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Rivaz S, Nasiri V, Taiefi Nasrabadi N, Paykari H. Ticks analysis for molecular detection and phylogenetic evaluation of stray dogs infecting protozoa from Alborz, Iran. Microb Pathog 2024; 192:106721. [PMID: 38815776 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Ticks play an important role in the transmission of parasitic diseases, especially pathogenic protozoa in canine hosts, and it is very important to determine the role and extent of their infection with these pathogens in order to determine important control strategies. This study assessed the molecular prevalence of three protozoan pathogens including Hepatozoon canis, Leishmania spp. and Babesia spp., in ticks using PCR. A total 300 stray dogs were investigated and 691 ticks (171 male, 377 female and 143 nymph) were detected directly from 45 infested dogs. Species, stage of growth, and gender were determined for each tick. DNA extracted from 224 ticks (26 male, 165 female and 33 nymph). The molecular presence of three protozoan pathogens including Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA gene), Leishmania infantum (kinetoplastid minicircle DNA) and Babesia spp. (ssrRNA gene) were investigated using PCR method. One species of ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus was identified. Two of the target pathogens, Hepatozoon spp. (7/83; 8.43 %) and Babesia spp. (1/83; 1.2 %), were detected by PCR method. Sequence analysis of the ssrRNA gene of detected Babesia spp. showed a close relationship to the deposited strains of Babesia vulpis in the gene bank. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of H. canis and Babesia spp. in stray dogs in Alborz province, Iran and the first report about molecular detection of Babesia vulpis from tick infesting dogs in Iran. According to the above results, it seems necessary to implement tick control programs in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Rivaz
- Department of Pathobiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Vahid Nasiri
- Protozoology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
| | | | - Habibullah Paykari
- Protozoology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Moravedji M, Latifian M, Rahravani M, Mostafavi E, Seyfi H, Mohammadi M, Mozoun MM, Stenos J, Esmaeili S. Detection of Various Rickettsial Species in Ticks Collected from Small Ruminants in Western Iran. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 38856658 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0014] [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: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Most of the rickettsioses are transmitted by ticks, and often overlooked by the medical profession, but are clinically important as they cause major human diseases. Recent studies have shown the existence of some rickettsial species in Iran, but very little information is available about the status of rickettsial epidemiology and ecology. This study investigated the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks and ruminants in western of Iran by molecular methods. Materials and Methods: 250 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats, as well as 244 ticks were collected opportunistically from ruminants in the Kurdistan province. The collected samples were tested using a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the Rickettsia 16SrRNA gene. Rickettsia spp. positive by the qPCR were further amplified by conventional PCR of the gltA and OmpA genes. These ampliqons were further analyzed by sequencing. Results: The ticks species collected in this study included Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. turanicus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor marginatus. In total, DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 131 collected ticks (53.7%). Of the positives, Rickettsia slovaca (59.2%) and Ri. hoogstraalii (16.3%) were the most common species identified followed by Ri. raoultii, Ri. massiliae, Ri. sibirica, and Ri. conorii subsp. israelensis. In contrast, there were no positives observed in the blood samples collected from ruminants. Conclusion: The results indicate the presence of rickettsial species in ticks. The detection of these pathogens is significant because they cause clinical disease in humans. The results support the notion that the Iranian public health system needs to be more aware of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Moravedji
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mina Latifian
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahravani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Seyfi
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Mohammadi
- Department of Veterinary, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong 3220, VIC, Australia
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Hoseinpoor E, Goudarztalejerdi A, Sazmand A. Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in cats in different regions of Iran. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:198. [PMID: 38849724 PMCID: PMC11162091 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed. RESULTS Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities. CONCLUSIONS Current study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hoseinpoor
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
| | - Ali Goudarztalejerdi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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Moore CO, Lashnits E, Lappin M, Hawley J, Breitschwerdt EB. A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:209. [PMID: 38720359 PMCID: PMC11078739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06292-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O Moore
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Hawley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Afonso P, Lopes AP, Quintas H, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia conorii Infections in Shelter Dogs: Seropositivity and Implications for Public Health. Pathogens 2024; 13:129. [PMID: 38392867 PMCID: PMC10893242 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to gain insight into the epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis in northern Portugal. Specific IgG antibodies to Ehrlichia canis were analysed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibodies to Rickettsia conorii were analysed using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). A total of 113 dogs from two different shelters were sampled, and seroprevalence values of 0.9% (95% confidence (CI): 0.2-4.8%) for E. canis and 9.7 (95% CI: 5.5-16.6%) for R. conorii were found. Multiple logistic regression investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds ratios (ORs) of R. conorii seropositivity were higher for female dogs (OR = 6.429; 95% CI: 1.201-34.407). Dogs seropositive for co-infection (E. canis + R. conorii) were more frequently observed among females (OR = 7.606; CI 95%: 1.478-39.132) and in Shelter 2 (OR = 18.229; 95% CI: 2.190-151.756). These findings show that shelter dogs in northern Portugal are exposed to E. canis and R. conorii, which can affect both canines and humans. It is imperative to adopt a One Health approach to educate the public about the hazards of canine zoonoses and develop legislation and procedures to control their spread and preserve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Afonso
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hélder Quintas
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Beus K, Goudarztalejerdi A, Sazmand A. Molecular detection and identification of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in dogs and their ectoparasites in Iran. Sci Rep 2024; 14:580. [PMID: 38182649 PMCID: PMC10770070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51173-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemotropic Mycoplasma species are vector-borne bacteria that attach and grow on the surface of erythrocytes in various mammals, yet reports of canine hemoplasmosis in Iran are scarce. The aim of this study was molecular detection and identification of hemoplasmas in the blood of dogs (n = 370) from five provinces of Iran and ectoparasites infesting them including Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans fleas, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks, Heterodoxus spiniger lice and Hippobosca longipennis keds. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. pathogens were detected using genus-specific conventional PCRs, and subsequently identified using species-specific PCRs for Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc), and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp). Sanger sequencing was then performed to confirm the species. Correlation of infection and risk factors (geographical area, keeping condition, body condition, sex, age, ectoparasite infestation) were analyzed. In total, 210 dogs (56.7%) were tested PCR-positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. Species-specific PCR and sequencing revealed infection with Mhc in 17.8%, with CMhp in 7.02% and co-infection in 31.9% of dogs. Flea infestation, poor body condition, and being older than 3-years-old correlated with hemoplasmosis. In ectoparasites, DNA of hemoplasmas were detected only in fleas i.e. Mhc in P. irritans, CMhp in P. irritans and C. canis, and co-infection in C. canis. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale molecular epidemiology study of canine hemoplasmosis in Iran. Considering the high prevalence of canine hemoplasmosis all over the country including potentially zoonotic CMhp, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of dogs, successful chemoprophylaxis and public awareness strategies are advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Beus
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
| | - Ali Goudarztalejerdi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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Carbonara M, Iatta R, Sgroi G, Papadopoulos E, Lima C, Bouhsira E, Miró G, Nachum-Biala Y, Baneth G, Otranto D. Hepatozoon species infecting domestic cats from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102192. [PMID: 37201249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102192] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are caused by pathogens of human and veterinary concern representing a major public health issue worldwide. Although feline medicine has progressed much in the recent decades, data on feline TBDs (FeTBDs) remain scant. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of apicomplexan parasite infections, associated risk factors and clinical-hematological abnormalities in domestic feline populations from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Blood and serum samples from cats (n = 600) living in France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal and Spain were collected along with animal data (i.e., age, sex, breed, housing conditions and geographical origin), clinical signs and laboratory blood test parameters. Cats were grouped according to their age as kitten (up to one year), young (between one and six years), mature (between seven and ten years) and senior (older than ten years). Blood samples were tested for Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasmids by conventional PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection was 14.5%, being significantly higher in cats from Greece (30%) and Portugal (23%), followed by Spain (15%), Israel (15%) and France (4%). Cats from Italy scored negative. Hepatozoon felis was identified in 86 animals, with three different sequence types and H. silvestris was detected in one shelter cat from Portugal. No piroplasmid DNA was amplified. The risk of Hepatozoon spp. infection was related to feline geographical provenience, housing condition and age. No statistical correlation was reported with any clinical signs, while increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was the only laboratory abnormality significantly associated (p = 0.03) with the infection. Data suggest a high circulation of H. felis, and only occasionally of H. silvestris, within domestic feline populations in the Mediterranean basin, mainly in shelter or free roaming and young cats with asymptomatic or subclinical infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaelisa Carbonara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Clara Lima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, InTheres, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari 70010, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Yin F, Guo C, Li D, Tian Z, Li F. Molecular Survey and Genetic Characteristics of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Dogs from Four Regions of China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1867. [PMID: 37889788 PMCID: PMC10251890 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Islam MM, Farag E, Hassan MM, Jaffrey SS, Atta M, Al-Marri AM, Al-Zeyara AM, Al Romaihi H, Bansal D, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL. Rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar: A possible One-Health framework for the intervention of future epidemic. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
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10
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de Oliveira CM, Yang S, Duarte MA, Figueiredo DM, do Rosario Batista LM, Marr H, McManus CM, André MR, Birkenheuer AJ, Paludo GR. Piroplasmid infection is not associated with clinicopathological and laboratory abnormalities in cats from Midwestern Brazil. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2561-2570. [PMID: 35876912 PMCID: PMC10680102 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07602-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Feline piroplasmids include the genera Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Theileria spp. In Brazil, there are few reports regarding these hemoprotozoans; however, clinicopathological and molecular data are scarce. This study aimed to characterize the clinical relevance of these parasites through hematological, biochemical, and molecular approaches. For this purpose, 166 cats from Brasilia, Federal District, Midwestern Brazil, were screened using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for piroplasmids based on the LSU4 mitochondrial gene, which resulted in an overall prevalence of 36/166 (21.7%). Twelve of 166 samples (7.2%) were positive for C. felis, while 19/166 (11.4%) were positive for Babesia vogeli. No samples tested positive for Theileria spp. Babesia vogeli and Cytauxzoon spp. LSU4 sequences showed identities of 97-100% and 99.3%, respectively, to US isolates. The hematological and biochemical findings did not differ significantly between the cats that tested positive and negative for piroplasmids. Although the lack of abnormalities in clinical and laboratory parameters does not eliminate the possibility that these cats were sick and recovered, it may suggest that the Brazilian strain of Cytauxzoon spp. is not as pathogenic as that from the USA, despite the high molecular identity with North American isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Manoel de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia E Medicina Veterinária (FAV/UnB), Universidade de Brasília, CEP, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, ICC Centro - Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Sharon Yang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Matheus Almeida Duarte
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia E Medicina Veterinária (FAV/UnB), Universidade de Brasília, CEP, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, ICC Centro - Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Daniela Maciel Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia E Medicina Veterinária (FAV/UnB), Universidade de Brasília, CEP, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, ICC Centro - Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Liliane Maria do Rosario Batista
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia E Medicina Veterinária (FAV/UnB), Universidade de Brasília, CEP, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, ICC Centro - Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Henry Marr
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Concepta Margaret McManus
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias E Veterinárias Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adam Joseph Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Giane Regina Paludo
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia E Medicina Veterinária (FAV/UnB), Universidade de Brasília, CEP, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, ICC Centro - Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil.
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11
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Piroplasm Infection in Domestic Cats in the Mountainous Region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080900. [PMID: 36015024 PMCID: PMC9416778 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Piroplasm infections in domestic cats have been reported with increasing frequency in numerous countries. However, in some states of Brazil, little information is available about the occurrence of these parasites. Blood samples were collected from 250 cats treated at a private clinic in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The samples were each subjected to a blood count, microscopic examination, and molecular research on piroplasms. The animals’ clinical histories and epidemiological information were analyzed to identify the risk factors associated with infection. Ticks were recovered during the clinical care and were identified and subjected to molecular analyses to determine the presence of piroplasm DNA. Piroplasms were detected in 2.7% (7/250) of the cats. Nucleotide sequences of Babesia vogeli were identified in six cats, while the Cytauxzoon sp. was identified in one cat. Cats displaying apathy/weakness/prostration and hemorrhage/bleeding were more likely to be infected. In addition, Amblyomma aureolatum was recovered from a cat PCR-negative for piroplasms. This is the first study in Rio de Janeiro that has detected Babesia vogeli in cats. The results obtained here underscore the need for further studies in Rio de Janeiro to investigate the dynamics of such infections and the vectors involved.
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12
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Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Agents in Cats from Southeastern and Northern Brazil. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11010106. [PMID: 35056054 PMCID: PMC8781600 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though the epidemiology of tick-borne agents (TBA) in dogs has been extensively investigated around the world, the occurrence, vectors involved, and molecular identity of these agents in cats remains elusive in many regions. Among TBA, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon are responsible for diseases with non-specific clinical signs in cats, making essential the use of molecular techniques for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of tick-borne agents (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia/Theileria, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon) in cats from southeastern (states of São Paulo (SP) and Minas Gerais (MG)) and northern (state of Rondônia (RO)) Brazil. For this purpose, 390 blood samples were collected from domiciled cats in MG (n = 155), SP (n = 151), and RO(n = 84) states, submitted to DNA extraction and PCR assays for Ehrlichia spp. (dsb gene), Anaplasma spp. (rrs gene), piroplasmids (18S rRNA gene), and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA gene), sequencing, and phylogenetic inferences. The overall positivity for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. were 7.4% (12.3% (MG) and 6.6% (SP)), 2% (4.5% (MG) and 0.6% (SP)), 0.7% (0.6% (MG), 0.6% (SP) and 1.2% (RO)), 27.2% (41.9% (MG), 24.5% (SP) and 4.8% (RO), and 0%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the obtained sequences with ‘Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis’, A. platys, B. vogeli, and Cytauxzoon sp. previously detected in wild felids from Brazil. qPCR specific for E. canis based on the dsb gene confirmed the molecular identity of the detected ehrlichial agent. The present study expanded the list and geographical distribution of hemoparasites in cats. ‘Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis’, recently detected in sloths from northern Brazil, was described for the first time in cats. This is the first report of piroplasmids infecting cats in northern Brazil. Coinfection by Cytauxzoon and other TBA (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and B. vogeli) reported in the present study raises the need for veterinary practitioners’ awareness of cats parasitized by multiple TBA.
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13
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El-Maghraby MM, Mahmoud AE, Abdelkhalek DA, Sallam NH, Ali AM, Abd-Elaziz AA, Soliman ES. Insecticidal efficacy and safety of Phoxim and influence on hematological, biochemical, and antioxidant profiles in German Shepherd dogs. Open Vet J 2022; 12:888-902. [PMID: 36650864 PMCID: PMC9805765 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2022.v12.i6.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dogs' health and welfare enhancement can be achieved using some prophylactics and immunization go with strict hygienic and optimum biosecurity measures. Aim Exploration of the insecticidal action of Phoxim® for combating Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestation in dogs and its prophylactic influences on the blood indices, biochemistry, antioxidant enzymes, and cortisol hormone in healthy and infested dogs. Methods Twenty German Shepherd male dogs at 1 year old and 44.0 kg were divided randomly into four groups of five dogs in four separate Kennels with optimum biosecurity measures. The 1st group (G1) was artificially infested with R. sanguineus and treated with Phoxim®, the 2nd (G2) was non-infested and treated with Phoxim®, the 3rd (G3) was infested with R. sanguineus and not treated (positive control), and the 4th (G4) was accounted as negative control (non-infested and non-treated). A total of 160 (80 whole blood and 80 sera) samples were collected. Results Parasitological examination revealed prominent characteristic features of R. sanguineus such as a distinct anal groove, the basis capitulum is hexagonal and lateral, the palpi are short, the second segment of the palpi as long as wide and not produced laterally, and the spiracular plate is comma-shaped and consists of stigma, peritreme, and tail. The results conveyed highly significant (p < 0.01) enhancement in erythrocytes, leukocytes, hematohiston, hematocrit, hemoglobin centering, granulocytes, alanine aminotransferase, random blood sugars, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, and highly significant (p < 0.01) declines of all measured antioxidant enzymes in treated non-infested dogs. Conclusion Phoxim® proved efficient insecticidal activity with optimum safety and can be brought into play in the prophylactic biosecurity measures installed to eradicate external parasitism in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdouh M. El-Maghraby
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E. Mahmoud
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Dina A. Abdelkhalek
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Nahla H. Sallam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Abdelfattah M. Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Aliaa A. Abd-Elaziz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Essam S. Soliman
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt,Corresponding Author: Essam S. Soliman. Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
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14
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Atif FA, Mehnaz S, Qamar MF, Roheen T, Sajid MS, Ehtisham-ul-Haque S, Kashif M, Ben Said M. Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Control of Canine Infectious Cyclic Thrombocytopenia and Granulocytic Anaplasmosis: Emerging Diseases of Veterinary and Public Health Significance. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120312. [PMID: 34941839 PMCID: PMC8705095 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120312] [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: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the diagnostic methods used, the control strategies adopted, and the global epidemiological status of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia and granulocytic anaplasmosis at the animal–human interface. Canine anaplasmosis is an important worldwide disease, mainly caused by Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum with zoonotic implications. A. platys chiefly infects platelets in canids, while A. phagocytophilum is the most common zoonotic pathogen infecting neutrophils of various vertebrate hosts. Diagnosis is based on the identification of clinical signs, the recognition of intracellular inclusions observed by microscopic observation of stained blood smear, and/or methods detecting antibodies or nucleic acids, although DNA sequencing is usually required to confirm the pathogenic strain. Serological cross-reactivity is the main problem in serodiagnosis. Prevalence varies from area to area depending on tick exposure. Tetracyclines are significant drugs for human and animal anaplasmosis. No universal vaccine is yet available that protects against diverse geographic strains. The control of canine anaplasmosis therefore relies on the detection of vectors/reservoirs, control of tick vectors, and prevention of iatrogenic/mechanical transmission. The control strategies for human anaplasmosis include reducing high-risk tick contact activities (such as gardening and hiking), careful blood transfusion, by passing immunosuppression, recognizing, and control of reservoirs/vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Ahmad Atif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: or (F.A.A.); or (M.B.S.); Tel.: +92-47-7671270 (F.A.A.); +216-58-964147 (M.B.S.)
| | - Saba Mehnaz
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Fiaz Qamar
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (M.F.Q.); (S.E.-u.-H.)
| | - Taleeha Roheen
- Department of Chemistry (Biochemistry), University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Sohail Sajid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Syed Ehtisham-ul-Haque
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (M.F.Q.); (S.E.-u.-H.)
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Sub-Campus University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology at the National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Correspondence: or (F.A.A.); or (M.B.S.); Tel.: +92-47-7671270 (F.A.A.); +216-58-964147 (M.B.S.)
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15
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Krücken J, Czirják GÁ, Ramünke S, Serocki M, Heinrich SK, Melzheimer J, Costa MC, Hofer H, Aschenborn OHK, Barker NA, Capodanno S, de Carvalho LM, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, East ML, Wachter B. Genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in spotted and brown hyenas from Namibia and Tanzania relates to ecological conditions rather than host taxonomy. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:328. [PMID: 34134753 PMCID: PMC8207800 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04835-x] [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: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improved knowledge on vector-borne pathogens in wildlife will help determine their effect on host species at the population and individual level and whether these are affected by anthropogenic factors such as global climate change and landscape changes. Here, samples from brown hyenas (Parahyaena brunnea) from Namibia (BHNA) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) from Namibia (SHNA) and Tanzania (SHTZ) were screened for vector-borne pathogens to assess the frequency and genetic diversity of pathogens and the effect of ecological conditions and host taxonomy on this diversity. Methods Tissue samples from BHNA (n = 17), SHNA (n = 19) and SHTZ (n = 25) were analysed by PCRs targeting Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., piroplasms, specifically Babesia lengau-like piroplasms, Hepatozoidae and filarioids. After sequencing, maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses were conducted. Results The relative frequency of Anaplasmataceae was significantly higher in BHNA (82.4%) and SHNA (100.0%) than in SHTZ (32.0%). Only Anaplasma phagocytophilum/platys-like and Anaplasma bovis-like sequences were detected. Rickettsia raoultii was found in one BHNA and three SHTZ. This is the first report of R. raoultii from sub-Saharan Africa. Babesia lengau-like piroplasms were found in 70.6% of BHNA, 88.9% of SHNA and 32.0% of SHTZ, showing higher sequence diversity than B. lengau from South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). In one SHTZ, a Babesia vogeli-like sequence was identified. Hepatozoon felis-like parasites were identified in 64.7% of BHNA, 36.8% of SHNA and 44.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis placed the sequences outside the major H. felis cluster originating from wild and domestic felids. Filarioids were detected in 47.1% of BHNA, 47.4% of SHNA and 36.0% of SHTZ. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genetic diversity and suggested the presence of several undescribed species. Co-infections were frequently detected in SHNA and BHNA (BHNA median 3 pathogens, range 1–4; SHNA median 3 pathogens, range 2–4) and significantly rarer in SHTZ (median 1, range 0–4, 9 individuals uninfected). Conclusions The frequencies of all pathogens groups were high, and except for Rickettsia, multiple species and genotypes were identified for each pathogen group. Ecological conditions explained pathogen identity and diversity better than host taxonomy. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04835-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Serocki
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja K Heinrich
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Melzheimer
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Carolina Costa
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nancy A Barker
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Stefano Capodanno
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Marion L East
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bettina Wachter
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Islam MM, Farag E, Mahmoudi A, Hassan MM, Mostafavi E, Enan KA, Al-Romaihi H, Atta M, El Hussein ARM, Mkhize-Kwitshana Z. Rodent-Related Zoonotic Pathogens at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface in Qatar: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115928. [PMID: 34073025 PMCID: PMC8198466 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rodents are one of the most diversified terrestrial mammals, and they perform several beneficial activities in nature. These animals are also important as carriers of many pathogens with public health importance. The current systematic review was conducted to formulate a true depiction of rodent-related zoonoses in Qatar. Following systematic searches on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science and a screening process, a total of 94 published articles were selected and studied. The studied articles reported 23 rodent-related zoonotic pathogens that include nine bacterial, eleven parasitic, and three viral pathogens, from which the frequently reported pathogens were Mycobacterium tuberculosis (32 reports), Escherichia coli (23), and Salmonella spp. (16). The possible pathway of entry of the rodent-borne pathogens can be the land port, seaports, and airport of Qatar through carrier humans and animals, contaminated food, and agricultural products. The pathogens can be conserved internally by rodents, pets, and livestock; by agricultural production systems; and by food marketing chains. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of the pathogens among the human population was 4.27% (95%CI: 4.03–4.51%; p < 0.001) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.50%). The top three highest prevalent pathogens were M.tuberculosis (30.90%; 22.75–39.04%; p < 0.001; I2 = 99.70%) followed by Toxoplasma gondii (21.93%; 6.23–37.61%; p < 0.001; I2 = 99.30%) and hepatitis E virus (18.29%; 11.72–24.86%; p < 0.001; I2 = 96.70%). However, there is a knowledge gap about the listed pathogens regarding the occurrence, transmission pathways, and rodent role in transmission dynamics at the human–animal–environment interface in Qatar. Further studies are required to explore the role of rodents in spreading zoonotic pathogens through the One Health framework, consisting of zoologists, ecologists, microbiologists, entomologists, veterinarians, and public health experts in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mazharul Islam
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar; (K.A.E.), (M.A.)
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Correspondence: or (M.M.I.); (E.F.); Tel.: +974-660-64382 (M.M.I.); +974-440-70396 (E.F.)
| | - Elmoubashar Farag
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar;
- Correspondence: or (M.M.I.); (E.F.); Tel.: +974-660-64382 (M.M.I.); +974-440-70396 (E.F.)
| | - Ahmad Mahmoudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan 6556153145, Iran
| | - Khalid A. Enan
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar; (K.A.E.), (M.A.)
- Department of Virology, Central Laboratory, The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khartum 7099, Sudan;
| | | | - Muzzamil Atta
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar; (K.A.E.), (M.A.)
- College of Animal Production, Bahri University, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Abdel Rahim M. El Hussein
- Department of Virology, Central Laboratory, The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khartum 7099, Sudan;
| | - Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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17
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Selim A, Alanazi AD, Sazmand A, Otranto D. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Egypt. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:175. [PMID: 33752744 PMCID: PMC7986556 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dogs play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic vector-borne pathogens worldwide, yet reports of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in Egypt are scarce. Methods Serum samples were collected from pet dogs (n = 500) of the three most common breeds (German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Pit Bull) in five Governates of Cairo (n = 230), Giza (n = 110), Al-Qalyubia (n = 60), Al-Gharbia (n = 60) and Kafr El-Sheikh (n = 40) with a hot desert climate. The presence of antibodies to Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum, A. platys), Ehrlichia spp. (E. canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) and Dirofilaria immitis were assessed using IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® ELISA tests. For each pathogen, risk factors (i.e. geographical area, keeping condition, sex, age, breed, tick infestation, weekly sanitation of dog enclosures and application of ectoparasiticides) were evaluated by logistic regression approach. Results In total, 18.2% (n = 91, 95% CI 15.1–21.8) of dogs scored seropositive for at least one pathogen, the most frequent being Ehrlichia spp. (n = 56; 11.2%; 95% CI 8.7–14.3) followed by Anaplasma spp. (n = 33; 6.6%, 95% CI 4.7–9.1), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) (n = 9; 1.8%, 95% CI 0.9–3.4) and D. immitis (n = 7; 1.4%, 95% CI 0.9–2.9). In the tested population, 15.4% (95% CI 12.5–18.8) of dogs were exposed to a single pathogen while 2.4 (95% CI 1.4–4.2) and 0.4% (95% CI 0.1–1.4) were simultaneously exposed to two or three pathogens, respectively. Major risk factors associated with VBDs were living outdoors (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001), female sex (Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.005), German Shepherd breed (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.04; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.03), tick infestation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.003; D. immitis, P = 0.02), irregular sanitation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.002; D. immitis, P = 0.01) and not using ectoparasiticides (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.007). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale seroepidemiological study of CVBDs in Egypt. Considering that all of the detected pathogens are potentially zoonotic, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of pet dogs and successful chemoprophylaxis are advocated. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi, 11911, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran. .,Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 8915173160, Iran.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Bari, Italy
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18
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Iatta R, Sazmand A, Nguyen VL, Nemati F, Ayaz MM, Bahiraei Z, Zafari S, Giannico A, Greco G, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Vector-borne pathogens in dogs of different regions of Iran and Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4219-4228. [PMID: 33506332 PMCID: PMC8599219 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries, mainly due to favorable climate conditions and reduced adoption of preventive measures. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the prevalence of CVBDs in Iran and Pakistan where limited data are available. Blood samples were collected from 403 dogs from six provinces in Iran and Pakistan to assess the presence of pathogen DNA (i.e., Anaplasma spp., Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., filarioids, and Leishmania spp.). Sera were also screened by an immunofluorescence antibody test for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania infantum. In total, 46.9% of dogs scored positive to Hepatozoon canis being the most frequently detected (41.4%), followed by Anaplasma platys (6.4%), Ehrlichia canis (3.4%), Rickettsia spp. (2.2%), Babesia vogeli (1.0%), and L. infantum (0.3%). A seroprevalence of 9.6% to anti-L. infantum IgG was also recorded. Data reported herein demonstrate that dogs from Iran and Pakistan are at a high risk of CVBDs, particularly of canine hepatozoonosis. Effective control strategies are advocated for minimizing the risk of infection in animals and humans, also in consideration of the zoonotic potential of some pathogens detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.,Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Farzad Nemati
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Zahra Bahiraei
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Salman Zafari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Anna Giannico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, Putignano (BA), Italy
| | - Grazia Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. .,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Malangmei L, Ajith Kumar KG, Nandini A, Bora CAF, Varghese A, Amrutha BM, Kurbet PS, Pradeep RK, Nimisha M, Deepa CK, John L, Ravindran R. Molecular Characterization of Hemoparasites and Hemoplasmas Infecting Domestic Cats of Southern India. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:597598. [PMID: 33569397 PMCID: PMC7868331 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.597598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, 111 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy cats belonging to four districts of Kerala, southern India, and they were investigated for the presence of hemoparasites and hemoplasmas by light microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smears did not reveal any parasites/organisms. However, PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing could detect 10 (9.01%) out of 111 samples infected with Hepatozoon felis, 3 (2.70%) with Cytauxzoon spp., and 10 (9.01%) with Mycoplasma spp. None of the samples revealed amplicons specific for the Babesia spp. and Trypanosoma evansi. The phylogenetic analysis of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences of H. felis revealed the existence of two different populations of H. felis circulating in the blood of infected cats. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 18S rRNA gene sequences of Cytauxzoon spp. and revealed that these isolates formed a distinct clade and do not cluster with any of the isolates from other countries. Among the 10 samples positive for Mycoplasma spp. infections, 7 were detected positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, two for Mycoplasma haemofelis, and one for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of Mycoplasma spp. showed no distinct geographical grouping of the sequences. The sequences of M. haemofelis, Candidatus M. haemominutum, and Candidatus M. turicensis identified in the study clustered along with their respective isolates from around the world. To the best of our knowledge, this study forms the first report of molecular detection of Cytauxzoon spp. and Candidatus M. turicensis in cats from India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanchalung Malangmei
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad, India
| | | | - Ashwathappa Nandini
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad, India
| | | | - Anju Varghese
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad, India
| | - Birur Mallappa Amrutha
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad, India
| | | | | | - Murikoli Nimisha
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad, India
| | | | - Lijo John
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad, India
| | - Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Wayanad, India
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Alanazi AD, Alouffi AS, Alyousif MS, Alshahrani MY, Abdullah HHAM, Abdel-Shafy S, Calvani NED, Ansari-Lari M, Sazmand A, Otranto D. Molecular Survey of Vector-Borne Pathogens of Dogs and Cats in Two Regions of Saudi Arabia. Pathogens 2020; 10:25. [PMID: 33396491 PMCID: PMC7823254 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats play an important role as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens, yet reports of canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Blood samples were collected from 188 free-roaming dogs and cats in Asir (70 dogs and 44 cats) and Riyadh (74 dogs), Saudi Arabia. The presence of Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. was detected using a multiplex tandem real-time PCR. PCR-positive samples were further examined with specific conventional and real-time PCR followed by sequencing. Dogs from Riyadh tested negative for all pathogens, while 46 out of 70 dogs (65.7%) and 17 out of 44 cats (38.6%) from Asir were positive for at least one pathogen. Positive dogs were infected with Anaplasma platys (57.1%), Babesia vogeli (30%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (15.7%), and Bartonella henselae (1.4%), and cats were infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis (13.6%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (13.6%), B. henselae (9.2%), and A. platys (2.27%), all of which are reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Co-infection with A. platys and B. vogeli was detected in 17 dogs (24.28%), while coinfections were not detected in cats. These results suggest that effective control and public awareness strategies for minimizing infection in animals are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah D. Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohamed S. Alyousif
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Y. Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, Abha 9088, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hend H. A. M. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (H.H.A.M.A.); (S.A.-S.)
| | - Sobhy Abdel-Shafy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (H.H.A.M.A.); (S.A.-S.)
| | - Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Maryam Ansari-Lari
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 7144169155, Iran;
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517658978, Iran;
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 8915173160, Iran
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 6517658978, Iran;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy
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Epidemiological Study of Canine Babesiosis and Hepatozoonosis in the South of Romania. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:669-678. [PMID: 32300950 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of canine babesiosis and hepatozoonosis in the south of Romania as well as to assess if there are differences in the prevalence between regions in that area. METHODS Blood samples from 300 dogs from the south of Romania were screened for the presence of piroplasmids by PCR. Positive samples were further tested for the presence of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon canis. Pearson's chi-square with Yates correction was used to determine if there is statistical difference between infected populations. RESULTS Fifty-four percent (163/300) of the dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp. or piroplasmids. Forty-eight percent (143/300) were infected with H. canis and 9.6% (29/300) were positive to B. canis. Three percent (9/300) of the dogs were co-infected with Babesia spp. and H. canis. The prevalence of H. canis in the south-west of Romania was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of three other regions while the prevalence of Babesia spp. infection in the south-east of the country was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to its south-west. CONCLUSIONS A high rate of H. canis infection was found in the stray dog population surveyed with the highest infection rate detected in south-western Romania. Babesia canis was found to pose the highest threat in south-eastern Romania, whereas B. vogeli infection was focused in the same region of high H. canis infection in south-western Romania. These infections should be of important concern to veterinarians and dog owners in Romania.
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Al –Obaidi SSA, Khalaf Al-Ani JM, Al-Shammari NB. Molecular Detection of Some Anaplasma Species in Blood of Dogs in Baghdad Province, Iraq. THE IRAQI JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.30539/ijvm.v44i1.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 150 blood samples were collected from dogs and examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, which was used to detect the 16S RNA gene of Anaplasma platys and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Subsequent analysis of the PCR amplicons was achieved by nucleotides sequencing of some positive samples. Totally, the findings show the presence of PCR products (i.e., Anaplasma spp. infection) in 12/150 (8.0%) of the dogs under study. While 5/150 (3.33%) of the cases were A. platys, 7/150 (4.66%) were A. phagocytophilum. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed the identity of the amplified genes whose sequences were compared with other references belong to 15 of 16S rRNA gene of A. platys and 14 references of 16S rRNA gene of A. phagocytophilum, and the isolate sequences of this study were deposited on the Gene Bank. The identity and similarity scores between the isolates of this study and reference strains ranged from 98 to 99%. In conclusion, canine anaplasmosis prevalence in dogs could be underestimated in Iraq, and the phylogenetic tree of the local A. platys and A. phagocytophilum isolates were found to resemble other worldwide strains of Anaplasma spp. with a high degree of similarity.
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Clímaco LR, Núñez CR, Cardenas RH. Evaluación de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores en perros de un área de clima sub-frío de México. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2020. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v25n2.77737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
La distribución geográfica de las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores está influenciada por una dinámica compleja de factores ambientales, sociales y el impacto cambiante de la transmisión de sus vectores, huéspedes intermedios y reservorios. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la seropositividad a anticuerpos anti-Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferia y la seropositividad a antígenos de Dirofilaria immitis en perros de un área de México con un clima semifrío. Se tomaron 100 muestras de sangre de caninos de hogares privados y en clínicas veterinarias del estado de Amecameca de Juárez, Estado de México. El análisis de las muestras se llevó a cabo mediante un kit comercial de ELISA (Test SNAP® 4Dx® Plus Canine IDEXX®). A los resultados se observó una seropositividad a anticuerpos anti-E. canis del 30 %, 9 % para A. phagocytophilum, 4 % para B. burgdorferi y 16 % para antígenos de D. immitis. Así mismo, se halló una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la seropositividad a anticuerpos anti-E. canis y perros mayores a un año y de raza. Por otra parte se reportaron resultados similares en perros machos y mayores de un año con seropositividad a D. immitis. Con los resultados obtenidos, se concluye que existe una mayor seropositividad para la infección por E. canis y D. immitis y una asociación significativa en perros mayores de un año. Es de gran relevancia conocer la epidemiología de patógenos transmitidos por garrapatas debido al impacto zoonotico que implican. Se recomiendan investigaciones adicionales, así como medidas preventivas de salud animal y salud pública para reducir el riesgo de infección en perros.
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Penzhorn BL, Oosthuizen MC. Babesia Species of Domestic Cats: Molecular Characterization Has Opened Pandora's Box. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:134. [PMID: 32292793 PMCID: PMC7118673 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This is the first comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to Babesia species reported from domestic cats. Description of the four species (Babesia felis, Babesia cati, Babesia herpailuri, and Babesia pantherae) named based on morphology and/or host specificity is documented. Feline babesiosis is of major veterinary concern only in South Africa. Reports of the rare occurrence of feline babesiosis cases in Europe (France, Germany, Poland, and Spain) and Asia (Israel, India, and Pakistan) are documented. Molecular characterization has revealed that cats can harbor a variety of Babesia species. The previous practice of referring to all piroplasms, especially small ones, seen on feline blood smears as B. felis is therefore no longer tenable. The near-full-length 18S rRNA gene sequences entered into GenBank in 2001 (accession no. AF244912) are designated as definitive for B. felis sensu stricto. All published literature relating to molecular characterization of feline Babesia species that could be traced was critically assessed. Four Babesia species are now known to be involved in causing feline babesiosis in South Africa: the closely related B. felis s.s. and Babesia leo (clade I), Babesia lengau (clade II), and Babesia species cat Western Cape (clade VI, Babesia s.s.). Clade VI also includes Babesia canis presentii and Babesia hongkongensis reported from cats in Asia. Six other Babesia species have been reported from domestic cats: the dog-associated B. canis s.s., Babesia gibsoni, and B. vogeli, as well as Babesia lohae, Babesia microti, and Babesia vulpes. Phylogenetic relationships of all named species were assessed and are presented as trees. The relatively high prevalence of B. vogeli in clinically healthy cats (16% in Brazil, 13% on St Kitts, and 8.1% in Portugal) suggests that immunocompetent cats can harbor the infection with no discernible untoward effects. Reports of occurrence of B. felis and other Babesia species in domestic cats should be accepted only if they are supported by credible molecular provenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barend L. Penzhorn
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Research Associate, National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marinda C. Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Research and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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Otranto D, Iatta R, Baneth G, Cavalera MA, Bianco A, Parisi A, Dantas-Torres F, Colella V, McMillan-Cole AC, Chomel B. High prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in domestic and wild carnivores in Iraq. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105058. [PMID: 31185223 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) of domestic and wild carnivores are of major public health concern both in industrialized and developing countries, especially in poor socioeconomic settings. War-torn areas specifically suffer from absence of veterinary surveillance of VBDs, resulting in lack of scientific knowledge on this topic. To investigate occurence and prevalence of several vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in some carnivore species from Iraq, blood samples (n = 397) were obtained from 190 canids [97 stray dogs (Canis familiaris), 55 jackals (Canis aureus) and 38 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)] and 207 stray cats (Felis catus) collected during a feral animal control and zoonotic disease surveillance program in several United States military bases in Iraq. The presence of Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Dirofilaria spp. and Leishmania spp. DNA was molecularly investigated. Out of 397 animals tested, 176 (44.3%; 95% CI: 39.5-49.2%) were positive for at least one pathogen with the highest prevalence in foxes (73.7%; 95% CI: 58-85%), followed by jackals (54.5%; 95% CI: 41.5-67%), dogs (38.1%; 29.1-48.1%) and cats (39.1%; 95% CI: 32.7-45.9%). Up to five pathogens were diagnosed in dogs. Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent VBP in jackals (49.1%; 95% CI: 36.4-61.9%), foxes (47.3%; 95% CI: 32.5-62.7%) and dogs (33%; 95% CI: 24.4-42.8%), whereas Hepatozoon felis was the only species detected in cats (39.1%; 95% CI: 32.7-45.9%). A species of Babesia related to but different from Babesia lengau and designated as Babesia sp. MML was detected in six foxes (15.8%; 95% CI: 7.4-30.4%) and in one jackal (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.3-9.6%). This finding suggested the existence of a new species in the genus Babesia as inferred by molecular and phylogenetical analysis. Further, Babesia vulpes was identified only in two foxes (5.3%; 95% CI: 1.5-17.3%). All samples were negative for Leishmania spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Co-infection with H. canis and Babesia spp. was the most prevalent (5/176, 2.8%, i.e., 4 foxes and 1 jackal), followed by H. canis and Dirofilaria immitis (1/176, 1.3%, i.e., in 1 jackal), H. canis and Dirofilaria repens or Acanthocheilonema reconditum (1/176, 1.3%, i.e., in one dog, each). Data presented fill gaps into knowledge of VBPs in dogs, cats and wild canids in Iraq, indicating that different pathogens circulate amongst animal populations living in the same areas, possibly sharing the same tick vectors. Large-scale surveys are urgently needed to further assess VBPs distribution in Iraq and establish preventative strategies in domestic animals to minimize the risk of infection for animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Gad Baneth
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maria Alfonsa Cavalera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angelica Bianco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, 70017, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Parisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Puglia e della Basilicata, 70017, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), 50670-420, Recife, Brazil
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 3010, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Bruno Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 95616, Davis, CA, USA
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Lima C, Colella V, Latrofa MS, Cardoso L, Otranto D, Alho AM. Molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in dogs and a cat from Doha, Qatar. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:125. [PMID: 30909973 PMCID: PMC6434820 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3394-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine and feline leishmanioses are increasingly reported worldwide and represent a threat to both animal and human health. Despite their relevance, data about leishmanioses in companion animals in the east-central part of the Arabian Peninsula are unavailable. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in dogs and cats from Qatar. Methods From March 2016 to May 2018, 199 pets (120 dogs and 79 cats) living in Doha or its outskirts were included in this study. From each animal a blood sample was collected and tested for Leishmania spp. by quantitative real-time PCR. Results Out of the 199 animals, four (2.0%) were positive for Leishmania spp., including three dogs (2.5%) and one cat (1.3%). Conclusions All positive animals were born in Qatar and had not travelled overseas, suggesting that infection was locally acquired. Considering the occurrence of Leishmania spp. and its potential impact on the health of animals and humans, it is crucial to increase scientific knowledge in order to plan screening and regular prophylaxis against sand fly vectors to reduce the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lima
- Parkview Pet Center and Cityview Veterinary Clinic, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ana Margarida Alho
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon (ULisboa), Lisbon, Portugal
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Low VL, Prakash BK, Lim YAL, Tan TK, Vinnie-Siow WY, Sofian-Azirun M, AbuBakar S. Detection of Anaplasmataceae agents and co-infection with other tick-borne protozoa in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 75:429-435. [PMID: 30073430 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are of serious health concern worldwide for animals and humans. In the present study, we report the occurrence of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks from Peninsular Malaysia using a nested polymerase chain reaction assay based on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. Anaplasma platys was detected from dogs and ticks with prevalence rates of 3.3% (8/240) and 2.9% (4/140), respectively. On the other hand, 12.9% (31/240) of the dogs and 0.7% (1/140) of the ticks were tested positive for E. canis. Additionally, co-infections of A. platys and E. canis with Babesia or Hepatozoon protozoa were also noted in this study. Double infection (E. canis + B. gibsoni) was observed in tick, whereas triple infections (E. canis + A. platys + B. vogeli and E. canis + A. platys + H. canis) were found in dogs. This study represents the first evidence of A. platys DNA in R. sanguineus s.l. in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Batah Kunalan Prakash
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERIA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tiong Kai Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Yin Vinnie-Siow
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Sofian-Azirun
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Marcondes M, Hirata KY, Vides JP, Sobrinho LSV, Azevedo JS, Vieira TSWJ, Vieira RFC. Infection by Mycoplasma spp., feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus in cats from an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:131. [PMID: 29554969 PMCID: PMC5859654 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2716-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been increasingly recognized in cats living in areas endemic for the disease. Co-infection with Leishmania infantum and other infectious agents is well established in dogs. However, for cats, data on co-infections with L. infantum and other infectious agents are still sparse. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens, Mycoplasma spp., feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in cats from an area endemic for VL in southeastern Brazil. Results Of the 90 cats, eight (8.9%) were infected with Mycoplasma spp., five (5.5%) were FIV- positive and one (1.1%) was FeLV-positive. Co-infection with L. infantum and at least one other infectious agent was found in 9/50 (18.0%; CI: 8.6–31.4%) cats. In Group 1 (cats infected naturally by L. infantum), 4/50 (8.0%) cats were positive for FIV, 4/50 (8%) for Mycoplasma spp. and 1/50 (2.0%) was co-infected with FeLV and Mycoplasma spp. In Group 2 (cats non-infected with L. infantum), 2/40 (5.0%) cats were infected with Mycoplasma spp. and 1/40 (2.5%) was co-infected with FIV and Mycoplasma spp. All cats were negative for Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Anaplasma platys. Conclusion A low prevalence of co-infection in Leishmania-infected and non-infected cats was found. Co-infections with Leishmania and vector-borne diseases in cats are not common in this area endemic for VL in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Marcondes
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Karina Y Hirata
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana P Vides
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ludmila S V Sobrinho
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline S Azevedo
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thállitha S W J Vieira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rafael F C Vieira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Oliveira AC, Luz MF, Granada S, Vilhena H, Nachum-Biala Y, Lopes AP, Cardoso L, Baneth G. Molecular detection of Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon felis in cats from Luanda, Angola. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:167. [PMID: 29554946 PMCID: PMC5859530 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Molecular identification of tick-borne pathogen infection in cats from Africa is scarce. The presence of bacterial (Anaplasma and Ehrlichia) and protozoal (Babesia and Hepatozoon) agents was investigated in blood samples from 102 domestic cats from Luanda, Angola, by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. Results Three cats (2.9%) were found infected with Ehrlichia canis, three (2.9%) with Hepatozoon felis and one (1.0%) with Anaplasma bovis. The prevalence of infections with one single agent was 4.9%, and that of infection with two agents (i.e. E. canis and H. felis) was 1.0%. In total, six cats (5.9%) were found infected with at least one of the detected tick-borne agents. Conclusions This is the first report of A. bovis, E. canis and H. felis in cats from Angola. To the best of our knowledge, A. bovis is also being reported for the first time in domestic cats outside of Japan. Cats are at a low to moderate risk of being infected with tick-borne agents in Luanda. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2767-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hugo Vilhena
- Center for Investigation Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vasco da Gama University School, Coimbra, Portugal.,Baixo Vouga Veterinary Hospital, Águeda, Portugal.,Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
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30
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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: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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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31
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Ahmad AS, Saeed MA, Rashid I, Ashraf K, Shehzad W, Traub RJ, Baneth G, Jabbar A. Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon canis from farm dogs in Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1131-1138. [PMID: 29455420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne pathogen of canids, which is distributed worldwide. However, very little is known about this protozoan parasite in Pakistan. This study provides the first molecular evidence of H. canis from farm dogs from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. A conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene was used to characterize H. canis from farm dogs from three districts, namely Kasur, Rawalpindi, and Muzaffargarh, in Punjab. Of 341 blood samples tested, 155 (45.5%) were positive for H. canis, 73 (61.3%) from Kasur, 46 (42.5%) from Rawalpindi, and 36 (31.5%) from Muzaffargarh. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 18S rRNA sequences of H. canis from this study clustered in three clades with those of H. canis from previously published studies to the exclusion of all other Hepatozoon spp. included in the analysis. This study provides the first insight into H. canis from farm dogs in Pakistan. Furthermore, it lays a foundation for future studies of the parasite to assess the impact of canine hepatozoonosis in dogs from various agro-ecological zones in Pakistan where pet ownership of dogs is increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah S Ahmad
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad A Saeed
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Shehzad
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gad Baneth
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Wang J, Zhang J, Kelly P, Zheng X, Li M, You J, Huang K, Qiu H, Wang Y, Zhang R, Li J, Dong J, Feng Y, Zhou J, Wang C. First description of the pathogenicity of Babesia vogeli in experimentally infected dogs. Vet Parasitol 2018; 253:1-7. [PMID: 29604992 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that occurs worldwide with the most recognized Babesia species that infect dogs being Babesia canis, B. vogeli, B. rossi and B. gibsoni. While B. vogeli is reported in dogs worldwide, clinical and laboratory data on infections is based on reports of naturally infected dogs. To provide reliable data on the clinical and laboratory abnormalities associated with acute and more chronic infections in healthy dogs free of other tick-borne diseases, we experimentally infected dogs with a Chinese strain of B. vogeli. All of the six infected Beagles, three of which were splenectomized, became infected with B. vogeli detected in blood smears taken the day following infection and the organism detected by FRET-qPCRs in most blood samples (77/86; 90%) collected about every 4 days until the end of the experiment on day 95. All the infected dogs showed fever, partial anorexia and malaise that was more severe in the splenectomized dogs that did not gain weight for three weeks in the period after initial infection. Regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia and decreased white blood cell counts were seen in all dogs but were more severe in the splenectomized dogs, of which two had life threatening infections and had to be removed from the study for treatment. Following re-infection on day 66, none of the dogs showed clinical signs and copy numbers did not change significantly although all the dogs were negative by FRET-qPCR on at least some of the subsequent sampling days. Laboratory values in the non-splenectomized dogs were relatively unchanged while in the splenectomized dog there was a temporary small increase in the platelet and white blood cell counts and a temporary slight worsening of the anemia. In summary, our study shows dogs experimentally infected with a B. vogeli strain from China develop only mild clinical signs that are followed by asymptomatic infections that can last for least 95 days. In splenectomized dogs, however, severe life threatening signs may develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jinfeng You
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Ke Huang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Haixiang Qiu
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jianji Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Junsheng Dong
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yi Feng
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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