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Baz-González E, Abreu-Acosta N, Foronda P. High Prevalence of Microsporidia in the North African Hedgehog ( Atelerix algirus) in the Canary Islands, Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1756. [PMID: 37889680 PMCID: PMC10251962 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are unicellular eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites with a wide range of hosts reported worldwide; however, little is known about the epidemiological data on microsporidia infection in animals from the Canary Islands. Since data on microsporidia infection in hedgehog species are scarce, the aim of this study was to analyze the presence and identity of microsporidia in a group of North African hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) using microscopic and molecular methods. From December 2020 to September 2021, a total of 36 fecal samples were collected from naturally deceased hedgehogs from Tenerife and Gran Canaria. All samples showed spore-compatible structures (100%; 36/36) under microscopic analysis, of which 61.1% (22/36) were amplified via the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. After Sanger sequencing and ITS analysis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 47.2% (17/36) of the samples, identifying two novel genotypes (AAE1 and AAE2), followed by the detection of an undetermined species in 8.3% (3/36) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in 5.6% (2/36) of the samples. This study constitutes the first report of microsporidia species in Atelerix algirus worldwide, highlighting the high prevalence of zoonotic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Baz-González
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas y Farmacéuticas, Desarrollo y Calidad de Vida, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Néstor Abreu-Acosta
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Nertalab S.L.U., 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avda. Astrofísico F. Sánchez s/n, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
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2
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Agnew D. Pathology of Perinatal Disorders. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023:S0195-5616(23)00070-0. [PMID: 37221102 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal deaths including abortions, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths are an important economic and emotional challenge for companion animal owners, breeders, and veterinarians. A protocol for the investigation of perinatal deaths in dogs and cats is described, including examination of the placenta. Specific lesions of common infectious diseases leading to perinatal death are presented, as well as the more prevalent noninfectious causes. These include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, metabolic causes, "accidents of pregnancy," nutritional deficiencies, intoxications, hormonal causes, and heritable and nonheritable congenital defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalen Agnew
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 784 Wilson Road D208 VMC, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Škrbec M, Dovč A, Hrženjak NM, Slavec B, Žlabravec Z, Kočar N, Rojs OZ, Račnik J. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection of Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Slovenia between 2017 and 2021. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040516. [PMID: 37111402 PMCID: PMC10143470 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidial parasite that primarily infects domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It is the causative agent of encephalitozoonosis, a disease with an internationally recognized seroprevalence among rabbits. This study determines the presence, clinical manifestation, and serological status of encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits in Slovenia using various diagnostic procedures. From 2017 to 2021, 224 pet rabbit sera were collected and tested for encephalitozoonosis with the indirect immunofluorescence assay. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against E. cuniculi were confirmed in 160 (65.6%) cases. Most seropositive rabbits suffered from neurological clinical signs or signs of gastrointestinal disorders such as recurrent hypomotilities, chronic weight loss, cachexia, or anorexia, and fewer showed clinical signs related to the urinary system or phacoclastic uveitis. A quarter of the positively tested rabbits presented without clinical signs. Hematological and biochemical blood analysis confirmed that seropositive animals had elevated globulin and deviated albumin levels in comparison to the normal reference values of non-infected animals. Furthermore, rabbits with neurological clinical signs showed statistically significant higher levels of globulins and total protein. Sixty-eight whole-body radiographs and thirty-two abdominal ultrasound reports were analyzed, looking for changes in the shape or size of the urinary bladder, presence of urinary sludge or uroliths, and any abnormalities related to the kidneys (shape, size, or nephrolites). The results suggest that neurological defects in the urinary bladder caused by E. cuniculi lead to a distended urinary bladder and consequently dysuria, incontinence, urine scalding, and sludgy urine.
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Santaniello A, Perruolo G, Cristiano S, Agognon AL, Cabaro S, Amato A, Dipineto L, Borrelli L, Formisano P, Fioretti A, Oriente F. SARS-CoV-2 Affects Both Humans and Animals: What Is the Potential Transmission Risk? A Literature Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020514. [PMID: 36838479 PMCID: PMC9959838 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization Department declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic, as a consequence of its rapid spread on all continents. The COVID-19 pandemic has been not only a health emergency but also a serious general problem as fear of contagion and severe restrictions put economic and social activity on hold in many countries. Considering the close link between human and animal health, COVID-19 might infect wild and companion animals, and spawn dangerous viral mutants that could jump back and pose an ulterior threat to us. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the pandemic, with a particular focus on the clinical manifestations in humans and animals, the different diagnosis methods, the potential transmission risks, and their potential direct impact on the human-animal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6134 (A.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Perruolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Cristiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.C.); Tel.: +39-081-253-6134 (A.S.)
| | - Ayewa Lawoe Agognon
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Cabaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Amato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Baz-González E, Martin-Carrillo N, García-Livia K, Abreu-Acosta N, Foronda P. Molecular Detection of Microsporidia in Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121796. [PMID: 36552305 PMCID: PMC9775083 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are microsporidia with zoonotic potential that have been identified in humans, as well as in a large group of wild and domestic animals. Several wildlife species have been studied as reservoirs of zoonotic microsporidia in mainland Spain, including the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Due to a lack of data on microsporidia infection in wildlife on the Canary Islands, the aim of this work was to analyze the prevalence and identify the species of microsporidia in rabbits in Tenerife. Between 2015 and 2017, a total of 50 fecal samples were collected from rabbits in eight municipalities of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Seven of the fifty samples (14%) were amplified using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. Sanger sequencing reveals the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in two samples (4%), and undescribed microsporidia species in five samples (10%). This study constitutes the first molecular detection and genotyping of E. cuniculi in rabbits in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Baz-González
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Natalia Martin-Carrillo
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Katherine García-Livia
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Néstor Abreu-Acosta
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Nertalab S.L., 38008 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Valenčáková A, Sučik M, Danišová O, Kandráčová P, Tomko M, Valocký I. Detection of Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Encephalitozoon spp. among wild animals from Eastern Slovakia. Acta Vet Hung 2022; 70:220-225. [PMID: 36129794 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00026] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to draw attention to the risk of transmission of Encephalitozoon, Cryptosporidium and Blastocystis infection due to high animal migration and to point out that even wild animals can be a source of many zoonotic diseases. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. are frequent microscopic organisms that parasitise humans, domestic and wild animals. Two hundred and fifty-five faecal specimens were collected from wild boars, badgers, wolves, bears, foxes and deer from 15 locations in Slovakia. Sequencing of positive PCR products and subsequent sequence comparison with GenBank sequences identified Blastocystis spp. in five wild boars. The ST 5 (n = 4) and ST 10 (n = 1) subtypes were determined by genotyping. We identified Encephalitozoon cuniculi in five wild boars, and genotype II (n = 5) was determined on the basis of ITS repeat sequences. Cryptosporidium scrofarum was sequenced in wolves (n = 4) and wild boars (n = 1), while Cryptosporidium suis only in wild boars (n = 2). None of the wild boars had a mixed infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Valenčáková
- 1 Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Monika Sučik
- 1 Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Oľga Danišová
- 1 Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Petra Kandráčová
- 1 Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Martin Tomko
- 1 Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Igor Valocký
- 2 Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Košice, Slovak Republic
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Magalhães TR, Pinto FF, Queiroga FL. A multidisciplinary review about Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a One Health perspective. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2463-2479. [PMID: 35840730 PMCID: PMC9286959 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite mostly associated with its natural host, the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). However, other animals can be infected, like other mammals, birds, and even humans. Although it usually causes subclinical infection, it can also lead to encephalitozoonosis, a clinical disease characterized by neurological, ocular, and/or renal signs that can be even fatal, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, this multidisciplinary review contributes with updated information about the E. cuniculi, deepening in its molecular and genetic characterization, its mechanisms of infection and transmission, and its prevalence among different species and geographic locations, in a One Health perspective. Recent information about the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the main host species and the prophylaxis and infection control measures currently suggested are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Rodrigues Magalhães
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Filipe Fontes Pinto
- HIPRA, Malveira, Portugal
- Cytology Diagnostic Services, Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Felisbina Luisa Queiroga
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Sciences, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Occurrence and molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Turkey. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106568. [PMID: 35716763 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular fungus-like parasites that infect humans and animals worldwide. However, there is limited epidemiological data on the occurrence and molecular diversity of microsporidia in buffaloes worldwide. In the present study, fecal samples of 300 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Kayseri, Sivas, and Samsun provinces of Turkey were investigated using two nested PCR assays targeting the rRNA of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. All the fecal samples from water buffalo were found to be negative for Encephalitozoon spp. PCR positive isolates of E. bieneusi were bidirectionally sequenced for genotyping and phylogenetic analyses. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the only microsporidian species identified in 8 water buffaloes with an overall molecular prevalence of 2.7%. Two known genotypes, YNDCEB-90 (n = 5) and J (n = 3) were identified by ITS sequence analysis. The YNDCEB-90 and J genotypes fall into zoonotic Group 1 and 2 of E. bieneusi in the phylogenetic tree, respectively. These findings suggested that water buffalo in Turkey are harbouring zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi and may have a significant risk for zoonotic transmission to humans. This is the first report of detecting E. bieneusi genotypes J and YNDCEB-90 in water buffaloes. Further insight into the epidemiology of E. bieneusi in water buffaloes in different geographical areas in Turkey will be highly important to have determined the public health significance of this pathogen.
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