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Tinkler SH, Villa L, Manfredi MT, Walshe N, Jahns H. First report of Besnoitia bennetti in Irish donkeys: an emerging parasitic disease in Europe. Ir Vet J 2024; 77:2. [PMID: 38355717 PMCID: PMC10865628 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-024-00263-2] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the first report of Besnoitia bennetti in donkeys in Ireland. B. bennetti, an apicomplexan protozoan parasite specific to equids, is an emerging pathogen in Europe. This parasite forms chronic intracytoplasmic cysts in cells of the mesenchymal lineage, mainly fibroblasts, in the skin, sclera and mucosa. Clinical signs in affected equine hosts vary from mild to severe debilitating disease. Little is known of the phylogeny, epidemiology or transmission of B. bennetti infection in donkeys, mules or horses. CASE PRESENTATION Two cases of besnoitiosis in donkeys are presented. Both donkeys were born and raised in theSouthwest of Ireland. The first case was a 2.5-year-old donkey that had a suspect sarcoid removed, while the second case,a 2-year-old donkey, had a biopsy of nodular dermatitis of the muzzle. Diagnosis was made by histopathology and the parasite species, B. bennetti, was confirmed by PCR followed by sequencing and microsatellite analysis. Both donkeys had high antibody titres against Besnoitia spp. Small (0.5 mm) scleral, conjunctival and dermal cysts over the muzzle were subsequently observed in both animals. Treatment with trimethoprim sulfadiazine for 30 days did not lead to clinical resolution. The findings are compared to the cases of besnoitiosis in donkeys reported in the past 10 years throughout Europe. CONCLUSIONS Besnoitiosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for chronic skin disease particularly in cases of cutaneous masses, non-pruritic dermatitis, and dermatitis that is not responsive to treatment in donkeys and other equids. Future studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of the disease in Irish donkeys, the spread of the disease and the potential impact on the health and welfare of the donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy H Tinkler
- Veterinary Department, The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, Hannigan's Farm, Liscarroll, Mallow Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Nicola Walshe
- Pathobiology Section, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04W6F6, Ireland
| | - Hanne Jahns
- Pathobiology Section, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04W6F6, Ireland.
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Berman N, Tirosh-Levy S, Steinman A, Minderigiu A, Blinder E, Leszkowicz Mazuz M. First Detection of Anti-Besnoitia spp. Antibodies in Equids in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040929. [PMID: 37110352 PMCID: PMC10143183 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Besnoitia is a tissue cyst forming coccidia, which affects multiple host species worldwide. Equine besnoitiosis is characterized mainly by generalized skin lesions and cysts in the scleral conjunctiva. Recent reports revealed exposure to Besnoitia in equines in Europe and the United States. However, the exposure to Besnoitia spp. in the Israeli equine population was never investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for besnoitiosis in equids in Israel. A cross-sectional serosurvey was performed using serum samples of apparently healthy horses (n = 347), donkeys (n = 98), and mules (n = 6), and exposure to Besnoitia spp. was determined by an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Anti-Besnoitia spp. antibodies were detected in 17.7% equids, 6.9% horses, 33.3% mules, and 55.1% donkeys. The seroprevalence in donkeys was significantly higher than in horses (p < 0.001). A significant association between the geographic location and seropositivity was found both in horses and donkeys, which was significantly higher (p = 0.004) in horses sampled in southern Israel, and donkeys sampled in Israel versus the Palestinian Authority (p < 0.001). This is the first serosurvey of Besnoitia infection in equines in Israel, and the results are consistent with reports from Europe. The clinical significance of equine besnoitiosis should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Berman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 5025004, Israel
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Avital Minderigiu
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Elena Blinder
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 5025004, Israel
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Malatji MP, Tembe D, Mukaratirwa S. An update on epidemiology and clinical aspects of besnoitiosis in livestock and wildlife in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 21:e00284. [PMID: 36793766 PMCID: PMC9922981 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00284] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Besnoitiosis is a parasitic disease of economic importance caused by cyst-forming protozoa from the genus Besnoitia. The disease affects the skin, subcutis, blood vessels, and mucous membranes of the animals. It is traditionally endemic in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, and causes enormous economic loss associated with impaired productivity and reproduction, as well as skin lesions. Therefore, knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease, including the current Besnoitia species occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, the wide range of mammalian species hosts they use as intermediate hosts, and the clinical signs manifested by infected animals is crucial in developing effective prevention and control measures. This review collected information from peer-reviewed publications involving the epidemiology and clinical signs of besnoitiosis in sub-Saharan Africa using four electronic databases. Results showed that B. besnoiti, B. bennetti, B. caprae, B. darlingi-like and unidentified Besnoitia spp. were found naturally infecting livestock and wildlife across nine reviewed sub-Saharan African countries. Besnoitia besnoiti was the most common species, occurring in all nine reviewed countries, and utilised a wide range of mammalian species as intermediate hosts. Prevalence of B. besnoiti ranged from 2.0 to 80.3%, and B. caprae 5.45-46.53%. Infection rate was high with serology compared to other techniques. Some of the typical signs of besnoitiosis included sand-like cysts on the sclera conjunctiva, nodules in the skin, thickening and wrinkling of the skin and alopecia. Inflammation, thickening and wrinkling of the scrotum were observed in bulls, and lesions on the scrotum deteriorated progressively and became generalized in some cases in spite of treatment. There is still a need for surveys focusing on detecting and identifying Besnoitia spp. using molecular techniques in combination with serological, histology and visual observation, and scoping their natural intermediate and definitive hosts, as well as assessing the burden of the disease animals reared on different husbandry systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokgadi Pulane Malatji
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Foundational Research & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa,Corresponding author at: School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Danisile Tembe
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Cwirenbaum R, Schmidt AR, Cortasa SA, Corso MC, Vitullo AD, Dorfman VB, Halperin J. First record of an infection by tissue cyst-forming coccidia in wild vizcachas ( Lagostomus maximus, Rodentia) of Argentina. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:52-58. [PMID: 34430198 PMCID: PMC8367855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endoparasites of the Sarcocystidae family share the ability to form tissue cysts in their intermediate hosts, ultimately leading to pathogenesis in the definitive hosts that include various mammals, reptiles and birds. In our research on the endocrinology of the female vizcachas (Lagostomus maximus), we have found abnormal cystic structures in the ovaries of some individuals. So far, no cases of infection by tissue cyst-forming parasites have been reported in this species. To evaluate whether this autochthonous wild rodent is an intermediate host of an undescribed endoparasite, histological sections from various organs were examined. Pinhead-sized tissue cysts were found in the ovaries, mammary glands, uterus, pituitary, brain, adrenals and spleen, of both pregnant and non-pregnant females. The presence of cysts in the adult brain and embryonic tissue is indicative of the ability of the parasite to cross both the blood-brain and placental barriers. The infected brains exhibited a lower cyst density than that seen in other organs. Regardless of their location in superficial or deep tissue, the cysts were surrounded by a layer of connective tissue. Histologically, the cyst wall consisted of an outer layer of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and an inner, granular-looking layer composed of host nucleated cells surrounding thousands of spindle-shaped bradyzoites. Outside the cysts, the host cellular structures showed normal appearance. The remarkable morphological similarities between the cysts studied here with those reported in naturally infected rabbits from an area neighboring the one inhabited by the vizcachas point to Besnoitia sp. as a plausible candidate. More studies will be necessary to confirm the identity of the parasite. Nevertheless, this is the first report of L. maximus as an intermediate host for a tissue cyst-forming coccidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Cwirenbaum
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK-Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro R Schmidt
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK-Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago A Cortasa
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK-Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Corso
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK-Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo D Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK-Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica B Dorfman
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK-Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD) Universidad Maimónides, Hidalgo 775, C1405BCK-Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Thiemann A, Sullivan R. Guide to common skin disorders in donkeys. IN PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/inpr.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Villa L, Gazzonis AL, Diezma-Diaz C, Perlotti C, Zanzani SA, Ferrucci F, Álvarez-García G, Manfredi MT. Besnoitiosis in donkeys: an emerging parasitic disease of equids in Italy. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1811-1819. [PMID: 33723661 PMCID: PMC8084774 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitiosis is an emerging parasitic disease of equids. Italy is one of the few European countries where the circulation of Besnoitia spp. antibodies was demonstrated. In this study, a case of clinical besnoitiosis in two donkeys in northern Italy is reported. The two animals were clinically examined. Serum and blood samples were analyzed for the detection of Besnoitia spp. antibodies and for hematology, biochemistry, and enzyme activity, respectively. ITS-1 PCR and sequencing were carried out on DNA extracted from skin biopsies. Clinical examination revealed numerous scleral pearls in eyes of both animals; alopecia and hyperkeratosis with skin nodules in the region of the neck, hind leg, and on the pinnae were detected. No cysts were evidenced by endoscopy in respiratory and genital tracts. Both animals resulted seropositive to Besnoitia spp. antibodies by Western Blot. Hematology evidenced light anemia, leukocytosis with eosinophilia, and lymphocytosis; biochemistry and enzyme activity revealed hypoalbuminemia with decreased albumin/globulin ratio and elevated alkaline phosphatase values. Parasitic DNA extracted from skin biopsies of both donkeys demonstrated a homology of 100% with Besnoitia spp. This first clinical case of besnoitiosis in two donkeys in Italy both confirms the circulation of Besnoitia spp. in Italian equids and demonstrates that the distribution area of equine besnoitiosis in Europe could be wider than expected. Further studies are needed to infer its relevance, in relation to seroprevalence and clinical disease, and to identify the species of Besnoitia infecting donkeys. Besnoitiosis may be a neglected disease of donkeys in Europe: an early and accurate diagnosis is fundamental to implement adequate control measures to prevent a "silent" spread of Besnoitia spp. infection in equids populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Carlos Diezma-Diaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
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Lima TS, Silva RAF, Pereira RMF, Soares KL, Santos NTA, Sousa MS, Mendonça FS, Lucena RB. Skin Diseases in Donkeys and Mules-An Update. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010065. [PMID: 33396381 PMCID: PMC7824245 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equids are part of the history of many countries, including Brazil, where they were used in trade routes and expansion of the current states. Several skin diseases affect these animals; however, visibility is higher on horses than on donkeys and mules, which is linked to regional cultural and socioeconomic factors, even resulting in a decline of the world population of these animals. In this context, the objective of this study was to review which skin diseases have been reported in the scientific literature with emphasis on skin pathologies. Abstract The skin of donkeys and mules represents a promising source of income; however, cultural, productive, and infectious factors can directly interfere with the quality of the integumentary tissue and well-being of these species. The objective of this study is to present a literature review on equine dermatopathies. This literature review included scientific articles related to equine medicine and breeding according to pre-established search terms and expressions published in recently articles. The evaluation of the clinical and pathological behavior of dermatopathies implies the use of control strategies and the recognition of pathological patterns that may be particular to the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma S. Lima
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife-PE, Brazil; (T.S.L.); (R.M.F.P.); (K.L.S.); (N.T.A.S.); (F.S.M.)
| | - Raquel A. F. Silva
- Graduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Rural Health and Technology Center (CSTR), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Avenida Universitária, S/N Jatobá, 58708-110 Patos-PB, Brazil; (R.A.F.S.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Raquel M. F. Pereira
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife-PE, Brazil; (T.S.L.); (R.M.F.P.); (K.L.S.); (N.T.A.S.); (F.S.M.)
| | - Karoline L. Soares
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife-PE, Brazil; (T.S.L.); (R.M.F.P.); (K.L.S.); (N.T.A.S.); (F.S.M.)
| | - Nayadjala T. A. Santos
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife-PE, Brazil; (T.S.L.); (R.M.F.P.); (K.L.S.); (N.T.A.S.); (F.S.M.)
| | - Mônica S. Sousa
- Graduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Rural Health and Technology Center (CSTR), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Avenida Universitária, S/N Jatobá, 58708-110 Patos-PB, Brazil; (R.A.F.S.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Fábio S. Mendonça
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife-PE, Brazil; (T.S.L.); (R.M.F.P.); (K.L.S.); (N.T.A.S.); (F.S.M.)
| | - Ricardo B. Lucena
- Graduate Program in Animal Science and Health, Rural Health and Technology Center (CSTR), Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Avenida Universitária, S/N Jatobá, 58708-110 Patos-PB, Brazil; (R.A.F.S.); (M.S.S.)
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Department of Agrarian Sciences (CCA), Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), 12, Rod. PB-079, 58397-000 Areia-PB, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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