1
|
Atapattu U, Colella V, Traub RJ, Wiethoelter A. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of veterinarians towards canine vector-borne pathogens in Sri Lanka. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012365. [PMID: 39074136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBP) have a worldwide distribution and show a high prevalence in tropical countries such as Sri Lanka. Some CVBP are zoonotic, with dogs identified as reservoir hosts for human subcutaneous dirofilariasis and potentially for spotted fever rickettsioses and re-emergent brugian filariasis in Sri Lanka, making these pathogens emerging public health issues in the country. Veterinarians are crucial in monitoring, preventing, and controlling these pathogens in dogs. Therefore, it is imperative to understand veterinarians' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding CVBP to mitigate their impact. A survey was designed and administered electronically to veterinarians residing and practising in Sri Lanka. Responses were evaluated using descriptive, univariable, and multivariable analyses to investigate associations between demographic factors, knowledge, attitude, and practices related to CVBP. Out of the 170 participating veterinarians, nearly 70% had moderate or high knowledge. However, the awareness of zoonotic pathogens, Brugia spp. (16%) and Rickettsia conorii (18%), was low, and a considerable number of veterinarians were unaware of the zoonotic nature of Dirofilaria repens. Based on multivariable analysis adjusting for experience and self-rated knowledge, new graduates had higher odds of knowledge compared to experienced veterinarians (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.7-23, p = 0.028). Questions assessing the attitude towards CVBP indicated that most participating veterinarians comprehend and agree with their importance. Nearly all participants agreed that ectoparasite control is the best option to prevent CVBP infections (91%, 153/167) and that for effective treatment of CVBP, a definitive diagnosis is required (81%, 135/167). However, veterinarians recommended suboptimal treatments for some CVBP, like Babesia gibsoni. Better practices were associated with being a companion animal practitioner (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.7, p = 0.032) and having a low to moderate canine caseload (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3-10.4, p = 0.038). Limited knowledge of zoonotic CVBP among veterinarians, along with suboptimal treatment, might contribute to dogs acting as reservoirs and high prevalence of these pathogens in Sri Lanka. Therefore, continued veterinary education is recommended to improve knowledge and practices, which in turn will help to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and control of these infections in Sri Lanka to ensure the well-being of dogs and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ushani Atapattu
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Murine Typhus-Induced Myocarditis. Am J Med 2022; 135:e397-e398. [PMID: 35576998 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
3
|
Dasch GA, Eremeeva ME, Zambrano ML, Premaratna R, Kularatne SAM, Jayanthe Rajapakse RPV. Molecular Characterization of Rickettsial Agents in Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Sri Lanka. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:tpmd210995. [PMID: 35405644 PMCID: PMC9209928 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0995] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Because the majority of spotted fever group rickettsiae are transmitted to humans by tick bites, it is important to understand which ticks might play a role in transmission of rickettsial pathogens in Sri Lanka. The purpose of our study was to conduct molecular surveillance of 847 ticks collected in different locations in central Sri Lanka to determine which were infected with Rickettsia and Anaplasmataceae. Molecular methods were used to identify the ticks and the agents detected. Most ticks (Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, and Rhipicephalus) were collected by flagging, and lower number was collected from dogs, cattle, pigs, a pangolin, and tortoises. Five spotted fever genotypes were identified: a Rickettsia africae-like agent in Amblyomma larvae, Rhipicephalus massiliae and a related genotype identified in association with the tropical type of Rhipicephalus sanguineus from dogs and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides from dogs and cattle, and Candidatus R. kellyi and another novel genotype (SL94) in R. haemaphysaloides. Twenty-three ticks were positive for Anaplasmataceae, including one Anaplasma and two Ehrlichia genotypes. Because the sequence database for both ticks and rickettsial agents from Sri Lanka and southern India is not extensive, additional molecular characterization of the tick species of Sri Lanka and their rickettsial agents is required to understand their pathogenic potential more completely. However, several of the agents we identified in this survey may well be pathogenic for humans and domestic animals, and should be considered as a part of epidemiological surveillance and patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Dasch
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marina E. Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
| | - Maria L. Zambrano
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao M, Wang M, Zhang J, Ye J, Xu Y, Wang Z, Ye D, Liu J, Wan J. Advances in the relationship between coronavirus infection and cardiovascular diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 127:110230. [PMID: 32428835 PMCID: PMC7218375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has once again aroused people's concern about coronavirus. Seven human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have been discovered so far, including HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU115, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Existing studies show that the cardiovascular disease increased the incidence and severity of coronavirus infection. At the same time, myocardial injury caused by coronavirus infection is one of the main factors contributing to poor prognosis. In this review, the recent clinical findings about the relationship between coronaviruses and cardiovascular diseases and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. This review aimed to provide assistance for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Menglong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jishou Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianfang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
An Atypical Case of Rickettsial Spotted Fever Myocarditis Mimicking Weil's Disease. Case Rep Infect Dis 2019; 2019:9620245. [PMID: 31360559 PMCID: PMC6644265 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9620245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A 65-year-old previously healthy male presented to us on the fourth day of a febrile illness with headache, arthralgia, myalgia, nausea, cough, chest pain, sore throat, and passing of watery stools and dark urine with a history of exposure to leptospirosis during a dengue outbreak. On examination, there was dehydration and hypovolemia, and an ultrasound scan revealed capillary leakage. His liver transaminases, serum creatine, blood urea, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil percentage were high, and thrombocytopenia was present. Moreover, myocarditis has been detected too. Supportive therapy with intravenous ceftriaxone was administered, considering possible Weil's disease or dengue hemorrhagic fever with secondary bacterial infection. Serological tests, performed later, diagnosed him with a Rickettsia conorii infection and excluded dengue, leptospirosis, and hantavirus infections. Repeat 2D echocardiograms showed mild improvement of his cardiac failure after one month and a more improvement after eight months. Clinical features of the rickettsial spotted fever group (SFG) and leptospirosis overlap. Leptospirosis is common; thus, the risk of overlooking SFG and diagnosing leptospirosis is likely. Tests for differentiation are unavailable in Sri Lankan hospitals and in many other developing countries. Empirical doxycycline in suspected cases of SFG infections in areas where rickettsioses are prevalent can save lives as in this case.
Collapse
|
6
|
Narra HP, Sahni A, Khanipov K, Fofanov Y, Sahni SK. Global Transcriptomic Profiling of Pulmonary Gene Expression in an Experimental Murine Model of Rickettsia conorii Infection. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10030204. [PMID: 30857242 PMCID: PMC6470625 DOI: 10.3390/genes10030204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mediterranean spotted fever develops from an infection with Rickettsia conorii, an obligate intracellular, Gram-negative, endotheliotropic, and tick-transmitted bacterial pathogen, and is an acute, febrile illness that can progress to life-threatening complications if not diagnosed and treated early with effective antibiotics. Despite significant morbidity and mortality, little is known about changes in gene expression that determine the host responses during in vivo infection. We have investigated the transcriptional landscape of host lungs as a prominently affected organ system in an established murine model of infection by RNA-sequencing. Ingenuity pathway analysis resulted in the identification of 1332 differentially expressed genes and 292 upstream regulators. Notably, genes encoding for ubiquitin D, aconitate decarboxylase, antimicrobial peptides, calgranulins, cytokines and chemokines, and guanylate binding proteins were highly up-regulated, whereas those involved in hemoglobin biosynthesis and heme homeostasis were significantly down-regulated. Amongst response regulators, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 and killer cell lectin-like receptors were differentially expressed, and gene clustering revealed eukaryotic initiation factor-2, oxidative phosphorylation, and ubiquitination as the predominantly activated biological pathways. Collectively, this first global transcriptomic profiling has identified R. conorii-induced regulation of novel genes and pathways in the host lungs, further in-depth investigation of which will strengthen our understanding of the pathogenesis of human rickettsioses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hema P Narra
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Abha Sahni
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Kamil Khanipov
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Yuriy Fofanov
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Sanjeev K Sahni
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| |
Collapse
|