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Paladsing Y, Khanh BMT, Thinphovong C, Ketwang S, Chaisiri K, Carcy B, De Garine-Wichatitsky M, Morand S, Inpankaew T, Kritiyakan A. Dog blood parasite infection in upland and lowland communities of northern Thailand: The role of environment and care of dog owners. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101024. [PMID: 38772639 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101024] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Dogs play an important role as hosts and reservoirs for many zoonotic diseases. Ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and hepatozoonosis are a group of canine vector-borne diseases that can be transmitted via ectoparasites from dog to dog and also from dog to humans. This study focused on three main blood parasites of dog (i.e., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Hepatozoon spp.) among two different landscape types of eight villages of Santhong Sub-district, Nan Province, Thailand. In this study, 149 dogs were surveyed and blood samples were collected. Blood parasite infections in dogs were assessed using molecular detection approach. Babesia canis vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis were detected with prevalence of infection at 10.7%, 8.1%, 3.4% and 0.7%, respectively. In terms of landscape type, prevalence of overall blood parasites, particularly Babesia spp. infections were higher in dogs living in upland forested areas (28.3%) compared to dogs from lowland agricultural areas (12.3%). Data obtained from the questionnaires on perceptions of dog owners showed that dogs raised all the time outside owner's house, and those dogs whose owners have never bathed and cleaned were more likely to be exposed to blood parasites. As infected dogs could play an important role as reservoirs of the blood parasites, attitude of dog owners may affect public health in terms of zoonotic disease transmission. Effective control measures and surveillance program of arthropod vectors and blood parasite infection in dogs still need to be advocated to minimize zoonotic disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bui My Thuy Khanh
- Bio-Veterinary Science (InterRisk) Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Surapon Ketwang
- Thawangpha District Livestock Office, Department of Livestock Development, Nan Province, Thailand
| | - Kittipong Chaisiri
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bernard Carcy
- UMR MIVEGEC (CNRS 5290 - IRD 224 - Université Montpellier) / Equipe BioGEPPE, Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie C.H.U. de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | | | - Serge Morand
- IRL HealthDEEP, CNRS - Kasetsart University - Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anamika Kritiyakan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Rocha R, Conceição C, Gonçalves L, Maia C. Knowledge and practices regarding leishmaniasis in Portugal - Comparison between blood donors and health students/professionals. One Health 2024; 18:100697. [PMID: 38463613 PMCID: PMC10924195 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the current knowledge and practices regarding leishmaniasis among blood donors and health students and professionals, in Portugal. Material and methods Data were collected through the application of two questionnaires (one online and one in paper) with similar questions in two distinct cross-sectional independent studies, each targeting one of the groups. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics. Results In total, 3763 blood donors, 254 students and 232 professionals were included in the comparative analysis. Over 95% of students and professionals, but only around 70% of blood donors had previously heard of leishmaniasis. Over 90% of participants in each group admitted leishmaniasis affected animals, but only in the professional group over 90% were aware of human leishmaniasis. Conclusions Even though canine leishmaniasis is recognized by many blood donors and by most students and professionals, awareness of the disease in humans is less common, highlighting the importance of promoting an approach to this infection through a One Health lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rocha
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira N°100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Conceição
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira N°100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
| | - Luzia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira N°100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
- Z-Stat4life, Espaço Cowork Baldaya, Palácio Baldaya, Estrada de Benfica N° 701ª, Lisboa 1549-011, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira N°100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira N°100, Lisboa 1349-008, Portugal
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Taha NM, Sabry MA, El-Bahy MM, Ramadan RM. Awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Cairo, Egypt. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101025. [PMID: 38772640 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101025] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Egyptians are becoming more interested in owning and raising pets; however, most of them lack essential awareness about the risk of zoonotic parasites that could be transmitted. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the degree of awareness Egyptian pet owners possess concerning zoonotic parasitic diseases, the risk of transmission, and preventative measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an e-survey. Among 246 pet owners, 64.2% (158) were females, and 67.9% (167) belonged to the 20-30 age group. The majority, 78.9% (194), were raising cats. Only 13.8% (34) visited the veterinarian regularly, with significantly higher results among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 31.3% (77) participants were regularly deworming their pets, and 19.9% (49) were giving their pets prophylaxis against ectoparasites, with significantly higher results among those who visited the veterinarian regularly (p < 0.0001) and among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 54.1% (133) had heard about the term "zoonoses" before, and about 8.9% (22) of participants showed a history of zoonotic parasitic diseases, with significantly higher results among those who allowed their animals to play with other animals of neighbors and friends (p < 0.05). The obtained results concluded that the surveyed group had a relatively good degree of knowledge regarding pets as a source of zoonotic illness; raising pet owners' awareness regarding the importance of routine medical examinations and minimizing the contact of pets with other stray animals is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Madbouly Taha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Maha Ahmed Sabry
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M El-Bahy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Reem M Ramadan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
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Mendonça TO, Perin PP, Zanini DDS, de Souza HL, Pires PHK, Muniz IM, Tebaldi JH, Mathias LA, Bürger KP, Lux-Hoppe EG. Parasitosis in Pet Dogs from Rondônia, Amazon Biome, and Human Perception of Zoonoses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:138. [PMID: 38397629 PMCID: PMC10887970 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasitic diseases in dogs are particularly concerning in regions with low human development indices due to inadequate sanitary services and insufficient environmental and health education. This study aimed to assess the parasitological status of dogs living in households and evaluate their owners' knowledge about zoonoses. A total of 183 dogs from Rolim de Moura, Rondônia State, were screened for the presence of ectoparasites, and 163 fecal samples were collected for analysis. The results showed that 74.23% (112/163) of the animals had at least one species of endoparasite. The most identified pathogens were Ancylostoma spp. (68.71%, 112/163), Trichuris vulpis (11.66%, 19/163), Toxocara canis (6.75%, 11/163), Cystoisospora canis (4.91%, 8/163), Dipylidium caninum (1.23%, 2/163), and Hammondia/Neospora (0.61%, 1/163). Ectoparasites were observed in 43.17% (79/183) of the evaluated animals, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus found in 31.15% (57/183) and Ctenocephalides felis felis in 20.77% (38/183). Only 11.48% (7/61) of the owners were familiar with the term "Zoonoses." However, a significant majority (83.61%, 51/61) believed that dogs can transmit diseases to humans. Our findings highlight the prevalence of parasites in the studied area and associated risk factors, underscoring the urgent need for educational interventions to raise awareness about these diseases and their risks to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita Oliveira Mendonça
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Departament of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health (DPRSU), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (T.O.M.); (P.P.P.); (J.H.T.); (L.A.M.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Patricia Parreira Perin
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Departament of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health (DPRSU), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (T.O.M.); (P.P.P.); (J.H.T.); (L.A.M.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Dayane da Silva Zanini
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil;
| | - Hortência Laporti de Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho 76801-974, RO, Brazil; (H.L.d.S.); (P.H.K.P.); (I.M.M.)
| | - Paulo Henrique Kanopp Pires
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho 76801-974, RO, Brazil; (H.L.d.S.); (P.H.K.P.); (I.M.M.)
| | - Igor Mansur Muniz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho 76801-974, RO, Brazil; (H.L.d.S.); (P.H.K.P.); (I.M.M.)
| | - José Hairton Tebaldi
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Departament of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health (DPRSU), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (T.O.M.); (P.P.P.); (J.H.T.); (L.A.M.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Luís Antonio Mathias
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Departament of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health (DPRSU), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (T.O.M.); (P.P.P.); (J.H.T.); (L.A.M.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Karina Paes Bürger
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Departament of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health (DPRSU), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (T.O.M.); (P.P.P.); (J.H.T.); (L.A.M.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Estevam G. Lux-Hoppe
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Departament of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health (DPRSU), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (T.O.M.); (P.P.P.); (J.H.T.); (L.A.M.); (K.P.B.)
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Rocha R, Conceição C, Gonçalves L, Maia C. Knowledge, perceptions and practices of health students and professionals regarding leishmaniasis in Portugal: a cross-sectional study. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:381. [PMID: 37880779 PMCID: PMC10598964 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05982-z] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control of leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean Basin relies on the active contributions from researchers in the fields of animal, human and environmental health. The application of knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) questionnaires to health students and professionals in Europe could be fundamental to identify and explore gaps in KPP, highlighting the diversity of conceptions related to this disease between students and professionals active in (One) Health. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the current knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding leishmaniasis among subgroups of students and health professionals in Portugal through the application of an online questionnaire. METHODS A cross-sectional study targeted the population of health students and professionals in Portugal, including students in medicine, veterinary medicine and environmental health, physicians, veterinarians and environmental health technicians. Potential participants were approached by email via universities and professional societies and organizations and provided with the link to access the online questionnaire. Answers to the self-administered sociodemographic and KPP questionnaire were collected between July and December 2022. Individual KPP scores were calculated by summing grades defined for each question. Logistic regression models were used to search for potential associations, and the results were expressed at estimated crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS In total, 486 participants were included in this study: 254 students and 232 professionals. Overall, 75% of the participants reported having heard of both human and animal leishmaniasis, and > 80% reported hearing about the disease during their course work (although this was significantly lower among those in the field of environmental health). Around 90% of participants identified the pathogenic agent as a parasite, and an arthropod bite was identified as the main route of transmission by > 95%. Animal leishmaniasis was considered to be diagnosed in Portugal by 87% of participants and human leishmaniasis by only 69%. The main barriers pointed out by professionals to the control of leishmaniasis were: lack of knowledge in the general population, failures in the early diagnosis and treatment of diseased animals, absence/inefficacy of vector control programs and lack of knowledge in human health professionals. Median knowledge and perception scores were higher among professionals in the animal health field and higher in professionals than in students. Median practice scores were not significantly different between groups and subgroups. The multivariate analysis revealed that a longer period of study (for students) and having seen cases of leishmaniasis (for physicians) were associated with above-mentioned median knowledge score. CONCLUSIONS Most health students and professionals are knowledgeable about the cause and transmission route of leishmaniasis. However, recognition of the disease as autochthonous in humans is less common, highlighting the importance of promoting an approach to this infection through a One-Health lens. A national structured plan to control leishmaniasis could overcome some of the barriers pointed out by professionals, namely by implementing systematic phlebotomine surveillance and integrated reporting of animal and human cases of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rocha
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University Lisbon (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Conceição
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University Lisbon (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luzia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University Lisbon (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa (UL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Z-Stat4life, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health (LA-REAL), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), NOVA University Lisbon (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.
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Rocha R, Gonçalves L, Conceição C, Andrade P, Cristóvão JM, Condeço J, Delgado B, Caeiro C, Kuzmenko T, Vasconcelos E, Escoval MA, Rey C, Guz M, Norte C, Aldeia C, Cruz D, Maia C. Prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection and knowledge, perceptions, and practices in blood donors in mainland Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:357. [PMID: 37817278 PMCID: PMC10563231 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05980-1] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic infection is the most common outcome of exposure to Leishmania parasites. In the Mediterranean region, where Leishmania infantum is endemic, studies on the prevalence of asymptomatic infection have often relied on serological testing in blood donors. In Spain, regional studies have shown seroprevalence in blood donors between 1 and 8%; in Portugal, values of 0 and 2% were suggested by two localized studies, in different populations. The purpose of this study was (i) to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in blood donors in mainland Portugal, and (ii) to study the association between the detection of antibodies to Leishmania and sociodemographic factors, and also the knowledge, perceptions and practices (KPP) of the blood donors regarding leishmaniasis. METHODS A cross-sectional study targeted the population of people who donated blood in mainland Portugal. Participants, distributed proportionally by municipality and aged between 18 and 65 years, were selected randomly in 347 blood collection points between February and June 2022, and completed a sociodemographic and a KPP questionnaire. Detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in serum was performed using an ELISA commercial kit. Individual KPP scores were calculated by adding grades defined for each question. RESULTS Globally, 201/3763 samples were positive. The estimated national true seroprevalence was 4.8% (95% CI 4.1-5.5%). The proportion of positive results was significantly different between NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions. Models suggested that seropositivity was significantly higher in male sex, people older than 25 years, or residing in the Centro NUTS2 region, but not in dog owners nor people with lower KPP scores. Overall, 72.3% of participants had previously heard of leishmaniasis and, in multivariate analysis, a higher Knowledge score was associated with age 25-40 years, female sex, ownership of dogs, and higher education. CONCLUSIONS Global estimated true seroprevalence (4.8%) was similar to previous regional studies in blood donors in neighboring Spain. Higher seroprevalence values in the NUTS2 Centro region were consistent with incidence data from humans and seroprevalence studies in dogs. On the other hand, the low values in the Alentejo and the high values in the northern subregions may be the result of geographical shifts in parasite circulation due to climate change and should prompt localized and integrated, vector, canine, and human research, following a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rocha
- Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luzia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Estatística E Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa (UL), Lisbon, Portugal
- , Z-Stat4life, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Conceição
- Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Andrade
- Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Condeço
- Instituto Português Do Sangue E da Transplantação, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Delgado
- Instituto Português Do Sangue E da Transplantação, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Caeiro
- Instituto Português Do Sangue E da Transplantação, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tetyana Kuzmenko
- Instituto Português Do Sangue E da Transplantação, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Carmen Rey
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal
| | - Madalina Guz
- Hospital do Espírito Santo de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Norte
- Unidade Local de Saúde Do Baixo Alentejo, Beja, Portugal
| | - Carlos Aldeia
- Unidade Local de Saúde Do Litoral Alentejano, Santiago Do Cacém, Portugal
| | - Diego Cruz
- Unidade Local de Saúde Do Norte Alentejano, Elvas, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, IHMT, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Król G, Fortunka K, Majchrzak M, Piktel E, Paprocka P, Mańkowska A, Lesiak A, Karasiński M, Strzelecka A, Durnaś B, Bucki R. Metallic Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanosystems in the Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Parasitic Diseases. Pathogens 2023; 12:838. [PMID: 37375528 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The usage of nanotechnology in the fight against parasitic diseases is in the early stages of development, but it brings hopes that this new field will provide a solution to target the early stages of parasitosis, compensate for the lack of vaccines for most parasitic diseases, and also provide new treatment options for diseases in which parasites show increased resistance to current drugs. The huge physicochemical diversity of nanomaterials developed so far, mainly for antibacterial and anti-cancer therapies, requires additional studies to determine their antiparasitic potential. When designing metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) and specific nanosystems, such as complexes of MeNPs, with the shell of attached drugs, several physicochemical properties need to be considered. The most important are: size, shape, surface charge, type of surfactants that control their dispersion, and shell molecules that should assure specific molecular interaction with targeted molecules of parasites' cells. Therefore, it can be expected that the development of antiparasitic drugs using strategies provided by nanotechnology and the use of nanomaterials for diagnostic purposes will soon provide new and effective methods of antiparasitic therapy and effective diagnostic tools that will improve the prevention and reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Król
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Kamila Fortunka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Michał Majchrzak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2B, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Paulina Paprocka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Angelika Mańkowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Agata Lesiak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Maciej Karasiński
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Strzelecka
- Department of Public Health , Institute of Health Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Bonita Durnaś
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
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Ridwan Y, Sudarnika E, Dewi TIT, Budiono NG. Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of pets: Retrospective study at the veterinary teaching hospital, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. Vet World 2023; 16:1043-1051. [PMID: 37576768 PMCID: PMC10420713 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1043-1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Dogs and cats are popular pets that play integral roles in human societies worldwide. Unfortunately, they can carry potential zoonotic helminths that can be transmitted to humans. However, data on the gastrointestinal helminths affecting dogs and cats in Bogor, Indonesia, are currently lacking. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in pets from this area using a retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of IPB University, Bogor. Cat and dog patients from January 2014 to April 2019 were tested for helminth infections and the results as well as their age, sex, and breed data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results Among the dogs and cats examined for internal parasites, 61.11% (33/51) of the dogs and 53.80% (92/171) of the cats were infected by helminths. Among the dogs, hookworm (37.04%) and Toxocara spp. (24.07%) were detected, while in the cats, hookworm (11.11%), Toxocara spp. (38.01%), and Dipylidium caninum (4.68%) were detected. The prevalence of hookworm and D. caninum was higher in older pets, while Toxocara spp. infected younger cats and dogs (<1 year) more frequently. The prevalence of Toxocara spp. in the Indonesian local dog breed was higher when than other breeds. Sex did not significantly affect the prevalence of parasites in dogs or cats. Conclusion The discovery of zoonotic helminth parasites in the cat and dog pets from Bogor raises concerns for the inhabitants. Initiatives will be required to inform pet owners about prevention strategies for these parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ridwan
- Division of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Etih Sudarnika
- Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Tri Isyani Tungga Dewi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Novericko Ginger Budiono
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Division of Medical Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Ansari-Lari M, Oroji E. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of dog and cat owners toward zoonotic diseases in Shiraz, southern Iran. Prev Vet Med 2023; 215:105926. [PMID: 37121020 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105926] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
There are increasing concerns about the role of companion animals as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases (ZD). Therefore, knowledge, attitudes and practices of pet owners in Shiraz, southern Iran about ZD were evaluated. Two-hundred pet owners referring to veterinary clinics, completed a structured questionnaire. Mean age of owners was 34 (±12) years, more than half of owners reported they had heard the term "zoonosis", nearly half had some information about ZD, and veterinarians were their main source of information. Two-thirds of respondents had history of bite or scratching. Participants had satisfactory knowledge regarding high risk groups for ZD, however, nearly half did not know that scratching by animal is a route for contracting ZD and 92 % thought that animal vaccination could prevent a large number of ZD. More than half said when their pet is apparently healthy, they do not concern about ZD, and almost all agreed that it is the responsibility of veterinarians to provide sufficient information about ZD for their clients. Routine vaccinations was practiced by 83 % of the owners, and 79 % washed their hands after contact with pet. Using gloves when emptying feces container and annual stool examination were the least common practices. Education was significantly associated with total knowledge (P = 0.007) and practices scores (P = 0.001), hearing the term "zoonoses" (OR= 2.2, P = 0.015) and concern for ZD in apparently healthy animals (OR= 3.1, P = 0.001). Total practices score was also significantly higher in dog owners (P = 0.005). Age and gender did not show significant associations with any item. This study established baseline estimates for knowledge, attitudes and practices of pet owners toward ZD in the region. Educating pet owners about the interconnection between animal and human health, preferably by veterinarians is highly warranted for prevention of ZD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ansari-Lari
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Elham Oroji
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Parasiticides: Weapons for Controlling Microbial Vector-Borne Diseases in Veterinary Medicine; The Potential of Ethnobotanic/Phytoparasiticides: An Asset to One Health. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020341. [PMID: 36830252 PMCID: PMC9952419 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Some ectoparasites are vectors of illness-causing bacteria and viruses, and these are treated with antibiotic and antiviral drugs, which eventually contribute to the excessive use of antimicrobials. Therefore, the control of ectoparasites is crucial, and the challenge will be to manage them in a sustainable way. Data from a preliminary ethnobotanical survey was reanalyzed to obtain information on the use of various plant species in companion animals and livestock as ectoparasiticides. The survey responses were reviewed for traditional use of plants as ectoparasiticides, and cross-sectional bibliographic research was undertaken. The following plants were selected among the nine mentioned plants: Juglans regia, Daphne gnidium and Ruta graveolens, which have the most potential to be developed as veterinary ectoparasiticides. Moreover, the absence of published data for Plantago lanceolata and Cistus populifolius suggests that their traditional use as ectoparasiticides is noted here for the first time. In summary, these plants could give promising plant-derived veterinary ectoparasiticides that, ultimately, will help reduce and even avoid the excessive use of antimicrobials.
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11
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Mendoza Roldan JA, Otranto D. Zoonotic parasites associated with predation by dogs and cats. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:55. [PMID: 36747243 PMCID: PMC9901148 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common behaviors of cats that have an indoor/outdoor lifestyle is to bring hunted "gifts" to their owners, represented by small mammals, reptiles and birds. Access to the outdoors by dogs and cats may represent a problematic issue, since they may be at risk of diseases, traffic accidents and ingestion of toxins. Yet, the impact of this population of roaming dogs and cats predating wildlife is another concerning issue that receives less attention. Despite these risks, most owners still prefer to give outdoor access to their pets to allow them to express their "natural instincts," such as hunting. Therefore, with a growing population of > 470 million dogs and 373 million cats worldwide, predation not only represents a threat to wildlife, but also a door of transmission for parasitic diseases, some of them of zoonotic concern. In this review, the role played by dogs, and especially cats, in the perpetuation of the biological life cycle of zoonotic parasites through the predation of rodents, reptiles and birds is discussed. Feral and domestics dogs and cats have contributed to the population collapse or extinction of > 63 species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Although the ecological impact of predation on wild populations is well documented, the zoonotic risk of transmission of parasitic diseases has not received significant attention. The parasitic diseases associated to predation vary from protozoan agents, such as toxoplasmosis, to cestodes like sparganosis and even nematodes such as toxocariasis. Raising awareness about predation as a risk of zoonotic parasitic infections in dogs and cats will aid to create responsible ownership and proper actions for controlling feral and free-roaming cat and dog populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Alrukban MO, Alekrish YA, Alshehri MH, Bajeaifer YA, Alhamad MH, Sambas FA, Alsouan AA. Awareness of Pet Owners in Riyadh Regarding Pet-Related Health Risks and Their Associated Preventative Measures. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:419-424. [PMID: 35749135 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0017] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of pet owners and their sources of information regarding pet-related health risks. It also assesses pet owners' perception of pet-related health risks and evaluates their attitudes and practices regarding preventative measures toward pet-related health risks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September 2020 to February 2021. The target population was pet owners visiting pet stores. The city was divided into five equal sectors and data were collected from each sector using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 508 participants were engaged in the study. Of these, 402 participants fit the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the participants was 25.5 years. Gender was almost equally distributed, and the majority of participants were single, however most of the participants lived with four or more family members. Around 49.5% of participants had household members at a higher risk for pet-related diseases. The most common pet types were cats (77.4%), followed by birds (24.6%) and dogs (9.7%). Most participants were satisfied with their understanding of pet-related health risks and were not concerned about getting sick because of contact with pets. Physical harm was the most common pet-related health risk that the participants were satisfied with their level of understanding about, on the other hand their satisfaction with their understanding about gastrointestinal infections from pet contact was the lowest. Most participants had good pet husbandry and hygiene practices. Social media and veterinarians were the most common sources of information regarding pet-related health risks. Conclusion: Although most pet owners reported having good pet husbandry practices, further education is needed to raise awareness about pet-related health risks. Since most pet owners receive their information about this topic from social media and veterinarians, further education through these platforms might be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Othman Alrukban
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Factors affecting the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and lungworm in dogs and assessment of antiparasitic drug use patterns. ACTA VET BRNO 2022. [DOI: 10.2754/avb202291020171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are hosts of parasites with different pathogenicities and zoonotic risks. The aim of our study was to assess factors that could affect the occurrence of endoparasitic infections in dogs using questionnaires for owners and examining canine faeces. Based on the responses of dog owners, we evaluated ways of the preventive and therapeutic use of antiparasitic drugs. One faecal sample was obtained from each dog (391 samples total), and then examined by flotation, larvoscopic, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. We focused on zoonotic tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Taenia crassiceps. The answers in the dog owners’ questionnaires showed that owners most often dewormed their dogs irregularly (96.4%), namely, twice a year (24.3%). In coprological examinations the following parasites were detected: Giardia spp., Cystoisospora ohioensis complex, Neospora caninum/Hammondia heydorni, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp., Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Ancylostoma spp. and Taenia spp. A total of 4 out of 391 PCR investigated samples of faeces were positive for DNA of Taenia species. Sequences were obtained for 3 of them, confirming 100% identity with T. crassiceps. The zoonotic helminths Toxocara canis were the more prevalent species (9.3%, 4.3%, 1.9% group A, B, C). We consider the presence of T. crassiceps in 3 dog faecal samples to be serious due to its zoonotic potential. Data collected within this study showed that the prevention against endoparasites carried out at the breeders’ discretion is insufficient to ensure the health of their dogs or to cover the risk of zoonotic transmission.
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Sum SJJ, Mateus ALP. Practices and perceptions of British dog owners related to pet-associated zoonoses. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 63:293-304. [PMID: 34905255 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate husbandry practices, animal health provision and perceptions of British dog owners related to the risk of exposure to zoonoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using an online survey, we collected data on pet and owner's demographics and husbandry practices, and perceptions of zoonotic risks. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate if respondents' characteristics were associated with their practices and perceptions. RESULTS Overall, 335 dog owners participated in this survey. The odds of engaging in practices associated with a risk of zoonotic exposure and having misconceptions about zoonoses were greater in older than in younger respondents. The same association was observed in respondents without a veterinary background and with a lower level of education compared to those with a veterinary background and with a higher education, respectively. The odds of feeding raw meat-based diets (odds ratio: 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.0 to 7.9) were greater in respondents without a veterinary background than in those with a veterinary background. The odds of vaccinating their dogs (OR: 2.7, 1.1 to 6.3) were greater in respondents with an undergraduate qualification than in respondents with lower qualifications. The odds of following recommended dosing when administering both ectoparasitic (OR: 0.09, 0.02 to 0.4) and endoparasitic (OR: 0.08, 0.02 to 0.4) treatments were lower in respondents aged 60 and above than in younger respondents. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This study highlights opportunities for targeted client communication and education by veterinarians to reduce risks of pet-associated zoonoses moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J J Sum
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - A L P Mateus
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences Department, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, AL9 7TA, UK
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A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge on Ownership, Zoonoses and Practices among Pet Owners in Northern Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123543. [PMID: 34944317 PMCID: PMC8697889 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123543] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pet ownership is common in most countries, but few published studies have addressed pet owners’ knowledge of zoonoses, pet contact practices, or awareness of zoonotic disease risks posed by pets. The aim of this study was to assess household knowledge, attitudes, and risks related to pet ownership and zoonoses in northern Portugal. A questionnaire was developed to gather information regarding participants’ demographic characteristics; household pet types and their importance to the family; pet contact-related attitudes; knowledge of zoonoses, high-risk groups, disease transmission pathways, and disease protection measures. It was observed that most participants considered pets an important part of the family. Nevertheless, high-risk practices were recurrent and pet owners’ knowledge was limited. These results reinforce the importance of further studies to better understand the existing gaps in knowledge of pet ownership and zoonoses and strengthens the need to adopt the One Health concept. Abstract Pet ownership is common in modern society. In Portugal, 38% and 31% of all households own at least one dog or cat, respectively. Few studies have ascertained the knowledge of pet owners on pet ownership and zoonoses, and none have been carried out in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to assess household knowledge and practices related to pet ownership and zoonoses in northern Portugal. A face-to-face questionnaire was completed by 424 pet owners, from November 2019 to February 2020. Most respondents (97.2%) considered pets as an important part of the family, especially women (p = 0.036); 73.1% allowed their pets to live an indoor/outdoor life; 41.3% denied sharing the bed with their pets while 29% assumed they did it daily; 20.3% reported never kissing their pets/pets licking their faces. Furthermore, 73.6% considered animals as potential sources of human diseases, but only 25.9% reported knowing the definition of zoonoses; 96.9% considered the role of veterinarians important in protecting public health. The low level of knowledge of pet owners and the occurrence of high-risk behaviors indicates a need to strengthen communication between veterinarians, physicians, pet owners, and the general public towards reduce the risk of acquisition and transmission of zoonoses.
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Inácio SV, Gomes JF, Falcão AX, Martins dos Santos B, Soares FA, Nery Loiola SH, Rosa SL, Nagase Suzuki CT, Bresciani KDS. Automated Diagnostics: Advances in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Humans and Animals. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:715406. [PMID: 34888371 PMCID: PMC8650151 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.715406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasingly close proximity between people and animals is of great concern for public health, given the risk of exposure to infectious diseases transmitted through animals, which are carriers of more than 60 zoonotic agents. These diseases, which are included in the list of Neglected Tropical Diseases, cause losses in countries with tropical and subtropical climates, and in regions with temperate climates. Indeed, they affect more than a billion people around the world, a large proportion of which are infected by one or more parasitic helminths, causing annual losses of billions of dollars. Several studies are being conducted in search for differentiated, more sensitive diagnostics with fewer errors. These studies, which involve the automated examination of intestinal parasites, still face challenges that must be overcome in order to ensure the proper identification of parasites. This includes a protocol that allows for elimination of most of the debris in samples, satisfactory staining of parasite structures, and a robust image database. Our objective here is therefore to offer a critical description of the techniques currently in use for the automated diagnosis of intestinal parasites in fecal samples, as well as advances in these techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Valéria Inácio
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Vale TLD, Sousa IC, Tavares CP, Silva NC, Luz HR, Gomes MN, Sargison N, Costa-Junior LM. Practices employed by veterinary practitioners for controlling canine gastrointestinal helminths and ectoparasites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e007021. [PMID: 34669762 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study attempted to evaluate the practical experience and methods employed by Brazilian veterinary practitioners for control of parasites. Twenty-one questions were asked of 403 veterinary practitioners based in different climatic zones with reference to parasite epidemiology from the country. Administration of a combination of drugs at three-month intervals was the most common regime recommended for prophylaxis against gastrointestinal helminths, with a single treatment repeated after 15 days. Routine prophylaxis against dog ectoparasites was recommended by 82.4% veterinary practitioners, and 46.6% changed the drug compound used. Monthly prophylaxic treatments for ectoparasites, using systemic, topical and/or collar-impregnated drugs, was recommended by 21.5% veterinary practitioners. Side-effects of ectoparasiticide-impregnated collars were suspected by 58% of the veterinary practitioners. Isoxazolines were the most frequently used chemical group to treat ectoparasites in dogs. Poor efficacy of fipronil in controlling ticks was suspected by 79.5% of the veterinary practitioners. The isoxazolines and combination of anthelmintic compounds are the most common drugs to prevent or treat ectoparasites and gastrointestinal nematodes, respectively. The suspect of the inefficacy of antiparasitic drugs is shared among the veterinary practitioners from part of Brazil. Guidelines are needed, specifically for the control of gastrointestinal helminths and ectoparasites in Brazilian dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tássia Lopes do Vale
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Isabella Chaves Sousa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Caio Pavão Tavares
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Naylene Carvalho Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Hermes Ribeiro Luz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Matheus Nobate Gomes
- Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Neil Sargison
- University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Livio Martins Costa-Junior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
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Dróżdż M, Małaszczuk M, Paluch E, Pawlak A. Zoonotic potential and prevalence of Salmonella serovars isolated from pets. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2021; 11:1975530. [PMID: 34531964 PMCID: PMC8439213 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2021.1975530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonellosis is a global health problem, affecting approximately 1.3 billion people annually. Most of these cases are related to food contamination. However, although the majority of Salmonella serovars are pathogenic to humans, animals can be asymptomatic carriers of these bacteria. Nowadays, a wide range of animals is present in human households as pets, including reptiles, amphibians, dogs, cats, ornamental birds, and rodents. Pets contaminate the environment of their owners by shedding the bacteria intermittently in their feaces. In consequence, theyare thought to cause salmonellosis through pet-to-human transmission. Each Salmonella serovar has a different zoonotic potential, which is strongly regulated by stress factors such as transportation, crowding, food deprivation, or temperature. In this review, we summarize the latest reports concerning Salmonella-prevalence and distribution in pets as well as the risk factors and means of prevention of human salmonellosis caused by contact with their pets. Our literature analysis (based on PubMed and Google Scholar databases) is limited to the distribution of Salmonella serovars found in commonly owned pet species. We collected the recent results of studies concerning testing for Salmonella spp. in biological samples, indicating their prevalence in pets, with regard to clinical cases of human salmonellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Dróżdż
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory of Rna Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Emil Paluch
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Blasco X, Manteca X, López-Béjar M, Carbajal A, Castellà J, Ortuño A. Intestinal Parasites and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Multi-Unowned-Cat Environments: The Impact of Housing Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051300. [PMID: 33946549 PMCID: PMC8147201 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Multi-unowned-cat environments can be highly stressful for cats, and infectious and parasite diseases spread quickly and are difficult to prevent. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in cat feces collected from different multi-cat environments and assess the effect of housing conditions on intestinal parasites and FCM levels in order to develop more efficient control strategies. Cat fecal samples from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies were analyzed with coprological methods to detect intestinal parasite patency and determine FCM. Helminth infection was mainly detected in free-roaming cats. In confined cats, protozoa infections were more likely detected in shelter cats than in cattery cats. Exposure to dogs was associated with parasite infection and cats highly exposed to dogs with visual contact and audible barking showed higher intestinal protozoa prevalence than cats that were not exposed to dogs. FCM levels were correlated with enclosure size and protozoa infection. Reducing stress by improving housing in terms of enclosure size and avoiding exposure to dogs may have an impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoa. Abstract Housing conditions were assessed in different unowned multi-cat management models in order to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels. Fresh stool fecal samples were collected from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies for coprological analyses in order to detect intestinal parasite patency and fecal cortisol metabolites. A questionnaire provided information about the facilities, management and housing conditions of cats, including information about dog exposure, enclosure size, environment enrichment and changes to group composition. Overall, intestinal parasite infection was detected in 58.2% of fecal samples collected. The occurrence of intestinal parasites detected in free-roaming cats was 82.2%, mainly due to helminth infection. The parasite infection rate was 57.3% in rescue shelters and 34.6% in catteries. In confined cats, protozoa infection was more likely detected in rescue shelters than in catteries (RR = 2.02 (1.30–3.14), p = 0.0012). Although the FCM values were very variable between cats, the enclosure size and parasite infection were correlated with the average FCM. A small enclosure size was correlated with high fecal cortisol metabolites (p = 0.016). Protozoa-positive samples showed higher FCM levels than negative samples (p = 0.0150). High dog exposure was statistically associated with protozoa infection (p = 0.0006). The results indicated that improving housing, especially in terms of floor space and avoiding dog exposure, reduces stress and can thus be applied to make control strategies in multi-unowned-cat environments more efficient, especially when cats are confined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Blasco
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Xavier Manteca
- Animal Science Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Anaïs Carbajal
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Joaquim Castellà
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna Ortuño
- Animal Health and Anatomy Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; (X.B.); (M.L.-B.); (A.C.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Zucca P, Rossmann MC, Dodic M, Ramma Y, Matsushima T, Seet S, Holtze S, Bremini A, Fischinger I, Morosetti G, Sitzia M, Furlani R, Greco O, Meddi G, Zambotto P, Meo F, Pulcini S, Palei M, Zamaro G. What Do Adolescents Know About One-Health and Zoonotic Risks? A School-Based Survey in Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Mauritius, and Japan. Front Public Health 2021; 9:658876. [PMID: 33869135 PMCID: PMC8045784 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.658876] [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: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 60% of the 1,700 infectious diseases that affect human come from animals and zoonotic pandemics, after starting from sporadic phenomena limited to rural areas, have become a global emergency. The repeated and frequent zoonotic outbreaks such as the most recent COVID-19 pandemic can be attributed also to human activities. In particular, the creation of enormous intensive domestic animal farms, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the destruction of forests, the consumption of the meat of wild animals and the illegal animal trade are all factors causing the insurgence and the transmission of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge of the One Health concept including the zoonotic risk potentially derived from illegally traded pet animals and wildlife among adolescents in 6 different countries (Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Germany, Mauritius, and Japan). A representative sample of 656 students was recruited and all participants took an anonymous questionnaire. Data were analyzed by ANOVAs to estimate the prevalence of correct health prevention behaviors and to identify the influential factors for these behaviors. After two theoretical-practical lectures, the same anonymous questionnaire was administered for the second time in order to assess the efficacy of the program. The proportion of students who did not know that many diseases affecting humans come from animals is 28.96% while 32.16% of them did not know what a zoonosis is. The circularity of the One Health concept related to the transmission of diseases from animals to humans and vice-versa is not understood from a large prevalence of the adolescents with 31.40 and 59.91% of wrong responses, respectively. Furthermore, rabies is not considered as a dangerous disease by 23.02% of the adolescents. After two theoretical-practical classroom sessions, the correct answers improved to 21.92% according to the different question. More than a third of the student cohort investigated showed a profound ignorance of the zoonotic risks and a poor understanding of the One Health concept. The authors believe that the teaching of health prevention with a One Health approach and a practical training should be included in every school curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Zucca
- Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disabilities, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy.,Biocrime Veterinary Medical Intelligence Centre, c/o International Police and Custom Cooperation Centre, Thörl-Maglern, Austria
| | - Marie-Christin Rossmann
- Biocrime Veterinary Medical Intelligence Centre, c/o International Police and Custom Cooperation Centre, Thörl-Maglern, Austria.,Agriculture, Forestry, Rural areas Veterinary Department, Land Carinthia, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Steven Seet
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Bremini
- Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disabilities, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy.,Biocrime Veterinary Medical Intelligence Centre, c/o International Police and Custom Cooperation Centre, Thörl-Maglern, Austria
| | - Ingrid Fischinger
- Biocrime Veterinary Medical Intelligence Centre, c/o International Police and Custom Cooperation Centre, Thörl-Maglern, Austria.,Agriculture, Forestry, Rural areas Veterinary Department, Land Carinthia, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Giulia Morosetti
- South Tyrol Health Department, Veterinary Services Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Marcello Sitzia
- Italian Financial Police, Regional Command Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Furlani
- Italian Financial Police, Regional Command Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy
| | - Oronzo Greco
- Italian Financial Police, Regional Command Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulio Meddi
- SCIP International Service of Police Cooperation, International Police and Custom Cooperation Centre, Thörl-Maglern, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Manlio Palei
- Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disabilities, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianna Zamaro
- Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disabilities, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Trieste, Italy
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Silva V, Silva J, Gonçalves M, Brandão C, Vieira E Brito N. Epidemiological survey on intestinal helminths of stray dogs in Guimarães, Portugal. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:869-876. [PMID: 32837054 PMCID: PMC7383065 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The new legislative framework on Animal Welfare brought increased responsibilities to municipal shelters, in particular in the collection of stray dogs, their sterilization and future adoption. These centers quickly became overcrowded, leading to high parasitism environmental contamination, to the easy spread of parasitic infections and to increased risks to public health. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was evaluated by examination of dog faecal sample, in the municipal control animal centre of Guimarães (north Portugal), identifying risk factors and transmission to man. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was 57.2% (95% confidence interval 41.3–71.9%) and observed helminths of the gastrointestinal tract were recorded: Ancylostoma caninum (33%), Toxocara canis (29%), Dipylidium caninum (6%), Capillaria spp. (3%), Trichuris vulpis (1.66%). It is important to point out that young dogs were significantly infected more frequently (p ≤ 0.1) than non-sterilized females and the higher occurrence of nematode infection occurred at the new arrival of stray dogs, in the third collection. With impact on public health, the higher prevalence (p ≤ 0.1) of T. canis in young dogs suggests the existence of real risk for human infection and demonstrate the necessity for a parasite control programme reinforcement at the municipal dog shelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Silva
- Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4990-706 Refóios do Lima, Portugal
| | - Joana Silva
- Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4990-706 Refóios do Lima, Portugal
| | - Margarida Gonçalves
- Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4990-706 Refóios do Lima, Portugal
| | - Carlos Brandão
- Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4990-706 Refóios do Lima, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vieira E Brito
- CISAS - Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
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Comparison of the Level of Awareness about the Transmission of Echinococcosis and Toxocariasis between Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners in Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155292. [PMID: 32708026 PMCID: PMC7432043 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ζoonotic parasitic diseases that can occur through animal contact pose risks to pets, their owners and to their bond. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge about zoonoses, specifically echinococcosis and toxocariasis, among cat/dog owners and non-pet owners in Greece. Multiple-choice questionnaires were designed to obtain data regarding the knowledge of pet and non-pet owners on echinococcosis and toxocariasis, including signs and symptoms of these zoonoses, ways of transmission and precautions that need to be taken into account in order to avoid it. A total of 185 questionnaires were retrieved and data was expressed as absolute (Ν) and relative frequencies (%). Associations between pet ownership, residence and outcome variables were evaluated using the Fisher exact test and Chi-squared test, respectively. Multifactorial linear regression analysis was used to investigate the cross-sectional association between demographic characteristics and the awareness of helminthic zoonoses. All tests were two-sided and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Our study revealed a disturbing lack of awareness of echinococcosis and toxocariasis (mean zoonotic knowledge score 8.11 ± 3.18) independently of pet ownership. Surprisingly, in some cases the ignorance of pet owners exceeded that of non-pet owners. Given the progressive impact of toxocariasis in public health and the high prevalence of echinococcosis in the Mediterranean region, measures should be taken to inform people about zoonoses and eliminate their putative transmission.
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Ikotun K, Sowemimo O, Chou CM, Ajenifuja K, Chuang TW, Asaolu S, Akinwale O, Gyang V, Nwafor T, Henry E, Fan CK. High seroprevalence of Toxocara antibodies in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 114:301-307. [PMID: 31925444 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz116] [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: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a neglected zoonotic disease and its impact on human health is underestimated. Studies investigating the occurrence of toxocariasis in pregnancy are very scarce in Nigeria. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies as well as the possible risk factors in pregnant women who routinely attended an antenatal clinic in a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Osun state. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 413 participating pregnant women between October 2017 and February 2018. Epidemiological data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. The sera were screened for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by western blot technique based on Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigens, targeting low molecular weight bands of 24-35 kDa, specifically for T. canis infection. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence was 92.49% (382/413). There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence rate of Toxocara spp. infection between pregnant women aged ≤30 y and those aged >30 y (91.63 vs 93.33%; OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.67, p=0.511). The seroprevalence rate increased with the number of miscarriages but there was no statistical significance (p>0.05). Moreover, no significant associations were found between Toxocara spp. seropositivity and other studied risk factors (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The high seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in pregnant Nigerian women needs comprehensive health education regarding personal hygiene and how to avoid exposure to this parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemisola Ikotun
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluyomi Sowemimo
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Kayode Ajenifuja
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology And Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Samuel Asaolu
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olaoluwa Akinwale
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Vincent Gyang
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Nwafor
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Henry
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Miró G, Gálvez R, Montoya A, Delgado B, Drake J. Survey of Spanish pet owners about endoparasite infection risk and deworming frequencies. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:101. [PMID: 32102683 PMCID: PMC7045513 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pets may be carriers of infectious agents including parasites. As part of a larger-scale study covering the whole of Europe, this study examines deworming measures reported by Spanish pet owners and identifies risk factors. METHODS An online questionnaire was administered to cat and dog owners in Spain. The replies provided were used to obtain information about the pets' living conditions and to accordingly classify each pet into one of the four ESCCAP infection risk categories (A, B, C or D) for which different deworming frequencies are recommended. Questions were also asked about pet care and owners' attitude toward their pets. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to correlate risk groups with deworming frequencies. RESULTS Completed questionnaires were returned by 500 cat owners and 501 dog owners. According to responses, 96.21% of dogs were assigned to risk category D (maximum risk), and only 1.2%, 2.2% and 0.4% to A, B and C, respectively. Almost all cats were assigned to the minimum risk category A (indoor cats, 62%) or maximum risk category D (outdoor cats, 32.8%); only 3.4% and 1.8% of cats were classified as risk B and C respectively. More dogs were allocated to the higher risk group compared to cats, which were more frequently kept indoors. Cats were reportedly dewormed less frequently than dogs (2.56 and 3.13 times per year respectively), consistent with their different infestation risk. Thus, pets in the lower risk group A were either adequately dewormed or treated more often than necessary. Only a small proportion of cats were not dewormed at all (n = 14). Alarmingly, almost all pets in risk groups B, C or D (representing 95% of dogs and 39% of cats) were dewormed less often than recommended. CONCLUSIONS More effective health education is required for the management of zoonotic endoparasite diseases under the umbrella of One Health targeted at owners, veterinarians, general practitioners, and health authorities. To align deworming frequency with infection risk, pet owners should be provided with clear, compelling instructions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rosa Gálvez
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Delgado
- Elanco Spain, Avda. de la Industria, 30-28108, Alcobendas, Spain
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
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Intestinal Parasites of Pets and Other House-kept Animals in Moscow. Helminthologia 2019; 56:108-117. [PMID: 31662681 PMCID: PMC6799560 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A study screening pet animals (dogs, cats, chinchillas, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, primates, reptiles, and hedgehogs) within Moscow city limits for intestinal parasitic diseases has been conducted over a period of 6 years. According to the study, parasitic infections caused by intestinal protozoa are found in pet animals more frequently than by intestinal helminths. Although dogs and cats exhibit the highest level of diversity of intestinal parasite species, in the group of exotic animals, helminth infection are found much less frequently and parasitic fauna is represented mostly by intestinal protozoa with a high percentage of mixed infection. The most widespread helminth infeсtion of dogs and cats is toxocarosis (respectively 2.5 and 5.7 %) and the most widespread protozoan infection is Giardia sp. (9.8 and 4.6 %). Giardia sp. was found in 47.4 % of chinchillas, Cryptosporidium sp. was more frequently found in ferrets (6.55 %), protozoa from the family Trichomonadida was found in guinea pigs (9 %), Eimeria sp. in rabbits (13.9 %), Acanthocephala in primates (15.7 %), and eggs from the generaOxyurida (59 %), along with protozoa from the family Trichomonadida, in reptiles. Capillaria sp. was most prevalent in hedgehogs (33.4 %). Acanthocephala eggs, as well as protozoa from the Giardia and Entamoeba genera, were more frequently found in primates. Parasites common to animals and humans, which may become a source of infection for the latter under certain conditions, have been identified in pet animals.
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Strube C, Neubert A, Springer A, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Survey of German pet owners quantifying endoparasitic infection risk and implications for deworming recommendations. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:203. [PMID: 31053079 PMCID: PMC6500039 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3410-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs and cats can transmit zoonotic helminths to humans, e.g. Toxocara spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis. Strategic deworming may help minimize this risk. Studies in several European countries have shown that pets are dewormed less frequently against roundworms and tapeworms than recommended by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP). The objective of this study was to identify percentages of dogs and cats falling into the different risk categories defined by the German ESCCAP guidelines and to evaluate whether deworming frequency and parasite monitoring in Germany follows these guidelines. RESULTS According to questionnaire results from 500 dog and 500 cat owners, deworming of dogs in Germany averages 2.07 times/year while for cats this average is 1.72 times/year. In contrast, evaluation of risk factors placed only 2% (10/500) of dogs in ESCCAP category A with a recommended deworming/examination frequency of 1-2 times per year, while 4.8% (24/500) were placed in category B (4 treatments/examinations per year recommended), 30.8% (154/500) in category C (12 treatments/examinations per year against tapeworms and 4 treatments/examinations per year against roundworms recommended) and 62.4% (312/500) in category D (12 treatments/examinations per year recommended). All cats were placed either in risk group A [52.8% (264/500)] or D [47.2% (236/500)]. Generalized linear models indicated that risk group D cats were treated significantly more often against helminths than risk group A cats. There were no significant differences in deworming frequency between risk groups in dogs. The most important factor influencing deworming frequency was the frequency of veterinary visits. Dogs and cats were treated significantly more often if owners visited their veterinarian more than once yearly. CONCLUSIONS The percentage distribution of risk groups considerably varied between dogs and cats. Nevertheless, 62% of dogs and 47% of cats were assigned to category D for which monthly treatments/examinations are recommended by the ESCCAP guidelines. Veterinarians play a key role in instructing pet owners with regard to helminthoses and their prevention, and should take the time for adequate risk assessments. The reported low deworming frequencies despite the high potential parasite infection risk suggests that pet owner advice through veterinarians needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ann Neubert
- Elanco Deutschland GmbH, Werner-Reimers-Strasse 2-4, 61352 Bad Homburg, Germany
- Present Address: Fridolinweg 5, 12683 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- ESCCAP Deutschland e.V., c/o Vetproduction, Domstraße 28, 50668 Koeln, Germany
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Antibody response to Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva in cats naturally exposed to phlebotomine sand flies is positively associated with Leishmania infection. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:128. [PMID: 30909940 PMCID: PMC6434892 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3376-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zoonotic leishmaniosis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, is a public and animal health problem in Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin. Several phlebotomine sand fly species from the subgenus Larroussius are vectors of L. infantum. Data from dogs living in endemic areas of leishmaniosis advocate the use of antibody response to phlebotomine sand fly saliva as an epidemiological biomarker for monitoring vector exposure. The aim of this study was to analyse the exposure of cats to phlebotomine sand flies using detection of IgG antibodies to Phlebotomus perniciosus saliva. The association between phlebotomine sand fly exposure and the presence of Leishmania infection was also investigated. Results IgG antibodies to P. perniciosus saliva were detected in 167 (47.7%) out of 350 cats; higher antibody levels were present in sera collected during the period of phlebotomine sand fly seasonal activity (OR = 19.44, 95% CI: 9.84–38.41). Cats of 12–35 months had higher antibody levels than younger ones (OR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.39–9.16); this difference was also significant with older cats (for 36–95 months-old, OR = 9.43, 95% CI: 3.62–24.48; for older than 95 months, OR = 9.68, 95% CI: 3.92–23.91). Leishmania spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 24 (6.9%) cats, while antibodies to L. infantum were detected in three (0.9%). Only one cat was positive to Leishmania by both techniques. Cats presenting IgG antibodies to P. perniciosus had a significantly higher risk of being positive for Leishmania infection. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating anti-sand fly saliva antibodies in cats. The evaluation of the contact of this animal species with the vector is important to the development of prophylactic measures directed to cats, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of infection in an endemic area. Therefore, studies evaluating whether the use of imidacloprid/flumethrin collars reduces the frequency of P. perniciosus bites in cats are needed. It is also important to evaluate if there is a correlation between the number of phlebotomine sand fly bites and IgG antibody levels.
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Urgel MFM, Ybañez RHD, Ybañez AP. The detection of gastrointestinal parasites in owned and shelter dogs in Cebu, Philippines. Vet World 2019; 12:372-376. [PMID: 31089305 PMCID: PMC6487255 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.372-376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites affect the health of dogs and may also be zoonotic. The prevalence of these parasites has been well studied in several countries, but reports in the Philippines have been limited. AIM This study generally aimed to detect the presence of common GIT parasites in owned and shelter dogs in Cebu, Philippines. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 200 fecal samples (130 from owned dogs and 70 from shelter dogs) were collected. Profiles of owned dogs and their owners were obtained. Fecalysis was performed using three methods: Direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation techniques. RESULTS Majority of the sampled dogs were 5 years old and below that (79.2%), male (64.6%) and of pure breed (53.1%). Among the most common parasites detected were Ancylostoma, Trichuris and Toxocara spp. Statistical analyses revealed a significant association between the presence of parasites and the body score of the dogs (p=0.000), the deworming status (p=0.000), and the rearing practice (contact with other dogs, p=0.000, where it spends its time (p=0.000), plays in the grass (p=0.050), where it defecates (p=0.014), contact with other animals (p=0.000). CONCLUSION GIT parasites were detected in owned and shelter dogs in Cebu, Philippines. The results of this study can serve as baseline information about the canine parasitic fauna in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marysia Frances M. Urgel
- College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
| | - Rochelle Haidee D. Ybañez
- College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Adrian P. Ybañez
- College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
- College of Veterinary Medicine at Barili Campus and Center for Vector-borne and Protozoan Diseases at Main Campus, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
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Prevalence of ectoparasite infestations in owned dogs in Kwara State, Nigeria. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2018; 4:e00079. [PMID: 30662964 PMCID: PMC6324013 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2018.e00079] [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: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Nigeria, dogs are the common companions in many households and, harbor wide range of ectoparasites of severe zoonotic potentials. A cross sectional survey was conducted to examine the prevalence, intensity and risk factors of ectoparasite infestation among the owned dogs in Kwara state, Nigeria. A total of 333 dogs were screened for ectoparasites, and questionnaires were applied to obtain information regarding; age, sex, breeds, coat colour and management practices by dog owners. Two hundred and seventy one (81.4%) dogs were infested with at least one species of ectoparasite and multiple infestations recorded mostly among the female dogs. Six species of ectoparasites of three taxa were identified: ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Haemaphysalis leachii and Amblyomma variegatum), fleas (Ctenocephalides canis and C. felis) and louse (Heterodoxus spiniger). R. sanguineus s.l. was the most prevalent (70.3%) followed by C. felis (42.1%) and H. spiniger (30.0%). Intensities of C. felis, H. spiniger and R. sanguineus s.l infestations were significantly higher in female and younger dogs (p < 0.001). Ectoparasites occurrence varied with breed and coat colour of host. A high prevalence of ectoparasite infestation recorded is at variance with the knowledge of dogs' owners in this study area. Therefore, intervention based on provision of veterinary clinics and prevention and management of parasite infestation in endemic area would mitigate the possible health hazard associated with the ectoparasitic infestation of dogs.
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Fernandez M, Tabar MD, Arcas A, Mateu C, Homedes J, Roura X. Comparison of efficacy and safety of preventive measures used against canine leishmaniasis in southern European countries: Longitudinal retrospective study in 1647 client-owned dogs (2012–2016). Vet Parasitol 2018; 263:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Amoah ID, Adegoke AA, Stenström TA. Soil-transmitted helminth infections associated with wastewater and sludge reuse: a review of current evidence. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:692-703. [PMID: 29779225 PMCID: PMC6055670 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review current evidence on infections related to the concentration of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables irrigated with wastewater or grown on sludge-amended soils. METHOD Search of Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases for publications reporting on STH egg concentration in wastewater, sludge and vegetables and for epidemiological studies on wastewater/sludge reuse and STH infections. RESULTS STH egg concentrations were variable but high in wastewater and sludge especially in developing countries. They ranged from 6 to 16 000 eggs/L in wastewater and from 0 to 23 000 eggs/g in sludge and far exceed limits set in the WHO guideline for wastewater/sludge reuse. Numbers of STH eggs on vegetables ranged from 0 to 100 eggs/g. The concentration of STH eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables therefore relates to risks of infection through different exposure routes. CONCLUSION Epidemiological evidence reveals an increased prevalence of STH infections associated with direct exposure to wastewater or sludge (farmers) and consumption of vegetables grown on soil treated with it. This calls for increased efforts to reduce the adverse health impact of wastewater and sludge reuse in line with the WHO multi-barrier approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Dennis Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ayodeji Adegoke
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thor Axel Stenström
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
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Amoah ID, Reddy P, Seidu R, Stenström TA. Removal of helminth eggs by centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment plants in South Africa and Lesotho: health implications for direct and indirect exposure to the effluents. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:12883-12895. [PMID: 29478163 PMCID: PMC5942351 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1503-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater may contain contaminants harmful to human health; hence, there is the need for treatment before discharge. Centralized wastewater treatment systems are the favored treatment options globally, but these are not necessarily superior in reduction of pathogens as compared to decentralized wastewater treatment systems (collectively called DEWATS). This study was therefore undertaken to assess the soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and Taenia sp. egg reduction efficiency of selected anaerobic baffled reactors and planted gravel filters compared to centralized wastewater treatment plants in South Africa and Lesotho. The risk of ascariasis with exposure to effluents from the centralized wastewater treatment plants was also assessed using the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) approach. Eggs of Ascaris spp., hookworm, Trichuris spp., Taenia spp., and Toxocara spp. were commonly detected in the untreated wastewater. The DEWATS plants removed between 95 and 100% of the STH and Taenia sp. eggs, with centralized plants removing between 67 and 100%. Helminth egg concentrations in the final effluents from the centralized wastewater treatment plants were consistently higher than those in the WHO recommended guideline (≤ 1 helminth egg/L) for agricultural use resulting in higher risk of ascariasis. Therefore, in conclusion, DEWATS plants may be more efficient in reducing the concentration of helminth eggs in wastewater, resulting in lower risks of STH infections upon exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Dennis Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Poovendhree Reddy
- Department of Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Razak Seidu
- Water and Environmental Engineering Group, Institute for Marine Operations and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ålesund, Norway
| | - Thor Axel Stenström
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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Alho AM, Lima C, Colella V, Madeira de Carvalho L, Otranto D, Cardoso L. Awareness of zoonotic diseases and parasite control practices: a survey of dog and cat owners in Qatar. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:133. [PMID: 29554937 PMCID: PMC5859551 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Qatar is one of the wealthiest and fastest growing economies in the world, experiencing a rapid increase in human and pet populations. Given the paucity of data on prophylactic measures against endo- and ectoparasites of pets in Qatar, as well as on the owners’ awareness of zoonotic diseases, a questionnaire was conducted. Methods From July to November 2017, 150 multiple-choice questionnaires were administered to dog and/or cat owners who attended two veterinary clinics in Doha. Results Only 54% (81/150) owners were aware of transmittable diseases between animals and humans. “Zoonosis/zoonotic disease(s)” was unknown for 88% (132/150) of the respondents and almost a quarter had no idea of transmission pathways associated with parasitic diseases. Thirteen owners (8.7%) reported to have suffered from zoonotic diseases (10 had dermatophytosis, 2 cat-scratch disease and 1 an unknown tick-borne disease) and 24.7% had dewormed themselves. Approximately 83% had their pets yearly vaccinated and 51% identified endo- and ectoparasites on their pets. Only 10% had their animal faeces tested for intestinal parasites as requested by a veterinarian. As for internal parasite control, only 19.3% dewormed their pets with the recommended treatment regimen (minimum quarterly); 52.7% (79/150) dewormed every 4 months to 1 year; 10% (15/150) without periodicity and 8% (12/150) had never done it. For external parasite control, only 16% (24/150) treated their pets with ectoparasiticides on a monthly basis; 44.7% (67/150) every 2 months to 1 year; 6.7% (10/150) without periodicity and 24.7% (37/150) had never done it. Approximately two thirds (63.3%) of pets were allowed to sleep in the owner’s bed and 60% to lick their owner’s face. Almost all pets were fed with dry/canned food, but 4.7% were fed with raw meat. Approximately 79.5% of dog owners collect their pet’s faeces from public areas. Conclusions These results highlight the need to raise pet owners’ awareness towards prophylactic measures to minimize the potential impact of zoonotic diseases on the health of both animals and humans in Qatar. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2720-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Clara Lima
- Hospital Parkview Pet Center - Veterinary Clinic, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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Alho AM, Meireles J, Schnyder M, Cardoso L, Belo S, Deplazes P, de Carvalho LM. Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum: The current situation of two major canine heartworms in Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2018; 252:120-126. [PMID: 29559132 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes are life-threatening pet parasites increasingly reported throughout Europe, with overlapping endemic areas. Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne whilst Angiostrongylus vasorum is a snail-borne pathogen. Both adult nematodes reside in the pulmonary arteries and right cardiac ventricle of domestic and wild canids, causing a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from cough, dyspnoea and exercise intolerance to severe vascular and pulmonary disease with hearth failure that may lead to death. Information about the prevalence and distribution of cardiopulmonary parasites is essential for the control of animal diseases and, in the case of D. immitis, for the control of potentially associated illnesses in humans. However, in Portugal, heartworm studies are limited to few surveys and case reports, possibly underestimating the relevance of these nematodes. The present work reviews the data on cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis in dogs in Portugal, providing a comprehensive update of the epidemiological situation during the past 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - José Meireles
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Kostopoulou D, Claerebout E, Arvanitis D, Ligda P, Voutzourakis N, Casaert S, Sotiraki S. Abundance, zoonotic potential and risk factors of intestinal parasitism amongst dog and cat populations: The scenario of Crete, Greece. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:43. [PMID: 28122583 PMCID: PMC5264337 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1989-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and infection intensity of intestinal parasites in different dog and cat populations in Crete, Greece, estimate the zoonotic risk and identify risk factors. Methods Faecal samples from shelter, household and shepherd dogs and shelter and household cats were analyzed using sedimentation/flotation techniques. Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected by a quantitative direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA). PCR and sequencing was performed to evaluate the zoonotic potential of Giardia and Cryptosporidium positive samples. Results Totals of 879 dog and 264 cat faecal samples were examined. In dogs, the overall prevalence was 25.2% (CI: 22.4–28.1) for Giardia spp.; 9.2% (CI: 7.3–11.1) for Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp.; 7.6% (CI: 5.9–9.4) for Toxocara spp.; 5.9% (CI: 4.4–7.5) for Cryptosporidium spp.; 4.6% (CI: 3.2–5.9) for Cystoisospora spp.; 2.7% (CI: 1.7–3.8) for Toxascaris leonina; 1.7% (CI: 0.9–2.6) for Capillaria spp.; 0.8% (CI: 0.2–1.4) for taeniid eggs; 0.2% (CI: 0–0.5) for Dipylidium caninum; and 0.1% (CI: 0–0.3) for Strongyloides stercoralis. In cats, the prevalence was 20.5% (CI: 15.6–25.3) for Giardia spp.; 9.5% (CI: 5.9–13.0) for Cystoisospora spp.; 8.3% (CI: 5.0–11.7) for Toxocara spp.; 7.6% (CI: 4.4–10.8) for Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp.; 6.8% (CI: 3.8–9.9) for Cryptosporidium spp.; 4.2% (CI: 1.8–6.6) for Capillaria spp.; 0.8% (CI: 0–1.8) for taeniid eggs; and 0.4% (CI: 0–1.1) for Hammondia/Toxoplasma. Concerning the risk factors evaluated, there was a negative association between age and Giardia infection and between age and T. leonina infection intensity for dogs. Sequencing results revealed the presence of mainly animal-specific G. duodenalis assemblages C and D in dogs and assemblages F, C and BIV-like in cats, with only a limited number of (co-)infections with assemblage A. As for Cryptosporidium, the dog-specific C. canis and the pig-specific C. scrofarum were detected in dogs and the cat-specific C. felis was detected in cats. Conclusions High levels of parasitism in both dogs and cats were recorded. Giardia was the most prevalent parasite in all dog and cat populations except for shepherd dogs. Genotyping results suggest a limited zoonotic risk of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections from dogs and cats in Crete. Taeniid eggs were more prevalent in shepherd dogs suggesting access to carcasses and posing a threat for cystic echinococcosis transmission. Infection rates of Toxocara spp. in both dogs and cats show that companion animals could be a significant source of infection to humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-1989-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Kostopoulou
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium. .,Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, Thessaloniki, 57001, Greece.
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium
| | - Dimitrios Arvanitis
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, Thessaloniki, 57001, Greece
| | - Panagiota Ligda
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium.,Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, Thessaloniki, 57001, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Voutzourakis
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, Thessaloniki, 57001, Greece
| | - Stijn Casaert
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, B-9820, Belgium
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, Thessaloniki, 57001, Greece
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Burgio F, Meyer L, Armstrong R. A comparative laboratory trial evaluating the immediate efficacy of fluralaner, afoxolaner, sarolaner and imidacloprid + permethrin against adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks attached to dogs. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:626. [PMID: 27912787 PMCID: PMC5135746 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1900-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acaricides are used to treat and prevent tick infestations, and a common clinical scenario is to administer an acaricide on observing an attached tick. Consequently, immediate acaricidal efficacy (onset of activity and speed of kill) results are clinically valuable. This study evaluated the immediate efficacy of four commercially available acaricides against adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato). Methods Forty dogs were blocked on hair length and tick carrying capacity, then randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments (fluralaner, sarolaner, imidacloprid + permethrin, or afoxolaner) or left untreated as controls. All dogs were challenged with 50 adult R. sanguineus (s.l.) ticks 48 h prior to treatment. After treatment, in situ tick thumb counts were conducted at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h; thereafter ticks were removed and counted at 48 h. Results Imidacloprid + permethrin had the earliest onset of activity at 2 h (36.9% efficacy) followed at 4 h by fluralaner (60.2% efficacy) and sarolaner (48.2% efficacy), and lastly afoxolaner at 8 h (90.8% efficacy). Three oral treatments had an 8 h speed of kill (>90% efficacy) threshold; with corresponding efficacies as: fluralaner (99.6%), sarolaner (94.7%) and afoxolaner (90.8%). Fluralaner and sarolaner achieved 100% efficacy at 12, 24 and 48 h; afoxolaner achieved 100% efficacy at 48 h. Imidacloprid + permethrin achieved 80.1% efficacy at 48 h, therefore, failing to attain the speed of kill 90% efficacy threshold. Conclusion The systemically distributed isoxazolines performed much better than cutaneously distributed imidacloprid + permethrin and are optimal treatment choices against attached ticks based on the combination of earlier onset of activity and speed of kill. Fluralaner had a 4 h onset of activity, an 8 h speed of kill and achieved 100% efficacy at 12 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Burgio
- MSD Animal Health, Josefa Valcarcel 38, 28080, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leon Meyer
- Clinvet International, Uitzich Road, Bainsvlei 9338, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Rob Armstrong
- MSD Animal Health, 2 Giralda Farms, Madison, NJ, 07940, USA.
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Serrão I, Braz BS, Figueiredo MD, Coimbra M, Brancal H, Fernandes MC, Lopes AP, Pimenta P, Martins Â, Pereira A, Silva P, Neves N, Nunes T, Campino L, Cortes H, Dias M, Nogueira J, Mendão C, Cardoso L, Maia C. Preliminary report on the prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in dogs from Portugal adopting a commercially available test kit for serological analysis. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2016; 3-4:57-59. [PMID: 31014501 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Serrão
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Berta São Braz
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Mónica Coimbra
- Centro Veterinário Porto Seguro, Rua Patrão Joaquim Casaca, Edifício Majuca, bloco 3, loja E, 8700-507 Olhão, Portugal
| | - Hugo Brancal
- Clínica Veterinária da Covilhã, Quinta das Ferreiras, Boidobra, 6200 Covilhã, Portugal; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; Agrarian College, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Quinta da Senhora de Mércules, 6000-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Maria Catarina Fernandes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paulo Pimenta
- Hospital Veterinário de Trás-os-Montes, Rua de La Lys, 7, 5000-056 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ângela Martins
- Hospital Veterinário da Arrábida, Rua José Augusto Coelho, 12-A, 2925-538 Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Portugal
| | - André Pereira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Silva
- Amivet - Clínica Veterinária, Rua Capitão Salgueiro Maia, 19, 7000-253 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nuno Neves
- Clube Animal - Centro Veterinário, Praceta Professor Montalvão Marques, 3-B, 7800-590 Beja, Portugal
| | - Telmo Nunes
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lenea Campino
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helder Cortes
- Victor Caeiro Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, P.O. Box 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Mariana Dias
- Bayer Portugal, Animal Health Division, Rua da Quinta do Pinheiro, 5, 2974-003 Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Joana Nogueira
- Bayer Portugal, Animal Health Division, Rua da Quinta do Pinheiro, 5, 2974-003 Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Mendão
- Bayer Portugal, Animal Health Division, Rua da Quinta do Pinheiro, 5, 2974-003 Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Carla Maia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
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