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Malik Da Silva A, Afonso E, Raoul F, Giraudoux P, Mergey M, Umhang G, Courquet S, Rieffel D, Millon L, Knapp J. Assessing the role of individual foxes in environmental contamination with Echinococcus multilocularis through faecal samples. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:321-332. [PMID: 38460722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Key parasite transmission parameters are difficult to obtain from elusive wild animals. For Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), the red fox is responsible for most of the environmental contamination in Europe. The identification of individual spreaders of E. multilocularis environmental contamination is crucial to improving our understanding of the ecology of parasite transmission in areas of high endemicity and optimising the effectiveness of prevention and control measures in the field. Genetic faecal sampling appears to be a feasible method to gain information about the faecal deposition of individual animals. We conducted a 4 year faecal sampling study in a village that is highly endemic for E. multilocularis, to assess the feasibility of individual identification and sexing of foxes to describe individual infection patterns. Individual fox identification from faecal samples was performed by obtaining reliable genotypes from 14 microsatellites and one sex locus, coupled with the detection of E. multilocularis DNA, first using captive foxes and then by environmental sampling. From a collection of 386 fox stools collected between 2017 and 2020, tested for the presence of E. multilocularis DNA, 180 were selected and 124 samples were successfully genotyped (68.9%). In total, 45 unique individual foxes were identified and 26 associated with at least one sample which tested positive for E. multilocularis (Em(+)). Estimation of the population size showed the fox population to be between 29 and 34 individuals for a given year and 67 individuals over 4 years. One-third of infected individuals (9/26 Em(+) foxes) deposited 2/3 of the faeces which tested positive for E. multilocularis (36/60 Em(+) stools). Genetic investigation showed a significantly higher average number of multiple stools for females than males, suggesting that the two sexes potentially defecated unequally in the studied area. Three partially overlapping clusters of fox faeces were found, with one cluster concentrating 2/3 of the total E. multilocularis-positive faeces. Based on these findings, we estimated that 12.5 million E. multilocularis eggs were produced during the study period, emphasizing the high contamination level of the environment and the risk of exposure faced by the parasite hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdou Malik Da Silva
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Eve Afonso
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Francis Raoul
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Patrick Giraudoux
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Marina Mergey
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, CERFE, 08240 Boult-aux-Bois, France
| | - Gérald Umhang
- ANSES Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp. Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, Agricultural and Veterinary Technopole, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - Sandra Courquet
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France; Department of Parasitology-Mycology, University Hospital of Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Dominique Rieffel
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Laurence Millon
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France; Department of Parasitology-Mycology, University Hospital of Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Jenny Knapp
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement Laboratory, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France; Department of Parasitology-Mycology, University Hospital of Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France.
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Romig T, Wassermann M. Echinococcus species in wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100913. [PMID: 38405672 PMCID: PMC10884515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100913] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Transmission of Echinococcus spp. in life cycles that involve mainly wildlife is well recognized for those species with small mammals as intermediate hosts (e. g. E. multilocularis), as well as for E. felidis and the 'northern' genotypes of E. canadensis (G8 and G10). In contrast, the remaining taxa of E. granulosus sensu lato are best known for their domestic life cycles, and the numerous wild mammal species (mainly ungulates) that have been recorded with cystic echinococcosis in the past were mainly considered a result of spill-over from the dog-livestock transmission system. This view was challenged with the advent of molecular characterization, allowing discrimination of the metacestodes, although the contribution of wild mammals to various Echinococcus life cycles has remained uncertain for scarcity of wildlife studies. Numerous records of cysts in wild ungulates date back to the 20th century, but cannot with certainty be allocated to the Echinococcus species and genotypes that are recognized today. This means that our current knowledge is largely restricted to studies of the past two decades that kept adding gradually to our concepts of transmission in various geographic regions. In particular, new insights were gathered in the past years on E. granulosus s.l. in wildlife of sub-Saharan Africa, but also on transmission patterns of E. multilocularis in previously neglected regions, e. g. North America. Here, an update is provided on the current state of knowledge on wild mammals as hosts for all Echinococcus species, listing >150 species of wild hosts with references, as well as estimates on their epidemiological impact and our current gaps of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marion Wassermann
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Simoncini A, Massolo A. Multiscale ecological drivers of Echinococcus multilocularis spatial distribution in wild hosts: A systematic review. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 34:e00216. [PMID: 38152424 PMCID: PMC10749871 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the ecological factors that drive the spatial patterns of parasites transmission is essential to predict their distribution under global change and to direct proactive surveillance efforts. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature to assess the main ecological drivers responsible for the spatial distribution and transmission of the zoonotic cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, the aetiological agent of alveolar echinococcosis, focusing on wild hosts. The 23 retrieved studies suggested that the dispersal of definitive hosts, climatic and biotic factors (distribution of intermediate hosts, composition of host communities) shape continental-scale distribution patterns of E. multilocularis, whereas the relative importance of climate and land cover in driving E. multilocularis distribution at a smaller (country/regional) scale varies with the geographic area considered. At a local scale, two additional factors contribute to determine the distribution of micro-foci of transmission: the trophic relationships between carnivores definitive hosts and small mammals intermediate hosts, and the defecation and marking behaviour of definitive hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Simoncini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa 56121, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université Franche-Comté, Besançon 25030, France
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Furtado Jost R, Müller N, Marreros N, Moré G, Antoine L, Basso W, Frey CF. What is the role of Swiss domestic cats in environmental contamination with Echinococcus multilocularis eggs? Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:353. [PMID: 37807080 PMCID: PMC10561489 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the domestic cat as definitive host for Echinococcus multilocularis and thus in environmental contamination with eggs has not yet been entirely resolved. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of E. multilocularis and other gastrointestinal parasites in Swiss domestic cats and to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of different methods for the detection of intestinal taeniid infection. METHODS Faecal samples from 146 cats were included in the study. Faecal samples only were available from 55 cats; for the other 91 cats, necropsy was performed in addition to faecal sample testing. All (n = 146) faecal samples were analysed by a combined sedimentation/flotation technique (44% ZnCl2) and by the sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF) sedimentation technique; when sufficient material was available (n = 121 samples) the Baermann-Wetzel technique was also used. Additionally, all samples were analysed by two coproantigen (copro)-quantitative PCRs (qPCR): (i) a multiplex qPCR able to detect and differentiate between E. multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and Taenia spp./other cestodes (CEST-qPCR) and (ii) an E. multilocularis-specific qPCR (EM-qPCR). Finally, the intestines were examined macroscopically and microscopically for parasite stages at necropsy (n = 91) and using an intestinal scraping technique (IST) (n = 64). RESULTS Of the 146 cats examined, 24 (17.1%) were infected by intestinal parasites, namely Hydatigera (syn. Taenia) taeniaeformis (8.9%), Toxocara cati (6.1%), Capillaria sp. (3.4%), hookworms (3.4%), Mesocestoides litteratus (1.4%), Giardia sp. (1.4%), Cystoisospora rivolta (1.4%), Cystoisospora felis (0.7%), Toxoplasma gondii (0.7%), Hammondia hammondi (0.7%) and Strongyloides sp. (0.7%). Necropsy and the IST revealed adult H. taeniaeformis in 12 animals, of which eight faecal samples were positive by the CEST-qPCR (sensitivity = 67%) and six samples by the sedimentation/flotation technique (sensitivity = 50%). No E. multilocularis infection was detected in the sampled cats. Using Bayesian latent class analysis, the mean posterior prevalence probability was 0.0% (95% confidence interval 0-0.83%) for E. multilocularis. CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence of E. multilocularis infection among the 146 cats examined, suggesting that the prevalence of this parasite is low (< 1%) in the Swiss domestic cat population. Nonetheless, some of the sampled cats were infected by parasites that have rodents as intermediate hosts, demonstrating successful predation by these cats, and some were infected with zoonotic parasites. Cats therefore should not be disregarded as potential hosts for E. multilocularis and other zoonotic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Furtado Jost
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nelson Marreros
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Länggasse 85, 3052, Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Gastón Moré
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Loic Antoine
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Avenue Tony Garnier, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Gürler AT, Demirtaş S, Bölükbaş CS, Gençay EB, Barılı Ö, Karaca E, Akçay A, Açıcı M, Umur Ş, Deplazes P. Investigate to intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis throughout Turkey: Focus on voles. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:352-360. [PMID: 36855863 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the most important zoonotic diseases. The parasite has a heterogeneous life cycle; more than 40 small mammal species have been determined to be potential intermediate hosts worldwide. Turkey is one of the highest endemic countries for AE, but only limited information is available concerning the transmission biology of E. multilocularis. The study aimed to provide data on potential intermediate host species (focus on genus Microtus) across Turkey involved in E. multilocularis transmission to foxes, which is a risk for public health. Trapping sites have been specially selected considering field voles' habitats and ecological requirements. In total, 843 rodents were collected from 141 locations. The metacestodes and lesions of AE were identified as macroscopy and microscopy and confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Seventeen (2.0%) small mammals from 13 (9.2%) locations were found infected with E. multilocularis. Infected individuals were identified as Microtus irani, Microtus mystacinus, Microtus hartingi, Microtus guentheri, Cricetulus migratorius and Mus macedonicus. M. hartingi and M. macedonicus are documented for the first time as intermediate hosts of E. multilocularis. In conclusion, 15 of 17 infected small mammals were found in the Microtus genus. Therefore, the genus Microtus, which inhabits fields near villages and is potential prey for foxes, could be considered an important intermediate host for E. multilocularis across Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Tümay Gürler
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sadık Demirtaş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Cenk Soner Bölükbaş
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Elif Burcu Gençay
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Öykü Barılı
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Efe Karaca
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Aytaç Akçay
- Department of Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Açıcı
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Şinasi Umur
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Department of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Echinococcus multilocularis and Other Taeniid Metacestodes of Muskrats in Luxembourg: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Parasite Reproduction, and Genetic Diversity. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121414. [PMID: 36558748 PMCID: PMC9781964 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121414] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are competent intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, are frequently infected with this zoonotic cestode, and have even been proposed as a target species to monitor endemicity levels of this parasite. However, their contribution to maintaining the parasitic lifecycle is still unclear. To obtain data on infection frequency and reproductive potential, 280 muskrats from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were examined for cestode larvae in the years 2013−2017. Based on morphological and molecular identification, Echinococcus multilocularis was found at a prevalence of 14.6%. Other metacestodes were Hydatigera kamiyai, with a prevalence of 45.7%, Taenia martis with 8.9%, Taenia polyacantha with 5.0%, and Versteria mustelae, which was found in 0.7% of all muskrats. More than 80% of E. multilocularis-infected muskrats contained fertile metacestodes with a mean number of >300,000 (and up to 1,609,816) protoscoleces, which is by far the highest reproductive potential known from any intermediate host species in Europe. Temporal analysis of E. multilocularis prevalence within the study period (and in comparison with earlier data) strongly indicates a robust increase in the studied area. Host age seemed to be an important risk factor for infection, as well as co-infections with Hydatigera kamiyai. A preference for the right medial lobe of the liver as the location of E. multilocularis metacestode was observed. Intraspecific genetic variation among 89 discrete E. multilocularis metacestodes was non-existent based on 300−1590 bp sections of cox1. This is a stark contrast to H. kamiyai, of which nine haplotypes were found on a short 318 bp section of cox1, resulting in genetic diversity in the small country of Luxembourg at a similar level than previously reported from large stretches of Europe and northern Asia.
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Divari S, Danelli M, Pregel P, Ghielmetti G, Borel N, Bollo E. Biomolecular Investigation of Bartonella spp. in Wild Rodents of Two Swiss Regions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101331. [PMID: 34684280 PMCID: PMC8539893 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents represent a natural reservoir of several Bartonella species, including zoonotic ones. In this study, small wild rodents, collected from two sites in rural areas of Switzerland, were screened for Bartonella spp. using molecular detection methods. In brief, 346 rodents were trapped in two rural sites in the Gantrisch Nature Park of Switzerland (Plasselb, canton of Fribourg, and Riggisberg, canton of Bern). Pools of DNA originating from three animals were tested through a qPCR screening and an end-point PCR, amplifying the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer region and citrate synthase (gltA) loci, respectively. Subsequently, DNA was extracted from spleen samples belonging to single animals of gltA positive pools, and gltA and RNA polymerase subunit beta (rpoB) were detected by end-point PCR. Based on PCR results and sequencing, the prevalence of infection with Bartonella spp. in captured rodents, was 21.10% (73/346): 31.78% in Apodemus sp. (41/129), 10.47% in Arvicola scherman (9/86), 17.05% in Myodes glareolus (22/129), and 50% in Microtus agrestis (1/2). A significant association was observed between Bartonella spp. infection and rodent species (p < 0.01) and between trapping regions and positivity to Bartonella spp. infection (p < 0.001). Similarly, prevalence of Bartonella DNA was higher (p < 0.001) in rodents trapped in woodland areas (66/257, 25.68%) compared to those captured in open fields (9/89, 10.11%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the extracted Bartonella DNA belonged mainly to B. taylorii and also to Candidatus “Bartonella rudakovii”, B. grahamii, B. doshiae, and B. birtlesii. In conclusion, the present study could rise public health issues regarding Bartonella infection in rodents in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Divari
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Danelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Paola Pregel
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Giovanni Ghielmetti
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Enrico Bollo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Turin, Italy; (M.D.); (P.P.); (E.B.)
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Herrero-Cófreces S, Mougeot F, Lambin X, Luque-Larena JJ. Linking Zoonosis Emergence to Farmland Invasion by Fluctuating Herbivores: Common Vole Populations and Tularemia Outbreaks in NW Spain. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:698454. [PMID: 34458354 PMCID: PMC8397442 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.698454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The expansion and intensification of agriculture are driving profound changes in ecosystems worldwide, favoring the (re)emergence of many human infectious diseases. Muroid rodents are a key host group for zoonotic infectious pathogens and frequently invade farming environments, promoting disease transmission and spillover. Understanding the role that fluctuating populations of farm dwelling rodents play in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases is paramount to improve prevention schemes. Here, we review a decade of research on the colonization of farming environments in NW Spain by common voles (Microtus arvalis) and its public health impacts, specifically periodic tularemia outbreaks in humans. The spread of this colonizing rodent was analogous to an invasion process and was putatively triggered by the transformation and irrigation of agricultural habitats that created a novel terrestrial-aquatic interface. This irruptive rodent host is an effective amplifier for the Francisella tularensis bacterium during population outbreaks, and human tularemia episodes are tightly linked in time and space to periodic (cyclic) variations in vole abundance. Beyond the information accumulated to date, several key knowledge gaps about this pathogen-rodent epidemiological link remain unaddressed, namely (i) did colonizing vole introduce or amplified pre-existing F. tularensis? (ii) which features of the “Francisella—Microtus” relationship are crucial for the epidemiology of tularemia? (iii) how virulent and persistent F. tularensis infection is for voles under natural conditions? and (iv) where does the bacterium persist during inter-epizootics? Future research should focus on more integrated, community-based approaches in order to understand the details and dynamics of disease circulation in ecosystems colonized by highly fluctuating hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Herrero-Cófreces
- Dpto. Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid, Palencia, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Gestión Forestal Sostenible, Universidad de Valladolid, Palencia, Spain
| | - François Mougeot
- Grupo de Gestión de Recursos Cinegéticos y Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Juan José Luque-Larena
- Dpto. Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid, Palencia, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Gestión Forestal Sostenible, Universidad de Valladolid, Palencia, Spain
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Association between environmental and climatic risk factors and the spatial distribution of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in Kyrgyzstan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009498. [PMID: 34161356 PMCID: PMC8259979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis (CE and AE) are neglected tropical diseases caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and E. multilocularis, and are emerging zoonoses in Kyrgyzstan. In this country, the spatial distribution of CE and AE surgical incidence in 2014-2016 showed marked heterogeneity across communities, suggesting the presence of ecological determinants underlying CE and AE distributions. Methodology/Principal findings For this reason, in this study we assessed potential associations between community-level confirmed primary CE (no.=2359) or AE (no.=546) cases in 2014-2016 in Kyrgyzstan and environmental and climatic variables derived from satellite-remote sensing datasets using conditional autoregressive models. We also mapped CE and AE relative risk. The number of AE cases was negatively associated with 10-year lag mean annual temperature. Although this time lag should not be considered as an exact measurement but with associated uncertainty, it is consistent with the estimated 10–15-year latency following AE infection. No associations were detected for CE. We also identified several communities at risk for CE or AE where no disease cases were reported in the study period. Conclusions/Significance Our findings support the hypothesis that CE is linked to an anthropogenic cycle and is less affected by environmental risk factors compared to AE, which is believed to result from spillover from a wild life cycle. As CE was not affected by factors we investigated, hence control should not have a geographical focus. In contrast, AE risk areas identified in this study without reported AE cases should be targeted for active disease surveillance in humans. This active surveillance would confirm or exclude AE transmission which might not be reported with the present passive surveillance system. These areas should also be targeted for ecological investigations in the animal hosts. Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis (CE and AE) are parasitic zoonoses that cause a substantial disease burden in Kyrgyzstan. The etiologic agents of these diseases are parasites in the genus Echinococcus. These parasites have complex life cycles which include mammalian definitive and intermediate hosts and a free-living egg stage in the environment. Consequently, environmental and climatic factors can affect the prevalence and geographical distribution of these diseases because such factors influence the parasites’ eggs survival and longevity, and can affect suitable habitats for the intermediate and definitive hosts. In this geographic correlation study, we assessed environmental and climatic determinants of the spatial distributions of CE and AE in Kyrgyzstan. We found that 10-year lag annual temperature plays an important role in AE distribution, whilst none of the variables assessed was found to significantly affect that of CE. Moreover, communities at risk where these diseases are potentially under- or misdiagnosed were identified. Our findings provide vital information for targeted, area-specific interventions in Kyrgyzstan, and add to the body of knowledge on the ecology of these neglected parasitic diseases that are emerging and reemerging in several regions in North America, Europe and Asia.
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Abi Khalil R, Barbier B, Rached A, Benoit E, Pinot A, Lattard V. Water vole management - Could anticoagulant rodenticides stereochemistry mitigate the ecotoxicity issues associated to their use? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:103536. [PMID: 33130091 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic water vole population explosions can be controlled in some European countries with anticoagulant rodenticides leading sometimes to wildlife poisonings due to the toxin's tissue persistence. Here, we analyzed the pharmacokinetics of rodenticide residues in voles and we explored potential ways of improving the mass application of these agents based on the concept of stereoisomers. We demonstrated the dramatic persistence of bromadiolone in vole tissues with a hepatic half-life of about 10-30 days, while the tissue persistence of chlorophacinone is rather short with a hepatic half-life of about one day. The dramatic persistence of bromadiolone is due to the trans-isomer group (the major compound in bromadiolone), while the cis-isomer group has a short half-life. Because of resistance to chlorophacinone, the cis-bromadiolone isomers may constitute an excellent compromise between efficacy and ecotoxicological risk to control voles. A mathematical model is proposed to favor the development of baits mixed with cis-isomer groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Abi Khalil
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, University of Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Brigitte Barbier
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, University of Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Antoine Rached
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, University of Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, University of Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Adrien Pinot
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, University of Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, University of Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
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11
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Joekel DE, Nur S, Monné Rodriguez J, Kronenberg PA, Kipar A, LeibundGut-Landmann S, Deplazes P. Agranulocytosis leads to intestinal Echinococcus multilocularis oncosphere invasion and hepatic metacestode development in naturally resistant Wistar rats. Parasitology 2021; 148:53-62. [PMID: 33087186 PMCID: PMC11010136 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Susceptibility to Echinococcus multilocularis infection considerably varies among intermediate (mostly rodents) and dead-end host species (e.g. humans and pig), in particular regarding intestinal oncosphere invasion and subsequent hepatic metacestode development. Wistar rats are highly resistant to infection and subsequent diseases upon oral inoculation with E. multilocularis eggs, however, after immunosuppressive treatment with dexamethasone, rats become susceptible. To address the role of the cellular innate immunity, Wistar rats were individually or combined depleted of natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (MΦ) and granulocytes (polymorphonuclear cells, PMN) prior to E. multilocularis egg inoculation. Although NK cell and MΦ depletion did not alter the resistance status of rats, the majority of PMN-depleted animals developed liver metacestodes within 10 weeks, indicating that PMN are key players in preventing oncosphere migration and/or development in Wistar rats. In vitro studies indicated that resistance is not caused by neutrophil reactive oxygen species or NETosis. Also, light microscopical examinations of the small intestine showed that oral inoculation of E. multilocularis eggs does not elicit a mucosal neutrophil response, suggesting that the interaction of oncospheres and neutrophils may occur after the former have entered the peripheral blood. We suggest to consider granulocytes as mediators of resistance in more resistant species, such as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah E. Joekel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Selim Nur
- Section of Immunology, Institute of Virology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Josep Monné Rodriguez
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp A. Kronenberg
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology (LAMP), Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann
- Section of Immunology, Institute of Virology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Peterhans S, Landolt P, Friedel U, Oberhänsli F, Dennler M, Willi B, Senn M, Hinden S, Kull K, Kipar A, Stephan R, Ghielmetti G. Mycobacterium microti: Not Just a Coincidental Pathogen for Cats. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:590037. [PMID: 33344530 PMCID: PMC7744565 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.590037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Public interest in animal tuberculosis is mainly focused on prevention and eradication of bovine tuberculosis in cattle and wildlife. In cattle, immunodiagnostic tests such as the tuberculin skin test or the interferon gamma (IFN-γ) assay have been established and are commercially available. Feline tuberculosis is rather unknown, and the available diagnostic tools are limited. However, infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members need to be considered an aetiological differential diagnosis in cats with granulomatous lymphadenopathy or skin nodules and, due to the zoonotic potential, a time-efficient and accurate diagnostic approach is required. The present study describes 11 independent cases of Mycobacterium microti infection in domestic cats in Switzerland. For three cases, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, bacteriological results, immunodiagnostic testing, and pathological features are reported. An adapted feline IFN-γ release assay was successfully applied in two cases and appears to be a promising tool for the ante mortem diagnosis of tuberculosis in cats. Direct contact with M. microti reservoir hosts was suspected to be the origin of infection in all three cases. However, there was no evidence of M. microti infection in 346 trapped wild mice from a presumptive endemic region. Therefore, the source and modalities of infection in cats in Switzerland remain to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Peterhans
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Landolt
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ute Friedel
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias Dennler
- Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Karin Kull
- Dres. Kull, Gross- und Kleintierpraxis, Ernen, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Stephan
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Ghielmetti
- Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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A grid-cell based fecal sampling scheme reveals: land-use and altitude affect prevalence rates of Angiostrongylus vasorum and other parasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2235-2245. [PMID: 31079253 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In view of the role of foxes as a reservoir for Angiostrongylus vasorum, a nematode of the heart and lungs of dogs and foxes, its occurrence across Switzerland was investigated in foxes applying a standardized sampling scheme for fox fecal samples. In 72 study areas, which consisted of three 1-km2 grid cells, a total of 1481 samples were collected by walking transects following linear features in the terrain, and analyzed by a flotation-sieving method. The overall prevalence rate of A. vasorum in fecal samples was 8.8% (95% confidence interval, CI 7.4-10.3%), being significantly higher in the Swiss Plateau (11.4%, CI. 9.4-13.8%) compared with other bioregions, and more prevalent in areas with less than 50% of cultivated land (p = 0.043). Prevalence rates increased with decreasing altitudes being significantly higher below 400 m above sea level (20.6%, 95% CI 15.2-26.9%), while all samples collected above 900 m asl were negative. Eggs of Toxocara sp. (12.1%), Taeniidae (10.5%), Capillaria spp. (8.3%), Trichuris vulpis (5.5%), hookworms (5.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and Strongyloides sp. (0.4%) were furthermore identified. Taeniid eggs were positively and Capillaria spp. negatively associated with the amount of cultivated land. The prevalence rates based on our fecal analyses were generally lower compared with previous studies from Switzerland which were based on fox necropsies. However, the grid cell-based sampling scheme with replicable transects for fox feces collection proved to be a suitable, non-invasive method for parasitic large-scale surveys providing information on the relative infectious pressure for the local dog population.
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14
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Wen H, Vuitton L, Tuxun T, Li J, Vuitton DA, Zhang W, McManus DP. Echinococcosis: Advances in the 21st Century. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 32:e00075-18. [PMID: 30760475 PMCID: PMC6431127 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00075-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 498] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by cestodes of the genus Echinococcus (family Taeniidae). This serious and near-cosmopolitan disease continues to be a significant public health issue, with western China being the area of highest endemicity for both the cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) forms of echinococcosis. Considerable advances have been made in the 21st century on the genetics, genomics, and molecular epidemiology of the causative parasites, on diagnostic tools, and on treatment techniques and control strategies, including the development and deployment of vaccines. In terms of surgery, new procedures have superseded traditional techniques, and total cystectomy in CE, ex vivo resection with autotransplantation in AE, and percutaneous and perendoscopic procedures in both diseases have improved treatment efficacy and the quality of life of patients. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, management, control, and prevention of CE and AE. Currently there is no alternative drug to albendazole to treat echinococcosis, and new compounds are required urgently. Recently acquired genomic and proteomic information can provide a platform for improving diagnosis and for finding new drug and vaccine targets, with direct impact in the future on the control of echinococcosis, which continues to be a global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia and WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, Urumqi, China
| | - Lucine Vuitton
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis and French National Centre for Echinococcosis, University Bourgogne Franche-Comte and University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Tuerhongjiang Tuxun
- Department of Liver and Laparoscopic Surgery, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia and WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, Urumqi, China
- Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dominique A Vuitton
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis and French National Centre for Echinococcosis, University Bourgogne Franche-Comte and University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia and WHO Collaborating Centre for Prevention and Care Management of Echinococcosis, Urumqi, China
- Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Petersen HH, Al-Sabi MNS, Enemark HL, Kapel CMO, Jørgensen JA, Chriél M. Echinococcus multilocularis in Denmark 2012-2015: high local prevalence in red foxes. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2577-2584. [PMID: 29858941 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5947-y] [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: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In Western Europe, the Echinococcus multilocularis lifecycle is predominantly sylvatic, typically involving red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as the main definitive hosts with Microtus spp. and Arvicola spp. as intermediate hosts. During a 4-year surveillance study (2012-2015), Danish red foxes and raccoon dogs (n = 1345) were examined for E. multilocularis. Moreover, 134 insectivores and rodents collected in South Jutland during spring and summer 2016 were examined for the presence of metacestodes. The sedimentation and counting technique and molecular typing were used to identify E. multilocularis infections in the carnivores, while the rodent livers were examined macro- and microscopically for parasite lesions. Following morphological identification of E. multilocularis adult worms, the identity was verified by sequence analysis of the 12S rRNA gene in most cases (n = 13). Echinococcus multilocularis infection was demonstrated in 19 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) originating from only two specific areas of South Jutland, namely Højer and Grindsted, and in two raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), originating from Højer. In Højer, 28.5% (CI 95% 11.7-45.3) of the examined red foxes were E. multilocularis positive per year. Moreover, positive red foxes were identified each year from 2012 to 2015, while E. multilocularis positive red foxes were only identified in Grindsted in 2013 (4.0%) and 2014 (6.4%). In contrast, all collected rodents were negative for E. multilocularis. We conclude that E. multilocularis is locally endemic in South Jutland with a high local prevalence in Højer.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Petersen
- Section for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - M N S Al-Sabi
- Section for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Queen Alia Airport St. 594, P.O. Box 130, 11733, Amman, Jordan
| | - H L Enemark
- Section for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750, Sentrum, 0106, Oslo, Norway
| | - C M O Kapel
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Section for Organismal Biology, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - J A Jørgensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Section for Organismal Biology, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - M Chriél
- Section for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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