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Ciuca L, Caruso V, Illiano S, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L. Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in shelter dogs in southern Italy. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1112036. [PMID: 37483291 PMCID: PMC10357286 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In southern Italy, the number of autochthonous cases of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs has increased considerably. This also occurs in the Campania region, particularly in coastal areas, where infections with D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens have been reported more frequently. Therefore the aim of the present study was to better investigate the occurrence of Dirofilaria spp. in a local dog shelter in Castel Volturno (Campania region, southern Italy). Briefly, a total of 260 blood samples were analysed for identification of microfilariae (mff) and detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Dogs were classified according to their age (1-3 years; 4-6 years; 7-11 years; > 11 years) and length of stay in the shelter at the time of sampling (dogs that entered in the shelter in the last 4 months; dogs housed in the shelter for more than 4 months up to 2 years; dogs housed for more than 2 years). The modified Knott's test revealed that 195 dogs (75.0%) were positive for circulating mff of Dirofilaria spp. Specifically, 104/260 (40.0%) dogs were positive for D. immitis and 91/260 (35.0%) were positive for D. repens. In addition, 72/260 (27.7%) dogs had both D. immitis and D. repens mff. Antigen testing revealed that 78/260 (30.0%) dogs were positive for D. immitis. However, 26/104 (25.0%) of the dogs with D. immitis mff were antigen-negative. The overall k concordance between the modified Knott's test and the antigenic test was ≤0.2 (poor) (p = 0.000). The results of the logistic regression model showed a significant association between Dirofilaria exposure and the period of time the dogs had spent in the shelter at the time of sampling. Dogs housed in the shelter for 4 months (group 1) and between 4 months and 2 years (group 2) had higher Dirofilaria positivity than dogs in group 3 (housed for more than 2 years) (80.4% vs. 79.6% vs. 62.4%, respectively). Moreover, male dogs and older dogs (between 7 and 11 years of age) were more likely to be infected with Dirofilaria spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Choudhury PD, Raja D, Sarma V. Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis: A diagnostic dilemma. Trop Parasitol 2023; 13:118-121. [PMID: 37860617 PMCID: PMC10583780 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_117_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Human dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of genus Dirofilaria. Humans may be infected as aberrant (accidental) hosts, mainly by Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. Most of the cases reported in India are of ocular dirofilariasis, with a few reports on subcutaneous dirofilariasis. We hereby report one such case of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis affecting the neck region of a 63-year male patient from Assam. This case indicates that this infection is a potentially emerging zoonosis in Assam and there is scope of finding more such cases with surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parasmita Das Choudhury
- Department of Microbiology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta, Assam, India
| | - Dina Raja
- Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Vaishali Sarma
- Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
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Thilakarathne SS, Yuen NKY, Hassan MM, Yahathugoda TC, Abdullah S. Animal and Human Dirofilariasis in India and Sri Lanka: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091551. [PMID: 37174588 PMCID: PMC10177550 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091551] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is an emerging vector-borne tropical disease of public health importance that mainly affects humans and dogs. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two well-documented dirofilariasis-causing filarioid helminths of both medical and veterinary concerns in India and Sri Lanka. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe and summarize the current evidence of dirofilariasis prevalence and distribution in India and Sri Lanka. Interestingly, D. repens is reported to circulate in both dogs (prevalence of 35.8% (95% CI: 11.23-60.69)) and humans (97% of published case reports) in India and Sri Lanka, but D. immitis is reported to be present in the dog populations in India (prevalence of 9.7% (95% CI: 8.5-11.0%)), and so far, it has not been reported in Sri Lanka. This peculiar distribution of D. immitis and D. repens in the two neighbouring countries could be due to the interaction between the two parasite species, which could affect the pattern of infection of the two worm species in dogs and thus influence the geographical distribution of these two filarial worms. In medical and veterinary practice, histopathology was the most commonly used diagnostic technique (31.3%; 95% CI 2.5-60.2%). The low specificity of histopathology to speciate the various Dirofilaria spp. may lead to misdiagnosis. It was identified in this study that several regions of India and Sri Lanka have not yet been surveyed for dirofilariasis. This limits our understanding of the geographical distribution and interspecies interactions of the two parasites within these countries. Parasite distribution, disease prevalence, and interspecies interactions between the vectors and the host should be targeted for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandani S Thilakarathne
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle P.O. Box 70, Sri Lanka
| | - Nicholas K Y Yuen
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Thishan C Yahathugoda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle P.O. Box 70, Sri Lanka
| | - Swaid Abdullah
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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Rymgayłło-Jankowska B, Ziaja-Sołtys M, Flis B, Bogucka-Kocka A, Żarnowski T. Subcutaneous Dirofilariosis of the Eyelid Brought to Poland from the Endemic Territory of Ukraine. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020196. [PMID: 36839467 PMCID: PMC9966818 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020196] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a 60-year-old man who was diagnosed with a subcutaneous nodule on the upper eyelid of his left eye. The patient reported multiple mosquito bites during numerous work trips to Ukraine. Histopathological examination of the nodule isolated during surgery suggested Dirofilaria repens infestation. The infection was brought to Poland from the territory of Ukraine. Ophthalmologists must be aware of uncommon presentations of parasitic infestations when they consider infections of the ocular adnexa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Rymgayłło-Jankowska
- Department of Diagnostic and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1 Street, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Ziaja-Sołtys
- Department of Biology with Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Witolda Chodźki 4A Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Beata Flis
- Clinic of General and Children’s Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1 Street, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology with Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Witolda Chodźki 4A Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Żarnowski
- Department of Diagnostic and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1 Street, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
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Biasizzo H, Šoba B, Ilovski F, Harlander M, Lukin M, Blatnik O, Turel M, Srpčič M, Kern I, Beović B. Severe and Rare Case of Human Dirofilaria repens Infection with Pleural and Subcutaneous Manifestations, Slovenia. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2504-2507. [PMID: 36417956 PMCID: PMC9707586 DOI: 10.3201/eid2812.221366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of human Dirofilaria repens infection in a woman in Slovenia who had concomitant pleural and subcutaneous manifestations of the infection. This case report illustrates the clinical course of a severe symptomatic parasitic infection that had multisystemic manifestations.
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Human Dirofilariasis Caused by Dirofilaria repens in Sri Lanka from 1962 to 2020. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:628-639. [PMID: 35380404 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00543-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sri Lanka has reported the highest prevalence of human dirofilariasis cases in Asia. Thus far, Dirofilaria repens is the only reported Dirofilaria species that affect humans, dogs, and cats in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this systematic review was carried out to analyse the studies performed on dirofilariasis in Sri Lanka. METHODS Peer-reviewed articles were searched on dirofilariasis published on Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and ResearchGate from January to March 2021. Articles were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three reviewers assessed the studies and extracted data independently to minimize the risk of bias. Extracted data were compiled, and then the results were compared and discussed in this systematic review. RESULTS Twenty-five studies performed in Sri Lanka were analysed, and high prevalence areas, frequent clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, reservoir hosts, and treatment were identified. More than 173 cases of human dirofilariasis caused by D. repens were reported from 1962 to 2020 in 20 districts among 25 investigated. The highest number of cases (n = 80) was recorded during 2010-2012 period. Canine and feline dirofilariasis are reported countrywide, and a large number of potential mosquito breeding sites could be seen in Sri Lanka. CONCLUSIONS The number of reported cases of human dirofilariasis has been varied from 1962 to 2020. The highest number of cases has reported in 2010-2012, and then the number of cases has dropped. This may be due to underreporting. Thus, awareness of Dirofilaria repens infection in humans, control measures in endemic areas and further research on dirofilariasis in other districts of Sri Lanka are crucial.
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Laidoudi Y, Bedjaoui S, Latrofa MS, Fanelli A, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Genetic and geographical delineation of zoonotic vector-borne helminths of canids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6699. [PMID: 35462560 PMCID: PMC9035454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several zoonotic vector-borne helminths (VBHs) infesting canids cause serious veterinary and medical diseases worldwide. Increasing the knowledge about their genetic structures is pivotal to identify them and therefore to settle effective surveillance and control measures. To overcome the limitation due to the heterogeneity of large DNA sequence-datasets used for their genetic characterization, available cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) (n = 546) and the 12S rRNA (n = 280) sequences were examined using combined bioinformatic approach (i.e., distance-clustering, maximum likelihood phylogeny and phylogenetic evolutionary placement). Out of the 826 DNA available sequences from GenBank, 94.7% were characterized at the haplotype level regardless sequence size, completeness and/or their position. A total of 89 different haplotypes were delineated either by cox1 (n = 35), 12S rRNA (n = 21) or by both genes (n = 33), for 14 VBHs (e.g., Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Brugia spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Onchocerca lupi and Thelazia spp.). Overall, the present approach could be useful for studying global genetic diversity and phylogeography of VBHs. However, as barcoding sequences were restricted to two mitochondrial loci (cox1 and 12S rRNA), the haplotype delineation proposed herein should be confirmed by the characterization of other nuclear loci also to overcome potential limitations caused by the heteroplasmy phenomenon within the mitogenome of VBHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University of Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Samia Bedjaoui
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Dirofilaria repens infection of the eye. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2022; 12:13. [PMID: 35325331 PMCID: PMC8948306 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-022-00290-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Gabrielli S, Cascio A, Manoj RR, Bezerra-Santos MA, Benelli G, Brianti E, Latrofa MS, Otranto D. Zoonotic Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens infection in humans and an integrative approach to the diagnosis. Acta Trop 2021; 223:106083. [PMID: 34364896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilariosis by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens is endemic in dogs from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Both species may infect humans, with most of the infected patients remaining asymptomatic. Based on the recent description of the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in dogs from the Pelagie archipelagos, we performed a serological and molecular survey in human population of that area. Human blood samples were collected in the islands of Linosa (n=101) and Lampedusa (n=296) and tested by ELISA and molecular test for the detection of D. immitis and D. repens. Samples were also screened for filarioid-associated endosymbionts, Wolbachia sp. The seroprevalence of D. immitis and D. repens was, respectively, 7.9% and 3.96% in Linosa, and 7.77% and 19.93% in Lampedusa. Out of 397 human blood samples tested molecularly, 4 scored positive (1%) for Dirofilaria spp. by qPCR (i.e., three for D. immitis and one for D. repens) and 6 (1.5%) for Wolbachia. Of the qPCR positive for Dirofilaria spp., only D. repens was amplified by cPCR and was positive for Wolbachia. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequence of Wolbachia detected in D. repens positive samples clustered along with other C supergroup filarioids. Our results overlap with the recent prevalence data collected on dogs from the same area, where D. immitis is prevalent in Linosa and D. repens prevails in Lampedusa. Molecular detection of D. immitis in human blood is quite unusual considering that humans are dead-end hosts for dirofilarial infection and most of the human cases described so far in Europe were ascribed to D. repens. An integrative diagnostic approach using serum analysis and Wolbachia detection is also presented. In endemic areas for canine dirofilarioses humans are exposed to the infection, suggesting the importance of One Health approach in diagnosing, treating and controlling this zoonotic parasitosis.
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Pupić-Bakrač A, Pupić-Bakrač J, Beck A, Jurković D, Polkinghorne A, Beck R. Dirofilaria repens microfilaremia in humans: Case description and literature review. One Health 2021; 13:100306. [PMID: 34466651 PMCID: PMC8385151 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dirofilaria repens is a vector-borne filaroid helminth of carnivorous animals, primarily domesticated dogs. Humans are considered to be accidental hosts in which D. repens rarely reach sexual maturity but induce local inflammation, mainly in subcutaneous and ocular tissues. Methods In the current study, we present the detection of multiple adults of D. repens, endosymbiont Wolbachia sp. and microfilariae by molecular analysis in peripheral tissues and bloodstream of a human host. A subsequent meta-analysis of published literature identified 21 cases of human infection with adult D. repens producing microfilariae. Results Within the study population, there were 13 (59.09%) males, eight (36.36%) females and, in one (4.55%) case, sex was not reported. A total of 11 (50.00%) cases had subcutaneous dirofilariasis, six (27.27%) had ocular dirofiliariasis, with single cases (4.55% each) of genital, mammary, lymphatic and a combination of subcutaneous and pulmonary dirofilariasis described. In one (4.55%) case, the primary anatomical site of adult D. repens could not be found. D. repens microfilariae were detected in the local tissue (local microfilariasis) in 11 (50.00%) cases and the peripheral blood (microfilaremia) in 11 (50.50%) cases. Final identification of D. repens microfilariae was based on morphological detection in 14 (63.64%) cases, and molecular detection in eight (36.36%) cases. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that humans may act as a final host for D. repens, however its role as a source of D. repens infection is less clear. Humans may act as a final host for D. repens Immunodeficiency is not a risk factor for human D. repens microfilaremia. Surgical extirpation of adult D. repens is a mainstay of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pupić-Bakrač
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital Zadar, Bože Peričića 5, 23 000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Jure Pupić-Bakrač
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, General Hospital Zadar, Bože Peričića 5, 23 000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Ana Beck
- Veterinary Pathology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daria Jurković
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, New South Wales Health Pathology, Nepean Blue Mountains Pathology Service, PO Box 63, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Jyotsna AS, Vinayan KP, Biswas L, Haridas S, Roy AG, Suresh P, Kumar A. Eosinophilic Meningitis and Intraocular Infection Caused by Dirofilaria sp. Genotype Hongkong. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1532-1534. [PMID: 33900191 PMCID: PMC8084481 DOI: 10.3201/eid2705.203599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic meningitis caused by human diroflarial infection is rare. We report a case of eosinophilic meningitis and concomitant intraocular dirofilarial infection in India. Sequencing of the mitochondrial genome identified the worm as Dirofilaria sp. genotype Hongkong, a close relative of D. repens nematodes.
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Huebl L, Tappe D, Giese M, Mempel S, Tannich E, Kreuels B, Ramharter M, Veletzky L, Jochum J. Recurrent Swelling and Microfilaremia Caused by Dirofilaria repens Infection after Travel to India. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1701-1704. [PMID: 34013860 PMCID: PMC8153875 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.210592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is an emerging mosquitoborne zoonosis. A
traveler returning to Germany from India experienced
Dirofilaria infection with concomitant microfilaremia.
Molecular analysis indicated Dirofilaria repens nematodes of an
Asian genotype. Microfilaremia showed no clear periodicity. Presence of
Wolbachia endosymbionts enabled successful treatment with
doxycycline.
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Demirci B, Bedir H, Taskin Tasci G, Vatansever Z. Potential Mosquito Vectors of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaira repens (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in Aras Valley, Turkey. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:906-912. [PMID: 33164092 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856) and Dirofilaria repens (Railliet & Henry, 1911) are mosquito-borne filarial nematodes that primarily affect dogs, causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis. The canine heartworm is reported in different provinces in Turkey. However, studies about the transmitting mosquito species are limited. Hence, this study aimed to investigate potential vectors of D. immitis and D. repens in Aras Valley, Turkey. In total, 17,995 female mosquitoes were collected from eight villages during three mosquito seasons (2012-2014) in Aras Valley, located in north-eastern Turkey. A total of 1,054 DNA pools (527 abdomen and 527 head-thorax) were tested with Dirofilaria primers by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Aedes caspius was the most abundant species in collection sites with 90%; this was followed by Culex theileri Theobald, 1903 (Diptera: Culicidae) (7.31%), Anopheles maculipennis Meigen 1818 (Diptera: Culicidae) (1.28%), Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Culicidae) (0.43%), (Anopheles) hyrcanus (Pallas, 1771) (Diptera: Culicidae) (0.37%), Aedes vexans (Meigen, 1830) (Diptera: Culicidae) (0.25%), and Culiseta annulata Schrank, 1776 (Diptera:Culicidae) (0.02%). Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens were detected in mosquito pools from five villages. The total Dirofilaria spp. estimated infection rate was 1.33%. The highest estimated infection rate was found in Ae. vexans (6.66%) and the lowest was in Ae. caspius (1.26%). The results show that An. maculipennis sl, Ae. caspius, Ae. vexans, Cx. theileri and Cx. pipiens are potential vectors of D. immitis and D. repens with DNA in head-thorax pools; An. hyrcanus is also a likely vector, but Dirofilaria DNA was found only in abdomen pools for the study area. This study revealed new potential vector species for D. immitis. Mosquitoes with natural infections of D. repens were reported for the first time in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Demirci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Hilal Bedir
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafkas University Kars, Turkey
| | - Gencay Taskin Tasci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University Kars, Turkey
| | - Zati Vatansever
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University Kars, Turkey
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Wysmołek ME, Klockiewicz M, Sobczak-Filipiak M, Długosz E, Wiśniewski M. Case Studies of Severe Microfilaremia in Four Dogs Naturally Infected With Dirofilaria repens as the Primary Disease or a Disease Complicating Factor. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:577466. [PMID: 33195580 PMCID: PMC7536554 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.577466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs, caused by Dirofilaria repens, is an underdiagnosed disease, now recognized for its zoonotic potential, and growing distribution and prevalence across Europe and Asia. Our understanding of the pathogenicity in human and canine host remains unclear, but case reports suggest that microfilariae (Mf) as well as adult D. repens may directly cause internal organs damage or may be a factor complicating the course of other ailments. The purpose of the study was to report high Mf in dogs and to discuss potential relevance with co-morbidity. Our data from a modified Knott's test performed on 62 infected dogs indicate that the median Mf count in D. repens infections is 675 Mf/ml and we consider microfilaremia above 10,000 Mf/ml as high intensity. This collection of case reports discusses 4 cases of high intensity D. repens microfilaremia in companion dogs; one presenting pathology from a very high intensity of adult D. repens with post-treatment complications, and 3 dogs in which high microfilaremia was detected incidentally during the management of other primary illnesses. To our knowledge this report describes the highest D. repens microfilaremia ever detected in a dog, at 178,000 Mf/ml. The issue of high microfilaremic infections in dogs is poorly studied and there is growing need to identify the presentation and understand the mechanisms of associated pathogenesis in the host-parasite relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena E Wysmołek
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Klockiewicz
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sobczak-Filipiak
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Długosz
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Wiśniewski
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Lechner AM, Gastager H, Kern JM, Wagner B, Tappe D. Case Report: Successful Treatment of a Patient with Microfilaremic Dirofilariasis Using Doxycycline. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:844-846. [PMID: 32043447 PMCID: PMC7124902 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with microfilaremic dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens, which is a very rare condition in humans. Of note, just one of six large-volume blood samples of this patient was positive for microfilariae. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the parasite gene determined the geographic origin of the causative helminth. The patient was treated successfully with doxycycline. This drug was chosen because of the patient's reluctance to the use of ivermectin and to provide an anthelmintic effect by targeting the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia present in most filarial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno M Lechner
- Division Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Salzburg, Universitätsinstitut für Medizinisch-Chemische Labordiagnostik, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Jan Marco Kern
- Division Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Salzburg, Universitätsinstitut für Medizinisch-Chemische Labordiagnostik, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Birgit Wagner
- Abteilung für Medizinische Parasitologie, Institut für Spezifische Prophylaxe und Tropenmedizin, Zentrum für Pathophysiologie, Infektiologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Nationales Referenzzentrum für Tropische Infektionserreger, Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin, Hamburg, Germany
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Human Dirofilariasis in Bulgaria Between 2009 and 2018. Helminthologia 2019; 56:247-251. [PMID: 31662696 PMCID: PMC6799580 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autochthonous Dirofilaria repens infections have been found in dogs and other carnivores in most European countries. In the same countries, reports of human dirofilariasis are becoming increasingly prevalent. We present 18 cases of people infected with D. repens for a 10-year period traced in our hospital. The data was collected from the observations and tests of all 18 patients from the whole country treated at the Specialized Hospital for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Sofia in the period 2009 - 2018. We used a morphological method, serology test and Knott's method for microfilariae. The patients were 11 to 74 years of age, 12 female and 6 male. In most cases, patients have subcutaneous nodules or face, eyelid and eyes localization. The trend of increasing incidence in Bulgaria continues, with age and sex distribution and localization of the larva being similar to those in other European countries.
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17
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Chandrasena TGAN, Premaratna R, Mallawaarachchi CH, Gunawardena NK, Gunathilaka PADHN, Abeyewickrama WY, de Silva NR. The Diversity of Human Dirofilariasis in Western Sri Lanka. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:9209240. [PMID: 31139659 PMCID: PMC6500613 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9209240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonosis in many countries. Dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens may present with diverse clinical manifestations in humans due to aberrant localization of worm lesions causing diagnostic dilemmas. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe and update the demography and clinical spectrum of human dirofilariasis in western Sri Lanka. Nematode or nematode fragments isolated from excision biopsies that were confirmed as D. repens at the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, between 2012 and 2018 were included. Data on age, gender, and clinical details were obtained from case files. Identity of worms was established by morphometry and cuticle characteristics on wet-mount preparation. Specimens from unusual case presentations were further analyzed by PCR with specific primers for internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA. RESULTS Sixteen nematode specimens isolated from subconjunctiva (n=2), subcutaneous (n=13) and intramuscular (n=1) locations were identified as D. repens by morphometry (average length 11.5 cm) and the characteristic longitudinal striations on cuticle visualized by microscopy. The age distribution of cases ranged from 1 to 65 years with a mean of 21.5. Females were more frequently affected (n=10, 62.5%) and worm locations were commonest in the orbital region (5/16) and scrotum (3/16). Imaging techniques were of use in detecting infections in deeper tissue levels. PCR analysis of DNA extracted from a worm in an intramuscular granuloma of the temporal region elicited the expected band at 484bp for D. repens. CONCLUSIONS Human dirofilariasis is on an upward trend in incidence. Imaging techniques were of use in clinical diagnosis and molecular speciation in establishing the species identity in unusual case presentations. We suggest a more conservative approach in the management of human dirofilariasis and recommend a one health approach for control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Premaratna
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | - N. K. Gunawardena
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - N. R. de Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
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Capelli G, Genchi C, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Brianti E, Cardoso L, Danesi P, Fuehrer HP, Giannelli A, Ionică AM, Maia C, Modrý D, Montarsi F, Krücken J, Papadopoulos E, Petrić D, Pfeffer M, Savić S, Otranto D, Poppert S, Silaghi C. Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:663. [PMID: 30567586 PMCID: PMC6299983 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariosis in the Old World. In the last decades, D. repens has increased in prevalence in areas where it has already been reported and its distribution range has expanded into new areas of Europe, representing a paradigmatic example of an emergent pathogen. Despite its emergence and zoonotic impact, D. repens has received less attention by scientists compared to Dirofilaria immitis. In this review we report the recent advances of D. repens infection in dogs and humans, and transmission by vectors, and discuss possible factors that influence the spread and increase of this zoonotic parasite in Europe. There is evidence that D. repens has spread faster than D. immitis from the endemic areas of southern Europe to northern Europe. Climate change affecting mosquito vectors and the facilitation of pet travel seem to have contributed to this expansion; however, in the authors' opinion, the major factor is likely the rate of undiagnosed dogs continuing to perpetuate the life-cycle of D. repens. Many infected dogs remain undetected due to the subclinical nature of the disease, the lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic tools and the poor knowledge and still low awareness of D. repens in non-endemic areas. Improved diagnostic tools are warranted to bring D. repens diagnosis to the state of D. immitis diagnosis, as well as improved screening of imported dogs and promotion of preventative measures among veterinarians and dog owners. For vector-borne diseases involving pets, veterinarians play a significant role in prevention and should be more aware of their responsibility in reducing the impact of the zoonotic agents. In addition, they should enhance multisectorial collaboration with medical entomologists and the public health experts, under the concept and the actions of One Health-One Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Capelli
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Patrick Bourdeau
- Veterinary School of Nantes ONIRIS, University of Nantes, LUNAM, Nantes, France
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dušan Petrić
- Laboratory for medical and veterinary entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Sven Poppert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre of Vector Entomology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Isle of Riems, Greifswald, Germany
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A preliminary survey of filarial parasites in dogs and cats in Sri Lanka. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206633. [PMID: 30388188 PMCID: PMC6214534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brugian filariasis has re-emerged in Sri Lanka after a quiescent period of four decades. This study investigated the prevalence of canine and feline filarial parasites in three localities with human sub-periodic brugian filariasis, in order to determine their potential reservoir status. All reachable dogs and cats, both stray and domestic, within a 350m radius of an index case of brugian filariasis in three locations (Madampe, Wattala and Weliweriya) were screened for microfilariae using Giemsa stained thick blood smears. A representative sample of canine and feline blood samples positive for Brugia spp. microfilariae by microscopy, from each of the three locations, were further analyzed by PCR with specific primers for internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA. A total of 250 dogs and 134 cats were screened. The overall microfilaraemia rates were high among both dogs (68.8%) and cats (47.8%). The prevalence of microfilaraemia was significantly higher among dogs than cats (p<0.05). Two filarial species were identified based on morphology of microfilariae: Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens (dogs, 54.4% and cats, 34.3%) and Brugia spp. (dogs, 51.6% and cats, 30.6%). PCR analysis of canine (n = 53) and feline (n = 24) samples elicited bands in the region of 615bp, which confirmed Brugia malayi infection. Co-infection with D.(N.) repens was detected by PCR with an additional band at 484bp, in 36 canine and 17 feline samples. Overall microfilaraemia rates of dogs (81.8%) and cats (75%) in Madampe (rural) were significantly higher than in urbanized Wattala (dogs, 62.4% and cats, 26.0%) (p<0.05). High rates of zoonotic filarial infections strongly implicate dogs and cats as potential reservoirs for human dirofilariasis and brugian filariasis in Sri Lanka.
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20
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Ciuca L, Simòn F, Rinaldi L, Kramer L, Genchi M, Cringoli G, Acatrinei D, Miron L, Morchon R. Seroepidemiological survey of human exposure to Dirofilaria spp. in Romania and Moldova. Acta Trop 2018; 187:169-174. [PMID: 30056075 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the extent of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens exposure in humans from eastern and southern areas of Romania and central Moldova by serological methods. The serological screening was performed on a total of 450 serum samples (187 from Romania and 263 from Moldova). The sera were collected using a convenience sampling with the help of physicians from the hospitals of the study areas. All samples were analysed by a non-commercial ELISA test for the detection of IgG antibodies against adult somatic antigens of D. immitis and D. repens. The results showed a total of 49 (10.9%; 95% CI = 8.3-14.1%) individuals from Romania and Moldova with a positive response to IgG antibodies against both adult somatic antigens of D. immitis and D. repens. Specifically, 48 (10.7%; 95% CI = 8.0-14.0%) patients were positive for IgG-antibodies against adult somatic antigens of D. immitis, one (0.2%; 95% CI = 0.4-1.2%) against D. repens antigens, and four (0.9%; 95% CI = 0.4-3.3%). were positive for antigens of both parasites. At country level, out of 187 samples from Romania, 13 (6.9%; 95% CI = 4.1-11.5%) were positive for anti-D. immitis IgG with high exposure in the southern part of the country (Bucharest). Of the 263 people from Moldova, 36 (13.7%; 95% CI = 10.0-18.4%) were positive for D. immitis antigens from which three (1.1%, 95% CI = 0.4-3.3%) were positive for the antibodies against antigens of both parasites. Only one sample was found positive for anti-D. repens IgG. Positive IgG-ELISA results were confirmed by Western blot analysis. In addition, for further confirmation, a complementary ELISA was performed for anti-WSP IgG antibodies against Wolbachia endosymbionts. Our findings showed a noticeable exposure of humans from Romania and Moldova to Dirofilaria parasites. Serology can be useful for indicating exposure to Dirofilaria spp. in a healthy population in order to obtain useful data on the epidemiological scenario of human dirofilariosis in Eastern Europe.
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21
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Pradeep RK, Nimisha M, Pakideery V, Johns J, Chandy G, Nair S, Chandrasekhar L, Ajithkumar KG, Deepa CK, Varghese A, Ravindran R. Whether Dirofilaria repens parasites from South India belong to zoonotic Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis (Dirofilaria sp. hongkongensis)? INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 67:121-125. [PMID: 30431009 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The canine and zoonotic dirofilarioses are arthropod-borne parasitic infections caused by nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria, infecting canines, felines and humans throughout the world. Dirofilaria repens was considered as the most common cause of human dirofilariosis in Kerala. In the present study, molecular characterization of Dirofilaria isolates causing dirofilariosis in humans, dogs and jackal from Kerala, South India was undertaken by performing sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The live worms from swellings/ nodules in subconjunctiva or subcutaneous tissue or scrotum were recovered from humans (n = 3), dogs (n = 4) and one jackal. The PCRs targeting a repetitive fragment, 18S rRNA and COI genes yielded products of ~246 bp, ~875 bp and ~350 bp respectively in all the samples. The sequence analysis of 18S rRNA gene revealed the closest identity (98 to 99%) with an already published sequence of D. repens isolated from a human in Japan. However, based on the sequence and phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of COI gene, the Dirofilaria infecting both animals (dogs, jackal) and humans native to Kerala, South India were identified as genetically conserved and closely related to Dirofilaria sp. hongkongensis. Hence, the results of the present study suggested the existence of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis (Dirofilaria sp. hongkongensis) in Kerala, South India causing zoonotic filariosis in canines and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rangapura K Pradeep
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Murikoli Nimisha
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Vidya Pakideery
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Joju Johns
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - George Chandy
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Samitha Nair
- Department of Microbiology, DDRC, Ulloor, Chempazhanthy P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695587, India
| | - Leena Chandrasekhar
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Karapparambu G Ajithkumar
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Chundiyil K Deepa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Anju Varghese
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India
| | - Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad, Kerala 673576, India.
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Kłudkowska M, Pielok Ł, Frąckowiak K, Masny A, Gołąb E, Paul M. Dirofilaria repens infection as a cause of intensive peripheral microfilariemia in a Polish patient: process description and cases review. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:657-663. [PMID: 29975647 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease of dogs and other carnivores transmitted mainly by the mosquitoes of the genera Culex, Aedes, Anopheles. Full life cycle of the Dirofilaria nematodes in humans is extremely rarely observed, usually lacking species determination at the molecular level. We report fully documented unusual clinical manifestation of subcutaneous dirofilariasis with intensive microfilariemia in peripheral blood revealed by the Knott's concentration technique. The identification of the Dirofilaria repens nematode was based on typical morphological findings for adult gravid female nematode found in the histopathological preparations. The morphology of microfilariae obtained from patient's peripheral blood was also typical for D. repens. The final identification was confirmed by the molecular analysis of microfilariae collected from the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matylda Kłudkowska
- Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Poznań, Poland
- H. Święcicki University Hospital, Central Laboratory of Microbiology, Division of Parasitology, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Pielok
- Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Poznań, Poland
| | - Krystyna Frąckowiak
- H. Święcicki University Hospital, Central Laboratory of Microbiology, Division of Parasitology, Poznań, Poland
| | - Aleksander Masny
- National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Department of Influenza Research, National Influenza Center, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gołąb
- National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Department of Medical Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Paul
- Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Poznań, Poland
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23
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Molecular identification of Physaloptera sp. from wild northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2963-2969. [PMID: 29980889 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5993-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Physaloptera spp. are common nematodes found in the stomach and muscles of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Physaloptera spp. have a complicated life cycle with multiple definitive hosts, arthropod intermediate hosts, aberrant infections, and possible second intermediate hosts or paratenic hosts. For example, Physaloptera sp. larvae have been found within the tissues of wild northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), and it is suspected that quail may serve as paratenic or secondary hosts of these parasites. However, because it is not known what role quail play in the life cycle of Physaloptera spp. and descriptions of Physaloptera spp. larvae are limited, molecular tools may be beneficial when identifying these helminths. In this study, we generated primers using universal nematode primers and obtained a partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX 1) sequence. Morphological identification of Physaloptera sp. in bobwhite was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method. BLAST analysis revealed a strong identity to other Physaloptera spp. and the phylogenetic tree placed all Physaloptera spp. in the same cluster. We also documented a marked increase in Physaloptera infections in bobwhite from 2017 to 2018, and the similarity of these parasites to Onchocerca volvulus and Wuchereria bancrofti may give insight into the increased prevalence we observed. This study demonstrates the usefulness of molecular techniques to confirm the identity of species that may lack adequate descriptions and provides new insight for the diagnosis and potentially overlooked significance of Physaloptera sp. infections of bobwhite in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas.
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Tomazatos A, Cadar D, Török E, Maranda I, Horváth C, Keresztes L, Spinu M, Jansen S, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Tannich E, Lühken R. Circulation of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:392. [PMID: 29973297 PMCID: PMC6032792 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilariosis is an emerging vector-borne parasitic disease in Europe. Monitoring of wild and domestic carnivores demonstrated circulation of Dirofilaria spp. in Romania in the past. For the implementation of control measures, knowledge on the native mosquito community responsible for Dirofilaria spp. transmission is required. METHODS Mosquito samples originated from a longitudinal study previously performed in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Mosquito pools were screened for Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The samples comprised 240,572 female mosquito specimens collected every ten days between April and September in 2014 at four different trapping sites. In addition, blood samples of 36 randomly selected dogs were collected in 2016 in each of the four mosquito sampling sites. A duplex real-time assay was used to detect the presence of one or both Dirofilaria species for each sample. This assay targets the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and the 16S rRNA gene fragments to differentiate both parasites. RESULTS Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens were detected in mosquito pools at all four trapping sites. In the 2118 mosquito pools tested, D. immitis was identified for eight and D. repens for six of the 14 screened mosquito taxa, with a higher prevalence of D. immitis (4.53% of analysed pools) compared to D. repens (1.09%). Dirofilaria spp. were also identified in dogs from the same sampling sites with a prevalence of 30.56%. For both Dirofilaria species, the highest estimated infection rates (EIRs) were found in Anopheles maculipennis (s.l.) (D. immitis: EIR = 0.206 per 100 specimens, D. repens: EIR = 0.066 per 100 specimens). In contrast, Coquillettidia richiardii and Anopheles hyrcanus as the most frequent taxa had infection rates which were significantly lower: Cq. richiardii (D. immitis: EIR = 0.021; D. repens: EIR = 0.004); An. hyrcanus (D. immitis: EIR = 0.028; D. repens: EIR = 0.006). The number of positive pools per calendar week was positively correlated with the number of screened pools per calendar week, suggesting constant Dirofilaria spp. transmission during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS This study further confirms significant circulation of Dirofilaria spp. in eastern Europe, with high parasite prevalence in domestic canids and mosquitoes. Therefore, systematic monitoring studies are required to better understand the environmental risk factors for Dirofilaria transmission, allowing the implementation of effective surveillance and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Tomazatos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edina Török
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Romanian Academy Institute of Biology, Bucharest, Romania.,Molecular Biology Center, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iulia Maranda
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cintia Horváth
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lujza Keresztes
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marina Spinu
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.
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Winkler S, Pollreisz A, Georgopoulos M, Bagò-Horvath Z, Auer H, To KKW, Krücken J, Poppert S, Walochnik J. Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis as Causative Agent of Human Ocular Filariosis after Travel to India. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:1428-1431. [PMID: 28726623 PMCID: PMC5547781 DOI: 10.3201/eid2308.170423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a human case of ocular Dirofilaria infection in a traveler
returning to Austria from India. Analysis of mitochondrial sequences identified the
worm as Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis, a close relative of
Dirofilaria repens, which was only recently described in Hong
Kong and proposed as a new species.
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26
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Șuleșco T, von Thien H, Toderaș L, Toderaș I, Lühken R, Tannich E. Circulation of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis in Moldova. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:627. [PMID: 27912786 PMCID: PMC5135815 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, a significant spread of dirofilariasis has been observed in eastern and central Europe. However, data on the circulation of Dirofilaria spp. in Moldova were absent although direct neighbor states reported high incidence rates of human dirofilariasis. METHODS Daily mean temperature data were used to calculate Dirofilaria spp. development units, which were used to estimate the potential for complete extrinsic development in the mosquitoes (= sum of potential Dirofilaria spp. transmission days). In addition, 4,481 adult female mosquitoes were collected from 25 trapping sites. From 2010 to 2015, sampling was conducted with Centers for Disease Control miniature light traps, indoor resting mosquito collections as well as human landing catches in urban, rural and natural areas. Mosquitoes were analyzed for the presence of D. repens and D. immitis DNA using a duplex real-time PCR assay targeting nucleotide differences within the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (D. repens) and 16S rRNA gene fragment (D. immitis). RESULTS The average of the yearly sum of potential Dirofilaria spp. transmission days between 2010 and 2015 ranged from 90 to 140 days with an increasing gradient from the North to the South of Moldova. Positive mosquito pools for D. repens were found countrywide at 13 of the 25 trapping sites and in 17 of the 22 screened mosquito taxa (26.51% of all 347 tested pools), while D. immitis was detected only at 4 of the trapping sites (Center and South) in 4 different mosquito species (8.65% of all 347 tested pools). Highest infection rates (EIR) per 100 specimens for both Dirofilaria species were found in An. maculipennis (s.l.) (D. repens: EIR = 4.91; D. immitis: EIR = 2.01), whereas the most frequent mosquito taxon Cx. pipiens (s.l.)/torrentium had significantly lower infections rates (D. repens: EIR = 0.88; D. immitis: EIR = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS The temperature conditions in Moldova are suitable for transmission of Dirofilaria spp. within the entire country, which is supported by a wide distribution of Dirofilaria spp.-positive mosquitoes with high infection rates. The low number of reported human cases most likely does not reflect the current epidemiological situation of dirofilariasis in Moldova.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Șuleșco
- Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Heidrun von Thien
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lidia Toderaș
- Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ion Toderaș
- Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
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27
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Yilmaz E, Fritzenwanker M, Pantchev N, Lendner M, Wongkamchai S, Otranto D, Kroidl I, Dennebaum M, Le TH, Anh Le T, Ramünke S, Schaper R, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Poppert S, Krücken J. The Mitochondrial Genomes of the Zoonotic Canine Filarial Parasites Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens and Candidatus Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) hongkongensis Provide Evidence for Presence of Cryptic Species. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005028. [PMID: 27727270 PMCID: PMC5058507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous dirofilariosis is a canine mosquito-borne zoonosis that can cause larva migrans disease in humans. Dirofilaria repens is considered an emerging pathogen occurring with high prevalence in Mediterranean areas and many parts of tropical Asia. In Hong Kong, a second species, Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis, has been reported. The present study aimed to compare mitochondrial genomes from these parasites and to obtain population genetic information. Methods and Findings Complete mitochondrial genomes were obtained by PCR and Sanger sequencing or ILLUMINA sequencing for four worms. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 sequences identified three as D. repens (all from Europe) and one as C. D. hongkongensis (from India). Mitochondrial genomes have the same organization as in other spirurid nematodes but a higher preference for thymine in the coding strand. Phylogenetic analysis was in contradiction to current taxonomy of the Onchocercidae but in agreement with a recent multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. D. repens and C. D. hongkongensis sequences clustered together and were the common sister group to Dirofilaria immitis. Analysis of a 2.5 kb mitochondrial genome fragment from macrofilaria or canine blood samples from Europe (42), Thailand (2), India (1) and Vietnam (1) revealed only small genetic differences in the D. repens samples including all European and the Vietnam sample. The Indian C. D. hongkongensis and the two Thai samples formed separate clusters and differences were comparatively large. Conclusion Genetic differences between Dirofilaria spp. causing cutaneous disease can be considerable whereas D. repens itself was genetically quite homogenous. C. D. hongkongensis was identified for the first time from the Indian subcontinent. The full mitochondrial genome sequence strengthens the hypothesis that it represents an independent species and the Thai samples might represent another cryptic species, Candidatus Dirofilaria sp. ‘Thailand II’, or a quite divergent population of C. D. hongkongensis. The mitochondrial genomes of the zoonotic parasite species Dirofilaria repens and Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis were characterized and compared to the genomes of other filariae. The resulting phylogeny is largely in agreement with recent molecular data. C. D. hongkongensis was placed as a sister group to D. repens and both as a common sister to D. immitis. The large genetic difference between D. repens and C. D. hongkongensis further supports the hypothesis that both are distinct valid species. Two canine samples from Thailand that were diagnosed as D. repens are either from a C. D. hongkongensis population that is quite divergent from the Indian population or might represent another currently unrecognized species in the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Yilmaz
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Moritz Fritzenwanker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Campus Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Lendner
- Institut für Parasitologie, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sirichit Wongkamchai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Inge Kroidl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU); German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dennebaum
- Section Clinical Tropical Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thanh Hoa Le
- Immunology Department, Institute of Biotechnology, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Anh Le
- Department of Parasitology, Viet Nam Veterinary Medical University, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Sabrina Ramünke
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Sven Poppert
- University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Danlos FX, London J, Dunogue B, Blanche P, Paugam A, Henry B, Salmeron S, Le Jeunne C, Mouthon L, Gros H. [Lymphocytic meningitis in a 70-year-old woman]. Rev Med Interne 2016; 37:644-7. [PMID: 27325210 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F-X Danlos
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
| | - J London
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - B Dunogue
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - P Blanche
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - A Paugam
- Service parasitologie et mycologie, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - B Henry
- Service de pathologies infectieuses, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, AP-HP, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - S Salmeron
- Service de pneumologie, hôpital Saint-Joseph, 185, rue Raymond-Losserand, 75014 Paris, France
| | - C Le Jeunne
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - L Mouthon
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 27, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - H Gros
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital Robert-Ballanger, boulevard Robert-Ballanger, 93600 Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
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Fontanelli Sulekova L, Gabrielli S, De Angelis M, Milardi GL, Magnani C, Di Marco B, Taliani G, Cancrini G. Dirofilaria repens microfilariae from a human node fine-needle aspirate: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:248. [PMID: 27266512 PMCID: PMC4895828 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1582-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human dirofilariosis is still a little known infection even in endemic areas. Dirofilariosis is zoonotic infection usually abortive in humans; instead, we report a very rare case (the 4th in the world), the first in Italy, in which at least two infective larvae became mature adults that mated and produced active microfilariae even though they did not reach peripheral blood. Case presentation A 30-year-old Italian woman presented with a transient oedematous swelling on the left abdominal wall with a creeping eruption followed by the occurrence of a subcutaneous nodular painless mass in the iliac region. One month later, a similar temporary swelling appeared on the contralateral inguinal region associated with intermittent joint discomfort in both knees. The patient had recently travelled abroad, therefore many possible diagnoses were to be ruled out. Routine laboratory investigations revealed eosinophilia. An ultrasound examination of the iliac swelling evidenced a well-defined cyst with a big filamentous formation in continuous movement. A fine-needle aspiration of the lesion was performed for parasitological, cytological and histological exams. The prompt microscopic examination of the aspired material showed the presence of numerous microfilariae that were initially morphologically attributed to Mansonella ozzardi. Subsequently, the revision of the Giemsa stained film and molecular analyses of the biological material, allowed to identify Dirofilaria repens as etiological agent of infection. Conclusions We report of a case in whom microfilariae were detected in fine-needle aspirate of subcutaneous node, without evidence of microfilaraemia, and the infection failed to become fully patent. Therefore we confirm that complete development and fertilization of D. repens worms in human hosts may occur, at variance with what is commonly believed, that Dirofilaria worms cannot fully develop in humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1582-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Fontanelli Sulekova
- "Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica (Clinica Malattie Infettive e Tropicali)" "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Rome, Italy. .,Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.,"Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica e Malattie infettive (Unità Operativa Dipartimentale di Diagnostica delle Parassitosi)" "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio De Angelis
- "Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica (Clinica Malattie Infettive e Tropicali)" "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni L Milardi
- Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.,"Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica e Malattie infettive (Unità Operativa Dipartimentale di Diagnostica delle Parassitosi)" "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Magnani
- Ospedale Civile di Legnano, Via Papa Giovanni Paolo II, 20025, Legnano, MI, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Di Marco
- Ospedale Civile di Legnano, Via Papa Giovanni Paolo II, 20025, Legnano, MI, Italy
| | - Gloria Taliani
- "Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica (Clinica Malattie Infettive e Tropicali)" "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cancrini
- Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.,"Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica e Malattie infettive (Unità Operativa Dipartimentale di Diagnostica delle Parassitosi)" "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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30
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Șuleșco T, Volkova T, Yashkova S, Tomazatos A, von Thien H, Lühken R, Tannich E. Detection of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis DNA in mosquitoes from Belarus. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3535-41. [PMID: 27169723 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
During the last two decades, Belarus faces an increase of human cases of Dirofilaria (Nematoda, Spirurida, Onchocercidae) infections. However, comprehensive analyses explaining this development and the identification of mosquito vector species are missing. Here, we present results using temperature data from Belarus and show that the annual number of human Dirofilaria cases is significantly correlated with the yearly average temperatures (Spearman's rho = 0.49, p < 0.05) and the average sum of potential Dirofilaria transmission days (Spearman's rho = 0.46, p < 0.05), suggesting that autochthonous transmission is at least in part responsible for the increasing number of clinical Dirofilaria cases in the country. In addition, 467 female mosquitoes were collected from different sampling sites in the regions of Brest and Minsk, which were analyzed by molecular methods for the presence of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis DNA, respectively. Two pools (5.56 %) were tested positive for Dirofilaria (estimated infection rate per 100 specimens = 0.44, 95 % confidence interval = 0.08-1.43), comprising one Anopheles claviger s.l. pool that was positive for D. repens and one Culex pipiens s.l./Culex torrentium pool positive for D. immitis DNA. This, to our knowledge, is the first molecular evidence for the presence of Dirofilaria in mosquitoes from Belarus, suggesting a high probability of autochthonous Dirofilaria transmission in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Șuleșco
- Institute of Zoology, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Tatiana Volkova
- Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Biological Resources, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Svetlana Yashkova
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, State Republican Center of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Alexandru Tomazatos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research National Reference Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heidrun von Thien
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research National Reference Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research National Reference Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research National Reference Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
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Becker N, Krüger A, Kuhn C, Plenge-Bönig A, Thomas SM, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Tannich E. [Mosquitoes as vectors for exotic pathogens in Germany]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2015; 57:531-40. [PMID: 24781910 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-013-1918-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As a result of intensified globalization of international trade and of substantial travel activities, mosquito-borne exotic pathogens are becoming an increasing threat for Europe. In Germany some 50 different mosquito species are known, several of which have vector competence for pathogens. During the last few years a number of zoonotic arboviruses that are pathogenic for humans have been isolated from mosquitoes in Germany including Usutu, Sindbis and Batai viruses. In addition, filarial worms, such as Dirofilaria repens have been repeatedly detected in mosquitoes from the federal state of Brandenburg. Other pathogens, in particular West Nile virus, are expected to emerge sooner or later in Germany as the virus is already circulating in neighboring countries, e.g. France, Austria and the Czech Republic. In upcoming years the risk for arbovirus transmission might increase in Germany due to increased occurrence of new so-called "invasive" mosquito species, such as the Asian bush mosquito Ochlerotatus japonicus or the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. These invasive species are characterized by high vector competence for a broad range of pathogens and a preference for human blood meals. For risk assessment, a number of mosquito and pathogen surveillance projects have been initiated in Germany during the last few years; however, mosquito control strategies and plans of action have to be developed and put into place to allow early and efficient action against possible vector-borne epidemics.
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Suzuki J, Kobayashi S, Okata U, Matsuzaki H, Mori M, Chen KR, Iwata S. Molecular analysis of Dirofilaria repens removed from a subcutaneous nodule in a Japanese woman after a tour to Europe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:2. [PMID: 25619827 PMCID: PMC4306022 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2015002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A premature female Dirofilaria species, subsequently identified as Dirofilaria repens by its morphological features and mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA) gene sequence, was removed from a subcutaneous nodule of the right temporal region of the head in a Japanese woman 2 years after she noticed swelling of her left calf following an insect sting during a tour to Europe; headache symptoms were noticed a few months later. The sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes from the organism were almost identical to those of sequences AM779772 (100% homology, 337/337) and AM749233 (99.8% homology, 536/537) of D. repens isolated from humans in Italy. However, the phylogenetic position of the 18S rRNA-internal transcribed spacer 1-5.8S rRNA region was in the same cluster as that of sequence JX290195 of Dirofilaria sp. “hongkongensis” (96.7% homology, 348/360), which was recently reported from Hong Kong as a novel Dirofilaria species. Information on regional genetic variation in D. repens isolated from animals and humans remains scarce. We report the detailed genetic features of this filaria as a reference isolate from a specific endemic area, to enrich the genetic database of D. repens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Suzuki
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Seiki Kobayashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Utako Okata
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
| | - Hitomi Matsuzaki
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
| | - Mariko Mori
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan - Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ko-Ron Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Saiseikai Central Hospital, 1-4-17 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
| | - Satoshi Iwata
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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Klintebjerg K, Petersen E, Pshenichnaya NY, Ermakova LA, Nagorny SA, Larsen CS. Periorbital Dirofilaria repens imported to Denmark: A human case report. IDCases 2014; 2:25-6. [PMID: 26793444 PMCID: PMC4672625 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens, a filarial nematode of dogs and other carnivores, can accidentally infect humans. The infection occurs widely throughout Europe. We report a case of D. repens in a Danish woman who had been traveling to Crete. A nematode was visualized on examination and ELISA was positive for antibodies against D. repens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Czajka C, Becker N, Jöst H, Poppert S, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Krüger A, Tannich E. Stable transmission of Dirofilaria repens nematodes, northern Germany. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:328-31. [PMID: 24447653 PMCID: PMC3901495 DOI: 10.3201/eid2002.131003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Tappe D, Plauth M, Bauer T, Muntau B, Dießel L, Tannich E, Herrmann-Trost P. A case of autochthonous human Dirofilaria infection, Germany, March 2014. Euro Surveill 2014. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2014.19.17.20790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2014, an infection with the nematode Dirofilaria repens was diagnosed in a German citizen in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. The patient had developed an itching subcutaneous nodule containing a female worm, which was identified as D. repens by 12S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing. Autochthonous human D. repens infections have not been described in Germany so far, but this finding is consistent with the recent detection of D. repens in mosquitoes from east Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Plauth
- Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Klinik für Innere Medizin, Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - T Bauer
- Mund-Kiefer-Gesichtschirurgie Halle Dessau, Dessau, Germany
| | - B Muntau
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - L Dießel
- Amedes MVZ für Pathologie und Zytodiagnostik Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - E Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - P Herrmann-Trost
- Amedes MVZ für Pathologie und Zytodiagnostik Halle/Saale, Germany
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Kronefeld M, Kampen H, Sassnau R, Werner D. Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens and Setaria tundra in mosquitoes from Germany. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:30. [PMID: 24433279 PMCID: PMC3898823 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a result of globalization and climate change, Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, the causative agents of dirofilariosis in Europe, continue to spread from endemic areas in the Mediterranean to northern and northeastern regions of Europe where autochthonous cases of dirofilarial infections have increasingly been observed in dogs and humans. Whilst D. repens was recently reported from mosquitoes in putatively non-endemic areas, D. immitis has never been demonstrated in mosquitoes from Europe outside the Mediterranean. Methods From 2011 to 2013, mosquitoes collected within the framework of a German national mosquito monitoring programme were screened for filarial nematodes using a newly designed filarioid-specific real-time PCR assay. Positive samples were further processed by conventional PCR amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, amplicons were sequenced and sequences blasted against GenBank. Results Approximately 17,000 female mosquitoes were subjected to filarial screening. Out of 955 pools examined, nine tested positive for filariae. Two of the COI sequences indicated D. immitis, one D. repens and four Setaria tundra. Two sequences could not be assigned to a known species due to a lack of similar GenBank entries. Whilst D. immitis and the unknown parasites were detected in Culex pipiens/torrentium, D. repens was found in a single Anopheles daciae and all S. tundra were demonstrated in Aedes vexans. All positive mosquitoes were collected between mid-June and early September. Conclusion The finding of dirofilariae in German mosquitoes implies the possibility of a local natural transmission cycle. While the routes of introduction to Germany and the origin of the filariae cannot be determined retrospectively, potential culicid vectors and reservoir hosts must prospectively be identified and awareness among physicians, veterinarians and public health personnel be created. The health impact of S. tundra on the indigenous cervid fauna needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Nath R, Bhuyan S, Dutta H, Saikia L. Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Assam. Trop Parasitol 2013; 3:75-8. [PMID: 23961447 PMCID: PMC3745678 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.113920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirofilaria. The parasites are transmitted to man by mosquitoes. We report three cases of human subcutaneous dirofilarias caused by Dirofilaria repens from Dibrugarh, Assam, north east India. The cases presented as subcutaneous nodules, on the chest, cheek and the anterior abdominal wall. Noting the frequency of the cases reported within 6 months, it is emphasized that subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a potentially emerging zoonosis in Assam and should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with subcutaneous nodules in Assam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema Nath
- Department of Microbiology, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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Sassnau R, Kohn M, Demeler J, Kohn B, Müller E, Krücken J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Is Dirofilaria repens endemic in the Havelland district in Brandenburg, Germany? Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:888-91. [PMID: 23919602 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brandenburg, northeastern Germany, an outbreak of zoonotic Dirofilaria repens in a sledge dog kennel was detected in January, 2012. Using the modified Knott test, 8 out of 28 adult dogs were microfilaria positive. A D. repens-specific PCR based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 region detected filarial DNA in 11 of these dogs. Northeastern Germany is currently considered to be free of Dirofilaria. The 39% prevalence within the kennel and the fact that the dogs transiently stayed in endemic areas only during the winter suggest that autochthonous infections occurred. Analysis of weather data shows that extrinsic development of Dirofilaria was continuously possible in the summers of 1994-2012, thus allowing active transmission within the area.
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Bhalla D, Dumas M, Preux PM. Neurological manifestations of filarial infections. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 114:235-42. [PMID: 23829914 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53490-3.00018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Filarial infections cause a huge public health burden wherever they are endemic. These filaria may locate anywhere in the human body. Their manifestations and pathogenic mechanisms, except the most common ones, are rarely investigated systematically. Their neurological manifestations, however, are being increasingly recognized particularly with onchocerciasis or Loa loa infections, Wuchereria bancrofti, or Mansonella perstans. The risk of developing these manifestations may also increase in cases that harbor multiple filariasis or coinfections, for instance as with Plasmodium. The microfilaria of Onchocerca and Loa loa are seen in cerebrospinal fluid. The pathogenesis of neurological manifestations of these infections is complex; however, pathogenic reactions may be caused by mechanical disruption, e.g., degeneration often followed by granulomas, causing fibrosis or mass effects on other tissues, vascular lesions, e.g., vascular block of cerebral vessels, or disordered inflammatory responses resulting in meningitis, encephalitis or localized inflammatory responses. The chances of having neurological manifestations may also depend upon the frequency and"heaviness"of infection over a lifetime. Hence, this type of infection should no longer be considered a disease of the commonly affected areas but one that may produce systemic effects or other manifestations, and these should be considered in populations where they are endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devender Bhalla
- INSERM UMR 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology, CNRS FR 3503 GEIST, Limoges, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Limoges, France
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Foissac M, Million M, Mary C, Dales JP, Souraud JB, Piarroux R, Parola P. Subcutaneous infection with Dirofilaria immitis nematode in human, France. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 19:171-2. [PMID: 23260094 PMCID: PMC3557977 DOI: 10.3201/eid1901.120281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Senanayake MP, Infaq MLM, Adikaram SGS, Udagama PV. Ocular and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in a Sri Lankan infant: an environmental hazard caused by dogs and mosquitoes. Paediatr Int Child Health 2013; 33:111-2. [PMID: 23925286 DOI: 10.1179/2046905512y.0000000024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
An 11-month-old infant presented with a subcutaneous nodule in the right cheek which was found by ultrasonography to be a worm. Following treatment with di-ethylcarbamazine, a worm emerged from the left upper eyelid which was confirmed to be Dirofilaria repens. Dirofilariasis usually manifests as a single lesion and is rare in infants.
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Sassnau R, Genchi C. Qualitative risk assessment for the endemisation of Dirofilaria repens in the state of Brandenburg (Germany) based on temperature-dependent vector competence. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2647-52. [PMID: 23609600 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Climate change with an increase in average temperature may be responsible for propagation of temperature-dependent vectors and/or vector-associated pathogens in regions that were previously not endemic. The analysis of climate data of Brandenburg state (Germany) had showed that the extrinsic development of Dirofilaria repens, the causative agent of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis, was possible from the years 2001 to 2012. This finding, associated to the movement of infected dogs and their relocation from endemic European areas to Germany makes possible a rapid endemization of the infection and highlight the risk for human health, being D. repens a frequent cause of zoonotic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sassnau
- Small Animal Practice, Hasenheide 65, 10967 Berlin, Germany.
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Kotigadde S, Ramesh SA, Medappa KT. Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens in southern India. Trop Parasitol 2013; 2:67-8. [PMID: 23508234 PMCID: PMC3593497 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.97247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is primarily confined to animals such as dogs, cats, foxes and raccoons. Human dirofilariasis is an accidental zoonotic infection acquired through mosquitoes. Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens though endemic in Kerala, reports from Karnataka state are rare. We report a case of solitary subcutaneous dirofilariasis of the eyelid due to D. repens in a 47-year-old woman. She presented with periorbital edema. The swelling was soft, cystic with associated tenderness. A thin, white worm was noticed in the lesion and was removed by traction which was subsequently identified to be D. repens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subbannayya Kotigadde
- Department of Microbiology, KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, Karnataka, India
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Indigenous Dirofilaria immitis in Bangladesh. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2393-5. [PMID: 23358737 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite of domestic and wild canids and felids in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world. The canine heartworm (D. immitis) is the causative agent of canine and feline cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis. This parasite is known to cause a zoonotic disease, namely human pulmonary dirofilariasis. D. immitis is known to be endemic in several South and Southeast Asian countries (e.g. India and Malaysia), but there has previously been no information about the presence of this pathogen in Bangladesh. We present a case of canine dirofilariasis caused by D. immitis in rural southeastern Bangladesh. A male filaroid nematode (95 mm in length and 1.94 mm in width) was identified in the heart of a dog. Species classification was performed by microscopy and molecular tools. Sequence analysis revealed a 100 % identity within the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (CO1) gene to two Chinese and one Australian D. immitis samples. Usually, dogs stay outside overnight with a high risk to get infected with D. immitis via nocturnal mosquito vectors, which may lead to high prevalences of this pathogen in the canine population and thus increase the risk of human infections with this neglected parasitic disease.
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Reddy MV. Human dirofilariasis: An emerging zoonosis. Trop Parasitol 2013; 3:2-3. [PMID: 23961434 PMCID: PMC3745666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maryada Venkatarami Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. E-mail:
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Simón F, Siles-Lucas M, Morchón R, González-Miguel J, Mellado I, Carretón E, Montoya-Alonso JA. Human and animal dirofilariasis: the emergence of a zoonotic mosaic. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25:507-44. [PMID: 22763636 PMCID: PMC3416488 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00012-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 492] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis represents a zoonotic mosaic, which includes two main filarial species (Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens) that have adapted to canine, feline, and human hosts with distinct biological and clinical implications. At the same time, both D. immitis and D. repens are themselves hosts to symbiotic bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, the study of which has resulted in a profound shift in the understanding of filarial biology, the mechanisms of the pathologies that they produce in their hosts, and issues related to dirofilariasis treatment. Moreover, because dirofilariasis is a vector-borne transmitted disease, their distribution and infection rates have undergone significant modifications influenced by global climate change. Despite advances in our knowledge of D. immitis and D. repens and the pathologies that they inflict on different hosts, there are still many unknown aspects of dirofilariasis. This review is focused on human and animal dirofilariasis, including the basic morphology, biology, protein composition, and metabolism of Dirofilaria species; the climate and human behavioral factors that influence distribution dynamics; the disease pathology; the host-parasite relationship; the mechanisms involved in parasite survival; the immune response and pathogenesis; and the clinical management of human and animal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Spain.
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Human Dirofilaria repens Infection in Romania: A Case Report. Case Rep Infect Dis 2012; 2012:472976. [PMID: 22567488 PMCID: PMC3336227 DOI: 10.1155/2012/472976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human dirofilariasis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the filarial nematodes of dogs Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. Depending on the species involved, human infections usually manifest as one cutaneous or visceral larva migrans that forms a painless nodule in the later course of disease. Dirofilariae are endemic in the Mediterranean, particularly in Italy. They are considered as emerging pathogens currently increasing their geographical range. We present one of the few known cases of human dirofilariasis caused by D. repens in Romania. The patient developed unusual and severe clinical manifestations that mimicked pathological conditions like cellulitis or deep venous thrombosis.
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Genchi C, Kramer LH, Rivasi F. Dirofilarial Infections in Europe. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1307-17. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Genchi
- Department of Animal Pathology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura H. Kramer
- Department of Animal Health, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Rivasi
- Institute of Human Pathology, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
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Permi HS, Veena S, Prasad HK, Kumar YS, Mohan R, Shetty KJ. Subcutaneous human dirofilariasis due to dirofilaria repens: report of two cases. J Glob Infect Dis 2011; 3:199-201. [PMID: 21731311 PMCID: PMC3125037 DOI: 10.4103/0974-777x.81702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic filariasis due to Dirofilaria repens (D. repens) is prevalent in several regions of the world. In view of recent rise of human D. repens infections in Europe, Africa and Asia, it is considered an emerging zoonosis in these continents. Most of the documented cases of human dirofilariasis recorded in India had ocular infections, but very few subcutaneous dirofilariasis have been reported. We hereby report two cases of subcutaneous human dirofilariasis due to D.repens with varied clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish S Permi
- Department of Pathology, K S Hegde Medical Academy of Nitte Univesity, Mangalore, India
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