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Bertos E, Sánchez-Cerdá M, Virgós E, Gil-Sánchez JM, Moleón M. Thelazia callipaeda as a potential new threat to european wildcats: insights from an eco-epidemiological study. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2153-2160. [PMID: 36648738 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10071-8] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Global warming and displacement of vectors and wild and domestic hosts by humans greatly change host-parasite interactions and parasite transmission rates. Thelazia callipaeda Railliet and Henry, 1910 (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) is a zoonotic parasite rapidly colonizing Europe from its Asian native range. This nematode is vectored by Phortica flies and may cause ocular disorders, such as keratitis and corneal ulcers, in wild mammals, dogs, cats and humans. With the aim of detecting possible threats for the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in one of its last Mediterranean strongholds, we initiated in 2017 a long-term monitoring program in Sierra Arana (southeastern Spain), which includes exploring its epidemiological and spatial relationships with domestic cats (Felis catus). During routine medical check-ups, we detected ocular nematodes in 3 of 17 (17.6%) wildcats and 1 of 23 (4.3%) domestic cats tested, confirmed to be T. callipaeda by microscopic and molecular analyses. This nematode species was first detected in the study area in 2021. To our knowledge, this is the first case of infection in wildcats in Spain. Through telemetry, we detected little spatial overlap between the home ranges of wildcats and domestic cats, which seems to be sufficient to facilitate the inter-specific transmission of T. callipaeda. Our findings suggest that this pathogen could be a new threat to the wildcat, a locally endangered wild felid. Further eco-epidemiological monitoring and sanitary control of domestic cats will be strongly needed, especially given the ongoing global warming scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bertos
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Mariola Sánchez-Cerdá
- Harmusch - Asociación de Estudio y Conservación de Fauna, Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Emilio Virgós
- Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, University Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Gil-Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Harmusch - Asociación de Estudio y Conservación de Fauna, Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marcos Moleón
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Unterköfler MS, Dengg P, Niederbacher M, Lindorfer S, Eberle A, Huck A, Staufer K, Zittra C, Wortha LN, Hodžić A, Duscher GG, Harl J, Schlüsslmayr G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D, Silbermayr K, Fuehrer HP. Occurrence of Thelazia callipaeda and its vector Phortica variegata in Austria and South Tyrol, Italy, and a global comparison by phylogenetic network analysis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:294. [PMID: 37620902 PMCID: PMC10464191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05913-y] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic nematode Thelazia callipaeda infects the eyes of domestic and wild animals and uses canids as primary hosts. It was originally described in Asia, but in the last 20 years it has been reported in many European countries, where it is mainly transmitted by the drosophilid fruit fly Phortica variegata. We report the autochthonous occurrence of T. callipaeda and its vector P. variegata in Austria. Nematodes were collected from clinical cases and fruit flies were caught using traps, netting, and from the conjunctival sac of one dog. Fruit flies and nematodes were morphologically identified and a section of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) was analysed. A DNA haplotype network was calculated to visualize the relation of the obtained COI sequences to published sequences. Additionally, Phortica spp. were screened for the presence of DNA of T. callipaeda by polymerase chain reaction. Thelazia callipaeda and P. variegata were identified in Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Styria. Thelazia callipaeda was also documented in Vienna and P. variegata in Upper Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. All T. callipaeda corresponded to haplotype 1. Twenty-two different haplotypes of P. variegata were identified in the fruit flies. One sequence was distinctly different from those of Phortica variegata and was more closely related to those of Phortica chi and Phortica okadai. Thelazia callipaeda could not be detected in any of the Phortica specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Dengg
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Niederbacher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Lindorfer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonia Eberle
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Huck
- Small Animal Practice Dr. Alexandra Huck, Güttenbach, Austria
| | - Katalina Staufer
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Licha Natalia Wortha
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Lopes AM, Almeida T, Diz S, Côrte-Real JV, Osório HC, Ramilo DW, Rebelo MT, da Fonseca IP, Esteves PJ, Alves PC, Santos N, Abrantes J. The potential role of scavenging flies as mechanical vectors of Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2. Virol J 2023; 20:103. [PMID: 37237382 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02065-4] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations of the Iberian Peninsula have been severely affected by the emergence of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 (RHDV2/b). Bushflies and blowflies (Muscidae and Calliphoridae families, respectively) are important RHDV vectors in Oceania, but their epidemiological role is unknown in the native range of the European rabbit. In this study, scavenging flies were collected between June 2018 and February 2019 in baited traps at one site in southern Portugal, alongside a longitudinal capture-mark-recapture study of a wild European rabbit population, aiming to provide evidence of mechanical transmission of GI.2 by flies. Fly abundance, particularly from Calliphoridae and Muscidae families, peaked in October 2018 and in February 2019. By employing molecular tools, we were able to detect the presence of GI.2 in flies belonging to the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Fanniidae and Drosophilidae. The positive samples were detected during an RHD outbreak and absent in samples collected when no evidence of viral circulation in the local rabbit population was found. We were able to sequence a short viral genomic fragment, confirming its identity as RHDV GI.2. The results suggest that scavenging flies may act as mechanical vectors of GI.2 in the native range of the southwestern Iberian subspecies O. cuniculus algirus. Future studies should better assess their potential in the epidemiology of RHD and as a tool for monitoring viral circulation in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Tereza Almeida
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Diz
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João V Côrte-Real
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hugo C Osório
- Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Marateca, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David W Ramilo
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-s-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Rebelo
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-s-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
- CITS - Center of Investigation in Health Technologies, CESPU, 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Paulo C Alves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santos
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal.
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Sýkora J, Barták M, Heneberg P, Korenko S. Evolutionary aspects of the parasitoid life strategy, with a particular emphasis on fly–spider interactions. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blac113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Parasitoids are significant ecological elements of terrestrial food webs and have evolved within seven insect orders. Interestingly, however, associations with spiders as hosts have evolved only in two insect orders, Diptera and Hymenoptera. Here, we summarize various aspects of host utilization by dipteran flies with an emphasis on associations with spiders. Our synthesis reveals that spider flies (family Acroceridae) have evolved a unique life strategy among all the parasitoid taxa associated with spiders, in which koinobiont small-headed flies utilize an indirect oviposition strategy. This indirect oviposition in spider flies is inherited from Nemestrinimorpha ancestors which appeared in the Late Triassic and is characterized by the evolution of planidial larvae. Further, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of indirect oviposition in spider flies. On the one hand, indirect oviposition allows the fly to avoid contact/wrestling with spider hosts. On the other hand, larval survival is low because the planidium must actively seek out and infect a suitable host individually. The risk of failure to find a suitable spider host is offset by the fly’s extremely high fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Sýkora
- Department of Agroecology and Crop Production, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague , Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6 – Suchdol , Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Barták
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague , Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6 – Suchdol , Czech Republic
| | - Petr Heneberg
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague , Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague 10 , Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Korenko
- Department of Agroecology and Crop Production, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague , Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6 – Suchdol , Czech Republic
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5
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Jones LE, Grimaldi DA. Revision of the Nearctic Species of the Genus Amiota Loew (Diptera: Drosophilidae). BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 2022. [DOI: 10.1206/0003-0090.458.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lance E. Jones
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Plant Biology American Museum of Natural History, Division of Invertebrate Zoology
| | - David A. Grimaldi
- American Museum of Natural History, Division of Invertebrate Zoology
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6
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Bernardini I, Poggi C, Manzi S, Bezerra-Santos MA, Beugnet F, Fourie J, Otranto D, Pombi M. Laboratory breeding of two Phortica species (Diptera: Drosophilidae), vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:200. [PMID: 35698211 PMCID: PMC9195204 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Some species of drosophilid flies belonging to the genus Phortica feed on ocular secretions of mammals, acting as biological vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. This study describes an effective breeding protocol of Phortica variegata and Phortica oldenbergi in insectary conditions. Methods Alive gravid flies of P. oldenbergi, P. variegata and Phortica semivirgo were field collected in wooded areas of Lazio region (Italy) and allowed to oviposit singularly to obtain isofamilies. Flies were maintained in ovipots (200 ml) with a plaster-covered bottom to maintain high humidity level inside. Adult feeding was guaranteed by fresh apples and a liquid dietary supplement containing sodium chloride and mucin proteins, while larval development was obtained by Drosophila-like agar feeding medium. The breeding performances of two media were compared: a standard one based on cornmeal flour and an enriched medium based on chestnut flour. All conditions were kept in a climatic chamber with a photoperiod of 14:10 h light:dark, 26 ± 2 °C and 80 ± 10% RH. Results From a total of 130 field-collected Phortica spp., three generations (i.e. F1 = 783, F2 = 109, F3 = 6) were obtained. Phortica oldenbergi was the species with highest breeding performance, being the only species reaching F3. Chestnut-based feeding medium allowed higher adult production and survival probability in both P. oldenbergi and P. variegata. Adult production/female was promising in both species (P. oldenbergi: 13.5 F1/f; P. variegata: 4.5 F1/f). Conclusions This standardized breeding protocol, based on controlled climatic parameters and fly densities, together with the introduction of an enriched chestnut-based feeding medium, allowed to investigate aspects of life history traits of Phortica spp. involved in the transmission of T. callipaeda. Obtaining F3 generation of these species for the first time paved the road for the establishment of stable colonies, an essential requirement for future studies on these vectors in controlled conditions. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bernardini
- Dipartimento Di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento Di Sanità Pubblica E Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Poggi
- Dipartimento Di Sanità Pubblica E Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Manzi
- Dipartimento Di Sanità Pubblica E Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Veterinaria, Università Degli Studi Di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento Di Sanità Pubblica E Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy.
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Phortica oldenbergi (Diptera: Drosophilidae): a new potential vector of the zoonotic Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106565. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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González MA, Bravo-Barriga D, Alarcón-Elbal PM, Álvarez-Calero JM, Quero C, Ferraguti M, López S. Development of Novel Management Tools for Phortica variegata (Diptera: Drosophilidae), Vector of the Oriental Eyeworm, Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae), in Europe. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:328-336. [PMID: 34748016 PMCID: PMC8755994 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lachryphagous males of Phortica variegata (Fallén, 1823) are gaining increasing attention in Europe, as they act as vectors of the nematode Thelazia callipaeda Railliet & Henry, 1910, causal agent of thelaziosis, an emergent zoonotic disease. Currently, there are no effective control strategies against the vector, and surveillance and monitoring rely on time-consuming and nonselective sampling methods. Our aim was to improve the knowledge about the population dynamics and the chemical ecology of the species. A total of 5,726 P. variegata flies (96.4% males and 3.6% females, mostly gravid) were collected in field experiments during June-September of 2020 in an oak forest in northern Spain. Our results indicate that 1) by means of sweep netting a significantly higher number of captures were found both around the collector´s body and in the air than at ground level; 2) a positive relationship was detected between the abundance of Phortica flies and temperature, with two significant peaks of abundance at 24 and 33°C; 3) the blend of red wine and cider vinegar was the most attractive bait; 4) yellow traps captured fewer flies compared to black and transparent traps; and 5) a significant reduction toward vinegar and wine was detected in presence of the phenolic monoterpenoid carvacrol. In addition, all the males (n = 690) analyzed by both molecular detection and dissection resulted negative for the presence of T. callipaeda larvae. Overall, these findings provide a better understanding of the vector in terms of monitoring and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A González
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (IMTSAG), Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Avenida Francia 129, 10203, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - D Bravo-Barriga
- Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Veterinaria, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Parasitología, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, España
| | - P M Alarcón-Elbal
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Universidad Agroforestal Fernando Arturo de Meriño (UAFAM), 41000, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic
| | - J M Álvarez-Calero
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Quero
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Ferraguti
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology (TCE), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S López
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Thelazia callipaeda in Slovakia - From sporadic cases to endemic areas. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102495. [PMID: 34737070 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102495] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, transmitted by the fruit fly Phortica variegata, is a causative agent of an ocular parasitic disease called also canine thelaziosis. Dogs, cats, and wild canids are considered the primary definitive hosts for the parasite, but humans may also serve as aberrant definitive hosts. For long decades the geographic range of T. callipaeda was strictly limited to the territory of Asia, but after the year 2000, the parasite began to spread rapidly through Europe. The first autochthonous infections of dogs and foxes in Slovakia were recorded in 2016. In the present study, the results of a whole-area surveillance for canine thelaziosis are reported. Altogether, 142 cases of infection caused by T. callipaeda were diagnosed by veterinarians in dogs between 2016 and the first quarter of 2021, and two cases of feline thelaziosis were recorded. The majority of the dogs showed mild ocular signs manifested by conjunctivitis; 8.5% of them suffered from more serious mucopurulent discharge, and in two dogs corneal ulceration was recorded. The screening revealed increasing trends in the occurrence of canine thelaziosis from both a temporal and spatial point of view and unambiguously confirms the endemic status of T. callipaeda in Slovakia with the prospect of its further expansion.
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10
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The Vector-Borne Zoonotic Nematode Thelazia callipaeda in the Eastern Part of Europe, with a Clinical Case Report in a Dog in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010055. [PMID: 33435395 PMCID: PMC7826724 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies. It causes ocular thelaziosis, a disease of carnivores, such as dogs, cats, and foxes, and also humans. The parasite has thus far been observed in various areas of Eurasia, including 20 countries within Europe. The present study documents its presence in the south-east region of Poland, near the Ukraine border. An adult nematode was removed from the conjunctival sac of a dog showing ocular inflammation and purulent discharge. The dog’s precise origin is unknown. Based on its localization and morphometrical features, the nematode was identified as a Thelazia callipaeda adult male. The present study is the first report of T. callipaeda in a dog in Poland.
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11
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Wang YL, Cao HL, Chen HW. Molecular phylogeny and species delimitation of Amiota alboguttata and Amiota basdeni species groups (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from East Asia. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Phylogenetic relationships of the two largest species groups in the genus Amiota [the Amiota alboguttata group (29 known and six new species) and the Amiota basdeni group (17 known and three new species)] were reconstructed using two mitochondrial gene sequences (COI and ND2). The paraphyly of the A. alboguttata group was identified based on molecular evidence. The monophyletic A. basdeni group is found to be nested in the A. alboguttata group, rendering the latter paraphyletic. Automatic barcode gap discovery and Bayesian phylogenetics and phylogeography methods were used to assess species limits of the A. alboguttata and A. basdeni groups. The results indicate that most analysed species could be delimited clearly, including nine new species (Amiota beama sp. nov., Amiota cyclophylla sp. nov., Amiota flormontana sp. nov., Amiota obtusa sp. nov., Amiota planiceps sp. nov., Amiota scrobicula sp. nov., Amiota jianjuni sp. nov., Amiota tentacula sp. nov. and Amiota xinglaii sp. nov.), except for some closely related morphospecies. Furthermore, based on the highly biased distributions of these two groups, southwestern China is hypothesized to be a possible centre of origin and diversification for Amiota in East Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Lian Wang
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Luo Cao
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong-Wei Chen
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
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Arme TM, Lia RP, Annoscia G, Casalino E, Pombi M, Otranto D. Survival of Phortica variegata experimentally and naturally infected with Thelazia callipaeda. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:201-206. [PMID: 31773762 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the effects that Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) infection has on the survival of its vector Phortica variegata (Drosophilidae, Steganinae) is scarce. The present study aimed to: (a) assess the rate of infection between experimentally infected (EI) and not experimentally infected (NEI) flies and (b) determine how T. callipaeda infection may affect the survival of P. variegata. In addition, fat composition was evaluated in flies that died during overwintering. Molecular analysis showed that T. callipaeda prevalence in flies that died before experimental infection, plus those from the NEI group, is 0.75% (i.e. 11 out of 1462 individuals). The EI group showed a significantly higher positivity to T. callipaeda (i.e. 51 out of 682 individuals; 7.48%) compared with the NEI group (i.e. 9 out of 750 individuals; 1.2%). Thelazia callipaeda DNA was detected until 147 days after experimental infection. This demonstrates that larvae of this eyeworm may survive in the fly for a significant period of the winter. Fat composition analysis showed that flies produced more unsaturated than saturated fatty acids during diapause, probably because unsaturated fatty acids remain in a liquid state at lower temperatures, providing anti-freeze properties to survive winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Arme
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, U.K
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - R P Lia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - G Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - E Casalino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - M Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanita Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - D Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, IRAN
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13
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First report of eyeworm infection by Thelazia callipaeda in gray wolf (Canis lupus) from Serbia. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3549-3553. [PMID: 31722066 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06519-z] [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] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda, originally known as an "Oriental eyeworm," is a small nematode parasitizing the conjunctival sacs of domestic and wild animals and humans. Previous studies conducted in Serbia have reported the eyeworm infections in dogs, cats, and foxes, as well as in a human patient. As the data regarding thelaziosis from wildlife is still scarce, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of T. callipaeda in gray wolf (Canis lupus) from Serbia. All collected nematodes were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda males (n = 64) or females (n = 225). Molecular characterization, conducted by PCR amplification followed by sequence analysis of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), revealed only haplotype 1 of T. callipaeda. The overall prevalence of thelaziosis was 38.1% (8/21). In all positive animals, both eyes were affected, with a total parasitic load ranging from four to 132 worms per animal. Our results indicate the important epidemiological role of wolves as wildlife reservoirs of T. callipaeda, expanding geographic range of infection, as well as intra- and interspecies contact rates, although the role of other wild carnivore species (i.e., foxes and jackals) should be investigated in future studies.
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14
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Tahir D, Davoust B, Parola P. Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update. Vet World 2019; 12:1630-1643. [PMID: 31849426 PMCID: PMC6868252 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1630-1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The scale of VBDs is increasing worldwide, including in the Mediterranean Basin, a region exposed to climate changes. Indeed, weather conditions may influence the abundance and distribution of vectors. The vector-borne nematode diseases of dogs and cats, such as dirofilariosis, onchocercosis, thelaziosis, Cercopithifilaria, and Acanthocheilonema infections, are some of these vectorized diseases, several of which are zoonoses. They are all caused by parasitic nematodes transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes (Dirofilaria spp.), black flies (Onchocerca lupi), drosophilids (Thelazia callipaeda), ticks (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and Cercopithifilaria bainae), and fleas and lice (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The control and prevention of these infections and diseases require a multidisciplinary approach based on strengthening collaboration between the different actors in the fields of health, research, sociology, economics, governments and citizens, to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health. This is the concept of "one health." The review aimed to provide a general update on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne nematodes diseases affecting companion animals and humans, as well as the vectors involved in the Mediterranean area. Simultaneously, certain epidemiological parameters, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases based on the "one health" concept will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Tahir
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections, Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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15
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do Vale B, Lopes AP, da Conceição Fontes M, Silvestre M, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Thelaziosis due to Thelazia callipaeda in Europe in the 21st century-A review. Vet Parasitol 2019; 275:108957. [PMID: 31630050 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda was first described at the beginning of the 20th century in Asia, but this eyeworm is now frequently reported in Europe in the 21st century. To date, thelaziosis has been described in the following European countries (in order of appearance): Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Austria. The infected vertebrate host species include domestic carnivores (dogs and cats), wild carnivores (red foxes, wolves, beech martens, wildcats and golden jackals), lagomorphs (brown hares and wild European rabbits) and humans. In Europe, 11 cases of human thelaziosis have been reported, the majority of which are autochthonous. However, some of them have been imported, a fact which highlights the importance of surveillance policies to restrict cross-border spread of the parasite. The objectives of this article are to review key aspects of the epidemiology of T. callipaeda, summarise animal and human cases in Europe and emphasise the importance of education and awareness among veterinarians, physicians (particularly ophthalmologists) and animal, in order to owners to tackle this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz do Vale
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria da Conceição Fontes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Silvestre
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Zootechnics, ECAV, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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16
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Otranto D, Deplazes P. Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:370-383. [PMID: 31338295 PMCID: PMC6626844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, wildlife carnivores have been disregarded for their potential in transmitting zoonotic nematodes. However, human activities and politics (e.g., fragmentation of the environment, land use, recycling in urban settings) have consistently favoured the encroachment of urban areas upon wild environments, ultimately causing alteration of many ecosystems with changes in the composition of the wild fauna and destruction of boundaries between domestic and wild environments. Therefore, the exchange of parasites from wild to domestic carnivores and vice versa have enhanced the public health relevance of wild carnivores and their potential impact in the epidemiology of many zoonotic parasitic diseases. The risk of transmission of zoonotic nematodes from wild carnivores to humans via food, water and soil (e.g., genera Ancylostoma, Baylisascaris, Capillaria, Uncinaria, Strongyloides, Toxocara, Trichinella) or arthropod vectors (e.g., genera Dirofilaria spp., Onchocerca spp., Thelazia spp.) and the emergence, re-emergence or the decreasing trend of selected infections is herein discussed. In addition, the reasons for limited scientific information about some parasites of zoonotic concern have been examined. A correct compromise between conservation of wild carnivores and risk of introduction and spreading of parasites of public health concern is discussed in order to adequately manage the risk of zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores in line with the 'One Health' approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita’ degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
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17
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Hodžić A, Payer A, Duscher GG. The first autochthonous case of feline ocular thelaziosis in Austria. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1321-1324. [PMID: 30826924 PMCID: PMC6426986 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06275-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) has increasingly been reported as an agent of ocular infections in animals and humans throughout Europe. Following the cases of canine ocular thelaziosis recently recorded in Austria for the first time, in the present paper, we describe the first case of T. callipaeda infection in an Austrian cat with no history of traveling abroad. This finding further supports the occurrence of the parasite’s autochthonous transmission cycle in the country. The cat showed serous ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and mild conjunctival edema in the right eye. Mechanical removal of the parasite from the cat’s eye, in combination with milbemycin oxime/praziquantel oral treatment and topical use of tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops led to complete resolution of the clinical signs within 2 weeks. Results presented in the current study are of great importance for the local veterinarians who seemed largely unaware of this zoonotic parasite. Therefore, increased awareness of medical and veterinary communities is imperative for preventing further infections in both animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Albert Payer
- Tierklinik Deutschlandsberg, Erlenweg 6, 8530, Deutschlandsberg, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Otranto D, Solari Basano F, Pombi M, Capelli G, Nazzari R, Falsone L, Petry G, Pollmeier MG, Lia RP. Effectiveness of the spot-on combination of moxidectin and imidacloprid (Advocate®) in the treatment of ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infected cats. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:25. [PMID: 30635002 PMCID: PMC6329153 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3262-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study evaluated the therapeutic effectiveness of moxidectin 1.0% (w/v) and imidacloprid 10% (w/v) (Advocate® spot-on solution for cats, Bayer Animal Health) against natural infections with the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda in cats. This study was conducted as a GCP, negative-controlled, blinded and randomised field study in privately owned cats living in an area in southern Italy where T. callipaeda is enzootic. METHODS The study was carried out in 30 cats (19 females and 11 males, aged from 8 months to 5 years, weighing 1.2-5.2 kg) of different breeds, naturally infected by T. callipaeda. At study inclusion (Day 0), animals were physically examined and the infection level was assessed by examination of both eyes for clinical score and live adult T. callipaeda count. Each cat was weighed and randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups (G1: Advocate, G2: untreated control). Clinical assessments and T. callipaeda adult counts were performed on Day 14. At the study completion visit on Day 28, clinical assessments and counts of T. callipaeda adults and larvae were performed. All cats were daily observed by their owners and general health conditions were recorded during the entire period of the study. RESULTS The primary effectiveness variable was the percentage of animals in G1 group (Advocate) showing a complete elimination (parasitological cure) of adult eye worms at Day 14 and Day 28 . The effectiveness of the treatment in the G1 group was 93.3 and 100% at Day 14 and Day 28 , respectively, when compared to group G2. Total worm count reduction from both eyes for Advocate was 96.3% on Day 14 and 100% on Day 28. Clinical data were confirmed by the examination of conjunctival pouch flushing. An overall reduction in the number of cats with lacrimation and conjunctivitis was observed following treatment despite the fact that in a few cats treated with Advocate clinical signs persisted due to the chronic nature of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the present trial, a single dose of Advocate was found to be safe and highly effective in the treatment of natural T. callipaeda infection in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Roberto Nazzari
- Arcoblu s.r.l., Via Alessandro Milesi 5, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Falsone
- Arcoblu s.r.l., Via Alessandro Milesi 5, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
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Farkas R, Takács N, Gyurkovszky M, Henszelmann N, Kisgergely J, Balka G, Solymosi N, Vass A. The first feline and new canine cases of Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) infection in Hungary. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:338. [PMID: 29884211 PMCID: PMC5993998 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2925-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, the first Thelazia callipaeda infections were found in the eyes of some dogs in Italy three decades ago. Since that time, this vector-borne nematode species has been diagnosed in domestic and wild carnivores and humans in some western European countries. During the last few years, autochthonous thelaziosis of dogs, red foxes, cats and humans has also been reported from eastern Europe. The first cases of ocular infections caused by T. callipaeda have been described in dogs living in the eastern and southern part of Slovakia and Hungary. METHODS Whitish parasites found in the conjuctival sac and/or under the third eyelid of one or both eyes of animals were removed and morphologically identified according to species and sex. To confirm the morphological identification with molecular analysis a single step conventional PCR was carried out. RESULTS A total of 116 adult worms (1-37 per dog, median: 7, IQR: 14.5 and 7 from a cat) were collected from the eyes of 11 animals. Nematodes were identified as T. callipaeda according to the morphological keys and molecular analysis. The sequences of a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene were identical to those representing T. callipaeda haplotype 1, previously reported in neighbouring and other European countries. Since the infected cat and dogs had never travelled abroad, all of the cases were autochthonous thelaziosis. CONCLUSIONS The present study reports the first case of thelaziosis in a cat and new cases in 10 dogs found in the southern and northern region of Hungary, respectively. Further studies are needed to clarify whether wild carnivores (e.g. red foxes, golden jackals) may act as reservoirs of this eyeworm species in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mónika Gyurkovszky
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Gyula Balka
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Vass
- Népkerti Veterinary Clinic, Miskolc, Hungary
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20
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Čabanová V, Miterpáková M, Oravec M, Hurníková Z, Jerg S, Nemčíková G, Červenská MB. Nematode Thelazia callipaeda is spreading across Europe. The first survey of red foxes from Slovakia. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:160-166. [PMID: 29351059 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Canine thalaziosis caused by the spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda has started to spread across Western and Central Europe during the last decade. In Slovakia, the first autochthonous cases of this infection were recorded in 2016 in four dogs from the south-eastern part of the country. In August 2017 other autochthonous case, again from the same locality, was reported. Seeing that red foxes are considered the main reservoir hosts for T. callipaeda, their examination could provide an integrated view of the real parasite distribution. Within the present study, 523 red foxes were examined by necropsy, and T. callipaeda nematodes were recovered from the conjunctival sacs of 7 animals, which represents an overall positivity of 1.3%. Six infected foxes originated in eastern Slovakia, which is consistent with the area where positive dogs were recently found. Also, single positive red fox was found in north-western Slovakia. Regarding morphology and morphometry, the specimens recovered from the foxes in this study were evaluated as larger in size when compared to nematodes isolated from Slovak dogs as well as dogs and foxes from other studies. BLAST analyses of the cox1 gene showed that all specimens isolated from Slovak red foxes were identified as haplotype 1 which circulated also in other European countries. Considering that majority of the infected animals, dogs and foxes, came from Košice region, we can presume that this area might become endemic in a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Oravec
- Veterinary and Food Institute, Hlinkova 1/A, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hurníková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Slavomír Jerg
- Veterinary Institute, Pod Dráhami 915/5, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Nemčíková
- Veterinary and Food Institute, Botanická 15, 842 52 Bratislava, Slovakia
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21
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Otranto D, Iatta R, Lia RP, Cavalera MA, Màca J, Pombi M, Dantas-Torres F, Jaenike J. Competence of Phortica variegata from the United States as an Intermediate Host of the Thelazia callipaeda Eyeworm. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1175-1178. [PMID: 29436342 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, Thelazia callipaeda (the oriental eyeworm) has become endemic in Europe, infecting domestic and wild carnivores and humans. The vector of this nematode, the fruit fly Phortica variegata, has recently been discovered in the United States, and its vector competence is demonstrated for T. callipaeda in this article, therefore representing a potential new threat for infection of carnivores and humans in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Jan Màca
- Czech Entomological Society, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza," Rome, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
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Colella V, Kirkova Z, Fok É, Mihalca AD, Tasić-Otašević S, Hodžić A, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Increase in Eyeworm Infections in Eastern Europe. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 22:1513-5. [PMID: 27434135 PMCID: PMC4982158 DOI: 10.3201/eid2208.160792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Arthropod-borne pathogens of dogs and cats: From pathways and times of transmission to disease control. Vet Parasitol 2017; 251:68-77. [PMID: 29426479 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens have developed a close relationship with blood feeding arthropod ectoparasites (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, phlebotomine sand flies, black flies, fleas, kissing bugs, lice) and exploited a huge variety of vector transmission routes. Therefore, the life cycles of these pathogens result in a long evolved balance with the respective arthropod biology, ecology and blood feeding habits, instrumentally to the infection of several animal species, including humans. Amongst the many parasite transmission modes, such as ingestion of the arthropod, with its faeces or secretions, blood feeding represents the main focus for this article, as it is a central event to the life of almost all arthropod vectors. The time frame in which pathogens are transmitted to any animal host is governed by a large number of biological variables related to the vector, the pathogen, the host and environmental factors. Scientific data available on transmission times for each pathogen are discussed relative to their impact for the success of vector-borne disease control strategies. Blocking pathogen transmission, and thus preventing the infection of dogs and cats, may be achievable by the use of chemical compounds if they are characterised by a fast onset of killing activity or repellence against arthropods. The fast speed of kill exerted by systemic isoxazoline, as well as the repellent effect of pyrethroids have renewed the interest of the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies towards reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases under field conditions. However, endosymbionts and vaccines targeting arthropods or pathogen antigens should be further investigated as alternative strategies towards the goal of achieving an effective integrated control of vector-borne diseases.
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Threats of vector-borne zoonotic disease in Europe: dogs, drosophilids, and Oriental eye worm. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:1115-1117. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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25
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Čabanová V, Kocák P, Víchová B, Miterpáková M. First autochthonous cases of canine thelaziosis in Slovakia: a new affected area in Central Europe. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:179. [PMID: 28407785 PMCID: PMC5390348 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, also called the “Oriental eyeworm”, is the causative agent of canine and human ocular thelaziosis. In the past few years it has started to spread across central Europe and new endemic areas have been established. The present study reports on the first four autochthonous cases of canine ocular thelaziosis in the territory of Slovakia, Central Europe. Results All cases were recorded in dogs living in eastern Slovakia, near the border with the Ukraine. All worms collected were investigated morphologically and their identification further confirmed at the molecular level by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Nucleotide sequences of partial T. callipaeda cox1 and 28S rDNA gene fragments isolated from Slovak dogs were submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers KY476400 and KY476401, respectively. Conclusions Considering that all four cases were diagnosed in animals that had never travelled abroad, there is clear evidence of an autochthonous occurrence and thereby the further spread of T. callipaeda across Europe. Moreover, at latitude of 48°N, these cases might be considered as the northernmost recorded cases of autochthonous in western and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kocák
- Private Veterinary Practice, Pekárenská 1, 071 01, Michalovce, Slovakia
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia.
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Čabanová V, Kocák P, Víchová B, Miterpáková M. First autochthonous cases of canine thelaziosis in Slovakia: a new affected area in Central Europe. Parasit Vectors 2017. [PMID: 28407785 DOI: 10.1186/s13071–017–2128–2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, also called the "Oriental eyeworm", is the causative agent of canine and human ocular thelaziosis. In the past few years it has started to spread across central Europe and new endemic areas have been established. The present study reports on the first four autochthonous cases of canine ocular thelaziosis in the territory of Slovakia, Central Europe. RESULTS All cases were recorded in dogs living in eastern Slovakia, near the border with the Ukraine. All worms collected were investigated morphologically and their identification further confirmed at the molecular level by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. Nucleotide sequences of partial T. callipaeda cox1 and 28S rDNA gene fragments isolated from Slovak dogs were submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers KY476400 and KY476401, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Considering that all four cases were diagnosed in animals that had never travelled abroad, there is clear evidence of an autochthonous occurrence and thereby the further spread of T. callipaeda across Europe. Moreover, at latitude of 48°N, these cases might be considered as the northernmost recorded cases of autochthonous in western and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kocák
- Private Veterinary Practice, Pekárenská 1, 071 01, Michalovce, Slovakia
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia.
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Papadopoulos E, Komnenou A, Thomas A, Ioannidou E, Colella V, Otranto D. Spreading of Thelazia callipaeda in Greece. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:248-252. [PMID: 28239956 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), the so-called oriental eyeworm, has been increasingly reported as an agent of infection in animals and humans from many European countries. Clinical signs range from subclinical to moderate or severe ocular disorders (e.g., epiphora, photophobia, conjunctivitis, keratitis, ulcers). The disease has been also diagnosed in animals from countries of the Balkan area (e.g., Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia), but only a single case of canine thelaziosis, presumably autochthonous, was reported in Northern Greece. In this study, we provide robust information of the occurrence of thelaziosis in Greece by reporting autochthonous cases of thelaziosis in dogs (n = 46), cats (n = 3) and in one rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) living in Northern and Central regions of Greece. The occurrence of a single haplotype of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene confirms that the same zoonotic haplotype of the parasite circulating in Europe is also spreading in Greece. The increased awareness of this parasitosis is crucial to limit the risk of further infections in both humans and animals in European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Papadopoulos
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Komnenou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Thomas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Ioannidou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - D Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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Otranto D, Colella V, Crescenzo G, Solari Basano F, Nazzari R, Capelli G, Petry G, Schaper R, Pollmeier M, Mallia E, Dantas-Torres F, Lia RP. Efficacy of moxidectin 2.5% and imidacloprid 10% in the treatment of ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infected dogs. Vet Parasitol 2016; 227:118-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Gama A, Pires I, Canado M, Coutinho T, Lopes AP, Latrofa MS, Cardoso L, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. First report of Thelazia callipaeda infection in wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:236. [PMID: 27160400 PMCID: PMC4862226 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode that affects the eyes of domestic and wild animals, including dogs, cats and red foxes. This parasitic eye worm is transmitted by Phortica variegata, which is a zoophilic fruit fly spread in Europe. Two wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) found dead in north-eastern Portugal were submitted to necropsy. Results Both animals presented gross lesions compatible with haemorrhagic viral disease. Eye examination revealed the presence of six worms (three in each animal, on both eyes). Out of the six nematodes, five females and one male were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda. Conclusions This is the first report of T. callipaeda in wild rabbits from Portugal, which reveals a new host for this parasite in southern Europe and emphasizes the importance of including thelaziosis in the differential diagnosis of ocular alterations in both animals and humans from areas where the eye worm is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Gama
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Histology and Pathology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Histology and Pathology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Teresa Coutinho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal. .,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.,Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
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Eyeworm infections in dogs and in a human patient in Serbia: A One Health approach is needed. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 45:20-2. [PMID: 27012916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm has been frequently reported parasitizing humans in Asia. In Europe, the parasite is endemic in wild and domestic carnivores and only eight cases have been reported in humans so far. We describe the first case of human thelaziosis in Serbia, along with two cases in dogs from the same area. A One Health approach, based on cooperation amongst veterinarians and physicians, is strongly advised for this emerging infection in order to assess the risk for and prevent of the zoonotic infection.
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Otranto D, Cantacessi C, Dantas-Torres F, Brianti E, Pfeffer M, Genchi C, Guberti V, Capelli G, Deplazes P. The role of wild canids and felids in spreading parasites to dogs and cats in Europe. Part II: Helminths and arthropods. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:24-37. [PMID: 26049678 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, ecological factors, combined with everchanging landscapes mainly linked to human activities (e.g. encroachment and tourism) have contributed to modifications in the transmission of parasitic diseases from domestic to wildlife carnivores and vice versa. In the first of this two-part review article, we have provided an account of diseases caused by protozoan parasites characterised by a two-way transmission route between domestic and wild carnivore species. In this second and final part, we focus our attention on parasitic diseases caused by helminth and arthropod parasites shared between domestic and wild canids and felids in Europe. While a complete understanding of the biology, ecology and epidemiology of these parasites is particularly challenging to achieve, especially given the complexity of the environments in which these diseases perpetuate, advancements in current knowledge of transmission routes is crucial to provide policy-makers with clear indications on strategies to reduce the impact of these diseases on changing ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB3 0ES Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz-PE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Universita' degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene & Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanita' Pubblica, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Vittorio Guberti
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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