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Chisu V, Tanda A, Sechi S, Pinna Parpaglia ML, Masu G, Loi F, Masala G. Clinical Study and Serological Diagnosis of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Sardinian Dogs. Vet Sci 2024; 11:313. [PMID: 39057997 PMCID: PMC11281559 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11070313] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) comprise a group of infectious diseases caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors. Clinical signs commonly involve symptoms such as fever, anorexia, weight loss, blood disorders, hepatosplenomegaly, and others that can lead to death in dogs with comorbidities. Some pathogens responsible for CVBDs constitute a serious threat to human health due to their zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zoonotic vector-borne diseases (Rickettsia rickettsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Bartonella henselae, and Leishmania infantum) in domestic Sardinian dogs with and without clinical signs of these pathogens. Blood serum samples were collected from 142 dogs and examined through serological analysis. Clinical signs suggestive of these pathogens were also evaluated. The results obtained showed that 33 (33/140; 23.6%), 22 (22/134; 16.4%), 14 (14/142; 9.9%), 20 (20/66; 30.3%), and 26 (26/108; 24.1%) dogs were seropositive for Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp., Bartonella sp., and Leishmania sp. antibodies, respectively. Among these dogs, 12 dogs presented with at least one clinical sign (8.5%), while 18 (12.7%) showed more than two symptoms at the same time. Furthermore, among the asymptomatic dogs (93/142; 65.5%), 13% (n = 12) tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, 12% (n = 11) tested positive for B. henselae, 9% (n = 8) tested positive for E. canis, 12% (n = 11) tested positive for L. infantum, and 19% (n = 18) tested positive for R. rickettsii. This survey represents the first study assessing different canine vector-borne pathogens in dogs from North Sardinia. Since the pathogens detected here represent emerging zoonotic diseases, these results highlight the need to undertake further studies to increase the knowledge of these under-reported vector-borne pathogens in Sardinia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Chisu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.T.); (G.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonio Tanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.T.); (G.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Sara Sechi
- Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.S.); (M.L.P.P.)
| | | | - Gabriella Masu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.T.); (G.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Federica Loi
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale della Sardegna, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale “G. Pegreffi” della Sardegna, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.C.); (A.T.); (G.M.); (G.M.)
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Afonso P, Lopes AP, Quintas H, Cardoso L, Coelho AC. Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia conorii Infections in Shelter Dogs: Seropositivity and Implications for Public Health. Pathogens 2024; 13:129. [PMID: 38392867 PMCID: PMC10893242 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020129] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to gain insight into the epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis in northern Portugal. Specific IgG antibodies to Ehrlichia canis were analysed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibodies to Rickettsia conorii were analysed using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). A total of 113 dogs from two different shelters were sampled, and seroprevalence values of 0.9% (95% confidence (CI): 0.2-4.8%) for E. canis and 9.7 (95% CI: 5.5-16.6%) for R. conorii were found. Multiple logistic regression investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds ratios (ORs) of R. conorii seropositivity were higher for female dogs (OR = 6.429; 95% CI: 1.201-34.407). Dogs seropositive for co-infection (E. canis + R. conorii) were more frequently observed among females (OR = 7.606; CI 95%: 1.478-39.132) and in Shelter 2 (OR = 18.229; 95% CI: 2.190-151.756). These findings show that shelter dogs in northern Portugal are exposed to E. canis and R. conorii, which can affect both canines and humans. It is imperative to adopt a One Health approach to educate the public about the hazards of canine zoonoses and develop legislation and procedures to control their spread and preserve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Afonso
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hélder Quintas
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- CECAV—Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (P.A.); (A.P.L.); (A.C.C.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Zhang J, Wang J, Wang C. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Analysis of the First Ehrlichia canis Isolate in China. Microorganisms 2024; 12:125. [PMID: 38257951 PMCID: PMC10820421 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010125] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis, a prominent tick-borne pathogen causing canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), is one of the six recognized Ehrlichia species worldwide. Despite its widespread presence in ticks and host dogs in China, comprehensive genomic information about this pathogen remains limited. This study focuses on an in-depth analysis of E. canis YZ-1, isolated and cultured from an infected dog in China. The complete genome of E. canis YZ-1 was sequenced (1,314,789 bp, 1022 genes, 29% GC content, and 73% coding bases), systematically characterizing its genomic elements and functions. Comparative analysis with representative genomes of Ehrlichia species, including E. canis strain Jake, E. chaffeensis, Ehrlichia spp., E. muris, E. ruminantium, and E. minasensis, revealed conserved genes, indicating potential evolutionary connections with E. ruminantium. The observed reduction in virulence-associated genes, coupled with a type IV secretion system (T4SS), suggests an intricate balance between pathogenicity and host adaptation. The close relationship with E. canis Jake and E. chaffeensis, alongside nuanced genomic variations with E. ruminantium and E. mineirensis, underscores the need to explore emerging strains and advancements in sequencing technologies continuously. This genetic insight opens avenues for innovative medications, studies on probiotic resistance, development of new detection markers, and progress in vaccine development for ehrlichiosis. Further investigations into the functional significance of identified genes and their role in host-pathogen interactions will contribute to a more holistic comprehension of Ehrlichia's biology and its implications for pathogenicity and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Agusto FB, Djidjou-Demasse R, Seydi O. Mathematical model of Ehrlichia chaffeensis transmission dynamics in dogs. JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DYNAMICS 2023; 17:2287082. [PMID: 38078365 DOI: 10.1080/17513758.2023.2287082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis is a tick-borne disease transmitted by ticks to dogs. Few studies have mathematical modelled such tick-borne disease in dogs, and none have developed models that incorporate different ticks' developmental stages (discrete variable) as well as the duration of infection (continuous variable). In this study, we develop and analyze a model that considers these two structural variables using integrated semigroups theory. We address the well-posedness of the model and investigate the existence of steady states. The model exhibits a disease-free equilibrium and an endemic equilibrium. We calculate the reproduction number (T 0 ). We establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the bifurcation of an endemic equilibrium. Specifically, we demonstrate that a bifurcation, either backward or forward, can occur at T 0 = 1 , leading to the existence, or not, of an endemic equilibrium even when T 0 < 1 . Finally, numerical simulations are employed to illustrate these theoretical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folashade B Agusto
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Ramsès Djidjou-Demasse
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Ecole Polytechnique de Thiès, Thiès, Senegal
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Yin F, Guo C, Li D, Tian Z, Li F. Molecular Survey and Genetic Characteristics of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Dogs from Four Regions of China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1867. [PMID: 37889788 PMCID: PMC10251890 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111867] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases are widely distributed around the world. They are transmitted by arthropods, and many seriously threaten the health of animals and humans. In China, our knowledge of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma species circulating in dogs is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of canine Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in Chongqing (southwest), Fujian (southeast), Shandong (southeast), and Hubei (central) Provinces of China. Blood samples from healthy pet dogs were processed to detect Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Mycoplasma DNA with PCR. Haplotype and phylogenetic analyses were performed on 18S rRNA sequences. Among 306 dogs, no Ehrlichia spp. or Mycoplasma spp. were detected, whereas one Hepatozoon sp. was detected in 10 (3.27%) of the animals. Only Hepatozoon canis was identified and was endemic to Chongqing (2.46%) and Hubei (8.77%). A haplotype analysis identified eight haplotypes among the H. canis isolates. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. canis isolates in this study clustered into four clades, together with isolates from different countries and hosts, forming a large group that was clearly separate from other Hepatozoon species. These findings provided new information on the epidemiological characteristics of canine vector-borne diseases in China and will be helpful in the development of efficient measures to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals and their owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Facai Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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Pereira ME, Canei DH, Carvalho MR, Dias ÁFDLR, de Almeida ADBPF, Nakazato L, Sousa VRF. Molecular prevalence and factors associated with Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs from the North Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Vet World 2023; 16:1209-1213. [PMID: 37577206 PMCID: PMC10421559 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1209-1213] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its prevalence within dog populations is high in municipalities located across the Pantanal biome, but it remains unknown in Barão de Melgaço, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and factors associated with E. canis infection in dogs domiciled in Barão de Melgaço. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of E. canis infection in 369 dogs from urban and rural areas in Barão de Melgaço, North Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Initially, the dogs were examined, and, through a questionnaire, the risk factors were investigated. Blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR was performed to estimate the prevalence of E. canis infection. Results The molecular prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs was 42.5% and none of the studied variables were significantly associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity (p > 0.05). Conclusion The high molecular prevalence demonstrates an increased transmission of the agent across the city. This also indicates that attention needs to be paid to E. canis infection and control measures should be introduced to prevent its transmission. The demographic and clinical risk factors commonly associated with E. canis infection in this study were not associated with PCR positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Elisa Pereira
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Avenue Fernando Correa da Costa, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Darlan Henrique Canei
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Avenue Fernando Correa da Costa, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Matheus Roberto Carvalho
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Avenue Fernando Correa da Costa, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Felipe de Lima Ruy Dias
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Avenue Fernando Correa da Costa, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Luciano Nakazato
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Avenue Fernando Correa da Costa, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Valéria Régia Franco Sousa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Avenue Fernando Correa da Costa, Boa Esperança, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
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