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Rehbein S, Mihalca AD. First report of the dog louse fly Hippobosca longipennis in Romania. Med Vet Entomol 2021; 35:251-253. [PMID: 33368413 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Rehbein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Mihalca AD, Păstrav IR, Sándor AD, Deak G, Gherman CM, Sarmaşi A, Votýpka J. First report of the dog louse fly Hippobosca longipennis in Romania. Med Vet Entomol 2019; 33:530-535. [PMID: 31280502 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hippobosca longipennis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), the dog fly or dog louse fly, is an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite of wild and domestic carnivores in Africa and the Middle East. Outside its typically known geographic range, H. longipennis has been reported occasionally on mainly domestic dogs in Asia and southern Europe, and infrequently in other areas (central Europe and the U.S.A.). This paper presents the first report of H. longipennis in Romania and the second record of Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), a potentially invasive species. Hippobosca longipennis was found on domestic dogs in two regions of the country (northern Romania in Maramures and southwestern Romania in Dobrogea) and on two road-killed wildcats in Maramures. Lipoptena fortisetosa was found on domestic dogs in Maramures. In both species identification was based on morphology and confirmed by barcoding of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. It is not clear for how long H. longipennis has been present in central Europe, nor if it was introduced (via the movement of domestic dogs or import of exotic carnivores) or present historically (Holocene remnants). This paper discusses the possible origins of H. longipennis in central Europe as its current distribution in the area is sparse and patchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - I R Păstrav
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - G Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - C M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A Sarmaşi
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - J Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Stejskalova K, Janova E, Horecky C, Horecka E, Vaclavek P, Hubalek Z, Relling K, Cvanova M, D'Amico G, Mihalca AD, Modry D, Knoll A, Horin P. Associations between the presence of specific antibodies to the West Nile Virus infection and candidate genes in Romanian horses from the Danube delta. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:4453-4461. [PMID: 31175514 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus causing meningoencephalitis in humans and animals. Due to their particular susceptibility to WNV infection, horses serve as a sentinel species. In a population of Romanian semi-feral horses living in the Danube delta region, we have analyzed the distribution of candidate polymorphic genetic markers between anti WNV-IgG seropositive and seronegative horses. Thirty-six SNPs located in 28 immunity-related genes and 26 microsatellites located in the MHC and LY49 complex genomic regions were genotyped in 57 seropositive and 32 seronegative horses. The most significant association (pcorr < 0.0002) was found for genotypes composed of markers of the SLC11A1 and TLR4 genes. Markers of five other candidate genes (ADAM17, CXCR3, IL12A, MAVS, TNFA), along with 5 MHC class I and LY49-linked microsatellites were also associated with the WNV antibody status in this model horse population. The OAS1 gene, previously associated with WNV-induced clinical disease, was not associated with the presence of anti-WNV antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Stejskalova
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho 1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - E Janova
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho 1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho 1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - C Horecky
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-MENDELU, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - E Horecka
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-MENDELU, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - P Vaclavek
- SVU Jihlava, Rantirovska 93/20, Horni Kosov, 58601, Jihlava, Czech Republic
| | - Z Hubalek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - K Relling
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho tr. 1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Cvanova
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - G D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400362, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400362, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - D Modry
- CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho 1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho tr. 1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - A Knoll
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-MENDELU, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - P Horin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho 1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic. .,CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackeho 1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Chanove E, Ionică AM, Hochman D, Berchtold F, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD. Severe coenurosis caused by larvae of Taenia serialis in an olive baboon ( Papio anubis) in Benin. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:134-138. [PMID: 31080729 PMCID: PMC6506464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In March 2017, a captive male juvenile (ca. 6 months old) olive baboon (Papio anubis) was brought to a primate rescue center in Benin with multiple subcutaneous swellings of unknown aetiology. At the general inspection of the body, around 15 partially mobile masses of variable sizes were found in different locations across the body. Following two surgical procedures, several cyst-like structures were removed and placed either in 10% formalin or in absolute ethanol. The cysts had a typical coenurus-like morphology. Genomic DNA was extracted from one cyst using a commercially available kit. The molecular characterization was performed by PCR amplification and sequencing of a region of the nuclear ITS-2 rDNA and a fragment of the mitochondrial 12S rDNA gene, revealing its identity as T. serialis, with 88%–98% similarity to T. serialis isolates from USA, Japan and Germany This study reports a new host for the larval form of T. serialis and confirms the role of primates as intermediate host, highlighting also the risk for human infection. Further genetic studies from multiple geographic isolates are needed to clarify the taxonomic status of this group. The present study reports a the olive baboon as new host for the larval form of Taenia serialis. This is the first report of T. serialis in Benin. The relevance and risk for the health and welfare of primates in rescues centers is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Chanove
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - A M Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - D Hochman
- Veterinary Clinic "du clos", 67 rue de la chapelle, Saint-Cergues, 74140, France
| | - F Berchtold
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - C M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Foley P, Foley J, Sándor AD, Ionica AM, Matei IA, D'Amico G, Gherman CM, Dom A C, Mihalca AD. Diversity of Flea (Siphonaptera) Parasites on Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Romania. J Med Entomol 2017; 54:1243-1250. [PMID: 28399300 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes (L.)) are widespread across Europe, tolerant of synanthropic ecosystems, and susceptible to diseases potentially shared with humans and other animals. We describe flea fauna on red foxes in Romania, a large, ecologically diverse country, in part because fleas may serve as an indicator of the risk of spillover of vector-borne disease. We found 912 individual fleas of seven species on the 305 foxes assessed, for an infestation prevalence of 49.5%. Mean flea load per fox was 5.8 (range 0-44 fleas), and flea detections were most abundant in fall and early spring. Fleas included generalists (Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis), 32.6% of all fleas), Ct. felis (Bouché, 0.1%), and Pulex irritans L. (29.9%), the fox specialist Chaetopsylla globiceps (Taschenberg, 32.5%), mesocarnivore fleas Paraceras melis Walker (3.2%) and Ch. trichosa Kohaut (1.5%), and the small mammal flea Ctenophthalmus assimilis (Taschenberg, 0.1%), which is rarely or never reported from carnivores. There were significantly more female than male Ch. globiceps, Ct. canis, and Pu. irritans, and these three species were the most broadly distributed geographically. Diversity indices suggested reduced diversity in mountainous areas above 700 m. When compared to other flea studies on foxes in Europe, Romania had flea diversity near the median of reports, which was unexpected given Romania's high ecological diversity. Notably absent prey specialists, compared to other studies, include Archaeopsylla erinacei (Bouché) and Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale). Further studies of possible disease agents in fox fleas could help elucidate possible risks of vector-borne disease in foxes, domestic animals, and humans as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Foley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA 95819
| | - J Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology and Center for Vector-Borne Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - A D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mana?tur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - A M Ionica
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mana?tur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - I A Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mana?tur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - G D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mana?tur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - C M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mana?tur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - C Dom A
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mana?tur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mana?tur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Matei IA, Stuen S, Modrý D, Degan A, D'Amico G, Mihalca AD. Neonatal Anaplasma platys infection in puppies: Further evidence for possible vertical transmission. Vet J 2016; 219:40-41. [PMID: 28093109 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma platys, the aetiological agent of infectious canine cyclic thrombocytopaenia, infects platelets of dogs, usually causing mild or asymptomatic disease. Although A. platys is transmitted by ticks, as for other Anaplasma species, alternative modes of transmission may be involved. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of A. platys infection in litters of puppies, which could suggest possible vertical transmission. Twelve litters, together with the respective bitches, were included in the study for the detection of A. platys DNA by PCR, followed by sequencing. Five puppies, from 2/4 litters <28 days of age, tested positive for A. platys DNA. No puppies from eight litters 1-3 months of age tested positive for A. platys DNA. The identical sequences (16S rRNA and gltA partial gene), the absence of ticks on puppies at the time of collection and the young age of the five infected puppies suggest vertical transmission of A. platys. This mode of transmission might contribute to the maintenance and spread of the pathogen in canine populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - S Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Small Ruminant Research, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Sandnes, Norway
| | - D Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - A Degan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - G D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Mihalca AD, Fictum P, Skoric M, Sloboda M, Kärvemo S, Ghira I, Carlsson M, Modry D. Severe Granulomatous Lesions in Several Organs from Eustrongylides Larvae in a Free-ranging Dice Snake, Natrix tessellata. Vet Pathol 2016; 44:103-5. [PMID: 17197633 DOI: 10.1354/vp.44-1-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
During an extensive study regarding the epidemiology of larval Eustrongylides infestation in a free-ranging endangered population of dice snakes ( Natrix tessellata) from Histria, Romania, an adult female was euthanized to evaluate pathologic changes. Parasites appeared as nodules at various locations: in subcutaneous connective tissues, on the serosae of the intestines and liver. Histologic sections revealed nematode larvae surrounded by a capsule, forming a parasitic granuloma with 3 layers: macrophage layer, lymphocyte layer, and fibrous capsule. Differences between newly formed and mature granulomas consisted mainly in the eosinophilic infiltration. Other types of parasitic granulomas of reptiles are discussed in comparison with our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Manastur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Mihalca AD, Kalmár Z, Dumitrache MO. Rhipicephalus rossicus, a neglected tick at the margin of Europe: a review of its distribution, ecology and medical importance. Med Vet Entomol 2015; 29:215-224. [PMID: 25761411 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus rossicus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is a three-host tick with a broad host spectrum that includes wild animals, pets, livestock and humans. Despite its local abundance in certain areas, most of the available information on R. rossicus was published decades ago, mainly by former soviet authors. Its distribution largely overlaps the Eurasian steppe. However, its range may be more extensive than is currently known because this species may have been misidentified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, principally in areas where the latter species is present. Although R. rossicus has been occasionally reported to feed on people, little attention has been given to its medical importance. It has been shown to have a vectorial role in the transmission of Francisella tularensis, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and West Nile virus. However, the vectorial importance of R. rossicus may be significantly greater, mainly as the closely related species R. sanguineus s.l. is known to transmit a very wide spectrum of pathogens. The probably underestimated vectorial role of R. rossicus may represent a hidden public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Z Kalmár
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - M O Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Dumitrache MO, D'Amico G, Matei IA, Ionică A, Gherman CM, Sikó Barabási S, Ionescu DT, Oltean M, Balea A, Ilea IC, Sándor AD, Mihalca AD. Ixodid ticks in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Romania. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4092304 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-p1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Lupșe M, Mircean V, Cavasi A, Mihalca AD. Recurrent subcutaneous human Dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens after surgical removal of the worm and anthelmintic treatment. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4094221 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-p3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Mărcuţan ID, Sándor AD, Mihalca AD, Gherman CM, Kalmár Z, D'Amico G, Dumitrache MO, Cozma V. Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks collected from migratory birds in Danube Delta, Romania. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4094214 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-p16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Qablan MA, Boyer F, Miquel C, D'Amico G, Mihalca AD, Pompanon F, Modrý D. Next generation sequencing as a novel tool for diagnostics of apicomplexan pathogen in ticks and mammalian hosts. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4094236 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-o13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Kalmár Z, D'Amico G, Matei IA, Paștiu AI, Mărcuţan DI, Dumitrache MO, Mihalca AD. Borrelia turcica in Hyalomma aegyptium ticks in Romania. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4092296 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-p6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Gallusová M, Baneth G, Qablan MA, Mihalca AD, Modrý D. A molecular survey on host specificity of feline and canine Hepatozoon in model site of northern Kenya. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4101257 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-o22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Rinaldi L, Capasso M, Mihalca AD, Cirillo R, Cringoli G, Cacciò S. Prevalence and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium isolates from pet lizards and snakes in Italy. Parasite 2012; 19:437-40. [PMID: 23193530 PMCID: PMC3671454 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2012194437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to acquire prevalence and genetic data on Cryptosporidium infections in captive lizards and snakes kept as pets, a survey was conducted on 150 individual reptiles from southern Italy. Fecal samples were preserved in 5% formalin and analyzed using a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. IFA revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in nine of the 150 samples examined (6.0%), precisely in 6/125 snakes (4.8%) and in 3/25 lizards (12.0%); all fecal samples tested negative for the presence of Giardia cysts. Molecular characterization based on nested PCR amplification and sequencing of the SSU-rRNA gene, revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium serpentis in three samples from snakes (Boa constrictor constrictor, Elapheguttata guttata guttata and Python molurus).
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rinaldi
- Department of Animal Pathology and Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Mihalca AD, Gherman CM, Magdaş C, Dumitrache MO, Györke A, Sándor AD, Domşa C, Oltean M, Mircean V, Mărcuţan DI, D'Amico G, Păduraru AO, Cozma V. Ixodes ricinus is the dominant questing tick in forest habitats in Romania: the results from a countrywide dragging campaign. Exp Appl Acarol 2012; 58:175-182. [PMID: 22547023 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9568-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In 2010 and 2011, questing ticks were collected from 188 forested locations in all the 41 counties of Romania using the dragging method. The total of 13,771 ticks collected belonged to eleven species: Ixodes ricinus (86.9 %), Dermacentor marginatus (9.5 %), Haemaphysalis punctata (2.6 %), H. concinna (0.6 %), H. sulcata (0.3 %), H. parva (0.1 %), Hyalomma marginatum (0.02 %), D. reticulatus (0.02 %), I. crenulatus (0.007 %), I. hexagonus (0.007 %) and I. laguri (0.007 %). Ixodes ricinus was present in 97.7 % (n = 180) of locations, occurring exclusively in 41.7 % of the locations, whereas it was the dominant species in 38.8 % of the other locations, accounting for over 70 % of the total tick community. The following most common questing ticks were D. marginatus, H. punctata and H. concinna. Ixodes ricinus co-occurred with one, two or three sympatric species. The occurrence of D. reticulatus in forested habitats from Romania was found to be accidental.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Mihalca AD, Dumitrache MO, Magdaş C, Gherman CM, Domşa C, Mircean V, Ghira IV, Pocora V, Ionescu DT, Sikó Barabási S, Cozma V, Sándor AD. Synopsis of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Romania with update on host associations and geographical distribution. Exp Appl Acarol 2012; 58:183-206. [PMID: 22544174 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The current paper is a synoptic review of the distribution and host associations of the 25 species of hard tick fauna (family Ixodidae) in Romania. In addition to a full literature survey, original data is presented, based on eight years of occasional or targeted sample collection. The literature data on geographical distribution was transposed digitally to the decimal degree coordinate system. For each species, an updated distribution map is given together with all historical data and new host associations. Overall, our paper records 58 new tick-host associations for Romania: 20 for Ixodes ricinus, 1 for I. apronophorus, 6 for I. arboricola, 2 for I. hexagonus, 9 for I. redikorzevi, 1 for I. trianguliceps, 2 for I. vespertilionis, 2 for Haemaphysalis punctata, 1 for H. sulcata, 2 for H. concinna, 1 for D. marginatus, 4 for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, 1 for R. bursa and 6 for Hyalomma marginatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Dumitrache MO, Gherman CM, Cozma V, Mircean V, Györke A, Sándor AD, Mihalca AD. Hard ticks (Ixodidae) in Romania: surveillance, host associations, and possible risks for tick-borne diseases. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2067-70. [PMID: 22033737 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases represent a great concern worldwide. Despite this, in Romania the studies regarding this subject has just started, and the interest of medical personnel, researchers, and citizens is increasing. Because the geographical range of many tick-borne diseases started to extend as consequences of different biological and environmental factors, it is important to study the diversity of ticks species, especially correlated with host associations. A total number of 840 ticks were collected between 1 April and 1 November 2010, from 66 animals, from 17 species in 11 counties, spread all over Romania. Four Ixodidae species were identified: Dermacentor marginatus (49.2%), Ixodes ricinus (48.3%), Hyalomma marginatum (2.4%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.1%). The obtained results indicate that D. marginatus is the most abundant tick species and I. ricinus is the most prevalent. As both of them are important vectors for human and animal diseases, the present paper discusses the associated risks for tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Briciu VT, Titilincu A, Tăţulescu DF, Cârstina D, Lefkaditis M, Mihalca AD. First survey on hard ticks (Ixodidae) collected from humans in Romania: possible risks for tick-borne diseases. Exp Appl Acarol 2011; 54:199-204. [PMID: 21161719 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-010-9418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/19/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The importance of studies on the diversity of ticks attacking humans resides mostly in the relatively highly-specific tick-pathogen associations. Human tick bites are commonly reported worldwide but removal of ticks from patients is rarely followed by specific identification of the ticks, leaving to some degree of hazard the preventive treatment of possible associated diseases. A total number of 308 ticks were collected between April and June 2010 from 275 human patients who voluntarily presented to a hospital from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The mean intensity of infection was 1.12 ± 0.46. Four species of ticks were identified Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis concinna and H. punctata. Ixodes ricinus was the most abundant species feeding on humans in the study area. A brief review of possible associated pathogen is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- V T Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Haţieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Miclăuş V, Mihalca AD, Negrea O, Oană L. Histological evidence for inoculative action of immature Linguatula serrata in lymph nodes of intermediate host. Parasitol Res 2008; 102:1385-7. [PMID: 18363050 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0951-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 02/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The histopathological examination of 11 mesenteric lymph nodes from adult sheep infected with immature stages of Linguatula serrata revealed acute and chronic lesions with the presence of bacterial colonies and yeast cells. Bacteria were mainly present in acute, hemorrhagic, or necrotic lesions while yeast cells were seen mostly in the structure of chronic granulomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Miclăuş
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Mihalca AD, Racka K, Gherman C, Ionescu DT. Prevalence and intensity of blood apicomplexan infections in reptiles from Romania. Parasitol Res 2008; 102:1081-3. [PMID: 18283494 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Accepted: 01/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In order to evaluate prevalence and intensity of apicomplexan hemoparasites in free-ranging reptiles from Romania, blood smears were collected from European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis), sand lizards (Lacerta agilis), and spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca). All three host species were positive for blood parasites, with prevalence of infected individuals between 60.71% and 100% and variable intensity. Similarities and differences with other epidemiological data are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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