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Barbosa WZ, Magalhães KA, Pussi KF, Lima MSDC, Neitzke-Abreu HC. Feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus and Leishmania spp. prevalence in cats from shelters in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2024; 33:e006324. [PMID: 38958295 PMCID: PMC11253815 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612024035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Diseases such as those caused by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) represent health problems for cats. Feline leishmaniasis (FL) has been reported in several cities across the country. The objective was to carry out a clinical-epidemiological and laboratory study of FIV, FeLV and FL in cats from shelters in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Blood samples and swabs from the conjunctival and nasal mucosa were obtained from 75 cats, from four animal shelters. Serology for FIV and FeLV was performed. For Leishmania, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on blood, conjunctiva and nasal mucosa. In the immunochromatographic serological test, seven cats tested positive for FIV and none for FeLV. No samples was positive in PCR for Leishmania. The study showed that despite the presence of human and canine leishmaniasis in the studied region, Leishmania spp. were absent in the cats studied. To avoid an increase in contagion in shelters, it is essential isolate cats with FIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walderson Zuza Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados – UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
| | - Karen Araújo Magalhães
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados – UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
| | - Kamily Fagundes Pussi
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados – UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
| | | | - Herintha Coeto Neitzke-Abreu
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados – UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados – UFGD, Dourados, MS, Brasil
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2
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Rocha R, Conceição C, Gonçalves L, Maia C. Epidemiological and clinical trends of visceral leishmaniasis in Portugal: retrospective analysis of cases diagnosed in public hospitals between 2010 and 2020. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:41. [PMID: 38822396 PMCID: PMC11143621 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania infantum is endemic in the Mediterranean region, presenting mostly as visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In Portugal, reporting of VL cases to public health authorities is mandatory, but significant underreporting is likely. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the VL cases diagnosed in hospitals of the Portuguese National Health Service (NHS), between 2010 and 2020. METHODS Collaboration was requested to every hospital of the Portuguese NHS in Mainland Portugal. Cases were screened through a search of diagnostic discharge codes or, if not available, by a search of positive laboratory results for Leishmania infection. Sociodemographic and clinical data was retrieved from medical records. Simultaneously, the National Health authority was contacted to request access to data of notified cases of VL between 2010 and 2020. Descriptive, hypothesis testing and multiple binary logistic regression models were performed. RESULTS A total of 221 VL cases were identified. A significant increase in estimated national incidence was seen in the years after 2016 (P = 0.030). VL was predominantly diagnosed in people living with HIV (PLWH) and in children (representing around 60% of the new cases), but the outcome was generally poorer in non-HIV patients with associated immunosuppression, with significantly lower rates of clinical improvement at 7 (P = 0.003) and 30 days (P = 0.008) after treatment. Atypical presentations, with gastrointestinal and/or respiratory involvement, were seen in 8.5% of VL cases. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was diagnosed in 40.0% of children under 5 years of age. Only 49.7% of incident VL cases were reported. Simultaneous involvement of the skin was confirmed in 5.9% of patients. CONCLUSIONS VL presents a continuing threat in Portugal, especially to PLWH and children, and an increasing threat to other immunosuppressed groups. Recent increases in incidence should be closely monitored to allow prompt interventions. Programs to control the disease should focus on providing tools for earlier diagnosis and on reducing underreporting and promoting an integrated surveillance of human and animal disease. These data should be combined with asymptomatic infection and vector information, following a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rocha
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), University Novaof Lisbon (UNL), Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA- REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal
- University Hospital Center of São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Conceição
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), University Novaof Lisbon (UNL), Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA- REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal
| | - Luzia Gonçalves
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), University Novaof Lisbon (UNL), Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA- REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal
- Faculty of Sciences, Centre of Statistics and its Application of the University of Lisbon, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, Lisboa, 1749-016, Portugal
- , Z-Stat4life, Cowork Space Baldaya, Baldaya Palace, Estrada de Benfica Nº 701ª, Lisboa, 1549-011, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT), University Novaof Lisbon (UNL), Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal.
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA- REAL, IHMT, UNL, Rua da Junqueira Nº100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal.
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Nascimento LFDJ, Amado-Gomes AC, Dantas-Torres F, Santos FLN, Neres WDS, Filho PEDS, Santos MT, Silva JRS, Resende CF, Dos Reis JKP, Jain S, Cunha JLR, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Feline leishmaniasis in an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil: Clinical aspects, coinfections, molecular detection, and serological study of a new recombinant protein. Res Vet Sci 2024; 172:105256. [PMID: 38613921 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Infection and clinical cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in cats have been increasingly reported in several countries, including Brazil. In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on a recombinant antigen (rKDDR-plus) to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies in cats from an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil. We compared the results with an ELISA using L. infantum crude antigen (ELISA-CA). We also investigated the presence of Leishmania DNA in blood or ocular conjunctival samples as well as the association between Leishmania PCR positivity and serological positivity to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Concerning serological assays, a higher positivity was detected using the ICT-rKDDR-plus (7.5%; 7/93) as compared to ELISA-rKDDR-plus (5.4%; 5/93) and ELISA-CA (4.3%; 4/93). Upon PCR testing, 52.7% (49/93) of the ocular conjunctival swabs and 48.3% (44/91) of the blood samples were positive. Together, PCR and serological testing revealed overall positivities of 73.1% (68/93) and 12.9% (12/93), respectively. Among PCR-positive samples, 45.5% (31/68) showed co-infection with FIV, 17.6% (12/68) with FeLV, and 82.3% (56/68) with T. gondii. More than half of the PCR-positive cats showed at least one clinical sign suggestive of leishmaniasis (58.8%; 40/68) and dermatological signs were the most frequent ones (45.5%; 31/68). Both tests employing the recombinant antigen rKDDR-plus (i.e., ICT-rKDDR-plus and ELISA-rKDDR-plus) detected more positive cats than the ELISA-CA but presented low overall accuracy. PCR testing using either blood or ocular conjunctival samples detected much more positive cats than serological tests.
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MESH Headings
- Cats
- Animals
- Cat Diseases/diagnosis
- Cat Diseases/parasitology
- Cat Diseases/virology
- Cat Diseases/blood
- Cat Diseases/epidemiology
- Brazil/epidemiology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary
- Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/isolation & purification
- Coinfection/veterinary
- Coinfection/parasitology
- Coinfection/epidemiology
- Coinfection/virology
- Leishmania infantum/isolation & purification
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/genetics
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins
- Male
- Female
- Toxoplasma
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/veterinary
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/diagnosis
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/epidemiology
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral/blood
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/blood
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease from Fiocruz (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz-RJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Advanced Public Health Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Wemerson de Santana Neres
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Tibúrcio Santos
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Cláudia Fideles Resende
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Sona Jain
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Industrial Biotechnology, Tiradentes University, SE, Brazil
| | - João Luís Reis Cunha
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil; Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Jaimes J, Castillo-Castañeda AC, Madigan R, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Validation of Oxford nanopore sequencing for improved New World Leishmania species identification via analysis of 70-kDA heat shock protein. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:458. [PMID: 38111024 PMCID: PMC10726620 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06073-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This infection is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, with symptoms greatly dependent on the causal parasitic species. Here we present the design and application of a new 70-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp70)-based marker of 771 bp (HSP70-Long). We evaluated its sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic performance employing an amplicon-based MinION™ DNA sequencing assay to identify different Leishmania species in clinical samples from humans and reservoirs with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We also conducted a comparative analysis between our novel marker and a previously published HSP70 marker known as HSP70-Short, which spans 330 bp. METHODS A dataset of 27 samples from Colombia, Venezuela and the USA was assembled, of which 26 samples were collected from humans, dogs and cats affected by CL and one sample was collected from a dog with VL in the USA (but originally from Greece). DNA was extracted from each sample and underwent conventional PCR amplification utilizing two distinct HSP70 markers: HSP70-Short and HSP70-Long. The subsequent products were then sequenced using the MinION™ sequencing platform. RESULTS The results highlight the distinct characteristics of the newly devised HSP70-Long primer, showcasing the notable specificity of this primer, although its sensitivity is lower than that of the HSP70-Short marker. Notably, both markers demonstrated strong discriminatory capabilities, not only in distinguishing between different species within the Leishmania genus but also in identifying instances of coinfection. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the outstanding specificity and effectiveness of HSP70-based MinION™ sequencing, in successfully discriminating between diverse Leishmania species and identifying coinfection events within samples sourced from leishmaniasis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Helena Patiño
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Jaimes
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana C Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Roy Madigan
- Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, 286 Singing Oaks, Ste 113, Spring Branch, TX, 78070, USA
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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5
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Hartmann G, Roman IJ, Lorenzetti DM, Herbichi AP, Mazaro RD, Dos Santos MY, Tonin AA, Vogel FSF, Fighera RA. Anti-Leishmania spp. antibody detection in domestic cats from a visceral leishmaniasis transmission area. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2631-2639. [PMID: 37668713 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07961-w] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Feline leishmanial infection is reported worldwide, but the epidemiological role of domestic cats in the leishmaniasis cycle remains unclear, and cats might act as cryptic reservoir hosts in endemic areas with no feline leishmaniosis cases. Considering that, a serological screening for anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies was performed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) in 389 necropsied cats' serum samples from a new visceral leishmaniasis transmission area with no feline leishmanial infection reported to unveil if the cats are being exposed to the parasite. The overall seroprevalence for Leishmania spp. was 11.05% (43/389). No association was found between sex, neutering status, age group, breed, coat length, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, and Leishmania spp. antibody detection. A positive association was found with coat color (cats within the orange spectrum with white [particolor]) (OR = 2.47, CI 95% 1 - 6.13, P = 0.044) and a negative association (OR = 0.38, CI 95% 0.18 - 0.79, P = 0.01) between feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and IFAT positivity for Leishmania spp. Therefore, it is concluded that the seroprevalence found was greater than 10%, indicating contact of the protozoan with cats in the region served.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hartmann
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 97B, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 63C, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Douglas Miotto Lorenzetti
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 97B, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Alana Pivoto Herbichi
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 97B, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Renata Dalcol Mazaro
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 97B, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Matheus Yuri Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 97B, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Alberto Tonin
- Colégio Politécnico da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flôres Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 63C, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Almeida Fighera
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV), Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Building 97B, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
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Silva DTD, Alves ML, Spada JCP, Leonel JAF, Vioti G, Benassi JC, Carregaro VML, Alves-Martin MF, Starke-Buzetti WA, Oliveira TMFDS. Feline leishmaniosis: hematological and biochemical analysis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e003823. [PMID: 37377321 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
One hundred and sixty-six cats from two animal shelters were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and parasitological tests (PA) for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. Among them, 15% (25/166), 53.6% (89/166), 3.6% (06/166) and 1.8% (03/166) were positive by ELISA, IFAT, both PCRs and PA, respectively. The sequencing of ITS-1 PCR amplicons revealed a 100% match with Leishmania infantum. After the Leishmania spp. survey, 12 cats were selected and divided into two groups for clinical, hematological, and biochemical analysis: six L. infantum positive cats (G1) and six Leishmania spp. negative cats (G2). All the cats were negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). A statistical analysis indicated significantly low platelet counts and significant hyperproteinemia associated with hypoalbuminemia in positive cats (p<0.05). Our results suggest that in endemic areas, cats with clinical signs of feline leishmaniosis (such as skin lesions, weight loss and/or enlarged lymph nodes) and that exhibit hematological and biochemical changes, such as low platelet counts and hyperproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia, should be tested for Leishmania spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Tiago da Silva
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Luana Alves
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Júlio Cesar Pereira Spada
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - João Augusto Franco Leonel
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Geovanna Vioti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Julia Cristina Benassi
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Valéria Maria Lara Carregaro
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Fernanda Alves-Martin
- Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Wilma Aparecida Starke-Buzetti
- Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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7
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Symeonidou I, Sioutas G, Gelasakis AI, Tsokana CN, Papadopoulos E. Leishmaniosis in Greece: The Veterinary Perspective. Pathogens 2023; 12:769. [PMID: 37375459 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060769] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum that is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies is of major veterinary concern in Greece. The country is endemic with particularly favourable environmental conditions for the spread of this infection. Moreover, Greece remains a popular touristic destination, and the continuous travel of pets raises concern regarding the possible dissemination of infection from endemic to non-endemic areas. Dogs are the main reservoir host, although other animal species, including humans, may also be infected. Canine leishmaniosis manifests as a visceral disease that can result in death if left untreated. Serological and molecular epizootiological studies have confirmed circulation of the parasite in Greek canine and feline populations as well as in other mammals. As a result, constant surveillance and identification of high-risk localities are necessary to establish chemoprophylactic protocols for travelling animals to safeguard animal and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaia Symeonidou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios I Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantina N Tsokana
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Aguiar DCF, Nascimento DDNDS, Penner DF, de Castro BDSL, Virgolino RR, Neves AMP, Siqueira ADS, Gonçalves EC. First molecular detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a domestic cat ( Felis catus) from an urban area in eastern Amazon. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20220048. [PMID: 37223440 PMCID: PMC10202461 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Domestic cats have been implicated as accidental hosts of Leishmania sp. However, in recent years, the recurrent description of new cases in endemic and nonendemic areas draw attention to the potential epidemiological role of cats as reservoir hosts. Although dogs are considered urban reservoirs, cats could act as a secondary natural reservoirs in these areas. Thus, feline leishmaniasis has become an emerging disease in several countries worldwide. Case presentation This study aimed to describe the first case of feline leishmaniasis in a stray animal that presented lesions compatible with the disease in Belém, Pará, Brazil, an important urban area in eastern Amazon. Serological tests for Leishmania infantum (ELISA and IFA) were nonreactive, whereas histopathological examination indicated infectious dermatitis caused by Leishmania spp. or Toxoplasma gondii. Cytopathological study of lesion aspirate confirmed the presence of Leishmania sp. amastigotes within macrophages. Finally, molecular analyses revealed that the feline infection was caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Conclusion To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study reports the first case of natural infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a feline from eastern Amazon. These findings suggest domestic cats as potential secondary reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp. in Belém, which reinforces the importance of further epidemiological investigation of feline leishmaniasis, especially in urban areas with human cases.
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9
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Leishmaniasis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1359-1375. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.012] [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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10
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Retrospective Analysis of Leishmaniasis in Sicily (Italy) from 2013 to 2021: One-Health Impact and Future Control Strategies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091704. [PMID: 36144305 PMCID: PMC9504907 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091704] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an important vector-borne disease that represents a serious public health problem, including in Sicily (Italy), which is considered an endemic area. We collected canine, feline and human data from 2013 to 2021 in Sicily, while entomological surveys were conducted only in 2013 and 2021. Overall, 23,794/74,349 (34.4%) of dogs and 274/4774 (11.8%) of cats were positive in one or more diagnostic tests. A total of 467 cases of human Leishmaniasis were reported, with 71% showing cutaneous and 29% visceral involvement. The provinces with the largest number of patients were Agrigento (45.4%) and Palermo (37%). In 2013, Phlebotomus perfiliewi was the dominant sandfly species in Sicily (68.7%), followed by Phlebotomus perniciosus (17.2%) and Sergentomya minuta (14%). In 2021, Phlebotomusperfiliewi was confirmed as the most common species (61.6%), followed by Phlebotomusperniciosus (33.1%) and Sergentomyaminuta (4.7%). Of particular interest was the identification of Phlebotomus papatasi (0.41%) in Agrigento. Our retrospective study can inform health authorities for the development of appropriate screening, treatment and control strategies to reduce Leishmania incidence rate. This study examined the present state of Leishmaniasis control, surveillance, and prevention in Sicily, but also highlighted deficiencies that could be addressed through the application of One-Health principles.
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11
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Garcia-Torres M, López MC, Tasker S, Lappin MR, Blasi-Brugué C, Roura X. Review and statistical analysis of clinical management of feline leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:253. [PMID: 35818075 PMCID: PMC9272864 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is limited information about feline leishmaniosis (FeL) management in clinical practice. Leishmania infantum is the species of Leishmania most frequently reported in both dogs and cats in countries of the Mediterranean region (henceforth ‘Mediterranean countries’), Central and South America, and Iran. This study was conducted to provide veterinary clinicians with an updated overview of evidence-based information on leishmaniosis in cats. Methods A review was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Case reports of FeL caused by L. infantum were sought for the period 1912 to 1 June 2021. Results Sixty-three case reports are included in this review. Fifty-nine out of the 63 cats were from Europe, mostly from Mediterranean countries (88.9%). Most of them were domestic short-haired cats (90%) with a mean age of 7.9 years, and had access to the outdoors (77.3%). Sixty-six percent of the cats had comorbidities, of which feline immunodeficiency virus infection was the most frequent (37.7%). Dermatological lesions (69.8%) was the most frequent clinical sign, and hyperproteinemia (46.3%) the most frequent clinicopathological abnormality. Serology was the most performed diagnostic method (76.2%) and was positive for 93.7% of cats. Medical treatment was applied in 71.4% of cats, and allopurinol was the most used drug (74.4%). Survival time was greater for treated cats (520 days; 71.4% of cats) than non-treated cats (210 days; 25.4%). Conclusions The majority of the cats had comorbidities, of which feline immunodeficiency virus was the most frequent. Dermatological lesions were frequently reported, and systemic clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities were also common. Serology may be useful for the diagnosis of FeL in clinical practice, and a positive titer of ≥ 1/40 may be a useful cut-off for sick cats. The reported treatments and dosages varied, but there was a good clinical response and longer survival in most of the cats treated with allopurinol monotherapy. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Garcia-Torres
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK.,Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, Solihull, UK
| | - Michael Rex Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Carles Blasi-Brugué
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Soleimani A, Mohebali M, Gholizadeh S, Bozorgomid A, Shafiei R, Raeghi S. Molecular and serological evaluation of visceral leishmaniasis in domestic dogs and cats in Maragheh County, north-west of Iran, 2018-2021. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1898-1903. [PMID: 35622829 PMCID: PMC9514466 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.846] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania infantum, of which dogs are the main reservoir. VL is endemic in the Middle East, also in some parts of Iran. Following reports of new cases of VL in children in Maragheh County, the non‐endemic area of the disease, we encouraged to conduct a preliminary study on domestic dogs and cats to identify their potential role as reservoirs for the disease. Materials and Methods This study was conducted during a period of 3 years from 2018 to 2021. Two hundred ownership dogs and 25 cats from Maragheh County, north‐west of Iran, were randomly screened. Blood samples were collected. A direct agglutination test (DAT) was used for the detection of anti‐L. infantum antibodies. Furthermore, buffy coat samples from the L. infantum seropositive animals were examined to detect parasite presence using polymerase chain reaction. Results Out of the total of 200 ownership dogs evaluated, 170 (85%) were male and 30 (15%) were female with a mean age of 4.3 years. Anti‐L. infantum antibodies (IgG cut‐off ≥ 1:320) were observed in 3.5% of dogs (7/200) by the DAT test. All seropositive dogs were identified in the first year of examination. Regarding molecular approaches in seropositive dogs, two samples were positive for a 565 bp kDNA minicircle gene specific for L. infantum. During the study period, no seropositive case was detected in the cats examined. Conclusions This study shows that the domestic cycle of L. infantum has been established in the studied region. It is necessary to increase the awareness and monitoring of the disease with the study of wild reservoirs periodically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Soleimani
- Department of public health, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Deptaetment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Gholizadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Arezoo Bozorgomid
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Reza Shafiei
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Saber Raeghi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
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13
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Nascimento LFJ, Cirilo TM, Gomes DS, Gomes ACA, Lima VFS, Scher R, Jain S, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of feline leishmaniasis with emphasis on Brazil: a narrative review. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:21-34. [PMID: 34761278 PMCID: PMC8580739 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07372-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by the protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania. In the New World, although dogs are considered the main parasite reservoir, in the last two decades, several studies have confirmed the role of cats (Felis catus) in the epidemiology of the disease and feline leishmaniasis (FeL) is now considered to be an emerging disease. The present review summarizes the current knowledge about FeL, focusing on important immunopathological aspects, epidemiology, and diagnostic methods applied for felines in Brazil. Cats are infected with the same species of Leishmania found in dogs (i.e., Leishmania infantum). Like dogs, skin lesions are the most common in cats with clinical FeL, mainly affecting the cephalic region and less frequently the legs which may be accompanied by generalized signs or visceral involvement. Information on the immune response of cats to Leishmania infection is scarce; however, efficient infection control is seen in most cases. For diagnosis, generally, the same methods as those in dogs are used, mainly serological tools. But there is a lack of studies focusing the performance of these methods for diagnosing FeL. The estimated overall prevalence of FeL in Brazil is 8%, with L. infantum being the most prevalent species. However, infections with Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania amazonensis have also been reported. In conclusion, although there has been an increase in the publication related to FeL in Brazil in recent years, there is a lack of research relating immune response and diagnosis of these animals. Cats have been shown to be competent hosts for Leishmania parasites, and their role in the epidemiology of the disease cannot be underestimated, especially in areas of Brazil where the disease is historically endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F J Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Tatyane M Cirilo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Dharliton S Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina A Gomes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Victor F S Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - R Scher
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - S Jain
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Industrial, Universidade Tiradentes, Aracaju, SE, 49032-490, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Silvio S Dolabella
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
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Elmahallawy EK, Zanet S, Poggi M, Alsharif KF, Agil A, Trisciuoglio A, Ferroglio E. Feline Leishmaniosis in Northwestern Italy: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications. Vet Sci 2021; 8:215. [PMID: 34679045 PMCID: PMC8539510 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis remains one of the major neglected tropical diseases. The epidemiological profile of the disease comprises a wide range of hosts, including dogs and cats. Despite several studies about feline Leishmaniosis, the role of cats in disease epidemiology and its clinical impact is still debated. The present study raises awareness about the impact of leishmaniasis in cats from an endemic region in of Northwestern Italy (Liguria). A total number of 250 serum and 282 blood samples were collected from cats, then assessed for Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) serologically using western blot (WB) and molecularly using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We also tested the association of Leishmania infection with some infectious agents like haemotropic Mycoplasma, Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) together with the hematobiochemical status of the examined animals. Interestingly, all tested animals were asymptomatic and out of 250 examined serum samples, 33 (13.20%) samples (confidence interval (CI) 95% 9.56-17.96%) were positive at WB for L. infantum, whereas of the 282 blood samples, 80 (28.36%) returned a positive PCR (CI 95% 23.43-33.89%). Furthermore, there was a statistical association between PCR positivity for L. infantum and some hematological parameters besides FIV infection as well as a direct significant correlation between Mycoplasma infection and WB positivity. Taken together, the present findings report high prevalence of L. infantum among cats, which reinforces the significance of such positive asymptomatic animals and confirms the very low humoral response in this species. In addition, the laboratory values provide evidence that infection by the parasite is linked to alteration of some hematological parameters and is correlated to some infectious agents. These data are of interest and suggest future research for accurate diagnosis of such zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18002 Granada, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (S.Z.); (M.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (S.Z.); (M.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Marco Poggi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (S.Z.); (M.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Khalaf F. Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmad Agil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18002 Granada, Spain;
| | - Anna Trisciuoglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (S.Z.); (M.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (S.Z.); (M.P.); (A.T.)
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15
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Dos Santos NS, de Pinho FA, Hlavac NRC, Nunes TL, Almeida NR, Solcà MS, Varjão BM, Portela RW, Rugani JN, Rêgo FD, Barrouin-Melo SM, Soares RP. Feline Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum: Parasite Sequencing, Seropositivity, and Clinical Characterization in an Endemic Area From Brazil. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:734916. [PMID: 34513979 PMCID: PMC8424124 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.734916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease of One Health concern since human and animal cases and environmental damage are interconnected. L. infantum has a complex epidemiological cycle with multiple hosts, including mammals-humans, domestic, and wild animals-and arthropod vectors. Knowledge on mammal infections in endemic areas is crucial for developing control strategies. This work aimed to detect and characterize L. infantum infection in domestic cats from areas where human and canine leishmaniasis cases occur. No cases of feline leishmaniasis (FeL) had been previously reported in those areas. Five municipalities from Bahia state were chosen, comprising 2,480.8 km2 with 1,103,866 inhabitants. Ninety domiciliated and/or sheltered cats underwent clinical examination and serology by a rapid reference test recommended by the Brazilian government. Cytology, PCR, and parasite DNA sequencing were performed in bone marrow samples. Rapid tests detected antibodies in 5.6% (5/90) of the cats. Leishmania infantum infection was confirmed in 7.8% (7/90) of the cats by PCR, sequencing, and parasite isolation. Three out of the five municipalities (60%) had infected cats, and PCR positivity varied from 6.9 to 29%. One cat was categorized as harboring active L. infantum infection with amastigote forms in bone marrow smears. No clinical signs were detected at the first clinical exam, but 1 month later the cat developed severe FeL. The cat isolate was grown in culture, typed and its DNA sequence was homologous to the L. infantum reference strain (PP75). In conclusion, cats are potential hosts and may acquire L. infantum in endemic areas where canine and human cases occur. For cats, the need for surveillance, differential diagnosis and clinical care is highly recommended since a fast clinical progression of FeL developed in a subclinical animal. An accurate standardized immunodiagnostic assay for FeL is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nara Santos Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Alves de Pinho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Nicole Regina Capacchi Hlavac
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Talyta Lins Nunes
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Nádia Rossi Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Animal Production of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Manuela Silva Solcà
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Animal Production of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Bruno Milen Varjão
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner Portela
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Dutra Rêgo
- Instituto Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Stella Maria Barrouin-Melo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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16
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Is the Prevalence of Leishmania infantum Linked to Breeds in Dogs? Characterization of Seropositive Dogs in Ibiza. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092579. [PMID: 34573545 PMCID: PMC8466328 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Leishmaniosis is an important zoonotic protozoan disease. Leishmania infantum is a protozoan species that accounts for the majority of cases in the Mediterranean. In this study, we analyzed the prevalence of infection in different dog breeds from Ibizan Island. Our results showed that the Doberman Pinscher and Boxer breeds present a higher prevalence of infection, and the relationship between antibodies’ serum titer and staging of disease was confirmed. Differences between age and sex were not found. Abstract Leishmaniosis is an important zoonotic protozoan disease primarily spread to the Mediterranean region by Leishmania infantum, the predominant protozoan species, which accounts for the majority of cases. Development of disease depends on the immune response of the definitive host and, predictably, their genetic background. Recent studies have revealed breed-typical haplotypes that are susceptible to the spread of the protozoan parasite. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of leishmaniosis on a Mediterranean island and determine the relationship between disease prevalence and breed. In addition, information on seropositive animals was recorded to characterize animals affected by the disease. To study the prevalence, a total of 3141 dogs were analyzed. Of these, the 149 infected animals were examined for age, sex, antibody titer, and disease stage. We observed a prevalence of 4.74%, which varied between breeds (p < 0.05). The Doberman Pinscher and Boxer breeds had the highest prevalence of leishmaniosis. Significant differences were observed between breeds with common ancestors, emphasizing the important genetic component. Finally, regarding the characterization of seropositive animals, the distribution is similar to other studies. We discovered a relationship (p < 0.05) between the number of antibody titers and the clinical disease stage, which was also present in Leishmania infantum, suggesting that the development of the disease depends on the humoral or Th2 immune response with ineffective antibodies.
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Pereira A, Parreira R, Cristóvão JM, Vitale F, Bastien P, Campino L, Maia C. Leishmania infantum strains from cats are similar in biological properties to canine and human strains. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109531. [PMID: 34293586 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis is a worldwide severe disease caused by Leishmania infantum, a protozoan that has phlebotomine sand flies as vectors and dogs as primary reservoir hosts. Over the last few decades, cats have been regarded as an indisputable piece within the ecological system in which L. infantum is maintained indefinitely. However, little is known about feline strains, including their phenotypic plasticity and infectivity. In this study, the phenotypic behaviour of seven L. infantum feline strains was compared to those of well-characterised counterparts isolated from two dogs and two humans in terms of growth profile, adaptive capacity under several stress conditions, susceptibility to antileishmanial drugs, and infectivity to host cells. Feline strains displayed a similar growth profile, survival capacity, and ability to infect feline, canine, and human monocyte-derived primary macrophages. Furthermore, multivariate cluster analysis suggested that most strains studied did not display distinctive phenotypic features. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the phenotypic behaviour of feline L. infantum strains. This study brings new insights into the hypothetical role of cats as reservoir hosts of L. infantum since the parasites found in them are phenotypically identical to those of dogs and humans. However, further studies on the transmission dynamics should be encouraged to fully establish the status of cats in the maintenance of L. infantum foci.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Parreira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Microbiology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Cristóvão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- OIE Leishmaniasis Reference Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrick Bastien
- University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Research Unit "MIVEGEC", Centre National de Reference pour les Leishmanioses, Academic Hospital (C.H.U.) of Montpellier, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Lenea Campino
- Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHMT), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, IHMT/NOVA, 1349-008, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Abramo F, Albanese F, Gattuso S, Randone A, Fileccia I, Dedola C, Ibba F, Ottaiano P, Brianti E. Skin Lesions in Feline Leishmaniosis: A Systematic Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:472. [PMID: 33924616 PMCID: PMC8070508 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) is increasingly reported throughout the world and skin lesions predominate in the clinical picture. There are, however, few evidence-based data on cutaneous feline leishmaniosis and directions are strongly needed for a better management of the disease. In this study, we systematically reviewed what is currently known about the clinical dermatological presentation of FeL through analysis of the literature and, further, by adding unpublished cases managed by Italian veterinary dermatologists. Sixty-six feline cases of cutaneous leishmaniosis published in 33 articles between 1990 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Six unpublished cases of cutaneous FeL managed by Italian dermatologists were also reviewed. The majority of cases were reported from South America, followed by Europe and North America. Nodules were the most frequently reported clinical signs and the presence of Leishmania in lesioned skin was assessed mainly by cytology. A total of six Leishmania species have been identified as being responsible for skin lesions. Coinfections by FIV or FeLV were reported in 12.1% and 9.1% of the cases, respectively. Clinical data including treatment have been analyzed and discussed to provide directives for proper management of the disease for which cats may also serve as domestic reservoirs for human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Abramo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Albanese
- Private Veterinary Laboratory “LaVallonea”, 20017 Passirana di Rho, Italy;
| | | | | | - Ivan Fileccia
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Preneste, Centro Veterinario Specialistico, 00137 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carla Dedola
- Centro Veterinario Ichnos, 09131 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Ibba
- Clinica Veterinaria Animal House, 09012 Capoterra, Italy;
| | | | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
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Cardoso L, Schallig H, Persichetti MF, Pennisi MG. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030307. [PMID: 33800782 PMCID: PMC8000700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania parasites can lead to severe disease in humans and dogs, which act as a reservoir in zoonotic transmission. An increasing number of reports suggest that leishmaniosis is not restricted to dogs, but also affects many other mammalian and avian species. Consequently, this expands the potential reservoir and is of great public and veterinary health concern. The present study reviews, based on a comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020, the currently available information on animal leishmaniosis in vertebrates in Europe, other than dogs and humans. This review provides an exhaustive list of mammals and birds in which infections with or exposure to Leishmania parasites have been detected in European countries. Most cases are reported from the Mediterranean region. Domestic animals, in particular cats, pose a concern because of close contact with humans. The wildlife reservoir is less likely to contribute to zoonotic transmission, with the exception of hares. This potentially large reservoir needs to be taken into account when developing control measures for zoonotic leishmaniosis. From a veterinary point of view, it is important that veterinarians are better aware of leishmaniosis and trained in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Section, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
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Pereira A, Maia C. Leishmania infection in cats and feline leishmaniosis: An updated review with a proposal of a diagnosis algorithm and prevention guidelines. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100035. [PMID: 35284863 PMCID: PMC8906079 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to vertebrates, including cats, through the bites of female phlebotomine sand flies. An increasing number of epidemiological and experimental studies concerning Leishmania infection in cats, as well as case reports of clinical leishmaniosis in these felids, have been published in recent years. In the present study, a comprehensive review was made by sourcing the National Library of Medicine resources to provide updated data on epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of feline leishmaniosis. Cats were found infected with Leishmania parasites worldwide, and feline leishmaniosis appears as an emergent disease mostly reported in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and in Brazil. Cats with impaired immunocompetence seem to have a higher risk to develop clinical disease. The main clinical and clinicopathological findings are dermatological lesions and hypergammaglobulinemia, respectively. Diagnosis of feline leishmaniosis remains a challenge for veterinarians, in part due to the lack of diagnosis support systems. For this reason, a diagnostic algorithm for clinical decision support is herein proposed. No evidence-based treatment protocols are currently available, and these remain empirically based. Control measures are limited and scarce. Thus, a set of prevention guidelines are herein suggested.
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21
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Morelli S, Colombo M, Dimzas D, Barlaam A, Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Russi I, Spoletini R, Paoletti B, Diakou A. Leishmania infantum Seroprevalence in Cats From Touristic Areas of Italy and Greece. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:616566. [PMID: 33363245 PMCID: PMC7759650 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.616566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum is a major zoonotic Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) in terms of geographic distribution, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential. While dogs are the main reservoir of L. infantum, the infection in cats is poorly understood although increasingly reported from enzootic and non-enzootic areas. The Mediterranean basin is a key area for leishmaniosis and includes touristic spots that require continuous surveillance for VBDs in consideration of the growing tendency of tourists to travel with their pets. This study evaluated L. infantum seroprevalence in cats living in selected touristic localities of Italy and Greece. A total of 269 cat serum samples from three Sites i.e., 76, 40, and 153 from Adriatic Coast of Abruzzo, Italy (Site A), Giglio Island, Tuscany, Italy (Site B), and Mykonos Island, Greece (Site C), respectively, were included in the survey. Sera samples were subjected to an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for the detection of anti-L. infantum specific IgG. Associations between possible risk factors and seropositivity to L. infantum were statistically evaluated. Antibodies against L. infantum were detected in eight out of 269 (3.0%) cats tested i.e., 4/76 (5.3%), 1/40 (2.5%), and 3/153 (2.0%), from sites A, B, and C, respectively. A statistical association between anti-L. infantum antibodies and cohabitation with dogs was shown. This study indicates that feline populations living in the examined Italian and Greek touristic areas are exposed to L. infantum and that they may contribute to the circulation of L. infantum, enhancing the risk of infection for dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Dimitris Dimzas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Russi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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22
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Batista JF, Magalhães Neto FDCR, Lopes KSPDP, Sato MO, Costa CHN, Mendonça ILD. Transmission of Leishmania infantum from cats to dogs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e017820. [PMID: 33295378 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infection in cats has been reported in several countries, including Brazil. However, the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from cats to another host has not been proven yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the possibility of L. infantum transmission from cats to dogs. In order to verify the possibility of VL transmission from the cat to the dog, xenodiagnosis was carried out in a VL-positive cat, using 55 female Lutzomyia longipalpis. Five days later, 40 insects were dissected to verify Leishmania infection. The remaining 15 females were fed in a healthy dog. The potential infection of the dog was verified through clinical, serological, parasitological examinations, and PCR, at three, six, and twelve months post-infection. All 55 L. longipalpis females became visibly engorged. Leishmania promastigotes were detected in 27.5% of the dissected insects. Leishmania infection in the dog was confirmed upon first evaluation. DNA sequencing of the parasite isolated from the cat confirmed L. infantum infection and showed 99% similarity with the L. infantum DNA sequences from the dogs. Through this study, it was possible to confirm the L. infantum experimental transmission from a domestic cat to a domestic dog through its biological vector L. longipalpis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marcello Otake Sato
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Japan
| | | | - Ivete Lopes de Mendonça
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Piauí - UFPI, Teresina, PI, Brasil
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23
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Leonel JAF, Vioti G, Alves ML, Benassi JC, Silva DTD, Spada JCP, Ruiz VLDA, Starke-Buzetti WA, Soares RM, Oliveira TMFDS. Leishmaniasis in cat shelters: A serological, molecular and entomological study. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2013-2019. [PMID: 32162460 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An epidemiological Leishmania spp. and entomological Phlebotomine sandflies survey was performed in cat shelters at leishmaniasis endemic area of Brazil. Blood and conjunctival swab (CS) samples were collected from 94 cats in two animal protection shelters. These samples were subjected to serological tests using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to molecular test by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, a Phlebotomine sandflies survey was performed in the same shelters. The analyses revealed a positivity of 31.91% (30/94) through ELISA and 29.79% (28/94) through IFAT. The two serological tests showed a positive association with perfect agreement (k = 0.925). None of the cats were positive by Leishmania spp. DNA. One Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis male was found in one of the cat shelters. The results and the implications of our findings are discussed below.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Augusto Franco Leonel
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Post-graduate program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Geovanna Vioti
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Post-graduate program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Maria Luana Alves
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Post-graduate program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Julia Cristina Benassi
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Diogo Tiago da Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Post-graduate program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Pereira Spada
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Post-graduate program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Vera Letticie de Azevedo Ruiz
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Wilma Aparecida Starke-Buzetti
- Department of Biology and Animal Science, School of Engineering, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Ilha Solteira, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Post-graduate program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Laboratory of Applied Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Post-graduate program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo - USP, Pirassununga, Brazil
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24
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Cavalera MA, Iatta R, Laricchiuta P, Passantino G, Abramo F, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Zatelli A. Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in tigers infected by Leishmania infantum. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:214. [PMID: 32571332 PMCID: PMC7310479 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02419-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large number of animal species are susceptible to Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) in endemic areas, including domestic and wild felids such as tigers (Panthera tigris). Knowledge on the infection of this endangered species is still at its infancy, and therefore this study aims to identify clinical presentation and clinicopathological findings of tigers naturally infected by L. infantum. Results Tigers either L. infantum-positive (group A) or -negative (group B) were apparently healthy or presented visceral leishmaniasis unrelated conditions, except for one animal in which a large non-healing cutaneous lesion was observed. However, histological exam and immunohistochemistry carried out on the lesion excluded the presence of L. infantum amastigotes. Biochemical analysis showed that the average concentration of total proteins, globulins and haptoglobin were significantly higher (p < 0.01, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively), while the albumin/globulin ratio significantly lower (p = 0.05) in group A compared with group B. The biochemical alterations were partially confirmed by the serum protein electrophoresis results revealing a significant increase in the total protein value (p = 0.01) and hypergammaglobulinemia (p = 0.03) but an unmodified albumin/globulin ratio in group A. Conclusions In this study tigers infected by L. infantum have shown to be mainly asymptomatic. The absence of clinical signs may lead veterinarians to overlook leishmaniasis in animals kept in captivity. Therefore, diagnostic and screening tests as serology should be part of routinely surveillance programs to be performed on tigers in zoological gardens located in endemic areas. Though only few protein-related laboratory abnormalities were recorded in infected animals, they could provide diagnostic clues for a first suspicion of L. infantum infection in tigers. Indeed, considering the high risk of zoonotic transmission in heavily frequented environment as zoos, a prompt diagnosis of L. infantum infection is of pivotal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Francesca Abramo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
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Feline Leishmania spp . Infection in a Non-Endemic Area of Northern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050817. [PMID: 32397321 PMCID: PMC7278790 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a parasitic disease of people and animals transmitted by sand fly vectors. Although dogs in south and central Italy are most affected, in recent decades feline leishmaniosis (FeL) has become an emerging disease. This study aimed to update information on the presence of FeL in stray cats in Milan, in northern Italy; to compare these results with previous studies performed in the same area; and to report aspects of Leishmania infection in cats. A total of 117 stray cats were included and 10 (8.6%) had L. infantum infection. The parasite was identified in popliteal lymph nodes in five cats and five had antibodies against L. infantum. Most infected cats were from a specific area of Milan. Increased gammaglobulins were seen in infected cats, which also had antibodies against the pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Chlamydophila felis, and Toxoplasma gondii. There was a high prevalence of FeL in the surveyed area of northern Italy. Further studies are needed to understand if these infected cats are being imported from other areas, or if there is a real Leishmania focus in Milan. Investigation of the presence of sand fly vectors in Milan would be useful. Abstract Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) is an emerging vector-borne feline disease, with increasing numbers of cases reported and studies performed internationally. This study aimed to update the epidemiological status for FeL in stray cats in Milan, northern Italy; compare these results with previous studies in Northern Italy; and report clinicopathologic findings and coinfections in cats infected with Leishmania spp. A total of 117 cats were tested for L. infantum and retrovirus infection, hematological, and biochemical parameters. Demographic and clinical data were collected and FeL affected cats screened for selected coinfections. Overall, 10/117 (8.6%) cats tested positive for L. infantum: in five cats L. infantum DNA was found in popliteal lymph nodes and five were IFAT seropositive at titers from 1:80 to 1:160. Infected cats were concentrated in a specific area of Milan (p = 0.0154). No specific clinicopathologic abnormalities or retroviral infections were significantly linked to the infection, other than hypergammaglobulinemia (p = 0.0127). Seroreactivity to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Chlamydophila felis, and Toxoplasma gondii was found in some infected cats. A high prevalence of FeL was found in a non-endemic area of northern Italy and future studies should continually monitor this data to understand whether these cases are imported or if Leishmania vectors are present in this area.
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Rocha AVVO, Moreno BFS, Cabral AD, Louzeiro NM, Miranda LM, Santos VMBD, Costa FB, Nogueira RDMS, Marcili A, Sperança MA, Costa APD. Diagnosis and epidemiology of Leishmania infantum in domestic cats in an endemic area of the Amazon region, Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2019; 273:80-85. [PMID: 31446257 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum for which dogs are the main reservoir. In South America, presence of this disease is expanding along with increasing dispersion of its principal vector, the sand-fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. Feline leishmaniasis is an emerging disease in domestic cats, but epidemiological studies in endemic areas of the Amazon region of Brazil are scarce and the role of cats as reservoirs of L. infantum has been debated. The aim of this study was to investigate L. infantum infection in cats living in the Amazon biome region, using serological and molecular methods. A total of 105 cats were subjected to clinical examination and blood samples were taken for immunofluorescent-antibody (IFAT) serological evaluation, to determine anti-Leishmania antibody titers. Conventional PCR and Sanger's sequencing targeting L. infantum chitinase and Leishmania species ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) encoding genes were performed on conjunctival swabs from these cats. Seropositivity was detected in 32 animals (30.48%), thus confirming that contact between these cats and the parasite was occurring. PCR followed by amplicon sequencing showed that three samples (2.86%) were positive for a chitinase gene and six (5.71%) were positive for the ITS-1 gene. Parasite-positive diagnoses presented a statistically significant association with free access to the streets (p = 0.0111), cohabitation with dogs affected previously by VL (p = 0.0006) and absence of backyard cleaning and garbage collection (p = 0.00003). These results emphasize that cats should be included in epidemiological surveys of leishmaniasis, especially in endemic areas, if not as the reservoir host (unproven), at least as a "sentinel host" that is useful for revealing situations of endemic circulation of L. infantum. Moreover, in these areas, feline leishmaniasis needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis among domestic cats presenting alopecia, rarefied hair, lacerations and ulcerative dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aline Diniz Cabral
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arlei Marcili
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcia Aparecida Sperança
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
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