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Arcenillas-Hernández I, Ruiz de Ybáñez MR, Tizzani P, Pérez-Cutillas P, Martínez-Carrasco C. Influence of environmental factors on the occurrence of gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematodes in the red fox in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105199. [PMID: 38458043 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105199] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Human-induced ecosystem fragmentation is one of the drivers causing wildlife migration from their natural habitats to urban areas, among other reasons. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most abundant wild canid in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Water scarcity may result in areas shared by synanthropic fox populations and domestic animals becoming hotspots for parasite transmission. This study describes the gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematode species affecting fox populations in these semi-arid areas and the influence of environmental variables on parasite abundance. A total of 167 foxes collected from 2015 to 2021 in the Region of Murcia (SE Spain) were analysed. Parasite abundance and spatial distribution were evaluated using environmental variables and host characteristics with a Generalised Linear Model and the Moran index. Eleven species (seven from the gastrointestinal tract and four from the cardiopulmonary tract) were described. The influence of biotic and abiotic variables was studied for Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Temperature, humidity and areas of forest or agricultural land influenced the abundance of these parasites, providing optimal conditions for free-living stages of the direct life cycle nematodes and intermediate hosts. Absolute abundance distribution maps showed defined locations for C. vulpis, T. canis and T. leonina. The results for U. stenocephala, T. canis and T. leonina were particularly important as their higher abundance levels were found close to anthropized areas, which need to be carefully evaluated to prevent transmission of these nematodes between domestic and wild canids and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Arcenillas-Hernández
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - M R Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - P Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - P Pérez-Cutillas
- Departamento de Geografía, Facultad de Letras, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de La Merced, 30001 Murcia, Spain
| | - C Martínez-Carrasco
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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2
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Arcenillas-Hernández I, de Ybáñez MRR, Martínez-Carrasco C. What is the sensitivity and exactness of post-mortem diagnostic method for cardiopulmonary nematodes in wild carnivores? towards the gold standard. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1369-1378. [PMID: 36918466 PMCID: PMC10485123 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10084-3] [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: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary nematodes cause health and fitness disorders in wild and domestic carnivores. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) participates in the spread of these shared parasites at the domestic-wildlife interface. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of post-mortem diagnostic method for detecting lungworms in carnivores, and its exactness to estimate the parasite intensity of each nematode species. Cardiorespiratory system of fifty-one foxes were examined through three consecutively methodological steps: first, the tracheobronchial tree, pulmonary arteries and their branches were opened (OT); next, lung parenchyma was immersed in water and squeezed (WS); finally, the parenchyma was artificially digested in a pepsin and chlorhydric acid solution (AD). Eucoleus aerophilus, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis and Metathelazia capsulata were identified. The number of recovered nematodes in each step were 454 (OT), 285 (WS) and 141 (AD). The use of OT and WS helped to improve parasite intensity results and decreased false negative cases. Accordingly, when OT and WS were used together, the sensitivity in the detection of parasitized foxes was 96.1%, while the exactness of parasite intensity was 84%. When AD was performed, although sensitivity does not rise, results were more exact, increasing the total number of detected parasites by 16%. Moreover, AD improved the sensitivity in the detection of A. vasorum and M. capsulata, as well as quantifying more exactly the parasite intensity (92.5% and 92.3% of exactness without AD, respectively). Our study provides valuable information that should be taken into account when planning epidemiological studies based on cardiopulmonary nematode detection in carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Arcenillas-Hernández
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare, Nostrum" Universidad de Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, España
| | - M R Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare, Nostrum" Universidad de Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, España.
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare, Nostrum" Universidad de Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, España
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Estévez-Sánchez E, Checa R, Montoya A, Barrera JP, López-Beceiro AM, Fidalgo LE, Miró G. A High Prevalence of Cardiopulmonary Worms Detected in the Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus): A Threat for Wild and Domestic Canids. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172289. [PMID: 36078008 PMCID: PMC9454501 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is a recognized reservoir of some zoonotic parasites that cause diseases transmissible to domestic animals and/or humans. The objective of this study was to determine the diversity of species of cardiopulmonary nematode parasites that affect wolves in northwestern Spain, and to estimate their prevalence and the relationship between these parasites and various epidemiological variables. The cardiopulmonary systems of 57 wolves from Galicia were examined using dissection and cup sedimentation techniques, and the collected worms were then morphologically identified. The overall prevalence of infection by cardiopulmonary nematodes was 24.5%, and the parasite species identified were Angiostrongylus vasorum (19.3%), Crenosoma vulpis (7%) and Eucoleus aerophilus (3.5%). The latter is of zoonotic interest. A significant relationship was found between age and C. vulpis infection, which was only found in animals under one year of age. Our findings indicate that the Iberian wolf could play an important role in maintaining cardiopulmonary parasites in the wild, and they highlight a need to identify potential risks for veterinary and public health. Abstract Cardiopulmonary nematodes are highly pathogenic parasites affecting domestic and wild canids. As the result of conservation programs, the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) population has recently expanded, and its distribution range covers lands from where it had long disappeared. However, the exact epidemiological role of the wolf in the life cycle of zoonotic parasites causing diseases transmissible to pets and/or humans is largely unknown. This study sought to determine the diversity of cardiopulmonary nematode parasite species that affect wolves inhabiting northwestern areas of the Iberian Peninsula, and to estimate their prevalence and the relationship between these parasites and several epidemiological variables. For this purpose, we examined the cardiopulmonary systems of 57 wolves from Galicia (from the provinces A Coruña n = 15, Lugo n = 21, Ourense n =15 and Pontevedra n = 6) using techniques of dissection and cup sedimentation. Collected worms were then identified under a light microscope according to their morphological features. Three species of nematodes were detected: Angiostrongylus vasorum (the “French-heartworm”), Crenosoma vulpis and Eucoleus aerophilus, the latter being of zoonotic interest. The prevalence was 24.5% (14/57; 95% CI 13.3–35.6%) overall, 19.3% for A. vasorum (11/57; 95% CI 8.8–29.2%), 7% for C. vulpis (4/57; 95% CI 0.4–13.6%) and 3.5% for E. aerophilus (2/57; CI −1.1–9.1%). A significant relationship (p = 0.002) was found between age and the presence of C. vulpis, which was only found in juvenile animals. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of A. vasorum and/or C. vulpis was observed in wolves with a lower body condition score (40% and 20%, respectively), though the difference was not significant (p = 0.221 and p = 0.444, respectively). Our findings indicate a high “French-heartworm” and lungworm burden in the wolf population of northern Spain, and they identify a need for studies designed to elucidate the epidemiological role played by the Iberian wolf and to identify possible risks for veterinary and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrén Estévez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Checa
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montoya
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Barrera
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana María López-Beceiro
- Departamento de Anatomía, Producción Animal y Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Terra, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Departamento de Anatomía, Producción Animal y Ciencias Clínicas Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Terra, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: author: ; Tel.: +34-913943711
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Remesar S, García‐Dios D, Calabuig N, Prieto A, Díaz‐Cao JM, López‐Lorenzo G, López C, Fernández G, Morrondo P, Panadero R, Díaz P. Cardiorespiratory nematodes and co-infections with gastrointestinal parasites in new arrivals at dog and cat shelters in north-western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3141-e3153. [PMID: 35880814 PMCID: PMC9804432 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastrongyloid and trichuroid cardiorespiratory nematodes of dogs and cats are considered emergent in several European countries, and an increase in the number and extent of endemic foci has been described. Since data on their prevalence are limited in this continent, faecal samples from new arrivals (365 dogs and 65 cats) at two animal shelters in North-western Spain were analysed using both floatation and Baermann techniques. In order to confirm the microscopic identification of Metastrongylidae first stage larvae, molecular characterization based on the sequence of the ITS-2 was performed. The possible influence of some variables such as the species, sex and age of the animals and the co-infection with other gastrointestinal parasites on the prevalence of cardiorespiratory nematodes was analysed. The most prevalent metastrongylid was Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (15.4%) followed by Angiostrongylus vasorum (4.1%) and Crenosoma vulpis (1.1%). Regarding trichuroids, Eucoleus aerophilus and/or Eucoleus boehmi eggs were detected in 28 dogs (7.7%) and four cats (6.2%). Almost all animals positive to cardiorespiratory nematodes (86.8%) were co-infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The prevalence of Metastrongylidae and respiratory trichuroids was significantly higher in dogs co-infected with Taenia spp. and Toxocara canis or Giardia duodenalis and Sarcocystis spp., respectively. In cats, a significant higher prevalence of Metastrongylidae nematodes was found in animals co-infected with Toxocara cati. Our results reveal that cardiorespiratory nematodes are common in companion animals from north-western Spain, showing higher prevalences than those previously reported from this country. This investigation represents the first report of C. vulpis, E. aerophilus and E. boehmi in dogs from Spain. The identification of a number of zoonotic parasites is of public health concern. Our results indicate that these nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs and cats from north-western Spain showing respiratory or cardiac clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Remesar
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - David García‐Dios
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Néstor Calabuig
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Alberto Prieto
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Jose Manuel Díaz‐Cao
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Gonzalo López‐Lorenzo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Ceferino López
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Gonzalo Fernández
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Patrocinio Morrondo
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Investigación en Sanidad Animal: Galicia (Grupo INVESAGA)Facultade de VeterinariaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
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Carretón E, Morchón R, García-Rodríguez SN, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Matos JI, Costa-Rodríguez N, Montoya-Alonso JA. Comprehensive Map of Canine Angiostrongylosis in Dogs in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172217. [PMID: 36077937 PMCID: PMC9454907 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine angiostrongylosis is an emerging disease caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum, mainly affecting wild carnivores and dogs. In Spain, there are studies reporting infections in foxes, wolves, and badgers in different regions of the country. However, there are hardly any publications on its prevalence in dogs. The aim of this study was to complete and update the epidemiologic map of A. vasorum in dogs in Spain. A total of 5619 canine blood samples from all autonomous cities and provinces of Spain were collected and tested for the presence of circulating A. vasorum antigens. The overall apparent prevalence of canine A. vasorum infection in Spain was 1.39%. No significant differences were found for sex or age, but significant differences between outdoor and indoor/outdoor dogs were found. A high prevalence was also observed in the northern third of the country, where an oceanic climate prevails, being humid and rainy and where abundant vegetation can be found, thus favoring the proliferation of intermediate hosts. The results suggest that A. vasorum canine infections are heterogeneously present in a large part of the territory, demonstrating its expansion throughout the country, and therefore, awareness and prevention campaigns for this disease should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carretón
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Nieves García-Rodríguez
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - Noelia Costa-Rodríguez
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Veterinary Medicine and Therapeutic Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Spain
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Colombo M, Traversa D, Grillotti E, Pezzuto C, De Tommaso C, Pampurini F, Schaper R, Drake J, Crisi PE, Russi I, Ripamonti M, Di Cesare A. Highly Variable Clinical Pictures in Dogs Naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111372. [PMID: 34832528 PMCID: PMC8621248 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine angiostrongylosis by Angiostrongylus vasorum is increasingly reported in both enzootic and previously free areas. The complex pathogenesis of the disease makes the clinical workup challenging. Infected dogs show highly variable clinical pictures, characterized by subclinical to life-threatening general, cardio-respiratory, neurological and/or gastrointestinal signs. The present study reports the high variability of clinical pictures from 36 dogs across central and southern Italy that were naturally infected by A. vasorum. Of them, 23 (63.9%) presented at least one clinical sign, while 13 (36.1%) were subclinically infected and apparently healthy. Overall, 19 dogs (52.8%) showed cardiorespiratory signs, 14 (38.9%) had non-specific abnormalities, 2 (5.6%) presented coagulation disorders and 1 (2.8%) had a severe neurological condition. Importantly, four dogs presenting with clinical signs had neither cough nor dyspnea. These results underline that angiostrongylosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, even when dogs display only non-specific clinical signs. The proportion of apparently healthy dogs highlights the relevance of routine copromicroscopic and/or antigenic tests in enzootic areas to avoid the sudden onset of potentially life-threatening signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Grillotti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Reate, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Pezzuto
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Pezzuto Carlo/Piano Noemi, 86010 Campobasso, Italy;
| | | | - Fabrizio Pampurini
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Roland Schaper
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Paolo Emidio Crisi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Ilaria Russi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Marco Ripamonti
- Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA; (F.P.); (R.S.); (J.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (E.G.); (P.E.C.); (I.R.); (A.D.C.)
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Morelli S, Gori F, Colombo M, Traversa D, Sarrocco G, Simonato G, Nespeca C, Di Cesare A, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Veronesi F, Russi I, Schnyder M. Simultaneous Exposure to Angiostrongylus vasorum and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Dogs from Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:1200. [PMID: 34578232 PMCID: PMC8472057 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several drivers have recently fostered the expansion of Angiostrongylus vasorum throughout Europe, where Vector-Borne Pathogens (VBPs) are also spreading. However, the level of simultaneous risk of infection is still unknown in canine populations. This study evaluated the simultaneous exposure to A. vasorum and major canine VBPs in dogs of Italy. Sera of 294 dogs were subjected to two ELISAs, detecting A. vasorum circulating antigens and antibodies against the parasite, and to the following assays: (i) SNAP® 4DX (IDEXX Laboratories Inc.) detecting Dirofilaria immitis antigens, and antibodies vs. Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and (ii) IFAT for the detection of antibodies vs. Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis and Rickettsia conorii. Twenty-two (7.5%, CI: 4.8-11.1%) and six (2%, CI: 0.7-4.4%) dogs scored positive for circulating A. vasorum antibodies and antigens, respectively. Seventeen dogs (5.8%, CI: 3.4-9.1%) were positive for A. vasorum antibodies + at least one VBP, three (1%, CI: 0.2-3%) for A. vasorum antigen + at least one VBP, while one dog (0.3%, CI: 0.01-1.88%) was positive for A. vasorum antigen + A. vasorum antibodies + B. canis antibodies. These results show that dogs living in different regions of Italy are at risk of simultaneous infections with both A. vasorum and VBPs. Despite the same scenario being likely in other countries of Europe, the current knowledge is scant. Therefore, further studies are warranted to amplify current epizootiological information and to understand whether control programs should be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Francesca Gori
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (F.G.); (M.S.)
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Giulia Sarrocco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Giulia Simonato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Lengaro, Italy; (G.S.); (A.F.d.R.)
| | - Chiara Nespeca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | | | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Russi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (D.T.); (G.S.); (C.N.); (A.D.C.); (I.R.)
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (F.G.); (M.S.)
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