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Ramos RA, Hakimi H, Salomon J, Busselman RE, Curtis-Robles R, Hodo CL, Hamer SA, Verocai GG. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) detected in wild carnivores from Texas, United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100954. [PMID: 39022402 PMCID: PMC11253277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100954] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria striata (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) are epidemiologically important filarial nematodes detected in wild carnivores sympatric to domestic animals and humans. In this study we surveyed for Dirofilaria species among previous studies archived blood samples (n = 202) of wild carnivores sourced across Texas between the years of 2014-2016 and 2020 to 2023. In total, 117 coyotes (Canis latrans), 67 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 12 gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), five bobcats (Lynx rufus), and one striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) were tested through the amplification of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI) gene followed by sequencing. Dirofilaria immitis was detected in 11.39% (95% CI = 7.71-16.51) of the samples (21 coyotes and two raccoons), while D. striata was detected in a single bobcat. Dirofilaria immitis sequences had 99.85%-100% (99.92% ± 0.08) similarity with other D. immitis sequences in GenBank. The sequence of D. striata from the bobcat was 100% similar to the single COI sequence available in GenBank. Data from this study reinforce the role of coyotes as a wild reservoir for D. immitis and suggest that raccoons may also play a role in the epidemiology of this parasite. This study additionally provides molecular data on D. striata, an understudied filarioid of felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A.N. Ramos
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, PE, 55282-278, Brazil
| | - Hassan Hakimi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jordan Salomon
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, 78601, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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2
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Chaves LF, Meyers AC, Hodo CL, Sanders JP, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs along the US-Mexico border: R 0 changes with vector species composition. Epidemics 2023; 45:100723. [PMID: 37935075 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100723] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, is common in US government working dogs along the US-Mexico border. This 3145 km long border comprises four states: Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), Arizona (AZ) and California (CA) with diverse ecosystems and several triatomine (a.k.a., kissing bug) species, primary vectors of T. cruzi in this region. The kissing bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) community ranging from CA to TX includes Triatoma protracta (Uhler), Triatoma recurva (Stål) and Triatoma rubida (Uhler) and becomes dominated by Triatoma gerstaeckeri Stål in TX. Here, we ask if T. cruzi infection dynamics in dogs varies along this border region, potentially reflecting changes in vector species and their vectorial capacity. Using reversible catalytic models of infection, where seropositivity can be lost, we estimated an R0 (Estimate ± S.E.) of 1.192 ± 0.084 for TX and NM. In contrast, seropositivity decayed to zero as dogs aged in AZ and CA. These results suggest that dogs are likely infected by T. cruzi during their training in western TX, with a force of infection large enough for keeping R0 above 1, i.e., the disease endemically established, in TX and NM. In AZ and CA, a lower force of infection, probably associated with different vector species communities and associated vectorial capacity and/or different lineages of T. cruzi, results in dogs decreasing their seropositivity with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Chaves
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington IN 47405, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - John P Sanders
- Office of Health Security, US Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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3
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Valdés-Soto M, Burgdorf-Moisuk A, Raines J, Connolly M, Allen KE, Lineberry MW, Garner MM. TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTION IN THREE SLENDER-TAILED MEERKATS ( SURICATA SURICATTA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:394-400. [PMID: 37428705 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite primarily transmitted by triatomine insects (Hemiptera: subfamily Reduviidae) and is the cause of Chagas disease (CD). This report describes three cases of CD in a mob of five slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) living in an outdoor exhibit at one zoological institution in Texas. The index case was a 9.5-yr-old female that presented with ataxia, lethargy, and pleural effusion. This case was diagnosed with CD postmortem via cytology, T. cruzi PCR of whole blood and lung fluid, and histology. Blood was opportunistically collected from the remaining four meerkats 28 d after the death of the index case and tested by PCR and serology. The second case was a clinically normal 7.5-yr-old male that tested PCR and antibody positive and the third case was a clinically normal 9-yr-old female that tested PCR positive. The second animal presented depressed, with pneumonia, and with continuous shivering 53 d after blood collection, and clinically improved after treatment with antibiotics and supportive care. Fifteen days later, the animal was found minimally responsive and died shortly thereafter. Histologic examination revealed Trypanosoma sp. amastigotes in the myocardium and the tissue was positive for T. cruzi DNA. The third meerkat, which received two separate courses of benznidazole over a span of almost 2 yr, was monitored routinely by PCR and serology and appeared clinically normal until found dead on exhibit 93 d after completion of the second treatment. Myocardium was positive for T. cruzi DNA. To the authors' knowledge, this case series is the first to document Chagas disease in meerkats and features associated cytologic and histologic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Valdés-Soto
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Francisco Villa S/ N Col. Ex Hacienda el Canadá, Escobedo, Nuevo León, México, 66050
| | | | | | | | - Kelly E Allen
- Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, OK 74078, USA
| | - Megan W Lineberry
- Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, OK 74078, USA
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Majeau A, Cloherty E, Anderson AN, Straif-Bourgeois SC, Dumonteil E, Herrera C. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi infecting raccoons ( Procyon lotor) in 2 metropolitan areas of southern Louisiana: implications for parasite transmission networks. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-8. [PMID: 36788672 PMCID: PMC10090583 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000070] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, exists as an anthropozoonosis in Louisiana. Raccoons are an important reservoir, as they demonstrate high prevalence and maintain high parasitaemia longer than other mammals. Given the complex nature of parasite transmission networks and importance of raccoons as reservoirs that move between sylvatic and domestic environments, detailing the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in raccoons is crucial to assess risk to human health. Using a next-generation sequencing approach targeting the mini-exon, parasite diversity was assessed in 2 metropolitan areas of Louisiana. Sequences were analysed along with those previously identified in other mammals and vectors to determine if any association exists between ecoregion and parasite diversity. Parasites were identified from discrete typing units (DTUs) TcI, TcII, TcIV, TcV and TcVI. DTUs TcII, TcV and TcVI are previously unreported in raccoons in the United States (US). TcI was the most abundant DTU, comprising nearly 80% of all sequences. All but 1 raccoon harboured multiple haplotypes, some demonstrating mixed infections of different DTUs. Furthermore, there is significant association between DTU distribution and level III ecoregion in Louisiana. Finally, while certain sequences were distributed across multiple tissues, others appeared to have tissue-specific tropism. Taken together, these findings indicate that ongoing surveillance of T. cruzi in the US should be undertaken across ecoregions to fully assess risk to human health. Given potential connections between parasite diversity and clinical outcomes, deep sequencing technologies are crucial and interventions targeting raccoons may prove useful in mitigating human health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erin Cloherty
- New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - A. Nikki Anderson
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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5
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Torhorst CW, White ZS, Bhosale CR, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Identification of the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, in multiple tissues of epidemiological significance in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana): Implications for environmental and vertical transmission routes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010974. [PMID: 36534706 PMCID: PMC9810149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, is endemic to the Americas and the causative agent of Chagas disease in humans. In South America, opossums facilitate transmission via infected anal gland secretions in addition to transmission via triatomine vectors. In North America, the Virginia opossum is a reservoir host for the parasite with transmission routes that are not clearly defined. The unique biology of this marsupial provides the opportunity to investigate vertical transmission in this wildlife species in situ. Our objectives were to investigate alternative routes of transmission that may facilitate spillover into other species and to determine if vertical transmission was evident. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Virginia opossums were sampled at 10 trapping locations over a 10-month period in a 5-county region of north central Florida. Peripheral blood, fecal swabs, and anal gland secretions were collected from each adult individual, and peripheral blood was collected from joey opossums. Total DNA was extracted from each collected sample type, and T. cruzi infected individuals and the infecting Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) were identified using real time PCR methods. Adult Virginia opossums (n = 112) were infected with T. cruzi (51.8%, 95% CI [42.6-60.8%]) throughout the sampled period and at each location. T. cruzi DNA was found in each of the three biological sample types. Vertical transmission of T. cruzi was inferred in one litter of mother-dependent (n = 20, 5.0%, 95% CI [0.9-23.6%]) joey opossums where 2 joeys from this same litter were rtPCR positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We inferred vertical transmission from mother to neonate which may serve to amplify the prevalence of T. cruzi in adult Virginia opossums. T. cruzi DNA was detected in the anal gland secretions of Virginia opossums. Infected anal gland secretions suggest a possible environmental route of transmission for T. cruzi via the deposition of contaminated feces and spraint at wildlife latrines. Only DTU1 was identified in the sampled population which is consistent with human autochthonous cases in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chanakya R. Bhosale
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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6
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Busselman RE, Hamer SA. Chagas Disease Ecology in the United States: Recent Advances in Understanding Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Triatomines, Wildlife, and Domestic Animals and a Quantitative Synthesis of Vector-Host Interactions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:325-348. [PMID: 34758274 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-043949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease present in the Americas, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Hundreds of vertebrate host species are involved in the ecology of Chagas disease. The sylvatic nature of most triatomines found in the United States accounts for high levels of animal infections but few reports of human infections. This review focuses on triatomine distributions and animal infections in the southern United States. A quantitative synthesis of available US data from triatomine bloodmeal analysis studies shows that dogs, humans, and rodents are key taxa for feeding triatomines. Imperfect and unvalidated diagnostic tools in wildlife complicate the study of animal T. cruzi infections, and integrated vector management approaches are needed to reduce parasite transmission in nature. The diversity of animal species involved in Chagas disease ecology underscores the importance of a One Health approach for disease research and management. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
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7
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Thompson JM, Habrun CA, Scully CM, Sasaki E, Bauer RW, Jania R, Baker RE, Chapman AM, Majeau A, Pronovost H, Dumonteil E, Herrera CP. Locally Transmitted Trypanosoma cruzi in a Domestic Llama ( Lama glama) in a Rural Area of Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:762-768. [PMID: 34342513 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi-associated megaesophagus was diagnosed in a domestic Louisiana-born llama with no significant travel history. The llama resided in the same rural area of greater New Orleans, Louisiana, where the first human autochthonous case of Chagas disease was identified in the state. Venous blood from the llama tested positive for T. cruzi kinetoplastid DNA by conventional PCR. The cardiac evaluation was unremarkable, while thoracic radiographs revealed generalized megaesophagus. The llama received supportive care, but was ultimately humanely euthanized. The esophagus was severely distended throughout its length on necropsy, and histologic evaluation showed no microscopic changes in esophageal tissue and minimal to mild lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in cardiac tissue. T. cruzi DNA was detected by conventional PCR in the esophagus, small intestine, and blood despite no protozoan organisms being observed in multiple tissue sections examined. This report contributes to the growing body of evidence of local transmission of T. cruzi in the southern United States, and Chagas disease should be considered a differential diagnosis when evaluating llamas and other large animal species for esophageal dysfunction. There is little research describing megaesophagus or Chagas disease in llamas, and this report aims to increase awareness about this zoonotic disease that is becoming more frequently reported in the southern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Thompson
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Caroline A Habrun
- New Mexico Emerging Infections Program, University of New Mexico, SE Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Clare M Scully
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Emi Sasaki
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rudy W Bauer
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rachel Jania
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Rose E Baker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anna M Chapman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Alicia Majeau
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Henry Pronovost
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Claudia P Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting dogs in southern Louisiana sheds light on parasite transmission cycles and serological diagnostic performance. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008932. [PMID: 33332357 PMCID: PMC7775123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We genotyped parasites in a large cohort of PCR positive dogs to shed light on parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance. Methodology/principal findings We used a metabarcoding approach based on deep sequencing of T. cruzi mini-exon marker to assess parasite diversity. Phylogenetic analysis of 178 sequences from 40 dogs confirmed the presence of T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) TcI and TcIV, as well as TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Infections with multiple DTUs occurred in 38% of the dogs. These data indicate a greater genetic diversity of T. cruzi than previously detected in the US. Comparison of T. cruzi sequence diversity indicated that highly similar T. cruzi strains from these DTUs circulate in hosts and vectors in Louisiana, indicating that they are involved in a shared T. cruzi parasite transmission cycle. However, TcIV and TcV were sampled more frequently in vectors, while TcII and TcVI were sampled more frequently in dogs. Conclusions/significance These observations point to ecological host-fitting being a dominant mechanism involved in the diversification of T. cruzi-host associations. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positive T. cruzi serology harbored TcI parasites with different mini-exon sequences, which strongly supports the hypothesis that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of conserved parasite antigens should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests. Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Here we analyzed the parasite genetic diversity in a large cohort of infected dogs to better understand parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance. We used DNA sequencing of a well characterized T. cruzi genetic marker to assess parasite diversity. We confirmed the presence of T. cruzi lineages TcI and TcIV, and report TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Parasite lineages TcIV TcII and TcVI appeared more frequent in dogs compared to insect vectors. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positive T. cruzi serology harbored genetically different TcI parasites, which shows that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of parasite antigens conserved across strains and lineages should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests.
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Barros FDNL, Sampaio Júnior FD, Costa SDM, Farias DMD, Moura MAO, Bezerra Júnior PS, Góes-Cavalcante G, Scofield A. First report of natural infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in secretions of the scent glands and myocardium of Philander opossum (Marsupialia: Didelphidae): Parasitological and clinicopathological findings. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100463. [PMID: 33308748 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis and can infect humans and different species of domestic and wild animals. The marsupials are important wild reservoirs of T. cruzi, aiding in the maintenance of this agent in sylvatic and peri-domestic environments. The objective of this study was to report the parasitological and clinicopathological findings of a natural infection by T. cruzi in one specimen of Philander opossum that originated from the Brazilian Amazon. The animal was captured in a forest fragment near a rural community with reports of human Chagas disease. T. cruzi infection was diagnosed by blood smear examinations, blood culture, scent glands secretion culture, histopathological examination, and nested-PCR. Positive samples were subjected to PCR to characterize the discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi. Characteristic trypomastigotes of T. cruzi were observed in the blood smear, and spheromastigotes, epimastigotes, and trypomastigotes were visualized in the cultures. Non-suppurative myocarditis associated with amastigote clusters was the principal histopathological finding. DNA from T. cruzi was detected in samples of blood, blood cultures, scent glands secretion cultures, cardiac muscles, and the spleen. The TcI and the TcII/V/VI group DTUs were detected in blood culture and scent glands secretion cultures. Infection by T. cruzi can cause myocarditis in P. opossum and DTUs TcI and TcII/V/VI group mixed infection can be detected in the acute phase. P. opossum can be a source of infection for triatomine vectors and has the potential source for direct transmission of T. cruzi by secretions from the scent glands. These data are important to improve the understanding of the complex enzootic transmission cycle of T. cruzi in the Brazilian Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia de Nazaré Leite Barros
- Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Francisco Dantas Sampaio Júnior
- Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sandra de Mamedes Costa
- Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Diana Maria de Farias
- Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Márcio Alan Oliveira Moura
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Pedro Soares Bezerra Júnior
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Góes-Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Scofield
- Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Graduate Program in Animal Health in the Amazon, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil.
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Rojo G, Pèlissier F, Sandoval-Rodriguez A, Bacigalupo A, García V, Pinto R, Ortiz S, Botto-Mahan C, Cattan PE, Solari A. Organs infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and DTU identification in the naturally infected rodent Octodon degus. Exp Parasitol 2020; 215:107931. [PMID: 32464222 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a public health problem in America. Its parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, presents different discrete typing units (DTUs), colonizes organs of mammalian hosts in chronic infections, and presents tropism for particular organs in experimental infections. We evaluated T. cruzi tropism towards organs on the naturally infected rodent Octodon degus, identifying the parasites' DTUs, by means of conventional PCR and hybridization. Almost all the analyzed organs presented T. cruzi. More than 42% of the tested oesophagus, skin, skeletal muscle, brain and intestine showed T. cruzi DNA. Other nine types of organs were infected in over 15%. These results suggest that there is some tropism by T. cruzi in chronically infected O. degus. DTU TcV was present in 92.5% of infected organs with identified DTUs; this DTU is frequently reported in human infections in the Southern Cone of South America. Few organs showed mixed DTU infections. This is one of the few reports on the outcome of chronic natural T. cruzi-infection in wild mammal hosts exposed to naturally infected vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Rojo
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile; Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Francisca Pèlissier
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Alejandra Sandoval-Rodriguez
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Antonella Bacigalupo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Vanessa García
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Raquel Pinto
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Sylvia Ortiz
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Carezza Botto-Mahan
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Pedro E Cattan
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Aldo Solari
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infections and associated pathology in urban-dwelling Virginia opossums ( Didelphis virginiana). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:287-293. [PMID: 32215248 PMCID: PMC7090276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects a wide range of mammals. The southern United States has endemic sylvatic transmission cycles maintained by several species of wildlife and domestic dogs. We hypothesized that urban-dwelling opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in South Texas are infected with T. cruzi, and that tissue pathology would be associated with infection. In 2017, we collected blood, heart tissue and anal gland secretions from 100 wild opossums across three seasons that were trapped by animal control in South Texas. In addition, anal gland tissue and intercostal muscle were collected from 43 of the 100 opossums for which time allowed the extra tissue collection. All blood, tissue, and secretion samples were screened for T. cruzi DNA using qPCR with confirmation of positive status achieved through one or more additional PCR assays, including a qPCR to determine the parasite discrete typing unit (DTU). T. cruzi DNA was detected in at least one tissue of 15% of the opossums sampled: blood clot (9%), heart tissue (10%), anal gland secretions (12%), intercostal muscle (16.3%), and anal gland tissue (11.6%). Infection was detected in two or more different tissue types in nine of the opossums. The 35 tissues for which parasite DTU was determined were exclusively 'Tcl'- a DTU previously associated with locally-acquired human disease in the United States. T. cruzi-positive opossums were nearly 14 times more likely to exhibit significant heart lesions on histopathology (lympoplasmacytic inflammation±fibrosis) when compared to negative opossums (OR = 13.56, CI = 1.23-751.28, p-value = 0.03). Three triatomines were opportunistically collected from the study site, of which two were infected (66.7%), and bloodmeal analysis revealed canine, opossum, and human bloodmeals. Given the presence of parasite in opossum blood, unique potential for shedding of parasite in anal glad secretions, and evidence of vectors feeding on opossums, it is likely that opossums serve as wild reservoirs around urban dwellings in South Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo B. Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
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12
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Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Rodgers S, Killets KC, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated histologic findings in domestic cats (Felis catus). Vet Parasitol 2019; 278:109014. [PMID: 31972512 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic protozoan parasite transmitted by triatomines that infects a wide range of mammals. South Texas is a hotspot for triatomines, T. cruzi-infected dogs and wildlife, and local transmission to humans also occurs. However, little is known about the infection of domestic cats (Felis catus) in the United States. Given the role cats play in the ecology of T. cruzi in Mexico and South America, we hypothesized that T. cruzi infection occurs in cats from south Texas, sometimes associated with cardiac pathology. In 2017, 167 euthanized cats from a south Texas shelter were sampled across winter, spring, and summer. We collected whole blood and hearts from all cats, with additional tissues from a subset. Serum samples were screened for T. cruzi antibodies using two independent rapid immunochromatographic tests and an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Cats were considered seropositive if they were positive on at least two independent serological tests. Blood clot, heart tissue and other tissues were subjected to qPCR for parasite detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination. Tissues from selected seropositive or PCR-positive animals and a subset of negative animals were processed routinely for histopathology and examined by a board-certified pathologist. A total of 19 cats (11.4%) were seropositive and three cats (1.8%) - one of which was seropositive - had one or more PCR-positive tissues. Infected tissues included heart, bicep femoris muscle, sciatic nerve, esophagus, and mesentery. Genotyping of the parastite to the level of DTU showed that exclusively DTU TcI was present, despite past studies showing both TcI and TcIV in vectors of the region. Eight of 19 (42.1%) seropositive cats exhibited lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, sometimes with fibrosis, in cardiac tissue compared to 28.6% of 28 seronegative cats (P = 0.10). Domestic cats are affected hosts in the eco-epidemiology of Chagas disease. Future prospective studies are needed to understand disease progression. Veterinarians in the southern United States should consider T. cruzi in their index of suspicion in cats with exposure to vectors and undetermined cardiac abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo B Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sandy Rodgers
- Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 483 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Keswick C Killets
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA.
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