1
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Faghihzadeh Gorji F, Sadr S, Eshrati H, Borji H. An investigation of the prevalence of equine filariosis in North and Northeast of Iran. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:163-167. [PMID: 38440766 PMCID: PMC10908922 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01643-1] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, equines are affected by equine filariosis, an endemic vector-borne disease caused by heterogenous parasitic nematodes. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of filarial infection among horses in the North and Northeast of Iran. Between October 2021 and July 2022, 145 equine blood samples were investigated, of which 49 cases were from the northeast and 96 were from the north of Iran. Blood samples were taken for microfilariae using Knott's method. Out of 145 blood samples, only 2 cases (1.37%) from northern Iran were positive for microfilaria of Setaria equina, and no positive samples were found from northeast Iran. The first positive sample was a 3-year-old male Iranian horse displaying clinical symptoms of weakness, while the second, an 8-month-old Arabian breed colt, exhibited no clinical signs. According to the results of the current study, the prevalence of equine filariosis is low, contrary to nearby countries. To prevent and control filarial infections among horses and improve their management system, it is therefore important to emphasize filarial infection prevention, control, and management. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Faghihzadeh Gorji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soheil Sadr
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Eshrati
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hassan Borji
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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2
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Khanzadeh F, Maleki-Ravasan N, Adler PH, Karimian F, Kudela M. First report of filarial nematodes in the genus Onchocerca infecting black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Iran. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14585. [PMID: 37666968 PMCID: PMC10477325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41890-z] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Black flies are blood-sucking insects of public health importance, and they are effective vectors of pathogens and parasites, such as filarial nematodes of the genus Onchocerca. Our previous surveys have shown that individuals of Simulium turgaicum are annoying pests of humans and livestock in the Aras River Basin of Iran. In the present study, adult black flies of S. turgaicum were trapped from different ecotopes of five villages in Khoda-Afarin County, Iran. By using a sensitive nested PCR assay and targeting the nuclear 18S rDNA-ITS1 marker, filarial infections were found in 38 (1.89%) of 2005 black flies. Homology exploration of 360 bp of the sequences indicated that the filarial worms are members of the family Onchocercidae, with maximum alignment scores of 93-95%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that two Iranian Onchocerca isolates were clustered in the O. fasciata-O. volvulus lineage and were well separated from other filarial nematodes. Both the entomological evidence (empty abdomen of the specimens) and climatologic data (adequate accumulated degree days for development) suggest that the filarial DNA was probably that of infective larvae of vertebrates. This is the first report of an infection by Onchocerca species in S. turgaicum and the first record of onchocercids in black flies in Iran; however, more research is required to demonstrate transmission of these filarial worms by black flies in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Khanzadeh
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Peter H Adler
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Fateh Karimian
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Matus Kudela
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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3
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Brown KA, Johnson AL, Bender SJ, Nolan TJ, Pfisterer B, Slack J, Willis E, Rule EK. Onchocerca sp. in an imported Zangersheide gelding causing suspensory ligament desmitis. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:735-739. [PMID: 36821075 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16653] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A 5-year-old imported Zangersheide gelding was evaluated for SC swellings over both forelimbs and lameness localized to the distal metacarpus. Ultrasound examination of the SC masses was compatible with verminous granulomas. Linear hyperechoic foci were present within the suspensory ligament branches of both forelimbs, suggestive of ligamentous parasitic infiltrates. A diagnosis of onchocerciasis was confirmed on biopsy of a SC mass. The gelding was treated with ivermectin and a tapering course of PO dexamethasone but was eventually euthanized. Necropsy confirmed the presence of SC eosinophilic granulomas and degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis, both with intralesional nematodes. Given the location and appearance of the nematode, a diagnosis of Onchocerca sp., most likely O. reticulata, was made. Onchocerciasis should be included as a differential diagnosis for multifocal suspensory ligament desmitis with these sonographic characteristics when paired with SC masses in imported European Warmbloods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara A Brown
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
| | - Susan J Bender
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
| | - Thomas J Nolan
- Department of Pathobiology, Ryan Veterinary Hospital, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Bianca Pfisterer
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
| | - JoAnn Slack
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
| | - Elinor Willis
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
| | - Emily K Rule
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA
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4
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Saengsawang P, Desquesnes M, Yangtara S, Chalermwong P, Thongtip N, Jittapalapong S, Inpankaew T. Molecular detection of Loxodontofilaria spp. in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) from elephant training camps in Thailand. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 92:101910. [PMID: 36427455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101910] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Filarial infection is an important disease in human and animal medicine. Several filarial worms are of importance, especially nematodes in the Onchocercidae. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is an endangered animal and is very important from several socio-economic and ecological aspects in Thailand. Various parasites can be found in elephants; however, data related to filarial infections in elephants is limited. The objective of this study was to detect filaria in the blood of Asian elephants in Thailand, based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Blood samples were collected from 208 Asian elephants and detected for filaria using PCR, targeting the region of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), and the RNA polymerase II large subunit (rbp1). In total, 4.33% (9 out of 208) of the sampled elephants had Loxodontofilaria spp. DNA with 100% query coverage. In addition, the obtained cox1 and rbp1 sequences matched with Loxodontofilaria sp., Onchocerca sp., and Dirofilaria sp. There were no identified risk factors (sex, age, location, and packed cell volume) related to Loxodontofilaria infection in elephants. The analyses of the phylogeny of ITS2 sequences demonstrated that the Loxodotofilaria-positive sequences were closely related to Onchocerca dewittei japonica and Onchocerca dewittei dewittei with 100% query coverage. Notably, the concatenated phylogenetic trees of ITS2 and the cox1 and rbp1 genes were closely similar to Loxodontofilaria sp. To describe in detail the genomic DNA of Loxodontofilaria spp., other genes should be additionally studied using a more discriminatory technique, such as DNA barcoding or whole genome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phirabhat Saengsawang
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand; One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Marc Desquesnes
- InterTryp, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), Toulouse, France
| | - Sarawut Yangtara
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Nikorn Thongtip
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | | | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
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5
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Gruntmeir J, Kelly M, Ramos RAN, Verocai GG. Cutaneous filarioid nematodes of dogs in the United States: Are they emerging, neglected, or underdiagnosed parasites? Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128611. [PMID: 36908516 PMCID: PMC9995907 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Filarioid nematodes, which are vector-borne parasites of cosmopolitan distribution, of dogs are medically important. They are represented by species in which microfilariae were found to be circulating in the bloodstream (e.g., Dirofilaria sp., Acanthocheilonema sp., and Brugia sp.) or skin-dwelling (e.g., Cercopithifilaria sp. and Onchocerca sp.). Those species whose microfilariae are detected in blood have been extensively studied, especially Dirofilaria immitis, due to their clinical importance. In recent decades, there has been an increased interest by the scientific community in filarioid nematodes whose microfilariae are detected in the skin because of the zoonotic aspect of Onchocerca lupi. In the United States (US), although D. immitis has been considered the main filarioid infecting dogs, the intense animal movement and global canine filarioid diversity may indicate that the likely presence of cutaneous filarioid nematodes is more common than previously expected. Hence, a question remains: Are these canine filarioid nematodes emerging, neglected, or simply underdiagnosed in the US? In this review, we provide an overview of pertinent information that briefly summarizes the biology of the different canine filarioid nematode species, clinical signs associated with infections, and currently available diagnostic tools using molecular and microscopy-based methods and highlight knowledge gaps where research and surveillance efforts remain necessary. The data herein presented serve as an alert to the scientific community about the importance of filarioid nematodes infecting dogs other than D. immitis. Additionally, the zoonotic potential of several filarioid species reinforces the necessity of a proper diagnosis and the need for broader surveillance to understand their diversity and distribution, to highlight the potential introduction of certain species, and mitigate their establishment in the country and new animal and human cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Gruntmeir
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maureen Kelly
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Guilherme Gomes Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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6
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Tudor P, Ionașcu I, Mateescu CI, Bezerra-Santos MA, Gurău MR, Mateescu RE, Gagniuc E, Tudor N, Otranto D. Feline ocular onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi: Phylogenetic insights and implication for veterinary health. Acta Trop 2023; 237:106723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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7
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Okazaki D, Fukuda M, Hebisawa A, Uni S, Junker K, Suzuki Y, Nakano M, Agatsuma T, Hasegawa H, Yamada M, Nakatani J, Hara T, Martin C, Kimura D, Takaoka H. Zoonotic infection caused by Onchocerca japonica (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in a 69-year-old woman in Kanto Region, Eastern Honshu, Japan. Parasitol Int 2022; 91:102643. [PMID: 35961578 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102643] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Reports of zoonotic infections caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca japonica have recently increased in Japan. A 69-year-old woman living in Sosa City, Chiba Prefecture, Kanto Region, Honshu, developed a painful nodule at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger of her right hand. The causative agent was identified as a female O. japonica based on the histopathological characteristics (i.e., cuticle with transverse triangular ridges but without inner striae) of the biopsy specimens of the nodule. The species identification was corroborated by cox1 gene sequencing of the worm tissues isolated from paraffin-embedded sections of the specimens. Subsequent to the excision of the nodule, followed by anthelmintic treatment, the patient remained asymptomatic. Human infection with O. japonica has not previously been reported in Kanto Region, Eastern Honshu. The present case is likely linked to the recent expansion of the geographic range of the Japanese wild boar into this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijiro Okazaki
- Department of Dermatology, Asahi General Hospital, Chiba 289-2511, Japan
| | - Masako Fukuda
- Institute for Research Management, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Akira Hebisawa
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Asahi General Hospital, Chiba 289-2511, Japan
| | - Shigehiko Uni
- Department of Health, Sports, and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Welfare Studies, Kobe Women's University, Kobe 650-0046, Japan.
| | - Kerstin Junker
- National Collection of Animal Helminths, Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors Programme, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05 Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Yoshio Suzuki
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Asahi General Hospital, Chiba 289-2511, Japan
| | - Michiyo Nakano
- Department of Dermatology, Asahi General Hospital, Chiba 289-2511, Japan
| | - Takeshi Agatsuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku 783-8505, Japan
| | - Hideo Hasegawa
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Minoru Yamada
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Jun Nakatani
- Agriculture Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8666, Japan
| | - Tatsuru Hara
- Department of Parasitology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Coralie Martin
- UMR7245 MCAM, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP52, 61 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Daisuke Kimura
- Department of Health, Sports, and Nutrition, Faculty of Health and Welfare Studies, Kobe Women's University, Kobe 650-0046, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takaoka
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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8
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Kingsley NB, Sandmeyer L, Bellone RR. A review of investigated risk factors for developing equine recurrent uveitis. Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 26:86-100. [PMID: 35691017 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13002] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an ocular inflammatory disease that can be difficult to manage clinically. As such, it is the leading cause of bilateral blindness for horses. ERU is suspected to have a complex autoimmune etiology with both environmental and genetic risk factors contributing to onset and disease progression in some or all cases. Work in recent years has aimed at unraveling the primary triggers, such as infectious agents and inherited breed-specific risk factors, for disease onset, persistence, and progression. This review has aimed at encompassing those factors that have been associated, implicated, or substantiated as contributors to ERU, as well as identifying areas for which additional knowledge is needed to better understand risk for disease onset and progression. A greater understanding of the risk factors for ERU will enable earlier detection and better prognosis through prevention and new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole B Kingsley
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lynne Sandmeyer
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Rebecca R Bellone
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, California, USA
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9
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Idro R, Ogwang R, Barragan A, Raimondo JV, Masocha W. Neuroimmunology of Common Parasitic Infections in Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:791488. [PMID: 35222377 PMCID: PMC8866860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.791488] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections of the central nervous system are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric sequelae of these infections result from a complex interplay between the parasites and the host inflammatory response. Here we review some of the diseases caused by selected parasitic organisms known to infect the nervous system including Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma brucei spp., and Taenia solium species. For each parasite, we describe the geographical distribution, prevalence, life cycle, and typical clinical symptoms of infection and pathogenesis. We pay particular attention to how the parasites infect the brain and the interaction between each organism and the host immune system. We describe how an understanding of these processes may guide optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of disease pathophysiology and call for increased interrogation of these often-neglected disorders of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience, Kitgum, Uganda.,Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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10
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Jones KEV, Terhaar HM, Jeffries C, Moore AR, Lappin MR, de Linde Henriksen M. What is your diagnosis? Impression smear of a conjunctival mass in a dog. Vet Clin Pathol 2022; 52 Suppl 2:103-106. [PMID: 35365878 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina E V Jones
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Hannah M Terhaar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Christina Jeffries
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - A Russell Moore
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Michala de Linde Henriksen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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11
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Huang F, Srisuka W, Aupalee K, Streit A, Fukuda M, Pitasawat B, Junkum A, Saingamsook J, Somboon P, Takaoka H, Saeung A. Diversity of nematodes infecting the human-biting black fly species, Simulium nigrogilvum (Diptera: Simuliidae) in central Thailand. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106140. [PMID: 34562429 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106140] [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: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are known as vectors of disease agents in humans and livestock, with some species being vectors of Onchocerca volvulus, the filarial nematode that is the causative agent of human onchocerciasis. Nematode infections in adult female black flies have been reported from some areas in northern and western Thailand, but not from other regions of Thailand. In this study, wild-caught adult female black flies from the central region of Thailand were examined for infections with nematodes. Collections of adult females were carried out at Khlong Lan district, Kamphaeng Phet province, central Thailand. A molecular approach, based on the mitochondrial (cox1, 12S rRNA) and nuclear (18S rRNA) genes, was used to identify the species of nematodes recovered from the specimens collected. A total of 911 wild-caught adult black flies were collected. Simulium nigrogilvum was the most abundant species (n = 708), followed by S. doipuiense complex (n = 179), S. chamlongi (n = 11), S. umphangense (n = 10), S. chumpornense (n = 1), S. multistriatum species-group (n = 1), and S. maewongense (n = 1). Nematode infections were detected in nine specimens of S. nigrogilvum, of which two were positive for filarial worms (one worm each, infection rate 0.28%) and seven were positive for non-filarial nematodes (11 worms in total, infection rate 0.99%). The two filarial nematodes (third-stage larvae) were identified molecularly as Onchocerca species type I, while the 11 non-filarial nematodes were classified into ascaridoid (n = 2), tylenchid (n = 6) and mermithid (n = 3) nematodes. The results of this study demonstrated that adult female S. nigrogilvum were parasitized with diverse nematodes (filarial and non-filarial). Detection of the infective larvae of Onchocerca sp. type I in S. nigrogilvum confirms that occurrence of zoonotic onchocerciasis is highly possible in Thailand. Additional in-depth investigation of the morphology, life cycle and host-parasite relationship of nematodes that parasitized this black fly host is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Huang
- Graduate Doctoral Degree Program in Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Wichai Srisuka
- Entomology Section, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, P.O. Box 7, Maerim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand.
| | - Kittipat Aupalee
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Adrian Streit
- Department of Integrative Evolutionary Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, 72076 Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
| | - Masako Fukuda
- Institute for Research Promotion, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama, Yufu City, Oita 879-5593, Japan.
| | - Benjawan Pitasawat
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Anuluck Junkum
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Jassada Saingamsook
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Pradya Somboon
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Hiroyuki Takaoka
- Higher Institution of Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Atiporn Saeung
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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12
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Mathison BA, Sapp SGH. An annotated checklist of the eukaryotic parasites of humans, exclusive of fungi and algae. Zookeys 2021; 1069:1-313. [PMID: 34819766 PMCID: PMC8595220 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1069.67403] [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: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The classification of "parasites" in the medical field is a challenging notion, a group which historically has included all eukaryotes exclusive of fungi that invade and derive resources from the human host. Since antiquity, humans have been identifying and documenting parasitic infections, and this collective catalog of parasitic agents has expanded considerably with technology. As our understanding of species boundaries and the use of molecular tools has evolved, so has our concept of the taxonomy of human parasites. Consequently, new species have been recognized while others have been relegated to synonyms. On the other hand, the decline of expertise in classical parasitology and limited curricula have led to a loss of awareness of many rarely encountered species. Here, we provide a comprehensive checklist of all reported eukaryotic organisms (excluding fungi and allied taxa) parasitizing humans resulting in 274 genus-group taxa and 848 species-group taxa. For each species, or genus where indicated, a concise summary of geographic distribution, natural hosts, route of transmission and site within human host, and vectored pathogens are presented. Ubiquitous, human-adapted species as well as very rare, incidental zoonotic organisms are discussed in this annotated checklist. We also provide a list of 79 excluded genera and species that have been previously reported as human parasites but are not believed to be true human parasites or represent misidentifications or taxonomic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A. Mathison
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USAInstitute for Clinical and Experimental PathologySalt Lake CityUnited States of America
| | - Sarah G. H. Sapp
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USACenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaUnited States of America
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Asghari A, Adhami G, Shariatzadeh SA, Kordi B, Anvari D, Shams M, Majidiani H, Darvishi MM. Confirmed cases of human Onchocerca lupi infection: a systematic review of an emerging threat. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3633-3644. [PMID: 34519871 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07309-2] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diverse Onchocerca species are present mostly parasitizing ungulates, with the exception of Onchocerca volvulus (O. volvulus) in humans and O. lupi in canids and cats. The human cases due to the O. lupi have been more highlighted during last years. So, the present review was performed to determine the detailed characteristics of confirmed human O. lupi case reports documented worldwide. Hence, a systematic search was done using English international databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar). Totally, 14 confirmed human cases were documented during the last decade, mostly from the USA and Turkey with 7 and 3 cases, respectively. Most cases (7 individuals) were male with the age range of 22-month-old to 54-year-old. The parasite was frequently isolated from the right eye (5 cases), followed by the left eye (4 cases), cervical spinal canal (3 cases), scalp, and right forearm (one case each). Molecular identification of the isolated agent was the preferred way of diagnosis in most cases (9 records). In conclusion, human O. lupi cases have been more highlighted in recent years, whether due to the improved diagnostics and/or host-switching phenomenon, and both veterinarians and healthcare authorities should be alerted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ghazaaleh Adhami
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Sanandaj, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kordi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. .,Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Darvishi
- Pathobiology Department, Shahmirzad School of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
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Community Structure, Biodiversity and Spatiotemporal Distribution of the Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) Using Malaise Traps on the Highest Mountain in Thailand. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12060504. [PMID: 34072677 PMCID: PMC8229545 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are major pests to humans and animals. Females of some black fly species serve as vectors for transmitting several pathogens (i.e., filarial nematodes, blood protozoa, viruses, and bacteria) to humans and animals via their bites. In Thailand, some human-biting species are considered as natural vectors of zoonotic onchocerciasis. This study was the first to contribute baseline data on the community structure, biodiversity and spatial and temporal distribution of adult black flies in tropical forests of the highest mountain in northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park, by using malaise traps. Adult black flies were captured monthly at low to high elevation sites, using malaise traps across three seasons during a one-year period. A total of 44 species were identified among 9406 specimens. It was found that species richness was greatest at the mid elevation. Black fly populations peaked in the rainy season at all elevation sites. The findings of this study showed that varied elevations and seasons are important factors that influence the distribution and abundance of black flies in this region. Abstract Black flies form a group of small blood-sucking insects of medical and veterinary importance. This study aimed to investigate the community structure, biodiversity and spatial and temporal distribution of adult black flies in tropical rain forests, by using malaise traps in Doi Inthanon National Park, northern Thailand. Malaise traps were placed along six elevational gradients (400 m to 2500 m, above sea level) at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai province, from December 2013 to November 2014. A total of 9406 adult female black flies belonging to five subgenera—Daviesellum (2%), Gomphostilbia (23%), Montisimulium (11%), Nevermannia (16%) and Simulium (48%)—were collected. Among 44 taxa found, S. tenebrosum complex had the highest relative abundance (11.1%), followed by the S. asakoae species-group (9.6%), the S. striatum species-group (7.7%), S. inthanonense (6.6%), S. doipuiense complex (6.4%), S. chomthongense complex (5.3%), S. chumpornense (5.1%) and S. nigrogilvum (4.1%). Two human-biting species—S. nigrogilvum and species in the S. asakoae species-group—were found in all of the collection sites with 100% species occurrence. Species richness was highest at mid elevation (1400 m), which is represented by 19 black fly species. The peak and lowest seasonal abundance was observed in the rainy and hot season, respectively. Seasonal species richness was highest in the cold season, except for that from elevation sites at 700 m, 1700 m and 2500 m. This study revealed that the malaise trap is effective in providing important data for further monitoring of the effects of environmental changes and conservation planning on the biodiversity of black flies in Doi Inthanon National Park.
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