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Camacho M, Antonietti M, Sayegh Y, Colson JD, Kunkler AL, Clauss KD, Muniz-Castro H, Lee WW, Yoo SH, Johnson TE, Dubovy SR. Ocular Dirofilariasis: A Clinicopathologic Case Series and Literature Review. Ocul Oncol Pathol 2024; 10:43-52. [PMID: 38751499 PMCID: PMC11095593 DOI: 10.1159/000533340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ocular dirofilariasis is an uncommon zoonotic infection that is usually associated with a carnivore host. In this case series and literature review, we investigate the clinical presentation, management, and histopathology of ocular dirofilariasis. Methods The database at the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory was searched for surgical specimens at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute under approval of the Institutional Review Board. Patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of dirofilariasis between the years 1962 and 2022 from the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory database were included (n = 3). A systematic PubMed search was conducted by two independent authors to identify published cases of ophthalmic dirofilariasis worldwide. Keywords were used to identify articles, and exclusion criteria were applied. Results Three patients, two males and one female, were identified from the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory database with a diagnosis of ocular dirofilariasis. The mean age was 46.7 years (with a range 33-57 years). There were two eyelid lesions (Cases 1 and 3) and one involving the subconjunctival space (Case 2). All three organisms were excised and presumptively identified as Dirofilaria tenuis. All 3 patients were managed with curative surgical removal and recovered completely. Our review of the literature identified 540 published reports and 142 published reports with 186 cases that met the exclusion criteria. Conclusion We present a case series and literature review of ocular dirofilariasis. Knowledge of the incidence, risk factors, prevention, and diagnosis of this unique parasitic infection will help in proper management and prevent further ocular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Camacho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- The Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Yoseph Sayegh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- The Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jordan D. Colson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anne L. Kunkler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kevin D. Clauss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Muniz-Castro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wendy W. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sonia H. Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Thomas E. Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sander R. Dubovy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- The Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Ballesteros N, Castañeda S, Muñoz M, Flórez A, Pinilla JC, Ramírez JD. The first report of Dirofilaria repens infection in dogs from Colombia. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2445-2450. [PMID: 37530869 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07926-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Dirofilaria parasites, affecting both wild and domestic animals, including humans considered as accidental hosts. Dirofilaria repens is the principal causative agent of dirofilariasis in the Old World, with increasing reports of the parasite in countries where it has not been previously identified, due to several factors such as the expansion of mosquito vectors' geographical distribution. By utilizing newly designed primers for molecular detection and confirming through next-generation sequencing, here, we report the first plausible cases of D. repens in dogs from Colombia. Our results support the classification of this species as an emergent pathogen in the Americas. Finally, we encourage an increase in diagnostic and surveillance efforts to prevent and control the current and future dirofilariasis cases in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Ballesteros
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angel Flórez
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Villanueva-Saz S, Giner J, Verde M, Yzuel A, Lacasta D, Ruíz H, Basurco A, González A, Marteles D, Fernández A. First serological study of Dirofilaria immitis antibodies in household domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in southern Spain - Short communication. Acta Vet Hung 2022; 70:282-286. [PMID: 36227716 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is an endemic mosquito-borne pathogen widely spread throughout Europe as well as North and South America. Infection by D. immitis has been reported in domestic ferrets, although little is known about the occurrence and the epidemiological features of this nematode in this species. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of D. immitis antibodies using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specifically developed for use in ferrets. One hundred and eighty-six serum samples were obtained from the Province of Valencia (Spain), an area endemic for dirofilariosis. Of the 186 serum samples included in the study, 27 (14.51%) were classified as D. immitis seropositive and 159 samples as D. immitis seronegative. The results provide valuable information on the seroprevalence of D. immitis infection in domestic ferrets in an area endemic for this vector-borne pathogen. The presence of seropositive ferrets should be taken into account and preventive measures should be implemented, including the possibility of serological screening for the early detection of Dirofilaria antibodies as a serological marker of exposure. This is the first study that demonstrates the presence of D. immitis exposure in ferrets in Spain. Veterinarians working in endemic areas should be aware of this infection in ferrets and their susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,4Menescalia Veterinary Clinic, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- 2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Asier Basurco
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- 2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
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Morchón R, Montoya-Alonso JA, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E. What Has Happened to Heartworm Disease in Europe in the Last 10 Years? Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091042. [PMID: 36145474 PMCID: PMC9503846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a vector-borne disease that affects canids and felids, both domestic and wild, throughout the world. It is a chronic disease which causes vascular damage in pulmonary arteries, and in advanced stages, the presence of pulmonary hypertension and right-sided congestive heart failure can be evidenced. Moreover, pulmonary thromboembolism is caused by the death of the worms, which can be lethal for the infected animal. Furthermore, it is the causative agent of human pulmonary dirofilariosis, being a zoonotic disease. The aim of this review was to update the current epidemiological situation of heartworm in Europe in dogs, cats, wild animals, and vectors insects, and to analyse the factors that may have contributed to the continuous spread of the disease in the last decade (2012–2021). In Europe, the disease has extended to eastern countries, being currently endemic in countries where previously only isolated or imported cases were reported. Furthermore, its prevalence has continued to increase in southern countries, traditionally endemic. This distribution trends and changes are influenced by several factors which are discussed in this review, such as the climate changes, presence of vectors in new areas, the appearance of new competent vector species in the continent, increased movement of pets that travelled to or originated from endemic countries, the urbanisation of rural areas leading to the formation of so-called “heat islands”, or the creation of extensive areas of irrigated crops. The continuous expansion of D. immitis must be monitored, and measures adapted to the situation of each country must be carried out for adequate control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (E.C.)
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Arucas, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Arucas, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (E.C.)
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Abo-Aziza FAM, Hendawy SHM, Abdullah HHAM, El Namaky A, Laidoudi Y, Mediannikov O. Emergent and Neglected Equine Filariosis in Egypt: Species Diversity and Host Immune Response. Pathogens 2022; 11:979. [PMID: 36145411 PMCID: PMC9501446 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine filariosis (EF) is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by nematode species belonging to the Onchocercidae and Setariidae families. Aside from their zoonotic potential, some species are responsible for serious health problems in equids worldwide, leading to significant economic difficulties. Here, we molecularly investigated equine blood samples (320 horses and 109 donkeys from Egypt) and four adult worms isolated from the peritoneal cavity of 5 out of the 94 slaughtered donkeys. In addition, quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) targeting circulating cytokines were used to identify whether the immunological profile of the infected animals is a Th1 (i.e., INF-gamma as indicator) or Th2 (i.e., IL-5 and IL-10 as indicators) response type. Overall, 13.8% and 0.3% of the donkeys and horses, respectively, were scored as positive for filaroid DNA. The 18S phylogeny revealed the occurrence of three different filaroid species, identified here as Mansonella (Tetrapetalonema) sp., Setaria digitata and Dirofilaria repens. Th1 (INF-gamma and IL-5) and Th2 (IL-10) immune response types were identified in equines infected with S. digitata and Mansonella (T.) sp., respectively. These results provide new data on the species diversity of EF in Egypt and extend knowledge of the downregulation of the protective immune response by the potentially zoonotic Mansonella (T) sp. There is an urgent need to implement control measures to preserve equine health and limit the propagation of these vector-borne filaroids in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten A. M. Abo-Aziza
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Seham H. M. Hendawy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Hend H. A. M. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Amira El Namaky
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University of Constantine 1, El-Khroub 25100, Algeria
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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Vörös K, Becker Z, Kónya R, Arany-Tóth A, Farkas R. Application of Moxidectin and Ultrasound-Aided Injection of Melarsomine During the American Heartworm Society Recommended Treatment Protocol in Dirofilaria immitis Infected Dogs. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:382-390. [PMID: 35687421 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0108] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommends the three-dose alternate melarsomine therapeutic regimen, together with a macrocyclic lactone (ML) to reduce new infections and eliminate susceptible larvae and doxycycline against Wolbachia bacteria. Till now, only reports on ivermectin as an ML exist in the frame of this protocol. Between 2014 and 2020, the AHS protocol was used in 44 heartworm-positive dogs. Microfilaremic dogs were pretreated with prednisolone and clopidogrel for 1 week before the first moxidectin application. Moxidectin was applied on the 1st, 30th, 60th, and 90th therapeutic days. On the first day, dexamethasone and chloropyramine were used to avoid potential adverse effects caused by the destroyed microfilariae. During the 1st-28th days, doxycycline 10 mg/kg BID was given with probiotics. Adult heartworms were destroyed with melarsomine on the 60th, 90th, and 91st days. Butorphanol and dexamethasone were given just before melarsomine injections. The depth of the intramuscular injection site was determined by ultrasound examination of the lumbar muscles. From the 60th day, dalteparin was applied for 10 days to decrease the chance of pulmonary thromboembolism. Moxidectin did not cause adverse reactions, even in microfilaremic dogs. Gastrointestinal side effects of doxycycline were observed in three (6%) dogs, they recovered after symptomatic therapy and by lowering the initial dose to 5 mg/kg BID. Transient anorexia and diarrhea were found in one (2%), and coughing and mild dyspnea in one (2%) animal as systemic post-therapeutic complications of melarsomine. No local side effects were observed in 13 (30%) dogs, mild local side effects occurred in 29 (66%) patients, and severe local swelling in 2 (4%) cases. All dogs recovered clinically by the 120th day and no microfilaremia was seen that time. An antigen test performed in 37/44 animals on the 271st day was also negative in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Károly Vörös
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Becker
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Réka Kónya
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Arany-Tóth
- Division of Radiology, Department and Clinic of Surgery and Ophthalmology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
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Laidoudi Y, Bedjaoui S, Latrofa MS, Fanelli A, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Genetic and geographical delineation of zoonotic vector-borne helminths of canids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6699. [PMID: 35462560 PMCID: PMC9035454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several zoonotic vector-borne helminths (VBHs) infesting canids cause serious veterinary and medical diseases worldwide. Increasing the knowledge about their genetic structures is pivotal to identify them and therefore to settle effective surveillance and control measures. To overcome the limitation due to the heterogeneity of large DNA sequence-datasets used for their genetic characterization, available cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) (n = 546) and the 12S rRNA (n = 280) sequences were examined using combined bioinformatic approach (i.e., distance-clustering, maximum likelihood phylogeny and phylogenetic evolutionary placement). Out of the 826 DNA available sequences from GenBank, 94.7% were characterized at the haplotype level regardless sequence size, completeness and/or their position. A total of 89 different haplotypes were delineated either by cox1 (n = 35), 12S rRNA (n = 21) or by both genes (n = 33), for 14 VBHs (e.g., Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Brugia spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Onchocerca lupi and Thelazia spp.). Overall, the present approach could be useful for studying global genetic diversity and phylogeography of VBHs. However, as barcoding sequences were restricted to two mitochondrial loci (cox1 and 12S rRNA), the haplotype delineation proposed herein should be confirmed by the characterization of other nuclear loci also to overcome potential limitations caused by the heteroplasmy phenomenon within the mitogenome of VBHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University of Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Samia Bedjaoui
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, 50740-465, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Giubega S, Imre M, Ilie MS, Imre K, Luca I, Florea T, Dărăbuș G, Morariu S. Identity of Microfilariae Circulating in Dogs from Western and South-Western Romania in the Last Decade. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111400. [PMID: 34832556 PMCID: PMC8618794 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria infections in dogs are recognized as widespread mosquito-borne diseases with zoonotic potential, that are caused by the filarioid nematode (Onchocercidae) species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The long-term survey conducted in western and south-western Romania was undertaken in order to provide valuable data on the occurrence of Dirofilaria infections in dogs. Blood samples from 1088 dogs, originating from 73 localities of 11 western and south-western counties in Romania, were collected and examined using the modified Knott test. Subsequently, all of the microscopically positive samples were subjected to molecular analysis for confirmation. Altogether, the data obtained showed the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae to be 21.42% (233/1088) of dogs tested in the investigated region. The identified species, in cases of monoinfections, were D. immitis, D. repens, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in 106 (9.74%) samples, 102 (9.38%) samples, and 1 (0.09%) sample, respectively. Twenty-four (2.21%) samples were simultaneously positive for D. immitis and D. repens. There was no association (p > 0.05) between infection status and breed; however, sex and lifestyle were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae and might be regarded as risk factors for infection. The results of the present investigation indicate potential zoonotic risks for humans living in the screened area and support the imperative to increase awareness among both veterinarians and physicians, regarding the continuous spread of these zoonotic filariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Giubega
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Mirela Imre
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Marius Stelian Ilie
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-256-277-190
| | - Kálmán Imre
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Iasmina Luca
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Tiana Florea
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Sorin Morariu
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
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Younes L, Barré-Cardi H, Bedjaoui S, Ayhan N, Varloud M, Mediannikov O, Otranto D, Davoust B. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:427. [PMID: 34446069 PMCID: PMC8390287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04931-y] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the main causative agents of heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, respectively. Both pathogens have zoonotic potential and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The present study aimed to determine the transmission period, prevalence and diversity of Dirofilaria spp. vectors from endemic areas of Corsica (France). METHODS A monthly point data model based on average temperature recorded by four meteorological stations during 2017 was used to calculate the Dirofilaria transmission period. From June to September 2017, female mosquitoes (n = 1802) were captured using Biogents® Sentinel 2 traps lured with carbon dioxide and BG-Lure™ or octanol. Mosquitoes were identified to species level, pooled accordingly, and screened using multiplex real-time qPCR to detect D. immitis and D. repens. RESULTS The monthly point data model showed the possible transmission of Dirofilaria spp. from the third week in May to the last week in October in the studied area. Mosquitoes were identified as Ochlerotatus caspius (n = 1432), Aedes albopictus (n = 199), Culex pipiens sensu lato (n = 165) and Aedes vexans (n = 6) and were grouped into 109 pools (from 1 to 27 specimens, mean 11.4 ± 0.7), of which 16 scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. (i.e., n = 13; estimated infection rate [EIR] = 1.1% for D. immitis and n = 3; EIR = 0.2% for D. repens). Specifically, 6 (i.e., EIR = 3.8%) of 15 pools of Ae. albopictus were positive for D. immitis, 2 of 14 of Cx. pipiens s.l. were positive for D. immitis and D. repens, respectively, and 8 of 77 pools of Oc. caspius were positive for D. immitis (i.e., n = 6; EIR = 0.4%) and D. repens (i.e., 2; EIR = 0.1%). The highest mosquito infection rate was recorded in July (EIR = 2.5%), then in June (EIR = 1.3%) and September (EIR = 0.6%). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that both Dirofilaria species are endemic and occur possibly in sympatry in the studied area in Corsica, highlighting the need to implement preventive chemoprophylaxis and vector control strategies to reduce the risk of these filarioids in dog and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laidoudi Younes
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Samia Bedjaoui
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, Unité des Virus Emergents, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10, Av de la Ballastière, Libourne, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Domenico Otranto
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France. .,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. .,Animal Epidemiology Experts Group of the Military Health Service, Tours, France.
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