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Hobusch U, Scheuch M, Heuckmann B, Hodžić A, Hobusch GM, Rammel C, Pfeffer A, Lengauer V, Froehlich DE. One Health Education Nexus: enhancing synergy among science-, school-, and teacher education beyond academic silos. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1337748. [PMID: 38585291 PMCID: PMC10995387 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1337748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The fact that the daily lives of billions of people were affected by the medical, social, and political aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic shows the need to anchor the understanding of One Health in society. Hence, promoting awareness and deepening the understanding of the interrelation between human health, animal health, and ecosystems must be accomplished through quality education, as advocated by UN Sustainable Development Goal 4. The often-questioned and discussed measures taken by governments to control the global pandemic between 2020 and 2023 can be seen as an opportunity to meet the educational needs of civil society solutions in multi-stakeholder settings between public, universities, and schools. Methods This paper focuses on the integration of One Health principles in educational frameworks, particularly within the context of the higher education teaching framework "Teaching Clinic." This master-level course in the domain of pre-service teacher education serves as a potent vehicle for facilitating One Health Education, bridging the gap between research, higher education, and schools. Through the presentation of two case studies, this article demonstrates how the Teaching Clinic approach fosters interdisciplinary perspectives and provides a dynamic learning environment for pre-service teachers, as well as for pupils involved in the educational process. Results In both cases, the integration of educational One Health school teaching-learning settings effectively enhanced pupils' understanding of complex topics and engaged them in active learning experiences. Pre-service teachers played a crucial role in developing, implementing, and evaluating these interventions. In Case I, pupils demonstrated proficiency in analyzing data and evaluating mathematical models, while in Case II, the chosen instructional approach facilitated One Health knowledge acquisition and enjoyment among pupils. These results underscore the potential of the One Health Teaching Clinic as a valuable educational framework for enhancing teaching and learning outcomes for pre-service teachers and fostering pupil engagement in socio-scientific One Health-related topics. Discussion The discussion delves into the significance of breaking down disciplinary silos and the crucial role of teacher education in promoting a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the intersectionality of One Health Education and Education for Sustainable Development. This article underpins the significance of collaborative efforts across multiple (scientific) disciplines and across secondary and tertiary education levels to reach a nexus. Moreover, it emphasizes the alignment of this approach with the 2030 Agenda, Education for Sustainable Development, and Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the potential for collective action toward a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Hobusch
- University College for Agricultural and Environmental Education, Vienna, Austria
- Centre for Teacher Education, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Scheuch
- University College for Agricultural and Environmental Education, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Educational Competence Centre for Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Division of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard M. Hobusch
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma-Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Rammel
- Austria Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development Vienna (RCE Vienna), Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Pfeffer
- Centre for Teacher Education, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Dominik E. Froehlich
- Department of Education, Centre for Teacher Education, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Kapo N, Zuber Bogdanović I, Gagović E, Žekić M, Veinović G, Sukara R, Mihaljica D, Adžić B, Kadriaj P, Cvetkovikj A, Djadjovski I, Potkonjak A, Velo E, Savić S, Tomanović S, Omeragić J, Beck R, Hodžić A. Ixodid ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of the Western Balkans. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:45. [PMID: 38297327 PMCID: PMC10832161 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are distributed across all countries of the Western Balkans, with a high diversity of species. Many of these species serve as vectors of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Given the scattered data from Western Balkan countries, we have conducted a comprehensive review of available literature, including some historical data, with the aim to compile information about all recorded tick species and associated zoonotic pathogens in this region. Based on the collected data, the tick fauna of the Western Balkans encompasses 32 tick species belonging to five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. A range of pathogens responsible for human diseases has also been documented, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. In this review, we emphasize the necessity for integrated surveillance and reporting, urging authorities to foster research by providing financial support. Additionally, international and interdisciplinary collaborations should be encouraged that include the exchange of expertise, experiences and resources. The present collaborative effort can effectively address gaps in our knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naida Kapo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Ema Gagović
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Žekić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gorana Veinović
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Darko Mihaljica
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojan Adžić
- Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Përparim Kadriaj
- Vector Control Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Igor Djadjovski
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Enkelejda Velo
- Vector Control Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jasmin Omeragić
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Unterköfler MS, Dengg P, Niederbacher M, Lindorfer S, Eberle A, Huck A, Staufer K, Zittra C, Wortha LN, Hodžić A, Duscher GG, Harl J, Schlüsslmayr G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D, Silbermayr K, Fuehrer HP. Occurrence of Thelazia callipaeda and its vector Phortica variegata in Austria and South Tyrol, Italy, and a global comparison by phylogenetic network analysis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:294. [PMID: 37620902 PMCID: PMC10464191 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic nematode Thelazia callipaeda infects the eyes of domestic and wild animals and uses canids as primary hosts. It was originally described in Asia, but in the last 20 years it has been reported in many European countries, where it is mainly transmitted by the drosophilid fruit fly Phortica variegata. We report the autochthonous occurrence of T. callipaeda and its vector P. variegata in Austria. Nematodes were collected from clinical cases and fruit flies were caught using traps, netting, and from the conjunctival sac of one dog. Fruit flies and nematodes were morphologically identified and a section of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) was analysed. A DNA haplotype network was calculated to visualize the relation of the obtained COI sequences to published sequences. Additionally, Phortica spp. were screened for the presence of DNA of T. callipaeda by polymerase chain reaction. Thelazia callipaeda and P. variegata were identified in Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Styria. Thelazia callipaeda was also documented in Vienna and P. variegata in Upper Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. All T. callipaeda corresponded to haplotype 1. Twenty-two different haplotypes of P. variegata were identified in the fruit flies. One sequence was distinctly different from those of Phortica variegata and was more closely related to those of Phortica chi and Phortica okadai. Thelazia callipaeda could not be detected in any of the Phortica specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Dengg
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Niederbacher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Lindorfer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonia Eberle
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Huck
- Small Animal Practice Dr. Alexandra Huck, Güttenbach, Austria
| | - Katalina Staufer
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Licha Natalia Wortha
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Hodžić A, Alić A. Hepatozoon silvestris: an emerging feline vector-borne pathogen in Europe? Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:163-166. [PMID: 36549925 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoon silvestris (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) is a recently described agent of feline hepatozoonosis. Although possibly emerging in Europe, this apicomplexan parasite is still largely unknown. Here, we provide insight into our current knowledge of the parasite's distribution, biology, and pathogenesis of the associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology (DoME), University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Hodžić A, Dheilly NM, Cabezas-Cruz A, Berry D. The helminth holobiont: a multidimensional host-parasite-microbiota interaction. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:91-100. [PMID: 36503639 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal helminths have developed multiple mechanisms by which they manipulate the host microbiome to make a favorable environment for their long-term survival. While the impact of helminth infections on vertebrate host immunity and its gut microbiota is relatively well studied, little is known about the structure and functioning of microbial populations supported by metazoan parasites. Here we argue that an integrated understanding of the helminth-associated microbiome and its role in the host disease pathogenesis may facilitate the discovery of specific microbial and/or genetic patterns critical for parasite biology and subsequently pave the way for the development of alternative control strategies against parasites and parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology (DoME), University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nolwenn M Dheilly
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - David Berry
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology (DoME), University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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Uiterwijk M, Vojta L, Šprem N, Beck A, Jurković D, Kik M, Duscher GG, Hodžić A, Reljić S, Sprong H, Beck R. Diversity of Hepatozoon species in wild mammals and ticks in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:27. [PMID: 36694253 PMCID: PMC9872412 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05626-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatozoon spp. are tick-borne parasites causing subclinical to clinical disease in wild and domestic animals. Aim of this study was to determine Hepatozoon prevalence and species distribution among wild mammals and ticks in Europe. METHODS Samples of wild mammals and ticks, originating from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Belgium and the Netherlands, were tested with PCR to amplify a ~ 670-bp fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. RESULTS Of the 2801 mammal samples that were used for this study, 370 (13.2%) tested positive. Hepatozoon canis was detected in samples of 178 animals (3 Artiodactyla, 173 Carnivora, 1 Eulipotyphia, 1 Lagomorpha), H. martis in 125 (3 Artiodactyla, 122 Carnivora), H. sciuri in 13 (all Rodentia), Hepatozoon sp. in 47 (among which Hepatozoon sp. Vole isolate, all Rodentia) and H. ayorgbor in 4 (all Rodentia). Regarding origin, 2.9% (6/208) tested positive from Austria, 2.8% (1/36) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, 14.6% (173/1186) from Croatia and 13.9% (190/1371) from Belgium/the Netherlands. Of the 754 ticks collected, 0.0% (0/35) Hyalomma sp., 16.0% (4/25) Dermacentor spp., 0.0% (0/23) Haemaphysalis spp., 5.3% (24/50) Ixodes and 1.4% (3/221) Rhipicephalus spp. tested positive for Hepatozoon (4.2%; 32/754), most often H. canis (n = 22). CONCLUSIONS Hepatozoon canis is most present in mammals (especially in Carnivora such as gray wolves and golden jackals) and ticks, followed by H. martis, which was found merely in stone martens and pine martens. None of the rodent-associated Hepatozoon spp. were detected in the ticks, suggesting the possible implication of other arthropod species or non-vectorial routes in the transmission cycle of the hemoprotozoans in rodents. Our findings of H. canis in ticks other than R. sanguineus add to the observation that other ticks are also involved in the life cycle of Hepatozoon. Now that presence of Hepatozoon has been demonstrated in red foxes, gray wolves, mustelids and rodents from the Netherlands and/or Belgium, veterinary clinicians should be aware of the possibility of spill-over to domestic animals, such as dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Uiterwijk
- grid.435742.30000 0001 0726 7822Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), Netherlands Institute for Vectors, Invasive plants and Plant health (NIVIP), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lea Vojta
- grid.4905.80000 0004 0635 7705Division of Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Molecular Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikica Šprem
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Beck
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daria Jurković
- grid.417625.30000 0004 0367 0309Laboratory for Parasitology, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marja Kik
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Georg G. Duscher
- grid.414107.70000 0001 2224 6253Austrian Agency for Health & Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Centre for Microbiology and Environmental System Science (CMESS), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology (DoME), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Slaven Reljić
- grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Department of Forensic and State Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre of Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (Cib-RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Relja Beck
- grid.417625.30000 0004 0367 0309Laboratory for Parasitology, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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Hodžić A, Alić A, Spahić A, Harl J, Beck R. Genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato from animals and humans in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:457. [PMID: 36482478 PMCID: PMC9733143 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05598-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is recognized as one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, no systemic investigation of the genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato circulating among animals and humans in the country has been performed to date. METHODS In this preliminary study, we analysed one cyst each from 36 sheep, 27 cattle, 27 pigs, 11 wild boars and 16 human patients for amplification and partial sequencing of the adenosine triphosphate 6 (atp6) and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) genes. The host species, fertility rate and organ cyst location were recorded for each subject involved in the study. RESULTS Overall, the atp6 gene was successfully amplified and sequenced from 110 samples, while 96 of the PCRs for cox1 were positive. Three zoonotic genotypes of E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1 and G3) and Echinococcus canadensis (G7) were identified in our isolates based on analyses of the atp6 gene. These genotypes were represented by 11 different genetic variants (haplotypes), six of which were identified for the first time in the present study. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates, for the first time, that CE in Bosnia and Herzegovina is predominantly caused by E. granulosus sensu stricto and E. canadensis clusters, which exhibited a lower genetic diversity compared to isolates from other European countries. Further molecular studies employing other mitochondrial and nuclear genes are required to better understand the transmission cycles of E. granulosus sensu stricto among intermediate and definitive hosts in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- grid.10420.370000 0001 2286 1424Division of Microbial Ecology (DoME), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria ,grid.11869.370000000121848551Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amer Alić
- grid.11869.370000000121848551Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amir Spahić
- Department of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital, 72270 Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Josef Harl
- grid.6583.80000 0000 9686 6466Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Relja Beck
- grid.417625.30000 0004 0367 0309Laboratory for Parasitology, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Colella V, Huggins L, Hodžić A, Galon C, Traub R, Alić A, Iatta R, Halos L, Otranto D, Vayssier‐Taussat M, Moutailler S. High-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR for the simultaneous detection of selected vector-borne pathogens in dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2943-e2951. [PMID: 35766324 PMCID: PMC9796230 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A scarcity of information on the occurrence of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), alongside a lack of human and animal health authorities' awareness of pre-existing data, augment the risk of VBP infection for local people and limit our ability to establish control programs. This holds especially true in low-middle income countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This dearth of information on zoonotic VBPs is bolstered by the inability of previously used diagnostic tests, including conventional molecular diagnostic methods, to detect the full spectrum of relevant pathogens. Considering this, we set out to apply a microfluidic qPCR assay capable of detecting 43 bacterial and protozoan pathogens from blood to accrue critical baseline data for VBPs occurrence in BiH. A total of 408 dogs were tested of which half were infected with at least one VBP of zoonotic or veterinary importance. Leishmania infantum was found in 18% of dogs, reaching a prevalence as high as 38% in urbanized areas of Sarajevo. These data highlight substantially higher levels of L. infantum prevalence when compared to that previously reported using conventional methods using the same samples. Additionally, this high-throughput microfluidic qPCR assay was able to detect pathogens rarely or never reported in canines in BiH, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum (3%), Anaplasma platys (0.2%), haemotropic Mycoplasma (1%) and Hepatozoon canis (26%). Our report of the endemicity of important zoonotic pathogens and those of clinical significance to dogs emphasizes the need for urgent implementation of surveillance and control for VBPs in BiH, targeting both animal and human infections within the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Colella
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariBariApuliaItaly,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Lucas Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- University of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Clemence Galon
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'AlfortMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Rebecca Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Amer Alić
- University of SarajevoSarajevoBosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariBariApuliaItaly
| | - Lénaïg Halos
- Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariBariApuliaItaly,Bu‐Ali Sina UniversityHamedanIran
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Navarrete MG, Hodžić A, Corona-González B, Cordeiro MD, da Silva CB, Báez LC, Obregón D, de Aguiar DM, da Silva Campos AN, Taques ÍIGG, Wu-Chuang A, López ER, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Abuin-Denis L, da Fonseca AH, Cabezas-Cruz A. Novel Ehrlichia canis genogroup in dogs with canine ehrlichiosis in Cuba. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:295. [PMID: 35999566 PMCID: PMC9396871 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is caused by the tick-borne pathogen Ehrlichia canis, an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium of the family Anaplasmataceae with tropism for canine monocytes and macrophages. The trp36 gene, which encodes for the major immunoreactive protein TRP36 in E. canis, has been successfully used to characterize the genetic diversity of this pathogen in different regions of the world. Based on trp36 sequence analysis, four E. canis genogroups, United States (US), Taiwan (TWN), Brazil (BR) and Costa Rica (CR), have been identified. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of E. canis in Cuba based on the trp36 gene. Methods Whole blood samples (n = 8) were collected from dogs found to be infested with the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) and/or presenting clinical signs and symptoms of CME. Total DNA was extracted from the blood samples and trp36 fragments were amplified by PCR. Nucleotide and protein sequences were compared using alignments and phylogenetic analysis. Results Four of the trp36 sequences obtained (n = 8) fall within the phylogenetic cluster grouping the US genogroup E. canis strains. The other E. canis trp36 sequences formed a separate and well-supported clade (94% bootstrap value) that is phylogenetically distant from the other major groups and thus represents a new genogroup, herein designated as the ‘Cuba (CUB) genogroup’. Notably, dogs infected with the CUB genogroup presented frequent hemorrhagic lesions. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that genetic diversification of E. canis in Cuba is associated with the emergence of E. canis strains with increased virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maylin González Navarrete
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23 1/2, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Claudia Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Liani Coronado Báez
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Dasiel Obregón
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Amanda Noeli da Silva Campos
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Ísis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro Taques
- Virology and Rickettsioses Laboratory, Hospital Veterinário da Facultade de Medicina Veterinária, Federal University of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eugenio Roque López
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian University of Havana, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Km 23 1/2, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, 32700, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Lianet Abuin-Denis
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Avenue 31 between 158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ, 23890000, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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10
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Thorel M, Mateos-Hernandez L, Mulot B, Azzouni MN, Hodžić A, Gaillot H, Ruel Y, Desoubeaux G, Delaye JB, Obregon D, Wu-Chuang A, de la Fuente J, Bermúdez-Humarán LG, Risco-Castillo V, Leclerc A, Cabezas-Cruz A. Assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of an Oral Probiotic-Based Vaccine Against Aspergillus Infection in Captive-Bred Humboldt Penguins ( Spheniscus humboldti). Front Immunol 2022; 13:897223. [PMID: 35634323 PMCID: PMC9137413 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.897223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused mainly by Aspergillus fumigatus that often results in respiratory disease in birds. Aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in captive-bred penguin species. Currently, there is no registered vaccine to prevent aspergillosis. Recent research demonstrated that oral administration of gram-negative bacteria expressing high levels of galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) modulates anti-α-Gal immunity and protects turkeys from clinical aspergillosis caused by experimental A. fumigatus infection. The role of anti-α-Gal immunity in penguins has not been studied. Here, we tested the distribution of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) genes in the fecal microbiome of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). The occurrence of natural anti-α-Gal antibodies (Abs) in sera and eggs of healthy Humboldt penguins was also assessed. A trial was then conducted to test whether oral administration of Escherichia coli Nissle, expressing high α-Gal levels, modulates anti-α-Gal immunity in a colony of Humboldt penguins. Animals in the vaccination and placebo groups were evaluated before the trial and followed for one year for aspergillosis detection using a diagnostic panel including computed tomography scans, capillary zone electrophoresis, 3-hydroxybutyrate levels, and anti-A. fumigatus Abs. Anti-α-Gal Abs were detected in sera (IgM and IgY) and eggs (IgY) of healthy penguins. Microbiota analysis and functional predictions revealed the presence of α1,3GT genes in the microbiota of Humboldt penguins and other penguin species. A strong decrease in anti-α-Gal IgM levels was observed in all animals in the placebo group three months after vaccination protocol. This decrease was not observed in E. coli Nissle-treated penguins. After the vaccination protocol, we found a positive correlation between anti-E. coli IgY and anti-α-Gal IgY in the E. coli Nissle group, suggesting a correlation between the presence of the bacteria and these Abs. During the study period, three penguins exhibited respiratory signs consistent with aspergillosis. Two were from the placebo group whose symptoms resolved with specific treatments, while a single vaccinated individual developed fatal respiratory aspergillosis eight months after the trial. We conclude that E. coli Nissle represents a safe potential probiotic with a protective effect against aspergillosis in Humboldt penguins that deserves to be further explored for therapeutic uses in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Thorel
- ZooParc de Beauval and Beauval Nature, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, France
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Baptiste Mulot
- ZooParc de Beauval and Beauval Nature, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, France
| | - Mouna Naila Azzouni
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hugues Gaillot
- ADVETIA Veterinary Hospital Center, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
| | - Yannick Ruel
- ADVETIA Veterinary Hospital Center, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
| | - Guillaume Desoubeaux
- CHU de Tours, Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie, Médecine Tropicale, Tours, France
- Université de Tours, Inserm U1100 – Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires, Faculté de Médecine, Tours, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Delaye
- CHU de Tours, Pôle de Biologie médicale, Laboratoire de Médecine Nucléaire In Vitro – Centre Régional de Dépistage Néonatal, Tours, France
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | | | - Veronica Risco-Castillo
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, UPEC, USC, ANSES, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Antoine Leclerc
- ZooParc de Beauval and Beauval Nature, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
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11
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Wu-Chuang A, Hodžić A, Mateos-Hernández L, Estrada-Peña A, Obregon D, Cabezas-Cruz A. Current debates and advances in tick microbiome research. Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis 2022; 1:100036. [PMID: 35284884 PMCID: PMC8906078 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [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: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The main importance of ticks resides in their ability to harbor pathogens that can be transmitted to terrestrial vertebrates including humans. Recently, studies have focused on the taxonomic and functional composition of the tick microbiome, its microbial diversity and variation under different factors including tick species, sex, and environment among others. Of special interest are the interactions between the tick, the microbiome and pathogens since tick microbiome can influence pathogen colonization within the tick vector, and potentially, transmission to the vertebrate host. In this review, we tackled a synthesis on the growing field of tick microbiomes. We focus on the current state of tick microbiome research, addressing controversial and hotly debated topics and advances in the precise manipulation of tick microbiome. Furthermore, we discuss the innovative anti-tick microbiota vaccines as a possible tool for microbiome modulation and thus, control of tick-borne diseases. Deciphering tick-microbiome pathogen interactions can spur new strategies to control tick-borne diseases via modulation of tick microbiome. Whether the diversity observed in tick microbiomes concerns the biology or the methodology remains an open question. Tick immunity must play a major role in selecting ‘who stays and who leaves’ the microbiome. Anti-tick microbiota vaccines can target specific bacteria and subsequently modulate tick microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | | | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
- Corresponding author.
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12
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Yan S, Hodžić A, Bandini G, Yang G, Vanbeselaere J, Guérardel Y. Editorial: Characterization, Biosynthesis and Biological Functions of Novel Glyco-Epitopes. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:871037. [PMID: 35309506 PMCID: PMC8931030 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.871037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yan
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, VIA, Austria,*Correspondence: Shi Yan,
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, VIA, Austria
| | - Giulia Bandini
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ganglong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jorick Vanbeselaere
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, VIA, Austria
| | - Yann Guérardel
- Université de Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France,Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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13
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Maitre A, Wu-Chuang A, Aželytė J, Palinauskas V, Mateos-Hernández L, Obregon D, Hodžić A, Valiente Moro C, Estrada-Peña A, Paoli JC, Falchi A, Cabezas-Cruz A. Vector microbiota manipulation by host antibodies: the forgotten strategy to develop transmission-blocking vaccines. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:4. [PMID: 34983601 PMCID: PMC8725291 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05122-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human and animal pathogens that are transmitted by arthropods are a global concern, particularly those vectored by ticks (e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus) and mosquitoes (e.g. malaria and dengue virus). Breaking the circulation of pathogens in permanent foci by controlling vectors using acaricide-based approaches is threatened by the selection of acaricide resistance in vector populations, poor management practices and relaxing of control measures. Alternative strategies that can reduce vector populations and/or vector-mediated transmission are encouraged worldwide. In recent years, it has become clear that arthropod-associated microbiota are involved in many aspects of host physiology and vector competence, prompting research into vector microbiota manipulation. Here, we review how increased knowledge of microbial ecology and vector-host interactions is driving the emergence of new concepts and tools for vector and pathogen control. We focus on the immune functions of host antibodies taken in the blood meal as they can target pathogens and microbiota bacteria within hematophagous arthropods. Anti-microbiota vaccines are presented as a tool to manipulate the vector microbiota and interfere with the development of pathogens within their vectors. Since the importance of some bacterial taxa for colonization of vector-borne pathogens is well known, the disruption of the vector microbiota by host antibodies opens the possibility to develop novel transmission-blocking vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apolline Maitre
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
- INRAE, UR 0045 Laboratoire de Recherches Sur Le Développement de L'Elevage (SELMET-LRDE), 20250, Corte, France
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse, Corte, France
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Justė Aželytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 09412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claire Valiente Moro
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Ecologie Microbienne, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Paoli
- INRAE, UR 0045 Laboratoire de Recherches Sur Le Développement de L'Elevage (SELMET-LRDE), 20250, Corte, France
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse, Corte, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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14
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Alić A, Šupić J, Goletić T, Rešidbegović E, Lutvikadić I, Hodžić A. A Unique Case of Fatal Coinfection Caused by Leptospira spp. and Hepatozoon canis in a Red Fox Cub ( Vulpes vulpes). Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010011. [PMID: 35055959 PMCID: PMC8777892 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Red foxes are the most abundant wild carnivore species in Europe commonly exposed to pathogenic Leptospira and Hepatozoon canis. Despite high seroprevalence, the clinical disease caused by these pathogens in red foxes has never been reported. Herein, we report the first-ever case of a fatal Leptospira spp. and H. canis coinfection in a two-month-old red fox cub with acute haemolytic anaemia, mild bronchopneumonia, intraalveolar haemorrhage, and tubulonephrosis. The presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in the kidney and lung tissues of the infected animal. In contrast to our previous knowledge, we believe that such fatal cases due to concomitant infection by Leptospira spp. and H. canis, especially in young animals, may commonly occur in nature. However, further studies are required to identify other factors that possibly contribute to the severity and the pathogenic effect of Leptospira spp. and H. canis infections in red foxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +387-33-729-133
| | - Jovana Šupić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Teufik Goletić
- Department of Avian Diseases and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (T.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Emina Rešidbegović
- Department of Avian Diseases and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (T.G.); (E.R.)
| | - Ismar Lutvikadić
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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15
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Román-Carrasco P, Hemmer W, Cabezas-Cruz A, Hodžić A, de la Fuente J, Swoboda I. The α-Gal Syndrome and Potential Mechanisms. Front Allergy 2021; 2:783279. [PMID: 35386980 PMCID: PMC8974695 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.783279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The α-Gal syndrome is a complex allergic disease characterized by the development of specific IgE antibodies against the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal), an oligosaccharide present in cells and tissues of non-primate mammals. Individuals with IgE antibodies to α-Gal suffer from a delayed form of anaphylaxis following red meat consumption. There are several features that make the α-Gal syndrome such a unique allergic disease and distinguish it from other food allergies: (1) symptoms causing IgE antibodies are directed against a carbohydrate moiety, (2) the unusual delay between the consumption of the food and the onset of the symptoms, and (3) the fact that primary sensitization to α-Gal occurs via tick bites. This review takes a closer look at the immune response against α-Gal, in healthy and in α-Gal allergic individuals. Furthermore, the similarities and differences between immune response against α-Gal and against the other important glycan moieties associated with allergies, namely cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs), are discussed. Then different mechanisms are discussed that could contribute to the delayed onset of symptoms after consumption of mammalian meat. Moreover, our current knowledge on the role of tick bites in the sensitization process is summarized. The tick saliva has been shown to contain proteins carrying α-Gal, but also bioactive molecules, such as prostaglandin E2, which is capable of stimulating an increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines while promoting a decrease in the production of proinflammatory mediators. Together these components might promote Th2-related immunity and trigger a class switch to IgE antibodies directed against the oligosaccharide α-Gal. The review also points to open research questions that remain to be answered and proposes future research directions, which will help to get a better understanding and lead to a better management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Román-Carrasco
- Molecular Biotechnology Section, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Ines Swoboda
- Molecular Biotechnology Section, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Gomez-Chamorro A, Hodžić A, King KC, Cabezas-Cruz A. Ecological and evolutionary perspectives on tick-borne pathogen co-infections. Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis 2021; 1:100049. [PMID: 35284886 PMCID: PMC8906131 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogen co-infections are common in nature. Co-infecting pathogens interact with each other and the tick microbiome, which influences individual pathogen fitness, and ultimately shapes virulence, infectivity, and transmission. In this review, we discuss how tick-borne pathogens are an ideal framework to study the evolutionary dynamics of co-infections. We highlight the importance of inter-species and intra-species interactions in vector-borne pathogen ecology and evolution. We also propose experimental evolution in tick cell lines as a method to directly test the impact of co-infections on pathogen evolution. Experimental evolution can simulate in real-time the long periods of time involved in within-vector pathogen interactions in nature, a major practical obstacle to cracking the influence of co-infections on pathogen evolution and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gomez-Chamorro
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kayla C. King
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire D’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
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17
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Mateos-Hernández L, Obregón D, Wu-Chuang A, Maye J, Bornères J, Versillé N, de la Fuente J, Díaz-Sánchez S, Bermúdez-Humarán LG, Torres-Maravilla E, Estrada-Peña A, Hodžić A, Šimo L, Cabezas-Cruz A. Anti-Microbiota Vaccines Modulate the Tick Microbiome in a Taxon-Specific Manner. Front Immunol 2021; 12:704621. [PMID: 34322135 PMCID: PMC8312226 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.704621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of tools for the precise manipulation of the tick microbiome is currently a major limitation to achieve mechanistic insights into the tick microbiome. Anti-tick microbiota vaccines targeting keystone bacteria of the tick microbiota alter tick feeding, but their impact on the taxonomic and functional profiles of the tick microbiome has not been tested. In this study, we immunized a vertebrate host model (Mus musculus) with live bacteria vaccines targeting keystone (i.e., Escherichia-Shigella) or non-keystone (i.e., Leuconostoc) taxa of tick microbiota and tested the impact of bacterial-specific antibodies (Abs) on the structure and function of tick microbiota. We also investigated the effect of these anti-microbiota vaccines on mice gut microbiota composition. Our results showed that the tick microbiota of ticks fed on Escherichia coli-immunized mice had reduced Escherichia-Shigella abundance and lower species diversity compared to ticks fed on control mice immunized with a mock vaccine. Immunization against keystone bacteria restructured the hierarchy of nodes in co-occurrence networks and reduced the resistance of the bacterial network to taxa removal. High levels of E. coli-specific IgM and IgG were negatively correlated with the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in tick microbiota. These effects were not observed when Leuconostoc was targeted with vaccination against Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Prediction of functional pathways in the tick microbiome using PICRUSt2 revealed that E. coli vaccination reduced the abundance of lysine degradation pathway in tick microbiome, a result validated by qPCR. In contrast, the gut microbiome of immunized mice showed no significant alterations in the diversity, composition and abundance of bacterial taxa. Our results demonstrated that anti-tick microbiota vaccines are a safe, specific and an easy-to-use tool for manipulation of vector microbiome. These results guide interventions for the control of tick infestations and pathogen infection/transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Dasiel Obregón
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Jennifer Maye
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, La Garenne Colombes, 92250, France
| | | | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Sandra Díaz-Sánchez
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Edgar Torres-Maravilla
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
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18
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Iatta R, Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Hodžić A, Dantas-Torres F, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Genetic variability of Ehrlichia canis TRP36 in ticks, dogs, and red foxes from Eurasia. Vet Microbiol 2021; 255:109037. [PMID: 33740731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is among the most prevalent tick-borne pathogens infecting dogs worldwide, being primarily vectored by brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). The genetic variability of E. canis has been assessed by analysis of different genes (e.g., disulfide bond formation protein gene, glycoprotein 19, tandem repeat protein 36 - TRP36) in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and in a single dog sample from Europe (i.e., Spain). This study was aimed to assess the variations in the TRP36 gene of E. canis detected in naturally infected canids and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks from different countries in Asia and Europe. DNA samples from dogs (n = 644), foxes (n = 146), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 658) from Austria, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan were included in this study. Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA positive samples (n = 115 from the previous studies; n = 14 from Austria in this study) were selected for molecular examination by analyses of TRP36 gene. Out of 129 E. canis 16S rRNA positive samples from dogs (n = 88), foxes (n = 7), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 34), the TRP36 gene was successfully amplified from 52. The phylogenetic analysis of the TRP36 pre-repeat, tandem repeat, and post repeat regions showed that most samples were genetically close to the United States genogroup, whereas two samples from Austria and one from Pakistan clustered within the Taiwan genogroup. TRP36 sequences from all samples presented a high conserved nucleotide sequence in the tandem repeat region (from 6 to 20 copies), encoding for nine amino acids (i.e., TEDSVSAPA). Our results confirm the US genogroup as the most frequent group in dogs and ticks tested herein, whereas the Taiwan genogroup was present in a lower frequency. Besides, this study described for the first time the US genogroup in red foxes, thus revealing that these canids share identical strains with domestic dogs and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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19
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Panait LC, Mihalca AD, Modrý D, Juránková J, Ionică AM, Deak G, Gherman CM, Heddergott M, Hodžić A, Veronesi F, Reichard M, Zieman EA, Nielsen CK, Jiménez-Ruiz FA, Hrazdilová K. Three new species of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109344. [PMID: 33465567 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protists of the genus Cytauxzoon infect a wide variety of wild and domestic felids worldwide. While the American Cytauxzoon felis has been well described, data on the European isolates of Cytauxzoon are still scant. The aim of the current study was to determine the genetic diversity of European Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids across Europe by analyzing one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, along with representative complete mitochondrial genomes. Overall, 106 biological samples from wild felids (92 from Felis silvestris and 14 from Lynx lynx) from Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg were collected and screened for the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. using nested PCR protocols, targeting the highly conserved 18S rDNA, mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. Furthermore, 18 previously confirmed wild felid biological samples from Europe, and comparative material from USA positive for C. felis, were included in the study. In 18S rDNA sequences analyses, Cytauxzoon spp. from felids formed two separate clades of New World and Old World isolates, with a low inner diversity of the European clade. In contrast to 18S rDNA, the phylogenetic analyses of CytB and COI genes affirmatively revealed three highly supported clades, resulting in three defined genotypes. Similar intra- and interspecific variability of CytB and COI genes was observed in the case of different Babesia spp. Considering geography, host species and analyses of three genes, we conclude that the three detected genotypes of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids represent three new species, which we herein describe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Juránková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania; CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I Al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Museum of Natural History, 25 Rue Munster, 2160, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mason Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 74078, Stillwater, OK, United States.
| | - Elliott A Zieman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 61920-3099, Charleston, IL, United States.
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Department of Forestry and Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 62901-6501, Carbondale, IL, United States.
| | | | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, 32300, Plzeň, Czech Republic.
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Hodžić A, de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A. COVID-19 in the Developing World: Is the Immune Response to α-Gal an Overlooked Factor Mitigating the Severity of Infection? ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:3104-3108. [PMID: 33180463 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has affected millions of people worldwide. Considerably lower prevalence and fatality rates resulting from COVID-19 are reported in Africa and Asia than in the industrialized world. In this Viewpoint, we discuss the possibility that this intriguing phenomenon could be, among other factors, due to protective immunity of the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). The α-Gal immunity induced by gut microbiota that express the same glycan modification may prevent COVID-19 through the activation of different mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and the downregulation of the inflammatory response in the lungs of infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC−CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, United States
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
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21
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Battisti E, Urach K, Hodžić A, Fusani L, Hufnagl P, Felsberger G, Ferroglio E, Duscher GG. Zoonotic Pathogens in Ticks from Migratory Birds, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:2986-2988. [PMID: 33219656 PMCID: PMC7706978 DOI: 10.3201/eid2612.181686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds can transport infected ticks across continents. We evaluated pathogens in ticks collected from migratory birds in Italy. We found DNA from Rickettsia aeschlimannii, R. africae, and R. raoultii bacteria, all of which can cause disease in humans. Bird migrations might facilitate the spread of these pathogens into new areas.
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22
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Mateos-Hernández L, Obregón D, Maye J, Borneres J, Versille N, de la Fuente J, Estrada-Peña A, Hodžić A, Šimo L, Cabezas-Cruz A. Anti-Tick Microbiota Vaccine Impacts Ixodes ricinus Performance during Feeding. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E702. [PMID: 33233316 PMCID: PMC7711837 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tick microbiota is a highly complex ensemble of interacting microorganisms. Keystone taxa, with a central role in the microbial networks, support the stability and fitness of the microbial communities. The keystoneness of taxa in the tick microbiota can be inferred from microbial co-occurrence networks. Microbes with high centrality indexes are highly connected with other taxa of the microbiota and are expected to provide important resources to the microbial community and/or the tick. We reasoned that disturbance of vector microbiota by removal of ubiquitous and abundant keystone bacteria may disrupt the tick-microbiota homeostasis causing harm to the tick host. These observations and reasoning prompted us to test the hypothesis that antibodies targeting keystone bacteria may harm the ticks during feeding on immunized hosts. To this aim, in silico analyses were conducted to identify keystone bacteria in the microbiota of Ixodes nymphs. The family Enterobacteriaceae was among the top keystone taxa identified in Ixodes microbiota. Immunization of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase-deficient-C57BL/6 (α1,3GT KO) mice with a live vaccine containing the Enterobacteriaceae bacterium Escherichia coli strain BL21 revealed that the production of anti-E. coli and anti-α-Gal IgM and IgG was associated with high mortality of I. ricinus nymphs during feeding. However, this effect was absent in two different strains of wild type mice, BALB/c and C57BL/6. This result concurred with a wide distribution of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase genes, and possibly α-Gal, in Enterobacteriaceae and other bacteria of tick microbiota. Interestingly, the weight of I. ricinus nymphs that fed on E. coli-immunized C57BL/6 was significantly higher than the weight of ticks that fed on C57BL/6 immunized with a mock vaccine. Our results suggest that anti-tick microbiota vaccines are a promising tool for the experimental manipulation of vector microbiota, and potentially the control of ticks and tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Dasiel Obregón
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Maye
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, 92250 La Garenne Colombes, France; (J.M.); (J.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Jeremie Borneres
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, 92250 La Garenne Colombes, France; (J.M.); (J.B.); (N.V.)
| | - Nicolas Versille
- SEPPIC Paris La Défense, 92250 La Garenne Colombes, France; (J.M.); (J.B.); (N.V.)
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria;
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France;
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23
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Hodžić A, Mateos-Hernández L, de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A. α-Gal-Based Vaccines: Advances, Opportunities, and Perspectives. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:992-1001. [PMID: 32948455 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans and crown catarrhines evolved with the inability to synthesize the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). In turn, they naturally produce high quantities of the glycan-specific antibodies that can be protective against infectious agents exhibiting the same carbohydrate modification on their surface coat. The protective immunity induced by α-Gal is ensured through an antibody-mediated adaptive and cell-mediated innate immune response. Therefore, the α-Gal antigen represents an attractive and feasible target for developing glycan-based vaccines against multiple diseases. In this review article we provide an insight into our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the protective immunity to α-Gal and discuss the possibilities and challenges in developing a single-antigen pan-vaccine for prevention and control of parasitic diseases of medical and veterinary concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France.
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24
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Mateos-Hernández L, Risco-Castillo V, Torres-Maravilla E, Bermúdez-Humarán LG, Alberdi P, Hodžić A, Hernández-Jarguin A, Rakotobe S, Galon C, Devillers E, de la Fuente J, Guillot J, Cabezas-Cruz A. Gut Microbiota Abrogates Anti-α-Gal IgA Response in Lungs and Protects against Experimental Aspergillus Infection in Poultry. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020285. [PMID: 32517302 PMCID: PMC7350254 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring human antibodies (Abs) of the isotypes IgM and IgG and reactive to the galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) epitope are associated with protection against infectious diseases, caused by pathogens expressing the glycan. Gut microbiota bacteria expressing α-Gal regulate the immune response to this glycan in animals lacking endogenous α-Gal. Here, we asked whether the production of anti-α-Gal Abs in response to microbiota stimulation in birds, confers protection against infection by Aspergillus fumigatus, a major fungal pathogen that expresses α-Gal in its surface. We demonstrated that the oral administration of Escherichia coli O86:B7 strain, a bacterium with high α-Gal content, reduces the occurrence of granulomas in lungs and protects turkeys from developing acute aspergillosis. Surprisingly, the protective effect of E. coli O86:B7 was not associated with an increase in circulating anti-α-Gal IgY levels, but with a striking reduction of anti-α-Gal IgA in the lungs of infected turkeys. Subcutaneous immunization against α-Gal did not induce a significant reduction of lung anti-α-Gal IgA and failed to protect against an infectious challenge with A. fumigatus. Oral administration of E. coli O86:B7 was not associated with the upregulation of lung cytokines upon A. fumigatus infection. We concluded that the oral administration of bacteria expressing high levels of α-Gal decreases the levels of lung anti-α-Gal IgA, which are mediators of inflammation and lung damage during acute aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (S.R.); (C.G.); (E.D.)
| | - Veronica Risco-Castillo
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, UPEC, USC, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (V.R.-C.); (J.G.)
| | - Edgar Torres-Maravilla
- Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (E.T.-M.); (L.G.B.-H.)
| | - Luis G. Bermúdez-Humarán
- Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (E.T.-M.); (L.G.B.-H.)
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (A.H.-J.); (J.d.l.F.)
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Angelica Hernández-Jarguin
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (A.H.-J.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Tamaulipas 87000, Mexico
| | - Sabine Rakotobe
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (S.R.); (C.G.); (E.D.)
| | - Clemence Galon
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (S.R.); (C.G.); (E.D.)
| | - Elodie Devillers
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (S.R.); (C.G.); (E.D.)
| | - Jose de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (A.H.-J.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Jacques Guillot
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, UPEC, USC, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (V.R.-C.); (J.G.)
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (S.R.); (C.G.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-49-774-677
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25
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Duscher GG, Battisti E, Hodžić A, Wäber K, Steinbach P, Stubbe M, Heddergott M. First detection and molecular identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in an introduced population of Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) in United Kingdom. Mol Cell Probes 2020; 52:101582. [PMID: 32334005 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2020.101582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated blood samples of 196 invasive Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and 91 native roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) originating from the same area in Thetford Forest in Eastern England for the occurrence of blood pathogens such as Anaplasmatacae, Rickettsiales and Piroplasmida (Babesia spp., Theileria spp.) by using PCR. Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Theileria spp. were not detected. Only two male (1%) Reeve's muntjacs and six (6.6%) roe deer were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum with 100% identity among their sequences. However, it is not clear whether Reeve's muntjac is less susceptible to infection, less susceptible to infestation by I. ricinus, or an infection in Reeve's muntjac is more lethal and therefore less positive animals are taken during hunting events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg G Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Moedling, Austria.
| | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristin Wäber
- Forestry Commission, East England, Santon Downham, Brandon, UK
| | - Peter Steinbach
- University of Göttingen, Faculty of Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Michael Stubbe
- Institute of Biology, Department of Zoology/Molecular Ecology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
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Hodžić A, Mateos-Hernández L, Fréalle E, Román-Carrasco P, Alberdi P, Pichavant M, Risco-Castillo V, Le Roux D, Vicogne J, Hemmer W, Auer H, Swoboda I, Duscher GG, de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A. Infection with Toxocara canis Inhibits the Production of IgE Antibodies to α-Gal in Humans: Towards a Conceptual Framework of the Hygiene Hypothesis? Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E167. [PMID: 32268573 PMCID: PMC7349341 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a type of anaphylactic reaction to mammalian meat characterized by an immunoglobulin (Ig)E immune response to the oligosaccharide α-Gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R). Tick bites seems to be a prerequisite for the onset of the allergic disease in humans, but the implication of non-tick parasites in α-Gal sensitization has also been deliberated. In the present study, we therefore evaluated the capacity of helminths (Toxocara canis, Ascaris suum, Schistosoma mansoni), protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii), and parasitic fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus) to induce an immune response to α-Gal. For this, different developmental stages of the infectious agents were tested for the presence of α-Gal. Next, the potential correlation between immune responses to α-Gal and the parasite infections was investigated by testing sera collected from patients with AGS and those infected with the parasites. Our results showed that S. mansoni and A. fumigatus produce the terminal α-Gal moieties, but they were not able to induce the production of specific antibodies. By contrast, T. canis, A. suum and T. gondii lack the α-Gal epitope. Furthermore, the patients with T. canis infection had significantly decreased anti-α-Gal IgE levels when compared to the healthy controls, suggesting the potential role of this nematode parasite in suppressing the allergic response to the glycan molecule. This rather intriguing observation is discussed in the context of the 'hygiene hypothesis'. Taken together, our study provides new insights into the relationships between immune responses to α-Gal and parasitic infections. However, further investigations should be undertaken to identify T. canis components with potent immunomodulatory properties and to assess their potential to be used in immunotherapy and control of AGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (D.L.R.)
| | - Emilie Fréalle
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR 8204–CIIL–Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France;
- CHU Lille, Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Patricia Román-Carrasco
- Molecular Biotechnology Section, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, 1030 Vienna, Austria; (P.R.-C.); (I.S.)
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (J.d.l.F.)
| | - Muriel Pichavant
- CHU Lille, Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Veronica Risco-Castillo
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, UPEC, USC, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Delphine Le Roux
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (D.L.R.)
| | - Jérôme Vicogne
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019–UMR9017–CIIL–Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | | | - Herbert Auer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ines Swoboda
- Molecular Biotechnology Section, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, 1030 Vienna, Austria; (P.R.-C.); (I.S.)
| | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (D.L.R.)
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Hodžić A, Georges I, Postl M, Duscher GG, Jeschke D, Szentiks CA, Ansorge H, Heddergott M. Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens reveals a high prevalence and low genetic variability of Hepatozoon canis in free-ranging grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101389. [PMID: 32008999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wild carnivores are important hosts for ixodid ticks and presumed reservoirs for several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of medical and veterinary importance. However, little is known about the role that the European grey wolf (Canis lupus) plays in the enzootic cycle of TBPs. The recent recolonization of Central European lowland, including some regions in Germany, by the grey wolf, opened up an excellent opportunity for studying the impact of the wolf population on pathogen diversity and transmission dynamics. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated spleen samples collected from 276 grey wolves in 11 federal states in Germany for common TBPs by molecular methods. In total, 127 grey wolves (46.0 %) were found to be positive for Hepatozoon canis. Only two genetic variants of this protozoan parasite (herein designated as G1 and G2) were found to circulate among the grey wolves, which can be potentially shared between populations of domestic and other wild carnivores in the country. Two grey wolves were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.7 %), and both were co-infected with H. canis G1 genotype. The presence of other pathogens could not be confirmed by PCR and sequencing. This study represents the first one reporting H. canis in a grey wolf population worldwide, and it provides highly relevant information, which may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of TBPs and the pathogen transmission dynamics among the reintroduced population of grey wolves and other carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabell Georges
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Postl
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Moedling, Austria.
| | - Diana Jeschke
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany
| | | | - Hermann Ansorge
- Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz, Görlitz, Germany; International Institute Zittau, Technische Universität Dresden, Zittau, Germany
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Duscher GG, Hodžić A, Hufnagl P, Wille-Piazzai W, Schötta AM, Markowicz MA, Estrada-Peña A, Stanek G, Allerberger F. Adult Hyalomma marginatum tick positive for Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Austria, October 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 30621821 PMCID: PMC6280420 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.48.1800595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report on a non-indigenous adult Hyalomma marginatum tick in Austria carrying the human pathogenic Rickettsia aeschlimannii; presumably introduced as a nymph via migratory birds and completed the moulting within the same year. It was negative for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, but the finding of R. aeschlimannii represents a potential threat for humans due to its zoonotic character. Awareness of invasive tick species and carried pathogens should be improved in central and northern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hufnagl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | - Gerold Stanek
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Vienna, Austria
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Hodžić A, Mateos-Hernández L, Leschnik M, Alberdi P, Rego ROM, Contreras M, Villar M, de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A, Duscher GG. Tick Bites Induce Anti-α-Gal Antibodies in Dogs. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7030114. [PMID: 31540167 PMCID: PMC6789585 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the functional inactivation of the gene encoding for the enzyme that is involved in the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) synthesis, humans and Old-World primates are able to produce a large amount of antibodies against the glycan epitope. Apart from being involved in the hyperacute organ rejection in humans, anti-α-Gal antibodies have shown a protective effect against some pathogenic agents and an implication in the recently recognized tick-induced mammalian meat allergy. Conversely, non-primate mammals, including dogs, have the ability to synthetize α-Gal and, thus, their immune system is not expected to naturally generate the antibodies toward this self-antigen molecule. However, in the current study, we detected specific IgG, IgM, and IgE antibodies to α-Gal in sera of clinically healthy dogs by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the first time. Furthermore, in a tick infestation experiment, we showed that bites of Ixodes ricinus induce the immune response to α-Gal in dogs and that the resulting antibodies (IgM) might be protective against Anaplasma phagocytophilum. These findings may help lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in mammalian meat allergy and tick-host-pathogen interactions, but they also open up the question about the possibility that dogs could develop an allergy to mammalian meat after tick bites, similar to that in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (L.M.H.); (P.A.); (M.C.); (M.V.); (J.d.l.F.)
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Department for Companion Animals, Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (L.M.H.); (P.A.); (M.C.); (M.V.); (J.d.l.F.)
| | - Ryan O. M. Rego
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Marinela Contreras
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (L.M.H.); (P.A.); (M.C.); (M.V.); (J.d.l.F.)
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (L.M.H.); (P.A.); (M.C.); (M.V.); (J.d.l.F.)
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (L.M.H.); (P.A.); (M.C.); (M.V.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence: or (A.C.-C.); (G.G.D.); Tel.: +33-1-49-774-677 (A.C.-C.); +43-1-250-77-2211 (G.G.D.)
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence: or (A.C.-C.); (G.G.D.); Tel.: +33-1-49-774-677 (A.C.-C.); +43-1-250-77-2211 (G.G.D.)
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Hodžić A, Mateos-Hernández L, de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to mammalian galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) after repeated tick bites in a patient from France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:1057-1059. [PMID: 31176665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The α-Gal syndrome is a tick-associated and emerging IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction directed against the carbohydrate Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal) epitope after red meat intake. Herein, we describe a clinical case of a 44-year-old French patient who suffered from recurrent anaphylactic reactions after mammalian meat consumption for five years before the final diagnosis of the α-Gal syndrome was established in 2018. The patient also reported multiple tick bites prior to symptom onset. This unique type of allergy has increasingly been reported across the world, but it is still unknown in many European countries. Therefore, the present clinical case should increase awareness among primary care practitioners and further improve the early diagnosis of the α-Gal syndrome in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jose de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 74078 Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Cabezas-Cruz A, Hodžić A, Román-Carrasco P, Mateos-Hernández L, Duscher GG, Sinha DK, Hemmer W, Swoboda I, Estrada-Peña A, de la Fuente J. Environmental and Molecular Drivers of the α-Gal Syndrome. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1210. [PMID: 31214181 PMCID: PMC6554561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a type of allergy characterized by an IgE antibody (Ab) response against the carbohydrate Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal), which is present in glycoproteins from tick saliva and tissues of non-catarrhine mammals. Recurrent tick bites induce high levels of anti-α-Gal IgE Abs that mediate delayed hypersensitivity to consumed red meat products in humans. This was the first evidence that tick glycoproteins play a major role in allergy development with the potential to cause fatal delayed anaphylaxis to α-Gal-containing foods and drugs and immediate anaphylaxis to tick bites. Initially, it was thought that the origin of tick-derived α-Gal was either residual blood meal mammalian glycoproteins containing α-Gal or tick gut bacteria producing this glycan. However, recently tick galactosyltransferases were shown to be involved in α-Gal synthesis with a role in tick and tick-borne pathogen life cycles. The tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum increases the level of tick α-Gal, which potentially increases the risk of developing AGS after a bite by a pathogen-infected tick. Two mechanisms might explain the production of anti-α-Gal IgE Abs after tick bites. The first mechanism proposes that the α-Gal antigen on tick salivary proteins is presented to antigen-presenting cells and B-lymphocytes in the context of Th2 cell-mediated immunity induced by tick saliva. The second mechanism is based on the possibility that tick salivary prostaglandin E2 triggers Immunoglobulin class switching to anti-α-Gal IgE-producing B cells from preexisting mature B cells clones producing anti-α-Gal IgM and/or IgG. Importantly, blood group antigens influence the capacity of the immune system to produce anti-α-Gal Abs which in turn impacts individual susceptibility to AGS. The presence of blood type B reduces the capacity of the immune system to produce anti-α-Gal Abs, presumably due to tolerance to α-Gal, which is very similar in structure to blood group B antigen. Therefore, individuals with blood group B and reduced levels of anti-α-Gal Abs have lower risk to develop AGS. Specific immunity to tick α-Gal is linked to host immunity to tick bites. Basophil activation and release of histamine have been implicated in IgE-mediated acquired protective immunity to tick infestations and chronic itch. Basophil reactivity was also found to be higher in patients with AGS when compared to asymptomatic α-Gal sensitized individuals. In addition, host resistance to tick infestation is associated with resistance to tick-borne pathogen infection. Anti-α-Gal IgM and IgG Abs protect humans against vector-borne pathogens and blood group B individuals seem to be more susceptible to vector-borne diseases. The link between blood groups and anti-α-Gal immunity which in turn affects resistance to vector-borne pathogens and susceptibility to AGS, suggests a trade-off between susceptibility to AGS and protection to some infectious diseases. The understanding of the environmental and molecular drivers of the immune mechanisms involved in AGS is essential to developing tools for the diagnosis, control, and prevention of this growing health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Deepak Kumar Sinha
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceské Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Ines Swoboda
- Molecular Biotechnology Section, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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Joachim A, Guerra N, Hinney B, Hodžić A, Karembe H, Shrestha A, Sperling D. Efficacy of injectable toltrazuril-iron combination product and oral toltrazuril against early experimental infection of suckling piglets with Cystoisospora suis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:272. [PMID: 31138327 PMCID: PMC6540551 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3527-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toltrazuril is frequently administered for the metaphylactic control of piglet cystoisosporosis. In a previous study, the efficacy of parenteral toltrazuril (45 mg/piglet, Group Forceris®) applied on the 2nd day of life (dol), and of oral toltrazuril (20 mg/kg of body weight, Group Baycox®) applied on the 4th dol was evaluated in an experimental model with Cystoisospora suis infection on the 3rd dol (late infection, LI). In a follow-up study, efficacy and safety were evaluated against infections with C. suis on the 1st dol (early infection, EI). Parameters included oocyst excretion and faecal consistency, body weight development, bacteriological examinations and animal health. RESULTS All control piglets (n = 12) shed oocysts and had diarrhoea, while parasite excretion was completely suppressed in both treatment groups (n = 13 each) and diarrhoea was reduced to a single animal (Forceris® group), resulting in significant differences for these parameters between the treated groups and the controls without significant differences among the treatment groups. No treatment-related adverse events were noted. Body weight gain was reduced in the control group during the acute phase of infection, resulting in significantly lower body weight on the 15th dol. Sows and piglets shed high numbers of Escherichia coli. Clostridium perfringens type A was only detected in low amounts in pooled litter samples. In comparison to the LI study oocyst shedding was more intense in the control animals in EI, while diarrhea was more frequent in LI. In both infection models a high efficacy of toltrazuril in the control of parasitological and clinical outcomes of experimental C. suis infection could be demonstrated. Since in the LI study high numbers of Cl. perfringens type A were detected, it is hypothesized that colonization with these opportunistic pathogens has synergistic effects with C. suis and may explain variable clinical outcomes in untreated animals as well as the sporadic occurrence of diarrhea in toltrazuril-treated piglets. CONCLUSIONS Parenteral and oral toltrazuril administered on the 2nd or 4th dol is safe and effective against experimental infections with C. suis on the 1st to 3rd dol. The clinical outcome of experimental infections seems influenced by bacterial coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Joachim
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Wien, Austria
| | - Nicolas Guerra
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Wien, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Wien, Austria
| | - Hamadi Karembe
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - Aruna Shrestha
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Wien, Austria
| | - Daniel Sperling
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10 avenue de la Ballastière, 33500 Libourne, France
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Pisazka V, Duscher G, Hodžić A, Reider N, Allerberger F. Alpha-gal allergy after a tick bite in Austria. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2019; 131:385-388. [PMID: 31087152 PMCID: PMC6702184 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-019-1506-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tick bites can cause the alpha-gal syndrome, which is characterized by delayed anaphylactic reactions mainly to red meat and offal due to IgE antibodies against mammalian galactose-alpha-1.3-galactose carbohydrate (alpha-gal). Ixodes ricinus bites are considered the primary cause of IgE antibody responses specific for alpha-gal in Europe. This article reports on a 51-year-old Austrian male who acquired a tick bite in Austria in spring 2017, which, within 48 h, resulted in prolonged inflammation of the skin area around the bite. The patient experienced an allergic reaction 3 months later approximately 8 h after eating a medium rare steak for dinner. The symptoms included an itchy rash on both sides of the torso and on both arms which persisted for several hours. In spring 2018, the patient suffered another tick bite. The patient’s skin reaction was similar to that of the previous year. In the following months, the patient experienced five episodes of severe allergic reactions, each during the night after having eaten beef for dinner. The symptoms included pruritic urticarial rash involving the entire body along with swollen hands, diarrhea, vomiting and in some episodes even shortness of breath. At the request of the patient, specific IgE antibodies against alpha-gal were determined, revealing a highly positive result (>100 kU/l). This brief report aims to raise awareness that recurrent delayed anaphylactic reactions to food can develop after tick bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Pisazka
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Reider
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
Canine pathogens transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods are of significant importance for veterinary and, in some cases, human health. However, they are still underestimated and rarely investigated in many parts of the Mediterranean region, mostly due to financial reasons. Therefore, in the present paper, we investigated the occurrence of blood-associated pathogens affecting dogs in Crete, Greece. For this purpose, blood samples from 103 shelter dogs were screened for the pathogens by PCR and serological tests. Overall, samples from 43 dogs scored positive for at least one pathogen (41.8%). In particular, antibodies to Leishmania infantum were detected in 26 dogs (25.2%), and 15 and 11 animals were positive for Hepatozoon canis (14.6%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (10.7%) by PCR, respectively. Co-infections were recorded in nine animals. Clinical signs indicative of infection (alterations of skin or coat or reduced body condition) were detected in 10 animals, four of which were infected with one pathogen, three with two pathogens. Based on the results obtained, dogs from Crete appear to be frequently exposed to several blood-borne pathogens, including agents of zoonotic concern. Given that some of the pathogens were reported for the first time in this area, results presented in our study should improve the awareness of the local veterinarians and of dog rescue organisations in order to reduce disease burden on stray and owned dogs and to control the spread of canine vector-borne diseases from Greece to non-endemic areas by travelling or exported infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Niki Pouliou
- Animal Medical Center, Kýprou 61, 722 00 Ierapetra, Greece
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Over the last 30 years, Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) has increasingly been reported as an agent of ocular infections in animals and humans throughout Europe. Following the cases of canine ocular thelaziosis recently recorded in Austria for the first time, in the present paper, we describe the first case of T. callipaeda infection in an Austrian cat with no history of traveling abroad. This finding further supports the occurrence of the parasite’s autochthonous transmission cycle in the country. The cat showed serous ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and mild conjunctival edema in the right eye. Mechanical removal of the parasite from the cat’s eye, in combination with milbemycin oxime/praziquantel oral treatment and topical use of tobramycin/dexamethasone eye drops led to complete resolution of the clinical signs within 2 weeks. Results presented in the current study are of great importance for the local veterinarians who seemed largely unaware of this zoonotic parasite. Therefore, increased awareness of medical and veterinary communities is imperative for preventing further infections in both animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Albert Payer
- Tierklinik Deutschlandsberg, Erlenweg 6, 8530, Deutschlandsberg, Austria
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Leishmania infantum causes potentially life-threatening disease in humans. To determine the extent of the animal reservoir for this pathogen in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we tested dogs and cats. We found that a large proportion of dogs were exposed to or infected with L. infantum, indicating endemicity in dogs and zoonotic risk for humans.
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Alić A, Prašović S, Čamo D, Ćoralić A, Preldžić D, Duscher GG, Hodžić A. Fatal visceral leishmaniosis in a dog caused by Leishmania infantum in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A case report. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2018; 15:100260. [PMID: 30929944 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.100260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) caused by Leishmania infantum, is a zoonotic vector-borne disease endemic in the Mediterranean region. Here, we report a molecularly confirmed case of fatal CanL caused by L. infantum in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina where epidemiology data are scarce. A 2.5-year-old, male golden retriever presented with a history of lethargy, prostration, and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed pale mucosae membranes, reduced capillary refill time, anuria, and ulcerated oral mucosae and skin of the legs. Complete blood count discovered severe non-regenerative, normocytic and normochromic anemia. Biochemistry profile showed hyperglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, increased potassium, and considerably elevated creatinine, urea, and phosphorus. Rapid Leishmania SNAP test was negative, as well as the serum neutralization test for leptospirosis. At necropsy, mildly enlarged and firm yellow to tan kidneys were the most prominent lesions. Macrophages laden with amastigotes in bone marrow, liver, spleen, kidneys, lymph nodes and the skin were seen in histopathology. Molecular testing by PCR and sequencing (cpb gene) confirmed and identified the pathogen as L. infantum. This study highlights the lack of key measures necessary to undertake the proper control of this important zoonosis in the country. Nationwide epidemiologic study on CanL and its vector(s), along with adoption and establishment of proper diagnostic approach with quantitative serologic and molecular methods in place are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Senad Prašović
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Denis Čamo
- Internal Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Agnesa Ćoralić
- Internal Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dajna Preldžić
- Internal Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Hodžić A, Alić A, Šupić J, Škapur V, Duscher GG. Echinococcus ortleppi, the cattle strain in a crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata): A new host record. Vet Parasitol 2018; 256:32-34. [PMID: 29887027 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, a dog tapeworm is a species complex causing cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease in a great variety of mammalian intermediate hosts, including humans. This complex comprises five species including Echinococcus ortleppi (G5 genotype or cattle strain). In the present paper, we report the first case of infection with the larval stage of latter cestode in a captive crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), molecularly confirmed by PCR and sequencing of the cox1 and nad1 genes. The food contaminated with the parasite's eggs is the most likely source of the infection. Our data broaden the knowledge on the host range and geographical distribution of this rarely reported species of Echinococcus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jovana Šupić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Vedad Škapur
- Zoo "Pionirska dolina", Patriotske Lige 58, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Hodžić A, Alić A, Beck R, Beck A, Huber D, Otranto D, Baneth G, Duscher GG. Hepatozoon martis n. sp. (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae): Morphological and pathological features of a Hepatozoon species infecting martens (family Mustelidae). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:912-920. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Duscher GG, Hodžić A, Potkonjak A, Leschnik MW, Spergser J. Bartonella henselaeandRickettsia felisDetected in Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) Derived from Eastern Austrian Cats. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:282-284. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Michael W. Leschnik
- Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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41
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Tumienė B, Maver A, Writzl K, Hodžić A, Čuturilo G, Kuzmanić-Šamija R, Čulić V, Peterlin B. Diagnostic exome sequencing of syndromic epilepsy patients in clinical practice. Clin Genet 2018; 93:1057-1062. [PMID: 29286531 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Although genetic revolution of recent years has vastly expanded a list of genes implicated in epilepsies, complex architecture of epilepsy genetics is still largely unknown, consequently, universally accepted workflows for epilepsy genetic testing in a clinical practice are missing. We present a comprehensive NGS-based diagnostic approach addressing both the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of disorders involving epilepsy or seizures. A bioinformatic panel of 862 epilepsy- or seizure-associated genes was applied to Mendeliome (4813 genes) or whole-exome sequencing data as a first stage, while the second stage included untargeted variant interpretation. Eighty-six consecutive patients with epilepsy or seizures associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or congenital malformations were investigated. Of the 86 probands, 42 harbored pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants, giving a diagnostic yield of 49%. Two patients were diagnosed with pathogenic copy number variations and 2 had causative mitochondrial DNA variants. Eleven patients (13%) were diagnosed with diseases with specific treatments. Besides, genomic approach in diagnostics had multiple additional benefits due to mostly non-specific, overlapping, not full-blown phenotypes and abilities to diagnose novel and ultra rare epilepsy-associated diseases. Likely pathogenic variants were identified in SOX5 gene, not previously associated with epilepsy, and UBA5, a recently associated with epilepsy gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Tumienė
- Clinical Institute for Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - A Maver
- Clinical Institute for Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - K Writzl
- Clinical Institute for Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A Hodžić
- Clinical Institute for Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - G Čuturilo
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Children's Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - V Čulić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Split, Split, Croatia
| | - B Peterlin
- Clinical Institute for Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Šupić J, Alić AŠ, Hasanić M, Goletić Š, Duscher GG, Hodžić A, Alić A. Eulimdana clava (Nematoda: Filarioidea) infection in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica): Molecular characterization and pathological changes. Vet Parasitol 2018; 251:44-49. [PMID: 29426475 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Filarial nematodes of the Eulimdana genus inhabit subcutaneous tissue of various avian species, mostly Charadriiforme birds. In domestic pigeons, E. clava is the only species recorded in the subcutaneous tissue in a number of isolated cases. In the present study, we discuss the morphology and histopathology of filarial nematodes recovered from subcutaneous tissue of domestic pigeons in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In total 110 pigeons were submitted to necropsy at the Department of Pathology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Sarajevo. At necropsy, in four pigeons (3.6%) numerous thread-like 0.9-2.1 cm long nematode parasites were observed in the subcutaneous tissue, peritracheal and periesophageal connective tissue. In one pigeon, the parasites were also found free in the body cavity around the heart and lungs. In addition, several 80-90 μm long microfilariae were noted in the tissue cross-sections. No significant lesions were observed associated with adult parasites or microfilariae. Based on morphology, host species and localization detected parasites were identified as E. clava. Molecular analyses of the cox1 and 12S rRNA nucleotide sequences herein generated revealed the close genetic relationship to other filarioid nematodes. The importance of the nematodes in pigeons and the lack of sequences in genetic databases for comparison of avian filarial parasites are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Šupić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Alma Šeho Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Melida Hasanić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Šejla Goletić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Hodžić A, Alić A, Duscher GG. High diversity of blood-associated parasites and bacteria in European wild cats in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A molecular study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:589-593. [PMID: 29422447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Wild felids may play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens to domestic cats, in particular, but also to other animals and humans. However, since data on the occurrence of blood-borne organisms in European wild cats (Felis silvestris silvestris) are scarce, the present study aimed to provide an insight into the genetic diversity of the agents carried by this sylvatic species in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to elucidate their pathogenic impact. Tissue samples from 18 adult wild cats were collected and examined by PCR and histopathology. Five species of apicomplexan parasites belonging to three genera (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp., Hepatozoon silvestris, H. felis, Hepatozoon sp.), as well as two different sequence types of undescribed hemotropic mycoplasmas (designated as type A and type B), were identified in 15 animals (83%). Histopathology revealed no relevant lesions associated with any of the agents detected. The results clearly showed that European wild cats can harbour a broad range of blood-associated parasites and bacteria. However, further studies are required to investigate the possible implication of hematophagous arthropod vectors in their transmission and to clarify the true pathogenic significance of these organisms. Direct transmission of the agents by bites should also be considered as an alternative, non-vectorial route of transmission in wild cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Colella V, Kirkova Z, Fok É, Mihalca AD, Tasić-Otašević S, Hodžić A, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D. Increase in Eyeworm Infections in Eastern Europe. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 22:1513-5. [PMID: 27434135 PMCID: PMC4982158 DOI: 10.3201/eid2208.160792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Hornok S, Sándor AD, Beck R, Farkas R, Beati L, Kontschán J, Takács N, Földvári G, Silaghi C, Meyer-Kayser E, Hodžić A, Tomanović S, Abdullah S, Wall R, Estrada-Peña A, Duscher GG, Plantard O. Contributions to the phylogeny of Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) canisuga, I. (Ph.) kaiseri, I. (Ph.) hexagonus and a simple pictorial key for the identification of their females. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:545. [PMID: 29100530 PMCID: PMC5670724 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2424-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, hard ticks of the subgenus Pholeoixodes (Ixodidae: Ixodes) are usually associated with burrow-dwelling mammals and terrestrial birds. Reports of Pholeoixodes spp. from carnivores are frequently contradictory, and their identification is not based on key diagnostic characters. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to identify ticks collected from dogs, foxes and badgers in several European countries, and to reassess their systematic status with molecular analyses using two mitochondrial markers. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2017, 144 Pholeoixodes spp. ticks were collected in nine European countries. From accurate descriptions and comparison with type-materials, a simple illustrated identification key was compiled for adult females, by focusing on the shape of the anterior surface of basis capituli. Based on this key, 71 female ticks were identified as I. canisuga, 21 as I. kaiseri and 21 as I. hexagonus. DNA was extracted from these 113 female ticks, and from further 31 specimens. Fragments of two mitochondrial genes, cox1 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) and 16S rRNA, were amplified and sequenced. Ixodes kaiseri had nine unique cox1 haplotypes, which showed 99.2-100% sequence identity, whereas I. canisuga and I. hexagonus had eleven and five cox1 haplotypes, respectively, with 99.5-100% sequence identity. The distribution of cox1 haplotypes reflected a geographical pattern. Pholeoixodes spp. ticks had fewer 16S rRNA haplotypes, with a lower degree of intraspecific divergence (99.5-100% sequence identity) and no geographical clustering. Phylogenetic analyses were in agreement with morphology: I. kaiseri and I. hexagonus (with the similar shape of the anterior surface of basis capituli) were genetically more closely related to each other than to I. canisuga. Phylogenetic analyses also showed that the subgenus Eschatocephalus (bat ticks) clustered within the subgenus Pholeoixodes. CONCLUSIONS A simple, illustrated identification key is provided for female Pholeoixodes ticks of carnivores (including I. hexagonus and I. rugicollis) to prevent future misidentification of these species. It is also shown that I. kaiseri is more widespread in Europe than previously thought. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the subgenus Pholeoixodes is not monophyletic: either the subgenus Eschatocephalus should be included in Pholeoixodes, or the latter subgenus should be divided, which is a task for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lorenza Beati
- U.S. National Tick Collection, Institute for Coastal Plain Science, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA USA
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Department for Medical Entomology, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Swaid Abdullah
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Wall
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Georg Gerhard Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Hodžić A, Hinney B, König S, Naucke TJ, Duscher G, Joachim A. A case of ocular infection with Onchocerca lupi
in a dog from Germany. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:e214-e216. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - B. Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - S. König
- Kleintierpraxis Havixbeck; Havixbeck Germany
| | - T. J. Naucke
- Division of Parasitology; University of Hohenheim; Stuttgart Germany
- Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG; Bad Kissingen Germany
| | - G. Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - A. Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Vienna Austria
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Gaši F, Hodžić A, Hadžiavdić M, Kurtović M, Grahić J, Lasić L, Kalamujić Stroil B, Pojskić N. GENETIC IDENTITY OF RASPBERRY ‘POLANA’ PLANTLINGS EXAMINED USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS. GenApp 2017. [DOI: 10.31383/ga.vol1iss1pp3-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Raspberry cultivars are clonally propagated and therefore all plants belonging to a single cultivar represent the same genotype. Cultivar integrity of raspberry plantlings placed on the market in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is based on examining of morphological traits, which is not a reliable tool for genetic identification. In this study plantlings declared as cultivar ‘Polana’ were genotyped using seven microsatellites, in order to gain preliminary insight into the genetic integrity of raspberry plantlings marketed in B&H. Plant tissue (leaves) from 10 raspberry plants were randomly sampled from a batch of plantlings sold by major fruit nursery in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Along with these samples, four reference cultivars with confirmed identity (‘Polka’, ‘Autumn Bliss’, ‘Heritage’ and ‘Polana’) were also included in the study. Seven primer pairs amplified 31 alleles, or on average 4.4 alleles per locus. UPGMA cluster analysis, based on the Jaccard similarity coefficient, revealed that among the ten samples declared as ‘Polana’ plantlings only five were genetically identical to any of the other samples. The cluster analyses also exposed that none of the ten samples declared as ‘Polana’ seedlings were in fact identical or even closely related to the ‘Polana’ reference cultivar or any of the other reference cultivars. These findings clearly show that the genetic identity of primocane raspberry plantlings , currently sold in Bosnia and Herzegovina, needs to be tested using objective and reliable methods rather than simple morphologic observation.
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Alić A, Hodžić A, Škapur V, Alić AŠ, Prašović S, Duscher GG. Fatal pulmonary cysticercosis caused by Cysticercus longicollis in a captive ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta). Vet Parasitol 2017; 241:1-4. [PMID: 28579023 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe fatal pulmonary cysticercosis caused by Cysticercus longicollis, the larval stage of Taenia crassiceps in a 15-year-old female ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) from Sarajevo Zoo. After sudden death, the lemur was subjected to necropsy and large multicystic structure, subdivided with fibrous septa and filled with numerous translucent, oval to ellipsoid bladder-like cysts (cysticerci), almost completely replacing right lung lobe was observed. In addition, numerous free and encysted cysticerci were found in the thoracic cavity. Histopathology revealed connective tissue outlined cavities that compress lung parenchyma. Each cavity contained several thin walled cysticerci with single inverted protoscolex, one or more suckers and rostelum with two rows of hooks. In many of the cysticerci one or several exogenous buds of daughter cysticerci were observed. Based on morphology and microscopic appearance the parasite was identified as C. longicollis. Subsequent molecular analysis and sequencing confirmed presumptive diagnosis. To our knowledge, this case represents the first report of T. crassiceps and cysticercosis caused by C. longicollis in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institut of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vedad Škapur
- Zoo "Pionirska dolina", Patriotske lige 58, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Alma Šeho Alić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Senad Prašović
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institut of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Duscher T, Hodžić A, Glawischnig W, Duscher GG. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and the raccoon (Procyon lotor)-their role and impact of maintaining and transmitting zoonotic diseases in Austria, Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1411-1416. [PMID: 28229221 PMCID: PMC5360840 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The neozoan species raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) are widespread in Europe and potential vectors of many diseases that can threaten human and domestic animal health. Facing a further spread of these species, it is important to know about (i) pathogens imported and/or (ii) pathogens acquired in the new habitat. Thus, we investigated the parasite fauna of wild raccoon dogs and raccoons from Austria, at the edge of their new distribution range. The eight examined raccoons were nearly free of pathogens including Baylisascaris procyonis, and thus assumed to have a low epidemiological impact, so far. Out of ten raccoon dog specimens, we found one from western Austria to be infected with Echinococcus multilocularis and another three from the eastern wetland regions to harbour adults of Alaria alata. Furthermore, we detected Babesia cf. microti in five of eight raccoon dogs all over Austria but none of our samples were tested positive for Trichinella spp. Nevertheless, the raccoon dog seems to be a relevant host, at least for the zoonotic pathogens E. multilocularis and A. alata, and we suggest to further monitor the raccoon dogs parasite fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Duscher
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Glawischnig
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Hornok S, Trauttwein K, Takács N, Hodžić A, Duscher GG, Kontschán J. Molecular analysis of Ixodes rugicollis , Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and a novel Babesia genotype from a European badger ( Meles meles ). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:41-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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