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Alf V, Tirrito F, Fischer A, Cappello R, Kiviranta AM, Steinberg TA, Poli F, Stotz F, Del Vecchio OV, Dörfelt S, Falzone C, Knittel A, Loderstedt S, Mercuriali E, Tabanez J, Zagarella P, Matiasek K, Rosati M. A multimodal approach to diagnosis of neuromuscular neosporosis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2024. [PMID: 39016150 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17145] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of neosporosis in dogs is challenging. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility of a compound multimodal testing approach for diagnosing in dogs neuromuscular and combined forms of neosporosis. ANIMALS A total of 16 dogs diagnosed with solely neuromuscular neosporosis or with a combination of neuromuscular and central nervous system neosporosis. METHODS Retrospective review of clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome with focus on the diagnostic utility of different tests. Development of a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of Neospora caninum in paraffin-embedded muscle samples. RESULTS 13/16 dogs had only neuromuscular signs of neosporosis, 3/16 had disease signs with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Serology was performed in 15/16, with 10/15 showing titers >1 : 160 at admission. PCR on muscle samples detected N. caninum DNA in 11/16. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected N. caninum in 9/16 and ISH in 9/16. Histopathology revealed inflammatory myopathy in 10/16, necrotizing myopathy in 5/16, borderline changes in 1/16 and tachyzoites in 9/16. In 4 cases, N. caninum infection was confirmed with all 5 diagnostic methods, 3 cases with 4, 2 with 3, 6 with 2, and 1 animal with 1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Diagnosis of N. caninum infection should rely on a multimodal diagnostic approach and negativity of 1 single test should not allow for exclusion. Serology in combination with direct parasite identification via histopathology, DNA via PCR, or both modalities, appears a reliable diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Alf
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Federica Tirrito
- Clinica Neurologica Veterinaria NVA, Milano, Italy
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario di Novara, Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Section of Neurology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Anna-Mariam Kiviranta
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Federica Poli
- Clinica Veterinaria Valdinievole, Monsummano Terme, Italy
| | - Felix Stotz
- EVIDENSIA Tierarztpraxen und -kliniken Nordrhein GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Stefanie Dörfelt
- Neurology Referral Service, AniCura Tierklinik Haar, Haar, Germany
| | - Cristian Falzone
- Clinica Veterinaria Pedrani Diagnostica Piccoli Animali, Zugliano, Italy
| | - André Knittel
- Klinik für Kleintiere - Chirurgie, Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Shenja Loderstedt
- Neurologie - Klinik für Kleintiere, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Paolo Zagarella
- Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico Veterinario, Arenzano, Italy
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Rosati
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
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2
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Cohn LA. Cytauxzoonosis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1211-1224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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3
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Willi B, Meli ML, Cafarelli C, Gilli UO, Kipar A, Hubbuch A, Riond B, Howard J, Schaarschmidt D, Regli W, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Cytauxzoon europaeus infections in domestic cats in Switzerland and in European wildcats in France: a tale that started more than two decades ago. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:19. [PMID: 34998440 PMCID: PMC8742954 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytauxzoon spp. infection is believed to be a newly emerging tick-borne disease in felids in Europe, with three species of the haemoparasite having recently been differentiated in wild felids. In Switzerland, rare infections have been documented in domestic cats in the west and northwest of the country, the first of which was in 2014. The aims of the present study were: (i) to characterize a Cytauxzoon spp. hotspot in domestic cats in central Switzerland; (ii) to elucidate the geographic distribution of Cytauxzoon spp. in domestic cats in Switzerland; (iii) to assess suspected high-risk populations, such as stray and anaemic cats; and (iv) to investigate the newly emerging nature of the infection. Cytauxzoon spp. were further differentiated using mitochondrial gene sequencing. METHODS The overall study included samples from 13 cats from two households in central Switzerland (study A), 881 cats from all regions of Switzerland (study B), 91 stray cats from a hotspot region in the northwest of Switzerland and 501 anaemic cats from across Switzerland (study C), and 65 Swiss domestic cats sampled in 2003 and 34 European wildcats from eastern France sampled in the period 1995-1996 (study D). The samples were analysed for Cytauxzoon spp. using real-time TaqMan quantitative PCR, and positive samples were subjected to 18S rRNA, cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing. RESULTS In study A, six of 13 cats from two neighbouring households in central Switzerland tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp.; two of the six infected cats died from bacterial infections. In studies B and C, only one of the 881 cats (0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0-0.3%) in the countrywide survey and one of the 501 anaemic cats (0.2%; 95% CI: 0-0.6%) tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp. while eight of the 91 stray cats in the northwest of Switzerland tested positive (8.8%; 95% CI: 3.0-14.6%). In study D, Cytauxzoon spp. was detected in one of the 65 domestic cat samples from 2003 (1.5%; 95% CI: 0-4.5%) and in ten of the 34 European wildcat samples from 1995 to 1996 (29%; 95% CI: 14.2-44.7%). The isolates showed ≥ 98.6% sequence identities among the 18S rRNA, CytB and COI genes, respectively, and fell in the subclade Cytauxzoon europaeus based on CytB and COI gene phylogenetic analyses. CONCLUSIONS The study challenges the newly emerging nature of Cytauxzoon spp. in central Europe and confirms that isolates from domestic cats in Switzerland and European wild felids belong to the same species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Cafarelli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs O Gilli
- IDEXX Diavet Laboratories, Bäch, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alina Hubbuch
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Judith Howard
- Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Reichard MV, Sanders TL, Weerarathne P, Meinkoth JH, Miller CA, Scimeca RC, Almazán C. Cytauxzoonosis in North America. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091170. [PMID: 34578202 PMCID: PMC8469551 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging tick-borne disease of domestic and wild felids produced by infection of Cytauxzoon felis, an apicomplexan protozoan similar to Theileria spp. Transmitted by Amblyomma americanum, lone star tick, and Dermacentor variabilis, American dog tick, infection of C. felis in cats is severe, characterized by depression, lethargy, fever, hemolytic crisis, icterus, and possibly death. Cytauxzoonosis occurs mainly in the southern, south-central, and mid-Atlantic United States in North America, in close association with the distribution and activity of tick vectors. Infection of C. felis, although severe, is no longer considered uniformly fatal, and unless moribund, every attempt to treat cytauxzoonosis cats should be made. Herein we review cytauxzoonosis, including its etiology, affected species, its life cycle and pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, and epidemiology, emphasizing clinical pathology findings in cats infected with this important emerging tick-borne disease in North and South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason V. Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (T.L.S.); (P.W.); (J.H.M.); (C.A.M.); (R.C.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.R.); (C.A.)
| | - Tiana L. Sanders
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (T.L.S.); (P.W.); (J.H.M.); (C.A.M.); (R.C.S.)
| | - Pabasara Weerarathne
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (T.L.S.); (P.W.); (J.H.M.); (C.A.M.); (R.C.S.)
| | - James H. Meinkoth
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (T.L.S.); (P.W.); (J.H.M.); (C.A.M.); (R.C.S.)
| | - Craig A. Miller
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (T.L.S.); (P.W.); (J.H.M.); (C.A.M.); (R.C.S.)
| | - Ruth C. Scimeca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; (T.L.S.); (P.W.); (J.H.M.); (C.A.M.); (R.C.S.)
| | - Consuelo Almazán
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
- Correspondence: (M.V.R.); (C.A.)
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5
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Meixner N, Sommer MF, Scuda N, Matiasek K, Müller M. Comparative aspects of laboratory testing for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii and its differentiation from Neospora caninum as the etiologic agent of ovine abortion. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:898-907. [PMID: 33025842 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720962110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histologic examination of aborted material is an essential component in the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis. However, the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in histologic sections, and its differentiation from the closely related protozoan Neospora caninum, is challenging. We developed a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of T. gondii in paraffin-embedded tissue samples. We examined retrospectively the archived placental tissue of 200 sheep abortion submissions for the presence of T. gondii by immunohistochemistry (IHC), ISH, and real-time PCR (rtPCR). All placental samples that tested positive for T. gondii by rtPCR (9 of 200) were also positive by IHC, with inconclusive IHC staining in an additional 7 rtPCR-negative cases. Further testing for N. caninum of all 200 placentas by rtPCR revealed 7 Neospora-positive cases. T. gondii ISH was positive in 4 of 9 IHC-positive samples and 1 of the 7 N. caninum rtPCR-positive samples. Real-time PCR was used as the reference standard for specificity and sensitivity calculations regarding placenta samples. Specificity of ISH and IHC was 99% and 96-100%, respectively. The sensitivity of ISH (44%) was quite low compared to IHC (100%). The exclusive use of ISH for the detection of T. gondii, and thus for the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis, was not acceptable. However, combined with rtPCR, both ISH and IHC can be useful detection methods to improve histologic evaluation by visualizing the parasite within tissue sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Meixner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie F Sommer
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nelly Scuda
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Müller
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
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6
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Kitz S, Fonfara S, Hahn S, Hetzel U, Kipar A. Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Consequence of Cardiomyocyte-Initiated and Macrophage-Driven Remodeling Processes? Vet Pathol 2019; 56:565-575. [PMID: 30895910 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819837717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
vHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats. The complex pathophysiology of HCM is still far from clear, but myocardial remodeling is a key process, and cardiomyocyte disarray, interstitial fibrosis, leukocyte infiltration, and vascular dysplasia are described histopathologic features. The present study systematically investigated the pathological processes in HCM, with the aim to shed more light on its pathogenesis. Hearts from 18 HCM cases and 18 cats without cardiac disease (controls) were examined, using light and transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and morphometric approaches to identify and quantify the morphological changes. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to provide additional mechanistic data on remodeling processes. In HCM, the left and right ventricular free wall and septal myocardium exhibited a significantly reduced overall cellularity, accompanied by a significant increase in interstitial Iba1-positive cells with macrophage morphology. In addition, the myocardium of almost half of the diseased hearts exhibited areas where cardiomyocytes were replaced by cell-rich fibrous tissue with abundant small and medium-sized vessels. HCM hearts also showed significantly higher transcription levels for several inflammatory and profibrotic mediators. Our findings suggest that HCM is the consequence of cardiac remodeling processes that are the result of cardiomyocyte damage and to which macrophages contribute by maintaining an inflammatory and profibrotic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kitz
- 1 The Veterinary Cardiac Pathophysiology Consortium, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Fonfara
- 2 The Veterinary Cardiac Pathophysiology Consortium, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley Hahn
- 3 The Veterinary Cardiac Pathophysiology Consortium, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,4 Author's current affiliation: The Veterinary Cardiac Pathophysiology Consortium, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Udo Hetzel
- 1 The Veterinary Cardiac Pathophysiology Consortium, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- 1 The Veterinary Cardiac Pathophysiology Consortium, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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7
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Jalovecka M, Hajdusek O, Sojka D, Kopacek P, Malandrin L. The Complexity of Piroplasms Life Cycles. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:248. [PMID: 30083518 PMCID: PMC6065256 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Although apicomplexan parasites of the group Piroplasmida represent commonly identified global risks to both animals and humans, detailed knowledge of their life cycles is surprisingly limited. Such a discrepancy results from incomplete literature reports, nomenclature disunity and recently, from large numbers of newly described species. This review intends to collate and summarize current knowledge with respect to piroplasm phylogeny. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive view of developmental events of Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon representative species, focusing on uniform consensus of three consecutive phases: (i) schizogony and merogony, asexual multiplication in blood cells of the vertebrate host; (ii) gamogony, sexual reproduction inside the tick midgut, later followed by invasion of kinetes into the tick internal tissues; and (iii) sporogony, asexual proliferation in tick salivary glands resulting in the formation of sporozoites. However, many fundamental differences in this general consensus occur and this review identifies variables that should be analyzed prior to further development of specific anti-piroplasm strategies, including the attractive targeting of life cycle stages of Babesia or Theileria tick vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jalovecka
- BIOEPAR, INRA, Oniris, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, France.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
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8
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Diversity of piroplasmids among wild and domestic mammals and ectoparasites in Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:245-253. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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9
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Wang JL, Li TT, Liu GH, Zhu XQ, Yao C. Two Tales of Cytauxzoon felis Infections in Domestic Cats. Clin Microbiol Rev 2017; 30:861-885. [PMID: 28637681 PMCID: PMC5608878 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00010-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging infectious disease that affects wild felids as well as the domestic cat; it is caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Cytauxzoon. Cytauxzoonfelis is the species of major concern, whose transmission occurs via the bite of an infected tick. Cytauxzoonosis of the domestic cat has historically been considered uniformly fatal, with a short course of illness, and most domestic cats die within 9 to 15 days postinfection. However, increasing evidence of domestic cats surviving C. felis infection suggests the existence of different strains with various levels of pathogenicity. Although wild felids are considered natural reservoirs for this parasite, a number of studies suggest that domestic cats that have survived nonlethal infections may serve as an additional reservoir. The current article comprehensively reviews the parasite and its life cycle, geographic distribution, genetic variability, and pathogenesis, as well as host immunology and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infection in the domestic cat. This information should provide a basis for better understanding the parasite as well as the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
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10
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Clarke L, Krimer P, Rissi D. Glial Changes and Evidence for Apoptosis in the Brain of Cats Infected by Cytauxzoon felis. J Comp Pathol 2017; 156:147-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.11.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Schreeg ME, Marr HS, Tarigo JL, Cohn LA, Bird DM, Scholl EH, Levy MG, Wiegmann BM, Birkenheuer AJ. Mitochondrial Genome Sequences and Structures Aid in the Resolution of Piroplasmida phylogeny. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165702. [PMID: 27832128 PMCID: PMC5104439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxonomy of the order Piroplasmida, which includes a number of clinically and economically relevant organisms, is a hotly debated topic amongst parasitologists. Three genera (Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon) are recognized based on parasite life cycle characteristics, but molecular phylogenetic analyses of 18S sequences have suggested the presence of five or more distinct Piroplasmida lineages. Despite these important advancements, a few studies have been unable to define the taxonomic relationships of some organisms (e.g. C. felis and T. equi) with respect to other Piroplasmida. Additional evidence from mitochondrial genome sequences and synteny should aid in the inference of Piroplasmida phylogeny and resolution of taxonomic uncertainties. In this study, we have amplified, sequenced, and annotated seven previously uncharacterized mitochondrial genomes (Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. Coco, Babesia conradae, Babesia microti-like sp., and Cytauxzoon felis) and identified additional ribosomal fragments in ten previously characterized mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated mitochondrial and 18S sequences as well as cox1 amino acid sequence identified five distinct Piroplasmida groups, each of which possesses a unique mitochondrial genome structure. Specifically, our results confirm the existence of four previously identified clades (B. microti group, Babesia sensu stricto, Theileria equi, and a Babesia sensu latu group that includes B. conradae) while supporting the integration of Theileria and Cytauxzoon species into a single fifth taxon. Although known biological characteristics of Piroplasmida corroborate the proposed phylogeny, more investigation into parasite life cycles is warranted to further understand the evolution of the Piroplasmida. Our results provide an evolutionary framework for comparative biology of these important animal and human pathogens and help focus renewed efforts toward understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Schreeg
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Henry S. Marr
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jaime L. Tarigo
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David M. Bird
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Scholl
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Levy
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Wiegmann
- North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Birkenheuer
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
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12
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Tarigo JL, Scholl EH, Bird DM, Brown CC, Cohn LA, Dean GA, Levy MG, Doolan DL, Trieu A, Nordone SK, Felgner PL, Vigil A, Birkenheuer AJ. A novel candidate vaccine for cytauxzoonosis inferred from comparative apicomplexan genomics. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71233. [PMID: 23977000 PMCID: PMC3748084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging infectious disease of domestic cats (Felis catus) caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Cytauxzoon felis. The growing epidemic, with its high morbidity and mortality points to the need for a protective vaccine against cytauxzoonosis. Unfortunately, the causative agent has yet to be cultured continuously in vitro, rendering traditional vaccine development approaches beyond reach. Here we report the use of comparative genomics to computationally and experimentally interpret the C. felis genome to identify a novel candidate vaccine antigen for cytauxzoonosis. As a starting point we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the C. felis genome and the proteins it encodes. Whole genome alignment revealed considerable conserved synteny with other apicomplexans. In particular, alignments with the bovine parasite Theileria parva revealed that a C. felis gene, cf76, is syntenic to p67 (the leading vaccine candidate for bovine theileriosis), despite a lack of significant sequence similarity. Recombinant subdomains of cf76 were challenged with survivor-cat antiserum and found to be highly seroreactive. Comparison of eleven geographically diverse samples from the south-central and southeastern USA demonstrated 91-100% amino acid sequence identity across cf76, including a high level of conservation in an immunogenic 226 amino acid (24 kDa) carboxyl terminal domain. Using in situ hybridization, transcription of cf76 was documented in the schizogenous stage of parasite replication, the life stage that is believed to be the most important for development of a protective immune response. Collectively, these data point to identification of the first potential vaccine candidate antigen for cytauxzoonosis. Further, our bioinformatic approach emphasizes the use of comparative genomics as an accelerated path to developing vaccines against experimentally intractable pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime L. Tarigo
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Scholl
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - David McK. Bird
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AJB); (DMB)
| | - Corrie C. Brown
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leah A. Cohn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Gregg A. Dean
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Levy
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Denise L. Doolan
- Division of Immunology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Queensland, Australia
| | - Angela Trieu
- Division of Immunology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shila K. Nordone
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Philip L. Felgner
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Adam Vigil
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Birkenheuer
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AJB); (DMB)
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13
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Aschenbroich SA, Rech RR, Sousa RS, Carmichael KP, Sakamoto K. Pathology in practice. Cytauxzoon felis infection. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012; 240:159-61. [PMID: 22217023 DOI: 10.2460/javma.240.2.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Aschenbroich
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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14
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Wong VM, Snyman HN, Ackerley C, Bienzle D. Primary nasal histiocytic sarcoma of macrophage-myeloid cell type in a cat. J Comp Pathol 2012; 147:209-13. [PMID: 22520253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2012.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A 16-year-old neutered male Burmese cat was presented with a locally invasive nasal mass. The cytological and histological findings on incisional biopsy of this mass were suggestive of histiocytic sarcoma. Tumour cells expressed CD18, major histocompatibility complex class II, lysozyme and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase; and lacked expression of CD3, CD79a, CD1a, CD1b, calprotectin, CD11c and E-cadherin. These findings are consistent with a myeloid-macrophage lineage. Metastasis to the bone marrow was present on necropsy examination. Histiocytic sarcoma should be considered in cats presented with primary round cell neoplasia of the nasal cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Wong
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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15
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Feline morbillivirus, a previously undescribed paramyxovirus associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis in domestic cats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:5435-40. [PMID: 22431644 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1119972109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the discovery and isolation of a paramyxovirus, feline morbillivirus (FmoPV), from domestic cat (Felis catus). FmoPV RNA was detected in 56 (12.3%) of 457 stray cats (53 urine, four rectal swabs, and one blood sample) by RT-PCR. Complete genome sequencing of three FmoPV strains showed genome sizes of 16,050 bases, the largest among morbilliviruses, because of unusually long 5' trailer sequences of 400 nt. FmoPV possesses identical gene contents (3'-N-P/V/C-M-F-H-L-5') and is phylogenetically clustered with other morbilliviruses. IgG against FmoPV N protein was positive in 49 sera (76.7%) of 56 RT-PCR-positive cats, but 78 (19.4%) of 401 RT-PCR-negative cats (P < 0.0001) by Western blot. FmoPV was isolated from CRFK feline kidney cells, causing cytopathic effects with cell rounding, detachment, lysis, and syncytia formation. FmoPV could also replicate in subsequent passages in primate Vero E6 cells. Infected cell lines exhibited finely granular and diffuse cytoplasmic fluorescence on immunostaining for FmoPV N protein. Electron microscopy showed enveloped virus with typical "herringbone" appearance of helical N in paramyxoviruses. Histological examination of necropsy tissues in two FmoPV-positive cats revealed interstitial inflammatory infiltrate and tubular degeneration/necrosis in kidneys, with decreased cauxin expression in degenerated tubular epithelial cells, compatible with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). Immunohistochemical staining revealed FmoPV N protein-positive renal tubular cells and mononuclear cells in lymph nodes. A case-control study showed the presence of TIN in seven of 12 cats with FmoPV infection, but only two of 15 cats without FmoPV infection (P < 0.05), suggesting an association between FmoPV and TIN.
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