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Athanasiou LV, Katsogiannou EG, Tyrnenopoulou P, Gougoulis D, Apostolidis KN, Papadakis SM, Kokkinaki KCG, Papatsiros VG, Tsokana CN. Evidence of Horse Exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leishmania infantum in Greece through the Detection of IgG Antibodies in Serum and in an Alternative Diagnostic Sample-The Saliva. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1374. [PMID: 37759774 PMCID: PMC10526806 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091374] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the various zoonotic pathogens that infect horses, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and Leishmania spp. have gained scientific interest, and relevant molecular and serological studies in horses have been conducted worldwide. Moreover, human and veterinary medicine have extensively applied alternatives to serum diagnostic samples-such as saliva-for detecting pathogens or antibodies. In this study, we investigated the exposure of horses in Greece to A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi, and L. infantum, and we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of saliva compared to serum in detecting IgG antibodies against the abovementioned pathogens. Paired saliva and serum samples were collected from 317 horses from different regions in Greece. The paired samples were examined using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for detecting IgG antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi, and L. infantum. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were determined to assess the validity of saliva as an alternative to serum. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the optimal cut-off value for detecting antibodies against all the examined pathogens in saliva was 1/10. Higher seropositivity rates were found for B. burgdorferi (15.14%) and A. phagocytophilum (14.19%) compared to L. infantum (1.26%). The detection of IgG antibodies using IFAT in saliva samples had a good test performance compared to serum. The two sample types had a substantial to almost perfect agreement. Although the sensitivity was moderate (70.83-75.56%) in all cases, the specificity was almost perfect to perfect (99.63-100%). This study provides the first evidence that horses in Greece are exposed to A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi and confirms that the seroprevalence of L. infantum in horses in Greece remains low. Our findings suggest that saliva sampling coupled with IFAT could be successfully applied for detecting IgG antibodies against these important zoonotic pathogens in large-scale epidemiological studies in horses, at the population level, as an alternative to serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Labrini V. Athanasiou
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (P.T.); (D.G.); (K.N.A.); (S.M.P.); (K.C.G.K.); (V.G.P.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Constantina N. Tsokana
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.G.K.); (P.T.); (D.G.); (K.N.A.); (S.M.P.); (K.C.G.K.); (V.G.P.)
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Gehlen H, Inerle K, Bartel A, Stöckle SD, Ulrich S, Briese B, Straubinger RK. Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infections in German Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1984. [PMID: 37370494 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121984] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on Lyme borreliosis (LB), a tick-borne disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, in horses. Seropositivity is not necessarily associated with clinical disease. Data on seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in German horses are sparse. Therefore, serum samples from horses (n = 123) suspected of having Lyme borreliosis and clinically healthy horses (n = 113) from the same stables were tested for specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The samples were screened for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi (ELISA and an IgG line immunoblot assay). Furthermore, the samples were examined for antibodies against B. burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum with a validated rapid in-house test (SNAP® 4Dx Plus® ELISA). The clinical signs of suspect horses included lameness (n = 36), poor performance (n = 19), and apathy (n = 12). Twenty-three percent (n = 26) of suspect horses and 17% (n = 18) of clinically healthy horses were seropositive for having a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection (p = 0.371), showing that the detection of specific antibodies against B. burgdorferi alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis of equine LB. Anaplasma phagocytophilum seropositivity and seropositivity against both pathogens was 20%/6% in suspect horses and 16%/2% in the clinically healthy population, showing only minor differences (p = 0.108). Unspecific testing for antibodies against B. burgdorferi without clinical suspicion of Lyme borreliosis is not recommended since the clinical relevance of seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Inerle
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabita Diana Stöckle
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulrich
- Chair of Bacteriology and Mycology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Beatrice Briese
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Chair of Bacteriology and Mycology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Karshima SN, Ahmed MI, Mohammed KM, Pam VA, Momoh-Abdullateef H, Gwimi BP. Worldwide meta-analysis on Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in animal reservoirs: Prevalence, distribution and reservoir diversity. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 38:100830. [PMID: 36725159 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100830] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of vertebrate species are competent reservoirs of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, where the pathogen is maintained in the enzootic cycle and transmitted to humans through activities of tick vectors. An insight into the role and diversity of these reservoirs is vital in understanding the epidemiology of this pathogen. Here, we determined the prevalence, distribution and reservoir diversity of A. phagocytophilum using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data pooling was performed by the random-effects model, heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran's Q-test and publication bias by Egger's regression test. Eighty-nine studies from 33 countries across 5 continents revealed A. phagocytophilum pooled prevalence of 15.18% (95% CI: 11.64, 19.57). Continental estimates varied significantly (p < 0.0001), with a range of 2.88% (95% CI: 0.25, 26.20) in South America to 19.91% (95% CI: 13.57, 28.24) in Europe. Country-based estimates ranged between 2.93% (95% CI: 1.17, 7.16) in Slovakia and 71.58% (95% CI: 25.91, 94.77) in Norway. Studies on A. phagocytophilum were concentrated in Europe (51.69%; 46/89) by continent and the USA (22.47%; 20/89) by country. Prevalence in wildlife (17.64%; 95% CI: 12.21-28.59) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that among domestic animals (10.68%; 95% CI: 6.61-16.83). Diverse species of wildlife, domestic animals and birds were infected by A. phagocytophilum. To curtail the public health, veterinary and economic consequences of A. phagocytophilum infections, we recommend an all-inclusive epidemiological approach that targets the human, animal and environmental components of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ngutor Karshima
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
| | - Musa Isiyaku Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Kaltume Mamman Mohammed
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Victoria Adamu Pam
- Department of Zoology, Federal University Lafia, Lafia PMB 146, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
| | - Habiba Momoh-Abdullateef
- Department of Animal Health, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, PMB 001, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Bulus Peter Gwimi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Zuru, PMB 28 Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
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Hornok S, Boldogh SA, Takács N, Sándor AD, Tuska-Szalay B. Zoonotic ecotype-I of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sympatric wildcat, pine marten and red squirrel - Short communication. Acta Vet Hung 2022; 70:215-219. [PMID: 36018752 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00021] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, dogs, cats, horses and tick-borne fever in ruminants. In Europe, its main vector is the tick species Ixodes ricinus. In this study, spleen and liver samples, as well as ticks from 18 wild-living mammals (belonging to seven species) were analysed for the presence of A. phagocytophilum with molecular methods. The zoonotic ecotype-I of A. phagocytophilum was identified in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris) and its tick, a European pine marten (Martes martes) and a Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). All PCR-positive samples were collected in 2019 and originated in the same geographic area. These results indicate that taxonomically diverse mammalian species can maintain the local enzootic cycle of the same genotype of A. phagocytophilum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the zoonotic variant of A. phagocytophilum in the wildcat and in the European pine marten in a broad geographical context, as well as in the red squirrel in Hungary. Since all these host species are well known for their urban and peri-urban presence, the results of this study verify their role in the synanthropic enzootic cycle of granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
| | - Sándor A Boldogh
- 3 Department of Nature Conservation, Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
- 4 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Seroprevalence of Tick-Borne Infections in Horses from Northern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080999. [PMID: 35454246 PMCID: PMC9028684 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine vector-borne diseases, which include equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) and equine piroplasmosis (EP), are caused by several pathogens transmitted to horses by ticks. Considering the spread of equine vector-borne diseases in Italy and worldwide, a study was planned to investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the other two selected pathogens, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, in northern Italy. Data obtained from the present study demonstrated a high seroprevalence for all the three surveyed tick-borne pathogens and emphasized the importance of establishing control programs with the adoption of certain practices, including tick control, correct horses management, serological screening, regular usage of long-lasting acaricides and proper treatment of positive and clinically infected animals. Abstract Tick-borne diseases in horses are considered an emergent problem worldwide; the geographical redistribution of ticks, due to climatic and ecological changes, and the movements of infected horses between different nations play important roles in the spread of tick-borne diseases affecting these hosts. In this study, a survey was planned to estimate the seroprevalence of the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the piroplasmid protozoa Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in Italian horses, as well as to evaluate possible risk factors associated with seropositive cases. Serum samples from 261 horses reared in northern Italy were collected and analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test for the detection of A. phagocytophilum-, B. caballi- and T. equi-specific antibodies. The overall seroprevalence to at least one of the investigated pathogens was 51%; sixty-one horses were seropositive to A. phagocytophilum (23.4%), forty-nine to B. caballi and the same number to T. equi (18.8% each). Seropositivity for more than one of the investigated agents was detected in thirty-two horses and the most common co-infection was observed between B. caballi and T. equi (5.7%). A significant risk factor for all the three pathogens was the elevation above sea level; indeed, the risk of infection was higher with an increase and decrease in elevation for A. phagocytophilum and for B. caballi and T. equi, respectively. Tick control in horses is strongly recommended considering the high seroprevalence values of transmitted pathogens.
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Karageorgou I, Koutantou M, Papadogiannaki I, Voulgari-Kokota A, Makka S, Angelakis E. Serological evidence of possible Borrelia afzelii lyme disease in Greece. New Microbes New Infect 2022; 46:100978. [PMID: 35520014 PMCID: PMC9062337 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Suggestions that Lyme disease exists in Greece remain controversial and no study to date has definitively identified the presence of a Borrelia species that infects humans. We examined patients throughout Greece suspected for Lyme disease by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by western blotting for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species. We found one patient positive for Borrelia burgdorferi and two patients positive for Borrelia afzelii specific IgG antibodies. Both B. afzelii patients were suffering by neurological manifestations and had never traveled abroad. We provide serological evidence of two autochthonous Lyme disease cases in Greece, possibly caused by B. afzelii.
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Russell A, Shost N, Burch M, Salazara LL, Fikes K, Bechelli J, Suagee-Bedore J. Serological and Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. in Blood From Healthy Horses: A Preliminary Study of Horses in East Texas. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 106:103757. [PMID: 34670700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103757] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is spread by infected ticks. In horses, A. phagocytophilum generally causes transient infection characterized by fever, lethargy, inappetence, ventral edema, petechiae, icterus, ataxia, recumbency, muscle stiffness, and, in severe cases, death. Following natural infection, horses retain antibodies for approximately 2 years, which can be detected through an immunofluorescence antibody assay. Current infections are determined through PCR assay of white blood cell DNA. For this study, whole blood was collected from apparently healthy horses located in East Texas (n = 70), west Texas (n = 3), New York (n = 49), and New Jersey (n = 11) for the determination of serum antibodies and PCR testing of bacterial DNA. Of the 133 horses, 24 tested positive for DNA presence of A. phagocytophilum, and 107 tested positive for serum antibodies. Of the 24 horses testing positive for A. phagocytophilum, 16 were positive for serum antibody presence and 8 were negative. Twenty of the msp2 positive horses were located in East Texas and 4 resided in New York. For serum antibodies, 100% of New York and New Jersey horses tested positive, while only 66% of Texas horses tested positive. This study provides evidence that a large number of horses are exposed to A. phagocytophilum and that this bacterium is present in East Texas. No Texas horse owners reported treatment for anaplasmosis, and the currently infected horses were not demonstrating signs of illness at the time of sample collection. Further research to understand the differences in disease severity amongst equine populations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Russell
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Nichola Shost
- School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Megan Burch
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Luis Lopez Salazara
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Kalley Fikes
- School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Jeremy Bechelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Jessica Suagee-Bedore
- School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX.
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Malewska-Woźniak A, Jałowska M, Lodyga M, Osmola-Mańkowska A, Adamski Z. Serological Evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Patients with Morphea from West-Central Poland: An Original Paper and Review of Literature. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:653-658. [PMID: 34339322 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphea (localized scleroderma) is an inflammatory connective tissue disease. Borrelia burgdorferi, as a causative factor, has been discussed controversially. The aim of this original study was to evaluate the frequency of IgM and IgG classes of anti-Borrelia antibodies in groups of morphea and psoriasis patients using the traditional ELISA method. Blood samples of 82 patients with morphea and 112 patients with psoriasis vulgaris were examined for the presence of IgM and IgG classes of anti-Borrelia antibodies (ELISA). IgM and IgG classes of anti-Borrelia antibodies were detected in 4% of blood samples taken from morphea patients, while 4.5% of blood samples from patients with psoriasis vulgaris. There is one major limitation in this study that could be addressed in future research. First, the study focused on the determination of IgM and IgG classes of anti-Borrelia antibodies as a risk factor for morphea, but other infectious agents also require further testing, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other viral or bacterial infections. The results of this study showed no significant relationship between Borrelia infection and morphea. Detection of IgM and IgG classes of anti-Borrelia antibodies is not recommended for routine diagnostics of patients with morphea at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Jałowska
- Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Martha Lodyga
- Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Zygmunt Adamski
- Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Drážovská M, Vojtek B, Mojžišová J, Koleničová S, Koľvek F, Prokeš M, Korytár Ľ, Csanady A, Ondrejková A, Vataščinová T, Bhide MR. The first serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses in Slovakia. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 69:31-37. [PMID: 33835943 DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis. It affects humans and several wild and domesticated mammals, including horses. The aim of our study was a preliminary survey of the occurrence of these re-emerging pathogens in horses in Slovakia. The sera from 200 animals of different ages and both sexes were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Subsequently, detection of the 16S rRNA gene fragment of A. phagocytophilum was attempted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in each blood sample. Our results confirmed the presence of specific antibodies in 85 out of 200 individuals (42.5%), but no significant changes were found between the animals of different ages and sexes. However, the PCR analysis did not detect any positive animals. Our data represent one of the highest values of seropositivity to A. phagocytophilum in horses in Central Europe. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the circulation of A. phagocytophilum in this region, thus indicating a potential risk to other susceptible species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Drážovská
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Boris Vojtek
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Mojžišová
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Simona Koleničová
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Filip Koľvek
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Marián Prokeš
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Ľuboš Korytár
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | | | - Anna Ondrejková
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Tatiana Vataščinová
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Mangesh Ramesh Bhide
- 1University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81, Košice, Slovak Republic
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Serological Evidence of Natural Exposure to Tick-Borne Pathogens in Horses, Romania. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020373. [PMID: 33673353 PMCID: PMC7917970 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of selected tick-borne-pathogens (TBPs) among Romanian horses. For this, a total of 223 animals originating from north, central, and southeast Romania, including horses from stud farms (n = 118) and working horses (n = 105), were tested using a commercial rapid ELISA-based test. Overall, 10.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.7-15.1%) of the tested horses were seropositive for antibodies (Ab) against Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Additionally, 18.8% (95% CI: 13.9-24.6%) and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.01-2.5%) of horses were seropositive for Ab against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia spp., respectively. Among the tested horses, 3.1% were seroreactive to two or three pathogens. These findings show the natural exposure of Romanian horses to zoonotic tick-borne pathogens and emphasize the need for further studies to better understand the epidemiology of equine tick-borne diseases in Romania.
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Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Zlateva N, Kundurzhiev T, Solano-Gallego L. Seroprevalence Rates of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Cats from Southern Bulgaria. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:864-867. [PMID: 32584697 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rates of the feline tick-borne pathogens (FTBPs)-Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in stray cats from Southern Bulgaria. Serum antibodies were used to estimate the prevalence of exposure to FTBPs from blood swabs. Of the 100 cat samples tested with in-clinic assay SNAP 4Dx Plus, the overall FTBP seroprevalence was 3% (3/100); with B. burgdorferi-1% (1/100) and E. canis-2% (2/100). This study provides the first evidence of exposure to B. burgdorferi and E. canis in cats from Bulgaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nadiya Zlateva
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Todor Kundurzhiev
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Department de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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