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Power RI, Šlapeta J. Delayed canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) microfilarial reduction following Advocate™ for dogs (imidacloprid, moxidectin) treatment. Vet J 2024; 307:106209. [PMID: 39098470 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintics are currently the only class of drugs available for canine heartworm prevention. Recent reports of Dirofilaria immitis infection occurring in dogs reportedly receiving 'rigorous' prevention in Queensland, Australia, coupled with the confirmation of ML-resistant isolates in the USA, has led to speculation about the potential emergence of ML-resistance in Australia. In this study, we describe two cases (Dog 1 and 2) of asymptomatic canine heartworm disease in Townsville, Australia, that were reportedly receiving 'rigorous' heartworm prevention according to the owners' claims. We aimed to deploy currently available tools to assess the phenotypic and genotypic ML-resistance status of these two dogs. For phenotypic testing, we performed an in-vivo 7-day microfilariae suppression test using a dose of spot-on moxidectin (Advocate™ for Dogs, 100 g/L imidacloprid + 25 g/L moxidectin). This formulation is marketed as Advantage Multi® for Dogs in the USA, which claims a D. immitis microfilaricidal effect. For genetic testing, an Illumina amplicon metabarcoding approach was used to target single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with ML-resistance in D. immitis from the USA. Dog 1 and Dog 2 demonstrated <10 % and <40 % reductions in circulating microfilariae seven days after moxidectin treatment, respectively. These phenotypes were not corroborated by genetic SNP testing, as both dogs were classified as susceptible across all examined markers. To streamline testing of D. immitis SNPs, we developed a rhAmp™ SNP qPCR approach for rapidly genotyping suspect cases of ML-resistant infections at the two major loci (L15709_A and L30575). These findings illustrate a phenomenon shown in some heartworm cases outside the USA, whereby infected dogs are failing to see marked reductions in microfilaraemia after ML treatment but possess an ML-susceptible genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemonde Isabella Power
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Elsawy BSM, Abdel-Ghany HSM, Alzan HF, Abdel-Shafy S, Shahein YE. Molecular screening of piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae agents in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from camels over different seasons in Egypt. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s10493-024-00957-w. [PMID: 39320534 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00957-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Piroplasmosis, a disease of domestic and wild animals, is caused by tick-borne protozoa of the genera Babesia and Theileria, while anaplasmosis is caused by tick-borne bacteria of genera Anaplasma. Hyalomma dromedarii is the most dominant tick species infesting camels in Egypt and act as a vector of piroplasms, Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp. The available information concerning the detection of these pathogens in H. dromedarii infesting camels is limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the status of these pathogens in H. dromedarii ticks over four seasons of a year, in addition to investigate the infections of piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae besides their genetic diversity starting from June 2021 till April 2022. A total of 275 semi-engorged females of H. dromedarii were collected from different slaughtered camels, Toukh city slaughterhouse then investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect piroplasms (Babesia spp., Theileria spp.) and Anaplasmataceae DNA targeting 18 S rRNA and 16 S rRNA genes, respectively followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Overall, piroplasms were detected in 38 ticks (13.8%), Babesia spp. was detected in 35 ticks (12.7%), while Theileria spp. was detected in one tick (0.4%). Anaplasmataceae was detected in 57 ticks (20.7%). Mixed infections of piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae were detected in 13 ticks (5%). Single infection either with piroplasms or Anaplasmataceae was detected in 25 (9%) and 44 (16%) ticks, respectively. The highest monthly rate of piroplasms was in April (spring) and Anaplasmataceae was in July (summer). Sequence analysis revealed that Babesia bigemina, Wolbachia spp. and Anaplasma marginale are the most dominant species in the examined tick samples. To the best of our knowledge, this study confirms the presence of B. bigemina, Wolbachia spp. and A. marginale in H. dromedarii in Egypt by sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassma S M Elsawy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
- Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda S M Abdel-Ghany
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
- Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba F Alzan
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
- Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sobhy Abdel-Shafy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
- Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasser E Shahein
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, 12622, Dokki, Egypt.
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Murillo DFB, Campbell EJ, Moorhead AR, Wang C. Evaluation of diagnostic techniques for early detection of heartworm in experimentally infected dogs: identification of Dirofilaria immitis-derived microRNA in the initial 28 weeks post-inoculation. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:258. [PMID: 38872227 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as heartworm (HW), is a parasitic nematode transmitted by various mosquito species, leading to heartworm disease (HWD) in dogs. Diagnosis of HW typically involves antigen or microfilariae detection, or visualization of adult worms through imaging or post mortem examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and micro RNA (miRNA) detection have been explored for HW diagnosis. METHODS Three dogs, previously experimentally infected with HW, underwent blood sampling every 4 weeks for 7 months. Samples were assessed for antigen presence after heat treatment, PCR amplification, and microfilaria examination using Giemsa-stained thick smears. Additionally, whole blood aliquots underwent miRNA deep sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS Heartworm antigen was detectable after heat treatment at 20 weeks post-inoculation and via PCR at 24 weeks, with microfilariae observed in peripheral blood smears at 28 weeks. However, deep miRNA sequencing revealed that the miRNA candidate sequences are not consistently expressed before 28 weeks of infection. CONCLUSIONS While ancillary molecular methods such as PCR and miRNA sequencing may be less effective than antigen detection for detecting immature larval stages in an early stage of infection, our experimental findings demonstrate that circulating miRNAs can still be detected in 28 weeks post-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elyssa J Campbell
- Department of Infectious Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrew R Moorhead
- Department of Infectious Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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de Andrade Vieira VM, da Silva PP, Paulino ÉT, do Amaral Fernandes P, Labarthe N, Gazêta GS, de Moraes Neto AHA. Epidemiological analysis of Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) infecting pet dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1360593. [PMID: 38756520 PMCID: PMC11096569 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1360593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis infection is routinely detected in dogs during veterinary care in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Parasitological tests for the detection of this infection are routinely performed only in areas with a high prevalence. Baixada Fluminense, a region in Rio de Janeiro, was considered heartworm-free until local veterinarians began to receive blood exams results indicating the presence of microfilariae (MF). A laboratory database was hence used to collect data from 2017 to 2020 to understand the extent of spread of the parasite in this area. The results of complete blood count analysis and MF or heartworm antigen detection tests conducted on canine samples sent from veterinary clinics in Baixada Fluminense (Magé, Duque de Caxias, Guapimirim, Nova Iguaçu, and São João de Meriti municipalities) were included. In total, the results of 16,314 hematological tests were considered. The overall prevalence of D. immitis was 3.4% (554/16,314), considering that only one test result was obtained per animal on the same day. This study is highly relevant because it indicates the spreading geographic distribution of the worms, heightens awareness among local health professionals and the general population, and encourages compliance with prophylactic measures to prevent further spread of parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Marques de Andrade Vieira
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Program, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila Pinho da Silva
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Program, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Érica Tex Paulino
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Program, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Norma Labarthe
- National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (ENSP/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Salles Gazêta
- Laboratory of Ticks and Other Apterous Arthropods - National Reference Laboratory for Vectors of Rickettsioses, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LAC/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio Henrique Almeida de Moraes Neto
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Teaching and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (LITEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Sidhoum NR, Boucheikhchoukh M, Azzouzi C, Mechouk N, Culda CA, Ionică AM, Balmos OM, Mihalca AD, Deak G. Molecular survey of flea-borne pathogens in fleas associated with carnivores from Algeria and an Artificial Neural Network-based risk analysis of flea-borne diseases. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105235. [PMID: 38554609 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
As ectoparasites and efficient vectors of pathogens fleas constitute a source of nuisance for animals as well as a major issue for public health in Algeria. In this study, a molecular survey has been conducted to investigate the presence of pathogens in fleas infesting domestic and wild carnivores in the central north and eastern north and south of Algeria. The molecular screening that targeted Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Bartonella spp.,and Dipylidium caninum, was supplemented by a comprehensive analysis of risk factors related to flea-borne pathogens, drawing data from all documentation across multiple languages and sources from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In the current study, several Bartonella spp. 56/430 (13.02%) and Dipylidium caninum 3/430 (0.7%) were identified. The sequencing results revealed 5/23 (21.74%) B. clarridgeiae, 3/23 (13.04%) B. henselae, and 3/23 (13.04%) B. vinsonii. The two haplotypes, H1 and H2, of D. caninum were identified for the first time in North Africa. The results of the Artificial Neural Network risk analyses unveiled that the prevalence of pathogens and the presence of host generalist fleas as well as the vectorial competence are the most determinant risk factors of flea-borne diseases in Maghreb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureddine Rabah Sidhoum
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria; Biodiversity and Ecosystems Pollution Laboratory, Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, El Tarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria.
| | - Chaima Azzouzi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria; Biodiversity and Ecosystems Pollution Laboratory, Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, El Tarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Noureddine Mechouk
- Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatics Systems Laboratory (EcoSTAq), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23200, Algeria; Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Carla Andreea Culda
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania; Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, Iuliu Moldovan 23, Cluj-Napoca 400348, Romania
| | - Oana-Maria Balmos
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania.
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Junsiri W, Kamkong P, Taweethavonsawat P. First molecular detection and genetic diversity of Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa) and Brugia sp. (Nematoda) in a crocodile monitor in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3526. [PMID: 38347146 PMCID: PMC10861490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The crocodile monitor (Varanus salvator) is the most common monitor lizard in Thailand. Based on habitat and food, they have the potential to transmit zoonoses, with a high possibility of infecting ectoparasites and endoparasites. Diseases that could infect crocodile monitors and be transmitted to other animals, including humans. This research aims to identify and evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of Hepatozoon sp. and sheathed microfilaria in crocodile monitors. The phylogenetic analyses of Hepatozoon, based on 18S rRNA, and sheathed microfilaria, based on the COX1 gene, revealed that the Hepatozoon sp. were grouped with H. caimani, while sheathed microfilaria were grouped together with B. timori. This study provides insights into the genetic diversity and host-parasite interactions of hemoparasites in crocodile monitors in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witchuta Junsiri
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Patchana Kamkong
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Biomarkers in Animals Parasitology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Lau DCW, Power RI, Šlapeta J. Exploring multiplex qPCR as a diagnostic tool for detecting microfilarial DNA in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis: A comparative analysis with the modified Knott's test. Vet Parasitol 2024; 325:110097. [PMID: 38104431 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Current recommendations to diagnose cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs caused by Dirofilaria immitis involves tandem antigen and circulating microfilariae tests. The modified Knott's test is an important tool in heartworm diagnosis, allowing identification of circulating microfilariae. However, the subjective nature of the modified Knott's test affects its accuracy and diagnostic laboratories usually do not provide a quantitative outcome. Quantitative enumeration of microfilariae enables clinicians to track treatment progress and acts as a proxy for detecting emerging macrocyclic lactone resistance. There is a need for better diagnostic tools suitable for routine use to efficiently and accurately quantify the presence of D. immitis microfilaremia. The aim of this study was to determine whether the quantitative modified Knott's test can be substituted by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting D. immitis and associated Wolbachia endosymbiont DNA in canine blood samples. To do this, genomic DNA samples (n = 161) from Australian dogs, collected as part of a previous 2021 study, were assessed in a TaqMan qPCR targeting DNA of D. immitis, Wolbachia sp. and Canis lupus familiaris. Of the 161 genomic DNA samples, eight were considered positive for D. immitis microfilariae. The qPCR assay demonstrated good efficiency (E = 90 to 110%, R2 > 0.94). Considering the performance and efficient use of bench time, this TaqMan qPCR assay is a suitable alternative to the modified Knott's test for quantitative enumeration of microfilariae (Cohen's kappa coefficient [κ]: κ = 1 using D. immitis qPCR marker, κ = 0.93 using Wolbachia qPCR marker). The qPCR data demonstrated a comparable result to that of the quantitative modified Knott's test in a 2022 survey of D. immitis in Australian dogs (n = 23) before and after macrocyclic lactone (ML) administration. Improving the detection and diagnosis of canine heartworm infections will assist veterinarians in better managing and controlling disease outcomes and will be valuable for tracking the spread of ML resistance in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Ching-Wai Lau
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Rosemonde Isabella Power
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Mosley IA, Zecca IB, Tyagi N, Harvey TV, Hamer SA, Verocai GG. Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in shelter cats in the lower Rio Grande Valley region in South Texas, United States, using integrated diagnostic approaches. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100871. [PMID: 37208080 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100871] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne filarioid nematode that affects dogs and cats. Although heartworm infections in cats can be fatal, it is commonly neglected by cat owners and veterinarians. Moreover, diagnosing heartworm infection in cats can be challenging, requiring the integration of multiple laboratorial tests and clinical examination. The objective of this study was to estimate the occurrence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region of Texas using a combination of immunodiagnostic and molecular methods. The RGV has a large population of stray animals with limited access to veterinary care. One hundred and twenty-two paired samples of serum and DNA extracted from the blood clots of cats from 14 towns in this region were analyzed. Serum samples were used for heartworm antibody detection (Heska® Solo Step®), and heartworm antigen detection using a commercial ELISA kit (DiroCHEK®) pre- and post-immune-complex dissociation (ICD) via heat treatment. A species-specific probe-based qPCR assay targeting a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 of the mitochondrial DNA was utilized to detect the presence of parasite DNA. Twenty-two cats (18%) were positive in at least one diagnostic test. Antibody testing detected most cases (19/122; 15.6%); pre- and post-ICD antigen testing detected 6 cases (6/122; 4.9%); and qPCR detected the fewest cases (4/122; 3.3%), with 2 cats positive on all three diagnostic tests. Veterinarians should encourage local cat owners to utilize year-round heartworm prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana A Mosley
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Italo B Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Neha Tyagi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tatiani V Harvey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Mangombi-Pambou JB, Granjon L, Flirden F, Kane M, Niang Y, Davoust B, Fenollar F, Mediannikov O. Molecular Survey of Rodent-Borne Infectious Agents in the Ferlo Region, Senegal. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1107. [PMID: 37239466 PMCID: PMC10218615 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic pathogens are responsible for most infectious diseases in humans, with rodents being important reservoir hosts for many of these microorganisms. Rodents, thus, pose a significant threat to public health. Previous studies in Senegal have shown that rodents harbour a diversity of microorganisms, including human pathogens. Our study aimed to monitor the prevalence of infectious agents in outdoor rodents, which can be the cause of epidemics. We screened 125 rodents (both native and expanding) from the Ferlo region, around Widou Thiengoly, for different microorganisms. Analysis, performed on rodent spleens, detected bacteria from the Anaplasmataceae family (20%), Borrelia spp. (10%), Bartonella spp. (24%) and Piroplasmida (2.4%). Prevalences were similar between native and the expanding (Gerbillus nigeriae) species, which has recently colonised the region. We identified Borrelia crocidurae, the agent responsible for tick-borne relapsing fever, which is endemic in Senegal. We also identified two other not-yet-described bacteria of the genera Bartonella and Ehrlichia that were previously reported in Senegalese rodents. Additionally, we found a potential new species, provisionally referred to here as Candidatus Anaplasma ferloense. This study highlights the diversity of infectious agents circulating in rodent populations and the importance of describing potential new species and evaluating their pathogenicity and zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joa Braïthe Mangombi-Pambou
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville BP 769, Gabon;
- Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (B.D.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Laurent Granjon
- CBGP, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, University Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Fabien Flirden
- Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (B.D.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Mamadou Kane
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, CIRAD, Campus de Bel-Air, Dakar 1386, Senegal; (M.K.)
| | - Youssoupha Niang
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, CIRAD, Campus de Bel-Air, Dakar 1386, Senegal; (M.K.)
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (B.D.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (B.D.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France;
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Dantas-Torres F, Ketzis J, Pérez Tort G, Mihalca AD, Baneth G, Otranto D, Watanabe M, Linh BK, Inpankaew T, Borrás P, Arumugam S, Penzhorn BL, Ybañez AP, Irwin P, Traub RJ. Heartworm adulticide treatment: a tropical perspective. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:148. [PMID: 37106364 PMCID: PMC10141906 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05690-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis (the canine heartworm) is widespread in the tropics, with prevalence surpassing 30% in high-risk areas. In addition to the suitable climatic conditions that favour mosquito abundance and filarial larva development, there is low compliance with the recommended year-round use of preventives in these transmission hotspots. This represents a major concern, considering that melarsomine (first-line heartworm adulticide) is unavailable in several tropical countries, resulting in the so-called slow-kill protocol being the only available adulticide treatment option. In this article, the members of TroCCAP (Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites) review the current distribution of heartworm in the tropics and the availability of melarsomine, and discuss alternatives for the management of heartworm infections in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Jennifer Ketzis
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Gabriela Pérez Tort
- University of Buenos Aires and Virreyes Veterinary Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gad Baneth
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | - Bui Khanh Linh
- Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Pablo Borrás
- Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sangaran Arumugam
- Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca J Traub
- Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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11
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Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Louni M, Laidoudi Y, Fenollar F, Otranto D, Mediannikov O. In vitro maintenance of the endosymbiont Wolbachia of Dirofilaria immitis. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:939-943. [PMID: 36810669 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07789-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia has an obligatory mutualistic relationship with many onchocercid nematodes of the subfamilies Dirofilariinae and Onchocercinae. Till date, no attempts have been made for the in vitro cultivation of this intracellular bacterium from the filarioid host. Hence, the current study attempted cell co-culture method using embryonic Drosophila S2 and the LD cell lines to cultivate Wolbachia from Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae (mfs) harvested from infected dogs. Microfilariae (mfs = 1500) were inoculated in shell vials supplemented with Schneider medium using both cell lines. The establishment and multiplication of the bacterium were observed during the initial inoculation, at day 0 and before every medium change (from days 14 to 115). An aliquot (50 µl) from each time point was tested by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Comparing the average of Ct values, obtained by the tested parameters (i.e., LD/S2 cell lines and mfs with/without treatment), the S2 cell line without mechanical disruption of mfs provided the highest Wolbachia cell count by qPCR. Despite the maintenance of Wolbachia within both S2 and LD-based cell co-culture models for up to 115 days, a definitive conclusion is still far. Further trials using fluorescent microscopy and viable staining will help to demonstrate the cell line infection and viability of Wolbachia. Use of considerable amount of untreated mfs to inoculate the Drosophilia S2 cell lines, as well as the supplementation of the culture media with growth stimulants or pre-treated cells to increase their susceptibility for the infection and development of a filarioid-based cell line system are recommended for the future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385, Marseille, France.
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385, Marseille, France.
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385, Marseille, France.
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12
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Latrofa MS, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Louzada-Flores VN, Iatta R, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Roura X, Zatelli A, Epis S, Bandi C, Otranto D. Interaction between Wolbachia pipientis and Leishmania infantum in heartworm infected dogs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:77. [PMID: 36850014 PMCID: PMC9972713 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05662-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wolbachia is a Gram-negative endosymbiont associated with several species of arthropods and filarioid nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis. This endosymbiont may elicit a Th1 response, which is a component of the immunity against Leishmania infantum. METHODS To investigate the interactions between Wolbachia of D. immitis and L. infantum in naturally infected dogs and cytokine circulation, dogs without clinical signs (n = 187) were selected. Dogs were tested for microfilariae (mfs) by Knott, for female antigens of D. immitis by SNAP, and for anti-L. infantum antibodies by IFAT and assigned to four groups. Dogs of group 1 (G1) and 2 (G2) were positive for D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Dogs of group 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) were negative to D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Wolbachia and L. infantum DNA was quantified by real-time PCR (qPCR) in dog blood samples. A subset of dogs (n = 65) was examined to assess pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production using an ELISA test. RESULTS Of 93 dogs positive to D. immitis with circulating mfs, 85% were positive to Wolbachia, with the highest amount of DNA detected in G1 and the lowest in dogs with low mfs load in G1 and G2. Among dogs positive to L. infantum, 66% from G1 showed low antibody titer, while 48.9% from G3 had the highest antibody titer. Of 37 dogs positive to Wolbachia from G1, 26 (70.3%) had low antibody titers to L. infantum (1:160). Among cytokines, TNFα showed the highest mean concentration in G1 (246.5 pg/ml), IFNγ being the one most represented (64.3%). IL-10 (1809.5 pg/ml) and IL-6 (123.5 pg/ml) showed the highest mean concentration in dogs from G1. A lower percentage of dogs producing IL-4 was observed in all groups examined, with the highest mean concentration (2794 pg/ml) recorded in G2. CONCLUSION Results show the association of D. immitis and Wolbachia with the lower antibody titers of L. infantum in co-infected dogs, suggesting the hypothesis that the endosymbiont may affect the development of the patent leishmaniosis. However, due to the limitations associated with the heterogeneity of naturally infected dogs in field conditions, results should be validated by investigation on experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania Latrofa
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Iatta
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Xavier Roura
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Pediatric CRC ‘Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Pediatric CRC ‘Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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13
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Hutson KS, Davidson IC, Bennett J, Poulin R, Cahill PL. Assigning cause for emerging diseases of aquatic organisms. Trends Microbiol 2023:S0966-842X(23)00031-8. [PMID: 36841735 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.01.012] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Resolving the cause of disease (= aetiology) in aquatic organisms is a challenging but essential goal, heightened by increasing disease prevalence in a changing climate and an interconnected world of anthropogenic pathogen spread. Emerging diseases play important roles in evolutionary ecology, wildlife conservation, the seafood industry, recreation, cultural practices, and human health. As we emerge from a global pandemic of zoonotic origin, we must focus on timely diagnosis to confirm aetiology and enable response to diseases in aquatic ecosystems. Those systems' resilience, and our own sustainable use of seafood, depend on it. Synchronising traditional and recent advances in microbiology that span ecological, veterinary, and medical fields will enable definitive assignment of risk factors and causal agents for better biosecurity management and healthier aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate S Hutson
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax St East, Nelson, New Zealand; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
| | - Ian C Davidson
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax St East, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Jerusha Bennett
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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14
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Gruntmeir J, Kelly M, Ramos RAN, Verocai GG. Cutaneous filarioid nematodes of dogs in the United States: Are they emerging, neglected, or underdiagnosed parasites? Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128611. [PMID: 36908516 PMCID: PMC9995907 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128611] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Filarioid nematodes, which are vector-borne parasites of cosmopolitan distribution, of dogs are medically important. They are represented by species in which microfilariae were found to be circulating in the bloodstream (e.g., Dirofilaria sp., Acanthocheilonema sp., and Brugia sp.) or skin-dwelling (e.g., Cercopithifilaria sp. and Onchocerca sp.). Those species whose microfilariae are detected in blood have been extensively studied, especially Dirofilaria immitis, due to their clinical importance. In recent decades, there has been an increased interest by the scientific community in filarioid nematodes whose microfilariae are detected in the skin because of the zoonotic aspect of Onchocerca lupi. In the United States (US), although D. immitis has been considered the main filarioid infecting dogs, the intense animal movement and global canine filarioid diversity may indicate that the likely presence of cutaneous filarioid nematodes is more common than previously expected. Hence, a question remains: Are these canine filarioid nematodes emerging, neglected, or simply underdiagnosed in the US? In this review, we provide an overview of pertinent information that briefly summarizes the biology of the different canine filarioid nematode species, clinical signs associated with infections, and currently available diagnostic tools using molecular and microscopy-based methods and highlight knowledge gaps where research and surveillance efforts remain necessary. The data herein presented serve as an alert to the scientific community about the importance of filarioid nematodes infecting dogs other than D. immitis. Additionally, the zoonotic potential of several filarioid species reinforces the necessity of a proper diagnosis and the need for broader surveillance to understand their diversity and distribution, to highlight the potential introduction of certain species, and mitigate their establishment in the country and new animal and human cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Gruntmeir
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maureen Kelly
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Guilherme Gomes Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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15
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Biasizzo H, Šoba B, Ilovski F, Harlander M, Lukin M, Blatnik O, Turel M, Srpčič M, Kern I, Beović B. Severe and Rare Case of Human Dirofilaria repens Infection with Pleural and Subcutaneous Manifestations, Slovenia. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2504-2507. [PMID: 36417956 PMCID: PMC9707586 DOI: 10.3201/eid2812.221366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of human Dirofilaria repens infection in a woman in Slovenia who had concomitant pleural and subcutaneous manifestations of the infection. This case report illustrates the clinical course of a severe symptomatic parasitic infection that had multisystemic manifestations.
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16
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Power RI, Šlapeta J. Exploration of the sensitivity to macrocyclic lactones in the canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in Australia using phenotypic and genotypic approaches. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:145-158. [PMID: 36417831 PMCID: PMC9772245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Canine heartworm disease is a potentially deadly cardiopulmonary disease caused by the mosquito-borne filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis. In Australia, the administration of macrocyclic lactone (ML) drugs has successfully reduced the prevalence of D. immitis infection. However, the recent re-emergence of D. immitis in dogs in Queensland, Australia and the identification of ML-resistant isolates in the USA poses an important question of whether ML-resistance has emerged in this parasite in Australia. The aim of this study was to utilise phenotypic and genotypic approaches to examine the sensitivity to ML drugs in D. immitis in Australia. To do this, we surveyed 45 dogs from Queensland and New South Wales across 3 years (2019-2022) for the presence of D. immitis infection using an antigen test, quantitative Modified Knott's test, and qPCR targeting both D. immitis and the D. immitis symbiont Wolbachia. A phenotype observed by utilising sequential quantification of microfilariae for 23/45 dogs was coupled with genetic testing of filtered microfilariae for SNPs previously associated with ML-resistance in isolates from the USA. Sixteen (16/45) dogs tested positive for D. immitis infection despite reportedly receiving 'rigorous' heartworm prevention for 12 months prior to the study, according to the owners' assessment. The phenotype and genotypic assays in this study did not unequivocally demonstrate the presence of ML-resistant D. immitis in Australia. Although the failure of 16 dogs to reduce microfilaremia by >90% after ML treatment was considered a suspect phenotype of ML-resistance, no genotypic evidence was discovered using the genetic SNP analysis. The traditional quantitative Modified Knott's test can be substituted by qPCR targeting D. immitis or associated Wolbachia endosymbiont DNA for a more rapid measurement of microfilariae levels. More definitive phenotypic evidence of resistance is critically needed before the usefulness of SNPs for the detection of ML-resistance in Australia can be properly assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemonde Isabella Power
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia,The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales, 2006, Australia,Corresponding author. Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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17
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Scavo NA, Zecca IB, Sobotyk C, Saleh MN, Lane SK, Olson MF, Hamer SA, Verocai GG, Hamer GL. High prevalence of canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, in pet dogs in south Texas, USA, with evidence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes contributing to transmission. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:407. [PMID: 36329477 PMCID: PMC9635171 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05514-1] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, a filarioid nematode of dogs and other carnivores, is widespread in the USA and the world. Over 20 different mosquito species serve as intermediate hosts of D. immitis, but their contribution to transmission varies according to factors like host feeding patterns, geographic locations and climatic conditions. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a competent vector of D. immitis but is often dismissed as a vector of veterinary relevance given its anthropophilic feeding behavior. We evaluated the prevalence of D. immitis in pet dogs along the USA-Mexico border and assessed whether Ae. aegypti in the area are naturally infected with heartworm and are potentially acting as a vector. Methods A total of 200 whole blood samples collected from pet dogs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas from 2016 to 2019 were included in this study. Canine serum samples for D. immitis were tested using the DiroCHEK® Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit pre- and post-immune complex dissociations (ICD) and blood samples were tested using high-resolution melt (HRM) quantitative PCR (qPCR) and a probe-based qPCR. Additionally, mosquito specimens were collected and identified, and Ae. aegypti heads, abdomens and pools were tested using conventional PCR (cPCR) and HRM qPCR. Results Overall, heartworm prevalence in dogs aged > 6 months was 40.8% (64/157) when the results from all testing modalities were considered. Heartworm antigen was detected in 33.5% and 40.7% of the dogs using DiroCHEK® pre- and post-ICD, respectively. By molecular screening, 20.1% of dogs tested positive with probe-based qPCR, while only one tested positive with HRM qPCR. Of the Ae. aegypti abdomens from blood-fed Ae. aeygpti tested, 20 (21.7%) from mosquitoes that fed on dogs and four (7%) from those that fed on humans tested positive for heartworm. Among Ae. aegypti heads from blood-fed Ae. aeygpti, two (1.1%) were positive based on cPCR and four (2.5%) were positive based on HRM qPCR. No D. immitis DNA was detected in the 208 pools of whole bodies (358 individuals) of Ae. aegypti gravid females. Conclusions Our study highlights a high prevalence of heartworm in dogs in south Texas and provides evidence that Ae. aegypti could be contributing to heartworm transmission in canine populations in this region. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Scavo
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Caroline Sobotyk
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Meriam N. Saleh
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Sarah K. Lane
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Mark F. Olson
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- grid.264756.40000 0004 4687 2082Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
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18
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Smith R, Murillo DFB, Chenoweth K, Barua S, Kelly PJ, Starkey L, Blagburn B, Wood T, Wang C. Nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in companion dogs and cats, United States of America. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:367. [PMID: 36229848 PMCID: PMC9559157 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heartworms, Dirofilaria immitis, are known to be widespread in dogs and cats in the USA, but there have been no country-wide prevalence studies performed to date. There have also been no large-scale studies to determine whether the closely related species, Dirofilaria repens, occurs in the USA. Methods To provide this large-scale data, we examined whole blood samples (n = 2334) submitted from around the USA to the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University between 2016 and 2022. Quantitative PCRs for D. immitis (targeting 16S rRNA) and D. repens (targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) were performed to determine the presence of Dirofilaria DNA. DNA sequencing was performed to confirm the results. Results Dirofilaria immitis DNA was found in 6.3% (68/1080) of the dogs from 17/39 states, and 0.3% (4/1254) of the cats from 4/42 states. None of the dogs or cats were positive for D. repens. The average 16S rRNA copy number of D. immitis in the dogs was 1,809,604 in 200 µl whole blood, while only a single copy was found in each of the four D. immitis-positive cats. The prevalence of D. immitis in dogs of different ages, sexes, and breeds did not differ significantly, but the prevalence in Southern states (7.5%, 60/803) was significantly higher than in the Western (1.7%, 1/58), Midwest (3.3%, 4/120), and Northeastern states (3.1%, 3/98) (P < 0.05). Dogs positive for D. immitis were identified in each study year (2016: 4.2%, 2/48; 2017: 9.8%, 4/41; 2018: 5.1%, 8/156; 2019: 4.9%, 15/306; 2020: 9.8%, 26/265; 2021: 4.9%, 13/264). Interestingly, dogs infected with Hepatozoon spp. (11.8%, 37/313) were significantly more likely to also be positive for D. immitis than dogs without evidence of Hepatozoon infection (3.9%, 30/760) (P < 0.0001). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs and cats in the USA, and the largest molecular survey of canine and feline dirofilariosis worldwide. Further studies are warranted to combine PCR with standard heartworm diagnostics to better understand the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. and aid in determining the risks posed to dogs and cats in the USA. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Smith
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Kelly Chenoweth
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Subarna Barua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Patrick John Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Lindsay Starkey
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Byron Blagburn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Theresa Wood
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.
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19
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Negron V, Saleh MN, Sobotyk C, Luksovsky JL, Harvey TV, Verocai GG. Probe-based qPCR as an alternative to modified Knott's test when screening dogs for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in combination with antigen detection tests. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:306. [PMID: 36038928 PMCID: PMC9425932 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current recommendations for diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs rely on the detection of antigen produced largely by adult females coupled with the visualization of microfilariae (mf) in the circulation via a microfilaria detection test (MFDT). It is hypothesized that qPCR assays used in parallel with antigen detection tests will perform better in detecting mf than modified Knott's test (MK), when combined with antigen detection. This study compares probe-based qPCR and MK techniques for mf detection used in parallel with the DiroCHEK® antigen test to screen for heartworm infection in shelter dogs. METHODS Matching blood and serum samples were collected from 300 shelter dogs in Brazos and Harris counties, Texas, USA. Blood was assessed for the presence of mf via MK and the presence of D. immitis DNA by a species-specific probe-based qPCR assay. Serum samples were tested for the presence of heartworm antigen using DiroCHEK® before and after immune complex dissociation (ICD) via heat treatment. In addition, the performance of each diagnostic test was evaluated via Chi-square test, Cochran's Q test, and post hoc analysis. RESULTS Qualitatively, MK detected mf in 22.0% (66/300) of samples, 55 of which were morphologically identified as D. immitis and 11 as Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The range of heartworm mf was 28 to 88,803 mf/ml (median: 6627.5). Real-time PCR detected D. immitis DNA in 20.7% (62/300) of samples. Heartworm antigen was detected in 24.7% (74/300) of samples pre-ICD, and in 29.3% (88/300) post-ICD. When comparing tests, the Chi-square and McNemar's tests showed that the difference between positive and negative proportions was statistically significant. The Cochran test showed the difference in the distributions of cases and non-cases was significant when individual tests were combined (χ2 = 62.3, df = 3, P < 0.0001) and when parallel methods were combined (χ2 = 43.1, df = 4, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Considering individual and combined test performances, practicality, and efficient use of bench time, this heartworm-specific probe-based qPCR method is a viable option as a mf detection test to be used in parallel with antigen tests for canine heartworm infection in diagnostic and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Negron
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Meriam N. Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Caroline Sobotyk
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Joe L. Luksovsky
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Tatiani V. Harvey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4467 USA
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Abo-Aziza FAM, Hendawy SHM, Abdullah HHAM, El Namaky A, Laidoudi Y, Mediannikov O. Emergent and Neglected Equine Filariosis in Egypt: Species Diversity and Host Immune Response. Pathogens 2022; 11:979. [PMID: 36145411 PMCID: PMC9501446 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine filariosis (EF) is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by nematode species belonging to the Onchocercidae and Setariidae families. Aside from their zoonotic potential, some species are responsible for serious health problems in equids worldwide, leading to significant economic difficulties. Here, we molecularly investigated equine blood samples (320 horses and 109 donkeys from Egypt) and four adult worms isolated from the peritoneal cavity of 5 out of the 94 slaughtered donkeys. In addition, quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) targeting circulating cytokines were used to identify whether the immunological profile of the infected animals is a Th1 (i.e., INF-gamma as indicator) or Th2 (i.e., IL-5 and IL-10 as indicators) response type. Overall, 13.8% and 0.3% of the donkeys and horses, respectively, were scored as positive for filaroid DNA. The 18S phylogeny revealed the occurrence of three different filaroid species, identified here as Mansonella (Tetrapetalonema) sp., Setaria digitata and Dirofilaria repens. Th1 (INF-gamma and IL-5) and Th2 (IL-10) immune response types were identified in equines infected with S. digitata and Mansonella (T.) sp., respectively. These results provide new data on the species diversity of EF in Egypt and extend knowledge of the downregulation of the protective immune response by the potentially zoonotic Mansonella (T) sp. There is an urgent need to implement control measures to preserve equine health and limit the propagation of these vector-borne filaroids in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten A. M. Abo-Aziza
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Seham H. M. Hendawy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Hend H. A. M. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Amira El Namaky
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University of Constantine 1, El-Khroub 25100, Algeria
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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21
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Sobotyk C, Nguyen N, Negrón V, Varner A, Saleh MN, Hilton C, Tomeček JM, Esteve-Gasent MD, Verocai GG. Detection of Dirofilaria immitis via integrated serological and molecular analyses in coyotes from Texas, United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:20-24. [PMID: 35399590 PMCID: PMC8987650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.03.012] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Wild canids serve as reservoir for various vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical importance, including the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis. In North and Central America, coyotes (Canis latrans) may be a relevant reservoir host for heartworm transmission. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of D. immitis in coyotes across Texas using integrated antigen detection test and molecular assays. Matching whole blood and serum samples were collected from 122 coyotes from different locations across the state of Texas, United States, encompassing nine counties. Collections occurred from February to April 2016, and December 2016. Samples were assessed serologically using a commercial microtiter plate ELISA (DiroCHEK®), and molecularly by conventional PCR targeting the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) of the mitochondrial DNA, and via a TaqMan© probe-based real-time PCR protocol, also targeting a fragment of the cox1 gene. Overall, 12 (9.83%) samples tested positive when serological and molecular results were combined. Seven of 122 samples (5.73%) were antigen-positive, 8 (6.55%) were qPCR-positive, and 4 (3.27%) were positive using conventional PCR. Of 12 positive samples, 4 tested antigen-positive by DiroCHEK® but were negative in all molecular tests, another 4 tested positive by at least one of the molecular assays but tested negative by DiroCHEK®, and 3 samples tested positive by both antigen test and at least one of the molecular assays. Two samples (16.67%) tested positive on both the antigen test and both conventional PCR and qPCR. Our study confirmed the presence of D. immitis infection in coyotes from southern and northern Texas. The combination of serologic and molecular diagnostic tests was proven synergistic for the identification of D. immitis infections, including occult dirofilariosis, and revealed a more accurate picture of heartworm occurrence in the sampled coyotes. Coyotes are an important wild reservoir for Dirofilaria immitis in North America. We collected 121 matching blood and serum samples of coyotes from Texas, USA. Twelve samples (9.92%) tested positive combining serology and molecular tests data. Probe-based qPCR was superior than conventional PCR for heartworm diagnosis. Combined DiroCHEK® and qPCR data showed a higher prevalence than each test alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sobotyk
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Nathalia Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Veronica Negrón
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Amanda Varner
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Meriam N Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Clayton Hilton
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - John M Tomeček
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Maria D Esteve-Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Louzada-Flores VN, Kramer L, Brianti E, Napoli E, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Bezerra-Santos MA, Latrofa MS, Otranto D. Treatment with doxycycline is associated with complete clearance of circulating Wolbachia DNA in Dirofilaria immitis-naturally infected dogs. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106513. [PMID: 35598650 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Wolbachia are endosymbionts of parasitic filarial nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis, and are a target for the treatment of canine heartworm disease. In the present study, 53 naturally-infected dogs were divided in three groups, based on their positivity to D. immitis by antigen and Knott tests, to assess the efficacy of doxycycline treatment in eliminating Wolbachia from circulating blood. At T0, dogs that scored positive to both tests (G1) or to antigen only (G2) were submitted to doxycycline (10 mg/kg BID PO) treatment and to 10% Imidacloprid + 2.5% Moxidectin (Advocate®), while those negative to both tests (G3) received only 10% Imidacloprid + 2.5% Moxidectin (Advocate®). All dogs were followed-up for one year, monthly treated with Advocate® and regularly monitored by antigen and Knott tests. During the whole period, all blood samples were screened for Wolbachia-D. immitis DNA load by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). At T0, 88.2% of the microfilariemic dogs were positive for Wolbachia DNA, while none of the dogs from G2 or G3 were positive. Wolbachia DNA was no longer detectable in dogs from G1 following 1 month of doxycycline treatment and microfilariae (mfs) were cleared at T2. All dogs from the G1 and G2 were negative for D. immitis antigen at 12 months. Results of this study suggest that successful elimination of mfs by doxycycline is associated with complete clearance of Wolbachia DNA in D. immitis-naturally infected dogs.
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23
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Ndiaye EHI, Diatta G, Diarra AZ, Berenger JM, Bassene H, Mediannikov O, Bouganali C, Sokhna C, Parola P. Morphological, Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS Identification of Bedbugs and Associated Wolbachia Species in Rural Senegal. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1019-1032. [PMID: 35286393 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bed bugs are known to carry several microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bed bug infestation in two rural areas of Senegal and determine the species present in the population. A screening was conducted to detect some arthropod associated pathogenic bacteria in bed bugs and to evaluate the prevalence of endosymbiont carriage. One survey took place in 17 villages in Niakhar and two surveys in Dielmo and Ndiop and surroundings area in the same 20 villages. Bed bugs collected were identified morphologically and by MALDI-TOF MS tools. Microorganisms screening was performed by qPCR and confirmed by sequencing. During the survey in the Niakhar region, only one household 1/255 (0.4%) in the village of Ngayokhem was found infested by bed bugs. In a monitoring survey of the surroundings of Dielmo and Ndiop area, high prevalence was found during the two rounds of surveys in 65/314 (21%) in 16/20 villages (January-March) and 93/351 (26%) in 19/20 villages (December). All bed bugs were morphologically identified as the species Cimex hemipterus, of which 285/1,637 (17%) were randomly selected for MALDI-TOF MS analysis and bacteria screening. Among the Bacteria tested only Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales, Rickettsiaceae) DNA was found in 248/276 (90%) of the bedbugs. We briefly describe a high level of non-generalized bed bug infestation in rural Senegal and the diversity of Wolbachia strains carried by C. hemipterus. This study opens perspectives for raising household awareness of bed bug infestations and possibilities for appropriate control.
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Affiliation(s)
- El Hadji Ibrahima Ndiaye
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Georges Diatta
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Michel Berenger
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Hubert Bassene
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Cheikh Sokhna
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Kotnik T, Rataj AV, Šoba B. Dirofilaria Repens in Dogs and Humans in Slovenia. J Vet Res 2022; 66:117-123. [PMID: 35582489 PMCID: PMC8959679 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0008] [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: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in dogs in countries bordering Slovenia ranges from 1.5% to 47.3%. The aim of this study was to estimate its prevalence in Slovenian dogs and to present the cases of dirofilariasis diagnosed in humans from 2010 to 2020. Material and Methods Epidemiological data were collected and blood samples were taken from 465 dogs older than one year and born in Slovenia. A real-time PCR was performed on all samples to detect filarioid DNA, and a D. repens-and D. immitis-specific real-time PCR was performed on positive samples. Blood samples from 446 dogs were tested for Dirofilaria spp. using a modified Knott's test. Human cases were diagnosed from histological sections of excised subcutaneous nodules. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the samples. The one-sample nonparametric chi-squared test was used to assess whether categories of a variable were equally distributed. Results Three dogs' samples tested positive for D. repens using the species-specific real-time PCR, while D. immitis DNA was not detected. The modified Knott's test was positive in two of the three PCR-positive dogs, two of which had never travelled outside Slovenia's borders. Four human patients with D. repens dirofilariasis were diagnosed. Since their travel history was unknown, autochthonous transmission could not be confirmed. Conclusion Our study demonstrated a 0.64% prevalence of D. repens infection in dogs in Slovenia. Two cases could be autochthonous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kotnik
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Šoba
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Soares LA, Matias IC, Silva SS, Ramos MEO, Silva AP, Barretto ML, Brasil AW, Silva MLC, Galiza GJ, Maia LA. Parasitological, serological and molecular diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Northeastern Brazil. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wu PM, Yu WH, Chiang CW, Wu CY, Chen JS, Tu YF. Novel Variations in the KDM5C Gene Causing X-Linked Intellectual Disability. Neurol Genet 2021; 8:e646. [PMID: 34877407 PMCID: PMC8641966 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives To investigate the pathogenicity of 2 novel KDM5C variations, report the clinical and neuroimaging findings, and review the available literature. Methods Physical examinations, structural neuroimaging studies, and exome sequence analysis were performed. KDM5C constructs were used to study the effect of the variations in transfected cells. Results We identified 2 novel variations c.2233C>G and c.3392_3393delAG in the KDM5C gene harboring from 2 Chinese families with X-linked intellectual disability (ID). The affected male patients exhibited severe ID, short stature, and facial dysmorphism. The 1 with c.3392_3393delAG additionally had epilepsy and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Transiently transfected mutant KDM5C constructs both reduced protein expression and stability and decreased histone demethylase activities in cells. Reviewing the available literature, we found that the associated ASD tended to occur in patients with variations near the C-terminus of KDM5C. Discussion We report the clinical, molecular genetic, and pathologic features in patients with novel variations of KDM5C. The variability of the clinical phenotype in addition to an ID may associate with altered particular parts of KDM5C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ming Wu
- Department of Pediatrics (P.-M.W., W.-H.Y., C.-Y.W., Y.-F.T.), National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; School of Medicine for International Students (J.-S.C.), I-Shou University, Kaohsiung; Institute of Clinical Medicine (W.-H.Y., Y.-F.T.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; Institute of Molecular Medicine (C.-W.C.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hao Yu
- Department of Pediatrics (P.-M.W., W.-H.Y., C.-Y.W., Y.-F.T.), National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; School of Medicine for International Students (J.-S.C.), I-Shou University, Kaohsiung; Institute of Clinical Medicine (W.-H.Y., Y.-F.T.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; Institute of Molecular Medicine (C.-W.C.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wu Chiang
- Department of Pediatrics (P.-M.W., W.-H.Y., C.-Y.W., Y.-F.T.), National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; School of Medicine for International Students (J.-S.C.), I-Shou University, Kaohsiung; Institute of Clinical Medicine (W.-H.Y., Y.-F.T.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; Institute of Molecular Medicine (C.-W.C.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Wu
- Department of Pediatrics (P.-M.W., W.-H.Y., C.-Y.W., Y.-F.T.), National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; School of Medicine for International Students (J.-S.C.), I-Shou University, Kaohsiung; Institute of Clinical Medicine (W.-H.Y., Y.-F.T.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; Institute of Molecular Medicine (C.-W.C.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Shing Chen
- Department of Pediatrics (P.-M.W., W.-H.Y., C.-Y.W., Y.-F.T.), National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; School of Medicine for International Students (J.-S.C.), I-Shou University, Kaohsiung; Institute of Clinical Medicine (W.-H.Y., Y.-F.T.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; Institute of Molecular Medicine (C.-W.C.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Tu
- Department of Pediatrics (P.-M.W., W.-H.Y., C.-Y.W., Y.-F.T.), National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; School of Medicine for International Students (J.-S.C.), I-Shou University, Kaohsiung; Institute of Clinical Medicine (W.-H.Y., Y.-F.T.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan; Institute of Molecular Medicine (C.-W.C.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Hamlili FZ, Bérenger JM, Diarra AZ, Parola P. Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification of swallow bugs Cimex hirundinis (Heteroptera: Cimicidae) and endosymbionts in France. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:587. [PMID: 34838119 PMCID: PMC8627032 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Cimicidae are obligatory blood-feeding ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. We aim in the current study to assess the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify Cimex hirundinis swallow bugs collected in house martin nests. Methods Swallow bugs were picked out from abandoned nests of house martin swallows and identified morphologically to the species level. The bugs were randomly selected, dissected and then subjected to MALDI-TOF MS and molecular analyses. Results A total of 65 adults and 50 nymphs were used in the attempt to determine whether this tool could identify the bug species and discriminate their developmental stages. Five adults and four nymphs of C. hirundinis specimens were molecularly identified to update our MS homemade arthropod database. BLAST analysis of COI gene sequences from these C. hirundinis revealed 98.66–99.12% identity with the corresponding sequences of C. hirundinis of the GenBank. The blind test against the database supplemented with MS reference spectra showed 100% (57/57) C. hirundinis adults and 100% (46/46) C. hirundinis nymphs were reliably identified and in agreement with morphological identification with logarithmic score values between 1.922 and 2.665. Ninety-nine percent of C. hirundinis specimens tested were positive for Wolbachia spp. The sequencing results revealed that they were identical to Wolbachia massiliensis, belonging to the new T-supergroup strain and previously isolated from C. hemipterus. Conclusions We report for the first time to our knowledge a case of human infestation by swallow bugs (C. hirundinis) in France. We also show the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS in the rapid identification of C. hirundinis specimens and nymphs with minimal sample requirements. We phylogenetically characterized the novel Wolbachia strain (W. massiliensis) infecting C. hirundinis and compared it to other recognized Wolbachia clades. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05073-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Zohra Hamlili
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Bérenger
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Adama Zan Diarra
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. .,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
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28
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Abdullah HHAM, Amanzougaghene N, Dahmana H, Louni M, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Multiple vector-borne pathogens of domestic animals in Egypt. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009767. [PMID: 34587171 PMCID: PMC8480906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) are considered emerging and re-emerging diseases that represent a global burden. The aim of this study was to explore and characterize vector-borne pathogens in different domestic animal hosts in Egypt. A total of 557 blood samples were collected from different animals using a convenience sampling strategy (203 dogs, 149 camels, 88 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 58 sheep and 33 goats). All samples were tested for multiple pathogens using quantitative PCR and standard PCR coupled with sequencing. We identified Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina in cattle (15.9 and 1.1%, respectively), T. ovis in sheep and buffaloes (8.6 and 7.7%, respectively) and Ba. canis in dogs (0.5%) as well as Anaplasma marginale in cattle, sheep and camels (20.4, 3.4 and 0.7%, respectively) and Coxiella burnetii in sheep and goats (1.7 and 3%; respectively). New genotypes of An. centrale, An. ovis, An. platys-like and Borrelia theileri were found in cattle (1.1,3.4, 3.4 and 3.4%, respectively), An. platys-like in buffaloes (7.7%), An. marginale, An. ovis, An. platys-like and Bo. theileri in sheep (3.4, 1.7, 1.7 and 3.4%, respectively), An. platys, An. platys-like and Setaria digitata in camels (0.7, 5.4 and 0.7%, respectively) and Rickettsia africae-like, An. platys, Dirofilaria repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in dogs (1.5, 3.4, 1 and 0.5%, respectively). Co-infections were found in cattle, sheep and dogs (5.7, 1.7, 0.5%, respectively). For the first time, we have demonstrated the presence of several vector-borne zoonoses in the blood of domestic animals in Egypt. Dogs and ruminants seem to play a significant role in the epidemiological cycle of VBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend H. A. M. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Handi Dahmana
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Younes L, Barré-Cardi H, Bedjaoui S, Ayhan N, Varloud M, Mediannikov O, Otranto D, Davoust B. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:427. [PMID: 34446069 PMCID: PMC8390287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04931-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the main causative agents of heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, respectively. Both pathogens have zoonotic potential and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The present study aimed to determine the transmission period, prevalence and diversity of Dirofilaria spp. vectors from endemic areas of Corsica (France). METHODS A monthly point data model based on average temperature recorded by four meteorological stations during 2017 was used to calculate the Dirofilaria transmission period. From June to September 2017, female mosquitoes (n = 1802) were captured using Biogents® Sentinel 2 traps lured with carbon dioxide and BG-Lure™ or octanol. Mosquitoes were identified to species level, pooled accordingly, and screened using multiplex real-time qPCR to detect D. immitis and D. repens. RESULTS The monthly point data model showed the possible transmission of Dirofilaria spp. from the third week in May to the last week in October in the studied area. Mosquitoes were identified as Ochlerotatus caspius (n = 1432), Aedes albopictus (n = 199), Culex pipiens sensu lato (n = 165) and Aedes vexans (n = 6) and were grouped into 109 pools (from 1 to 27 specimens, mean 11.4 ± 0.7), of which 16 scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. (i.e., n = 13; estimated infection rate [EIR] = 1.1% for D. immitis and n = 3; EIR = 0.2% for D. repens). Specifically, 6 (i.e., EIR = 3.8%) of 15 pools of Ae. albopictus were positive for D. immitis, 2 of 14 of Cx. pipiens s.l. were positive for D. immitis and D. repens, respectively, and 8 of 77 pools of Oc. caspius were positive for D. immitis (i.e., n = 6; EIR = 0.4%) and D. repens (i.e., 2; EIR = 0.1%). The highest mosquito infection rate was recorded in July (EIR = 2.5%), then in June (EIR = 1.3%) and September (EIR = 0.6%). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that both Dirofilaria species are endemic and occur possibly in sympatry in the studied area in Corsica, highlighting the need to implement preventive chemoprophylaxis and vector control strategies to reduce the risk of these filarioids in dog and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laidoudi Younes
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Samia Bedjaoui
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, Unité des Virus Emergents, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10, Av de la Ballastière, Libourne, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Domenico Otranto
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France. .,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. .,Animal Epidemiology Experts Group of the Military Health Service, Tours, France.
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Dumitrache MO, D'Amico G, Voiniţchi E, Maximenco S, Mircean V, Ionică AM. An epidemiological survey of Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp. in dogs from the Republic of Moldova. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:390. [PMID: 34362416 PMCID: PMC8349072 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04891-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the last decades, filarial infections caused by Dirofilaria spp. have spread rapidly within dog populations of several European countries. Increasing scientific interest in filariasis, and the availability of new diagnostic tools, has led to improved knowledge of the biology, morphology, and epidemiology of different species of filarial worms. However, data are still scarce for a number of countries, including the Republic of Moldova. Thus, we assessed the epidemiological status of canine filariasis in the Republic of Moldova to address part of this knowledge gap. Methods A total of 120 blood samples were collected between June 2018 and July 2019 from dogs originating from the cities of Cahul and Chişinău. The samples were examined microscopically, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate filarioid species diversity. Results Microscopic examination revealed that 12 dogs (10.0%) were positive for circulating microfilariae. The molecular test showed that one dog was positive for Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.8%), one for Dirofilariaimmitis (0.8%), six for Dirofilariarepens (5.0%), and four (3.3%) harboured a co-infection with D. immitis and D. repens. Prevalence was significantly higher in dogs aged ≥ 2 years. Conclusions The epidemiological survey presented here for the Republic of Moldova confirmed the presence D. immitis, D. repens and A. reconditum in dogs that had not received any heartworm preventive. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Eugeniu Voiniţchi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State Agrarian University of Moldova, 48 Mircești Street, Chişinău, Republic of Moldova
| | - Serghei Maximenco
- Agenţia Naţională pentru Siguranţa Alimentelor, MD3900 str. Griviţei, 28, Cahul, Republic of Moldova
| | - Viorica Mircean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I Al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Human and Animal Dirofilariasis in Southeast of France. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071544. [PMID: 34361979 PMCID: PMC8307238 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is one of the oldest known zoonotic infections of humans mainly caused by the filarial parasites of the species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, which primarily infect dogs. A five-year survey (2017 to 2021) was conducted among the dog population to assess the molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. in southeast France. Morphological and genetic analysis were performed on filaroids from dogs and one infected woman from the studied area. A total of 12 (13%) dogs scored molecularly positive for Dirofilaria spp. of which nine carried blood microfilariae. Ocular dirofilariasis was detected in a 79-year-old woman with no travel history. Both electron microscopy and molecular sequencing identified the worm in the human case as D. repens. Molecularly, D. repens isolates were identical in the human and dog cases, representing the only genotype reported so far in France. Despite the distribution of this genotype through all Europe, it was grouped separately with the other two European genotypes and with Asian ones. As in almost all previous human cases in France, D. repens parasites were mainly recovered from the ocular region of patients and were geographically concentrated in the southeastern regions. Data demonstrate the sympatric occurrence of D. immitis and D. repens with high risk of infection to human and dog populations in these investigated geographical areas, thereby underlining the urgent need to implement preventive chemoprophylactic strategies and vector control to reduce the risk of these filaroids in dog and human populations.
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Haematological and biochemical abnormalities in hunting dogs infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum, associated risk factors, and a European overview. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2109-2124. [PMID: 33963428 PMCID: PMC8184713 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Acanthocheilonema reconditum is a filarial parasite transmitted by arthropods (fleas, lice, and ticks) that infect dogs. There is minimal published data available to date on potential haematological and biochemical changes associated with this parasitic infection. Study aims were (i) provide an overview of A. reconditum in Europe, (ii) define A. reconditum prevalence and risk factors in a specific dog population (hunting) from southern Italy, and (iii) assess the frequency of haemato-biochemical abnormalities associated with infection. Blood samples collected from 3020 dogs were tested by a modified Knott's technique to count and identify microfilariae. Eighty-four dogs were infected by A. reconditum (2.78%; 95% CI 2.19-3.37%). Microfilariae ranged from 1 to 212/ml. Based on clinical examination, all but six dogs with non-specific symptoms were healthy. Haematological abnormalities included leucocytosis (n = 15), with eosinophilia (n = 14) and monocytosis (n = 13). Serum biochemical abnormalities included increased total serum proteins (n = 19), albumins (n = 7), total globulins (n = 14), ALT (n = 1), and ALP (n = 1); one dog was hypoalbuminemic, and BUN was mildly increased in 2 dogs. Risk factors included the province origin (Napoli, OR=5.4, 95%CI: 2.1-14.0; Caserta, OR=5.1, 95%CI: 2.5-10.6), hunting wild mammals (OR=2.8, 95% 95%CI: 1.6-4.8), and ectoparasite infestation (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.1). There was a negative correlation between microfilaraemic load and decreased albumin level (-0.37; p=0.021). Our results showed that A. reconditum circulates within the hunting dog population of southern Italy, with seemingly low pathogenic potential.
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Gruntmeir JM, Thompson NM, Long MT, Blagburn BL, Walden HDS. Detection of heartworm antigen without cross-reactivity to helminths and protozoa following heat treatment of canine serum. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:71. [PMID: 33482897 PMCID: PMC7821529 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04573-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of Dirofilaria immitis, or heartworm, through antigen in sera is the primary means of diagnosing infections in dogs. In recent years, the practice of heat-treating serum prior to antigen testing has demonstrated improved detection of heartworm infection. While the practice of heat-treating serum has resulted in earlier detection and improved sensitivity for heartworm infections, it has been suggested that heat treatment may cause cross reactivity with A. reconditum and intestinal helminth infections of dogs. No studies have assessed the potential cross-reactivity of these parasites with heartworm tests before and after heat treatment using blood products and an appropriate gold standard reference. METHODS Canine sera (n=163) was used to evaluate a heartworm antigen-ELISA (DiroCHEK®) and potential cross-reactivity with common parasitic infections. The heartworm status and additional parasite infections were confirmed by necropsy and adult helminth species verified morphologically or by PCR, and feces evaluated by centrifugal fecal flotation. RESULTS Intestinal parasites were confirmed in 140 of the dogs by necropsy, and 130 by fecal flotation. Acanthocheilonema reconditum microfilariae were confirmed in 22 dogs. Prevalence of heartworm infection confirmed by necropsy was 35.6% (58/163). In the 105 dogs without heartworms, specificity remained unchanged at 100% both before and after heat treatment despite confirmed infections with A. reconditum, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma brasiliense, Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Spirometra mansonoides, Macracanthorynchus ingens, Cystoisospora sp., Giardia sp., and Sarcocystis sp. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the use of heat treatment improves sensitivity of heartworm tests and is unlikely to cause false positive antigen results due to Acanthocheilonema reconditum, intestinal helminths, and protozoal parasites in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff M. Gruntmeir
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Nina M. Thompson
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Maureen T. Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
| | - Byron L. Blagburn
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1130 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849 USA
| | - Heather D. S. Walden
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32610 USA
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Laidoudi Y, Levasseur A, Medkour H, Maaloum M, Ben Khedher M, Sambou M, Bassene H, Davoust B, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. An Earliest Endosymbiont, Wolbachia massiliensis sp. nov., Strain PL13 from the Bed Bug ( Cimex hemipterus), Type Strain of a New Supergroup T. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8064. [PMID: 33138055 PMCID: PMC7662661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The symbiotic Wolbachia are the most sophisticated mutualistic bacterium among all insect-associated microbiota. Wolbachia-insect relationship fluctuates from the simple facultative/parasitic to an obligate nutritional-mutualistic association as it was the case of the bedbug-Wolbachia from Cimexlectularius. Understanding this association may help in the control of associated arthropods. Genomic data have proven to be reliable tools in resolving some aspects of these symbiotic associations. Although, Wolbachia appear to be fastidious or uncultivated bacteria which strongly limited their study. Here we proposed Drosophila S2 cell line for the isolation and culture model to study Wolbachia strains. We therefore isolated and characterized a novel Wolbachia strain associated with the bedbug Cimexhemipterus, designated as wChem strain PL13, and proposed Wolbachiamassiliensis sp. nov. strain wChem-PL13 a type strain of this new species from new supergroup T. Phylogenetically, T-supergroup was close to F and S-supergroups from insects and D-supergroup from filarial nematodes. We determined the 1,291,339-bp genome of wChem-PL13, which was the smallest insect-associated Wolbachia genomes. Overall, the wChem genome shared 50% of protein coding genes with the other insect-associated facultative Wolbachia strains. These findings highlight the diversity of Wolbachia genotypes as well as the Wolbachia-host relationship among Cimicinae subfamily. The wChem provides folate and riboflavin vitamins on which the host depends, while the bacteria had a limited translation mechanism suggesting its strong dependence to its hosts. However, the clear-cut distinction between mutualism and parasitism of the wChem in C. hemipterus cannot be yet ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (A.L.); (H.M.); (M.B.K.); (B.D.); (D.R.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (A.L.); (H.M.); (M.B.K.); (B.D.); (D.R.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Hacène Medkour
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (A.L.); (H.M.); (M.B.K.); (B.D.); (D.R.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Mossaab Maaloum
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sik, Hassan II University, Sidi Othmane, Casablanca 7955, Morocco;
| | - Mariem Ben Khedher
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (A.L.); (H.M.); (M.B.K.); (B.D.); (D.R.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Masse Sambou
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France, 13385 Marseille, France; (M.S.); (H.B.)
- Campus Commun UCAD-IRD of Hann, Dakar 10200, Senegal
| | - Hubert Bassene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France, 13385 Marseille, France; (M.S.); (H.B.)
- Campus Commun UCAD-IRD of Hann, Dakar 10200, Senegal
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (A.L.); (H.M.); (M.B.K.); (B.D.); (D.R.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France, 13385 Marseille, France; (M.S.); (H.B.)
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (A.L.); (H.M.); (M.B.K.); (B.D.); (D.R.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13385 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (A.L.); (H.M.); (M.B.K.); (B.D.); (D.R.)
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France;
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Molecular Approach for the Diagnosis of Blood and Skin Canine Filarioids. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111671. [PMID: 33126584 PMCID: PMC7713008 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic Onchocerca lupi and tick-transmitted filarioids of the genus Cercopithifilaria remain less well known due to the difficulties in accessing to skin samples as target tissues. Here, we proposed a molecular approach reliying on multiplex qPCR assays that allow the rapid identification of filarioids from canine blood, skin, and tick samples. This includes two newly developed duplex qPCR tests, the first one targeting filarial and C. grassii DNA (CanFil-C. grassii). and the second qPCR assay designed for the detection of Cercopithifilaria bainae and Cercopithifilaria sp. II DNAs (C. bainae-C.spII). The third one is a triplex TaqMan cox 1 assay targeting DNA of blood microfilariae (e.g., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The novel duplex qPCRs developed were validated in silico and by screening of known DNA collection. The qPCR assays were also used for screening the blood and tick samples of 72 dogs from Algeria. This allowed the identification of canine filariasis infection with 100% of specificity and 89.47% and 100% of sensitivity from naturally infected blood and tick samples, respectively. The prevalences of 26.39% for D. immitis and 5.56% for both D. repens and A. reconditum were reported in blood and tick samples. Cercopithifilaria DNAs were detected only in tick samples, with a prevalence of 4.17% and 5.56% for C. bainae and Cercopithifilaria sp. II, respectively. Co-infections were diagnosed in 6.94% and 13.89% of blood and tick samples, respectively. Whereas all samples were negative for C. grassii DNA. The use of engorged ticks instead of blood and skin samples could be an easier option for the surveillance of all canine filarioids herein investigated. The multiplex qPCR assays herein validated were shown to be useful in the detection of filarial co-infections by overcoming sequencing of positive samples.
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Keita ML, Medkour H, Sambou M, Dahmana H, Mediannikov O. Tabanids as possible pathogen vectors in Senegal (West Africa). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:500. [PMID: 33004069 PMCID: PMC7528383 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Species of the Tabanidae are potent vectors of human and animal diseases, but they have not been thoroughly investigated to date. In Senegal (West Africa), little information is available on these dipterans. Our objective in this study was to investigate Senegalese tabanids and their diversity by using molecular and proteomics approaches, as well as their associated pathogens. METHODS A total of 171 female tabanids were collected, including 143 from Casamance and 28 from Niokolo-Koba. The samples were identified morphologically by PCR sequencing and by MALDI-TOF MS, and PCR analysis was employed for pathogen detection and blood-meal characterization. RESULTS The morphological identification revealed four species concordantly with the molecular identification: Atylotus fuscipes (79.5%), Tabanus guineensis (16.4%), Chrysops distinctipennis (3.5%) and Tabanus taeniola (0.6%) (not identified by PCR). The molecular investigation of pathogens revealed the presence of Trypanosoma theileri (6.6%), Leishmania donovani (6.6%), Setaria digitata (1.5%), Rickettsia spp. (5.1%) and Anaplasmataceae bacteria (0.7%) in A. fuscipes. Tabanus guineensis was positive for L. donovani (35.7%), S. digitata (3.6%) and Anaplasmataceae (17.8%). Leishmania donovani has been detected in 50% of C. distinctipennis specimens and the only T. taeniola specimen. No Piroplasmida, Mansonella spp. or Coxeilla burnetii DNA was detected. In addition to humans (96.43%), Chlorocebus sabeus, a non-human primate, has been identified as a host of (3.57%) analysed tabanids. MALDI-TOF MS enabled us to correctly identify all tabanid species that had good quality spectra and to create a database for future identification. CONCLUSIONS Tabanids in Senegal could be vectors of several pathogens threatening animal and public health. To fully characterize these dipterans, it is therefore necessary that researchers in entomology and infectiology employ molecular characterization and mass spectrometric techniques such as MALDI-TOF MS to analyse these dipterans in Senegal and West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Lamine Keita
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Hacène Medkour
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Masse Sambou
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Vecteurs - Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- Vectors-Tropical and Mediterranean Infections (VITROME), Campus International, UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Handi Dahmana
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), Marseille, France.
- UMR Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France.
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Laidoudi Y, Medkour H, Levasseur A, Davoust B, Mediannikov O. New Molecular Data on Filaria and its Wolbachia from Red Howler Monkeys ( Alouatta macconnelli) in French Guiana-A Preliminary Study. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080626. [PMID: 32752052 PMCID: PMC7460519 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported filarial parasites of the genus Dipetalonema and Mansonella from French Guiana monkeys, based on morphological taxonomy. In this study, we screened blood samples from nine howler monkeys (Alouatta macconnelli) for the presence of filaria and Wolbachia DNA. The infection rates were 88.9% for filaria and 55.6% for wolbachiae. The molecular characterization, based on the 18S gene of filariids, revealed that A. macconnelli are infected with at least three species (Mansonella sp., Brugia sp. and an unidentified Onchocercidae species.). Since the 18S and cox1 generic primers are not very effective at resolving co-infections, we developed ITS genus-specific PCRs for Mansonella and Brugia genus. The results revealed coinfections in 75% of positives. The presence of Mansonella sp. and Brugia sp. was also confirmed by the 16S phylogenetic analysis of their associated Wolbachia. Mansonella sp., which close to the species from the subgenus Tetrapetalonema encountered in New World Monkeys, while Brugia sp. was identical to the strain circulating in French Guiana dogs. We propose a novel ITS1Brugia genus-specific qPCR. We applied it to screen for Brugia infection in howler monkeys and 66.7% were found to be positive. Our finding highlights the need for further studies to clarify the species diversity of neotropics monkeys by combining molecular and morphological features. The novel Brugia genus-specific qPCR assays could be an effective tool for the surveillance and characterization of this potential zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- IRD, AP-HM, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (H.M.); (A.L.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Hacène Medkour
- IRD, AP-HM, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (H.M.); (A.L.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- IRD, AP-HM, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (H.M.); (A.L.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IRD, AP-HM, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (H.M.); (A.L.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IRD, AP-HM, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEPHI), IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (Y.L.); (H.M.); (A.L.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, 19–21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +3304-1373-24-01
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Parasitic Infections in African Humans and Non-Human Primates. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070561. [PMID: 32664573 PMCID: PMC7400533 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Different protozoa and metazoa have been detected in great apes, monkeys and humans with possible interspecies exchanges. Some are either nonpathogenic or their detrimental effects on the host are not yet known. Others lead to serious diseases that can even be fatal. Their survey remains of great importance for public health and animal conservation. Fecal samples from gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) and humans living in same area in the Republic of Congo, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) from Senegal and one other from the Republic of Congo, Guinea baboons (Papio papio) from Senegal, hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) from Djibouti and Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) from Algeria, were collected. DNA was extracted and screened using specific qPCR assays for the presence of a large number of helminths and protozoa. Positive samples were then amplified in standard PCRs and sequenced when possible. Overall, infection rate was 36.5% in all non-human primates (NHPs) and 31.6% in humans. Great apes were more often infected (63.6%) than monkeys (7.3%). At least twelve parasite species, including ten nematodes and two protozoa were discovered in NHPs and five species, including four nematodes and a protozoan in humans. The prevalences of Giarida lamblia, Necator americanus, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis were similar between gorillas and human community co-habiting the same forest ecosystem in the Republic of Congo. In addition, human specific Mansonella perstans (5.1%) and other Mansonella spp. (5.1%) detected in these gorillas suggest a possible cross-species exchange. Low prevalence (2%) of Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis were observed in chimpanzees, as well as a high prevalence of Abbreviata caucasica (57.1%), which should be considered carefully as this parasite can affect other NHPs, animals and humans. The Barbary macaques were less infected (7.2%) and Oesophagostomum muntiacum was the main parasite detected (5.8%). Finally, we report the presence of Pelodera sp. and an environmental Nematoda DNAs in chimpanzee feces, Nematoda sp. and Bodo sp. in gorillas, as well as DNA of uncharacterized Nematoda in apes and humans, but with a relatively lower prevalence in humans. Prevalence of extraintestinal parasites remains underestimated since feces are not the suitable sampling methods. Using non-invasive sampling (feces) we provide important information on helminths and protozoa that can infect African NHPs and human communities living around them. Public health and animal conservation authorities need to be aware of these infections, as parasites detected in African NHPs could affect both human and other animals’ health.
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Zoonotic Abbreviata caucasica in Wild Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus) from Senegal. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070517. [PMID: 32605080 PMCID: PMC7400140 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abbreviata caucasica (syn. Physaloptera mordens) has been reported in human and various non-human primates including great apes. The identification of this nematode is seldom performed and relies on egg characterization at the coproscopy, in the absence of any molecular tool. Following the recovery of two adult females of A. caucasica from the feces of wild Senegalese chimpanzees, morphometric characteristics were reported and new data on the width of the esophagus (0.268–0.287 mm) and on the cuticle structure (0.70–0.122 mm) were provided. The molecular characterization of a set of mitochondrial (cox1, 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA) and nuclear (18S rRNA and ITS2) partial genes was performed. Our phylogenetic analysis indicates for the first time that A. caucasica is monophyletic with Physaloptera species. A novel molecular tool was developed for the routine diagnosis of A. caucasica and the surveillance of Nematoda infestations. An A. caucasica-specific qPCR targeting the 12S gene was assessed. The assay was able to detect up to 1.13 × 10−3 eggs/g of fecal matter irrespective of its consistency, with an efficiency of 101.8% and a perfect adjustment (R2 = 0.99). The infection rate by A. caucasica in the chimpanzee fecal samples was 52.08%. Only 6.19% of the environmental samples were positive for nematode DNA and any for A. caucasica. Our findings indicate the need for further studies to clarify the epidemiology, circulation, life cycle, and possible pathological effects of this infestation using the molecular tool herein developed.
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Laidoudi Y, Ringot D, Watier-Grillot S, Davoust B, Mediannikov O. A cardiac and subcutaneous canine dirofilariosis outbreak in a kennel in central France. Parasite 2019; 26:72. [PMID: 31840652 PMCID: PMC6913249 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine dirofilarioses are nematode infections caused by two species of the genus Dirofilaria: D. immitis and D. repens. We describe here an outbreak of D. immitis and D. repens infection in military working dogs (MWDs) housed in a kennel in the Indre department (centre of France). Out of a total of 17 dogs, 6 (35.2%) tested positive for D. immitis, D. repens or both parasites. Infested dogs were treated and prophylactic measures were implemented for the entire kennel staff. To our knowledge, this is the first documented description of an outbreak of canine cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis in the center of France, unlike in the south of this country, where D. immitis and D. repens dirofilariasis are enzootic. In France, as mosquito vectors expand their territory and new non-native vectors are introduced, it is likely that the distribution area of these two diseases of domestic and wild carnivores will be wider and underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection 13385 Marseille France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection 13385 Marseille France
| | - David Ringot
- French Military Health Service, 33e Veterinary Group 37076 Tours France
| | - Stéphanie Watier-Grillot
- Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service 13014 Marseille France
- French Armed Forces Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health (CESPA) 13014 Marseille France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection 13385 Marseille France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection 13385 Marseille France
- Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service 13014 Marseille France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection 13385 Marseille France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection 13385 Marseille France
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