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Doboși AA, Paștiu AI, Bel LV, Pusta DL. The Prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the North-Western Region of Romania Using Serological Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1440. [PMID: 39065208 PMCID: PMC11279170 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071440] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian, domestic rabbits being the main host. The disease can be acute or subclinical, but treatment options are limited and usually with unrewarding results; therefore, diagnosis and prevention of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits are of the utmost importance. This study aims to obtain the first preliminary information of the prevalence of E. cuniculi in the north-western region of Romania. A total of 176 rabbits were clinically examined and 2 mL of blood was sampled from each. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit by Medicago (Medicago, Uppsala, Sweden) on the resulted blood serum was utilized. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using the EpiInfo 2000 software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA). A total prevalence of 39.2% (69/176) was identified, with statistically significant differences in relation to the rabbits' clinical status, age, season of sampling, breeding system, body condition score and county of origin; the different family farms tested also had a statistically significant difference. This study gives the first preliminary information on this pathogen distribution on Romania's territory, but further studies need to be performed on larger regions to declare the prevalence in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
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Doboși AA, Bel LV, Paștiu AI, Pusta DL. A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus)-Biology, Clinical Signs, Diagnostic Techniques, Treatment, and Prevention. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121486. [PMID: 36558820 PMCID: PMC9785705 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121486] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a eukaryote, unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular microorganism of the phylum Microsporidia, with domestic rabbits as its main host. Another important species in which this pathogen has been identified are humans, the infection being therefore called a "zoonosis". The transmission takes place via the horizontal route or the vertical route, and cell-mediated immunity plays the biggest role in the infected hosts' protection. Encephalitozoonosis can manifest itself as an acute infection, with neurological signs, renal signs, and ocular lesions, or as a chronic or subclinical infection, which is usually the case for asymptomatic carriers. The diagnostic techniques usually carried out are histological examination, serological tests, and molecular genetic techniques. The treatment of encephalitozoonosis is usually symptomatic, with unrewarding results, and prevention methods include periodical serological screening, prophylactic administration of fenbendazole, and maintenance of a clean environment. The purpose of this article is to review the current data regarding the pathogenesis, host immunity, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention methods of encephalitozoonosis in the domestic rabbit, as well as to analyze the prevalence of this disease in different countries of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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3
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Cray C. Protein electrophoresis of non-traditional species: A review. Vet Clin Pathol 2021; 50:478-494. [PMID: 34881455 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
EPH has been demonstrated to be a useful tool in companion animals while providing an opportunity to characterize globulinemias, including paraproteinemia. In EPH of non-traditional species, these same applications are important, but the primary use is to gauge the acute-phase and humoral immune responses. This includes the valid quantitation of albumin as well as the examination of fractions reflective of increases in acute-phase reactants and immunoglobulins. Agarose gel EPH and, more recently, capillary zone EPH have been applied to samples from these species. Performing these analyses provides special challenges in the placement of fraction delimits, generation of RIs, and interpretation of results. Recommended as part of routine bloodwork, EPH can also provide key results that are helpful in clinical and field-based health assessments as well as in prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Cray C, Liebl MP, Arheart K, Peschke R, Künzel F, Joachim A. Comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence test for determination of anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies in sera from rabbits with different clinical and histopathological presentations. J Exot Pet Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Künzel F, Fisher PG. Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2018; 21:69-82. [PMID: 29146032 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Central vestibular dysfunction caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi frequently mimics the condition of a peripheral disorder. A negative antibody titer rules out E cuniculi as the cause of present clinical signs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis including polymerase chain reaction is considered an inappropriate diagnostic method for in vivo diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis. The usefulness of glucocorticoid anti-inflammatories in the treatment of encephalitozoonosis is called into question. Encouraging activity early in the course of disease and adding in therapeutic exercise may represent the most important part of therapy in rabbits with vestibular dysfunction associated with encephalitozoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Künzel
- Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Peter G Fisher
- Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, 5201 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
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Desoubeaux G, Piqueras MDC, Pantin A, Bhattacharya SK, Peschke R, Joachim A, Cray C. Application of mass spectrometry to elucidate the pathophysiology of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177961. [PMID: 28723944 PMCID: PMC5516978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian species which can induce subclinical to serious disease in mammals including rabbits, a definitive natural host. The pathophysiology of infection has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this exploratory study, we utilized two mass spectrometry approaches: first, the analysis of the humoral response by profiling the microsporidian antigens as revealed by Western blot screening, and second, implementing the iTRAQ®-labeling protocol to focus on the changes within the host proteome during infection. Seven E. cuniculi proteins were identified at one-dimensional gel regions where specific seropositive reaction was observed by Western blot, including polar tube protein 3, polar tube protein 2, and for the first time reported: heat shock related 70kDa protein, polysaccharide deacetylase domain-containing protein, zinc finger protein, spore wall and anchoring disk complex protein EnP1, and translation elongation factor 1 alpha. In addition, there was a significant increase of nine host proteins in blood samples from E. cuniculi-diseased rabbits in comparison with non-diseased control subjects undergoing various inflammatory processes. This included serum paraoxonase, alpha-1-antiproteinase F precursor and alpha-1-antiproteinase S-1 which have presumptive catalytic activity likely related to infection control, and cystatin fetuin-B-type, an enzyme regulator that has been poorly studied to date. Notably, 11 proteins were found to be statistically increased in rabbits with neurological versus renal clinical presentation of E. cuniculi infection. Overall, this novel analysis based on mass spectrometry has provided new insights on the inflammatory and humoral responses during E. cuniculi infection in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Desoubeaux
- University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- CHU de Tours, Service de Parasitologie – Mycologie – Médecine tropicale, Tours, France
- Université François-Rabelais, Faculté de Médecine, CEPR - INSERM U1100 / Équipe 3, Tours, France
| | - Maria del Carmen Piqueras
- University of Miami, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Miller School of Medicin–, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ana Pantin
- University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya
- University of Miami, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Miller School of Medicin–, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Roman Peschke
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carolyn Cray
- University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Kourgelis C, Reilly C, Von Roedern M, Cray C. Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cats within the United States. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 9:122-124. [PMID: 31014834 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that causes clinical and subclinical infection in many species. It is also considered a potential zoonotic disease. In the present study, a serological survey was conducted using samples from pet cats using an ELISA with a confirmed positive control sample from a cat with E. cuniculi related uveitis. Thirty-four of 127 serum samples or 26.8% were found to demonstrate reactivity with titers ranging from 1:32 to 1:1024. There were no significant differences by age or sex (p=0.99 and p=0.32, respectively). This is the first description of the use of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of E. cuniculi antibodies in cats in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kourgelis
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
| | - C Reilly
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95615, USA
| | - M Von Roedern
- Department of Critical Care, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
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Desoubeaux G, Pantin A, Peschke R, Joachim A, Cray C. Application of Western blot analysis for the diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits: example of a quantitative approach. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:743-750. [PMID: 27966020 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits remains a major veterinary issue. ELISA or immunofluorescence assays are the current reference standards of serological tests. However, these conventional techniques suffer from a lack of accuracy for distinguishing active from past infections, as a positive serostatus is common in clinically normal rabbits. In this study, we assessed the diagnostic performance of Western blot (WB) to detect both anti-E. cuniculi immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in comparison with ELISA and to address the intensity of the immune response through a quantitative approach. Positive WB results were highly correlated with the E. cuniculi-related diseased status (P < 0.0001). Although it was more labor intensive and less standardized, quantitative WB provided detailed comparable analysis regarding the humoral response and diagnostic performance similar to ELISA testing with statistically higher sensitivity (88.4 vs. 76.1% for IgG detection and 84.3 vs. 70.4% for IgM, P < 0.01). Several specific WB bands were shown to be significantly associated with concomitant clinical signs, like the one located at 50 kDa (OR = 8.2, [2.4-27.7], P = 0.0008) for IgG and (OR = 27.9, [4.2-187.9], P = 0.0006) for IgM. Therefore, the quantitative WB may have application in veterinary diagnostic laboratories to increase the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection. In addition, this tool may help to further understand the development and function of the humoral immune response to this infectious agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Desoubeaux
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie, Médecine tropicale, CHU de Tours, Tours, 37044, France.
- CEPR-INSERM U1100/Équipe 3, Faculté de Médecine, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, 37032, France.
| | - Ana Pantin
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Roman Peschke
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
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Ardiaca M, Bonvehi C, Cuesta M, Gomez A, Montesinos A. Seminal Vesiculitis in Three Pet Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ). J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2016; 52:335-40. [PMID: 27487350 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-6368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To date, descriptions of pathologic conditions of the seminal vesicle in rabbits are scarce and limited to the laboratory animals in experimental conditions. The present article describes three cases of strangury, abdominal pain, and anorexia associated with seminal vesiculitis in pet rabbits. Three non-neutered male pet rabbits aged 3.6, 1.5, and 2.1 yrs were presented with strangury, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Seminal vesiculitis was diagnosed based on clinical signs and ultrasonography findings. Vesiculectomy was performed in two cases that presented strangury refractory to medical treatment, and diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. In the third case, the patient received medical treatment, and a sequela in the form of lithiasis of the seminal vesicle was detected 3 yrs later. Plain radiographs were nearly unremarkable, and results from complete blood analysis and urinalysis were not specific in all three cases. Contrast radiography was performed in one case, showing a dilated seminal vesicle. Ultrasound and surgical biopsy seem to be the most sensitive techniques in the diagnosis of this pathology. Seminal vesiculitis must be included in the differential diagnosis of acute or chronic strangury in male pet rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alicia Gomez
- From Centro Veterinario Los Sauces, Madrid, Spain
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Lavazza A, Chiari M, Nassuato C, Giardiello D, Tittarelli C, Grilli G. Serological Investigation on Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet Rabbits in North-Central Italy. J Exot Pet Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Microsporidiosis in Vertebrate Companion Exotic Animals. J Fungi (Basel) 2015; 2:jof2010003. [PMID: 29376921 PMCID: PMC5753084 DOI: 10.3390/jof2010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians caring for companion animals may encounter microsporidia in various host species, and diagnosis and treatment of these fungal organisms can be particularly challenging. Fourteen microsporidial species have been reported to infect humans and some of them are zoonotic; however, to date, direct zoonotic transmission is difficult to document versus transit through the digestive tract. In this context, summarizing information available about microsporidiosis of companion exotic animals is relevant due to the proximity of these animals to their owners. Diagnostic modalities and therapeutic challenges are reviewed by taxa. Further studies are needed to better assess risks associated with animal microsporidia for immunosuppressed owners and to improve detection and treatment of infected companion animals.
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Berger Baldotto S, Cray C, Giannico AT, Reifur L, Montiani-Ferreira F. Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Pet Rabbits in Brazil. J Exot Pet Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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Cray C, McKenny S, Perritt E, Arheart KL. Utility of IgM Titers With IgG and C-Reactive Protein Quantitation in the Diagnosis of Suspected Encephalitozoon Cuniculi Infection in Rabbits. J Exot Pet Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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14
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Latney LV, Bradley CW, Wyre NR. Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits: diagnosis and optimal management. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2014; 5:169-180. [PMID: 32670857 PMCID: PMC7337189 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s49842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoonosis is a significant microsporidial disease of captive pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This article overviews the life cycle, pathogenesis, and host immune response to the parasite. Clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, antemortem diagnostics, and postmortem diagnosis will be discussed. International seroprevalence data and histologic prevalence estimates in the US are presented. A review of current treatment and control recommendations are discussed based on extensive review of controlled studies, which have found fenbendazole to be effective for limiting spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles W Bradley
- Departments of Pathobiology, Matthew J Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Varga
- Cheshire Pet Medical Centre, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AB, UK
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Cray C, Perritt E, Hughes C, Belgrave RL. Serological survey for antibody to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in horses in the USA. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2757-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Cray C, Rodriguez M, Fernandez Y. Acute Phase Protein Levels in Rabbits with Suspected Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection. J Exot Pet Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Cray C, Rivas Y. Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in dogs in the United States. J Parasitol 2012; 99:153-4. [PMID: 22694657 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3152.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that can result in clinical and subclinical infection in many species. It is also considered the cause of a potential zoonotic disease. In the present study, a serological survey was conducted using samples from pet dogs in the state of Florida. Twenty-seven of 125 serum samples, or 21.6%, were found to demonstrate reactivity by ELISA, with titers ranging from 1:32 to 1:512. There were no significant differences by age or sex. This is the first report on the detection of E. cuniculi antibodies in dogs in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA.
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20
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Sieg J, Hein J, Jass A, Sauter-Louis C, Hartmann K, Fischer A. Clinical evaluation of therapeutic success in rabbits with suspected encephalitozoonosis. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:328-32. [PMID: 22309799 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 12/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Between 2000 and 2008, 95 rabbits with suspected encephalitozoonosis and neurological symptoms were treated at the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich. Standard treatment consisted of oxytetracycline (from 2000 to 2003; n=50) or fenbendazole and oxytetracycline (from 2004 to 2008; n=45), and the rabbits were randomly assigned to treatment groups with or without dexamethasone. Each therapeutic regime was given for 10 days, with fluids, B vitamins and nutritional support added as needed. Therapeutic success was evaluated by assessing the survival rate on day 10, the neurological score of the surviving rabbits and Kaplan-Meier curves for long-term survival past 10 days. Inclusion of fenbendazole in the treatment protocol was associated with increased survival rates on day 10 (p=0.043), better neurological scores (p=0.008), and improved long-term survival (p=0.025) based on the results of univariate analyses. Treatment with dexamethasone showed no effect on neurological score or on short- or long-term survival. The study did not provide any evidence that dexamethasone is an effective component of the treatment scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sieg
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Veterinärstr. 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Rich G. Clinical Update on Testing Modalities for Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Clinically Sick Rabbits. J Exot Pet Med 2010. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2010.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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22
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Usefulness of detection of specific IgM and IgG antibodies for diagnosis of clinical encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits. Vet Parasitol 2010; 170:143-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 01/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
The average life span reported in laboratory and lay literature for the domestic rabbit is 5 to 10 years. The author and other veterinarians are now regularly seeing rabbits living to 9 or 10 years, the oldest reported in the author's practice being 14 years. Rabbits are herbivorous prey species with continually growing (elodont) teeth. This feature allows the geriatric rabbit to possess teeth that are essentially "new", a distinct advantage over geriatric carnivores. Expanded longevity, while generally desirable, necessarily accompanies an increase in geriatric disorders. This article examines the spectrum of disease that can affect the geriatric rabbit as well as crucial factors concerning the clinical management of the animal up to the end of its life. An improved understanding of geriatric disorders in pet rabbits allows early recognition and the opportunity to improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Lennox
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, 9330 Waldemar Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA.
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Lennox AM, Kelleher S. Bacterial and parasitic diseases of rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2009; 12:519-30, Table of Contents. [PMID: 19732707 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial disease is common in pet rabbits; parasitic disease occurs as well but at a much lower frequency. Of these, bacterial diseases of the respiratory tract and dental structures are seen most commonly in practice. Successful treatment depends on positive diagnosis of the disease process and causative agent. This article focuses on the more common bacterial and parasitic diseases encountered in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Lennox
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA
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