1
|
Zanfagnini LG, Reis Junior JL, Rocha VN, Souza SF, Hitara KY, Marcondes M, Pacheco AD. Ehrlichia spp. infection worsens cardiac damage in dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2024; 33:e018223. [PMID: 38836809 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612024023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
In endemic areas for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), the occurrence of coinfection with other pathogens, such as Ehrlichia spp., has been associated with worsening of the clinical condition. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of histological changes in the myocardia of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi with or without coinfection with Ehrlichia spp.. We evaluated paraffin-embedded myocardial sections from 31 dogs, affected by either L. chagasi alone or coinfected with L. chagasi and Ehrlichia spp., to compare the extent and degree of cardiac damage. The blocks were divided into two groups. G1 (dogs infected only by L. chagasi) and G2 (dogs coinfected with L. chagasi and Ehrlichia spp.). The right atrium free wall, right ventricle free wall, left ventricle, and interventricular septum of all groups were evaluated. Cardiac alterations were observed in 41.93% (52/124) of the fragments evaluated and inflammatory infiltrate was the most common pattern found. The G2 group showed a higher incidence of myocarditis, with 61.53% (32/52), compared to the G1 group, in which 20 out of 72 cases (27.7%) exhibited histopathological changes (p <0.05). These findings confirmed that coinfection can potentiate cardiac damage in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Janildo Ludolf Reis Junior
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJF, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | - Vinícius Novaes Rocha
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJF, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Karina Yukie Hitara
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJF, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | - Mary Marcondes
- Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Araçatuba, SP, Brasil
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pala S, Martínez-Sáez L, Llobat L, Marín-García PJ. Prevalence and factors associated with Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections in apparently healthy horses in Eastern Spain. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105236. [PMID: 38531238 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105236] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis are two of the most common parasitic zoonoses. Leishmaniasis is endemic to 98 countries around the world, whereas toxoplasmosis is widely distributed throughout the world, causing significant health expenditure. Horses can play a relevant role in the transmission of the disease, being a silent reservoir, as clinical signs are not common. Serum samples from 166 horses living in eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) were analysed to determine the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. and T. gondii by ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay.) The risk factors evaluated were the geographical area and the relative humidity and average temperature, and epidemiological factors such as sex, reproductive status, age, breed, morphotype, living with other domestic animals, use and access to the outdoors. Seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii infection was found 28.92%, and 16.27% respectively, whereas co-infection of the two parasites was found only in two males. Leishmania seroprevalence was high in castrated males and several mesodolichomorphic equine breeds used for teaching, as well as in outdoor animals. The most elevated seroprevalence was found in winter with higher levels of rainfall, whereas high seroprevalence of T. gondii was found in crossbreeding animals and those used for breeding. High seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii was found in horses of the Mediterranean basin. These data suggest that horses can act as a silent reservoir and that this species has high potential for transmission to humans, outdoor animals and in geographical areas with high average rainfall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Pala
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Martínez-Sáez
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research group, Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Investigation of comorbidities in dogs with leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 39:100844. [PMID: 36878629 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100844] [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: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
In endemic areas, dogs with leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum frequently have comorbidities, including mostly neoplastic, infectious, and parasitic diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of comorbidities among dogs that are not infected by L. infantum, dogs that are infected but do not present leishmaniosis, and dogs with leishmaniosis, and to examine if certain comorbidities are independent risk factors for the infection by L. infantum and/or for the development of canine leishmaniosis (CanL). A total of 111 dogs, older than 1-year and non-vaccinated against CanL, were allocated into three groups: group A (n = 18) included dogs that were not infected by L. infantum, group B (n = 52) included dogs that were infected by L. infantum but did not present CanL, and group C (n = 41) included dogs with CanL. Signalment and historical data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Laboratory examinations included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, fecal parasitology, modified Knott's test, microscopic examination of capillary blood, buffy coat, lymph node, bone marrow and conjunctival smears, qualitative serology for Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/A. platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and E. canis, IFAT for L. infantum, ELISA for Babesia spp. and Neospora caninum, and real-time PCR for L. infantum in bone marrow, skin biopsies and conjunctival swabs. A variety of comorbidities were found in all three groups. No independent risk factors for infection by L. infantum were found. On the contrary, among dogs infected by L. infantum, being a mongrel [odds ratio (OR): 11.2], not receiving prevention for dirofilariosis (OR: 26.5) and being seropositive to N. caninum (OR: 17.1) or to Babesia spp. (OR: 37.6), were independent risk factors for presenting CanL. Although no comorbidities influence the probability of canine infection by L. infantum, certain comorbidities may be precipitating factors for the transition from the subclinical infection by L. infantum to the overt CanL.
Collapse
|
4
|
Morelli S, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Traversa D. Canine and Feline Parasitology: Analogies, Differences, and Relevance for Human Health. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0026620. [PMID: 34378954 PMCID: PMC8404700 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00266-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats and dogs are treated as family members by most pet owners. Therefore, a high quality of veterinary care and preventive medicine is imperative for animal health and welfare and for the protection of humans from zoonotic pathogens. There is a general perception of cats being treated as "small dogs," especially in the field of clinical parasitology. As a result, several important differences between the two animal species are not taken into proper consideration and are often overlooked. Dogs and cats are profoundly different under evolutionary, biological, ethological, behavioral, and immunological standpoints. These differences impact clinical features, diagnosis, and control of canine and feline parasites and transmission risk for humans. This review outlines the most common parasitoses and vector-borne diseases of dogs and cats, with a focus on major convergences and divergences, and discusses parasites that have (i) evolved based on different preys for dogs and cats, (ii) adapted due to different immunological or behavioral animal profiles, and (iii) developed more similarities than differences in canine and feline infections and associated diseases. Differences, similarities, and peculiarities of canine and feline parasitology are herein reviewed in three macrosections: (i) carnivorism, vegetarianism, anatomy, genetics, and parasites, (ii) evolutionary adaptation of nematodes, including veterinary reconsideration and zoonotic importance, and (iii) behavior and immune system driving ectoparasites and transmitted diseases. Emphasis is given to provide further steps toward a more accurate evaluation of canine and feline parasitology in a changing world in terms of public health relevance and One Health approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Beasley EA, Pessôa-Pereira D, Scorza BM, Petersen CA. Epidemiologic, Clinical and Immunological Consequences of Co-Infections during Canine Leishmaniosis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113206. [PMID: 34827938 PMCID: PMC8614518 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), the most severe, visceralizing form of disease caused by Leishmania infantum transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. CanL is frequently diagnosed in the Mediterranean basin and South America, although it is also found in other regions, including the United States (U.S.). Dogs in these regions are at risk for co-infections, prominently tick-borne diseases. Our review examines epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic mechanisms found during the most common eight CanL co-infections reported in published literature. Co-infections alter immunologic processes and disease progression impacting CanL diagnosis, therapeutic responses, and prognosis. Abstract Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a vector-borne, parasitic disease. CanL is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and South America but also found in Northern Africa, Asia, and the U.S. Regions with both competent sand fly vectors and L. infantum parasites are also endemic for additional infectious diseases that could cause co-infections in dogs. Growing evidence indicates that co-infections can impact immunologic responses and thus the clinical course of both CanL and the comorbid disease(s). The aim for this review is to summarize epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic factors contributing to eight primary co-infections reported with CanL: Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, Paracoccidioides braziliensis. Co-infection causes mechanistic differences in immunity which can alter diagnostics, therapeutic management, and prognosis of dogs with CanL. More research is needed to further explore immunomodulation during CanL co-infection(s) and their clinical impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin A. Beasley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Danielle Pessôa-Pereira
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Breanna M. Scorza
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christine A. Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (E.A.B.); (D.P.-P.); (B.M.S.)
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dantas-Torres F, Alexandre J, Miranda DEDO, Figueredo LA, Sales KGDS, de Sousa-Paula LC, da Silva LG, Valle GR, Ribeiro VM, Otranto D, Deuster K, Pollmeier M, Altreuther G. Molecular epidemiology and prevalence of babesial infections in dogs in two hyperendemic foci in Brazil. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2681-2687. [PMID: 34110503 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Babesial parasites are some of the most ubiquitous blood pathogens and consequently have considerable worldwide veterinary impact. Dogs living in the tropics are highly exposed to babesial parasites, particularly to Babesia vogeli. Limited data on the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Babesia spp. in dogs are available in Latin America. We conducted a cross-sectional study combining serological and molecular tests to estimate the seroprevalence and molecular epidemiology of Babesia spp. infections in dogs in two hyperendemic foci in Brazil. A total of 630 privately owned dogs (417 from Goiana municipality, Pernambuco state, north-eastern Brazil, and 213 from São Joaquim de Bicas municipality, Minas Gerais state, south-eastern Brazil) were sampled and molecularly and serologically tested for Babesia spp. Overall, 519 dogs (82.4%) presented detectable IgG antibodies against Babesia spp., and seropositivity was significantly higher in dogs older than 1 year. Molecularly, 34 dogs (5.4%) were positive for a ~ 200 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp. and 88 (14.0%) for a longer fragment (~ 450 bp) of the same gene of Babesia spp. and other protozoa. The 18S rRNA gene sequences generated herein corresponded to B. vogeli (n = 52) or Hepatozoon canis (n = 20). This study confirms a high level of exposure to B. vogeli in two areas of Brazil and highlights that most of the dogs living in these areas are infected during the course of their life, reflected by increased seroprevalence in older dogs. Increased awareness and prevention of tick-borne protozoa infections in dogs from Brazil and Latin America are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Joanna Alexandre
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Aguiar Figueredo
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Vitor Márcio Ribeiro
- Veterinary School, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Betim, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Oliveira VDC, Junior AAVM, Ferreira LC, Calvet TMQ, dos Santos SA, Figueiredo FB, Campos MP, Rodrigues FDCDC, de Oliveira RDVC, de Lemos ERS, Rozental T, da Silva RG, Amendoeira MRR, Teles-de-Freitas R, Bruno RV, Morgado FN, Miranda LDFC, Menezes RC. Frequency of co-seropositivities for certain pathogens and their relationship with clinical and histopathological changes and parasite load in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247560. [PMID: 33705437 PMCID: PMC7951870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, little is known about how co-infections with or co-seropositivities for other pathogens can influence aggravation of this disease. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of co-infections with or co-seropositivities for certain pathogens in dogs seropositive for L. infantum and their relationship with clinical signs, histological changes and L. infantum load. Sixty-six L. infantum-seropositive dogs were submitted to clinical examination, collection of blood and bone marrow, culling, and necropsy. Antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and Toxoplasma gondii and Dirofilaria immitis antigens were investigated in serum. Samples from different tissues were submitted to histopathology and immunohistochemistry for the detection of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the L. infantum load in spleen samples. For detection of Coxiella burnetii, conventional PCR and nested PCR were performed using bone marrow samples. All 66 dogs tested positive for L. infantum by qPCR and/or culture. Fifty dogs (76%) were co-seropositive for at least one pathogen: T. gondii (59%), Ehrlichia spp., (41%), and Anaplasma spp. (18%). Clinical signs were observed in 15 (94%) dogs monoinfected with L. infantum and in 45 (90%) dogs co-seropositive for certain pathogens. The L. infantum load in spleen and skin did not differ significantly between monoinfected and co-seropositive dogs. The number of inflammatory cells was higher in the spleen, lung and mammary gland of co-seropositive dogs and in the mitral valve of monoinfected dogs. These results suggest that dogs infected with L. infantum and co-seropositive for certain pathogens are common in the region studied. However, co-seropositivities for certain pathogens did not aggravate clinical signs or L. infantum load, although they were associated with a more intense inflammatory reaction in some organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luiz Claudio Ferreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Shanna Araujo dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tatiana Rozental
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rafaela Vieira Bruno
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM)/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Spada JCP, Silva DTD, Alves ML, Cárdenas NC, Inlamea OF, Faria GA, Ferreira AG, Silva HR, Oliveira TMFDS, Buzetti WAS. Risk factors associated with Leishmania exposure among dogs in a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20200059. [PMID: 32935780 PMCID: PMC7491566 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0059-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine risk factors (RFs) associated with the presence of
antibodies against Leishmania in dogs from a rural area of
Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 250 dogs and tested using indirect
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence
antibody tests (IFATs). Data concerning dogs, their environment, and their
owners’ knowledge of leishmaniasis were collected using a questionnaire. To
determine RFs for contact with the parasite, univariate statistical analysis
based on chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests, followed by logistic
regression, was used. RESULTS: It was found that 79/250 (31.6%) of the dogs were positive by IFAT, and
72/250 (28.8%) by ELISA. A total of 82/250 dogs (32.8%) were positive in at
least one test. The RFs associated with occurrences of
Leishmania exposure were large body size (OR = 2.25;
95% CI = 1.26-4.04; p = 0.003), presence of chickens (OR = 1.94; 95% CI =
1.05-3.65; p = 0.023), and lack of knowledge about
Leishmania among dog owners (OR = 1.74; 95% CI =
0.96-3.21; p = 0.049). After multivariate analysis, the RFs for occurrence
of Leishmania exposure in dogs that remained significantly
associated were the dog’s size (large dogs) (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.06-1.35; p
= 0.003) and presence of chickens on the properties (small farms) (OR =
1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: These results may be useful for improving preventive practices to reduce the
incidence of Leishmania exposure among dogs in rural
areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Cesar Pereira Spada
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Diogo Tiago da Silva
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Luana Alves
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Nicolás Céspedes Cárdenas
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Osvaldo Frederico Inlamea
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Glaucia Amorim Faria
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Matemática, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Andrea Gonçalves Ferreira
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Helio Ricardo Silva
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
| | - Wilma Aparecida Starke Buzetti
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Yang Y, Su C. Toxoplasma gondii infections in dogs: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 287:109223. [PMID: 33160144 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in dogs (Canis familiaris) from 2009-2020. Seroprevalence estimates of T. gondii worldwide were tabulated. Reports of high seroprevalence in canine population and high congenital transmission of T. gondii in dogs in Brazil are reviewed. Most reports from China were published in Chinese, and these reports are now summarized here. Dogs have an additional importance in some countries such as China, Vietnam, and Nigeria; whereas in many cities dog meat is sold commercially for human consumption and given to felids, and transmission of T. gondii could occur if meat is not cooked properly. Dogs can ingest T. gondii-infected cat feces and these oocysts remain viable after passage through the digestive tract of the dog; T. gondii DNA was found in feces of dogs from New York City parks in USA. Most clinical canine cases of toxoplasmosis were in immunosuppressed dogs, and ulcerative dermatitis was one of the main presentations. Genetic diversity based on PCR-RFLP markers using DNA derived from 133 viable T. gondii isolates from dogs from several countries is discussed. T. gondii strains from Asia and Americas were more genetically diverse than those from Africa. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Yurong Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Dog Population Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:273-290. [PMID: 31919799 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes neurological disorders in dogs. This systematic review and meta-analysis targeted at evaluating the worldwide seroprevalence rate of N. caninum in dogs. METHODS Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, until December 2018 were thoroughly searched for relevant English language articles. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in StatsDirect statistical software (version 2.7.9). RESULTS The searching process yielded a total number of 156 papers. The total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of N. caninum infection in dog population worldwide was measured as 17.14% in data analyses (15.25-19.10). In addition, a significant association was also detected between neosporosis infection in dogs and continent, country, year, WHO regions, sample size and diagnostic method (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Dogs are a matter of concern to public health officials as a source of N. caninum infection. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to provide comprehensive data and systematically analyze the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs. Accordingly, it is recommended that researchers carry out further studies to prevent and control neosporosis among dog population worldwide.
Collapse
|
11
|
Maggi RG, Krämer F. A review on the occurrence of companion vector-borne diseases in pet animals in Latin America. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:145. [PMID: 30917860 PMCID: PMC6438007 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Companion vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are an important threat for pet life, but may also have an impact on human health, due to their often zoonotic character. The importance and awareness of CVBDs continuously increased during the last years. However, information on their occurrence is often limited in several parts of the world, which are often especially affected. Latin America (LATAM), a region with large biodiversity, is one of these regions, where information on CVBDs for pet owners, veterinarians, medical doctors and health workers is often obsolete, limited or non-existent. In the present review, a comprehensive literature search for CVBDs in companion animals (dogs and cats) was performed for several countries in Central America (Belize, Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico) as well as in South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana (British Guyana), Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela) regarding the occurrence of the following parasitic and bacterial diseases: babesiosis, heartworm disease, subcutaneous dirofilariosis, hepatozoonosis, leishmaniosis, trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, bartonellosis, borreliosis, ehrlichiosis, mycoplasmosis and rickettsiosis. An overview on the specific diseases, followed by a short summary on their occurrence per country is given. Additionally, a tabular listing on positive or non-reported occurrence is presented. None of the countries is completely free from CVBDs. The data presented in the review confirm a wide distribution of the CVBDs in focus in LATAM. This wide occurrence and the fact that most of the CVBDs can have a quite severe clinical outcome and their diagnostic as well as therapeutic options in the region are often difficult to access and to afford, demands a strong call for the prevention of pathogen transmission by the use of ectoparasiticidal and anti-feeding products as well as by performing behavioural changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo G. Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Friederike Krämer
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Benassi JC, Benvenga GU, Ferreira HL, Soares RM, Silva DT, Pereira VF, Ruiz VLA, Oliveira TMFDS. Molecular and serological detection of Leishmania spp. in horses from an endemic area for canine visceral leishmaniasis in southeastern Brazil. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to verify the occurrence of Leishmania spp. and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in horses from a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in Brazil. DNA samples from blood and conjunctival swab (CS) were tested by PCR and Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Although none of the horses was clinically sick, animals infected by Leishmania spp. were found and some could be characterized as infected by L. (L.) infantum. From 40 horses, 100% of the animals were positive by blood PCR, 90% (36/40) by CS PCR, and 2.5% (01/40) in serodiagnosis, by IFAT. Six from these 40 horses were L. (L.) infantum positive by blood PCR. Direct sequencing and analysis of amplicons resulted in a sequence to evolutionary analysis. Results indicate the presence of Leishmania spp. and L. (L.) infantum infecting healthy horses in Brazil. The presence of Leishmania spp. and L. (L.) infantum DNA in asymptomatic horses suggests that they can be important reservoirs of these parasites, a highly relevant finding for the epidemiological surveillance of the diseases they cause.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Calero-Bernal R, Dubey JP, Gennari SM. All about neosporosis in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 26:253-279. [PMID: 28876360 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is protozoan parasite with domestic and wild dogs, coyotes and grey wolves as the definitive hosts and many warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. It was cultivated and named in 1988. Neosporosis is a major disease of cattle and has no public health significance. Since 1990's N. caninum has emerged as a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, including in Brazil. N. caninum also causes clinical infections in several other animal species. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the biology of N. caninum and there are more than 200 papers on this subject from Brazil. However, most of the reports on neosporosis from Brazil are serological surveys. Overall, little is known of clinical neosporosis in Brazil, particularly cattle. The few reports pertain to sporadic cases of abortion with no information on epidemics or storms of abortion. The objective of the present review is to summarize all reports from Brazil and suggest topic for further research, including prevalence of N. caninum oocysts in soil or in canine feces, and determining if there are additional definitive hosts, other than the domestic dog. There is need for a national survey in cattle using defined parameters. Future researches should focus on molecular characterization of N. caninum strains, possibility of vaccine production and relationship between wildlife and livestock epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Koutsodontis Cerqueira-Cézar
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Jitender Prakash Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sharifdini M, Mohebali M, Keshavarz H, Hosseininejad M, Hajjaran H, Akhoundi B, Rahimi Foroushani A, Zarei Z. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic dogs in an area from northwest of Iran: a cross-sectional study using immunodominant surface antigen 1 (SAG1). J Parasit Dis 2015; 40:1278-1282. [PMID: 27876930 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-015-0667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects humans and animals. T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) is an appropriate antigen with high specificity and sensitivity for the detection of T. gondii infection in humans and animal hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection using SAG1 antigen (P30) in ownership dogs in Meshkin-Shahr district in the northwestern Iran. The sera samples were collected from 171 domestic dogs and tested using indirect ELISA (SAG1 antigen). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13. From a total of 171 dogs, 82 (48 %) of them were sero-positive. No statistical significant difference was seen between T. gondii infection and gender (P = 0.995). The highest sero-prevalence of rate was observed in >5 years animals; but no statistical significant difference was seen between T. gondii infection and age (P = 0.589). Our findings indicate that Toxoplasma seropositivity rate is high in ownership dogs in northwest of Iran. This is probably due to high exposure to contaminated food, soil, or water sources with sporulated Toxoplasma oocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - M Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran ; Research Center for Zoonoses, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran ; Research Center for Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Hosseininejad
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Zoonotic Diseases, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - H Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Rahimi Foroushani
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Z Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Silveira JAG, Valente PCLG, Paes PRO, Vasconcelos AV, Silvestre BT, Ribeiro MFB. The first clinical and laboratory evidence of co-infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis in a Brazilian dog. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:242-5. [PMID: 25661650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Information on Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Brazil is very restricted. The aim of this study was to report clinical, parasitological, hematological and molecular evidence of a natural A. phagocytophilum infection of an urban Brazilian dog. The dog was an eight-month-old male French bulldog. Veterinary clinical examinations were performed three times: in April, June and December 2013. Biochemical and hematological analyses were performed during all examinations, and blood samples were collected for parasitological surveys in June and December. Morulae were present within neutrophils in blood smears from June. Both samples were PCR positive for A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the phylogenetic topology placed samples from this study in close proximity to other A. phagocytophilum isolates. Ehrlichia isolates from this dog were 100% identical to E. canis isolates, thus E. canis and A. phagocytophilum co-infection was diagnosed in this dog. Lethargy and skin lesions were the clinical signs observed in this dog. Abnormal hematological parameters, among those, severe thrombocytopenia, were observed in all three occasions. This finding highlights the growing importance of A. phagocytophilum in South America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Júlia A G Silveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, ICB, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Pâmela C L G Valente
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia, Escola de Veterinária, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Paulo R O Paes
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia, Escola de Veterinária, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Artur V Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia, Escola de Veterinária, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Bruna T Silvestre
- Departamento de Parasitologia, ICB, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Múcio F B Ribeiro
- Departamento de Parasitologia, ICB, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tenório M, Oliveira e Sousa L, Alves-Martin M, Paixão M, Rodrigues M, Starke-Buzetti W, Araújo Junior J, Lucheis S. Molecular identification of trypanosomatids in wild animals. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:203-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
17
|
Silva DTD, Starke-Buzetti WA, Alves-Martin MF, Paixão MDS, Tenório MDS, Lopes MLM. Comparative evaluation of several methods for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis diagnosis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2014; 23:179-86. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serological methods using ELISA with recombinant-rK39 (ELISA-rK-39) and soluble extract-SE (ELISA-SE) antigens, the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) in comparison to an immunochromatography rapid diagnostic test (RDT-rK39) and with a direct parasitological exam (PA) for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) diagnosis. The results showed that 89% (60/67) of the dogs were positive for at least one serological diagnostic test. ELISA-SE was the test that detected anti-Leishmania antibodies in the serum of the highest number of dogs (71.6%) followed by ELISA-rK39 (65.7%), IFAT (65.7%) and RDT-rK39 (55.2%). PA detected the lowest numbers (40.3%) of positive dogs. In relation to the total of examined dogs, the Kappa indexes (p ≤ 0.05) showed a good agreement between ELISA-SE and IFAT (88.1%; k = 0.7237), and it was also observed in the comparison of RDT-rK39 with ELISA-SE (83.6%, k= 0.6561), IFAT (83.5%, k= 0.6605) and PA (85.0%, k= 0.7074). A bad agreement was detected in any association of ELISA-rk39 with the other tests in either symptomatic or asymptomatic animals. ELISA as well as RDT using recombinant antigenic protein (rK39) were the methods that detected the lowest prevalence rates (33.3%) of CVL in asymptomatic dogs. In conclusion, only one test does not adequately identify dogs with CVL and it is necessary the association of two or more diagnostic tests. Because of the good agreement indexes of RDT-rK39 when evaluated with ELISA-SE, IFAT and PA it was suggested as a complementary method to be used in association with either ELISA-SE or IFAT, particularly in the symptomatic dogs. Furthermore, new studies are recommended in order to improve the sensitivity of tests mainly for asymptomatic dogs.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sousa KCMD, André MR, Herrera HM, Andrade GBD, Jusi MMG, Santos LLD, Barreto WTG, Machado RZ, Oliveira GPD. Molecular and serological detection of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from an area endemic for Leishmania infantumin Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2013; 22:525-31. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612013000400012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens affect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. To identify tick-borne pathogens among dogs from Campo Grande, MS, Brazil testing seropositive for Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi), a serological and molecular study was conducted to detectEhrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia vogeli in 60 serum and spleen samples. A confirmatory diagnosis ofL. infantum based on serological and molecular assays was also performed, as was sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis to assess the identity of the parasite species infecting these animals. IgG antibodies toEhrlichia spp., B. vogeli and L. infantum were found, respectively, in 39 (65%), 49 (81.6%) and 60 (100%) of the sampled dogs. Twenty-seven (45%), fifty-four (90%), fifty-three (88.3%), two (3.3%) and one (1.6%) dog were positive, respectively, forE. canis, Leishmania spp., Leishmania donovani complex, Babesia sp. and Anaplasma sp. in PCR assays. After sequencing, the amplicons showed 99% of identity with E. canis, B. vogeli, A. platys andLeishmania chagasi isolates. The findings of this study indicate that L. infantum-seropositive dogs from Campo Grande are exposed to multiple tick-borne pathogens, which should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs with clinical suspicion of leishmaniasis.
Collapse
|