1
|
Spatial Distribution of Off-Host Stages of Tunga penetrans in the Soil within the Home Range of Nine Infected Dogs in An Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020098. [PMID: 36828514 PMCID: PMC9959503 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a neglected disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, and dogs are considered the main reservoirs in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the role of dogs as tungiasis dispersers and to investigate the presence of T. penetrans in the soil of an endemic tourist area. Nine dogs infected by T. penetrans were included in this study and received GPS collars to analyze their movement through the village. Duplicate sand samples were collected in different areas of the community. Those areas were classified as peridomicile (n = 110), open area (n = 110), beach (n = 50), and river (n = 58). The analysis of the points recorded by the collars showed that the dogs roamed throughout the community, potentially facilitating the spread of the disease. Samples contaminated with developmental forms of the parasite were found in the circulation area of three dogs. Adult fleas were found in 3/328 samples. These data emphasize that infected dogs' roaming can influence the fleas' dispersion in the soil. Statistically, none of the study variables had a significant correlation (p > 0.5) with the presence of T. penetrans in the area analyzed. This study was the first to assess infected dogs' role as tungiasis propagators.
Collapse
|
2
|
Harvey TV, Linardi PM, Carlos RSA, Heukelbach J. Tungiasis in domestic, wild, and synanthropic animals in Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106068. [PMID: 34331896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease of humans and warm-blooded animals caused by fleas of the genus Tunga (Jarocki, 1938). Dogs, cats, pigs, and synanthropic rodents are the main animal reservoirs. Of the 14 known species, 12 are found in Latin America and, among these, eight are found in Brazil, including the two zoonotic species Tunga penetrans and Tunga trimamillata. Tunga penetrans predominates among humans and Brazilian pets, where the dog is the most affected species, and its presence is a risk factor associated with the disease in humans. Tunga spp. are widely distributed throughout the national territory, with T. penetrans being the most dispersed and the most frequent in animals from endemic areas, especially in underprivileged communities. Infections in animals, associated with inadequate management, favor the spread and perpetuation of the disease. Intense injuries can result in sequelae and serious clinical conditions, compromising the health, welfare, and productivity of animals, as well as leading to death. Health precariousness, lack of control and neglect in the management of populations of domestic and synanthropic animals, poor hygiene habits of individuals, lack of information from both the population and related professionals, lack of effective treatment, and of perception of tungiasis as a disease are among the main challenges for the control of this parasitosis. As recommended for other zoonotic Neglected Tropical Diseases, strategies based on the concept of One Health can guarantee more effective results in the fight against human and animal tungiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiani Vitor Harvey
- Autonomous Veterinarian, 16 Aberdeen Avenue, Cambridge, MA, Zipcode 02138, United States.
| | - Pedro Marcos Linardi
- UFMG. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Caixa Postal 486, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Renata Santiago Alberto Carlos
- UESC. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Soane Nazaré de Andrade. Rodovia Jorge Amado Km 16. Bairro Salobrinho. Ilhéus, Bahia, CEP 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60.430-140, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cruz-Bacab LE, Perez-De la Cruz MC, Zaragoza-Vera CV, Zaragoza-Vera M, Arjona-Jimenez G, Lesher-Gordillo JM, Baak-Baak CM, Cigarroa-Toledo N, Machain-Williams CI, Garcia-Rejon JE, Gonzalez-Garduño R, Torres-Chable OM. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Ectoparasite Infestations in Dogs from the State of Tabasco, Mexico. J Parasitol 2021; 107:29-38. [PMID: 33535232 DOI: 10.1645/20-71] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out to identify the ectoparasites that infest owned dogs in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. In total, 1,302 dogs were sampled in the 5 ecological regions of Tabasco. The dog owners were surveyed to identify the factors associated with infestations. Ectoparasites were identified using taxonomic keys. Eleven species of ectoparasites were observed. General prevalence was 26.65%. Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis were the most prevalent and abundant ectoparasites. The most important factors associated with ectoparasite infestations in the studied dogs were living outdoors, being a non-purebred, having short hair, being dark-haired, and having a body condition <3. Ectoparasite studies such as the one presented herein generate important information to create control programs focused on decreasing infestations in companion animals and thus the likelihood of zoonotic transmission of pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Eliezer Cruz-Bacab
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Martha-Carolina Perez-De la Cruz
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Claudia V Zaragoza-Vera
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Maritza Zaragoza-Vera
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Guadalupe Arjona-Jimenez
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| | - Julia Maria Lesher-Gordillo
- Laboratorio de Genómica, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86150
| | - Carlos M Baak-Baak
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Nohemi Cigarroa-Toledo
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Carlos I Machain-Williams
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Julian E Garcia-Rejon
- Laboratorio de Arbovirología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México ZC 97225
| | - Roberto Gonzalez-Garduño
- Unidad Regional Universitaria Sursureste, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Km 7.5 Carr, Teapa-Vicente Guerrero, Teapa, Tabasco, México ZP 86807
| | - Oswaldo M Torres-Chable
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales y Transmitidas por Vectores, División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México ZC 86040
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tick-borne infections in dogs and horses in the state of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2017; 249:43-48. [PMID: 29279085 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This work aims to identify and quantify the percentage of Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. positive pet dogs, and to identify ticks collected on these animals in the state of Espírito Santo, in the Southeast region of Brazil. The study included 378 dogs, 226 females and 152 males, of various breeds and ages (mean age of 4.1 years). All animals were examined for ticks, and whole blood was collected and processed by conventional PCR protocols for Babesia spp., Anaplasmataceae, Hepatozoon spp. and by real-time PCR for Ehrlichia canis. Of the 378 dogs examined, 157 (41.53%) had ticks at the time of the study, which were identified as R. sanguineus s.l. in 154 animals (98.10%), Amblyomma ovale in one animal (0.63%), and Amblyomma sculptum in 2 animals (1.27%). In the PCR for Babesia spp., 5 animals (1.32%) were positive, producing DNA sequences 100% identical to Babesia vogeli. For Anaplasmataceae, 34 animals (9%) were positive, 10 of which generated DNA sequences 100% similar to Ehrlichia canis. The other 24 samples generated fragments 100% identical to Anaplasma platys. In the PCR for Hepatozoon spp, 39 animals (10.31%) were positive, producing sequences 100% identical to Hepatozoon canis. Finally, in the real-time PCR specific for E. canis, 28 animals (7.40%) were positive. Coinfection with 2 or 3 agents was observed in 20 animals (5.29%). Of the 378 dogs sampled, 312 were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for E. canis and five species of Rickettsia (R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. amblyommatis, R. rhipicephali and R. bellii). Among them, 71 dogs (22.75%) had a positive reaction for E. canis and 16 dogs (5.13%) had antibody titers higher than 64 to at least one Rickettsia species, 5 of them (1.60%) to R. rickettsii. Samples of blood were collected from 10 equines in the regions where dogs were found with positive serology for any one of the Rickettsia sp. tested. In the municipality of Vila Velha, two equines were positive for R. bellii with inverse titers of 64 and 128. These results indicate that tick-transmitted agents, such as E. canis, A. platys, B. vogeli, H. canis, and several spotted fever group Rickettsia are circulating in the canine population of the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo.
Collapse
|
5
|
Linardi PM, de Avelar DM. Neosomes of tungid fleas on wild and domestic animals. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3517-33. [PMID: 25141814 PMCID: PMC4172993 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Tunga is the most specialized genus among the Siphonaptera because adult females penetrate into the skin of their hosts and, after mating and fertilization, undergo hypertrophy, forming an enlarged structure known as the neosome. In humans and other warm-blooded animals, neosomes cause tungiasis, which arises due to the action of opportunistic agents. Although its effects on humans and domestic animals are well described in the literature, little is known about the impact of tungiasis on wild animals. This review focuses on the morphology, taxonomy, geographical distribution, hosts, prevalence, sites of attachment, and impact of tungid neosomes on wild and domestic animals. Because neosomes are the most characteristic form of the genus Tunga and also the form most frequently found in hosts, they are here differentiated and illustrated to aid in the identification of the 13 currently known species. Perspectives for future studies regarding the possibility of discovering other sand flea species, adaptation to new hosts, and the transfer of tungids between hosts in natural and modified habitats are also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marcos Linardi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil,
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Dogs, cats, parasites, and humans in Brazil: opening the black box. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:22. [PMID: 24423244 PMCID: PMC3914713 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats in Brazil serve as primary hosts for a considerable number of parasites, which may affect their health and wellbeing. These may include endoparasites (e.g., protozoa, cestodes, trematodes, and nematodes) and ectoparasites (i.e., fleas, lice, mites, and ticks). While some dog and cat parasites are highly host-specific (e.g., Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Felicola subrostratus for cats, and Angiostrongylus vasorum and Trichodectes canis for dogs), others may easily switch to other hosts, including humans. In fact, several dog and cat parasites (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii, Dipylidium caninum, Ancylostoma caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Toxocara canis) are important not only from a veterinary perspective but also from a medical standpoint. In addition, some of them (e.g., Lynxacarus radovskyi on cats and Rangelia vitalii in dogs) are little known to most veterinary practitioners working in Brazil. This article is a compendium on dog and cat parasites in Brazil and a call for a One Health approach towards a better management of some of these parasites, which may potentially affect humans. Practical aspects related to the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitic diseases of dogs and cats in Brazil are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife Pernambuco 50670420, Brazil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Linardi PM, Santos JLC. Ctenocephalides felis felis vs. Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): some issues in correctly identify these species. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:345-54. [PMID: 23295817 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612012000400002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ctenocephalides felis felis is one of the most important ectoparasites of dogs and cats throughout the world, because of its geographical distribution, dual parasitological action as an infesting agent and a vector of diseases, the economic losses and the acquired resistance against common insecticides. In Brazil, it surpasses Ctenocephalides canis in distribution, number of host species infested, prevalence and epidemiological importance. However, in some studies the species have been misidentified on the basis of their morphological characters included in taxonomic keys. The morphological variations of chaetotaxy, especially those on the dorsal margin of the hind tibia and lateral metanotal area (LMA), found in certain specimens, have sometimes been erroneously treated as hybrids, in spite of the nonexistence of the two species of Ctenocephalides in the same municipality or region. This review focuses on the characteristics used for interspecific diagnosis and intraspecific variations found between the species. Data on distribution, hosts, prevalence and parasitological action are also presented as an auxiliary means for recognizing the species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marcos Linardi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Costa AP, Silva AB, Costa FB, Xavier GS, Martins TF, Labruna MB, Guerra RMSNC. A survey of ectoparasites infesting urban and rural dogs of Maranhão state, Brazil. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 50:674-678. [PMID: 23802466 DOI: 10.1603/me12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated for the first time, ectoparasite infestations on dogs from urban and rural areas of the continental land of the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. In total, 622 dogs were examined for ectoparasite infestations. Overall, 392 (63.0%) were infested with ectoparasites, 154 (51.3%) of 300 urban dogs and 238 (73.9%) of 322 rural dogs. Five species of ectoparasites were found, three ticks [Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille), Amblyomma ovale Koch, and Amblyomma cajennense (F.)], one flea [Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché)], and one louse [(Heterodoxus spininger (Enderlein)]. The frequency of infestation by R. sanguineus tended to be higher in urban than in rural areas, whereas infestations by Amblyomma ticks and C. felis fleas tended to be higher among rural dogs. Louse (H. spininger) infestations were similarly low among all areas. Mixed infestations by at least two species of ectoparasites on the same dog were significantly more frequent on rural than on urban dogs. The most frequent mixed infestation was by R. sanguineus and C. felis, found on 11.4% of the dogs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate canine vector-borne agents in Maranhão, especially because most of the ectoparasites here reported are vectors of major vector-borne diseases, including zoonoses of continental importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea P Costa
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Curso de Medicina Veterinária Universidade Estadual do Maranhão (UEMA), Campus Universitário Paulo VI, S/N, Tirirical, CEP 65055-150 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
de Almeida RFC, Garcia MV, Cunha RC, Matias J, e Silva EA, de Fatima Cepa Matos M, Andreotti R. Ixodid fauna and zoonotic agents in ticks from dogs: first report of Rickettsia rickettsii in Rhipicephalus sanguineus in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, mid-western Brazil. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2013; 60:63-72. [PMID: 23229491 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks from 148 dogs from the urban area of the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, were collected, classified and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of Rickettsia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. A total of 2015 ticks were collected. The species Rhipicephalus sanguineus (98.9 %) and Amblyomma cajennense (1.1 %) were identified. Molecular analysis revealed that no tick samples were infected by T. cruzi. Regarding Leishmania spp., tick samples from 36 dogs spread across all regions of the municipality were positive for L. chagasi. One tick sample was positive for Rickettsia spp. (gltA gene) in the PCR reaction. This sample was submitted to further PCR based on the ompA gene and the amplicon was sequenced. Identity of 100 % was found with homologous sequences of R. rickettsii available in GenBank. This paper is the first to report the natural infection of R. sanguineus by R. rickettsii in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, mid-western Brazil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robson Ferreira Cavalcante de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferreira CGT, Bezerra ACDS, Carvalho OVD, Almeida MRD, Mafra C. First occurrence of Amblyomma ovale in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2013; 22:167-70. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612013000100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to report the occurrence of parasitism byAmblyomma ovale (Koch, 1844) in dogs in the municipality of Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Specimens were identified as being one female and two males of A. ovale, besides; the animal was infested by five females of Rhipicephalus(Boophilus) microplus and seven females and three males of R. sanguineus. The finding ofA. ovale confirms results in the literature that these ticks, reported in several species of wild carnivores, can also infect dogs in Brazil. The distribution of this tick species in several Brazilian states has already been confirmed, but this is the first report in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. This finding highlights the risk of the carrying of emerging and re-emerging pathogens to peridomestic hosts are as, either because of the frequency of these ticks in wild environments or the presence of infected wild animals near peridomestic environments, exposing domestic dogs to parasitism byA. ovale ticks and, therefore, to agents potentially carried by this ectoparasite.
Collapse
|
11
|
Troyo A, Calderón-Arguedas Ó, Alvarado G, Vargas-Castro LE, Avendaño A. Ectoparasites of dogs in home environments on the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2012; 21:179-83. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612012000200021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Reports on ectoparasites on dogs in Central America are scarce. The aim of this study was to identify flea, louse and tick species infesting dogs in home environments on the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica, and determine their frequency and coexistence. Ectoparasites were collected from dogs in 83 rural homes at five study sites. Specimens were identified and separated according to species. Fleas were the most common ectoparasite (G = 22,217, DF = 8, p = 0.004). Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex simulans were found in 83% and 55% of the homes with ectoparasites, respectively. Trichodectes canis (13%), Heterodoxus spiniger (10%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (18%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (5%) and Amblyomma ovale (8%) were also present. More than one species was collected in most cases (66%), and the most common combination was C. felis and P. simulans (59% of homes with fleas). The high frequency of P. simulans emphasizes the need for adequate identification. This was the first study involving different ectoparasites of dogs in Costa Rica, as well as the first report of T. canis in this country. The relative frequency and coexistence of these ectoparasites in the home environment may have implications for animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gilbert Alvarado
- Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica; Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica; Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dobler G, Pfeffer M. Fleas as parasites of the family Canidae. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:139. [PMID: 21767354 PMCID: PMC3160944 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, flea-borne diseases are among the most important medical diseases of humans. Plague and murine typhus are known for centuries while the last years brought some new flea-transmitted pathogens, like R. felis and Bartonella henselae. Dogs may play an essential or an accidental role in the natural transmission cycle of flea-borne pathogens. They support the growth of some of the pathogens or they serve as transport vehicles for infected fleas between their natural reservoirs and humans. More than 15 different flea species have been described in domestic dogs thus far. Several other species have been found to be associated with wild canids. Fleas found on dogs originate from rodents, birds, insectivores and from other Carnivora. Dogs therefore may serve as ideal bridging hosts for the introduction of flea-borne diseases from nature to home. In addition to their role as ectoparasites they cause nuisance for humans and animals and may be the cause for severe allergic reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Department of Virology and Rickettsiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, D-80937 Munich, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hernández-Valdivia E, Cruz-Vázquez C, Ortiz-Martínez R, Valdivia-Flores A, Quintero-Martínez MT. Presence of Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis) and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) infesting dogs in the city of Aguascalientes, México. J Parasitol 2011; 97:1017-9. [PMID: 21671718 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2701.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence and seasonal distribution of Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis) and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) infestations in urban dogs of the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico, were studied. Between January and December 2007, 863 dogs in the Municipal Canine and Feline Control Center were examined. Overall prevalence of infestation was 12% (95% CI 10-14). Seasonal distribution revealed that prevalences in spring and summer were highest, while autumn and winter had lower prevalences. Two infestation peaks were observed, i.e., in April (17.7%) and July (18.9%). A positive correlation was detected between prevalence and temperature during the winter season (P < 0.05). Prevalence in relation to gender showed that males were more frequently infested, 14% (95% CI 11-17), than females, 9.4% (95% CI 7-13); hair length did not affect differences in prevalence. Six hundred twenty-nine fleas were examined; 62% were C. canis and 38% C. felis . Dogs infested with only C. canis were 48% (95% CI 38-58), while 18% were infested only with C. felis (95% CI 11-27); the remainder, 34% (95% CI 24-44), had mixed infestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Hernández-Valdivia
- Centro de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Apartado Postal 3, Jesús María, 20100 Aguascalientes, México
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Paz GF, Ribeiro MF, de Magalhães DF, Sathler KP, Morais MHF, Fiúza VO, Brandão ST, Werneck GL, Fortes-Dias CL, Dias ES. Association between the prevalence of infestation by Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis and the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies: A case–control study in dogs from a Brazilian endemic area. Prev Vet Med 2010; 97:131-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|