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Diarra AZ, Kelly P, Davoust B, Parola P. Tick-Borne Diseases of Humans and Animals in West Africa. Pathogens 2023; 12:1276. [PMID: 38003741 PMCID: PMC10675719 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111276] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are a significant group of arthropod vectors that transmit a large variety of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases worldwide. Ticks are the second biggest transmitters of vector-borne diseases, behind mosquitoes. However, in West Africa, there is often only limited knowledge of tick-borne diseases. With the scarcity of appropriate diagnostic services, the prevalence of tick-borne diseases is generally underestimated in humans. In this review, we provide an update on tick-borne pathogens reported in people, animals and ticks in West Africa by microscopic, immunological and molecular methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. The selection criteria included all studies conducted in West Africa reporting the presence of Rickettsia, Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Coxiella burnetii, Theileria, Babesia, Hepatozoon and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever viruses in humans, animals or ticks. Our intention is to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases amongst human and animal health workers in West Africa, and also physicians working with tourists who have travelled to the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adama Zan Diarra
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
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Kim KT, Seo MG. Molecular analysis of Rickettsia spp. and related tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs in Korea. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106934. [PMID: 37142151 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106934] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are widespread in nature and serve as primary vectors for several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). Ticks and TBPs cause considerable harm to humans and animals and have emerged as a major global public health concern. Domestic dogs are the major reservoirs of zoonotic agents owing to their constant interaction with humans. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of canine TBPs, such as Rickettsiales, Coxiella burnetii, hepatozoa, and Borrelia spp., using molecular analyses. A total of 906 dogs were examined and 4 TBPs were identified: Anaplasma phagocytophilum (5; 0.6%), Hepatozoon canis (9; 1.0%), Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (2; 0.2%), and Rickettsia tamurae (1; 0.1%). Ehrlichia spp., C. burnetii, and Borrelia spp. were not detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of Candidatus R. longicornii and R. tamurae in dogs. These findings can help determine the potential public health risks by enhancing our understanding of the geographical and vector distributions of TBPs in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoo-Tae Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea
| | - Min-Goo Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, South Korea.
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Huggins LG, Koehler AV, Gasser RB, Traub RJ. Advanced approaches for the diagnosis and chemoprevention of canine vector-borne pathogens and parasites-Implications for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 120:1-85. [PMID: 36948727 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of canines are a diverse range of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and multicellular parasites, that are pernicious and potentially lethal to their hosts. Dogs across the globe are afflicted by canine VBPs, but the range of different ectoparasites and the VBPs that they transmit predominate in tropical regions. Countries within the Asia-Pacific have had limited prior research dedicated to exploring the epidemiology of canine VBPs, whilst the few studies that have been conducted show VBP prevalence to be high, with significant impacts on dog health. Moreover, such impacts are not restricted to dogs, as some canine VBPs are zoonotic. We reviewed the status of canine VBPs in the Asia-Pacific, with particular focus on nations in the tropics, whilst also investigating the history of VBP diagnosis and examining recent progress in the field, including advanced molecular methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tools are rapidly changing the way parasites are detected and discovered, demonstrating a sensitivity equal to, or exceeding that of, conventional molecular diagnostics. We also provide a background to the armoury of chemopreventive products available for protecting dogs from VBP. Here, field-based research within high VBP pressure environments has underscored the importance of ectoparasiticide mode of action on their overall efficacy. The future of canine VBP diagnosis and prevention at a global level is also explored, highlighting how evolving portable sequencing technologies may permit diagnosis at point-of-care, whilst further research into chemopreventives will be essential if VBP transmission is to be effectively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Schäfer I, Müller E, Nijhof AM, Aupperle-Lellbach H, Loesenbeck G, Cramer S, Naucke TJ. First evidence of vertical Hepatozoon canis transmission in dogs in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:296. [PMID: 35999592 PMCID: PMC9396588 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatozoon canis is a protozoal agent that is known to be transmitted by oral uptake of H. canis-infected Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks in dogs. Vertical transmission of H. canis has only been described once in a study evaluating dogs from Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the parasitological status of puppies from a bitch that had tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. prior to giving birth. Findings A 4-year-old, female, pregnant dog imported from Italy (Sardinia) to Germany showed clinical signs of lethargy and tachypnoea and tested positive for H. canis by PCR. The dog gave birth to eight puppies, one of which was stillborn and another that had to be reanimated. Haematology, buffy coat analysis and a biochemistry profile were performed for each dog. EDTA-blood of the surviving seven puppies and bone marrow, liver, spleen, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord of the stillborn puppy was tested for the presence of Hepatozoon spp. by PCR. The mother and the seven surviving puppies tested positive for H. canis by PCR at day 62 post-partum. Gamonts were detected in all dogs by buffy coat evaluation. Haematological and biochemistry results revealed mild abnormalities. In the stillborn puppy, spleen, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid were positive for H. canis. Conclusion The results confirm that vertical transmission is a possible route of H. canis infection in dogs, demonstrated by molecular detection of the pathogen in the stillborn puppy. In the seven surviving puppies, vertical transmission was the most likely transmission route. A potential impact of the level of parasitaemia on the health of puppies, as well as its pathogenesis, should be investigated further. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05392-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Schäfer
- Laboklin GmbH and Co. KG., Bad Kissingen, Germany.
| | | | - Ard M Nijhof
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Vásquez-Aguilar AA, Barbachano-Guerrero A, Angulo DF, Jarquín-Díaz VH. Phylogeography and population differentiation in Hepatozoon canis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) reveal expansion and gene flow in world populations. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:467. [PMID: 34521451 PMCID: PMC8439048 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan transmitted to dogs and other wild carnivores by the ingestion of ticks containing mature oocysts and is considered the principal cause of canine hepatozoonosis in the world. Here, we examined ribosomal RNA 18S gene sequence variation to determine the genetic differences and phylogeographic diversity of H. canis from various geographical areas around the world. METHODS We used 550 publicly available sequences of H. canis from 46 countries to assess haplotype relationships, geographical structure, genetic diversity indices, and relationships among populations. We performed neutrality tests and pairwise comparisons of fixation index (FST) values between groups and pairwise comparisons of FST values between populations. To determine whether populations are structured, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVAs) and spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) were performed. RESULTS The dataset of H. canis yielded 76 haplotypes. Differentiation among populations indicated that there is no phylogeographical structure (GST = 0.302 ± 0.0475). Moreover, when samples were grouped by continents a significant FST was obtained, meaning that populations were genetically differentiated. The AMOVA showed that 57.4% of the genetic variation was explained by differences within populations when all locations were treated as a single group and revealed that there is no population structure when populations are grouped into two, three, and four groups (FCT, p > 0.05), suggesting that dispersal between populations is high. SAMOVA revealed significant FCT values for groups K = 5. The Tajima's D and Fu's Fs show that populations have undergone recent expansion, and the mismatch distribution analysis showed population expansion (multimodal distribution). CONCLUSIONS The current molecular data confirmed that H. canis does not show phylogeographic or population structure. The haplotypes exhibit low genetic differentiation, suggesting a recent expansion due to gene flow among populations. These results provide pivotal information required for future detailed population genetic analysis or to establish control strategies of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Acini Vásquez-Aguilar
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones Tropicales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz 91000 México
| | | | - Diego F. Angulo
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, 91073 Xalapa, Veracruz Mexico
| | - Víctor Hugo Jarquín-Díaz
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
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Potential Role of Hepatozoon canis in a Fatal Systemic Disease in a Puppy. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091193. [PMID: 34578225 PMCID: PMC8469705 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine hepatozoonosis caused by Hepatozoon canis is an emerging disease in Europe. Clinical pictures vary from subclinical to life-threatening and non-specific clinical signs are predominantly reported. A 2-month-old female puppy originating from Southern Italy was adopted and moved to Northern Italy. Then, the dog was brought to a local veterinary practice for gastrointestinal signs, migrating lameness and pruritic dermatitis, and then tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. gamonts at the blood smear. After treatment with imidocarb dipropionate and doxycycline, the dog showed an initial clinical improvement. However, gastrointestinal signs recurred, and diffuse superficial pyoderma appeared on the thoracolumbar region, along with fever, lethargy, and weight loss. Eight months from the first onset of clinical signs, the dog was referred to a veterinary clinic and subjected to complete blood count, urine and fecal analysis, along with abdominal ultrasonography, whole-body CT and gastroduodenal endoscopy. Skin biopsies and blood samples were subjected to a PCR-coupled sequencing protocol, which scored both positive for H. canis. Alterations were consistent with a pre-existing cholangiohepatitis and multiple acquired extrahepatic shunts secondary to portal hypertension. The dog was euthanatized due to a clinical worsening two months later. The potential role of H. canis in the systemic disease observed, clinic-pathological findings and epizootiological implications are discussed.
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Guo WP, Xie GC, Xue ZQ, Yu JJ, Jian R, Du LY, Li YN. Molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in dogs and ticks in Shaanxi province, China. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 72:101514. [PMID: 32634650 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatozoon canis, transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is a tick-borne pathogen and causes canine hepatozoonosis. Until now, only limited previous studies were conducted on the molecular detection and characterization of Hepatozoon sp. in dogs in China. Blood samples were collected from 93 sick dogs that were clinically diagnosed as babesiosis but tested negative for Babesia, and 103 apparently healthy dogs, as well as their infesting ticks in Xi'an and Hanzhong cities, Shaanxi province of China. PCR amplifying partial 18S rRNA gene was used to detect the DNA of Hepatozoon sp. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis were performed to determine the Hepatozoon species. Our results demonstrated that H. canis was identified from the sick dogs and the infested ticks in Hanzhong, with no significant differences of prevalence between both genders and ages. No positive blood or tick samples were found in Xi'an. Moreover, all the 18S rRNA gene sequences recovered from both dogs and the infested ticks showed a high genetic similarity with each other, and also presented a close relationship with other known sequences in and outside China. In conclusion, H. canis was identified in babesiosis-suspected dogs and ticks infesting them in Shaanxi, China, although the association between clinical signs and H. canis need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China.
| | - Guang-Cheng Xie
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Zhong-Qiang Xue
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Yu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Jian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Luan-Ying Du
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Ya-Ning Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of canine tick-borne pathogens from Korea. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101357. [PMID: 31839473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks transmit more pathogens than any other arthropod vector and are of paramount veterinary and zoonotic significance. Domestic dogs are an important reservoir of zoonotic agents, particularly because of their close contact with humans. Previous studies in Korea have examined canine tick-borne pathogens (CTBP) by ELISA and real-time PCR methods. However, phylogenetic information on CTBP in Korea is lacking. This study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and co-infectivity of CTBP such as piroplasms, rickettsiae, Coxiella burnetii, hepatozoa, hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Borrelia spp., using PCR and phylogenetic analyses. Of the 510 dogs tested, three CTBP, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum 16S rRNA (13; 2.6 %), Hepatozoon canis 18S rRNA (2; 0.4 %), and Mycoplasma haemocanis 16S rRNA (1; 0.2 %) were detected. PCR adapted to amplify A. phagocytophilum msp2 and groEL genes generated amplicons thereof in two out of 13 positive dogs. One shelter dog was co-infected with A. phagocytophilum and M. haemocanis. However, Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. pathogens were not detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of H. canis and M. haemocanis in dogs reared in Korea. Although previous studies have improved our understanding of evolutionary behaviors and host-pathogen relations of CTBP, additional investigations are required to pin down vectors and reservoirs of CTBP in Korea. A surveillance system for arthropod vectors and CTBP in dogs should be established to monitor pathogen distribution and mitigate pathogen spread proactively, such as with ectoparasite medications in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, 39660, Republic of Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Junggu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
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