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Diakou A, Deak G, Veronesi F. Pets, Wildlife and Parasites. Pathogens 2023; 12:1310. [PMID: 38003775 PMCID: PMC10674324 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In our dynamic world, borders of different sorts are being rapidly altered or even erased [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - 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;
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Parasitology Laboratory of the University Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy;
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2
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Cotuțiu VD, Mihalca AD, Hołówka KA, Ionică AM, Cazan CD, Gherman CM. European Hares, Lepus europaeus, Represent a Reservoir Host for Thelazia callipaeda in Romania. Pathogens 2022; 11:1225. [PMID: 36364976 PMCID: PMC9693048 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thelaziosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda is an emerging disease in Europe. Only two reports of naturally infected lagomorphs have been published so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of the Romanian populations of European brown hares, Lepus europaeus as reservoir hosts for T. callipaeda. Between November 2019 and November 2021, the eyes of 326 L. europaeus carcasses were examined for the presence of ocular parasites. Nematodes were stored in plastic vials with physiological saline, followed by morphological and molecular identification. QGis 3.20 and EpiInfoTM 7 were used for mapping and statistical analysis. Four (1.23%) hares harbored T. callipaeda infection, with a total of 84 nematodes collected (mean intensity 21 nematodes/host), with 45 males, 39 females (two sexually immature, seven with only eggs, and 30 with eggs and larvae). One specimen from each host was successfully sequenced resulting in a 100% similarity with several other sequences of T. callipaeda haplotype 1. Statistical analysis revealed no significant results. The current study represents a first report of T. callipaeda in the European brown hare in Romania, and the second in Europe, also reiterating the role of lagomorphs as reservoir hosts for this zoonotic ocular nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad-Dan Cotuțiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Katarzyna Anna Hołówka
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit (CDS-9), University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, Iuliu Moldovan Street Nr. 23, 400003 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit (CDS-9), University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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3
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Papadopoulos E, Komnenou A, Karamanlidis AA, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D. Zoonotic Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm in brown bears (Ursus arctos): A new host record in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:235-239. [PMID: 34889529 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) eyeworm, a zoonotic parasite transmitted by lachryphagus drosophilids, causes subclinical to clinical ocular disease in a wide range of vertebrates, including humans. In the past 20 years, the infection spread primarily in areas where the vector thrives, and now is endemic in many European countries. Recently, this nematode has been reported also in the United States. Here, we describe the first record of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) as a host of T. callipaeda. Eight (26.7%) out of 30 bears were found to be infected with T. callipaeda adult worms. In addition, the parasite was detected in 13 wolves (Canis lupus) sharing the same environment with the brown bears. At the molecular characterization, all nematodes belonged to the haplotype 1, which is the only one recorded in Europe, as yet. This finding demonstrates that brown bears may act as hosts for this parasite, suggesting its potential role in the maintenance of the cycle not only in the wild but also in captivity. Under the above circumstances, the brown bear may represent a potential zoonotic risk for humans, both in rural and urban areas where other reservoirs may be infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros A Karamanlidis
- ARCTUROS, Civil Society for the Protection and Management of Wildlife and the Natural Environment, Florina, Greece.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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4
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do Vale B, Lopes AP, da Conceição Fontes M, Silvestre M, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Systematic review on infection and disease caused by Thelazia callipaeda in Europe: 2001-2020. Parasite 2020; 27:52. [PMID: 32996882 PMCID: PMC7526429 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cases of thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda have been increasing considerably in Europe throughout the 21st century, with recent emphasis on Eastern Europe. A systematic review was conducted using defined search terms across three major databases and, additionally, with the examination of the references of the 56 articles selected. Available information about epidemiological and clinical features of all cases of thelaziosis by T. callipaeda in companion animals, wildlife and humans was extracted, evaluated and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. In all cross-sectional studies about dogs, cats and red foxes, males were more frequently infected than females (dogs: p = 0.0365; cats: p = 0.0164; red foxes: p = 0.0082). Adult dogs seem to be more prone to infection (p < 0.0001), as well as large-sized dogs (p < 0.0001), and companion animals that live exclusively outdoors (p < 0.0001). Dogs and red foxes involved in these cross-sectional studies harboured significantly more female than male nematodes (p < 0.0001). Thelaziosis by T. callipaeda is far from controlled in Europe. Only through updated epidemiological data, knowledge improvement and awareness can correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment and prevention be ensured 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) 5000-801 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) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 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) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
| | - Mário Silvestre
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Department of Zootechnics, ECAV, UTAD 5000-801 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) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 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) 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, UTAD 5000-801 Vila Real Portugal
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Dolff S, Kehrmann J, Eisermann P, Dalbah S, Tappe D, Rating P. Case Report: Thelazia callipaeda Eye Infection: The First Human Case in Germany. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:350-351. [PMID: 31912777 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda eye worm is a nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies not only primarily to carnivores and lagomorphs but also to humans. Only a few cases have been reported in Europe (Italy, France, and Portugal). Here, we report the first eye infection in a German patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Kehrmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Philip Eisermann
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sami Dalbah
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Tappe
- National Reference Center for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Rating
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Jirku M, Kuchta R, Gricaj E, Modry D, Pomajbikova KJ. Canine thelaziosis in the Czech Republic: the northernmost autochthonous occurrence of the eye nematode Thelazia callipaeda Railliet et Henry, 1910 in Europe. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2020; 67. [PMID: 32367814 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2020.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The eye nematode Thelazia callipaeda Railliet et Henry, 1910 (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) is a vector-borne zoonotic nematode infecting a range of wild and domestic carnivores as well as humans. It is considered to be a causative agent of emerging and neglected disease and currently invades central part of Europe. Nematodes were collected from the eye of a dog living in Prague, which never travelled outside the Czech Republic. The nematodes were identified based on their morphology and partial sequence of the cox1 gene as T. callipaeda haplotype 1. This finding represents the northernmost record of autochthonous canine thelaziosis in Europe. The insufficient control of imported animals as well as free movement of dogs and wild carnivores within Europe probably facilitates spreading of T. callipaeda throughout the continent. To better understand the spreading of T. callipaeda and to prevent its zoonotic transmissions, information about the risk of this infection in newly invaded countries should be disseminated not only among veterinarians and physicians, but also within the community of pet owners and hunters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Jirku
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Kuchta
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Gricaj
- Veterinary Clinic Lhotka, Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - David Modry
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Jirku Pomajbikova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic *corresponding authors
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Spain as a dispersion model for Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm in dogs in Europe. Prev Vet Med 2020; 175:104883. [PMID: 31935667 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) causes ocular infection in carnivorous animals and humans. While growing numbers of companion dogs and sometimes cats are being diagnosed with thelaziosis, little is known about its real spread. As it has been also diagnosed in wild animals and human beings, it is considered a potential emerging zoonotic disease. This study provides information about the spread of the parasite in dogs in Spain since its initial description in 2010 until 2018. The first detection of T. callipaeda in the Principality of Andorra in 2017 is also reported. Two different studies were conducted: a) a survey in which clinical cases from veterinary practices were collected and b) a prevalence study in two endemic areas in western and central Spain (Site 1 La Vera region, Cáceres, and Site 2 El Escorial municipality, Madrid). In total, 1114 cases of thelaziosis were detected in 121 municipalities of Spain and 6 municipalities of Andorra. In 92 out these 127 municipalities, reports were of autochthonous cases. Six hundred twenty-three out of 1114 presented data collection sheet and were included in the statistical analysis: 510 cases identified by veterinarians in Spain and Andorra in Study 1, and 113 cases detected among the 234 dogs (48.3 %) examined in the prevalence study (Study 2). Prevalences were 61.3 % (84/137) for Cáceres and 29.9 % (29/97) for Madrid, being Site 1 significantly more risky (P < 0.0001, odds ratio: 3.72, CI: 2.14-4.47 %) compared to Site 2. Our study updates data for canine thelaziosis reported in the last decade in Spain and Andorra. Results highlight the urgent need for prevention strategies to control the spread of this potential zoonotic disease.
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Dumitrache MO, Ionică AM, Voinițchi E, Chavdar N, D'Amico G. First report of canine ocular thelaziosis in the Republic of Moldova. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:505. [PMID: 31666101 PMCID: PMC6822340 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Countries of eastern Europe are considered, due to several risk factors, more vulnerable to infections with newly (re)emerging pathogens. During the last decade, in several European countries, reports of autochthonous cases of ocular thelaziosis due to Thelazia callipaeda have been published, posing a great concern from both veterinary and public health perspective. However, in the Republic of Moldova only limited epidemiological data are available regarding zoonotic vector-borne pathogens and, until now, no data exist on the zoonotic nematode T. callipaeda. Methods In September 2018, an 11-year-old dog, mixed-breed, intact male was referred to a private veterinary clinic from Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, with a history of 2 weeks of an ocular condition affecting the right eye. The ophthalmological exam revealed the presence of nematode parasites in the conjunctival sac and under the third eyelid. The collected parasites were identified by morphological techniques and molecular analysis. Results A total of 7 nematodes were collected, and 5 females and 2 males of T. callipaeda were identified morphologically. The BLAST analysis confirmed the low genetic variability of this parasite in Europe. The travel history of the patient allowed us to confirm the autochthonous character of the case. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of thelaziosis in dogs from the Republic of Moldova, which confirms the spreading trend of T. callipaeda and the existence of an autochthonous transmission cycle of this zoonotic parasite in the country.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj, Romania. .,CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Eugeniu Voinițchi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State Agrarian University of Moldova, 48 Mircești Street, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
| | - Nicolai Chavdar
- Veterinay Clinic Ciavdar, Nicolae Costin 61, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj, Romania
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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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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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Ionică AM, Deak G, D'Amico G, Stan GF, Chișamera GB, Constantinescu IC, Adam C, Lefkaditis M, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD. Thelazia callipaeda in mustelids from Romania with the European badger, Meles meles, as a new host for this parasite. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:370. [PMID: 31349861 PMCID: PMC6660946 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3631-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is a vector-borne zoonotic eye worm with a broad host spectrum. In Europe, it is an emerging threat, having greatly expanded its geographical distribution during the past two decades. In Romania, T. callipaeda has been previously reported in domestic and wild canids and felids. The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of T. callipaeda in mustelids in the country. Methods Between March 2015 and April 2019, 77 road-killed mustelids (3 pine martens, Martes martes; 6 European polecats, Mustela putorius; 13 beech martens, Martes foina; and 55 European badgers, Meles meles) were examined by necropsy. If present, all ocular nematodes were collected and stored in absolute ethanol, for subsequent morphological and molecular identification. Results Two animals were found to be infected with T. callipaeda: one European badger and one beech marten. The molecular analysis revealed a 100% nucleotide similarity to T. callipaeda haplotype h1 for all the sequenced specimens. Conclusions To our knowledge, the present study demonstrates for the first time the occurrence of T. callipaeda in mustelids from Romania, records the easternmost locality of the parasite in Europe, and represents the first report of T. callipaeda in the European badger, Meles meles, extending the known host range for this parasite in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Florin Stan
- Department of Anatomy, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Bogdan Chișamera
- "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History, Sos. Kiseleff no. 1, 011341, Bucharest 1, Romania
| | | | - Costică Adam
- "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History, Sos. Kiseleff no. 1, 011341, Bucharest 1, Romania
| | - Menelaos Lefkaditis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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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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13
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A historical review on vector distribution and epidemiology of human and animal leishmanioses in Eastern Europe. Res Vet Sci 2019; 123:185-191. [PMID: 30682581 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many canine diseases, infectious or parasitic, have been newly reported as autochthonous in the last few years in Eastern Europe. This is notably evident for vector-borne diseases. The mechanisms behind the particular epidemiological pattern of infectious and parasitic diseases of pets in Eastern Europe are complex. Most countries from Eastern Europe are regarded as non-endemic for leishmaniosis, with sporadic cases only in both humans and dogs. However, recently, new imported or autochthonous cases are reported every year. The aim of the current review is to synoptically review and critically analyse the epidemiological situation of leishmaniosis and the distribution of the sand fly vectors in Eastern Europe, namely in Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus.
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Lebon W, Guillot J, Álvarez MJ, Antonio Bazaga J, Cortes-Dubly ML, Dumont P, Eberhardt M, Gómez H, Pennant O, Siméon N, Beugnet F, Halos L. Prevention of canine ocular thelaziosis (Thelazia callipaeda) with a combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner (Nexgard Spectra ®) in endemic areas in France and Spain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:1. [PMID: 30644355 PMCID: PMC6333103 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, canine thelaziosis due to Thelazia callipaeda has been diagnosed in an increasing number of European countries, with endemic areas being identified. A multi-center field trial was conducted in endemic areas in France and Spain to evaluate the efficacy of monthly administrations of the oral milbemycin oxime/afoxolaner combination (NexGard Spectra®) for the prevention of T. callipaeda infection in at-risk dogs. A total of 79 dogs negative for T. callipaeda and with a clinical history of eyeworm infection in the past two years completed the study. Dogs were randomly allocated either to a negative control group (42 dogs) or to the NexGard Spectra® treated group (37 dogs). All dogs were followed up for a 6-month period and assessed monthly for the presence of nematodes on the eyes and for the signs of ocular thelaziosis (e.g., conjunctivitis, keratitis, and ocular discharge). When the presence of nematodes was confirmed, the conjunctival fornix was flushed with a saline solution for parasite recovery and counting, and the dogs were treated appropriately. Recovered parasites were stored in 70% alcohol for subsequent morphological identification. During the course of the study, 57.1% (24/42) of the control dogs were diagnosed positive for Thelazia infection, which illustrates a high incidence rate of parasite infection. Conversely, no eyeworm was recovered from any of the 37 dogs that received NexGard Spectra®. All parasites sampled were confirmed to be T. callipaeda. This clinical field study demonstrated that monthly administrations of NexGard Spectra® provided 100% preventive efficacy against canine thelaziosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Lebon
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, CRSV, 805 Allée des Cyprès, 01150 Saint-Vulbas, France
| | - Jacques Guillot
- Unité de Parasitologie, Mycologie, Dermatologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maria-Jesús Álvarez
- Hospital Canis de Monforte Carretera Circunvalación, S/N 27400 Monforte, (Lugo, Galicia), Spain
| | - José Antonio Bazaga
- Clínica Veterinaria Bazaga, Ronda Sur, 50, 10300 Navalmoral de la Mata, Cáceres (Extremadura), Spain
| | | | - Pascal Dumont
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, CRSV, 805 Allée des Cyprès, 01150 Saint-Vulbas, France
| | - Marianne Eberhardt
- Clinique Vétérinaire de Gabarret, Avenue de Marcadieu, 40310 Gabarret, France
| | - Héctor Gómez
- Hospital Veterinario Abros Parque empresarial Pereiro de Aguiar, Polígono 2 A - Parcela 32A, 32710 Pereiro de Aguiar, (Orense, Galicia), Spain
| | - Olivier Pennant
- Clinique Vétérinaire Fénelon, 5 boulevard Fénelon, 24380 Vergt, France
| | - Noémie Siméon
- Clinique Vétérinaire Sanilhac, Avenue du 19 mars 1962, 24660 Notre-Dame de Sanilhac, France
| | - Frederic Beugnet
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Lénaïg Halos
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
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Ocular thelaziosis due Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) in Romania: first report in domestic cat and new geographical records of canine cases. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:4037-4042. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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16
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Sah R, Khadka S, Adhikari M, Niraula R, Shah A, Khatri A, Donovan S. Human Thelaziasis: Emerging Ocular Pathogen in Nepal. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy237. [PMID: 30349847 PMCID: PMC6189630 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Thelaziasis is an ocular arthropod-borne, zoonotic disease of the eye infecting the conjunctival sac, lacrimal duct, and lacrimal gland caused by a nematode of the genus Thelazia. We report the first case of human ocular thelaziasis in Nepal in a 6-month-old child from a Rukum district, Nepal. The infant presented with conjunctivitis, and his visual acuity and dilated fundal examination were normal. A total of 6 worms were removed for identification. Collected nematodes were identified based on morphological keys as Thelazia callipaeda. The patient’s symptoms improved after removal of the nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit Sah
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Department of Medicine, Division of infectious Diseases, Medanta the Medicity, Gurugaon, Haryana, India
| | - Shusila Khadka
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mahesh Adhikari
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Reema Niraula
- Department of Ophthalmology, BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Apoorva Shah
- Department of Ophthalmology, BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Anadi Khatri
- Department of Ophthalmology, BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Suzanne Donovan
- Department of Medicine (Division of infectious Diseases), Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, California
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17
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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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18
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Thelazia callipaeda, an Endemic Parasite of Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) in Western Romania. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:829-833. [PMID: 29791293 DOI: 10.7589/2017-10-251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) is a vector-borne zoonotic nematode parasite of the conjunctival sac of a large spectrum of hosts, currently having an expanding distribution range throughout Europe. In Romania, the parasite has a relatively large distribution range and host spectrum. However, the presence of T. callipaeda in red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) has not yet been confirmed. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and geographical distribution of T. callipaeda in red foxes from Romania. A total of 514 animals originating from 10 counties of western Romania were evaluated for the presence of T. callipaeda. Overall, 151 red foxes (29.38%) were positive. No significant differences were noticed between sex and age groups of positive foxes. In total, 3,350 adult nematodes were recovered. The intensity of infection had a mean value of 23.2, while the sex ratio was 2.2:1 in favor of females. In 91 foxes, both eyes were affected, while 60 harbored unilateral infection. Sequence analysis of the cox 1 gene of one nematode from each positive fox ( n=151) revealed the exclusive presence of haplotype h1. We report a relatively high prevalence and distribution range of T. callipaeda infection in red foxes in Romania, highlighting their potential role as a wildlife reservoir.
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Palfreyman J, Graham-Brown J, Caminade C, Gilmore P, Otranto D, Williams DJL. Predicting the distribution of Phortica variegata and potential for Thelazia callipaeda transmission in Europe and the United Kingdom. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:272. [PMID: 29703231 PMCID: PMC5924467 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2842-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male fruitflies Phortica variegata (Drosophilidae, Steganinae) are the intermediate host of the zoonotic nematode Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae). More than 10 years ago, when T. callipaeda was confined to remote regions of southern Italy, ecological niche models were used to predict the potential distribution of P. variegata across Europe and the likely risk of the nematode spreading through infected dogs travelling to/from endemic regions. As predicted, over the last 10 years T. callipaeda has spread rapidly across Europe. Recently, we identified the potential for its introduction to the UK through infected dogs travelling to/from endemic regions of mainland Europe. METHODS Here updated information is used to re-evaluate the model-predicted European, and specifically, UK distribution to determine the likelihood of T. callipaeda becoming established. Additionally, the UK distribution of P. variegata was further investigated through snapshot fly trapping at model-predicted locations. RESULTS Ecological niche modelling using Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Prediction (GARP) analysis suggests a European range similar to that described previously, with some indication of potential spread further eastward. Finer scale UK mapping suggested that P. variegata presence was limited mostly to southern England, but highlighted regions where P. variegata has not been documented previously. The arbitrary fly trapping identified activity of P. variegata at two locations where the species has been found previously late in the season. No specimens were collected at model-predicted locations, although habitat suitable for the species was identified. CONCLUSIONS GARP-model prediction of P. variegata distribution suggests presence of suitable conditions in previously undocumented regions of the UK and Europe and highlight the possibility for further spread of T. callipaeda across Europe, including the UK. Further work to validate the P. variegata UK model with field data will help improve its accuracy in predicting suitable areas, whilst surveillance of sylvatic definitive host species in such locations is advised to monitor for evidence of autochthonous T. callipaeda transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Graham-Brown
- Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Cyril Caminade
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- NIHR, Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Gilmore
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Diana J. L. Williams
- Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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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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Marino V, Gálvez R, Colella V, Sarquis J, Checa R, Montoya A, Barrera JP, Domínguez S, Lia RP, Otranto D, Miró G. Detection of Thelazia callipaeda in Phortica variegata and spread of canine thelaziosis to new areas in Spain. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:195. [PMID: 29558995 PMCID: PMC5859453 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The fruit fly Phortica variegata (Drosophilidae: Steganinae) feeds on the ocular secretions of animals and humans, and has been described as an intermediate host of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) in Italy. Despite the increased detection of T. callipaeda in many European countries, information about its vector role in natural conditions is still limited. In the Iberian Peninsula, thelaziosis caused by T. callipaeda has been reported in dogs, cats, red foxes, wild rabbits and humans. Methods In the last seven years, we have detected increased numbers of cases of canine thelaziosis at three locations in mainland Spain: Site 1, La Vera region (Cáceres Province, central-western Spain; 51 cases); Site 2, El Escorial municipality (Madrid Community, central Spain; 23 cases); and Site 3, Miraflores de la Sierra municipality (Madrid Community, central Spain; 41 cases). Site 1 is considered endemic for T. callipaeda while the other two sites have been recently recognised as risk zones for T. callipaeda infection. Results From June 2016 to September 2017, 2162 flies were collected and morphologically identified as Phortica spp. (Site 1, n = 395; Site 2, n = 1544; and Site 3, n = 223). Upon dissection, third-stage T. callipaeda larvae were found in two out of 155 flies examined from Site 1, and both these larvae tested molecularly positive for the eye worm. Of the 395 flies collected from Site 1, 371 were molecularly processed for arthropod species identification and T. callipaeda detection. All 371 flies were identified as P. variegata and 28 (7.5%; 95% CI: 4.8–10%) tested positive for T. callipaeda DNA haplotype 1. Conclusions Our findings indicate that T. callipaeda circulates among dogs and P. variegata in Spain, where zoonotic cases have been also reported. The co-existence of canine thelaziosis and Phortica spp. in geographical areas previously considered free of the eye worm indicates a risk of infection for both animals and humans living in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Marino
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vito Colella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Juliana Sarquis
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan P Barrera
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Domínguez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Seixas F, Travassos P, Coutinho T, Lopes AP, Latrofa MS, Pires MDA, Cardoso L, Otranto D. The eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda in Portugal: Current status of infection in pets and wild mammals and case report in a beech marten (Martes foina). Vet Parasitol 2018; 252:163-166. [PMID: 29559141 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ocular thelaziosis is caused by nematodes of the genus Thelazia (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), which inhabit the surface of the eyes and associated tissues. Thelazia callipaeda affects a range of mammal species, including humans, and in the last two decades has been reported in multiple European countries, being classified as an emergent vector-borne pathogen. In Portugal T. callipaeda is endemic in north-eastern areas, where it has been reported in domestic dogs, cats, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We report, for the first time, T. callipaeda in a beech marten (Martes foina) from Portugal and highlight the presence of haplotype 1 as the only one found in Europe, irrespective of the host species and geographical area of provenience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Seixas
- 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
| | - Paulo Travassos
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology (LEA), Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), School of Life and Environment Sciences, 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
| | | | - Maria Dos Anjos 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
| | - 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.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of 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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Zhang X, Shi YL, Han LL, Xiong C, Yi SQ, Jiang P, Wang ZX, Shen JL, Cui J, Wang ZQ. Population structure analysis of the neglected parasite Thelazia callipaeda revealed high genetic diversity in Eastern Asia isolates. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006165. [PMID: 29324738 PMCID: PMC5783425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda is the causative agent of thelaziasis in canids, felids and humans. However, the population genetic structure regarding this parasite remains unclear. Methodology/principal findings In this study, we first explored the genetic variation of 32 T. callipaeda clinical isolates using the following multi-molecular markers: cox1, cytb, 12S rDNA, ITS1 and 18S rDNA. The isolates were collected from 13 patients from 11 geographical locations in China. Next, the population structure of T. callipaeda from Europe and other Asian countries was analyzed using the cox1 sequences collected during this study and from the GenBank database. In general, the Chinese clinical isolates of T. callipaeda expressed high genetic diversity. Based on the cox1 gene, a total of 21 haplotypes were identified. One only circulated in European countries (Hap1), while the other 20 haplotypes were dispersed in Korea, Japan and China. There were five nucleotide positions in the cox1 sequences that were confirmed as invariable among individuals from Europe and Asia, but the sequences were distinct between these two regions. Population differences between Europe and Asian countries were greater than those among China, Korea and Japan. The T. callipaeda populations from Europe and Asia should be divided into two separate sub-populations. These two groups started to diverge during the middle Pleistocene. Neutrality tests, mismatch distribution and Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analysis all rejected possible population expansion of T. callipaeda. Conclusions The Asian population of T. callipaeda has a high level of genetic diversity, but further studies should be performed to explore the biology, ecology and epidemiology of T. callipaeda. Thelazia callipaeda is the causative agent of thelaziasis canids, felids and humans. Despite the existing threat of thelaziosis in China, the genetic diversity of T. callipaeda has not been investigated across its wide geographical distribution in China, yet such information may provide insight into the disease epidemiology and the development of specific control measures. In this study, the genetic variation of 32 T. callipaeda clinical isolates collected from 13 patients from 11 geographical locations in China were explored using the following multi-molecular markers: cox1, cytb, 12S rDNA, ITS1 and 18S rDNA. In addition, the population structure of T. callipaeda from Europe and other Asian countries was analyzed using the cox1 sequences collected during this study and from the GenBank database. In general, the Chinese clinical isolates of T. callipaeda demonstrated high genetic diversity. Based on the cox1 gene, a total of 21 haplotypes were identified, one circulated in European countries (Hap1), while the other 20 haplotypes were dispersed in Korea, Japan and China. There were five nucleotide positions in the cox1 that were confirmed as invariable among individuals from Europe and Asia, but the sequences were distinct between these two regions. Population differences between Europe and Asian countries were greater than those among China, Korea and Japan, such that the T. callipaeda population from Europe and Asia should be divided into two separate sub-populations. These two groups started to diverge during the middle Pleistocene.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- China
- Cluster Analysis
- Cytochromes b/genetics
- DNA, Helminth/chemistry
- DNA, Helminth/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
- Europe
- Asia, Eastern
- Genetic Variation
- Haplotypes
- Humans
- Phylogeny
- RNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Thelazioidea/classification
- Thelazioidea/genetics
- Thelazioidea/isolation & purification
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya Li Shi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lu Lu Han
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chen Xiong
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi Qi Yi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zeng Xian Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
| | - Ji Long Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- * E-mail: (ZQW); (JC)
| | - Zhong Quan Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- * E-mail: (ZQW); (JC)
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Wright
- Co-owner of the Mount Veterinary Practice, 1 Harris St, Fleetwood FY7 6QX; independent parasitologist and head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland
| | - Hany Elsheikha
- European Specialist in Veterinary Parasitology, Associate Professor of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD
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26
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; 54124 Thessaloniki Greece
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27
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Graham-Brown J, Gilmore P, Colella V, Moss L, Dixon C, Andrews M, Arbeid P, Barber J, Timofte D, McGarry J, Otranto D, Williams D. Three cases of imported eyeworm infection in dogs: a new threat for the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 2017; 181:346. [PMID: 28870975 PMCID: PMC5738592 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In July 2016 we described the first known case of canine ocular thelaziosis in the UK in a dog recently imported from Romania. Here we confirm our initial diagnosis using PCR followed by sequence analysis, and we report a further two clinical cases in dogs with recent history of travel to Italy and France. In view of the presence in the UK of the vector for Thelazia callipaeda, namely Phortica spp, we discuss the significance of these three cases in the context of the UK government’s pet travel scheme, disease control and both animal and public health in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Graham-Brown
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Gilmore
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lyndsay Moss
- Veterinary Vision Ltd Ophthalmic Referrals, Penrith, UK
| | - Chris Dixon
- Veterinary Vision Ltd Ophthalmic Referrals, Penrith, UK
| | | | | | - Jackie Barber
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dorina Timofte
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
| | - John McGarry
- Pathology and Paraclinical Department, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Diana Williams
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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28
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Zhang X, Shi YL, Wang ZQ, Duan JY, Jiang P, Liu RD, Cui J. Morphological and Mitochondrial Genomic Characterization of Eyeworms ( Thelazia callipaeda) from Clinical Cases in Central China. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1335. [PMID: 28751889 PMCID: PMC5508006 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda, also called the oriental eyeworm, is the major etiological agent of human thelaziasis. Cases of thelaziasis have increased in recent years in China. Although this species is of medical importance, the genetics and phylogenetic systematics of T. callipaeda are poorly understood. In this study, we first reported three cases of thelaziasis in central China. All clinical isolates were identified as T. callipaeda according to morphological characteristics by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Next, complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes for the three T. callipaeda isolates from different geographical locations were fully characterized using an Illumina sequencing platform. In addition, all available mt genomes of spirurid nematodes in GenBank were included to reconstruct the phylogeny and to explore the evolutionary histories of the isolates. The genome features of the T. callipaeda isolates contained 12 PCGs, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and a major non-coding region. The mtDNA nucleotide sequences of the T. callipaeda isolates from different hosts and different locations were similar. The nad6 gene showed high sequence variability among all isolates, which is worth considering for future population genetic studies of T. callipaeda. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods revealed close relationships among Thelaziidae, Onchocercidae, Setariidae, Gongylonematidae, Physalopteridae, Dracunculidae, and Philometridae. The monophyly of the T. callipaeda isolates from different hosts and distinct geographical locations was confirmed. The entire mt genomes of T. callipaeda presented in this study will serve as a useful dataset for studying the population genetics and phylogenetic relationships of Thelazia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
| | - Ya L Shi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong Q Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
| | - Jiang Y Duan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
| | - Ruo D Liu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
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29
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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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30
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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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31
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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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32
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Graham-Brown J, Gilmore P, Williams D, Barber J, Andrews M, Timofte D. Case of canine ocular thelaziosis in the UK. Vet Rec 2016; 179:51. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.i3743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Graham-Brown
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill Liverpool L3 5RF
| | - Paul Gilmore
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill Liverpool L3 5RF
| | - Diana Williams
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill Liverpool L3 5RF
| | - Jackie Barber
- Liverpool Veterinary Parasitology Diagnostics; University of Liverpool; Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill Liverpool L3 5RF
| | - Martin Andrews
- Cedar Veterinary Group; Anstey Lane Alton Hampshire GU34 2RH
| | - Dorina Timofte
- School of Veterinary Science; Institute of Infection and Global Health; University of Liverpool; Leahurst, Chester High Road Neston Wirral CH64 7TE
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33
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Mihalca AD, Ionică AM, D'Amico G, Daskalaki AA, Deak G, Matei IA, Șimonca V, Iordache D, Modrý D, Gherman CM. Thelazia callipaeda in wild carnivores from Romania: new host and geographical records. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:350. [PMID: 27316971 PMCID: PMC4912765 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda is a vector-borne zoonotic nematode parasitizing the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild carnivores, rabbits and humans, with a vast distribution in Asia and the former Soviet Union. In Europe, the nematode has an emerging trend, being reported in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, Greece and Serbia, with human cases known in Italy, France, Spain, Serbia and Croatia. In Romania, the infection was so far reported only in dogs, whereas there are no reports in wildlife despite the large numbers of wild carnivores in the country. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of wild carnivores in the natural cycle of T. callipaeda in Romania. Methods Between 2014 and 2016, 89 wild carnivores (64 golden jackals, Canis aureus, 13 grey wolves, Canis lupus, nine wildcats, Felis silvestris and three Eurasian lynxes, Lynx lynx) have been examined. During the necropsy, both eyes of all the examined animals have been thoroughly inspected for the presence of parasites. If present, all nematodes were collected in absolute ethanol (for molecular analysis of the partial cox1 gene) or in 4 % formalin (for morphological identification). Results In total, three animals were found to be infected with T. callipaeda: a grey wolf, a golden jackal and a wildcat. The BLAST analysis of all the sequences showed a 100 % similarity to T. callipaeda haplotype h1. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report of T. callipaeda in golden jackals, and the first study on T. callipaeda in wildlife from Romania. Conclusion Our data broaden the host spectrum and geographical distribution of T. callipaeda, highlighting the role of wild carnivores as natural reservoirs for the infection and confirming the ongoing expanding trend of this zoonotic nematode in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Aikaterini Alexandra Daskalaki
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Vasile Șimonca
- Department of Forest Mensuration and Wood Study, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Daniel Iordache
- Department of Game and Wildlife, Faculty of Silviculture and Forestry Engineering, Transilvania University, Şirul Beethoven 1, Brașov, 500123, Romania
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.,CEITEC -VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, 612 42, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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34
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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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35
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Jones MK, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. The Increase of Exotic Zoonotic Helminth Infections: The Impact of Urbanization, Climate Change and Globalization. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 91:311-97. [PMID: 27015952 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasitic diseases are increasingly impacting human populations due to the effects of globalization, urbanization and climate change. Here we review the recent literature on the most important helminth zoonoses, including reports of incidence and prevalence. We discuss those helminth diseases which are increasing in endemic areas and consider their geographical spread into new regions within the framework of globalization, urbanization and climate change to determine the effect these variables are having on disease incidence, transmission and the associated challenges presented for public health initiatives, including control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Tudor P, Bădicu A, Mateescu R, Tudor N, Mateescu C, Ionaşcu I. First report of canine ocular thelaziosis in the Muntenia Region, Romania. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:1741-4. [PMID: 26898833 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda is a vector-borne disease that infects domestic and wild carnivores as well as humans. In this paper, we present two cases of ocular thelaziosis in dogs that had never traveled outside Romania. Both presented with moderate conjunctivitis and ocular discharge. In total, 41 adult nematodes were removed from the conjunctival sacs of both dogs; these were identified via morphology as T. callipaeda. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of canine ocular thelaziosis caused by T. callipaeda from the Muntenia Region of Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poliana Tudor
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 105 Splaiul Independentei, Sector 5, 050097, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Adina Bădicu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 105 Splaiul Independentei, Sector 5, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Niculae Tudor
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 105 Splaiul Independentei, Sector 5, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Mateescu
- AgerVet-Clinic, 42 C. Brâncoveanu, 130120, Târgovişte, Romania
| | - Iuliana Ionaşcu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 105 Splaiul Independentei, Sector 5, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
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Ioniţă M, Mitrea IL, Ionică AM, Morariu S, Mihalca AD. New Cases of Thelazia callipaeda Haplotype 1 in Dogs Suggest a Wider Distribution in Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:172-5. [PMID: 26854520 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda is an emerging vector-borne zoonotic helminth parasitizing the conjunctival sac of a broad spectrum of definitive hosts, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, wild carnivores, and humans. Its presence is associated with mild to severe ocular disease. Here, we report two new clinical cases in dogs originating from western and southern Romania, with no travel history. On clinical examination, the nematodes were retrieved from the conjunctival sac and identified using morphological keys and molecular tools. Twenty-two adult nematodes (8 males, 14 females) were collected and were identified as T. callipaeda by morphology. The molecular analysis revealed a 100% identity with haplotype h1 of T. callipaeda. This study describes the occurrence of new autochthonous cases of thelaziosis in Romania, reinforcing the spreading trend of this zoonotic eyeworm and highlighting the need for increased awareness among medical and veterinary practitioners. Moreover, we provide additional molecular evidence for the exclusive distribution of haplotype 1 of T. callipaeda in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ioniţă
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases and Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest , Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioan Liviu Mitrea
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases and Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest , Bucharest, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- 2 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca , Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sorin Morariu
- 3 Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Timişoara , Timişoara, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- 2 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca , Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Transmission of the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda: between fantasy and reality. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:273. [PMID: 25966940 PMCID: PMC4435927 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thelazia callipaeda is transmitted by Phortica variegata, a drosophilid that feeds on lachrymal secretions of mammals. Scientific information on human thelaziosis is still relatively limited, mainly for physicians and ophthalmologists. Indeed, the literature is full of misleading information on the transmission of T. callipaeda to humans. Findings A recent paper reported a case of human intraocular infestation in a patient from Karnataka. The information presented in that article as well as in other articles in the international literature is outdated and incorrect in several instances, mostly regarding to the localization of T. callipaeda in the host, its biology and routes of transmission. Conclusions Physicians and ophthalmologists should be aware that T. callipaeda is larviparous and transmitted exclusively by secretophagous flies. These flies buzz around the eyes of animals and humans at the daytime, landing on the eyes and releasing the infective larvae on the host conjunctiva. That is the only possible way of transmission of T. callipaeda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Immunology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50740465, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F. Transmission of the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda: between fantasy and reality. Parasit Vectors 2015. [PMID: 25966940 DOI: 10.1186/s13071–015–0881–7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thelazia callipaeda is transmitted by Phortica variegata, a drosophilid that feeds on lachrymal secretions of mammals. Scientific information on human thelaziosis is still relatively limited, mainly for physicians and ophthalmologists. Indeed, the literature is full of misleading information on the transmission of T. callipaeda to humans. FINDINGS A recent paper reported a case of human intraocular infestation in a patient from Karnataka. The information presented in that article as well as in other articles in the international literature is outdated and incorrect in several instances, mostly regarding to the localization of T. callipaeda in the host, its biology and routes of transmission. CONCLUSIONS Physicians and ophthalmologists should be aware that T. callipaeda is larviparous and transmitted exclusively by secretophagous flies. These flies buzz around the eyes of animals and humans at the daytime, landing on the eyes and releasing the infective larvae on the host conjunctiva. That is the only possible way of transmission of T. callipaeda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Immunology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50740465, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Tzimoulia S, Tzimoulias I, Traversa D. Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae): first report in Greece and a case of canine infection. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2771-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4457-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Tzimoulia S, Tzimoulias I, Traversa D. Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae): first report in Greece and a case of canine infection. Parasitol Res 2015. [PMID: 25843574 DOI: 10.1007/s00436–015–4457–4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
The eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda has been reported in different European countries, i.e. Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Romania. The present article describes the first autochthonous case of ocular thelaziosis in a dog from Greece, thus revealing a new spot of infection in Europe. The dog in this case report, most likely infected at the northern borders of Greece, was referred to a private veterinary practice with conjunctivitis, oedema, keratitis, epiphora and mucoid discharge in both eyes. Seventy-seven nematodes were removed from both eyes, and the dog was treated with two subcutaneous injections of ivermectin 14 days apart, in combination with a topical antimicrobial medication. The parasites were morphologically and molecularly identified as T. callipaeda. Although in Greece there is no information about the presence and distribution of the fruit fly Phortica variegata, i.e. the intermediate host of T. callipaeda, the location where the dog was infected is environmentally suitable for its development. The present report of this zoonotic parasitosis indicates that in Greece, along with endemic areas in Spain and Italy, T. callipaeda is currently reaching its southernmost distribution limit in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,
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