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Giannelli A, Schnyder M, Wright I, Charlier J. Control of companion animal parasites and impact on One Health. One Health 2024; 18:100679. [PMID: 39010968 PMCID: PMC11247265 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decades have witnessed an increase in the global population and movements of companion animals, contributing to changes in density and distribution of pet parasites. Control of companion animal parasites (CAPs) becomes increasingly relevant because of the intensifying human-animal bond. Parasites impact on the health of humans and their pets, but also of wildlife and the environment. We conducted a qualitative review on the current advancements, gaps and priorities for the monitoring and treatment of CAPs with a focus on securing public health. There is a need to raise awareness, coordinate global surveillance schemes and better quantify the impact of companion animal parasites on One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Ian Wright
- ESCCAP UK & Ireland, PO Box 358, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 9HQ, United Kingdom
- Mount Veterinary Practice, 1 Harris Street, Fleetwood FY7 6QX, United Kingdom
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2
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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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Moore CO, André MR, Šlapeta J, Breitschwerdt EB. Vector biology of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:324-337. [PMID: 38458883 PMCID: PMC11168582 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.02.006] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is among the most prevalent and widely dispersed vectors worldwide. Unfortunately, research on C. felis and associated pathogens (Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.) lags behind that of other vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Therefore, we aimed to review fundamental aspects of C. felis as a vector (behavior, epidemiology, phylogenetics, immunology, and microbiome composition) with an emphasis on key techniques and research avenues employed in other vector species. Future laboratory C. felis experimental infections with Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia species/strains should examine the vector-pathogen interface utilizing contemporary visualization, transcriptomic, and gene-editing techniques. Further environmental sampling will inform the range and prevalence of C. felis and associated pathogens, improving the accuracy of vector and pathogen modeling to improve infection/infestation risk assessment and diagnostic recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O Moore
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, North Carolina State University, NC, USA
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, North Carolina State University, NC, USA.
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Perkins R, Barron L, Glauser G, Whitehead M, Woodward G, Goulson D. Down-the-drain pathways for fipronil and imidacloprid applied as spot-on parasiticides to dogs: Estimating aquatic pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170175. [PMID: 38244617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Fipronil and imidacloprid have been widely detected in UK surface waters in recent years, often at concentrations that ecotoxicological studies have shown can harm aquatic life. Down-the-drain (DTD) passage of pet flea and tick treatments are being implicated as an important source, with many of the UK's 22 million cats and dogs receiving routine, year-round preventative doses containing these parasiticides. The UK Water Industry's 3rd Chemical Investigation Programme (UKWIR CIP3) has confirmed wastewater as a major entry pathway for these chemicals into surface waters, but the routes by which they enter the wastewater system remain unclear. We addressed this knowledge gap by conducting the first quantification of DTD emissions from 98 dogs treated with spot-on ectoparasiticides containing fipronil or imidacloprid, through bathing, bed washing and washing of owners' hands. Both chemicals were detected in 100 % of washoff samples, with bathing accounting for the largest emissions per event (up to 16.8 % of applied imidacloprid and 24.5 % of applied fipronil). Modelled to account for the frequency of emitting activities, owner handwashing was identified as the largest source of DTD emissions from the population overall, with handwash emissions occurring for at least 28 days following product application and an estimated 4.9 % of imidacloprid and 3.1 % of fipronil applied in dog spot-ons passing down-the-drain via this route. The normalised daily per capita emissions for all routes combined were 8.7 μg/person/day for imidacloprid and 2.1 μg/person/day for fipronil, equivalent to 20-40 % of the daily per capita load in wastewater, as estimated from UKWIR CIP3 data. Within the current international regulatory framework adhered to by the UK, the environmental exposure of veterinary medicines intended for use in small companion animals is assumed to be low, and DTD pathways are not considered. We recommend a systematic review of regulations and practices to address this overlooked pollution pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Perkins
- University of Sussex, School of Life Sciences, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.
| | - Leon Barron
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Gaëtan Glauser
- Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Av. de Bellevaux 51, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Whitehead
- Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5SY, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Woodward
- The Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Goulson
- University of Sussex, School of Life Sciences, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
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Razgūnaitė M, Lipatova I, Paulauskas A, Snegiriovaitė J, Karvelienė B, Zamokas G, Laukutė M, Radzijevskaja J. Prevalence and Diversity of Haemotropic Mycoplasma Species in Cats and Their Ectoparasites (Fleas and Ticks). Vet Sci 2024; 11:81. [PMID: 38393099 PMCID: PMC10892483 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma spp. pathogens frequently cause chronic and acute diseases in cats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and genetic diversity of Mycoplasma spp. in cats and their ectoparasites using PCR and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. Blood samples were collected from 541 domestic and stray cats in Lithuania. Ectoparasites (153 fleas and 321 ticks) were collected from owned domestic cats that live both outdoors and indoors. Mycoplasma spp. were detected in 7.2% of cat blood samples and 4.4% of Ctenocephalides felis fleas. The sequence analysis revealed the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis in 1.1% of cats and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum' in 4.8% of cats. Ct. felis fleas harboured M. haemofelis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence and molecular characterisation of Mycoplasma bacteria in cats in Lithuania and cat fleas in the Baltic States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miglė Razgūnaitė
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Indrė Lipatova
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Justina Snegiriovaitė
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Birutė Karvelienė
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.K.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gintaras Zamokas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.K.); (G.Z.)
| | - Monika Laukutė
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.K.); (G.Z.)
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
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Farrell S, McGarry J, Noble PM, Pinchbeck GJ, Cantwell S, Radford AD, Singleton DA. Seasonality and other risk factors for fleas infestations in domestic dogs and cats. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:359-370. [PMID: 36621899 PMCID: PMC10946788 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fleas in the genus Ctenocephalides are the most clinically important parasitic arthropods of dogs and cats worldwide yet risk factors that might increase the risk of infestation in small animals remains unclear. Here we developed a supervised text mining approach analysing key aspects of flea epidemiology using electronic health records from domestic cats and dogs seen at a sentinel network of 191 voluntary veterinary practices across Great Britain between March 2014 and July 2020. Our methods identified fleas as likely to have been present during 22,276 of 1,902,016 cat consultations (1.17%) and 12,168 of 4,844,850 dog consultations (0.25%). Multivariable logistic regression modelling found that animals originating from areas of least deprivation were associated with 50% reductions in odds of veterinary-recorded flea infestation compared to the most deprived regions in England. Age of the animal was significantly associated with flea presentation in both cats and dogs, with cases peaking before animals reached 12 months. Cases were recorded through each study years, peaking between July and October, with fluctuations between each year. Our findings can be used towards healthcare messaging for veterinary practitioners and owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Farrell
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentUK
| | - John McGarry
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | | | - Gina J. Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | - Sophie Cantwell
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | - Alan D. Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
| | - David A. Singleton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of LiverpoolNestonUK
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Moore C, Breitschwerdt EB, Kim L, Li Y, Ferris K, Maggi R, Lashnits E. The association of host and vector characteristics with Ctenocephalides felis pathogen and endosymbiont infection. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1137059. [PMID: 36950155 PMCID: PMC10025546 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1137059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of the fleas and flea-borne pathogens infecting cats is important for both human and animal health. Multiple zoonotic Bartonella and Rickettsia species are known to infect the most common flea infesting cats and dogs worldwide: Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. The ability of other flea species to transmit pathogens is relatively unexplored. We aimed to determine cat host and flea factors independently associated with flea Bartonella and Rickettsia infection. We also assessed flea and cat infection by flea-host pair and location. To accomplish these aims, we performed qPCR for the detection of Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia DNA using paired cat and flea samples obtained from free-roaming cats presenting for spay or neuter across four locations in the United States. A logistic regression model was employed to identify the effect of cat (sex, body weight, geographic location, and Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia spp., infection) and flea (clade and Rickettsia and Wolbachia infection) factors on C. felis Bartonella clarridgeiae infection. From 189 free roaming cats, we collected 84 fleas: Ctenocephalides felis (78/84), Cediopsylla simplex (4/84), Orchopeas howardi (1/84), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (1/84). Ctenocephalides felis were phylogenetically assigned to Clades 1, 4, and 6 by cox1 gene amplification. Rickettsia asembonensis (52/84) and B. clarridgeiae (16/84) were the most common pathogenic bacteria detected in fleas. Our model identified host cat sex and weight as independently associated with B. clarridgeiae infection in fleas. Rickettsia asembonensis (52/84), Rickettsia felis (7/84) and Bartonella henselae (7/84) were detected in specific clades: R. felis was detected only in Clades 1 and 6 while B. henselae and R. asembonensis were detected only in Clade 4. Wolbachia spp., also displayed clade specificity with strains other than Wolbachia wCfeT only infecting fleas from Clade 6. There was poor flea and host agreement for Bartonella spp., infection; however, there was agreement in the Bartonella species detected in cats and fleas by geographic location. These findings reinforce the importance of considering reservoir host attributes and vector phylogenetic diversity in epidemiological studies of flea-borne pathogens. Widespread sampling is necessary to identify the factors driving flea-borne pathogen presence and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Moore
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Lisa Kim
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yiyao Li
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kelli Ferris
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Erin Lashnits,
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Hemotropic Mycoplasma. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1319-1340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Manvell C, Berman H, Callahan B, Breitschwerdt E, Swain W, Ferris K, Maggi R, Lashnits E. Identification of microbial taxa present in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) reveals widespread co-infection and associations with vector phylogeny. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:398. [PMID: 36316689 PMCID: PMC9623975 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05487-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is the most common ectoparasite of cats and dogs worldwide. As a cause of flea allergy dermatitis and a vector for two genera of zoonotic pathogens (Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.), the effect of the C. felis microbiome on pathogen transmission and vector survival is of substantial medical importance to both human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to assay the pathogenic and commensal eubacterial microbial communities of individual C. felis from multiple geographic locations and analyze these findings by location, qPCR pathogen prevalence, and flea genetic diversity. METHODS 16S Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was utilized to sequence the microbiome of fleas collected from free-roaming cats, and the cox1 gene was used for flea phylogenetic analysis. NGS data were analyzed for 168 individual fleas from seven locations within the US and UK. Given inconsistency in the genera historically reported to constitute the C. felis microbiome, we utilized the decontam prevalence method followed by literature review to separate contaminants from true microbiome members. RESULTS NGS identified a single dominant and cosmopolitan amplicon sequence variant (ASV) from Rickettsia and Wolbachia while identifying one dominant Bartonella clarridgeiae and one dominant Bartonella henselae/Bartonella koehlerae ASV. Multiple less common ASVs from these genera were detected within restricted geographical ranges. Co-detection of two or more genera (Bartonella, Rickettsia, and/or Wolbachia) or multiple ASVs from a single genus in a single flea was common. Achromobacter, Peptoniphilus, and Rhodococcus were identified as additional candidate members of the C. felis microbiome on the basis of decontam analysis and literature review. Ctenocephalides felis phylogenetic diversity as assessed by the cox1 gene fell within currently characterized clades while identifying seven novel haplotypes. NGS sensitivity and specificity for Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. DNA detection were compared to targeted qPCR. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the widespread coinfection of fleas with multiple bacterial genera and strains, proposing three additional microbiome members. The presence of minor Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia ASVs was found to vary by location and flea haplotype. These findings have important implications for flea-borne pathogen transmission and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Manvell
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Hanna Berman
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Benjamin Callahan
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Edward Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - William Swain
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Kelli Ferris
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Zanen LA, Kusters JG, Overgaauw PAM. Zoonotic Risks of Sleeping with Pets. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101149. [PMID: 36297206 PMCID: PMC9606909 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101149] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pets are increasingly becoming part of the family and interactions between pets and their owners is changing. This results in extended and more intimate contact between owners and their pets, which give rise to zoonotic risks. Objective: To establish the presence of potential zoonotic pathogens in pets that sleep with their owner. Methods: As a pilot study, a group of 28 healthy dogs and 22 healthy cats were monitored for the presence of the zoonotic parasites Cheyletiella, Ctenocephalides spp. and Toxocara spp., the dermatophyte Microsporum canis, and the bacteria Clostridium difficile, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Enterobacteriaceae. This was investigated by taking samples from the fur, the footpads and the animal bed. The owners filled in a questionnaire. Results: In total, 29 of the 50 pets (58%) slept on the bed, of which 15 pets (30%) slept in the bed (under the blankets). A total of 19/22 dogs (86%) and 7/22 cats (32%) tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae on the fur or footpads. Fleas were found in 5/22 of the cats’ (23%) and 2/28 of the dogs’ (7%) favourite sleeping spots. High levels of aerobic colonies were found, up to 216 colony forming units/cm2. Other pathogens were not found in this study. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study confirm literature reports that pets may constitute a potential risk in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to their owner, especially during direct contact when sleeping in the same bed. Owners should therefore be informed about these risks and educated to interact with their pets in a more responsible way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie A. Zanen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G. Kusters
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A. M. Overgaauw
- Department Population Health Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Boucheikhchoukh M, Mechouk N, Leulmi H, Aouadi A, Benakhla A. Fleas (Siphonaptera) of domestic and wild animals in extreme northeastern Algeria: first inventory, hosts, and medical and veterinary importance. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2022; 47:81-87. [PMID: 36629359 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.1.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fleas are an important member of the North African entomofauna. An understanding of the risks of flea-borne diseases to public and veterinary health can be gained with surveys of their abundance, distribution, and hosts. The aims of this study were to make an initial assessment of flea (Siphonaptera) species collected from a selected number of mammalian hosts in Algeria and debate their medical and veterinary importance. To do so, an entomological survey was conducted on several animal species (goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, hedgehogs, and mongooses) in six localities of El Tarf region located in extreme northeastern Algeria. During the survey, flea specimens were collected from hosts, stored in alcohol, and identified using a taxonomic key. More than 1,200 specimens were collected and identified; including four species: Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans, and Archaeopsylla erinacei (s.l.). Goats and dogs were the most infested animals, followed by cats and hedgehogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the most prevalent flea among all infested animals, with 631 collected specimens, followed by Pulex irritans with 433 samples. Overall, this study is an initial assessment of flea species recovered from selected common mammals in northeastern Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh
- Biodiversity and Ecosystems Pollution Laboratory, Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, Algeria,
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, Algeria
| | - Noureddine Mechouk
- Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatics Systems Laboratory (EcoSTAq), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Badji Mokhtar University, Algeria
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Qista Techno Bam, Avenue Philibert Aix-En-Provence 13100, France
| | - Atef Aouadi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Mohamed Cherif Messaadia University, Souk Ahras 41000, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Benakhla
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid University, Algeria
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12
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Rousseau J, Castro A, Novo T, Maia C. Dipylidium caninum in the twenty-first century: epidemiological studies and reported cases in companion animals and humans. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:131. [PMID: 35534908 PMCID: PMC9088078 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05243-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dipilidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Fleas and, less frequently, lice act as an intermediate host, and their ingestion is required for infection to occur. While the disease mainly affects domestic and wild carnivores, it is also considered a zoonotic disease, with most human cases reported in children. Dipylidium caninum is considered to be the most common tapeworm infesting companion animals, but dipilidosis in humans is rare. The aims of this review were to improve current understanding of the epidemiology of this parasitosis and its management by the medical and veterinary community. Methods A comprehensive review of the published literature during the last 21 years (2000–2021) on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures of D. caninum infection and dipilidiosis in companion animals and humans was conducted. Results Using predefined eligibility criteria for a search of the published literature, we retrieved and screened 280 publications. Of these, 161 (141 epidemiological studies, 20 case reports [16 human cases]) were considered for inclusion in this review. This parasitosis is present worldwide; however, despite being the most frequent cestode infection in animals, it is often underdiagnosed using common coprological techniques. Its diagnosis in humans has also proved challenging, being frequently confused with pinworm infection, leading to inappropriate treatment and to the persistence of the disease over time. Prevention measures include control of ectoparasites in animals and the environment, as well as regular deworming of animals, most commonly with praziquantel. Conclusions The diagnosis of dipilidiosis remains challenging in both animals and humans, primarily due to the low sensitivity of the diagnostic methods currently available and a lack of knowledge of the morphological characteristics of the parasite. Although treatment with the appropriate anti-cestode compounds is well tolerated and results in resolution of the infection, indiscriminate use of these compounds may predispose to an increase in resistance. Given the worldwide distribution of this parasite, it is essential to act on several fronts, with a focus on health education for children and animal owners and the control of intermediate hosts, both in animals and in the surrounding environment. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05243-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Rousseau
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andry Castro
- Centre of Geographical Studies and Associated Laboratory (TERRA), Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning, Universidade de Lisboa, Edif. IGOT, Rua Branca Edmée Marques, 1600-276, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Novo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
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13
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Thuesen IS, Agerholm JS, Mejer H, Nielsen SS, Sandøe P. How Serious Are Health-Related Welfare Problems in Unowned Unsocialised Domestic Cats? A Study from Denmark Based on 598 Necropsies. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050662. [PMID: 35268230 PMCID: PMC8909710 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Free ranging unsocialised domestic cats are widely believed to suffer from a high load of welfare problems. We assessed the validity of this belief by performing necropsies on the corpses of 598 unsocialised cats, originating from all parts of Denmark, that had been euthanised by two Danish cat welfare organisations. We selected a number of variables for health-related cat welfare that could be assessed through necropsy (e.g., gross lesions, ectoparasites and body condition) or by laboratory analysis (e.g., infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and by feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)). Each finding was classified as having either a major or minor welfare impact on the cat. More than 83% of the cats had no major finding, and 54% had no finding indicating a welfare issue at all. More than 83% of the cats had a body condition within normal range. Only 0.3% were emaciated. The most common finding was infestation with ectoparasites, with 15.9% infected with lice, 12.3% with fleas, 4.7% with ticks, and 6.7% with ear mites. FIV and FeLV were detected in 9.2% and 1.2% of the cases, respectively. The most common lesion related to the cats’ teeth. Overall, unsocialised cats in Denmark have a moderate level of health-related welfare problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Sofie Thuesen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2630 Tåstrup, Denmark;
| | - Helena Mejer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
| | - Peter Sandøe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (I.S.T.); (H.M.); (S.S.N.)
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-21497292
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14
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Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Newbury H, Normile D, Hubinois C. Flea and tick treatment satisfaction, preference, and adherence reported by cat owners in the US, UK, or France who treated their cats with transdermal fluralaner. Open Vet J 2021; 11:458-467. [PMID: 34722211 PMCID: PMC8541722 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2021.v11.i3.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fluralaner (Bravecto®) is an isoxazoline class compound that is the only topically applied systemic ectoparasiticide approved for dosing at up to 12-week intervals for flea and tick control in cats. Aim To describe veterinarian recommendations for ectoparasiticide medications used in the UK and France along with veterinary recommendations previously reported from the US, as well as to assess cat owners' experience with a commercial transdermal spot-on fluralaner formulation administered to cats in the US and similarly describe the experiences of cat owners from the UK or France who administered fluralaner for feline flea and tick prevention. Methods Clients of participating veterinary practices in the US, UK, or France who were visiting the clinic for a routine wellness visit, were currently treating their cat with fluralaner (Bravecto®), and had purchased at least two doses were asked to complete a short two-page survey about their experience with flea and tick medications including fluralaner and other products they may have been administered. Results Owners in the US (451 cats), UK (512 cats), and France (520 cats) completed surveys. Most cat owners (66%-75%) had previously administered other flea and tick products. More than 94% of cat owners surveyed in each country were satisfied or very satisfied with fluralaner. The most frequently reported benefit of using fluralaner was the 12-week dosing interval, selected by 76% of respondents in the US, 82% in the UK, and 70% in France. 79%-88% of cat owners (depending on the country) thought that dosing with extended duration fluralaner was more convenient than dosing with monthly flea and tick products and 86%-89% of cat owners that had used other flea and tick products preferred fluralaner over the other flea and tick products. Conclusion Veterinarians in the US, UK, and France recommended 12 months of flea protection and 9-11 months of tick protection per year, even though, in this study, cat owners usually purchased 1-3 months of protection per year. A longer flea and tick dosing interval, as seen with fluralaner, correlates with higher user satisfaction and preference among cat owners. Owners identified the 12-week dosing interval and single dose efficacy as the top reasons for selecting the fluralaner product for their cat. In all three countries, most cat owners indicated that they were more likely to deliver doses of extended duration fluralaner on time, compared to flea and tick products dosed monthly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Philip Lavan
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
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15
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Whitehead M, Perkins R, Goulson D, Wright I. Year-round flea treatment is not required. Vet Rec 2021; 188:77-78. [PMID: 34651841 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Whitehead
- Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5SY
| | - Rosemary Perkins
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG
| | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG
| | - Ian Wright
- c/o Mount Vets, 1 Harris Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6QX
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16
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Razgūnaitė M, Lipatova I, Paulauskas A, Karvelienė B, Riškevičienė V, Radzijevskaja J. Bartonella Infections in Cats and Cat Fleas in Lithuania. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091209. [PMID: 34578241 PMCID: PMC8465108 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella are vector-borne parasitic bacteria that cause zoonotic infections in humans. One of the most common infections is cat-scratch disease caused by Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae. Cats are the major reservoir for these two species of bacteria, while cat fleas are vectors for the transmission of infection agents among cats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Bartonella infections in stray and pet cats and in cat fleas in Lithuania. Blood samples were taken from 163 cats presented in pet clinics and animal shelters. A total of 102 fleas representing two species, Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis, were collected from 12 owned cats that live both outdoors and indoors. Bartonella DNA in samples was detected using a nested PCR targeting the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region. Bartonella DNA was detected in 4.9% (8/163) of the cats and 29.4% (30/102) of the fleas. Sequence analysis of the ITS region showed that the cats and fleas were infected with B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae and Bartonella sp., closely related to B. schoenbuchensis. This study is the first report on the prevalence and molecular characterization of Bartonella spp. in cats and cat fleas in Lithuania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miglė Razgūnaitė
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Indrė Lipatova
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Birutė Karvelienė
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vita Riškevičienė
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
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17
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Do T, Inpankaew T, Duong DH, Bui KL. First Molecular Evidence of Pathogens in Fleas Collected from Dogs in Northern Vietnam. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091185. [PMID: 34578217 PMCID: PMC8472576 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091185] [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: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fleas are considered as hosts for a wide range of pathogens that cause emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases worldwide. Data on fleas and flea-borne pathogens (FBPs) in the international literature are limited in Vietnam. This study aimed to investigate the species of fleas and the presence of pathogens of interest in fleas in northern Vietnam using PCR and sequence analysis. Out of 200 dogs enrolled in this study, 20% were infested by the flea species Ctenocephalides felis felis. In total, 62 fleas (35 females and 27 males) collected from domestic dogs were molecularly screened for the detection of pathogens. Out of the screened fleas, 39 were positive for Rickettsia felis (62.9%), 9 for Candidatus Mycoplasma hemobos (14.52%), and 6 for Mycoplasma wenyonii (9.68%). This study shows the first molecular detection of the above-mentioned pathogens in fleas collected from the studied areas and the potential risk of infection with examined FBPs in northern Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thom Do
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.D.); (T.I.)
| | - Duc Hieu Duong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 12406, Vietnam;
| | - Khanh Linh Bui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 12406, Vietnam;
- Correspondence:
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18
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Pegram C, Woolley C, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, O'Neill DG. Disorder predispositions and protections of Labrador Retrievers in the UK. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13988. [PMID: 34262062 PMCID: PMC8280121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, therefore it is important to have reliable evidence on the general health issues of the breed. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this study aimed to explore the relative risk to common disorders in the Labrador Retriever. The clinical records of a random sample of dogs were reviewed to extract the most definitive diagnoses for all disorders recorded during 2016. A list of disorders was generated, including the 30 most common disorders in Labrador Retrievers and the 30 most common disorders in non-Labrador Retrievers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to report the odds of each of these disorders in 1462 (6.6%) Labrador Retrievers compared with 20,786 (93.4%) non-Labrador Retrievers. At a specific-level of diagnostic precision, after accounting for confounding, Labrador Retrievers had significantly increased odds of 12/35 (34.3%) disorders compared to non-Labrador Retrievers; osteoarthritis (OR 2.83) had the highest odds. Conversely, Labrador Retrievers had reduced odds of 7/35 (20.0%) disorders; patellar luxation (OR 0.18) had the lowest odds. This study provides useful information about breed-specific disorder predispositions and protections, which future research could evaluate further to produce definitive guidance for Labrador Retriever breeders and owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pegram
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK.
| | - Charlotte Woolley
- The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick), School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - David B Church
- Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
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19
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Sato S, Brinkerhoff RJ, Hollis E, Funada S, Shannon AB, Maruyama S. Detection of Zoonotic Bartonella Pathogens in Rabbit Fleas, Colorado, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:778-781. [PMID: 32186497 PMCID: PMC7101129 DOI: 10.3201/eid2604.191161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected 3 Bartonella species in wild rabbit fleas from Colorado, USA: B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (n = 16), B. alsatica (n = 5), and B. rochalimae (n = 1). Our results support the establishment of the zoonotic agent B. alsatica in North America.
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20
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BAĞRIAÇIK N, SAMANCI TEKİN Ç. Knowledge Level About Insects and Mites of Health School Students. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.722203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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21
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Didelphis spp. opossums and their parasites in the Americas: A One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4091-4111. [PMID: 33788021 PMCID: PMC8599228 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Medium sized opossums (Didelphis spp.) are among the most fascinating mammals of the Americas, playing important ecological roles (e.g., dispersal of seeds and control of insect populations) in the environment they inhabit. Nevertheless, as synanthropic animals, they are well adapted to human dwellings, occupying shelters within the cities, peripheral areas, and rural settings. These marsupials can harbor numerous pathogens, which may affect people, pets, and livestock. Among those, some protozoa (e.g., Leishmania infantum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii), helminths (e.g., Ancylostoma caninum, Trichinella spiralis, Alaria marcianae, Paragonimus spp.) and arthropods (e.g., ticks, fleas) present substantial public health and veterinary importance, due to their capacity to cause disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Here, we reviewed the role played by opossums on the spreading of zoonotic parasites, vectors, and vector-borne pathogens, highlighting the risks of pathogens transmission due to the direct and indirect interaction of humans and domestic animals with Didelphis spp. in the Americas.
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22
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Greco G, Zarea AAK, Sgroi G, Tempesta M, D'Alessio N, Lanave G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Iatta R, Veneziano V, Otranto D, Chomel B. Zoonotic Bartonella species in Eurasian wolves and other free-ranging wild mammals from Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:316-326. [PMID: 33779044 PMCID: PMC8251765 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bartonellae are emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting humans, domestic mammals and wildlife. Ninety-seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 8 European badgers (Meles meles), 6 Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus), 6 European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), 3 beech martens (Martes foina) and 2 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Italian Nature Conservatory Parks were investigated for Bartonella infection. Several Bartonella species (9.84%; 95% CI: 4.55-15.12), including zoonotic ones, were molecularly detected among wolves (83.3%; 95% CI: 51-100.00), foxes (4.12%; 95% CI: 0.17-8.08), hedgehogs (33.33%; 95% CI: 0.00-71.05) and a roe deer. Bartonella rochalimae was the most common Bartonella species (i.e. in 4 foxes and 2 wolves) detected. Candidatus B. merieuxii and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were identified for the first time in wolves. Furthermore, Bartonella schoenbuchensis was identified in a roe deer and a new clone with phylogenetic proximity to B. clarridgeiae was detected in European hedgehogs. Zoonotic and other Bartonella species were significantly more frequent in Eurasian wolves (p < .0001), than in other free-ranging wild mammals, representing a potential reservoir for infection in humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Greco
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Aya Attia Koraney Zarea
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Tempesta
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Iatta
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Bruno Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Cruz-Bacab LE, Perez-De la Cruz MC, Zaragoza-Vera CV, Zaragoza-Vera M, Arjona-Jimenez G, Lesher-Gordillo JM, Baak-Baak CM, Cigarroa-Toledo N, Machain-Williams CI, Garcia-Rejon JE, Gonzalez-Garduño R, Torres-Chable OM. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Ectoparasite Infestations in Dogs from the State of Tabasco, Mexico. J Parasitol 2021; 107:29-38. [PMID: 33535232 DOI: 10.1645/20-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to identify the ectoparasites that infest owned dogs in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. In total, 1,302 dogs were sampled in the 5 ecological regions of Tabasco. The dog owners were surveyed to identify the factors associated with infestations. Ectoparasites were identified using taxonomic keys. Eleven species of ectoparasites were observed. General prevalence was 26.65%. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis were the most prevalent and abundant ectoparasites. The most important factors associated with ectoparasite infestations in the studied dogs were living outdoors, being a non-purebred, having short hair, being dark-haired, and having a body condition <3. Ectoparasite studies such as the one presented herein generate important information to create control programs focused on decreasing infestations in companion animals and thus the likelihood of zoonotic transmission of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Eliezer Cruz-Bacab
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Martha-Carolina Perez-De la Cruz
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Claudia V Zaragoza-Vera
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Maritza Zaragoza-Vera
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Guadalupe Arjona-Jimenez
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Julia Maria Lesher-Gordillo
- Laboratorio de Genómica, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86150
| | - Carlos M Baak-Baak
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Nohemi Cigarroa-Toledo
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Carlos I Machain-Williams
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Julian E Garcia-Rejon
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Roberto Gonzalez-Garduño
- Unidad Regional Universitaria Sursureste, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Km 7.5 Carr, Teapa-Vicente Guerrero, Teapa, Tabasco, México ZP 86807
| | - Oswaldo M Torres-Chable
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
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24
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Molecular Evidence of a Broad Range of Pathogenic Bacteria in Ctenocephalides spp.: Should We Re-Examine the Role of Fleas in the Transmission of Pathogens? Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6010037. [PMID: 33802921 PMCID: PMC8005979 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6010037] [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: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The internal microbiome of common cat and dog fleas was studied for DNA evidence of pathogenic bacteria. Fleas were grouped in pools by parasitized animal. DNA was extracted and investigated with 16S metagenomics for medically relevant (MR) bacteria, based on the definitions of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (WHO). The MR bacterial species totaled 40, were found in 60% of flea-pools (N = 100), and included Acinetobacterbaumannii, Bacteroidesfragilis, Clostridiumperfringens, Enterococcusfaecalis, E. mundtii, Fusobacteriumnucleatum, Haemophilusaegyptius, Kingellakingae, Klebsiellapneumoniae, Leptotrichiabuccalis, L. hofstadii, Moraxellalacunata, Pasteurellamultocida, Propionibacteriumacnes, P. propionicum, Proteusmirabilis, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Rickettsiaaustralis, R. hoogstraalii, Salmonellaenterica, and various Bartonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus species. B. henselae (p = 0.004) and B. clarridgeiae (p = 0.006) occurred more frequently in fleas from cats, whereas Rickettsiahoogstraalii (p = 0.031) and Propionibacteriumacnes (p = 0.029) had a preference in fleas from stray animals. Most of the discovered MR species can form biofilm, and human exposure may theoretically occur through the flea-host interface. The fitness of these pathogenic bacteria to cause infection and the potential role of fleas in the transmission of a broad range of diseases should be further investigated.
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25
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Azrizal-Wahid N, Sofian-Azirun M, Low VL. Flea-borne pathogens in the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis and their association with mtDNA diversity of the flea host. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 75:101621. [PMID: 33609991 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Flea-borne pathogens were screened from 100 individual cat fleas using a PCR approach, of which 38 % were infected with at least one bacterium. Overall, 28 % of the flea samples were positive for Bartonella as inferred from ITS DNA region. Of these, 25 % (7/28) were identified as Bartonella clarridgeiae, 42.9 % (12/28) as Bartonella henselae consisted of two different strains, and 32.1 % (9/28) as Bartonella koehlerae, which was detected for the first time in Malaysia. Sequencing of gltA amplicons detected Rickettsia DNA in 14 % of cat flea samples, all of them identified as Rickettsia asembonensis (100 %). None of the flea samples were positive for Mycoplasma DNA in 16S rRNA gene detection. Four fleas were co-infected with Bartonella and Rickettsia DNAs. Statistical analyses reveal no significant association between bacterial infection and mtDNA diversity of the cat flea. Nevertheless, in all types of pathogen infections, infected populations demonstrated lower nucleotide and haplotype diversities compared to uninfected populations. Moreover, lower haplotype numbers were observed in infected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Azrizal-Wahid
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Sofian-Azirun
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Van Lun Low
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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26
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Gutema FD, Yohannes GW, Abdi RD, Abuna F, Ayana D, Waktole H, Amenu K, Hiko A, Agga GE. Dipylidium caninum Infection in Dogs and Humans in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia. Diseases 2020; 9:1. [PMID: 33374931 PMCID: PMC7839016 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. In Ethiopia, the majority of owned dogs are semi-stray, freely roaming in the community. Studies reporting dog borne zoonotic diseases are scarce in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs and in children with gastrointestinal complaints in Bishoftu Town, Oromia. We collected 384 fecal samples from dogs presented to veterinary teaching hospital and 259 stool samples from children presented to Bishoftu Hospital for clinical examination. Samples were first macroscopically examined for the presence of proglotids, followed by microscopic examination for the presence of eggs with the direct smear following flotation technique. The prevalence of D. caninum was 21% (95% CI: 16.6-24.9) in dogs. Although not statistically significant (p > 0.05), higher prevalence was detected in adult (11.9%), local breed (17.7%), and male (12.6%) dogs compared to young (8.59%), exotic breed (2.86%), and females (7.81%), respectively. Dipylidium caninum was detected in a stool sample obtained from a three year-old child (0.4%, 1/259). This study showed that the prevalence of D. caninum in the dogs is high while it is rare in children. Although the prevalence in children is negligible in this study, the high proportion of infected dogs can pose a significant risk of infection in the general human population. Public health risk can be reduced by eliminating the semi-roaming of owned dogs and proper management of dogs with regular deworming and prevention of environmental contamination with dog feces. Similarly, raising public awareness about dog borne zoonoses and avoiding contact with dog feces are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanta D. Gutema
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu P.O. Box 34, Ethiopia; (F.A.); (D.A.); (H.W.); (K.A.)
| | - Goitom W. Yohannes
- Humera Agricultural Research Center Humera, Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Humera 6220, Ethiopia;
| | - Reta D. Abdi
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Greenvale, New York, NY 11201, USA;
| | - Fufa Abuna
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu P.O. Box 34, Ethiopia; (F.A.); (D.A.); (H.W.); (K.A.)
| | - Dinka Ayana
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu P.O. Box 34, Ethiopia; (F.A.); (D.A.); (H.W.); (K.A.)
| | - Hika Waktole
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu P.O. Box 34, Ethiopia; (F.A.); (D.A.); (H.W.); (K.A.)
| | - Kebede Amenu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu P.O. Box 34, Ethiopia; (F.A.); (D.A.); (H.W.); (K.A.)
| | - Adem Hiko
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Haramaya University, Haramaya P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia;
| | - Getahun E. Agga
- Food Animal Environmental Systems Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bowling Green, Kentucky, KY 40506, USA;
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27
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Cooper AR, Nixon E, Rose Vineer H, Abdullah S, Newbury H, Wall R. Fleas infesting cats and dogs in Great Britain: spatial distribution of infestation risk and its relation to treatment. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:452-458. [PMID: 32697393 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The spatial pattern of flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) infestation risk in cats and dogs across Great Britain is quantified, using data collected from a national survey undertaken in 2018, with particular attention given to the association between insecticidal treatment and infestation risk. Flea infestation risk declined significantly from south to north. None of the factors: pet breed, sex, neutered status or whether the pet had been abroad, showed any relationship with the underlying geographic distribution, which is most likely to be associated with climatic factors. However, overall, only 23.6% of the cats and 35% of the dogs inspected had been treated with identifiable flea products that were still 'in date' at the point of inspection. The percentage of owners treating their pet broadly followed infestation risk. The insecticide fipronil is a common active in a wide range of flea treatments and was the most frequently applied insecticide class, particularly in cats. However, 62% of cats and 45% of dogs that had been treated with a fipronil-based product that was 'in date' at the point of inspection still had fleas. Persistent flea infestation is likely to be due to a range of factors, including compliance and application failure, but the data provide strong inferential evidence for a lack of efficacy of fipronil-based products. Given the ubiquity of flea infestation, this finding and the relatively low-level of treatment compliance, highlight a clear need for greater owner education about the importance of flea management and a better understanding of the efficacy of different products.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-R Cooper
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - E Nixon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - H Rose Vineer
- Department of Infection and Microbiome, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, U.K
| | - S Abdullah
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - H Newbury
- Companion Animal Technical Team, MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Milton Keynes, U.K
| | - R Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
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28
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Cortese L, Beall M, Buono F, Buch J, Pacifico L, Neola B, Palatucci AT, Tyrrell P, Fioretti A, Breitschwerdt EB, Veneziano V, Chandrashekar R, Piantedosi D. Distribution and risk factors of canine haemotropic mycoplasmas in hunting dogs from southern Italy. Vet Microbiol 2020; 251:108910. [PMID: 33160194 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR 3.72; CMhp: OR 2.74), hound (Mhc: OR 5.26; CMhp: OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc: OR 3.38; CMhp: OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc: OR 12.58; CMhp: OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc: OR 8.73; CMhp: OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc: OR 2.82; CMhp: OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc: OR 2.96; CMhp: OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc, while adult age (2-7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cortese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - M Beall
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - F Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - J Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - L Pacifico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - B Neola
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Servizio di Sanità Animale, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Caserta, Italy
| | - A T Palatucci
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - P Tyrrell
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - A Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - E B Breitschwerdt
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - V Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | | | - D Piantedosi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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29
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Singleton DA, McGarry J, Torres JR, Killick D, Jewell C, Smyth S, Brant B, Sánchez-Vizcaíno F, Dawson S, Pinchbeck GL, Noble PJM, Radford AD. Small animal disease surveillance 2019: pruritus, pharmacosurveillance, skin tumours and flea infestations. Vet Rec 2020; 185:470-475. [PMID: 31628231 DOI: 10.1136/vr.l6074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - John McGarry
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Jose Rodríguez Torres
- Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario Cardones de Arucas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - David Killick
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Christopher Jewell
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Furness Building, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK
| | | | | | | | - Susan Dawson
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | | | - Peter J M Noble
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
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30
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Wall R. Wide variation in efficacy of flea treatments. Vet Rec 2020; 187:156-157. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.m3233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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31
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Abdullah S, Lait P, Helps C, Newbury H, Wall R. The prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in fleas collected from cats and dogs in the UK. Vet Parasitol 2020; 282:109143. [PMID: 32480031 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109143] [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: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In a large-scale survey in the UK, recruited veterinary practices were asked to inspect client-ownedcats and dogs, selected at random between April and June 2018, following a standardised flea inspection protocol. A total of 326 veterinary practices participated and 812 cats and 662 dogs were examined during the 3-month period. Fleas were collected, identified to species level and fleas of the same species collected from a single animal were pooled together and treated as a single sample. A total of 470 pooled flea samples were screened by PCR and DNA sequence analysis for a subset of Rickettsia species including R. felis and R. typhi. On analysis, 27 (5.7%) of the pooled flea samples were positive for R. felis DNA; these were predominantly in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, but one dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis was also positive for this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaid Abdullah
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Phillipa Lait
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Helps
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Newbury
- MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Richard Wall
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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