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Moraes IDS, Silva VLDB, de Andrade-Silva BE, Gomes APN, de Urzedo NF, Abolis VB, Gonçalves RDS, Arpon KV, de Assis-Silva ZM, da Silva LF, Zago EA, Gonçalves MB, Braga ÍA, Saturnino KC, Colodel EM, Júnior AM, Pacheco RDC, Ramos DGDS. Gastrointestinal Helminths in Wild Felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: Zoonotic Bioindicators in Important Brazilian Biomes. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1622. [PMID: 38891670 PMCID: PMC11171020 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iago de Sá Moraes
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Victória Luiza de Barros Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Beatriz Elise de Andrade-Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Ana Paula Nascimento Gomes
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Nicoly Ferreira de Urzedo
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Vitória Breda Abolis
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Renata de Souza Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Karina Varella Arpon
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Zara Mariana de Assis-Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Lizandra Fernandes da Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Ellen Amanda Zago
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Michelle Benevides Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Ísis Assis Braga
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
| | - Klaus Casaro Saturnino
- Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil;
| | - Edson Moleta Colodel
- Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil;
| | - Arnaldo Maldonado Júnior
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (B.E.d.A.-S.); (A.P.N.G.); (R.d.S.G.); (K.V.A.); (A.M.J.)
| | - Richard de Campos Pacheco
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária e Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, MT, Brazil; (V.L.d.B.S.); (E.A.Z.); (M.B.G.); (R.d.C.P.)
| | - Dirceu Guilherme de Souza Ramos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia e Análises Clínicas Veterinária, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí 75801-615, GO, Brazil; (I.d.S.M.); (N.F.d.U.); (V.B.A.); (Z.M.d.A.-S.); (L.F.d.S.); (Í.A.B.)
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Junsiri W, Kamkong P, Phojun A, Taweethavonsawat P. Unveiling zoonotic threats: molecular identification of Brugia sp. infection in a lion. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1376208. [PMID: 38681850 PMCID: PMC11047776 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1376208] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Brugia malayi and B. pahangi, potential zoonotic pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes, are believed to primarily infect dogs and cats as reservoir hosts. Although previous studies have indicated nematode infections in lions, particularly in zoo environments where human contact with these reservoirs is possible, limited documentation exists regarding Brugia sp. infections in lions in Thailand. This study aims to investigate a case of Brugia infection in a lion from a zoo in Thailand. The blood sample was collected and examined from a female lion, using staining methods to morphologically identify microfilaria at the genus level. Subsequently, the PCR was employed targeting specific genes, including mitochondrial 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp), to confirm the species of the filarial nematode parasite. The genetic sequencing results revealed a high similarity (99-100%) to B. malayi for the 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, COI and wsp genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences from the 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, COI and wsp genes showed that the sequences from this study belong to different clusters. This marks the inaugural documentation of molecular identification of Brugia infection in a lion, signifying that lions could function as reservoirs for this parasite and present a potential public health risk in the region. Our research underscores the effectiveness of molecular techniques and phylogenetic analysis in discerning and comprehending the evolution of filarial parasites. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of these methods in enhancing the diagnosis, control, and prevention of zoonotic filarial nematode infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witchuta Junsiri
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patchana Kamkong
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aunchisa Phojun
- Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, The Zoological Park Organization, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomarkers in Animals Parasitology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Cui N, Wang S, Wang Z, Hornok S, Wang H, Lu X, Liu G, Wang Y. Detection of Sarcocystis albifronsi, Eimeria alpacae, and Cystoisospora felis in Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx) in northwestern China. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100923. [PMID: 38524248 PMCID: PMC10957446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is widely distributed in various habitats in Asia and Europe, and it may harbor multiple pathogens. Currently, the information on protozoan infection in Eurasian lynx is scarce. In this study, we performed nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) analysis to detect intestinal protozoan infection in three dead Eurasian lynxes, in northwestern China. Three dead Eurasian lynxes, an adult female (#1), an adult male (#2), and a cub male (#3), were sampled in West Junggar Mountain, the northwestern region of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The intestine samples were analyzed using nPCR. We used primers targeting the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene (COI) for detection of Sarcocystis and Eimeria species and targeting the small subunit 18 S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA) for detection of Cystoisospora species. The nPCR-positive products were sequenced, aligned, and phylogenetically analyzed. Three intestinal protozoa, Sarcocystis albifronsi, Eimeria alpacae, and Cystoisospora felis, were found in three Eurasian lynxes. The intestine sample of Eurasian lynx #2 was detected with S. albifronsi and E. alpacae. In addition, C. felis was only found in the intestine sample of Eurasian lynx #3. To the best of our knowledge, S. albifronsi and E. alpacae were detected in Eurasian lynx for the first time. In addition, C. felis was firstly found in Eurasian lynx in China. These findings extend our knowledge of the geographical distribution and host range of intestinal protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Cui
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, China
| | - Shiyi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Huiqian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, China
| | - Xiaobo Lu
- The First Hospital Xinjiang Medical University, Urmqi, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, The XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 832002, China
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Green J, Schmidt-Burbach J, Elwin A. Taking stock of wildlife farming: A global perspective. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Bokaba RP, Dermauw V, Morar-Leather D, Dorny P, Neves L. Toxoplasma gondii in African Wildlife: A Systematic Review. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080868. [PMID: 36014989 PMCID: PMC9414955 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite, which infects a wide variety of mammals and bird species globally. In large parts of the world, this parasite is relatively well documented in wildlife species, however, this topic is poorly documented in Africa. The current review systematically explores the presence and distribution of T. gondii in African wildlife species through a key word search in PubMed, Web of Science and CAB Direct. A total of 66 records were identified and included in the qualitative analysis, of which 19 records were retained for the quantitative synthesis. The presence of T. gondii was reported in a wide range of wildlife species, found in twelve countries, spread over the African continent. The retained records report a prevalence range of 6–100% in herbivores, 8–100% in omnivores and 14–100% in carnivores. In wild felines (cheetahs, leopards, and lions) a prevalence range of 33–100% was found. Reports from South Africa, and on the presence of T. gondii in lion were most common. Overall, the results indicate the scarcity of information on T. gondii in Africa and its circulation in wildlife. The lack of knowledge on the parasite in Africa, especially in areas at the human-livestock-wildlife interface, prevents us from understanding how prevalent it is on the continent, what strains are circulating in wildlife and what the most common routes of transmission are in the different habitats in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refilwe Philadelphia Bokaba
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Veronique Dermauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (V.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Darshana Morar-Leather
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (V.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Luis Neves
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (D.M.-L.); (L.N.)
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo 3453, Mozambique
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Green J, Jakins C, Asfaw E, Bruschi N, Parker A, de Waal L, D’Cruze N. African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091692. [PMID: 32962130 PMCID: PMC7552683 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In South Africa, thousands of African lions are bred on farms for commercial purposes, such as tourism, trophy hunting, and traditional medicine. Lions on farms often have direct contact with people, such as farm workers and tourists. Such close contact between wild animals and humans creates opportunities for the spread of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed between animals and people). To help understand the health risks associated with lion farms, our study compiled a list of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) known to affect African lions. We reviewed 148 scientific papers and identified a total of 63 pathogens recorded in both wild and captive lions, most of which were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). This included pathogens that can be passed from lions to other animals and to humans. We also found a total of 83 diseases and clinical symptoms associated with these pathogens. Given that pathogens and their associated infectious diseases can cause harm to both animals and public health, we recommend that the lion farming industry in South Africa takes action to prevent and manage potential disease outbreaks. Abstract African lions (Panthera leo) are bred in captivity on commercial farms across South Africa and often have close contact with farm staff, tourists, and other industry workers. As transmission of zoonotic diseases occurs through close proximity between wildlife and humans, these commercial captive breeding operations pose a potential risk to thousands of captive lions and to public health. An understanding of pathogens known to affect lions is needed to effectively assess the risk of disease emergence and transmission within the industry. Here, we conduct a systematic search of the academic literature, identifying 148 peer-reviewed studies, to summarize the range of pathogens and parasites known to affect African lions. A total of 63 pathogenic organisms were recorded, belonging to 35 genera across 30 taxonomic families. Over half were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). A number of novel pathogens representing unidentified and undescribed species were also reported. Among the pathogenic inventory are species that can be transmitted from lions to other species, including humans. In addition, 83 clinical symptoms and diseases associated with these pathogens were identified. Given the risks posed by infectious diseases, this research highlights the potential public health risks associated with the captive breeding industry. We recommend that relevant authorities take imminent action to help prevent and manage the risks posed by zoonotic pathogens on lion farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennah Green
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Catherine Jakins
- Blood Lion NPC, P.O. Box 1548, Kloof 3640, South Africa; (C.J.); (L.d.W.)
| | - Eyob Asfaw
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Nicholas Bruschi
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Abbie Parker
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Louise de Waal
- Blood Lion NPC, P.O. Box 1548, Kloof 3640, South Africa; (C.J.); (L.d.W.)
| | - Neil D’Cruze
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Shamsi S, Halajian A, Barton DP, Zhu X, Smit WJ, Roux F, Luus-Powell WJ. Occurrence and characterisation of tongue worms, Linguatula spp., in South Africa. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:268-281. [PMID: 32211289 PMCID: PMC7082498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
A total of 509 mammalian vertebrates, belonging to 76 species, were examined for infection with pentastomid parasites. These animals were from 8 of the 9 provinces in South Africa. Linguatulid pentastomes were found only in 7 animals, specifically the African Lion (n = 3) and African Buffalo (n = 4). Adult parasites were found in the lion but nymphs, of various stages, were found in the buffalo. A detailed morphological examination of adult parasites using both light and scanning electron microscopy techniques suggested the specimens were Linguatula nuttalli Sambon1922. Sequences of 18S ribosomal DNA and Cox1 regions obtained from both adult and nymph stages suggested they belong to the one species. Phylogenetic analyses of Linguatula spp. based on the 18S and Cox1 sequences available in GenBank and obtained in the present study showed a clear distinction between L. nuttalli, L. arctica and L. serrata (from Europe and Australia). Several specimens from the Palearctic region which were previously assumed to be L. serrata formed a distinct group in the phylogenetic tree suggesting they probably belong to a different, and as of yet, unknown species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Shamsi
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Australia
| | - Ali Halajian
- DSI-NRF SARChI Research Chair (Ecosystem Health), Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Diane P. Barton
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Australia
| | - Xiaocheng Zhu
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Australia
| | - Willem J. Smit
- DSI-NRF SARChI Research Chair (Ecosystem Health), Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
| | - Francois Roux
- Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Lydenburg, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
| | - Wilmien J. Luus-Powell
- DSI-NRF SARChI Research Chair (Ecosystem Health), Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
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Frean J. Gnathostomiasis Acquired by Visitors to the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5010039. [PMID: 32155896 PMCID: PMC7157749 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gnathostomiasis is a zoonotic nematode parasite disease, most commonly acquired by eating raw or undercooked fish. Although the disease is well known in parts of Asia and Central and South America, relatively few cases have been reported from Africa. Raw fish consumed in the Okavango River delta area of Botswana, and in nearby western Zambia, has previously produced laboratory-proven gnathostomiasis in tourists. The purpose of this communication is to record additional cases of the infection acquired in the Okavango delta, and to alert visitors to the inadvisability of eating raw freshwater fish in the southern African region.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Frean
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa;
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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Abstract
Dogs and cats have a close association with humans providing companionship; however, pets are reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens such as Toxocara. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are small intestinal nematodes found in canids and felids, respectively. Infected pets shed thousands of eggs resulting in environmental contamination. Toxocara can infect a wide variety of paratenic hosts including humans, rodents, pigs and chickens. Paratenic hosts become infected by ingestion of the infective eggs containing the third stage larvae or ingestion of dormant larvae in animal tissues. Infected humans may develop visceral larval migrans or ocular toxocariasis. Regular anthelmintic treatment and restricted movement of dogs and cats are recommended to control Toxocara environmental contamination. This paper reviews the prevalence and risk factors of Toxocara in dogs and cats in Africa; and pet owners' awareness of canine zoonotic helminths.
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Nagamori Y, Ramachandran A, Kuzma C, Nafe L, Johnson EM. A zoonotic parasite, Linguatula serrata, infection in a dog imported from Ethiopia to the United States. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100273. [PMID: 31027605 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A moderate number of oval-shaped, 114.7 × 61.3 μm in size, amber-colored, arthropod-like eggs that had chitinous, smooth, semi-thickened outer wall and 2-4 short appendages armed with 2 terminal hook-like structures were detected in multiple fecal samples from an approximately 9-month-old, intact female, collie-mixed dog that had been recently imported from Ethiopia to Oklahoma, United States. Initially the unusual arthropod-like eggs were considered to be a pseudoparasite, most likely mite eggs. However, based on the history of the dog, morphology of the eggs, and presence of the eggs in repetitive fecal flotations, a pentastomid, Linguatula serrata, was suspected. DNA extraction and PCR analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene were performed on the eggs, and nucleic acid sequence showed 100% homology to L. serrata, a parasite of dogs, and L. arctica, a parasite of Norwegian reindeers. Rhinoscopy and head CT scan on the dog failed to demonstrate adult parasites or detect any pathologic changes. At this time, pentastomid eggs were no longer observed on fecal flotation. Due to the possibility of juvenile stages of the parasite still migrating in the dog, fluralaner (Bravecto®, Merck) was administered and continuing treatment recommended for at least 6 months. A follow-up fecal examination conducted a month after the treatment did not reveal any parasites or eggs. This is a case report of canine linguatuliasis diagnosed in Oklahoma, United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Nagamori
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States.
| | - Akhilesh Ramachandran
- Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States.
| | - Carrie Kuzma
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States.
| | - Laura Nafe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States.
| | - Eileen M Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States.
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Kvapil P, Kastelic M, Dovc A, Bartova E, Cizek P, Lima N, Strus S. An eight-year survey of the intestinal parasites of carnivores, hoofed mammals, primates, ratites and reptiles in the Ljubljana zoo in Slovenia. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2017; 64. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2017.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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