1
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Unterköfler MS, Huck A, Silbermayr K, Fuehrer HP. Autochthonous Onchocerca lupi infection of a domestic dog in Austria. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 36726184 PMCID: PMC9893681 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05681-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi is an emerging canine ocular pathogen with zoonotic potential. In Europe, known endemic areas are the Iberian Peninsula and Greece, but the parasite has also been found in Romania, Hungary, and Germany. A 5-year-old Irish Wolfhound was presented in August 2021 with ocular discharge. A subconjunctival granulomatous nodule containing several nematode fragments was removed. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene confirmed the presence of O. lupi genotype 1. This is the first report of autochthonous O. lupi infection in a dog from Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Huck
- Small Animal Practice Dr. Alexandra Huck, Ziegelgasse 20, Güttenbach, 7536 Güssing, Austria
| | - Katja Silbermayr
- grid.486422.e0000000405446183Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer Gasse 5-11, 1121 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Tudor P, Ionașcu I, Mateescu CI, Bezerra-Santos MA, Gurău MR, Mateescu RE, Gagniuc E, Tudor N, Otranto D. Feline ocular onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi: Phylogenetic insights and implication for veterinary health. Acta Trop 2023; 237:106723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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3
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Hübner L, Mardin CY, Held J, Tappe D, Hammer CM, Bergua A. [Treatment-resistant nodular scleritis]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2023; 120:72-75. [PMID: 35258688 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01597-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L Hübner
- Universitätsaugenklinik Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
| | - C Y Mardin
- Universitätsaugenklinik Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - J Held
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen und Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - D Tappe
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - C M Hammer
- Institut für Funktionelle und Klinische Anatomie, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - A Bergua
- Universitätsaugenklinik Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
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4
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Figuerêdo Duarte Moraes M, de Souza Pollo A, Lux Hoppe EG. Filarids (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) in wild carnivores and domestic dogs from the Brazilian Atlantic forest. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010213. [PMID: 35259155 PMCID: PMC8903299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocercidae nematodes are heteroxenous parasites with worldwide distribution, and some of the species associated to animals may present zoonotic potential. Climatic changes and anthropic influences on the environment may result in vectors’ proliferation, facilitating the spillover to humans and/or non-typical animal hosts. The Iguaçu National Park (PARNA Iguaçu), one of the most important Brazilian natural remanescents of Atlantic rainforest, is strongly affected by human activities such as tourism and agriculture. The complexity of this area is especially characterized by the close nexus between the rich wildlife, humans, and domestic animals, especially domestic dogs. Based on this, this research aimed to diagnose the Onchocercidae nematodes in wild carnivores and domestic dogs in the PARNA Iguaçu and the surrounding areas. For this, we collected 162 samples of seven species of wild carnivores and 225 samples of domestic dogs. The presence of microfilariae in the blood samples was diagnosed by the modified Knott’s test and molecular screening, and the specific identification was based on sequencing of the myoHC and hsp70 genes. Microfilariae were detected only in ring-tailed coatis, in which we found five species: Mansonella sp. 1, Mansonela sp. 2, Onchocercidade gen. sp. 1, Onchocercidade gen. sp. 2, and Dirofilaria immitis. The morphological analysis supported the molecular findings. The domestic dogs were parasitized by Acanthocheilonema reconditum, representing a new locality record for this species. Phylogenetic analysis showed high genetic similarity among the four undetermined species and Mansonella spp., Brugia spp., and Wuchereria bancrofti. The presence of D. immitis in ring-tailed coatis may be result of spillover from dogs, even though the parasite was not diagnosed in the sampled dogs. The presence of several undetermined Onchocercidae species indicates the necessity of continuous investigations on wild and domestic animals from Neotropical area, especially considering the growing anthropic influence on forest remnants. Filarids are vector-borne Onchocercidae nematodes widely distributed around the world, related to several hosts, both wild and domestic, in different Biomes, including human-related species. In consequence to deforestation, environmental degradation, and climate changes, there has been an expansion in the distribution of vector-borne diseases around the world, such as those caused by filarids, in endemic tropical areas and even in temperate regions where they did not used to occur before. Thus, epidemiology and molecular genetic diversity studies of these filarial parasites are of great importance for three main reasons: zoonotic potential of many known species of filarids; the lack of data about the species inhabiting neotropical regions and the current worldwide deforestation and consequent habitat loss scenario, which favors the emergence or re-emergence of diseases resulting from the infection of domestic animals and humans by parasites that used to have as reservoirs only wild animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Figuerêdo Duarte Moraes
- São Paulo State University–Unesp, Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences School (FCAV), Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Souza Pollo
- São Paulo State University–Unesp, Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences School (FCAV), Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Estevam Guilherme Lux Hoppe
- São Paulo State University–Unesp, Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences School (FCAV), Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health, Jaboticabal, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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5
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Asghari A, Adhami G, Shariatzadeh SA, Kordi B, Anvari D, Shams M, Majidiani H, Darvishi MM. Confirmed cases of human Onchocerca lupi infection: a systematic review of an emerging threat. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3633-3644. [PMID: 34519871 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07309-2] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diverse Onchocerca species are present mostly parasitizing ungulates, with the exception of Onchocerca volvulus (O. volvulus) in humans and O. lupi in canids and cats. The human cases due to the O. lupi have been more highlighted during last years. So, the present review was performed to determine the detailed characteristics of confirmed human O. lupi case reports documented worldwide. Hence, a systematic search was done using English international databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar). Totally, 14 confirmed human cases were documented during the last decade, mostly from the USA and Turkey with 7 and 3 cases, respectively. Most cases (7 individuals) were male with the age range of 22-month-old to 54-year-old. The parasite was frequently isolated from the right eye (5 cases), followed by the left eye (4 cases), cervical spinal canal (3 cases), scalp, and right forearm (one case each). Molecular identification of the isolated agent was the preferred way of diagnosis in most cases (9 records). In conclusion, human O. lupi cases have been more highlighted in recent years, whether due to the improved diagnostics and/or host-switching phenomenon, and both veterinarians and healthcare authorities should be alerted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ghazaaleh Adhami
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Sanandaj, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kordi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. .,Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Darvishi
- Pathobiology Department, Shahmirzad School of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
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Rojas A, Morales-Calvo F, Salant H, Otranto D, Baneth G. Zoonotic Ocular Onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 94:331-341. [PMID: 34211352 PMCID: PMC8223538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic filarioid Onchocerca lupi causes ocular disease characterized by conjunctivitis and nodular lesions. This nematode was first described in 1967 in a wolf from Georgia, and since then cases of infection from dogs and cats with ocular onchocercosis and sporadically from humans also with subcutaneous and cervical lesions caused by O. lupi have been reported from the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Due to its zoonotic potential, this parasitic infection has gained attention in the past 20 years. Phylogenetic studies have highlighted the recent divergence of O. lupi from other Onchocerca spp. and the importance of domestication in the evolutionary history of this worm. Moreover, the finding of an O. lupi genotype associated with subclinical and mild infection in the Iberian Peninsula, raises important questions about the pathogenicity of this presently enigmatic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica,To whom all correspondence should be addressed:
Alicia Rojas, Laboratorio de Helmintología, Facultad de Microbiología,
Universidad de Costa Rica, Sede Rodrigo Facio, Montes de Oca, San José Costa
Rica, 11501-2060; Tel: +(506)2511-8645;
; ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2007-7198
| | - Fernando Morales-Calvo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en
Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University,
Hamedan, Iran
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Otranto D, Colella V, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Cavalera MA, Pereira A, Schaper R, Maia C. Efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Onchocerca lupi microfilariae in naturally infected dogs from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:199. [PMID: 33849643 PMCID: PMC8042703 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerca lupi and Cercopithifilaria spp. are vector-borne filarioids of dogs, which harbour skin microfilariae (mfs), the former being of zoonotic concern. Proper treatment studies using compounds with microfilaricidal activity have not been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a commercially available spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of O. lupi or Cercopithifilaria spp. skin-dwelling mfs in naturally infected dogs. METHODS Privately owned dogs (n = 393) from southern Portugal were sampled via skin biopsies to identify and count mfs in 20 µl of skin sediment. A total of 22 mfs-positive dogs were allocated to treatment group (n = 11; G1) or left untreated as a control (n = 11; G2). As a pilot investigation to test the treatment efficacy, five dogs assigned to G1 were treated four times at monthly intervals with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation on SDs 0, 28 (± 2), 56 (± 2), and 84 (± 2). Based on the negative results for both O. lupi and/or Cercopithifilaria spp. mfs of dogs in the pilot study from SD28 onwards, the remaining six dogs in G1 were treated at SD0 and assessed only at SD28. RESULTS Of the 393 animals sampled, 78 (19.8%) scored positive for skin-dwelling mfs. At the pilot investigation, a mean number of 19.6 mfs for O. lupi was recorded among five infected dogs whereas no mfs were detected at SD28. At SD0, the mean number of Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae was 12.6 for G1 and 8.7 for G2. The mean number of mfs for G2 was 20.09. CONCLUSIONS Results herein obtained suggest that a single treatment with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation is efficacious against skin-dwelling mfs in dogs. The microfilaricidal effect of moxidectin could also be useful in reducing the risk of O. lupi infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Vito Colella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
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8
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Tahir D, Davoust B, Parola P. Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update. Vet World 2019; 12:1630-1643. [PMID: 31849426 PMCID: PMC6868252 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1630-1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The scale of VBDs is increasing worldwide, including in the Mediterranean Basin, a region exposed to climate changes. Indeed, weather conditions may influence the abundance and distribution of vectors. The vector-borne nematode diseases of dogs and cats, such as dirofilariosis, onchocercosis, thelaziosis, Cercopithifilaria, and Acanthocheilonema infections, are some of these vectorized diseases, several of which are zoonoses. They are all caused by parasitic nematodes transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes (Dirofilaria spp.), black flies (Onchocerca lupi), drosophilids (Thelazia callipaeda), ticks (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and Cercopithifilaria bainae), and fleas and lice (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The control and prevention of these infections and diseases require a multidisciplinary approach based on strengthening collaboration between the different actors in the fields of health, research, sociology, economics, governments and citizens, to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health. This is the concept of "one health." The review aimed to provide a general update on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne nematodes diseases affecting companion animals and humans, as well as the vectors involved in the Mediterranean area. Simultaneously, certain epidemiological parameters, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases based on the "one health" concept will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Tahir
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections, Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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9
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A real-time PCR tool for the surveillance of zoonotic Onchocerca lupi in dogs, cats and potential vectors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006402. [PMID: 29617361 PMCID: PMC5902036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006402] [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: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular onchocercosis is caused by the zoonotic parasite Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae). A major hindrance to scientific progress is the absence of a reliable diagnostic test in affected individuals. Microscopic examination of skin snip sediments and the identification of adults embedded in ocular nodules are seldom performed and labour-intensive. A quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was herein standardized for the detection of O. lupi DNA and the results compared with microscopic examination and conventional PCR (cPCR). The specificity of qPCR and cPCR was assessed by processing the most common filarial nematodes infecting dogs, skin samples from O. lupi infected (n = 35 dogs) or uninfected animals (n = 21 dogs; n = 152 cats) and specimens of potential insect vector (n = 93 blackflies; n = 59 mosquitoes/midges). The analytical sensitivity of both assays was assessed using 10-fold serial dilutions of DNA from adult specimen and from a pool of microfilariae. The qPCR on skin samples revealed an analytical specificity of 100% and a sensitivity up to 8 x 10-1 fg/2μl O. lupi adult-DNA and up to 3.6 x 10-1 pg/2μl of mfs-DNA (corresponding to 1 x 10-2 mfs/2μl). Only 9.5% O. lupi-infected skin samples were positive for cPCR with a sensitivity of 8 x 10-1 pg/2μl of DNA. Out of 152 blackflies and mosquitoes/midges, eight specimens experimentally infected (n = 1 S. erythrocephalum; n = 1 S. ornatum; n = 6 Simulium sp.) were positive by qPCR. The qPCR assay herein standardized represents an important step forward in the diagnosis of zoonotic onchocercosis caused by O. lupi, especially for the detection and quantification of low number of mfs. This assay provides a fundamental contribution for the establishment of surveillance strategies aiming at assessing the presence of O. lupi in carnivores and in insect species acting as potential intermediate hosts. The O. lupi qPCR assay will enable disease progress monitoring as well as the diagnosis of apparently clinical healthy dogs and cats.
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10
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Campbell B, Cortes H, Annoscia G, Giannelli A, Parisi A, Latrofa MS, Dantas-Torres F, Cardoso L, Otranto D. Paramyosin of canine Onchocerca lupi: usefulness for the diagnosis of a neglected zoonotic disease. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:493. [PMID: 27604904 PMCID: PMC5013582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1783-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of increasing importance to the medical and veterinary communities is the zoonotic filarioid nematode Onchocerca lupi. Onchocercosis, thus far found in wolves, dogs, cats and humans, is diagnosed via skin snips to detect microfilariae and surgical removal of adults from the eye of the host. These methods are time-consuming, laborious and invasive, highlighting the need for new tools for the diagnosis of O. lupi in susceptible hosts. Symptoms related to the presence of the adults in the eye can range from none apparent to severe, including blindness. No reliable chemotherapeutic protocols are available, as yet, to eliminate the infection. Paramyosin, an invertebrate-specific protein, has been well-studied as an allergen, diagnostic marker and vaccine candidate. The aim of this study, therefore, was to isolate and characterise paramyosin from O. lupi to assess its suitability for the development of a serological diagnostic assay. METHODS The adult and microfilarial stages of O. lupi were isolated from the eyes and skin of a 3-year-old male dog. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into single stranded cDNA. Reverse-transcription PCR was used to isolate a full-length paramyosin cDNA from adult worms and to investigate the temporal expression patterns of this gene. All amplicons were sequenced using dideoxy chain termination sequencing. Bioinformatics was used to predict the amino acid sequence of the gene, to compare the DNA and protein sequences with those available in public databases and to investigate the phylogenetic relationship of all molecules. Antibody binding sites were predicted using bioinformatics and mapped along with published antigenic epitopes against the O. lupi paramyosin protein. The native protein, and three smaller recombinantly expressed peptides, were subjected to western blot using serum from dogs both positive and negative for O. lupi. RESULTS Paramyosin of O. lupi was herein molecularly characterized, encoded by a transcript of 2,643 bp and producing a protein of 881 amino acids (101.24 kDa). The paramyosin transcript was detected, by reverse transcription PCR, in adults and microfilariae, but not in eggs. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this molecule clusters with paramyosins from other filarioids to the exclusion of those from other taxa. A total of 621 unique antibody binding epitopes were predicted for this protein and another 28 were conserved in other organisms. This information was used to design three peptides, for recombinant expression, to identify the antibody binding epitope(s) and reduce potential cross-reactivity with serum from dogs infected with other filarioid nematodes. Native paramyosin, purified from microfilariae and adults, was detected by antibodies present in serum from dogs with known O. lupi infections. CONCLUSIONS Data provided herein may assist in the development of a serological diagnostic test, based on antibodies to O. lupi paramyosin, for the diagnosis of this infection, in order to gain more information on the real distribution of this little known filarioid of zoonotic concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Campbell
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Helder Cortes
- Victor Caeiro Laboratory of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Parisi
- IZS Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Puglia e Basilicata, Putignano, Italy
| | | | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Brazil
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universitá degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italy
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Baneth G, Thamsborg SM, Otranto D, Guillot J, Blaga R, Deplazes P, Solano-Gallego L. Major Parasitic Zoonoses Associated with Dogs and Cats in Europe. J Comp Pathol 2015; 155:S54-74. [PMID: 26687277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.10.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Some of the most important zoonotic infectious diseases are associated with parasites transmitted from companion animals to man. This review describes the main parasitic zoonoses in Europe related to dogs and cats, with particular emphasis on their current epidemiology. Toxoplasmosis, leishmaniosis, giardiosis, echinococcosis, dirofilariosis and toxocariosis are described from the animal, as well as from the human host perspectives, with an emphasis on parasite life cycle, transmission, pathogenicity, prevention and identification of knowledge gaps. In addition, priorities for research and intervention in order to decrease the risks and burden of these diseases are presented. Preventing zoonotic parasitic infections requires an integrated multidisciplinary 'One Health' approach involving collaboration between veterinary and medical scientists, policy makers and public health officials.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - S M Thamsborg
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Veterinary Parasitology Research Group, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - D Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - J Guillot
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Department of Parasitology, BioPole d'Alfort, UPE, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - R Blaga
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Department of Parasitology, BioPole d'Alfort, UPE, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - P Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - L Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
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Bergua A, Hohberger B, Held J, Muntau B, Tannich E, Tappe D. Human case of Onchocerca lupi infection, Germany, August 2014. Euro Surveill 2015; 20. [DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.16.21099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca lupi, a nematode parasite infecting dogs and cats with a hitherto unknown arthropod vector, is also being recognised as a parasite also responsible for human eye infections. Here we describe a case of human eye infection diagnosed molecularly by nematode 12S rDNA PCR in a German patient who had travelled to Tunisia and Turkey. The patient recovered after treatment with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bergua
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Clinic, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Both authors contributed equally to this study
- Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Hohberger
- Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Both authors contributed equally to this study
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Clinic, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Held
- Mikrobiologisches Institut, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Muntau
- Bernhard Nocht Institute, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute, Hamburg, Germany
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Giannelli A, Abramo F, Ignjatović Ćupina A, Petrić D, Cardoso L, Mutafchiev Y, Cortes H. Cutaneous distribution and circadian rhythm of Onchocerca lupi microfilariae in dogs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2585. [PMID: 24349594 PMCID: PMC3861181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the arthropod-borne nematodes infesting dogs, Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) is of increasing zoonotic concern, with new human cases of infection diagnosed in Turkey, Tunisia, Iran and the USA. Knowledge of the biology of this nematode is meagre. This study aimed at assessing the distribution and periodicity of O. lupi microfilariae from different body regions in naturally infested dogs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Skin samples were collected from six dogs infested with O. lupi but without apparent clinical signs. Two skin samples were collected from 18 anatomical regions of dog 1 at necropsy. In addition, single skin biopsies were performed from the forehead, inter-scapular and lumbar regions of dogs 2-6, in the morning, afternoon, and at night. Two aliquots of the sediment of each sample were microscopically observed, microfilariae counted and morphologically and molecularly identified. Most of the 1,667 microfilariae retrieved from dog 1 were in the right ear (59.6%), nose (26.5%), left ear (6.7%), forehead (3.0%), and inter-scapular (2.9%) regions. In dogs 2-6, the overall mean number of microfilariae was larger on the head (n = 122.8), followed by the inter-scapular (n = 119.0) and lumbar (n = 12.8) regions. The overall mean number of microfilariae was larger in the afternoon (153.4), followed by night (75.4) and morning (25.8). CONCLUSIONS Onchocerca lupi microfilariae were more common in the head (i.e., ears and nose) than in the remaining part of the dog's body, indicating they tend to aggregate in specific body regions, which are the best sites to collect skin samples for diagnostic purposes. The periodicity pattern of microfilariae of O. lupi and their concentration in specific body regions is most likely a result of the co-evolution with their as-yet-unknown vector. The detection of skin microfilariae in asymptomatic animals, suggests the potential role of these animals as carriers and reservoirs of O. lupi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalãhes Research Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Dušan Petrić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Yasen Mutafchiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Helder Cortes
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Évora, Portugal
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Mutafchiev Y, Dantas-Torres F, Giannelli A, Abramo F, Papadopoulos E, Cardoso L, Cortes H, Otranto D. Redescription of Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) with histopathological observations. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:309. [PMID: 24499611 PMCID: PMC3818983 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerca lupi is a dog parasite of increasing zoonotic concern, with new human cases diagnosed in Turkey, Tunisia, Iran, and the United States. Information about the morphology of this nematode is scant and a detailed re-description of this species is overdue. In addition, histopathological data of potential usefulness for the identification of O. lupi infections are provided. METHODS Male and female nematodes, collected from the connective tissue of a dog, were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and an histological evaluation was performed on biopsy samples from periocular tissues. RESULTS The morphological identification was confirmed by molecular amplification and partial sequencing of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological and morphometric description of O. lupi from a dog based on light microscopy, SEM, molecular characterization, and histological observations. CONCLUSIONS Data herein presented contribute to a better understanding of this little known parasitic zoonosis, whose impact on human and animal health is still underestimated. The presence of granulomatous reactions only around the female adult suggests that the release of microfilariae from the uterus might be the cause of the inflammatory reaction observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasen Mutafchiev
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife Pernambuco, Brazil
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Abramo
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases and Pathology, Faculty of School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle, University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Parasite Disease Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Oporto, Portugal
| | - Helder Cortes
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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Labelle AL, Maddox CW, Daniels JB, Lanka S, Eggett TE, Dubielzig RR, Labelle P. Canine ocular onchocercosis in the United States is associated with Onchocerca lupi. Vet Parasitol 2013; 193:297-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 11/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Human ocular onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) in Iran. J Helminthol 2013; 88:250-5. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x13000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCases of canine onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca lupi are increasingly reported from Europe and the western United States of America. The zoonotic role of this parasite had already been suspected in Europe as the clinical signs and histopathology seen in two ocular cases from Albania and the Crimean region were very similar to those of canine ocular onchocerciasis. In the most recent reports of human onchocerciasis, O. lupi has been morphologically and molecularly identified as the causative agent of ocular infestation in two patients from Turkey, and one patient from Tunisia. Here, we report an additional case of nodular lesions involving two, and possibly more, immature worms in a patient from Iran. The parasite was found to belong to the genus Onchocerca based on morphological features and the species was confirmed as O. lupi from a partial sequence analysis of 12S ribosomal DNA.
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Brianti E, Traversa D, Petrić D, Genchi C, Capelli G. Vector-borne helminths of dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:16. [PMID: 23324440 PMCID: PMC3564894 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Presently, 45% of the total human population of Europe, as well as their domestic and companion animals, are exposed to the risk of vector-borne helminths (VBH) causing diseases. A plethora of intrinsic biological and extrinsic factors affect the relationship among helminths, vectors and animal hosts, in a constantly changing environment. Although canine dirofilarioses by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are key examples of the success of VBH spreading into non-endemic areas, another example is represented by Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm, an emergent pathogen of dogs, cats and humans in several regions of Europe. The recent finding of Onchocerca lupi causing canine and human infestation in Europe and overseas renders the picture of VBH even more complicated. Similarly, tick-transmitted filarioids of the genus Cercopithifilaria infesting the skin of dogs were recently shown to be widespread in Europe. Although for most of the VBH above there is an increasing accumulation of research data on their distribution at national level, the overall impact of the diseases they cause in dogs and humans is not fully recognised in many aspects. This review investigates the reasons underlying the increasing trend in distribution of VBH in Europe and discusses the diagnostic and control strategies currently available. In addition, this article provides the authors' opinion on some topics related to VBH that would deserve further scientific investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
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