1
|
Vijaykumar LK, Chikkachowdappa PG, Venkatappa MH, Gowda AKJ, Jacob SS, Mani S, Bayyappa MRG. Analysis of Genetic Diversity of cytb gene from Babesia gibsoni Isolates from Naturally Infected Dogs in Karnataka, India. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:375-383. [PMID: 38133744 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00757-z] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to investigate genetic diversity in Babesia gibsoni, the causative agent of canine babesiosis, and to assess the presence of atovaquone-resistant isolates in naturally infected dogs. METHODS A total of 24 blood samples confirmed for B. gibsoni infection was subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing based on cytb gene. Genetic characterization of B. gibsoni as well as attempts to detect the point mutation rendering atovaquone resistance was carried out based on the analysis of nucleotide sequence of cytb gene using bioinformatics software. RESULTS The findings indicated that the B. gibsoni isolates in the investigation exhibited a high nucleotide identity with the Asian genotype, ranging from 98.41 to 98.69%. Notably, none of the isolates carried cytb gene variants associated with atovaquone resistance. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of most isolates with those from Japan and China, except for one isolate forming a distinct subclade. Haplotype network analysis indicated a high diversity with 22 distinct haplotypes among the B. gibsoni isolates, emphasizing the genetic variability within the studied population. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the cytb gene exhibited remarkable conservation among the twenty-four B. gibsoni isolates studied and the study represents the first genetic diversity assessment of B. gibsoni using the cytb gene in dogs from India. These findings shed light on the genetic characteristics of B. gibsoni in the region and provide valuable insight for addressing the challenges posed by this life-threatening disease in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya K Vijaykumar
- Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560024, India
- Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560024, India
| | | | | | | | - Siju Susan Jacob
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Saminathan Mani
- ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, UP, 243122, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ayanniyi OO, Lu Z, Zhang H, Li C, Luo S, Wang C, Xu Q, Zhang Q, Yang C. Epidemiological survey of tick-borne pathogens in dogs in Anhui Province, China. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 101:102059. [PMID: 37690183 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102059] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have continued to increase worldwide in both developing and many developed countries due to the widespread of different tick species and tick's adaptability to different climatic weather. In order to investigate the prevalence of the tick-borne pathogens, EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood samples were aseptically collected from 765 pet dogs in twenty veterinary clinics located in sixteen prefecture-level cities in Anhui Province, China, and the samples were examined and analyzed for tick-borne pathogens using both microscopy and PCR. Our result analysis revealed 17(2.22%) positive samples to Babesia spp and 4(0.52%) positive samples to Hepatozoon spp, of which case of co-infection was recorded in Lu'An and Chuzhou. The BLAST analysis results of the 18S rRNA gene revealed that the dogs were infected with Babesia gibsoni and Hepatozoon canis. All samples were negative for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. This is the first molecular report of B. gibsoni and H. canis in dogs in Anhui, China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Opeyemi Ayanniyi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Zhenxiao Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Chunqi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Shishang Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Chuanchen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China
| | - Qianming Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China.
| | - Qingxun Zhang
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing 100076, China.
| | - Congshan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Morelli S, Diakou A, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Colombo M, Simonato G, Di Cesare A, Passarelli A, Pezzuto C, Tzitzoudi Z, Barlaam A, Beall M, Chandrashekar R, Pantchev N, Traversa D. Use of In-Clinic Diagnostic Kits for the Detection of Seropositivity to Leishmania infantum and Other Major Vector-Borne Pathogens in Healthy Dogs. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050696. [PMID: 37242366 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBDs) are widespread in Europe and enzootic in many other countries. Though severe illnesses may occur, dogs living in enzootic areas often show vague or no clinical signs of CVBDs. Undiagnosed infections/co-infections in subclinically infected animals favor the spread of CVBDs and increase the risk of transmission to other animals and, in some cases, humans. This study has evaluated the exposure of dogs living in key enzootic countries, i.e., Italy and Greece, to major CVBDs via the use of in-clinic diagnostic kits. Overall, 300 privately owned dogs without/with single mild clinical signs living in different regions of Italy (n. 150) and Greece (n. 150) were included in the study. As part of a clinical examination, a blood sample was collected from each dog and subjected to two serological rapid tests, i.e., the SNAP® 4Dx®Plus (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Dirofilaria immitis antigen and the SNAP®Leishmania (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania infantum. In all, 51 dogs (17%; 95% CI 12.9-21.7) were seropositive to at least 1 pathogen, i.e., 4 in Italy (2.7%; 95% CI 1.4-13.1) and 47 in Greece (31.3%; 95% CI 24-39.4). Dirofilaria immitis antigens were found in 39 dogs (13%; 95% CI 9.4-17.3), while antibodies against Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Leishmania were detected in 25 (8.3%; 95% CI 5.5-12.1), 8 (2.7%; 95% CI 1.2-5.2) and 5 (1.7%; 95% CI 0.5-3.8) dogs, respectively. None of the dogs tested seropositive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations between exposure to CVBDs and possible risk factors. The present results indicate that dogs living in enzootic areas may be seropositive for one or more CVBDs in absence of clinical signs. Rapid kits are among first line tools for the detection of CVBDs in clinical settings, as they are cost-effective, straightforward and quick to use. Also, in-clinic tests used herein allowed detection of co-exposure to CVBDs investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Mariasole Colombo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Pezzuto
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Pezzuto Carlo/Piano Noemi, 86010 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Zoe Tzitzoudi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Donato Traversa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deepa CK, Varghese A, Felicia Bora CA, Ajith Kumar KG, John L, Asaf M, Chulliparambil S, Ravindran R. Phylogenetic analysis of Babesia gibsoni isolates of south India using apical membrane antigen, 50 kDa surface antigen, and 70 kDa heat shock protein genes. Exp Parasitol 2023; 246:108461. [PMID: 36642297 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108461] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of canine babesiosis due to Babesia gibsoni has increased throughout the world including in southern India. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based molecular characterization of B. gibsoni in dogs of Kerala, south India, targeting three specific genes viz., apical membrane antigen (AMA1), 50 kDa surface antigen (P50), and heat shock protein (HSP70) was undertaken in this study. Out of 297 blood samples collected from clinically suspected animals, microscopy detected piroplasms of B. gibsoni in 60 (20.20 per cent), while the PCR targeting the BgP50 gene detected 85 (28.61 per cent). Polymerase chain reaction targeting the BgAMA1 and BgHSP70 detected a lesser number of samples (60 and 65 respectively) as positive. The phylogenetic analysis of BgHSP70 gene sequences did not reveal genetic heterogeneity among the B. gibsoni isolates of South India and from other countries, while the BgP50 gene differentiated the Indian isolates from Japanese isolates. When BgAMA1 was used for phylogenetic analysis, genetic variation was not observed among Indian and Taiwanese isolates, however, differentiated them from the Japanese isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chundayil Kalarickal Deepa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Anju Varghese
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | | | | | - Lijo John
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Muhasin Asaf
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Sunanda Chulliparambil
- Department of Statistics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India
| | - Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala, 673 576, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yin F, Guo C, Tian Z, Li D, Mu D, Liu H, Guan G, Yin H, Li F. Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of Babesia gibsoni. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1147958. [PMID: 37035817 PMCID: PMC10076745 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1147958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan causing canine babesiosis. This parasite has diploid sexual reproduction in ticks, during which genetic exchanges can occur leading to increased genetic diversity, which is an important factor in adapting to environmental changes. Exploring the genetic variation of B. gibsoni population can provide a foundation for understanding the patterns of disease transmission and developing babesiosis control strategies. Partial 18S rRNA fragment sequences were obtained from 11 B. gibsoni isolates collected from different regions in China and 117 publicly available sequences were from 12 geographical areas including China. The genetic variation, demographic expansion and population structure were examined. A total of 34 haplotypes were identified among B. gibsoni populations. Analysis of molecular variance, pairwise Fst and structure analysis showed that high genetic variation within populations, low genetic differentiation and obvious mixture haplotype were apparent in a single continent, but higher genetic differentiation was detected across different continents. Neutrality tests implied that B. gibsoni populations had experienced population extension. These findings will contribute to understand the genetics and evolution of B. gibsoni and will be useful for formulating effective management strategies to prevent and control this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanjiang Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuojia Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daoe Mu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haoting Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Hong Yin
| | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Facai Li
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yin F, Mu D, Tian Z, Li D, Ma X, Wang J, Guan G, Yin H, Li F. First Report of Babesia gibsoni in Cats in China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223066. [PMID: 36428294 PMCID: PMC9686484 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
As there are few studies of Babesia spp. infection in cats in China, or anywhere in the world, the aim of this study was to explore the epidemic features of babesiosis in pet cats in China. In total, 429 blood samples were randomly collected in four different geographical regions. The 18S rRNA gene fragment of Babesia spp. was amplified by nest polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia were performed to analyze the relationship of this protozoa. The total positive rate of infection was 2.8%. BLAST analysis indicated that Babesia gibsoni was detected in 12 cats. Among these, 4.3%, 3.1%, 0.8% and 2.0% were from Chongqing, Fujian, Hubei and Shandong, respectively. Haplotype and phylogenetic analysis showed that there were nine haplotypes and no obvious genetic variation among B. gibsoni populations. This is the first report of B. gibsoni in cats in China. These findings will be helpful for understanding the epidemiology of Babesia spp. in China, and provide a foundation for developing effective preventative strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Daoe Mu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Zhuojia Tian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Dong Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiting Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.W.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (F.L.)
| | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (F.Y.); (D.M.); (Z.T.); (D.L.); (X.M.)
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (F.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo J, Yang F, Wang L, Xuan X, Zhao J, He L. A novel promising diagnostic candidate selected by screening the transcriptome of Babesia gibsoni (Wuhan isolate) asexual stages in infected beagles. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:362. [PMID: 36217160 PMCID: PMC9549657 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05468-4] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia gibsoni is one of the causative agents of canine babesiosis worldwide. Some dogs infected with B. gibsoni show severe clinical signs with progressive anemia, hemoglobinuria and splenomegaly. However, most infected dogs present a state of chronic infection and thereby may be a persistent pathogen carrier, increasing the risk of pathogen spreading. To date, little is known about this pathogen, with genomic and transcriptomic data in particular generally unavailable. This lack of knowledge extensively limits the development of effective diagnostic strategies and vaccines. METHODS High-throughput RNA sequencing of total RNA of B. gibsoni asexual stages collected from infected beagles was performed. The unigenes were annotated in seven databases. The genes were sorted according to their fragments per kilobase per million (FPKM) value, which was used as an indicator for expression level. The gene with the highest FPKM value was cloned from the genome of B. gibsoni and further tested for immunogenicity, cellular localization and efficacy as a potential diagnostic candidate for detecting B. gibsoni in sera collected from beagles. RESULTS A total of 62,580,653 clean reads were screened from the 64,336,475 raw reads, and the corresponding 70,134 transcripts and 36,587 unigenes were obtained. The gene with the highest FPKM value was screened from the unigenes; its full length was 1276 bp, and it was named BgP30. The BgP30 gene comprised three exons and two introns, with a 786-bp open reading frame, and encoded 261 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 30 kDa. The cellular localization assay confirmed the existence of P30 protein in B. gibsoni parasites. Moreover, P30 was detected in the serum of experimentally B. gibsoni-infected beagles, from 15 days up to 422 days post-infection, suggesting its usefulness as a diagnostic candidate for both acute and chronic infections. CONCLUSIONS We sequenced the transcriptome of B. gibsoni asexual stages for the first time. The BgP30 gene was highly expressed in the transcriptome screening experiments, with further studies demonstrating that it could induce immune response in B. gibsoni-infected dogs. These results lead us to suggest that bgP30 may be a good diagnostic candidate marker to detect both acute and chronic B. gibsoni infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150000, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Furong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lingna Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Lan He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China. .,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Comparison of PCR Kits for the Detection of Erythrocytic Parasites on Filter Paper. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:5715436. [PMID: 35996466 PMCID: PMC9392634 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5715436] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dried blood spot (DBS) based PCR was considered an inexpensive and feasible method for detecting pathogens in the blood. The DBS carrier filter paper and PCR kits are crucial for accurate diagnosis. We evaluated 4 types of filter papers and 20 PCR kits for DBS samples. The PCR detecting Plasmodium results showed that the minimum detection limit of the 4 filter papers was 1 × 102 parasites/μL, and the positive rates of 20 PCR kits ranged from 0% to 100%. PCR results were satisfactory for detecting Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and Plasmodium. vivax (P. vivax) in archived DBS samples and Babesia gibsoni (B. gibsoni) in fresh pet DBS samples. Our results provided a useful reference for the detection of blood pathogens with DBS samples and direct PCR, especially for screening the cost-efficacy combination of filter paper and PCR kit in resource-limited areas.
Collapse
|
9
|
Karasová M, Tóthová C, Víchová B, Blaňarová L, Kisková T, Grelová S, Staroňová R, Micháľová A, Kožár M, Nagy O, Fialkovičová M. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Malarone®, Azithromycin and Artesunate Combination for Treatment of Babesia gibsoni in Naturally Infected Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060708. [PMID: 35327106 PMCID: PMC8944516 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne protozoal blood parasite that may cause hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, lethargy, and/or splenomegaly in dogs. Many drugs have been used in management of canine babesiosis such as monotherapy or combined treatment, including diminazene aceturate, imidocarb dipropionate, atovaquone, and antibiotics. This report examines the effectiveness and safety of Malarone®, azithromycin (AZM) and artesunate (ART) combination for the treatment of babesiosis in dogs naturally infected with Babesia gibsoni. Twelve American Pit Bull Terriers were included in the experiment. Examined dogs underwent clinical and laboratory analysis including hematology and biochemistry profile and serum protein electrophoresis. After diagnosis, the dogs received combined therapy with Malarone® (13.5 mg/kg PO q24 h), azithromycin (10 mg/kg PO q24 h) and artesunate (12.5 mg/kg PO q24 h) for 10 days. The combined treatment improved hematology and biochemical parameters to the reference range gradually during the first 14 days already, resulting in the stable values until day 56 after treatment. No clinically apparent adverse effects were reported during treatment and monitoring. No relapses of parasitemia were detected in control days 180, 360, 540 and 720 in all dogs. Results of the study indicate that the combined treatment leads to successful elimination of parasitemia in chronically infected dogs with B. gibsoni.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Karasová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Csilla Tóthová
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (C.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovac Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (B.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Lucia Blaňarová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovac Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (B.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Terézia Kisková
- Faculty of Science, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, 04180 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Simona Grelová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Radka Staroňová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Alena Micháľová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Martin Kožár
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Oskar Nagy
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (C.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Mária Fialkovičová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morelli S, Gori F, Colombo M, Traversa D, Sarrocco G, Simonato G, Nespeca C, Di Cesare A, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Veronesi F, Russi I, Schnyder M. Simultaneous Exposure to Angiostrongylus vasorum and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:1200. [PMID: 34578232 PMCID: PMC8472057 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several drivers have recently fostered the expansion of Angiostrongylus vasorum throughout Europe, where Vector-Borne Pathogens (VBPs) are also spreading. However, the level of simultaneous risk of infection is still unknown in canine populations. This study evaluated the simultaneous exposure to A. vasorum and major canine VBPs in dogs of Italy. Sera of 294 dogs were subjected to two ELISAs, detecting A. vasorum circulating antigens and antibodies against the parasite, and to the following assays: (i) SNAP® 4DX (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) detecting Dirofilaria immitis antigens, and antibodies vs. Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and (ii) IFAT for the detection of antibodies vs. Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis and Rickettsia conorii. Twenty-two (7.5%, CI: 4.8-11.1%) and six (2%, CI: 0.7-4.4%) dogs scored positive for circulating A. vasorum antibodies and antigens, respectively. Seventeen dogs (5.8%, CI: 3.4-9.1%) were positive for A. vasorum antibodies + at least one VBP, three (1%, CI: 0.2-3%) for A. vasorum antigen + at least one VBP, while one dog (0.3%, CI: 0.01-1.88%) was positive for A. vasorum antigen + A. vasorum antibodies + B. canis antibodies. These results show that dogs living in different regions of Italy are at risk of simultaneous infections with both A. vasorum and VBPs. Despite the same scenario being likely in other countries of Europe, the current knowledge is scant. Therefore, further studies are warranted to amplify current epizootiological information and to understand whether control programs should be improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Francesca Gori
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (F.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Giulia Sarrocco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Lengaro, Italy; (G.S.); (A.F.d.R.)
| | - Chiara Nespeca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | | | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Russi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (F.G.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Exposure to Major Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs Subjected to Different Preventative Regimens in Endemic Areas of Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050507. [PMID: 33922459 PMCID: PMC8146437 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are globally widespread arthropod-transmitted diseases with a significant impact on animal and human health. Many drivers have recently spurred the geographic spread of VBDs in dogs. This study has evaluated the exposure to most important VBDs in dogs under different preventative treatments in different regions of Italy, i.e., Veneto, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Umbria, Giglio Island (Tuscany), Abruzzo and Latium. Serological analyses were performed to detect antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis/Ehrlichia ewingii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Rickettsia conorii and the circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. Dogs were categorized according to the treatment schedule usually received, and the association between seropositivity and possible risk factors was statistically evaluated. Overall, 124/242 (51.2%) dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen, while 34 (14.0%) were exposed to two or more pathogens. The most detected seropositivity was against R. conorii, followed by Anaplasma spp., L. infantum, B. canis, and the other pathogens under study. Significant statistical associations were found according to geographical provenance, history of tick infestation, lifestyle and inadequate prophylactic treatments. Random/irregular treatments have been identified as a clear risk factor. These results show that adequate prophylactic treatment protocols are overlooked by dog owners, despite the availability of several effective products, with possible implications in veterinary medicine and on public health.
Collapse
|