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Scarcelli S, Buono F, D'Alessio N, Rea S, Castaldo E, Pesce A, Locantore F, Fioretti A, Marucci G, Sgroi G, Modrý D, Veneziano V. Trichinella spp. in wolves (Canis lupus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) of southern Italy. Res Vet Sci 2024; 179:105381. [PMID: 39213743 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Trichinella spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, with wildlife being the main reservoir of these zoonotic nematodes, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) due to their apex position in the food chain in most European countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in these wild canids and their epidemiological role in the Campania region (southern Italy). From 2017 to 2023, the carcasses of red foxes (n = 352) and wolves (n = 41) were collected as part of a health surveillance plan. Muscle samples were analysed individually by artificial digestion and four (1.1%) red foxes and nine (21.9%) wolves tested positive for Trichinella britovi. All Trichinella isolates were identified as T. britovi by multiplex PCR. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found by province (p-value = 0.05) for red foxes and sampling years (p-value = 0.01) for wolves. The prevalence was lower in red foxes than in wolves, probably due to the longer life expectancy of wolves compared to red foxes and the role of wolves as apex predators compared to red foxes as meso-carnivores. The results obtained confirm the important role that these wild canids play in the circulation of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Scarcelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Department of Animal Health, Portici, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Rea
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Department of Animal Health, Portici, Italy
| | - Elisa Castaldo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Pesce
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Section of Avellino, Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Locantore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Department of Animal Health, Portici, Italy.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Tammone Santos A, Riva E, Condorí WE, Fernández V, Rodriguez MG, Rivero MA, Faraco M, Aguirre P, Loyza L, Caselli AE, Uhart MM, Estein SM. Trichinella Infection in Culled Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from El Palmar National Park, Argentina, and Exposure Risk in Humans and Dogs Consuming Wild Boar Meat. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:401-412. [PMID: 38314854 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a foodborne disease caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella spp. larvae. Consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat represents an important source of human trichinellosis worldwide. In El Palmar National Park (EPNP), Argentina, invasive alien wild boars are controlled and meat from culled animals is released for public consumption following on-site artificial digestion (AD) testing. Meat trimmings and offal from the control program are often used as food for dogs (Canis familiaris). We evaluated infection and exposure to Trichinella spp. in wild boars from EPNP, as well as exposure to Trichinella spp. and associated risk factors in dogs and human consumers of wild boar meat. Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in muscle samples from 5/49 wild boars by AD (10.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8%-23%), with a mean burden of 0.24 larvae per gram (lpg; range, 0.06-0.95 lpg). Anti-Trichinella antibodies were not detected in wild boar serum samples (n=42). In dogs, 12/34 were seropositive to Trichinella spp. (35.29%; 95%, CI, 20.3%-53.5%). Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies were not detected in human serum samples (n=63). Our results reveal the presence, albeit at low prevalence, of Trichinella spp. in wild boars and exposure in dogs fed game offal. These findings suggest that the low prevalence and parasitic load in wild boars, together with the best practices applied by EPNP culling program personnel, contribute to keeping the risk of infection in people low. The dog results highlight that the parasite is circulating in the area, and therefore the risk of infection is not negligible. We recommend the implementation of an animal surveillance strategy in order to monitor the evolution of this zoonosis in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostina Tammone Santos
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana Riva
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Área de Parasitología y Enfermedades Parasitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter E Condorí
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Fernández
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo G Rodriguez
- Área de Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana A Rivero
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Área de Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matias Faraco
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Aguirre
- Departamento de Zoonosis Rurales, Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, España 770, Azul, 7300, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorena Loyza
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Administración de Parques Nacionales, Av. Rivadavia 1475, C1009ABM, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea E Caselli
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela M Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr., VM3B ground floor, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Silvia M Estein
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, Tandil, 7000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hegedus C, Andronie L, Uiuiu P, Jurco E, Lazar EA, Popescu S. Pets, Genuine Tools of Environmental Pollutant Detection. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2923. [PMID: 37760323 PMCID: PMC10525180 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In a shared environment, our companion animals became unintended sentinels for pollutant exposure consequences, developing even earlier similar conditions to humans. This review focused on the human-pet cohabitation in an environment we all share. Alongside other species, canine and feline companions are veritable models in human medical research. The latency period for showing chronic exposure effects to pollutants is just a few years in them, compared to considerably more, decades in humans. Comparing the serum values of people and their companion animals can, for example, indicate the degree of poisonous lead load we are exposed to and of other substances as well. We can find 2.4 times higher perfluorochemicals from stain- and grease-proof coatings in canine companions, 23 times higher values of flame retardants in cats, and 5 times more mercury compared to the average levels tested in humans. All these represent early warning signals. Taking these into account, together with the animal welfare orientation of today's society, finding non-invasive methods to detect the degree of environmental pollution in our animals becomes paramount, alongside the need to raise awareness of the risks carried by certain chemicals we knowingly use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Hegedus
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Luisa Andronie
- Department of Biophysics, Meteorology and Climatology, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Uiuiu
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eugen Jurco
- Department of Technological Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eva Andrea Lazar
- Association for the Welfare of Horses, 725700 Vatra Dornei, Romania;
| | - Silvana Popescu
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Bandino E, Gomez-Morales MA, Brundu D, Soddu M, Ludovisi A, Cabras PA, Loi F, Pintore A, Pozio E. The illegal rearing and slaughtering of pigs in the wild on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia favor an increase in the biomass of Trichinella britovi in wild boars (Sus scrofa) but do not affect the serological prevalence of infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:323. [PMID: 37697408 PMCID: PMC10496314 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05927-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worms of the nematode genus Trichinella are zoonotic pathogens with a worldwide distribution. The first report of Trichinella on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia was for Trichinella britovi, one of the four species of this genus circulating in Europe, which was identified in 2005 following an outbreak of trichinellosis in humans due to the consumption of pork from pigs reared in the wild. Since then, T. britovi larvae have been repeatedly isolated from free-ranging pigs, foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild boars (Sus scrofa) sampled in the central-eastern region of the island (Orgosolo municipality), but have never been isolated from samples from other areas of the island. The aim of this study was to investigate the parasitological and serological prevalence of T. britovi infection in wild boars in Sardinia over space [eight wild boar hunting management units (HMUs)] and time (seven wild boar hunting seasons). METHODS Muscle and serum samples of boars killed in the 2014-2015 to 2020-2121 hunting seasons were collected from eight HMUs of central and south-western Sardinia. Trichinella sp. larvae were detected by artificial digestion of predilection muscles. A total of 4111 serum samples of wild boar were collected from the investigated HMUs and tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a screening test and by western blot as a confirmatory test using excretory/secretory antigens. RESULTS Trichinella britovi muscle larvae were detected in six (0.03%) of the 17,786 wild boars tested. All of the Trichinella sp.-positive wild boars had been hunted in Orgosolo municipality (central-eastern area of the island), except for one, hunted in a neighboring municipality. An overall serological prevalence of 3.8% (95% confidence interval, 3.3-4.5) was detected by western blot. No statistical differences were detected between the HMUs where T. britovi larvae were detected in wild boars, foxes, and free-ranging pigs and those where wild boars, foxes and free-ranging pigs tested negative. CONCLUSIONS The serological prevalence did not vary between the wild boar populations in which the larval load was detectable by artificial digestion (Orgosolo municipality) and those in which the larval load was below the detection limit. Furthermore, the serological prevalence of anti-Trichinella immunoglobulin G in the wild boar populations remained constant during the study period, which covered seven wild boar hunting seasons. As the transmission events (i.e., the serological prevalence) are stable, the high biomass of the parasite in Orgosolo municipality can only have arisen as a consequence of factors independent of its natural cycle, i.e., the presence of a high number of free-ranging pigs, and the concomitant presence of African swine fever, due to illegal pig slaughtering in the field. This epidemiological situation suggests that the natural cycle of T. britovi may be influenced by inappropriate pig husbandry and slaughtering practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ennio Bandino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Nuoro, Italy
| | | | - Diego Brundu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Manuela Soddu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ludovisi
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federica Loi
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Pintore
- Laboratorio Fauna Selvatica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Chen X, Cao S, Wen D, Geng Y, Duan X. Sentinel animals for monitoring the environmental lead exposure: combination of traditional review and visualization analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:561-584. [PMID: 35348990 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In nature, certain animals share a common living environment with humans, thus these animals have become biomonitors of health effects related to various environmental exposures. As one of the most toxic environmental chemicals, lead (Pb) can cause detriment health effects to animals, plants, and even humans through different exposure pathways such as atmosphere, soil, food, water, and dust, etc. Sentinel animals played an "indicative" role in the researches of environmental pollution monitoring and human health. In order to comprehend the usage of sentinel animals in the indication of environmental Pb pollution and human Pb exposure completely, a combination of traditional review and visualization analysis based on CiteSpace literature was used to review earlier researches in this study. In the first instance, present researches on exposure sources and exposure pathways of Pb were summarized briefly, and then the studies using sentinel animals to monitor environmental heavy metal pollution and human health were combed. Finally, visualization software CiteSpace 5.8.R3 was used to explore and analyze the hotspots and frontiers of lead exposure and sentinel animals researches at home and abroad. The results showed that certain mammals were good indicators for human lead exposure. Sentinel animals had been widely used to monitor the ecological environment and human lead exposure. Among them, the blood lead levels of small mammals, particularly for domestic dogs and cats, had a significant correlation with the blood lead levels of human living in the same environment. It indicated that certain biological indicators in animals can be used as surrogates to monitor human body exposure to heavy metals. This study also explored the challenges and perspectives that may be faced in sentinel animal research, in order to provide a certain theoretical basis and train of thought guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - SuZhen Cao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dongsen Wen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yishuo Geng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoli Duan
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Trichinella britovi in wild boar meat from Italy, 2015-2021: A citizen science approach to surveillance. One Health 2022; 16:100480. [PMID: 36632478 PMCID: PMC9826805 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the increase of game meat intended for human consumption through Europe, a plethora of food-borne diseases, including trichinellosis, may occur in consumers, posing a relevant public health threat. Thus, this study aims to a citizen science approach to monitor the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in wild boar meat intended for human consumption, evaluating the risk of infection for consumers. Following the European Regulation 2015/1375 (laying down specific rules on official controls for Trichinella in meat), from 2015 to 2021, hunters (n = 478) were involved to collect diaphragm pillar samples of wild boars from mainland southern Italy, which were tested for Trichinella spp. L1 larvae via HCl-pepsin digestion and Multiplex PCR. Overall, 139,160 animals were collected (average of 19,880 per year), being 14 (i.e., 0.01%) tested positive to Trichinella britovi by the combined biochemical and molecular approach. An average larval burden of 28.4 L1 per gram of meat was found (minimum 3.2 - maximum 132.6). A statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence according to hunting seasons (p < 0.01, with higher values in 2016 and 2021) and regions of the study area (p < 0.01). No statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of T. britovi throughout the study period was found (p = 0.51), except in Apulia region (p < 0.01). These findings revealed a stable prevalence of T. britovi in wild boar meat intended for human consumption, suggesting a risk of infection for consumers, especially hunters and local markets users. Citizen science surveillance models could be promoted to improve trichinellosis control and prevention in a One Health perspective.
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Immunoproteomic Analysis of Trichinella britovi Proteins Recognized by IgG Antibodies from Meat Juice of Carnivores Naturally Infected with T. britovi. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101155. [PMID: 36297212 PMCID: PMC9612144 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Trichinella nematodes elicits non-specific and specific immune responses; these depend on the dose of infection, the nematode, and the host species. Few studies have examined the presence of specific antibodies against Trichinella spp. in the meat juice of wild animals. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Trichinella spp. in meat juice and to identify the specific proteins reacting with the meat juice from free-living carnivores naturally infected with the parasite. Meat juice samples were taken from foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs, and martens and tested with indirect ELISA. Antibodies against Trichinella spp. were detected in 10% of foxes and 46% of raccoon dogs. The ELISA results were confirmed by immunoblot, which revealed different protein patterns in meat juice from red foxes, raccoon dogs, and badgers. The most frequently observed bands were sent for further analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the detection of Trichinella britovi immunogenic proteins. The results confirm the presence of proteins such as serine protease and heat shock proteins associated with Trichinella infection. These findings provide that meat juice is a useful matrix for proteomic analysis.
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Stroffolini G, Rossi L, Lupia T, Faraoni S, Paltrinieri G, Lipani F, Calcagno A, Bonora S, Di Perri G, Calleri G. Trichinella britovi outbreak in Piedmont, North-West Italy, 2019-2020: Clinical and epidemiological insights in the one health perspective. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 47:102308. [PMID: 35276355 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichinellosis, a foodborne zoonosis due to nematodes of the genus Trichinella, occurs in the form of outbreaks following meat consumption. North Italy has been rarely involved. We report here the most significant wildlife derived trichinellosis outbreak ever registered in the Piedmont region. METHOD We retrospectively included 96 outpatients referred to our institution (December 20th, 2019-January 15th, 2020) 2020 after consuming raw sausages prepared from a single wild boar hunted in the Susa Valley, 59 km away from Torino, in November 2019. RESULTS We confirmed 35 cases and found additional 10 probable/suspected cases. Our cohort found that 47% of patients were symptomatic, with a median time from symptoms to presentation at clinic and serology testing of 14 days. Peripheral blood eosinophilia >500/μl and CK alterations were common. Further qualitative and quantitative analysis at the International Trichinella Reference Center c/o ISS, Rome identified T. britovi as the causative agent. CONCLUSIONS No autochthonous human case has ever been detected in Torino province, and a single wild boar has tested positive for Trichinella since active surveillance was implemented in 2013. This outbreak should raise attention on the preventive role of veterinary surveillance and the need to optimize sampling procedures and targeted health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Stroffolini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Faraoni
- Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Lipani
- Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Bonora
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido Calleri
- Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
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Ahmed F, Cappai MG, Morrone S, Cavallo L, Berlinguer F, Dessì G, Tamponi C, Scala A, Varcasia A. Raw meat based diet (RMBD) for household pets as potential door opener to parasitic load of domestic and urban environment. Revival of understated zoonotic hazards? A review. One Health 2021; 13:100327. [PMID: 34584928 PMCID: PMC8455362 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RMBD (acronym of Raw Meat Based Diet) and BARF diets (acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food) account dietary regimens based on raw ingredients (including raw meat), popular in pet feeding. Animal tissues and organs as well as other uncooked ingredients are more and more popularly used by pet owners to feed household pets. However, the increased risk of exposure to microbiological and parasitic agents poses the question as to whether such diets may be recommendable to be handled and offered to domestic cats and dogs co-living in domestic and urban environment. Above all, the threat of human and animal infections by parasites from raw meat fed to pets is not sufficiently explored and tracked, meanwhile deserving particular surveillance, instead. At this regard, raw meat feeding to pets may represent a route of exposure to the increased risk of environmental load. In fact, some parasites typically found in rural environment can be given the chance to complete their life-cycle, for the closeness between definitive and intermediate hosts. This is of particular concern, as potentially infected pets serving as definitive hosts can become a continuous source of environmental diffusion of parasites, both at domestic and urban level. The handling of raw meat requires adequate knowledge and awareness of the hygienic principles to prevent the onset of disorders related to both manipulation by pet owners and uncooked food consumption by the pet. This review aimed to shed a comprehensive overview of the hygienic aspects related to raw pet feeding, as to handling of raw meat in domestic environment, with special emphasis on parasitic agents and related zoonotic hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Ahmed
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, University of Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Sarah Morrone
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Lia Cavallo
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Berlinguer
- Chair of Animal Physiology of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Dessì
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Animal Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Institute, University of Sassari, Italy
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10
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Pozio E, Celli M, Ludovisi A, Interisano M, Amati M, Gómez-Morales MA. Animal welfare and zoonosis risk: anti-Trichinella antibodies in breeding pigs farmed under controlled housing conditions. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:417. [PMID: 34419112 PMCID: PMC8379739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04920-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Domesticated pigs are the main source of Trichinella sp. infections for humans, particularly when reared in backyards or free-ranging. In temperate areas of southern Europe, most pigs are farmed under controlled housing conditions, but sows and sometimes fattening pigs have access to outdoors to improve animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether outdoor access of breeding pigs farmed under controlled housing conditions can represent a risk for Trichinella sp. transmission when the farm is located in an agricultural area interspersed with wooded areas and badlands, where Trichinella spp. could be present in wildlife. Methods Serum samples were collected from 63 breeding sows and one boar before and after their access to an open fenced area for 2 months and from 84 pigs that never had outdoor access. Samples were screened for anti-Trichinella antibodies by ELISA, and positive sera were confirmed using Western blot (Wb) excretory/secretory antigens. To detect Trichinella sp. larvae, muscle tissues from serologically positive and negative pigs were tested by artificial digestion. Results Thirteen (20.6%) sows and one boar tested positive with both ELISA and Wb. No larvae were detected in muscle samples of serologically positive and serologically negative pigs. Positive serum samples were then tested by Wb using crude worm extract as antigens. The Wb banding pattern displayed was that characteristic of encapsulated species (Trichinella spiralis or Trichinella britovi). Conclusions The detection of anti-Trichinella antibodies without larvae in the pig muscles, supported by epidemiological data, suggests that pigs may have been exposed to T. britovi. This study stresses the importance of instigating monitoring systems at farm level to prevent Trichinella sp. transmission and to investigate, through a landscape parasitological study, the suitability of a site before the planting of a high containment level pig farm in which the sows can have outside access to improve their welfare during pregnancy. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Pozio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Celli
- Autonomous Veterinary Practitioner, Forlì, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ludovisi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Interisano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Amati
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Angeles Gómez-Morales
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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11
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Ridgway M. Hunting Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021; 51:877-890. [PMID: 34059261 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Herding and hunting dogs are intense, high-drive dogs that work, and often live, outdoors and in constant or repeated close contact with domestic and wild animals. These dogs are at increased risk for injury and exposure to infectious diseases, toxic substances, and environmental threats. The common practice of feeding or allowing access to raw meat from farm or game animals enhances disease transmission risk. These dogs can be affected by infectious diseases and injurious agents that are rarely encountered in other groups of dogs. In addition, their extreme work ethic may lead to delays in diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Ridgway
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
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12
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HERBIVORES AS ACCIDENTAL HOSTS FOR TRICHINELLA: SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF TRICHINELLA INFECTION AND EXPOSURE IN FREE-RANGING MOOSE (ALCES ALCES) IN A HIGHLY ENDEMIC SETTING. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:116-124. [PMID: 33635991 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-19-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Herbivores can be accidental hosts for the zoonotic nematode parasites Trichinella spp., which are endemic at high prevalence in wildlife in northeastern Europe. Using direct and indirect detection methods for Trichinella spp., we investigated samples from 463 wild moose (Alces alces) harvested by hunters in Estonia in 2015. A total of 460 moose were tested directly by artificial digestion of diaphragm muscle, 463 moose were tested indirectly by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and 34 moose also by western blot. Positive-control reference sera were from other host species. Nematode larvae were found in six muscle samples; five of which were pooled samples. None of the larvae were identified as Trichinella spp., based on their morphology and molecular analyses. Twelve moose (2.6%) were positive by ELISA, but none were positive by the western blot test. Trichinella spp. infection was not detected, but ELISA results may suggest Trichinella spp. exposure in a small proportion of moose in Estonia.
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Pozio E, Di Marco Lo Presti V, Vicari D, Ludovisi A, Ciarello FP, Amati M, Ippolito D, Vesco G, Gómez-Morales MA. The detection of anti-Trichinella antibodies in free-ranging Nebrodi Regional Park black pigs from Sicily, Italy, suggests the circulation of Trichinella britovi in the island. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 24:100578. [PMID: 34024394 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Pozio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, v.le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ludovisi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, v.le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Pruiti Ciarello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Amati
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, v.le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Dorotea Ippolito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gesualdo Vesco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
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14
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Cilia G, Fratini F, Turchi B, Ebani VV, Turini L, Bilei S, Bossù T, De Marchis ML, Cerri D, Bertelloni F. Presence and Characterization of Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens in Wild Boar Hunting Dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris) in Tuscany (Italy). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1139. [PMID: 33923497 PMCID: PMC8073554 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) used for wild boar (Sus scrofa) hunting may represent incidental hosts for several zoonotic pathogens. This investigation aimed to evaluate the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence of Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, and Listeria monocytogenes in sera and rectal swabs collected from 42 domestic hunting dogs in the Tuscany region (Italy). Regarding Leptospira, 31 out of 42 serum samples (73.8%) were positive and serogroup Pomona was the most detected (71.4%) at titers between 1:100 and 1:400. Four Salmonella isolates (9.52%) were obtained, all belonging to serotype Infantis; two of them showed antimicrobial resistance to streptomycin, while pipB and sopE presence was assessed in all but one isolate. Concerning Yersinia enterocolitica, seven isolates (16.7%) were obtained, six belonging to biotype 1 and one to biotype 4. Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalothin, and ampicillin was detected. Biotype 4 presented three of the virulence genes searched (ystA, ystB, inv), while isolates of biotype 1 showed only one gene. No Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from dog rectal swabs. The results suggest that hunting dogs are exposed to different bacterial zoonotic agents, potentially linked to their work activity, and highlight the possible health risks for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cilia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (F.F.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (F.F.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Barbara Turchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (F.F.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (F.F.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Luca Turini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (F.F.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Stefano Bilei
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, 00178 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (T.B.); (M.L.D.M.)
| | - Teresa Bossù
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, 00178 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (T.B.); (M.L.D.M.)
| | - Maria Laura De Marchis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, 00178 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (T.B.); (M.L.D.M.)
| | - Domenico Cerri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (F.F.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (G.C.); (F.F.); (V.V.E.); (L.T.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
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Solak HM, Yanchukov A, Çolak F, Matur F, Sözen M, Ayanoğlu İC, Winternitz JC. Altitudinal Effects on Innate Immune Response of a Subterranean Rodent. Zoolog Sci 2020; 37:31-41. [PMID: 32068372 DOI: 10.2108/zs190067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune defense is costly to maintain and deploy, and the optimal investment into immune defense depends on risk of infection. Altitude is a natural environmental factor that is predicted to affect parasite abundance, with lower parasite abundance predicted at higher altitudes due to stronger environmental stressors, which reduce parasite transmission. Using high and low altitude populations of the Turkish blind mole-rat (TBMR) Nannospalax xanthodon, we tested for effects of altitude on constitutive innate immune defense. Field studies were performed with 32 wild animals in 2017 and 2018 from two low- and one high-altitude localities in the Central Taurus Mountains, at respective altitudes of 1010 m, 1115 m, and 2900 m above sea level. We first compared innate standing immune defense as measured by the bacteria-killing ability of blood serum. We then measured corticosterone stress hormone levels, as stressful conditions may affect immune response. Finally, we compared prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of field-captured TBMR. We found that the bacteria-killing ability of serum is greater in the mole-rat samples from high altitude. There was no significant difference in stress (corticosterone) levels between altitude categories. Coccidian prevalence and abundance were significantly higher in 2017 than 2018 samples, but there was no significant difference in prevalence, abundance, or intensity between altitudes, or between sexes. Small sample sizes may have reduced power to detect true differences; nevertheless, this study provides support that greater standing innate immunity in high altitude animals may reflect greater investment into constitutive defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Mert Solak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Alexey Yanchukov
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Faruk Çolak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Matur
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Tınaztepe Campus, 35390, Buca, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sözen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - İhsan Cihan Ayanoğlu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Science, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jamie C Winternitz
- Department of Animal Behavior, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany,
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16
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Diversity of Trichinella species in relation to the host species and geographical location. Vet Parasitol 2020; 279:109052. [PMID: 32050131 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella nematodes still circulate in various hosts in both domestic and sylvatic environments. Recently, in Europe, the transmission of Trichinella spp. to humans has been attributed more to wild animals than to domestic animals. However, domestic animals could still be a source of human infections in some regions. Therefore, our aim was to determine the species composition of Trichinella and the prevalence and intensity of infections in animal populations from the domestic cycle, namely pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica); the synantropic cycle, in the form of rats (Rattus norvegicus); and the sylvatic cycle, namely wild boars (Sus scrofa) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), in Poland. The findings showed that the nematode prevalence in pigs (0.0002 %) and wild boars (0.3 %) was lower than it was in red foxes (4 %). A very high prevalence was found in rats (23.3 %), but it must be emphasized that the investigated rat samples were collected from farms where pigs were infected with Trichinella spp. The mean larval burden was found to be higher in wild boars and pigs (11.48 lpg and 10.19 lpg) than in red foxes and rats (4.09 and 2.30). Trichinella spiralis was the predominant species in pigs (98.6 %), wild boars (77.3 %) and rats (100 %), while in red foxes, this species occurred less frequently (15.5 %). The most frequently occurring species in red foxes was Trichinella britovi (73.2 %). Moreover, in wild boar and red fox coinfections, T. spiralis/T. britovi were detected (3.1 and 9.9 %, respectively). In addition, Trichinella pseudospiralis was detected in a few wild boars (0.5 %) and Trichinella nativa was found in one red fox and one wild boar. Furthermore, different T. spiralis and T. britovi prevalence ratios in various geographical regions were found. In the wild boar population, a higher frequency of T. spiralis (70-85 % of infected animals) was observed in the western and central parts of Poland, while in the eastern part, this dominance was not as evident (46-59 %). In the red fox population, T. britovi was abundant throughout the entire territory; however, its highest prevalence was in the east (90-100 %).
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17
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International Commission on Trichinellosis: Recommendations on the use of serological tests for the detection of Trichinella infection in animals and humans. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 14:e00032. [PMID: 32095603 PMCID: PMC7034015 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2018.e00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological methods are widely used for detection of infections in animals and humans. The recommendations provided here take into account the best current methods for the serological detection of Trichinella infection. They are based on current scientific information including unpublished data from laboratories with relevant expertise in this field. These recommendations represent the official position of the International Commission on Trichinellosis (ICT) regarding acceptable methods for the use and interpretation of serology testing for Trichinella infection in animals and humans. The ICT does not recommend use of serological methods for testing individual carcasses of animals at slaughter for assuring food safety. For detection of human infections, for epidemiological studies in animals and humans, and for monitoring Trichinella infection in swine, the ICT recommends ELISA using excretory/secretory (ES) antigens. These antigens are obtained from the in-vitro maintenance of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae and are recognized by sera from hosts infected by all Trichinella species and genotypes identified thus far. In most situations, positive results obtained by ELISA should be confirmed by western blot. Serological assays should be properly standardized and validated for their intended purpose. The components of the test that are critical for maintaining suitable performance should be identified and appropriately checked. Users of commercial tests should verify that the test has been adequately evaluated by an independent body. Serology is useful for detecting Trichinella in animals and humans but its limitations need to be taken into account when interpreting the results. Trichinella serology is not recommended for testing individual animals to assure food safety. Serological assays should be standardized and validated for their intended purpose. ELISA using excretory/secretory antigens is the test recommended by the ICT.
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18
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Gómez-Morales MA, Ludovisi A, Amati M, Cherchi S, Tonanzi D, Pozio E. Differentiation of Trichinella species (Trichinella spiralis/Trichinella britovi versus Trichinella pseudospiralis) using western blot. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:631. [PMID: 30541617 PMCID: PMC6291991 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3244-3] [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: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichinellosis is a meat-borne zoonotic disease caused by parasites of the genus Trichinella. To date, 12 taxa have been described. The identification of Trichinella species is crucial in order to identify the possible source of infection, the geographical origin of the parasite and to assess risk of infection for domestic pigs and humans. Specific identification of the etiological agent is not always feasible using direct methods since the source of infection can be untraceable. The aim of this study was to develop a diagnostic tool to infer the causative Trichinella species using western blot patterns of sera derived from infected animal and human hosts. METHODS Sera from mice experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella britovi, Trichinella pseudospiralis and Trichinella papuae were tested by western blot using homologous and heterologous crude worm extracts (CWE) and a highly sensitive detection system based on chemiluminescence. In addition, sera from pigs experimentally infected with T. spiralis, T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis and from patients with confirmed T. spiralis, T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis infections, were also included. RESULTS Sera from mice infected with one Trichinella species reacted with CWE proteins from all four investigated species. Likewise, sera derived from pigs and humans infected with one Trichinella species reacted with CWE proteins from all the three investigated species. Using T. spiralis CWE, sera from T. pseudospiralis-infected hosts yielded a characteristic pattern of reactivity using Wb, which differed to that produced by T. spiralis/T. britovi- or T. papuae-infected host sera. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that western blot using T. spiralis CWE may be a useful tool to distinguish Trichinella infections caused by T. pseudospiralis from those caused by T. spiralis or T. britovi. This method may support epidemiological investigations, particularly when the source of infection is not traceable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angeles Gómez-Morales
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Ludovisi
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Amati
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Cherchi
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Tonanzi
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozio
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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La Rosa G, Vallée I, Marucci G, Casabianca F, Bandino E, Galati F, Boireau P, Pozio E. Multilocus genotype analysis outlines distinct histories for Trichinella britovi in the neighboring Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:353. [PMID: 29914552 PMCID: PMC6006749 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2939-9] [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: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The zoonotic nematode Trichinella britovi was discovered in two neighboring Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia, almost simultaneously at the beginning of the 21st century. An epidemiological link between the two parasite populations was generally assumed. In 2015, an outbreak of trichinellosis in Nice, the South of France, was reportedly caused by the consumption of raw pork delicatessen imported from Corsica. The aims of the present study were to investigate, by multilocus genotype (MLG) analyses, the hypothesis of the common origin of the Corsican and Sardinian T. britovi foci and to trace “from fork to farm” the origin of the pork product, which caused a trichinellosis outbreak in mainland France in 2015. Methods Sixty-three T. britovi isolates were collected from animals and pork products of Sardinia and Corsica islands and from mainland of Italy, France and Spain. We analyzed genetic variability at four polymorphic microsatellite loci by two independent algorithms, the Bayesian and multivariate analyses, to evaluate the genetic relationships of 1367 single larvae. Results Trichinella britovi isolates of the two islands showed different genetic structures and the Bayesian analysis revealed a different membership of the two insular populations. Furthermore, two geographically separate genetic groups were identified among Corsican isolates. Lastly, the origin of the pork delicatessen marketed in Nice was linked to a breeder-butcher in Corsica. Conclusions The low level of genetic admixture of the insular T. britovi isolates suggests that this pathogen colonized the two islands by separate events. On the other hand in Corsica, although the isolates share the same genetic structure, geographically separate isolates showed different membership. We suggest the MLG analysis as a suitable method in supporting epidemiological investigations to trace “from fork to farm” insular populations of T. britovi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2939-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe La Rosa
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Vallée
- Animal Health Laboratory, OIE Collaborating Centre for Foodborne Zoonotic Parasites, JRU BIPAR, Anses, ENVA, INRA, Université Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Animal Health Laboratory, OIE Collaborating Centre for Foodborne Zoonotic Parasites, JRU BIPAR, Anses, ENVA, INRA, Université Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Ennio Bandino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Fabio Galati
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pascal Boireau
- Animal Health Laboratory, OIE Collaborating Centre for Foodborne Zoonotic Parasites, JRU BIPAR, Anses, ENVA, INRA, Université Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Edoardo Pozio
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Robertson LJ. Parasites in Food: From a Neglected Position to an Emerging Issue. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2018; 86:71-113. [PMID: 30077225 PMCID: PMC7129657 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne parasites have long been a neglected group of pathogens, as they often have insidious, chronic effects, rather than being acute diseases, and they are often associated with impoverished or marginalized populations. In addition, due to the long incubation period for most foodborne parasites, source attribution is often difficult, if not impossible. However, global trends have enabled foodborne parasites to emerge in different populations in new locations, transmitted through different food types, and sometimes with unexpected symptoms. This emergence of foodborne parasites has brought them into focus. In this chapter, six foodborne parasites are used as examples on emergence: Echinococcus multilocularis is spreading to new locations; Cryptosporidium spp. are beginning to be associated not only with water, but also with salads; Trypanosoma cruzi is being manifest with acute disease due to foodborne transmission, particularly transmitted with juices; Trichinella spp. have become less of a burden regarding transmission via pork in many countries, but now game animals are becoming a concern; anisakiasis is becoming a global problem as the world develops a taste for sushi, and similarly for opisthorchiasis, which is increasingly being associated with cholangiocarcinoma. However, the emergence of these foodborne parasites provides an incentive for increased efforts being made toward control. In this chapter, having described how the parasites are emerging from their neglected position, the focus turns toward control. In addition to considering control measures that may be applied to the specific parasites, an overview is provided of some of the organized collaborations, projects, and consortia, as well as some of their outputs, that have in focus the control of these emerging and important pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Robertson
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
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Hunt H, Cave NJ, Gartrell BD, Cogger N, Petersen JA, Roe WD. An epidemiological investigation of an idiopathic myopathy in hunting dogs in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2018; 66:199-204. [PMID: 29669494 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2018.1464974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM To conduct an epidemiological investigation of an idiopathic myopathy, known as "Go Slow" (GSM), which was initially recognised in dogs used for pig hunting. A secondary aim was to describe the hunting activities, diet and health of dogs used for pig hunting in New Zealand. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted between June 2014-June 2017. Cases of GSM in dogs were diagnosed by veterinarians using a combination of clinical history, physical examination findings, serum biochemistry and/or skeletal muscle histology. A telephone interview was conducted with the owner or primary veterinarian to provide information regarding the dog's diet and exercise over the 7 days preceding the onset of clinical signs. In August 2015, a separate online survey of owners of dogs used for pig hunting was conducted to characterise the normal hunting activities, diet and health of these dogs. RESULTS A total of 86 cases of GSM were recruited, of which 58 (67%) were pig hunting dogs, 16 (19%) pet dogs and 12 (14%) working farm dogs. Cases were most commonly reported in the upper North Island, and 65 (76 (95% CI=67-85)%) were from the Northland region. Processed commercial dog food had been fed to 93 (95% CI=88-98)% of affected dogs. Ingestion of raw, frozen or cooked wild pig in the preceding week was reported for 76 (88 (95% CI=82-95)%) dogs with the myopathy. In the survey of owners of healthy pig hunting dogs, 203 eligible responses were received; pig hunting was reported to most commonly occur in Northland (20.2%), Waikato (22.3%) and Bay of Plenty (23.2%) regions. Commercial dog food was fed to 172 (85 (95% CI=80-90)%) of the dogs included in this survey, and 55 (27 (95% CI=20-33)%) had eaten wild pig in the preceding week. The most common reported health problem in pig hunting dogs was traumatic wounds. CONCLUSIONS Cases of GSM were most commonly recognised in dogs used for pig hunting, but also occurred in pet and working farm dogs. The disease was most frequently reported in the upper North Island of New Zealand and ingestion of wild pig was a consistent feature in cases of this myopathy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To minimise the risk of dogs developing this myopathy, it would seem prudent to avoid feeding any tissues from wild pigs to dogs in areas where the disease is known to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hunt
- a School of Veterinary Science , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - N J Cave
- a School of Veterinary Science , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - B D Gartrell
- a School of Veterinary Science , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - N Cogger
- a School of Veterinary Science , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - J A Petersen
- b Norvet Services , PO Box 80, Okaihau , Northland 0447 , New Zealand
| | - W D Roe
- a School of Veterinary Science , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
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Antolová D, Halánová M, Janičko M, Jarčuška P, Reiterová K, Jarošová J, Madarasová Gecková A, Pella D, Dražilová S. A Community-Based Study to Estimate the Seroprevalence of Trichinellosis and Echinococcosis in the Roma and Non-Roma Population of Slovakia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020251. [PMID: 29393919 PMCID: PMC5858320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trichinellosis and cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are serious parasitic diseases transmissible between animals and humans. Moreover, alveolar echinococcosis is considered one of the most dangerous of human helminthoses. Roma communities are particularly numerous in Central and Eastern Europe. They are often concentrated in economically undeveloped regions and live in segregated localities with unsatisfactory housing and sanitary conditions. The study aimed to find out the seroprevalence of Trichinella and Echinococcus infections in the Roma population of segregated settlements and to compare it with the seropositivity of the non-Roma population of eastern Slovakia. Out of 823 samples, three sera showed seropositivity to Trichinella in the ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test. Subsequent Western blot reaction (WB) confirmed seropositivity in two Roma women. ELISA seropositivity to E. multilocularis was recorded in six persons (0.73%), and five (0.61%) respondents were seropositive to E. granulosus, but WB confirmed the presence of antibodies to Echinococcus spp. in one Roma participant. Positive persons suffered from unspecific clinical symptoms; Trichinella-positive persons reported headache, cough, fatigue, and muscle pain. The Echinococcus-positive participant suffered from headache and back pain. The study showed that the worse living conditions of the Roma community did not significantly influence the occurrence of Trichinella and Echinococcus infections in this minority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Antolová
- Department of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Monika Halánová
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Martin Janičko
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Peter Jarčuška
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Katarína Reiterová
- Department of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Júlia Jarošová
- Department of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | | | - Daniel Pella
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Sylvia Dražilová
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Poprad, 058 01 Poprad, Slovakia.
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Lesniak I, Franz M, Heckmann I, Greenwood AD, Hofer H, Krone O. Surrogate hosts: Hunting dogs and recolonizing grey wolves share their endoparasites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2017; 6:278-286. [PMID: 28951833 PMCID: PMC5605491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how closely related wildlife species and their domesticated counterparts exchange or share parasites, or replace each other in parasite life cycles, is of great interest to veterinary and human public health, and wildlife ecology. Grey wolves (Canis lupus) host and spread endoparasites that can either directly infect canid conspecifics or their prey serving as intermediate hosts of indirectly transmitted species. The wolf recolonization of Central Europe represents an opportunity to study parasite transmission dynamics between wildlife and domestic species for cases when a definitive host returns after local extinction – a situation equivalent to a ‘removal experiment’. Here we investigate whether the re–appearance of wolves has increased parasite pressure on hunting dogs – a group of companion animals of particular interest as they have a similar diet to wolves and flush wolf habitats when hunting. We compared prevalence (P) and species richness (SR) of helminths and the protozoan Sarcocystis to determine whether they were higher in hunting dogs from wolf areas (ndogs = 49) than a control area (ndogs = 29) without wolves. Of particular interest were S. grueneri and S. taeniata, known as ‘wolf specialists’. Five helminth and 11 Sarcocystis species were identified, of which all helminths and eight Sarcocystis species were shared between dogs and wolves. Overall prevalence and species richness of helminths (P:38.5% vs. 24.1%; SRmean:0.4 vs. 0.3 species) and Sarcocystis (P:63.3% vs. 65.5%, SRmean:2.1 vs. 1.8 species) did not differ between study sites. However, hunting dogs were significantly more likely to be infected with S. grueneri in wolf areas (P:45.2% vs. 10.5%; p = 0.035). The findings suggest that wolves indirectly increase S. grueneri infection risk for hunting dogs since cervids are intermediate hosts and occasionally fed to dogs. Furthermore, a periodic anthelminthic treatment of hunting dogs may be an effective measure to control helminth infections regardless of wolf presence. General parasite burden in hunting dogs is not increased by wolves. General Sarcocystis burden in hunting dogs is high due to raw feeding. ‘Wolf specialist’ parasite S. grueneri more prevalent in hunting dogs from wolf areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Lesniak
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias Franz
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilja Heckmann
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and D. immitis in hunting dogs from southern Italy. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2651-2660. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Meat sources of infection for outbreaks of human trichinellosis. Food Microbiol 2017; 64:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
AbstractTrichinellosis is constantly present in the sylvatic cycle in Slovakia, with several sporadic human outbreaks registered since the 1960s. The largest outbreak of trichinellosis occurred in 1998 and was related to the consumption of dog meat that had been added to smoked pork sausages. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Trichinella infection in domestic dogs in various regions of Slovakia. Out of 439 dogs tested, 56 (12.8%) were classified as a seropositive based on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with confirmation by Western blotting. The highest seropositivity was recorded among dogs from the eastern part of Slovakia, in the Prešov (22.9%) and Košice (17.1%) regions, long considered to be highly endemic for Trichinella occurrence and where the prevalence of infection in the vulpine population is also the highest in Slovakia. Trichinella-seropositive animals were detected significantly more often in dogs kept in rural areas (21.1%) when compared with animals living in towns or suburban localities (7.7%). On the other hand, neither age, nor gender and size of the dogs were shown to be a significant factor for Trichinella infection (P > 0.05). The present results indicate that the dog population in Slovakia is at high risk of exposure to Trichinella parasites and could potentially represent a suitable host group for serological monitoring of Trichinella infection as convenient sentinel animals.
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