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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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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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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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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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Feline Leishmaniosis: An Emerging Public Health Problem. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8090173. [PMID: 34564567 PMCID: PMC8473070 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8090173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is the third most important vector-borne disease in humans, preceded by malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and it is considered endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, where higher temperatures favor development of its vector, sandflies. This zoonotic disease is caused by infection of protozoa Leishmania spp. and the most serious mucocutaneous and visceral form is produced by Leishmania infantum, which predominates in the Mediterranean region. The usual hosts for this parasite are dogs and humans, but an increment in cases of L. infantum infection has been observed in cats in the last years. This increase could be due to the use of sandflies repellents in dogs, obligating the parasite to looking for other hosts. The role of cats in the epidemiology of this disease is unknown, although increase of prevalence of feline leishmaniosis has been observed in endemic areas in the last years. Diagnostic techniques and treatments in cats are not standardized, which makes it difficult to establish prevalence and epidemiology of feline leishmaniosis. Furthermore, the clinical signs and immune response against Leishmania in cats are different to those in dogs, with an observed increment of drug resistance. It is necessary to increase our knowledge about L. infantum infection in cats, including clinical signs, transmission, treatments, and the role of cats in the increasing of zoonoses. Finally, new alternative treatments are required for controlling the spread of this disease in all species of mammals.
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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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Costa-Val APD, Coura FM, Barbieri JDM, Diniz L, Sampaio A, Reis JKPD, Bueno BL, Gontijo CMF. Serological study of feline leishmaniasis and molecular detection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in cats (Felis catus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e003520. [PMID: 32520088 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Blood samples and swabs from ocular conjunctiva and mouth were obtained from 64 cats. Of 64 serum samples, 19 were positive for Leishmania antibodies by ELISA (29.80%). Eight cats were positive by PCR (12.5%) in swab samples from mouth and/or ocular mucosa. Poor kappa agreement between serological and molecular results (k = 0.16) was obtained. From five positive PCR samples one was L. braziliensis and four were L. infantum. Phylogenetic analysis performed with the five isolates of Leishmania, showed that samples of L. infantum isolated from the cats were phylogenetically close to those isolated from domestic dogs in Brazil, while the L. braziliensis is very similar to the one described in humans in Venezuela. The study demonstrated that, despite high seropositivity for Leishmania in cats living in the study region, poor agreement between serological and molecular results indicate that positive serology is not indicative of Leishmania infection in cats. Parasite DNA can be detected in ocular conjunctiva and oral swabs from cats, indicating that such samples could be used for diagnosis. Results of phylogenetic analyzes show that L. infantum circulating in Brazil is capable of infecting different hosts, demonstrating the parasite's ability to overcome the interspecies barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Pimenta da Costa-Val
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Morcatti Coura
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Instituto Federal de Minas Gerais - IFMG, Campus Bambuí, Bambuí, MG, Brasil
| | - Jonata de Melo Barbieri
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Luiza Diniz
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Agnes Sampaio
- Instituto Rene Rachou, Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Jenner Karlisson Pimenta Dos Reis
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Bruna Lopes Bueno
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Bezerra JAB, Oliveira IVPDM, Yamakawa AC, Nilsson MG, Tomaz KLR, Oliveira KDSD, Rocha CSD, Calabuig CIP, Fornazari F, Langoni H, Antunes JMADP. Serological and molecular investigation of Leishmania spp. infection in cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:790-796. [PMID: 31691733 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. antibodies, and its association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), in domestic cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Ninety-one cats were subjected to a complete clinical exam, and blood samples were collected. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to investigate the risk factors. IgG anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies were detected by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cut-off value of 1:40. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect genetic material of Leishmania spp. in the blood samples. The presence of antibodies against FIV and antigens of FeLV was evaluated using an immunochromatographic test. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp., FIV, and FeLV was observed in 14/91 (15.38%), 26/91 (28.57%), and 3/91 (3.29%) cats, respectively. All samples gave negative results on PCR analysis. Based on these data, no significant statistical association was observed between seropositivity for Leishmania spp., and sex, age, presence of clinical signs, evaluated risk factors, and positivity for retroviruses. These findings demonstrated for the first time that cats from Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, are being exposed to this zoonosis and might be part of the epidemiological chain of transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Artur Brilhante Bezerra
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Carolina Yamakawa
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Mariana Guimarães Nilsson
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Klívio Loreno Raulino Tomaz
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | | | - Célio Souza da Rocha
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Cecília Irene Perez Calabuig
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brasil
| | - Felipe Fornazari
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Zoonoses - NUPEZO, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Carneiro LA, Vasconcelos Dos Santos T, Lima LVDR, Ramos PKS, Campos MB, Silveira FT. First report on feline leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in Amazonian Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 19:100360. [PMID: 32057387 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we reported the natural infection by Leishmania sp. in a domestic cat, in which the amastigote forms of the parasite were observed within a lesion on its ear-tip. Fragment of the lesion was obtained and cultured in NNN medium, and PCR-RFLP analysis of the isolated sample was performed, which revealed that the profile was compatible with Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. This is the first proven case of a cat infected by L. (L.) amazonensis reported in Belém city, Pará state, northern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fernando Tobias Silveira
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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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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Coura FM, Passos SKP, Pelegrino MDOF, Leme FDOP, Paz GF, Gontijo CMF, Costa-Val APD. Serological, molecular, and microscopic detection of Leishmania in cats (Felis catus) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 27:570-574. [PMID: 30183999 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The role of cats in the epidemiological cycle of leishmaniasis remains unclear. To better understand the occurrence of leishmaniasis in cats, we studied the frequency of Leishmania in serum samples of 100 cats living in an endemic region for canine and human leishmaniasis by serological, parasitological, and molecular methods. Of the 100 cats, 54 were seropositive for Leishmania antibodies by immunofluorescence antibody test. None of the bone marrow aspirates collected from these cats tested positive for the parasite in culture or upon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Biopsy samples of the ears also tested negative for Leishmania upon PCR analysis. These findings may indicate that the region is endemic for canine leishmaniasis and cats are infected by Leishmania; or that cross-reaction with antibodies against other parasites increases the frequency of seropositivity; or that cats respond to Leishmania infection by producing antibodies when few or no parasites are present in bone marrow and tissue samples. Overall, our results suggest that cats can be infected by Leishmania ; however, we failed to demonstrate feline parasitosis. These findings highlight the need to study leishmaniasis in cats, since sandflies feed on cats, these animals may act as a reservoir for the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Morcatti Coura
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Instituto Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus Bambuí, Fazenda Varginha, Bambuí, MG, Brasil
| | | | | | - Fabiola de Oliveira Paes Leme
- Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | | | | | - Adriane Pimenta da Costa-Val
- Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Brianti E, Falsone L, Napoli E, Gaglio G, Giannetto S, Pennisi MG, Priolo V, Latrofa MS, Tarallo VD, Solari Basano F, Nazzari R, Deuster K, Pollmeier M, Gulotta L, Colella V, Dantas-Torres F, Capelli G, Otranto D. Prevention of feline leishmaniosis with an imidacloprid 10%/flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:334. [PMID: 28705248 PMCID: PMC5513130 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2258-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is one of the most important vector-borne diseases affecting animals and humans worldwide. Dogs are considered main reservoirs of the zoonotic forms, though in the last years the role of cats as reservoirs has been increasingly investigated. Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) occurs in endemic areas and no specific preventive measures have been investigated so far. In this study the efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin polymer matrix collar, licensed for tick and flea prevention, has been assessed against FeL in a longitudinal study on 204 privately owned cats from the Aeolian islands (Sicily), an area highly endemic for the disease. From March to May 2015 [Study Day 0 (SD 0)], cats negative for FeL were collared (G1, n = 104) or left untreated (G2, n = 100). Diagnosis consisted of serology and qPCR on blood and conjunctival swabs, which were collected at baseline (SD 0) and at the end of the study (SD 360). Interim clinical examinations were performed on SD 210 (when collars were replaced in G1) and SD 270. Results Of the 159 cats which completed the study, 5 in G1 and 20 in G2 were positive for L. infantum infection, in at least one of the diagnostic tests leading to a yearly crude incidence of 6.3% and 25.0% in G1 and G2, respectively (P = 0.0026). This translates into an efficacy of the collar of 75.0% in preventing feline Leishmania infection. The collar was generally well tolerated with no systemic adverse reactions and few local skin reactions were observed in the application area in four out of 104 treated cats (3.8%). Conclusions The 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin collar significantly reduced the risk of L. infantum infection in cats. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which a preventative strategy against feline Leishmania infection is assessed under natural conditions. These findings close a gap in veterinary medicine, in that they confirm this collar as a tool in reducing the risk of Leishmania infection in cats. Such a preventative tool could contribute to the reduction of the risk of the disease in animal and in human populations when included in integrated leishmaniosis control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Luigi Falsone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giannetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vito Priolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Gulotta
- Veterinary practitioner, Ambulatorio Veterinario S. Lucia, Via F. Crispi 56, Lipari, Italy
| | - Vito Colella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy.,Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Laboratorio di Parassitologia, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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