus, Leishmania and Dirofilaria immitis) could not be detected. This study reveals the presence of H. felis in Austria and provides more evidence on the geographical distribution and pathogenicity of this parasite for domestic cats. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first autochthonous case of feline hepatozoonosis in Central Europe. Clinical Hepatozoon felis infection in a domestic cat was diagnosed in Austria. The diagnosis was achieved by microscopy of blood smears, PCR and DNA-sequencing. Possible coinfections with other feline pathogens were ruled-out. The cat recovered completely after treatment with imidocarb and doxycycline. This represents the first autochthonous case of feline hepatozoonosis in Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Dagmar Görner
- Tierarztpraxis Görner, Gölbeszeile 28, A-7000 Eisenstadt, Austria
| | - Majda Globokar
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestrasse 28/3, D-71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Anke Keidel
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestrasse 28/3, D-71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Nikola Pantchev
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestrasse 28/3, D-71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
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Next generation sequencing from Hepatozoon canis (Apicomplexa: Coccidia: Adeleorina): Complete apicoplast genome and multiple mitochondrion-associated sequences. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:375-387. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Juwaid S, Sukara R, Penezić A, Mihaljica D, Veinović G, Kavallieratos NG, Ćirović D, Tomanović S. First evidence of tick-borne protozoan pathogens, Babesia sp. and Hepatozoon canis, in red foxes (vulpes vulpes) in Serbia. Acta Vet Hung 2019; 67:70-80. [PMID: 30922092 DOI: 10.1556/004.2019.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne haematozoans cause severe diseases in domestic animals, and some of them have zoonotic potential. The results of previous studies in Europe point to the important role of foxes in natural endemic cycles of several tick-borne pathogens, including protozoa. The aim of the present research was to acquire information on the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne protozoan parasites among foxes in Serbia. Legally hunted foxes from 14 localities throughout Serbia were analysed. Spleen samples were collected from 129 animals and tested for the presence of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. by PCR. In total, 79/129 (61.2%) of the tested foxes were positive for H. canis, while the presence of two Babesia species was confirmed: B. vulpes (37/129, 28.7%) and B. canis (1/129, 0.8%). Coinfection with B. vulpes and H. canis was present in 26/129 (20.2%) foxes and one animal (1/129, 0.8%) was co-infected by B. canis and H. canis. The results of this study indicate the important role of foxes in the epizootiology of B. vulpes and H. canis in the Republic of Serbia and stress the need for further research to clarify all elements of the enzootic cycle of the detected pathogens, including other reservoirs, vectors, and transmission routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem Juwaid
- 1 Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko Sukara
- 2 Department of Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, P.O. Box 39, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Darko Mihaljica
- 2 Department of Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, P.O. Box 39, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorana Veinović
- 2 Department of Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, P.O. Box 39, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nickolas G. Kavallieratos
- 3 Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Duško Ćirović
- 1 Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- 2 Department of Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, P.O. Box 39, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia
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Hepatozoon milleri sp. nov. (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) in Akodon montensis (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) from southeastern Brazil. Parasitology 2018; 146:662-669. [PMID: 30486906 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018001956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Members of the genus Hepatozoon (Miller, 1908) are blood parasites found in a wide range of host species, including wild rodents; however, information about the life cycle, distribution and Hepatozoon species diversity infecting these mammals are lacking. We studied the parasite stages and DNA sequences of Hepatozoon sp. of 11 naturally infected Akodon montensis. Thin blood smears, tissue samples and whole blood were obtained for morphology, morphometry and molecular analyses. Seven of the 11 rodents had gamonts on the blood smears. Biological and morphological features of the parasite such as tissue tropism, gamonts and meronts size and morphology, as well as the DNA sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis, indicated that the Hepatozoon sp. detected in this study is distinct from those species previously reported in small rodents. Herein, we propose a new species, named Hepatozoon milleri sp. nov. This is the first description of a new Hepatozoon species from wild small rodents in Brazil, based on morphological and molecular characteristics.
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Greay TL, Barbosa AD, Rees RL, Paparini A, Ryan UM, Oskam CL, Irwin PJ. An Australian dog diagnosed with an exotic tick-borne infection: should Australia still be considered free from Hepatozoon canis? Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:805-815. [PMID: 30059690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent molecular and sero-surveillance studies of the tick-borne pathogen Hepatozoon canis have identified new hosts, potential vector species, and have revealed that H. canis is more widespread than previously thought. We report the first diagnosed case of canine hepatozoonosis in Australia from a Maremma Sheepdog in Sarina, Queensland. Hepatozoon canis was detected with blood smear examination and 18S rRNA sequencing. It is unknown when or how the organism was introduced into Australia, which raises questions about border biosecurity policies and the H. canis infection status of its potential vectors and hosts in Australia. Surveillance for this pathogen is required to determine whether H. canis has established in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telleasha L Greay
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasília DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Robert L Rees
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Paparini
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Una M Ryan
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Charlotte L Oskam
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter J Irwin
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Sukara R, Chochlakis D, Ćirović D, Penezić A, Mihaljica D, Ćakić S, Valčić M, Tselentis Y, Psaroulaki A, Tomanović S. Golden jackals (Canis aureus) as hosts for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Serbia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1090-1097. [PMID: 29678402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a medium-sized canid species native to Europe. This species is characterized by rapid large-scale expansion. A similar trend is also observed in Serbia, where the species is now distributed in more than a half of the territory. Although jackals prefer habitats in human-dominated landscapes, these animals have not been studied well enough from an eco-epidemiological point of view, and little is known about their potential for carrying zoonotic pathogens. In a study conducted during a three-year period (01/2010-02/2013), a total of 216 hunted or road-killed golden jackals were collected from 10 localities in Serbia. Ticks, when present, were removed, and after necropsy, spleen samples were collected from each animal. All tick and spleen samples were tested for the DNA of bacterial and protozoan tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia species, Bartonella species, Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella species and Babesia species) by multiplex real-time PCR, conventional PCR and sequencing analyses. The DNA of Babesia canis was detected in nine out of 216 (4.2%) spleen samples, and two samples (0.9%) tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In 118 ticks collected from jackals, the DNA of two Babesia species (Ba. canis and Ba. microti), three Borrelia species (Bo. garinii, Bo. valaisiana, and Bo. lusitaniae) and A. marginale was detected. From the aspect of public health surveillance, the potential role of the golden jackal in the maintenance of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Serbia must be considered, and further eco-epidemiological studies should be performed to determine the precise role of this animal species in zoonotic disease transmission cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratko Sukara
- Department for Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dimosthenis Chochlakis
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes - Staurakia, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Penezić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Darko Mihaljica
- Department for Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Ćakić
- Department for Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miroslav Valčić
- Infectious Animals Diseases and Diseases of Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Yannis Tselentis
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes - Staurakia, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Anna Psaroulaki
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes - Staurakia, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Department for Medical Entomology, Center of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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A survey of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in wild canids in Israel. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:150. [PMID: 29554923 PMCID: PMC5859425 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2715-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. are apicomplexan parasites that infect a variety of animals, including canids. Their life-cycle includes an invertebrate hematophagous vector as a definitive host and vertebrates as intermediate hosts. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. infections in wild golden jackals (Canis aureus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Israel and to compare spleen with blood sample polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of infection. Results Blood and spleen samples from 109 golden jackals and 21 red foxes were tested by PCR for the detection of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. using primers for the 18S ribosomal (r) RNA gene. Hepatozoon canis was detected in 50/109 (46%) of the jackals and 9/21 (43%) of the foxes. “Babesia vulpes” (the Babesia microti-like piroplasm) was detected in 4/21 (19%) of the foxes and in none of the jackals. A previously unknown genotype termed Babesia sp. MML related to Babesia lengau (96–97% identity) was detected in 1/109 (1%) of the jackals and 4/21 (19%) of the foxes. Further characterization of this genotype carried out by PCR of the rRNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) indicated that it had only 87% identity with the B. lengau ITS2. Sex (male or female), age (juvenile or adult) and geographic zone (North, Central or South Israel) were not found to be significant risk factors for these protozoan infections. The prevalence of “B. vulpes” and Babesia sp. MML infections was significantly higher in foxes compared to jackals (χ2 = 15.65, df = 1, P < 0.005), while there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of H. canis infection between these two canid species. A fair agreement beyond chance between identification in the blood and spleen of H. canis was found in 21 animals from which both blood and spleen samples were available (k = 0.33). Conclusions This study describes a high prevalence of H. canis infection in foxes and jackals and is the first report of “B. vulpes” infection in Israel, an area where Ixodes spp. are rare. It describes infection with a previously unknown genotype of Babesia related to B. lengau from Africa.
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Genetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris and Pecari tajacu from eastern Amazon. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:314-318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Gherman CM, Mihalca AD. A synoptic overview of golden jackal parasites reveals high diversity of species. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:419. [PMID: 28915831 PMCID: PMC5603039 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2329-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a species under significant and fast geographic expansion. Various parasites are known from golden jackals across their geographic range, and certain groups can be spread during their expansion, increasing the risk of cross-infection with other carnivores or even humans. The current list of the golden jackal parasites includes 194 species and was compiled on the basis of an extensive literature search published from historical times until April 2017, and is shown herein in synoptic tables followed by critical comments of the various findings. This large variety of parasites is related to the extensive geographic range, territorial mobility and a very unselective diet. The vast majority of these parasites are shared with domestic dogs or cats. The zoonotic potential is the most important aspect of species reported in the golden jackal, some of them, such as Echinococcus spp., hookworms, Toxocara spp., or Trichinella spp., having a great public health impact. Our review brings overwhelming evidence on the importance of Canis aureus as a wild reservoir of human and animal parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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da Silva MRL, Fornazari F, Demoner LDC, Teixeira CR, Langoni H, O'Dwyer LH. Didelphis albiventris naturally infected with Hepatozoon canis in southeastern Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:878-881. [PMID: 28728938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon species are vector-borne pathogens that infect domestic and wild animals. Marsupials of the species Didelphis albiventris are adapted to urban and peri-urban areas and act as reservoir hosts for several parasites. The present study evaluated the occurrence of infection by Hepatozoon species in synantropic D. albiventris from Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Blood samples and ectoparasites from 19 D. albiventris were collected from urban and peri-urban areas. Hepatozoon spp. detection was performed by microscopy and molecular analysis. One opossum was positive for Hepatozoon spp. in microscopy analysis and PCR, while another animal was positive only in PCR. The obtained sequences were 100% identical to Hepatozoon canis. Six species of ticks and two species of fleas were detected on D. albiventris. This is the first report of H. canis in synantropic D. albiventris. In Brazil, H. canis transmission among dog populations is not well established, which highlights the importance of investigating the role that opossums might play in the epidemiology of this protozoan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Regina Lucas da Silva
- Instituto de Biociências, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Departamento de Parasitologia, Distrito de Rubião Junior, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Felipe Fornazari
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Junior, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa de Castro Demoner
- Instituto de Biociências, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Departamento de Parasitologia, Distrito de Rubião Junior, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Teixeira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Junior, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Junior, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia Helena O'Dwyer
- Instituto de Biociências, UNESP-Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Departamento de Parasitologia, Distrito de Rubião Junior, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Andersson MO, Tolf C, Tamba P, Stefanache M, Radbea G, Rubel F, Waldenström J, Dobler G, Chițimia-Dobler L. Babesia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon species in ticks infesting animal hosts in Romania. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2291-2297. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5537-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Estrada-Peña A, Roura X, Sainz A, Miró G, Solano-Gallego L. Species of ticks and carried pathogens in owned dogs in Spain: Results of a one-year national survey. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:443-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Retrospective molecular study on canine hepatozoonosis in Slovakia – Does infection risk for dogs really exist? Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:567-573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Mitková B, Hrazdilová K, D'Amico G, Duscher GG, Suchentrunk F, Forejtek P, Gherman CM, Matei IA, Ionică AM, Daskalaki AA, Mihalca AD, Votýpka J, Hulva P, Modrý D. Eurasian golden jackal as host of canine vector-borne protists. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:183. [PMID: 28410591 PMCID: PMC5391582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2110-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Jackals are medium-sized canids from the wolf-like clade, exhibiting a unique combination of ancestral morphotypes, broad trophic niches, and close phylogenetic relationships with the wolf and dog. Thus, they represent a potential host of several pathogens with diverse transmission routes. Recently, populations of the Eurasian golden jackal Canis aureus have expanded into the Western Palaearctic, including most of Europe. The aim of our study was to examine Eurasian golden jackals from Romania, Czech Republic and Austria for a wide spectrum of vector-borne protists and to evaluate the role of this species as a reservoir of disease for domestic dogs and/or humans. Results Diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA amplifications revealed 70% of jackals to be positive for Hepatozoon, 12.5% positive for piroplasms, and one individual positive for Leishmania infantum. Phylogenetic analyses of partial 18S rDNA sequences invariably placed sequenced isolates of Hepatozoon into the H. canis clade. For piroplasms, both the 18S and cox1 sequences obtained confirmed the presence of Babesia canis and “Theileria annae” in 5 and 2 individuals, respectively, providing the first records of these two piroplasmids in Eurasian golden jackals. A single animal from Dolj County (Romania) was PCR-positive for L. infantum, as confirmed also by sequencing of ITS1-5.8S. Conclusions Apparently, expanding populations of jackals can play a significant role in spreading and maintaining new Babesia canis foci in Central Europe. The role of jackals in the epidemiology of “Theileria annae” and H. canis is probably similar to that of red foxes and should be taken into account in further research on these parasites. Also the presence of L. infantum deserves attention. Our study confirms that once established, the populations of Eurasian golden jackals constitute natural reservoirs for many canine vector-borne diseases, analogous to the role of the coyotes in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Mitková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic. .,CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Suchentrunk
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pavel Forejtek
- Animal Protection, Welfare and Behaviour, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Central European Institute of Game Ecology, Šumavská 416/15, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aikaterini Alexandra Daskalaki
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic.,Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hulva
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, Dvořákova 7, 701 03, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Andersson MO, Tolf C, Tamba P, Stefanache M, Waldenström J, Dobler G, Chițimia-Dobler L. Canine tick-borne diseases in pet dogs from Romania. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:155. [PMID: 28335825 PMCID: PMC5364683 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases are of substantial concern worldwide for animals as well as humans. Dogs have been a human companion for millennia, and their significant impact on human life renders disease in dogs to be of great concern. Tick-borne diseases in dogs represent a substantial diagnostic challenge for veterinarians in that clinical signs are often diffuse and overlapping. In addition, co-infections with two or more pathogens enhance this problem further. Molecular methods are useful to disentangle co-infections and to accurately describe prevalence and geographical distribution of tick-borne diseases. At this point, this information is lacking in many areas worldwide. Romania is one such area, where prevalence and distribution of several important pathogens need to be further investigated. To address this, we screened blood samples from 96 sick dogs with molecular methods for eight different pathogens including Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", Mycoplasma spp., and Borrelia spp. RESULTS As many as 45% (43/96) of the dogs in the study were infected with protozoan parasites. Babesia canis was the most frequent of these (28 infected dogs), whereas Hepatozoon canis was detected in 15% (14/96) and Babesia gibsoni was found in a single sample. Bacterial infection with Mycoplasma spp. occurred in 18% (17/96) of the sampled dogs. Obtained bacterial sequences revealed the occurrence of two species: Mycoplasma canis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum". In several cases co-infection with protozoan parasites and Mycoplasma sp. were detected. All dogs were negative for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., "Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis", and for Borrelia spp. CONCLUSIONS The results from the present study reinforce the notion that Babesia canis is an important pathogen in the Romanian dog population. However, more surprisingly, another protozoan species, H. canis, seems to be infecting dogs to a larger extent than previously recognized in Romania. Well-known tick-borne bacterial disease agents such as Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia spp. were not detected. In contrast, less well-studied bacteria such as hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. were detected frequently. Moreover, co-infection might aggravate disease and complicate diagnosis and should be further studied in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin O Andersson
- Center for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Conny Tolf
- Center for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Paula Tamba
- Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Jonas Waldenström
- Center for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner, Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937, Munich, Germany.
| | - Lidia Chițimia-Dobler
- Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health, Bucharest, Romania.,Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner, Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937, Munich, Germany
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43
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Bhusri B, Sariya L, Mongkolphan C, Suksai P, Kaewchot S, Changbunjong T. Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon felis in Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks infested on captive lions ( Panthera leo). J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:903-907. [PMID: 28848300 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0902-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatozoon spp. are protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals. The infection occurs by ingestion of an infected tick. This study was carried out to detect and characterize Hepatozoon spp. in ticks collected from captive lions (Panthera leo) in Thailand based on the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence. A total of 30 ticks were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The collected ticks were separated into 10 tick pools by sex and life stages. Of the 10 tick pools examined, only one (10%) was found to be infected with the Hepatozoon species. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed a clustering of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence like that of H. felis from the GenBank database. This is the first report of H. felis in R. sanguineus ticks collected from captive lions in Thailand. Our results indicated that R. sanguineus may be a possible vector of feline Hepatozoon in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjaporn Bhusri
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Ladawan Sariya
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Chalisa Mongkolphan
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Parut Suksai
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
| | - Supakarn Kaewchot
- Department of Natural Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand.,Department of Pre-clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand
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D'Amico G, Dumitrache MO, Matei IA, Ionică AM, Gherman CM, Sándor AD, Modrý D, Mihalca AD. Ixodid ticks parasitizing wild carnivores in Romania. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 71:139-149. [PMID: 28124749 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0108-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In Romania, data regarding hard-tick diversity and tick-host associations in wild carnivores are scarce. We aimed to identify tick species in wild carnivores and to establish reliable data on tick-host associations. The study was conducted in various Romanian localities from all five ecoregions found in the country. Fourteen species of wild carnivores were examined. Immature and adult ticks were collected and identified using the morphological keys. The frequency and mean intensity of tick infestation, overall and differentiated by species, developmental stage and host were calculated. Of 202 wild carnivores, 68 were parasitized by seven tick species (predominantly Ixodes ricinus, I. hexagonus and Dermacentor reticulatus). The mean intensity of tick infestation was similar in males (6.97, BCa 95% CI 5.15-9.88) and females (5.76, BCa 95% CI 4.15-9.17). The highest prevalence of infested animals was recorded in the pannonian and steppic ecoregions, 66.7 and 52.7%, respectively. In the continental ecoregion the prevalence was 26.7%, whereas in the pontic ecoregion it was 28%. The lowest value, 16.7% was recorded in the alpine ecoregion. In total 430 ticks were collected, and 24.8% (n = 50) of the animals were infested with more than one tick species. Fourteen new tick-host associations were recorded. Our results suggest that anthropogenic changes of the environment lead to the diminishing of the boundaries, between wild and domestic animals, increasing the exposure for both animals and humans, to infective agents, including tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila David Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1/3, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1/3, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Licari E, Takács N, Solymosi N, Farkas R. First detection of tick-borne pathogens of dogs from Malta. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:396-399. [PMID: 28143697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge about the vector-borne infections in domestic dogs has been increasing worldwide. However no studies have been done on hard tick infestation and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of dogs present in Malta. Therefore, a total of 99 dogs was selected and inspected between March and July 2013 in 18 urban and 17 rural areas on the islands of Malta and Gozo. All ticks were removed from the dogs and identified. Blood samples were taken and tested for protozoa (Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp.) and bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp.) by conventional PCR. All of the ticks collected from 34 (34.3%; 95% CI: 26-44) dogs belong to the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Tick infestation on the farm dogs was significantly higher than that of dogs kept outdoors as pets (OR: 15.19, 95% CI: 2.72-118.92, p<0.001) or in a sanctuary (OR: 35.11, 95% CI: 3.20-1986.67, p<0.001). Altogether 22 animals were infected with one or two TBPs, most of them with Hepatozoon canis (16/22; 72.7%). Anaplasma platys and Babesia vogeli were detected in 5 and 4 dogs, respectively. Three dogs had co-infections caused by H. canis and A. platys. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on tick infestation and TBPs of dogs in Malta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Licari
- The Veterinary Clinic' Triq Frangisk Xerri, Birkirkara, BKR1020, 27692277, Malta.
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Biometeorology Research Group, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
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Abstract
SUMMARYThe distribution of Hepatozoon canis mainly encompasses areas where its main tick vector, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, is present. However, the detection of this pathogen in dogs, foxes and golden jackals well outside the areas inhabited by this tick species reinforced the hypothesis that additional ixodids are involved in the life cycle and transmission of this protozoon. The present study provides, for the first time, data supporting the sporogonic development of H. canis in specimens of Rhipicephalus turanicus collected from a naturally infected fox from southern Italy. The epidemiological role of R. turanicus as a vector of H. canis is discussed, along with information on the potential use of cell cultures for the experimental infection with H. canis sporozoites. The in vitro infection of canine leucocytes by sporozoites from ticks is proposed as a potential tool for future in-depth studies on the biology of H. canis.
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47
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Molecular analysis reveals the diversity of Hepatozoon species naturally infecting domestic dogs in a northern region of Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1061-1066. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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48
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Autochthonous Hepatozoon infection in hunting dogs and foxes from the Czech Republic. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4167-4171. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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49
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Földvári G, Široký P, Szekeres S, Majoros G, Sprong H. Dermacentor reticulatus: a vector on the rise. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:314. [PMID: 27251148 PMCID: PMC4888597 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1599-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is a hard tick species with extraordinary biological features. It has a high reproduction rate, a rapid developmental cycle, and is also able to overcome years of unfavourable conditions. Dermacentor reticulatus can survive under water for several months and is cold-hardy even compared to other tick species. It has a wide host range: over 60 different wild and domesticated hosts are known for the three active developmental stages. Its high adaptiveness gives an edge to this tick species as shown by new data on the emergence and establishment of D. reticulatus populations throughout Europe. The tick has been the research focus of a growing number of scientists, physicians and veterinarians. Within the Web of Science database, more than a fifth of the over 700 items published on this species between 1897 and 2015 appeared in the last three years (2013–2015). Here we attempt to synthesize current knowledge on the systematics, ecology, geographical distribution and recent spread of the species and to highlight the great spectrum of possible veterinary and public health threats it poses. Canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis is a severe leading canine vector-borne disease in many endemic areas. Although less frequently than Ixodes ricinus, D. reticulatus adults bite humans and transmit several Rickettsia spp., Omsk haemorrhagic fever virus or Tick-borne encephalitis virus. We have not solely collected and reviewed the latest and fundamental scientific papers available in primary databases but also widened our scope to books, theses, conference papers and specialists colleagues’ experience where needed. Besides the dominant literature available in English, we also tried to access scientific literature in German, Russian and eastern European languages as well. We hope to inspire future research projects that are necessary to understand the basic life-cycle and ecology of this vector in order to understand and prevent disease threats. We conclude that although great strides have been made in our knowledge of the eco-epidemiology of this species, several gaps still need to be filled with basic research, targeting possible reservoir and vector roles and the key factors resulting in the observed geographical spread of D. reticulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Pavel Široký
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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50
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Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Hepatozoon spp. in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks and rodents from Slovakia and Czech Republic. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3897-904. [PMID: 27245074 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
By amplification and sequencing of 18S rRNA gene fragments, Hepatozoon spp. DNA was detected in 0.08 % (4/5057) and 0.04 % (1/2473) of questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from Slovakia and Czech Republic, respectively. Hepatozoon spp. DNA was also detected in spleen and/or lungs of 4.45 % (27/606) of rodents from Slovakia. Prevalence of infection was significantly higher in Myodes glareolus (11.45 %) than in Apodemus spp. (0.28 %) (P < 0.001). Sequencing of 18S rRNA Hepatozoon spp. gene amplicons from I. ricinus showed 100 % identity with Hepatozoon canis isolates from red foxes or dogs in Europe. Phylogenetic analysis showed that at least two H. canis 18S rRNA genotypes exist in Slovakia of which one was identified also in the Czech Republic. The finding of H. canis in questing I. ricinus suggests the geographical spread of the parasite and a potential role of other ticks as its vectors in areas where Rhipicephalus sanguineus is not endemic. Sequencing of 18S rRNA gene amplicons from M. glareolus revealed the presence of two closely related genetic variants, Hepatozoon sp. SK1 and Hepatozoon sp. SK2, showing 99-100 % identity with isolates from M. glareolus from other European countries. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that 18S rRNA variants SK1 and SK2 correspond to previously described genotypes UR1 and UR2 of H. erhardovae, respectively. The isolate from Apodemus flavicollis (Hepatozoon sp. SK3b) was 99 % identical with isolates from reptiles in Africa and Asia. Further studies are necessary to identify the taxonomic status of Hepatozoon spp. parasitizing rodents in Europe and the host-parasite interactions in natural foci.
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