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Băieş MH, Cotuţiu VD, Spînu M, Mathe A, Cozma-Petruț A, Bolboacǎ SD, Engberg RM, Collin A, Cozma V. In vivo assessment of the antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L. and Artemisia absinthium L. against gastrointestinal parasites in swine from low-input farms. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:126. [PMID: 38561770 PMCID: PMC10983701 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03983-3] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited. Parasitic diseases have a considerable effect on pig production, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. In this respect, especially smallholders and organic producers face severe challenges. Parasites, as disease causing agents, often outcompete other pathogens in such extensive production systems. A total of 720 faecal samples were collected in two farms from three age categories, i.e. weaners, fatteners, and sows. Flotation (Willis and McMaster method), modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smear, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Blagg technique, and faecal cultures were used to identify parasites and quantify the parasitic load. RESULTS The examination confirmed the presence of infections with Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi, and Trichuris suis, distributed based on age category. A dose of 180 mg/kg bw/day of Allium sativum L. and 90 mg/kg bw/day of Artemisia absinthium L. powders, administered for 10 consecutive days, revealed a strong, taxonomy-based antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity. CONCLUSIONS The results highlighted the therapeutic potential of both A. sativum and A. absinthium against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs. Their therapeutic effectiveness may be attributed to the content in polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and sulfoxide. Further research is required to establish the minimal effective dose of both plants against digestive parasites in pigs.
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Grants
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- N°816172 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, PPILOW project
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai-Horia Băieş
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad-Dan Cotuţiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marina Spînu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila Mathe
- Agricultural Research and Development Station of Turda, 27 Agriculturii Street, 401100, Turda, Romania
| | - Anamaria Cozma-Petruț
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Sorana D Bolboacǎ
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ricarda Margaret Engberg
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 20 Blichers Allé, 8830, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Anne Collin
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti (A.S.A.S), 61 Mǎrǎşti Boulevard, 011464, Bucharest, Romania
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Băieş MH, Cotuţiu VD, Spînu M, Mathe A, Cozma-Petruț A, Bocǎneţ VI, Cozma V. Satureja hortensis L. and Calendula officinalis L., Two Romanian Plants, with In Vivo Antiparasitic Potential against Digestive Parasites of Swine. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2980. [PMID: 38138124 PMCID: PMC10746069 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122980] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Internal parasitic diseases of swine constitute a major welfare and health concern in low-input livestock farming. Due to an increase in chemical resistance, phytotherapeutic remedies have become an alternative for the prophylaxis and therapy of digestive parasitosis, albeit few remedies have been subjected to scientific validation. Low-input swine farming in Romania has adopted the traditional use of phytotherapy for controlling pathogens in livestock. The current study aimed to assess the antiparasitic potential of Calendula officinalis and Satureja hortensis against digestive parasites of swine in two low-input farms. The fecal samples were collected from sows, fatteners, and weaners, and were tested using the following coproparasitological methods: centrifugal sedimentation, flotation (Willis, McMaster egg counting technique), Ziehl-Neelsen stain modified by Henricksen, modified Blagg method, and in vitro nematode larvae/protozoan oocyst cultures. Six species of digestive parasites were diagnosed, namely Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli, Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., in various combinations, dependent on the swine category. A dose of 140 mg/kg bw/day of C. officinalis and 100 mg/kg bw/day of S. hortensis powders administered for 10 consecutive days revealed a strong antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity on the aforementioned parasites. The curative efficacy can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols, sterols, tocopherols, and methoxylated flavones. In conclusion, our results indicate that S. hortensis and C. officinalis are promising alternatives to the commercially available antiparasitics, enabling their use as natural antiparasitic products against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai-Horia Băieş
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.-H.B.); (V.-D.C.); (V.C.)
| | - Vlad-Dan Cotuţiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.-H.B.); (V.-D.C.); (V.C.)
| | - Marina Spînu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Attila Mathe
- Agricultural Research and Development Station of Turda, Agriculturii Street, 27, 401100 Turda, Romania;
| | - Anamaria Cozma-Petruț
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad I. Bocǎneţ
- Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.-H.B.); (V.-D.C.); (V.C.)
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti (A.S.A.S.), Mărăști Boulevard, 61, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
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Băieş MH, Cotuţiu VD, Spînu M, Mathe A, Cozma-Petruț A, Miere D, Bolboacǎ SD, Cozma V. The Effects of Coriandrum sativum L. and Cucurbita pepo L. against Gastrointestinal Parasites in Swine: An In Vivo Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1230. [PMID: 37317204 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are responsible for substantial losses in reproduction and productivity in swine, creating a major impairment to efficient and profitable livestock management. The use of phytotherapeutic remedies has notably increased over the past decade due to their bioavailability, decreased toxicity, non-polluting nature, and to some extent due to their antiparasitic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiparasitic potential of Cucurbita pepo L. and Coriandrum sativum L. against protozoa and nematodes found in swine. The samples were collected from weaners, fatteners, and sows and examined via flotation (Willis and McMaster), active sedimentation, Ziehl-Neelsen staining as modified by Henricksen, a modified Blagg method, and eggs/oocyst culture. The parasite species detected were Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., depending on age category. A dose of 500 mg/kg bw/day of C. pepo and 170 mg/kg bw/day of C. sativum powders, administered for ten consecutive days, demonstrated a pronounced anthelmintic (pumpkin) and antiprotozoal (coriander) effect against the aforementioned parasites. Future studies are required to ascertain the optimal dose that maximizes their antiparasitic effectiveness. The current study represents the first Romanian report on the in vivo antiparasitic activity of these two plants tested on digestive parasites in swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai-Horia Băieş
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad-Dan Cotuţiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marina Spînu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila Mathe
- Agricultural Research and Development Station of Turda, 27 Agriculturii Street, 401100 Turda, Romania
| | - Anamaria Cozma-Petruț
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doina Miere
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sorana D Bolboacǎ
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti (A.S.A.S.), 61 Mǎrǎşti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
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Băieş MH, Gherman C, Boros Z, Olah D, Vlase AM, Cozma-Petruț A, Györke A, Miere D, Vlase L, Crișan G, Spînu M, Cozma V. The Effects of Allium sativum L., Artemisia absinthium L., Cucurbita pepo L., Coriandrum sativum L., Satureja hortensis L. and Calendula officinalis L. on the Embryogenesis of Ascaris suum Eggs during an In Vitro Experimental Study. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091065. [PMID: 36145497 PMCID: PMC9501052 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascaris suum is present in traditionally managed indoor pig herds and in industrialized farms, especially in older fatteners and sows. The increasing resistance to common antihelminthic drugs redirected research towards alternative and traditional therapies, which also include medicinal plants. This study comparatively evaluated the in vitro antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L., Artemisia absinthium L., Cucurbita pepo L., Coriandrum sativum L., Satureja hortensis L. and Calendula officinalis L. against A. suum egg hatching and larval development. A. suum eggs were sampled from randomized fecal specimens collected from traditionally raised swine. The egg suspension (ES, 12 × 103/mL) was divided into two controls (C) (1C—1 mL ES + 1 mL distilled water, 2C—five plates of 1 mL ES + 1 mL ethanol of 70%, 35%, 17.5%, 8.75%, and 4.375%, respectively) and six experimental groups, and placed in 3 mL cell plates. The experimental groups (EG, 1–6) included ES + each alcoholic plant extract (10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%). Both C and EG were performed in quintuplicate. All variants were incubated at 27 °C for a total of 21 days. A. suum eggs were examined after 2, 14 (L1), and 21 (L2/L3) days of incubation. The efficacy of all tested plant extracts increased with concentration. Anti-embryogenic effects on A. suum eggs were expressed by all plants. A superior influence was observed in A. sativum L., A. absinthium L., C. pepo L. and S. hortensis L. extracts, at all concentrations tested. A. sativum L. and A. absinthium L. extracts showed the strongest antihelminthic activity, while C. sativum L. and C. officinalis L. were the weakest ascaricids. Future in-depth phytochemical studies are required to identify the compounds responsible for the anthelminthic properties of these plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai-Horia Băieş
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3–5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3–5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zsolt Boros
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3–5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Olah
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3–5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anamaria Cozma-Petruț
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3–5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doina Miere
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Laurian Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 Ion Creangǎ Street, 400010 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianina Crișan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marina Spînu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3–5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3–5 Mǎnǎştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti (A.S.A.S), 61 Mǎrǎşti Boulevard, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
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Gherman CM, Boros Z, Băieș MH, Cozma-Petruț A, Cozma V. A review of Trichinella species infection in wild animals in Romania. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 28:e00178. [PMID: 36072477 PMCID: PMC9442334 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematodes of the genus Trichinella are important zoonotic parasites present throughout Romania. This study aimed to assess the status of Trichinella species in wild animals in Romania over the past 30 years. A literature review of original studies concerning the only two species (out of the four in Europe) of Trichinella (T. spiralis and T. britovi) confirmed in wildlife from Romania was conducted and corroborated with the results of our original research concerning the topic. This review article has shown that, in Romania, European minks were infected with T. spiralis, while wolves, European wild cats, Eurasian lynx, golden jackals, stone marten, and European badgers were infected with T. britovi, respectively. Both Trichinella species have been identified in foxes, bears, wild boars, and ermines, but mixed infections have been found only in European polecats. Trichinella infection is still significantly present in Romania, infecting several wild omnivorous and carnivorous species in an equal manner, with different prevalence rates over the years. Regarding the spatial distribution of T. spiralis and T. britovi in Romania, both species can be found all over the country, but in wild animals, T. britovi is the most prevalent. Trichinella spiralis and T. britovi have been confirmed in wild animals in Romania. The highest prevalence rates for Trichinella spp. have been found in wolves, bears, and foxes. Similar prevalence rates have been identified for T. britovi and T. spiralis in wild omnivores and carnivores.
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Băieş MH, Boros Z, Gherman CM, Spînu M, Mathe A, Pataky S, Lefkaditis M, Cozma V. Prevalence of Swine Gastrointestinal Parasites in Two Free-Range Farms from Nord-West Region of Romania. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090954. [PMID: 36145387 PMCID: PMC9506248 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases cause significant economic losses in swine, including free-range swine farms, the number of which in Romania has increased in the last decades. The current study aimed to identify the parasitic profile of swine raised on two free-range (low-input) farms from Transylvania. Nine hundred sixty samples collected from weaners, fatteners, and sows were investigated by flotation, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained fecal smear, modified Blagg technique, and oocyst/egg cultures. The number of oocysts (OPG), cysts (CPG), and eggs (EPG) were counted per gram of fecal matter. The examination revealed parasitic infections with Balantidium coli, Eimeria spp., Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi and Cryptosporidium spp. Prevalence (P) and the mean intensity (MI) of the infections varied according to age, swine category, farm, and season. The overall prevalence in both free-range farms according to the age category was 63.2%—Eimeria spp., 70.31%—B. coli, 9.38%—Oesophagostomum spp., 3.75% S. ransomi, and 18.12% Cryptosporidium spp. in weaners. In fatteners Eimeria spp. revealed a prevalence of 50.93%, B. coli—72.5 %, A. suum—63.13%, T. suis—39.06%, and in sows Eimeria spp.—39.06%, B. coli—62.19%, A. suum—34.06%, Oesophagostomum spp.—27.19%, S. ransomi—1.56% and Cryptosporidium spp.—9.38%. The study revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between age groups, seasons, and farms for all diagnosed parasites. Further research is required to better understand the epidemiology of these infections in swine from Transylvania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai-Horia Băieş
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Mănăştur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zsolt Boros
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Mănăştur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Mănăştur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-722344916
| | - Marina Spînu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Mănăştur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila Mathe
- Agricultural Research and Development Station of Turda, Agriculturii Street 27, 401100 Turda, Romania
| | - Stefan Pataky
- Agricultural Research and Development Station of Turda, Agriculturii Street 27, 401100 Turda, Romania
| | - Menelaos Lefkaditis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Mănăştur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti (A.S.A.S.), Mărăști Boulevard 61, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
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Bărburaș DA, Cozma V, Ionică AM, Abbas I, Bărburaș R, Mircean V, D'Amico G, Dubey JP, Györke A. Intestinal parasites of buffalo calves from Romania: molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis, and the first report of Eimeria bareillyi. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Boros Z, Ionică AM, Deak G, Mihalca AD, Chisamera GB, Györke A, Gherman CM, Cozma V. Reprint of: The European badger, Meles Meles, as a new host for Trichinella britovi in Romania. Vet Parasitol 2021; 297:109545. [PMID: 34389191 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109545] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The European badger, Meles meles (Carnivora, Mustelidae) is a widespread opportunistic omnivorous mammal. Its food spectrum comprises a wide variety of plants and small animals, occasionally including rodents, such as mice or rats. Considering that rodents are known to play a key role in the life cycle of Trichinella spp., the aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence of these parasites in badgers from Romania and to identify the species. Overall, 61 badgers originating from 14 counties were examined by trichinoscopy and artificial digestion. For species determination, the positive muscle samples, and the larvae recovered from the artificial digestion were used for DNA isolation, and further processed by multiplex PCR. A single badger, originating from Sibiu County, Central Romania, was found positive for Trichinella spp. Five cysts were identified using trichinoscopy: four in the diaphragm and one in the foreleg muscles. Artificial digestion revealed an infection rate of 70 larvae/100 g of muscle. The PCR indicated the occurrence of T. britovi, which is the most commonly detected species in wild carnivores in temperate areas. Although T. britovi has previously been reported in Romania, this represents the first report of its occurrence in the European badger in the country. However, the low prevalence indicates a minor reservoir role of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Boros
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania; CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I al României" Life Sciences Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Gabriel Bogdan Chisamera
- "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History, Șoseaua Kiseleff, Bucharest 1, 011341, Romania.
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania; Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti (A.S.A.S), Boulevardul Mărăști 61, Bucharest, 011464, Romania.
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9
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Boros Z, Ionică AM, Deak G, Mihalca AD, Chisamera GB, Györke A, Gherman CM, Cozma V. The European badger, Meles meles, as a new host for Trichinella britovi in Romania. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109301. [PMID: 33161282 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The European badger, Meles meles (Carnivora, Mustelidae) is a widespread opportunistic omnivorous mammal. Its food spectrum comprises a wide variety of plants and small animals, occasionally including rodents, such as mice or rats. Considering that rodents are known to play a key role in the life cycle of Trichinella spp., the aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence of these parasites in badgers from Romania and to identify the species. Overall, 61 badgers originating from 14 counties were examined by trichinoscopy and artificial digestion. For species determination, the positive muscle samples, and the larvae recovered from the artificial digestion were used for DNA isolation, and further processed by multiplex PCR. A single badger, originating from Sibiu County, Central Romania, was found positive for Trichinella spp. Five cysts were identified using trichinoscopy: four in the diaphragm and one in the foreleg muscles. Artificial digestion revealed an infection rate of 70 larvae/100 g of muscle. The PCR indicated the occurrence of T. britovi, which is the most commonly detected species in wild carnivores in temperate areas. Although T. britovi has previously been reported in Romania, this represents the first report of its occurrence in the European badger in the country. However, the low prevalence indicates a minor reservoir role of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Boros
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania; CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I al României" Life Sciences Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Gabriel Bogdan Chisamera
- "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History, Șoseaua Kiseleff, Bucharest 1, 011341, Romania.
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania.
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania; Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences Gheorghe Ionescu-Siseşti (A.S.A.S), Boulevardul Mărăști 61, Bucharest, 011464, Romania.
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10
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Gyӧrke A, Pop LM, Mircean M, Kalmár Z, Tăbăran AF, Paștiu AI, Dumitrache MO, Magdaș C, Balea A, Bărburaș D, Mircean V, Cozma V. Metabolic and tissular effects of artemisinin supplemented diets in broiler chicken. Pol J Vet Sci 2019; 22:297-304. [PMID: 31269339 DOI: 10.24425/pjvs.2019.129220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is a powerful antimalarial drug, useful in the treatment of many diseases, including chickens coccidiosis. Its toxic effects have been well studied in humans and experimental animals, but not sufficiently in broiler chickens. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the side effects of artemisinin in chickens, by measuring the serum level of proteins and enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, CK), by histopathological examination and by the evaluation of relative weight of organs (liver, kidney, heart). Artemisinin was administered in the standard feed for chickens in three different concentrations: 5, 50 and 500 ppm. Each concentration of artemisinin increased the total serum proteins, gamma-globulins and the serum activity of CK and decreased the serum ALP level. The values of ALT and GGT were higher in the chickens treated with 50 and 500 ppm of artemisinin. Multifocal liver necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate were detected in the chickens that received the 50 and 500 ppm dosage of artemisinin. Minimal tubular necrosis, renal tubular epithelium vacuolation, multifocal interstitial nephritis and mild uric nephrosis were detected in chickens treated with the drug. Artemisinin administration produced no significant changes in the organs relative weight. Artemisinin, at a concentration of 5 mg/kg of feed is well tolerated by broiler chickens, but the concentrations of 50 and 500 mg/ kg feed can produce toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gyӧrke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - L M Pop
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - M Mircean
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Z Kalmár
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - A F Tăbăran
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Necropsy and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - A I Paștiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - M O Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - C Magdaș
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - A Balea
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - D Bărburaș
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - V Mircean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - V Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
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11
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Bărburaș D, Gyӧrke A, Blaga R, Bărburaș R, Kalmár Z, Vişan S, Mircean V, Blaizot A, Cozma V. Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Romania: what is the importance for public health? Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2695-2703. [PMID: 31309289 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06396-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in autochthonous Carpathian buffaloes from northwestern Romania by serology, PCR techniques, and mouse bioassay. Agreement between MAT and ELISA, correlation between indirect and direct detection methods, and risk factors were evaluated. The apparent overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 8.1% by MAT and 6.6% by ELISA. The agreement between ELISA and MAT was fair. The apparent seroprevalence was significantly higher in adult buffaloes (12.5%) compared to calves (0.0%) and juveniles (1.9%) by MAT. Most of the positive adult buffaloes detected by MAT had antibodies at a low sera dilution and the highest dilution was 1:768 in a juvenile female (30 months). No viable T. gondii was detected by mouse bioassay, as no T. gondii cyst or DNA was found in the brain of mice and they did not seroconvert. However, T. gondii DNA was detected in two buffaloes: in a 30-month-old male buffalo by qPCR on the diaphragm digest and in a 252-month-old female buffalo by RE nPCR on the mesenteric lymph node. Both animals were negative in MAT and ELISA. The total prevalence of T. gondii by direct detection methods was 2.7%. There was no correlation between indirect and direct detection methods. Since no viable T. gondii was detected in buffaloes, the risk of human infection from buffalo meat is minimal. Buffaloes' biological response to a T. gondii infection appears to be very similar to the response of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bărburaș
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Adriana Gyӧrke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Radu Blaga
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Zsuzsa Kalmár
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Vişan
- Department of Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute "Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta", 34-36 Republicii, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Viorica Mircean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Amandine Blaizot
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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12
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Deak G, Gillis-Germitsch N, Ionică AM, Mara A, Păstrav IR, Cazan CD, Ioniță M, Mitrea IL, Răileanu C, Bărburaș D, Nedișan M, Oachiș R, Cozma V, Schaper R, Schnyder M, Mihalca AD. The first seroepidemiological survey for Angiostrongylus vasorum in domestic dogs from Romania. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:224. [PMID: 31088513 PMCID: PMC6515677 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3481-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus vasorum is a metastrongyloid nematode localized in the right heart and the pulmonary arteries of domestic dogs. The number of reports in Europe has recently increased, presumably as a consequence of a growing awareness among clinicians, animal owners and researchers, but also due to a growing incidence and territorial spread. So far, no studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence and distribution of A. vasorum in domestic dogs in Romania, and the awareness among veterinarians is limited or absent. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the countrywide seroprevalence of circulating antigens of A. vasorum and specific antibodies against A. vasorum in domestic dogs from Romania. Methods Between November 2016 and July 2017, blood was sampled from a total of 1545 domestic dogs from 23 counties of Romania. Details about their gender, age, breed, housing, use and origin were collected. All serum samples were tested for the presence of A. vasorum circulating antigens (AG) using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies in a sandwich ELISA. Additionally, a sandwich ELISA using A. vasorum adult somatic antigen purified by monoclonal antibodies was used for specific antibody (AB) detection. Results A total of 33 dogs (2.14%, 95% CI: 1.82–3.56%) were seropositive for A. vasorum antigen or antibodies against the parasite. Three dogs were positive for antigen only (0.19%, 95% CI: 0.07–0.57%) and 30 dogs (1.94%, 95% CI: 1.36–2.76%) were positive for antibodies only. No dog was positive for both tests. The overall prevalence (AB or AG) and the AB prevalence were significantly higher in pure breed dogs compared to mixed breeds and mongrel dogs (P < 0.05) and in shepherd dogs compared to other groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between males and females, between urban and rural dogs, between dogs with unrestricted access and with restricted access to the environment, and between dogs living outdoors and indoors. Conclusions Our data suggest that the disease is present in Romania in dogs, as it was previously demonstrated in foxes. However, so far, no clinical case has been reported in the country and this may be related to a low awareness among vets. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3481-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Nina Gillis-Germitsch
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Mara
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Raluca Păstrav
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mariana Ioniță
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases & Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioan Liviu Mitrea
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases & Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iaşi, Romania.,Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Riems, Germany
| | - Diana Bărburaș
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Nedișan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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13
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Bărburaș D, Gyӧrke A, Ionică AM, Bărburaș R, Mircean V, Cozma V. Evidence of Neospora caninum infection in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Northwestern Romania. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1667-1671. [PMID: 30877438 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a heteroxenous parasitic Apicomplexan protozoan, able to infect a variety of domestic and wild animals, mainly associated with reproductive disorders and abortions in susceptible species. Considering the importance of Romania in the European buffalo industry and the severe economic losses caused by N. caninum infection in livestock, the aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of neosporosis in buffaloes raised in household and farming systems in northwestern Romania. Overall, 197 serum samples were tested for the presence of N. caninum-specific antibodies by ELISA. Additionally, from 74 slaughtered buffaloes, diaphragm digest, heart, and lymph node samples were tested for the presence of N. caninum DNA. The overall seroprevalence was 68.5%. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in adult animals compared to calves and young ones and in the household system compared to farm. By nPCR, six samples were found to be positive for N. caninum DNA, of which three were serologically negative. The present study reveals a high prevalence of N. caninum-specific antibodies in buffaloes in northwestern Romania and to our best knowledge, it is the first one performed in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bărburaș
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur nr. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Adriana Gyӧrke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur nr. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur nr. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur nr. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Remus Bărburaș
- S.C. Medivet Bărburaș S.R.L, Românași, nr. 299, Sălaj, Romania
| | - Viorica Mircean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur nr. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur nr. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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14
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Catana CS, Magdas C, Tabaran FA, Crăciun EC, Deak G, Magdaş VA, Cozma V, Gherman CM, Berindan-Neagoe I, Dumitraşcu DL. Comparison of two models of inflammatory bowel disease in rats. ADV CLIN EXP MED 2018; 27:599-607. [PMID: 29616750 DOI: 10.17219/acem/69134] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for experimental animal models for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), but no proposed model has been unanimously accepted. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop 2 affordable models of IBD in rats and to compare them. MATERIAL AND METHODS We produced IBD in rats using either dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) or 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The requirements for experimental models were: a predictable clinical course, histopathology and inflammation similar to human ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The effect of acute administration of DSS and TNBS on oxidative stress (as measured by the assessment of glutathione peroxidase - GPx) was verified. The activity of whole blood GPx was measured using a commercially available Randox kit (Crumlin, UK). RESULTS The administration of DSS increased GPx activity compared to the control and TNBS-treated groups, but not to a statistically significant degree. Histological examination of the colonic mucosa following the administration of DSS showed multifocal erosions with minimal to mild inflammatory infiltrate, mainly by polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), lymphocytes and plasma cells. For TNBS-induced colitis, the histological changes manifested as multifocal areas of ulcerative colitis with mild to severe inflammatory infiltrate. Whole blood GPx values displayed a direct dependence on the chemical agent used. Our results show a correlation between histopathology, proinflammatory state and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS The experimental DSSor TNBS-induced bowel inflammation used in this study corresponds to human IBD and is reproducible with characteristics indicative of acute inflammation in the case of the protocols mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina S Catana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Magdas
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Flaviu A Tabaran
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Necropsy and Forensic Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Elena C Crăciun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratory, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Virginia A Magdaş
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, The Oncology Institute
| | - Dan L Dumitraşcu
- 2nd Medical Department, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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15
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Deak G, Gherman CM, Ionică AM, Vezendan AD, D'Amico G, Matei IA, Daskalaki AA, Marian I, Damian A, Cozma V, Mihalca AD. Angiostrongylus vasorum in Romania: an extensive survey in red foxes, Vulpes vulpes. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:330. [PMID: 28701176 PMCID: PMC5508484 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus vasorum is the causative agent of canine angiostrongylosis, a severe snail-borne disease of dogs. Red foxes are important natural reservoirs of infection, and surveys of foxes provide a more objective picture of the parasite distribution. Our aim was to investigate the possibility of the presence of A. vasorum in red foxes from the western part of Romania and to analyse the risk factors related to the sex, age and geographic origin of the foxes. Between July 2016 and April 2017, 567 hunted red foxes from 10 counties of western Romania were examined by necropsy for the presence of lungworms. Results Overall, the infection with A. vasorum has been found in 24 red foxes (4.2%) originating in four counties (Mureș, Hunedoara, Sălaj and Cluj). There was no significant difference between the prevalence in males and females, between juveniles and adults and between counties. Conclusions This is the first report of autochthonous infections of A. vasorum in Romania, showing a relatively low prevalence and extending eastwards the known distributional range of this parasite in Europe. The presence of autochthonous cases in domestic dogs in Romania remains to be confirmed by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela M Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandru D Vezendan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana A Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aikaterini A Daskalaki
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ionuț Marian
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aurel Damian
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Deak G, Gherman CM, Ionică AM, Daskalaki AA, Matei IA, D'Amico G, Domşa C, Pantchev N, Mihalca AD, Cozma V. Use of a commercial serologic test for Angiostrongylus vasorum for the detection of A. chabaudi in wildcats and A. daskalovi in badgers. Vet Parasitol 2016; 233:107-110. [PMID: 28043379 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Three species of the genus Angiostrongylus are known to infect European carnivores: A. vasorum (mainly in canids but also in other carnivores), A. chabaudi (in felids) and A. daskalovi (in mustelids). A. vasorum is responsible for clinically severe disease in domestic dogs, most commonly diagnosed based on fecal examination and serological detection of circulating antigens. Considering the poorly known host range and the challenging larval differentiation in the feces between the three species of Angiostrongylus infecting European carnivores, our aim was to evaluate the cross-reactivity of A. chabaudi and A. daskalovi with A. vasorum using a commercial serologic test developed for domestic dogs. Badgers (Meles meles) (n=10) and wildcats (Felis silvestris) (n=8) were examined between 2015 and 2016 by full parasitological necropsy with subsequent morphological and molecular identification of nematodes and by serology, using IDEXX Angio Detect™ tests. Five out of the ten badgers and two out of the eight wildcats were harboring nematodes in the pulmonary arteries. All nematodes were identified morphologically as A. daskalovi in badgers and A. chabaudi in wildcats, respectively. Serological examination of the plasma samples revealed the positivity of the same animals as found in necropsy. None of the animals negative at necropsy was positive at serology. The 100% correlation between the necropsy results and the serologic positivity to IDEXX Angio Detect™ in badgers infected with A. daskalovi and wildcats infected with A. chabaudi suggest that these rapid tests are able to identify circulating antigens of all species of Angiostrongylus found in European carnivores: A. vasorum, A. daskalovi and A. chabaudi. The possibility for future in-clinic use of this test in domestic cats should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Aikaterini Alexandra Daskalaki
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Cristian Domşa
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Nikola Pantchev
- IDEXX Laboratories, Moerikestr. 28/3, D-71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
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Kalmár Z, Sprong H, Mihalca AD, Gherman CM, Dumitrache MO, Coipan EC, Fonville M, Cozma V. Borrelia miyamotoi and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes ricinus Ticks, Romania. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:550-1. [PMID: 26889789 PMCID: PMC4766875 DOI: 10.3201/eid2203.150140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/04/2022] Open
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Gherman CM, Deak G, Matei IA, Ionică AM, D'Amico G, Taulescu M, Barbu-Tudoran L, Sarmaşi A, Mihalca AD, Cozma V. A rare cardiopulmonary parasite of the European badger, Meles meles: first description of the larvae, ultrastructure, pathological changes and molecular identification of Angiostrongylus daskalovi Janchev & Genov 1988. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:423. [PMID: 27485118 PMCID: PMC4969667 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1718-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus daskalovi is a rare cardiopulmonary nematode infecting badgers. The parasite was described in 1988 and, since then, found only once in mustelids in Europe. The present study aims to report new cases of patent A. daskalovi infection in badgers from northern Romania and to provide new information on its ultrastructure, molecular diagnosis, and pathology. Methods Eight road-killed or hunted badgers originating from Maramureș and Alba counties in Romania were collected and necropsied. Adults and larvae of cardio-pulmonary nematodes were collected and examined by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Genomic DNA was extracted from adults and first-stage larvae (L1). PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2, ∼500 bp) of the rRNA gene was performed. Amplicons were purified, sequenced, and compared to those available in the GenBank database. Histopathological examination of the lungs was performed and lesions described. Results The necropsy revealed the presence of nematodes in the pulmonary arteries of three animals. All parasites were mature adults and the coproscopic examination showed the presence of eggs and L1 larvae in all three positive animals. Light microscopy examination confirmed the morphological and morphometric similarity of parasites to Angiostrongylus daskalovi. SEM highlighted the typical angiostrongylid structure of the rays of the copulatory bursa and the anterior extremity, with the presence of six sensory papillae surrounding the mouth opening in which a triangular tooth was visible. The first-stage larva (L1) of A. daskalovi is described here for the first time. Histopathological examination of the lungs showed chronic interstitial verminous pneumonia due to the presence of adult parasites. Molecular analysis showed 100 % nucleotide similarity to an Angiostrongylus sp. isolate originating from a badger from Spain, tentatively identified as A. daskalovi. Conclusions Our study unequivocally demonstrates the presence of A. daskalovi in European badgers from Romania, provides the first description of the larvae and reveals new data about the ultrastructure of adult parasites and their pathological impact, contributing to the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships with other congeneric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marian Taulescu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucian Barbu-Tudoran
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, M. Kogălniceanu Street, 1, Cluj-Napoca, 400648, Romania
| | - Alexandru Sarmaşi
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Nechita I, Poirel M, Cozma V, Zenner L. The repellent and persistent toxic effects of essential oils against the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae. Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:348-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Magdaş C, Magdaş VA, Mihalca AD, Baciu H, Gherman CM, Ştefănuţ CL, Lefkaditis M, Cozma V. Laboratory development of Dermacentor marginatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) at two temperatures. Exp Appl Acarol 2015; 67:309-15. [PMID: 26122968 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9942-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The influence of two temperatures on the development of Dermacentor marginatus evolutive cycle was studied. Tests performed under controlled laboratory conditions at 21 °C, 80 % RH and 27 °C, RH 80 %, on ten fully engorged female ticks collected from naturally infested goats, in Cluj County, Romania. Hatched larvae were fed on white mice and the nymphs and adults on guinea pigs. The following parameters were evaluated: egg incubation; pre-feeding, feeding and pre-moulting for larvae and nymphs; pre-feeding, feeding, pre-oviposition and oviposition for females. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in: egg incubation period (29.4 ± 1.07 at 21 °C; 5.9 ± 0.73 at 27 °C) and pre-moulting duration of larvae (18.9 ± 1.02 at 21 °C; 6.1 ± 0.58 at 27 °C) and nymphs (21.3 ± 0.87 at 21 °C; 19.9 ± 0.71 at 27 °C). The average duration of the developmental cycle was 133.9 days (range 122-154 days) at 21 °C, and 94.2 days (range 83-111 days) at 27 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Magdaş
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur, No. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Paştiu AI, Györke A, Kalmár Z, Bolfă P, Rosenthal BM, Oltean M, Villena I, Spînu M, Cozma V. Toxoplasma gondii in horse meat intended for human consumption in Romania. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:393-5. [PMID: 26238654 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, an economically important zoonotic protozoan, was investigated in horses slaughtered for export and human consumption in the North of Romania. Pairs of samples, sera and heart tissues, were collected from 82 slaughtered horses. Examination of horse sera by ELISA at a dilution of 1:10, and by modified agglutination test (MAT) at a dilution of 1:6, revealed that 32 (39%) and 31(37.8%) horses, respectively, had antibodies against T. gondii. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, T. gondii DNA was not found in any heart sample collected from horses. By bioassay in mice, we obtained viable isolates of T. gondii from two of ten horses determined to be strongly positive by serological assay/ELISA. The prevalence estimated in horses highlighted the potential risk for human contamination by consumption of raw or undercooked meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Ioana Paştiu
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Infectious Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Zsuzsa Kalmár
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Pompei Bolfă
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Benjamin Martin Rosenthal
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Miruna Oltean
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Laboratory of Parasitology, EA 3800, SFR CAP SANTE, University Reims Champagne Ardenne, National Reference Center on Toxoplasmosis, Reims, France
| | - Marina Spînu
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Infectious Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Cătană CS, Berindan-Neagoe I, Cozma V, Magdaş C, Tăbăran F, Dumitraşcu DL. Contribution of the IL-17/IL-23 axis to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:5823-5830. [PMID: 26019446 PMCID: PMC4438016 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i19.5823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders of modern society, requiring management strategies aimed at prolonging an active life and establishing the exact etiology and pathogenesis. These idiopathic diseases have environmental, genetic, immunologic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress components. On the one hand, recent advances have shown that abnormal immune reactions against the microorganisms of the intestinal flora are responsible for the inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals. On the other hand, in addition to T helper cell-type (Th) 1 and Th2 immune responses, other subsets of T cells, namely regulatory T cells and Th17 maintained by IL-23 are likely to develop IBD. IL-23 acts on innate immune system members and also facilitates the expansion and maintenance of Th17 cells. The IL-17/IL-23 axis is relevant in IBD pathogenesis both in human and experimental studies. Novel biomarkers of IBD could be calprotectin, microRNAs, and serum proinflammatory cytokines. An efficient strategy for IBD therapy is represented by the combination of IL-17A and IL-17F in acute IL-17A knockout TNBS-induced colitis, and also definite decrease of the inflammatory process in IL-17F knockout, DSS-induced colitis have been observed. Studying the correlation between innate and adaptive immune systems, we hope to obtain a focused review in order to facilitate future approaches aimed at elucidating the immunological mechanisms that control gut inflammation.
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Cernea M, Cristina RT, Stefanut LC, Madeira de Carvalho LM, Taulescu MA, Cozma V. Screening for anthelmintic resistance in equid strongyles (Nematoda) in Romania. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [PMID: 25960567 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to anthelmintic medication of equid strongyles is a worldwide phenomenon and for this reason systematic investigations of resistant parasite populations are necessary. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence and distribution of equid strongyles resistant to the anthelmintics used in Romania, as well as the pre-treatment and post-treatment prevalence of species of strongylid nematodes. The Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test was performed between 2010 and 2013 on a total number of 588 horses and 23 donkeys from 26 locations (subgroups). Animals of the first group (I) consisting of subgroups no. 1-11 were treated with Albendazole (ABZ), those of the second group (II) consisting of subgroups no. 12-23 with Fenbendazole (FBZ), while Ivermectin (IVM) was used on animals of the third group (III) consisting of subgroups no. 24-26. Resistant strongyles have been found in 82% (average lower limit of the 95% confidence interval, LCL95%, was 65) of the total equids from the group treated with ABZ. In the group of horses treated with FBZ, resistant strongyles were identified in 75% of the subgroups (LCL95% = 44). No resistant strongyles have been identified in IVM-treated horse groups (LCL95% = 98). The pre-treatment prevalence of the species of the Strongylinae Müller, 1780 was 22%, whereas that with nematodes of the subfamily Cyathostominae Molin, 1861 78%. Post-treatment reduction of strongyline nematodes was observed (5%), which demonstrates the sensitivity of large strongyles to common anthelmintics. The post-treatment prevalence of cyathostomes was of 95%, which proves their resistance, especially to ABZ- and FBZ-based anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Cernea
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Romeo T Cristina
- Banat University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Laura C Stefanut
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Luis M Madeira de Carvalho
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marian A Taulescu
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Paştiu AI, Ajzenberg D, Györke A, Şuteu O, Balea A, Rosenthal BM, Kalmár Z, Domşa C, Cozma V. Traditional goat husbandry may substantially contribute to human toxoplasmosis exposure. J Parasitol 2014; 101:45-9. [PMID: 25003793 DOI: 10.1645/13-483.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Raising goats in settings that are highly contaminated with oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii may contribute significantly to human exposure to this zoonotic parasite. Increasing consumption of young goats in countries where goats are frequently reared in backyards that are also homes to cats (the definitive host of this parasite) elevates such concern. To date, there has been little attention to either the prevalence or genotypic characteristics of T. gondii isolates in young ruminant food animals in Europe. Here, we estimated the prevalence of T. gondii goat-kids raised in backyards and slaughtered for human consumption during Easter. We collected 181 paired samples of serum and diaphragm. Serum samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against T. gondii , and muscle tissues were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction to detect T. gondii DNA. Thirty-two diaphragm samples were also bioassayed in mice, and the isolates were genotyped using microsatellite markers. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in goat-kids was 33.1% (60/181; 95% confidence interval [CI] 26.3-40.5%), and T. gondii DNA was found in 6.1% (11/181; 95% CI 3.1-10.6) of the diaphragm samples. We isolated the parasite from 2 of 32 goat-kids, and the T. gondii strains belonged to genotype II. The results showed that 1/3 of 3-mo-old goats may be infected with T. gondii, and their consumption during Easter (as barbecue) may seriously compromise food safety as a result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria I Paştiu
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, cod 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Beugnet F, Bourdeau P, Chalvet-Monfray K, Cozma V, Farkas R, Guillot J, Halos L, Joachim A, Losson B, Miró G, Otranto D, Renaud M, Rinaldi L. Parasites of domestic owned cats in Europe: co-infestations and risk factors. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:291. [PMID: 24965063 PMCID: PMC4082530 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic cats can be infested by a large range of parasite species. Parasitic infestations may cause very different clinical signs. Endoparasites and ectoparasites are rarely explored in the same study and therefore multiparasitism is poorly documented. The present survey aimed to improve knowledge of the prevalence and risk factors associated with ecto- and endoparasite infestations in owned cats in Europe. METHODS From March 2012 to May 2013, 1519 owned cats were included in a multicenter study conducted in 9 veterinary faculties throughout Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania and Spain). For each cat, ectoparasites were checked by combing of the coat surface associated with otoscopic evaluation and microscopy on cerumen samples. Endoparasites were identified by standard coproscopical examinations performed on fresh faecal samples. Risk factors and their influence on parasitism were evaluated by univariate analysis followed by a multivariate statistical analysis (including center of examination, age, outdoor access, multipet status, and frequency of treatments as main criteria) with logistic regression models. RESULTS Overall, 50.7% of cats resulted positive for at least one internal or one external parasite species. Ectoparasites were found in 29.6% of cats (CI95 27.3-32.0%). Otodectes cynotis was the most frequently identified species (17.4%), followed by fleas (15.5%). Endoparasites were identified in 35.1% of the cats (CI95 32.7-35.7%), including gastro-intestinal helminths in 25.7% (CI95 23.5-28.0), respiratory nematodes in 5.5% (CI95 4.2-7.0%) and protozoans in 13.5% (CI95 11.8-15.3%). Toxocara cati was the most commonly diagnosed endoparasite (19.7%, CI95 17.8-21.8%). Co-infestation with endoparasites and ectoparasites was found in 14.0% of the cats, and 11.9% harbored both ectoparasites and gastro-intestinal helminths.Age, outdoor access, living with other pets, and anthelmintic or insecticide treatments were significantly associated with the prevalence of various parasites. CONCLUSIONS This survey demonstrates that parasitism is not a rare event in European owned cat populations. The prevalence of multi-parasitism is significantly greater than expected by chance and hence there is tendency for some individual cats to be more prone to infestation by both endo- and ectoparasites due to common risk factors.
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Beugnet F, Labuschagne M, Fourie J, Jacques G, Farkas R, Cozma V, Halos L, Hellmann K, Knaus M, Rehbein S. Occurrence of Dipylidium caninum in fleas from client-owned cats and dogs in Europe using a new PCR detection assay. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:300-6. [PMID: 24986432 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ctenocephalides fleas are not only the most prevalent ectoparasites of dogs and cats but also the intermediate host of the cestode Dipylidium caninum. Due to the poor sensitivity of coproscopy to diagnose cat and dog infestation by Dipylidium, few epidemiological data are available on its prevalence among pet populations. A new PCR method was developed to specifically identify D. caninum rDNA inside single fleas. The PCR test was then applied to 5529 fleas of Ctenocephalides genus, 2701 Ctenocephalides felis fleas (1969 collected on 435 cats and 732 on 178 dogs) and 2828 Ctenocephalides canis fleas collected from 396 dogs. Precisely, 4.37% of cats were infested by a flea population infected with D. caninum. Out of the 1969 C. felis from cats, 2.23% were found to be infected with Dipylidium. From the 396 dogs infested with C. canis, 9.1%% were infested with the Dipylidium infected fleas, which is significantly higher than the observation made in cats (p=0.03). Moreover, 3.1% of the C. canis fleas were found to be infected with Dipylidium, which is not significantly different than in C. felis. Looking at the number of infected fleas in the positive samples (at least one PCR positive flea in a sample), the infestation rate in samples was varied from 3 to 100% with an average of 19.7% which is in favour of easy and regular Dipylidium reinfestations of both cats and dogs in households. For the first time, the spread of D. caninum between fleas and dogs and cats is confirmed throughout Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michel Labuschagne
- ClinVet,Box 11186. Universitas, Bloemfontein, 9321, Republic of South Africa
| | - Josephus Fourie
- ClinVet,Box 11186. Universitas, Bloemfontein, 9321, Republic of South Africa
| | - Guillot Jacques
- Ecole Vétérinaire de Maisons-Alfort, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cédex, France
| | - Robert Farkas
- Szent István University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Lénaïg Halos
- Merial S.A.S., 29 Av Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Klaus Hellmann
- Klifovet AG, Geyerspergerstr. 27, 80689 München, Germany
| | - Martin Knaus
- Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Steffen Rehbein
- Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101 Rohrdorf, Germany
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Drăgan L, Györke A, Ferreira JFS, Pop IA, Dunca I, Drăgan M, Mircean V, Dan I, Cozma V. Effects of Artemisia annua and Foeniculum vulgare on chickens highly infected with Eimeria tenella (phylum Apicomplexa). Acta Vet Scand 2014; 56:22. [PMID: 24731599 PMCID: PMC3998236 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-56-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intensive poultry production systems depend on chemoprophylaxis with anticoccidial drugs to combat infection. A floor-pen study was conducted to evaluate the anticoccidial effect of Artemisia annua and Foeniculum vulgare on Eimeria tenella infection. Five experimental groups were established: negative control (untreated, unchallenged); positive control (untreated, challenged); a group medicated with 125 ppm lasalocid and challenged; a group medicated with A. annua leaf powder at 1.5% in feed and challenged; and a group treated with the mixed oils of A. annua and Foeniculum vulgare in equal parts, 7.5% in water and challenged. The effects of A. annua and oil extract of A. annua + F. vulgare on E. tenella infection were assessed by clinical signs, mortality, fecal oocyst output, faeces, lesion score, weight gain, and feed conversion. Results Clinical signs were noticed only in three chickens from the lasalocid group, six from the A. annua group, and nine from the A. annua + F. vulgare group, but were present in 19 infected chickens from the positive control group. Bloody diarrhea was registered in only two chickens from A. annua group, but in 17 chickens from the positive control group. Mortality also occurred in the positive control group (7/20). Chickens treated with A. annua had a significant reduction in faecal oocysts (95.6%; P = 0.027) and in lesion score (56.3%; P = 0.005) when compared to the positive control. At the end of experiment, chickens treated with A. annua leaf powder had the highest body weight gain (68.2 g/day), after the negative control group, and the best feed conversion (1.85) among all experimental groups. Conclusions Our results suggest that A. annua leaf powder (Aa-p), at 1.5% of the daily diet post-infection, can be a valuable alternative for synthetic coccidiostats, such as lasalocid.
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Mărcuţan ID, Sándor AD, Mihalca AD, Gherman CM, Kalmár Z, D'Amico G, Dumitrache MO, Cozma V. Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks collected from migratory birds in Danube Delta, Romania. Parasit Vectors 2014. [PMCID: PMC4094214 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-s1-p16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Györke A, Pop L, Cozma V. Prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species in broiler chicken farms of different capacities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:50. [PMID: 24309007 PMCID: PMC3852269 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2013052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a survey in broiler farms from Romania to establish prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species using single PCR assay. We found Eimeria spp. in 21 (91%) out of 23 flocks, and in 11 (92%) out of 12 farms. Four species of Eimeria were identified: E. acervulina (21/23; 91%), E. tenella (14/23; 61%), E. maxima (5/23; 22%) and E. praecox (3/23; 13%). Infection with a single species (E. acervulina) was detected in 6 (26%) infected flocks originated from large farms. Mixed infections were found in 15 (65%) flocks and the most prevalent combination was E. acervulina + E. tenella (8/23; 35%). Four flocks (17%) harboured mixed infection with E. acervulina + E. tenella + E. maxima. E. acervulina was significantly more prevalent in flocks that received ionophores as anticoccidial feed additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Györke
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Kalmár Z, Mihalca AD, Dumitrache MO, Gherman CM, Magdaş C, Mircean V, Oltean M, Domşa C, Matei IA, Mărcuţan DI, Sándor AD, D'Amico G, Paştiu A, Györke A, Gavrea R, Marosi B, Ionică A, Burkhardt E, Toriay H, Cozma V. Geographical distribution and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in questing Ixodes ricinus from Romania: a countrywide study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:403-8. [PMID: 23890805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The paper reports the prevalence and geographical distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and its genospecies in 12,221 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected at 183 locations from all the 41 counties of Romania. The unfed ticks were examined for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. by PCR targeting the intergenic spacer 5S-23S. Reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were performed for identification of B. burgdorferi genospecies. The overall prevalence of infection was 1.4%, with an average local prevalence between 0.75% and 18.8%. B. burgdorferi s.l. was found in ticks of 55 of the 183 localities. The overall prevalence B. burgdorferi s.l. in ticks in the infected localities was 3.8%. The total infection prevalence was higher in female ticks than in other developmental stages. Three Borrelia genospecies were detected. The most widely distributed genospecies was B. afzelii, followed by B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.). The study is the first countrywide study and the first report of B. burgdorferi s.s. in Romania. The distribution maps show that higher prevalences were recorded in hilly areas, but Lyme borreliosis spirochetes were also present in forested lowlands, albeit with a lower prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Kalmár
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Muntean CM, Stefan R, Bindea M, Cozma V. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Ixodes ricinus ticks. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2013; 110:185-192. [PMID: 23563637 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2013.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this work we present a method for detection of motile and immotile Borrelia burgdorferi genomic DNA, in relation with infectious and noninfectious spirochetes. An FT-IR study of DNA isolated from B. burgdorferi sensu lato strains and from positive and negative Ixodes ricinus ticks, respectively, is reported. Motile bacterial cells from the species B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii were of interest. Also, FT-IR absorbance spectra of DNA from immotile spirochetes of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, in the absence and presence of different antibiotics (doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, penicillin V or phenoxymethylpenicillin, tetracycline, respectively) were investigated. FT-IR spectra, providing a high molecular structural information, have been analyzed in the wavenumber range 400-1800 cm(-1). FT-IR signatures, spectroscopic band assignments and structural interpretations of these DNAs are reported. Spectral differences between FT-IR absorbances of DNAs from motile bacterial cells and immotile spirochetes, respectively, have been found. Particularly, alterations of the sugar-phosphate B-form chain in the case of DNA from Borrelia immotile cells, as compared with DNA from B. burgdorferi sensu lato motile cells have been observed. Based on this work, specific B. burgdorferi sensu lato and I. ricinus DNA-ligand interactions, respectively, might be further investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Muntean
- National Institute for Research & Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath St., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Onac D, Győrke A, Oltean M, Gavrea R, Cozma V. First detection of Echinococcus granulosus G1 and G7 in wild boars (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Romania using PCR and PCR-RFLP techniques. Vet Parasitol 2013; 193:289-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Paștiu AI, Matei IA, Mihalca AD, D'Amico G, Dumitrache MO, Kalmár Z, Sándor AD, Lefkaditis M, Gherman CM, Cozma V. Zoonotic pathogens associated with Hyalomma aegyptium in endangered tortoises: evidence for host-switching behaviour in ticks? Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:301. [PMID: 23273169 PMCID: PMC3564739 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyalomma aegyptium is a hard-tick with a typical three-host life cycle. The main hosts are Palearctic tortoises of genus Testudo. However, other hosts can be used by immature ticks for feeding in natural conditions. Given this complex ecology and multiple host use, the circulation of pathogens by H. aegyptium between various hosts can be important from epidemiological point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of H. aegyptium as natural carrier of four important zoonotic pathogens. METHODS From 2008 to 2011, 448 H. aegyptium ticks were collected from 45 Spur-thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca in Romania. DNA was extracted individually from each tick using a commercial kit. DNA was examined for the presence of specific sequences of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Coxiella burnetii by PCR, according to previously described protocols. RESULTS PCR analysis of H. aegyptium revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum (18.8%), E. canis (14.1%) and C. burnetii (10%). 32.4% of the ticks were infected with at least one pathogen and 9.8% had co-infections. The stages most frequently infected were nymphs (50%) followed by males (33.9%) and females (27%). The number of tortoises which harboured infected ticks was 27/45 examined (60%). From all tested T. graeca, 40% harboured ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum, 46.7% had ticks infected with E. canis and 33.3% had ticks with C. burnetii. This study reports for the first time the presence of A. phagocytophilum and E. canis in H. aegyptium. CONCLUSIONS The presence and relatively high prevalence of three important zoonotic pathogens in H. aegyptium raises the question of their epidemiologic importance in disease ecology. As tortoises are unlikely to be reservoir hosts for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis and both these pathogens are common in H. aegyptium, this is an important indication for (1) a possible increased host-switching behaviour of these ticks to competent reservoir hosts (i.e. hedgehogs) and (2) transstadial transmission. Furthermore, if we consider also the presence of C. burnetii, we conclude that T. graeca and its ticks should be evaluated more seriously when assessing the eco-epidemiology of zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria I Paștiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Dumitrache MO, Paştiu AI, Kalmár Z, Mircean V, Sándor AD, Gherman CM, Peştean C, Mihalca AD, Cozma V. Northern white-breasted hedgehogs Erinaceus roumanicus as hosts for ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Romania. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 4:214-7. [PMID: 23339970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are two tick-borne pathogens of medical and/or veterinary importance which are distributed worldwide. Erinaceus roumanicus, the Northern white-breasted hedgehog, is a common synanthropic species that is known to carry not only the hedgehog tick, Ixodes hexagonus, but also I. ricinus, the most common European tick species. I. ricinus is the main vector of both mentioned pathogens. Within this framework and because only limited information is available on the role of E. roumanicus in the ecology of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Europe, we carried out an epidemiological surveillance on this species in Romania. From the 57 examined hedgehogs collected in 12 different counties, 24 presented tick infestation. Most ticks (n=959) were morphologically identified as larvae, nymphs, or adults of I. ricinus. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. was 0.4%, and that of A. phagocytophilum 12%. In all positive cases for B. burgdorferi s.l., restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed the genospecies B. afzelii. In Romania, only limited information is available on the epidemiology of B. burgdorferi s.l. and A. phagocytophilum. As hedgehogs commonly share the same environment with humans and other potential reservoir hosts for tick-borne pathogens, our study provides new epidemiological data of public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Băguţ ET, Baldo A, Mathy A, Cambier L, Antoine N, Cozma V, Mignon B. Subtilisin Sub3 is involved in adherence of Microsporum canis to human and animal epidermis. Vet Microbiol 2012; 160:413-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Mihalca AD, Gherman CM, Magdaş C, Dumitrache MO, Györke A, Sándor AD, Domşa C, Oltean M, Mircean V, Mărcuţan DI, D'Amico G, Păduraru AO, Cozma V. Ixodes ricinus is the dominant questing tick in forest habitats in Romania: the results from a countrywide dragging campaign. Exp Appl Acarol 2012; 58:175-182. [PMID: 22547023 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9568-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In 2010 and 2011, questing ticks were collected from 188 forested locations in all the 41 counties of Romania using the dragging method. The total of 13,771 ticks collected belonged to eleven species: Ixodes ricinus (86.9 %), Dermacentor marginatus (9.5 %), Haemaphysalis punctata (2.6 %), H. concinna (0.6 %), H. sulcata (0.3 %), H. parva (0.1 %), Hyalomma marginatum (0.02 %), D. reticulatus (0.02 %), I. crenulatus (0.007 %), I. hexagonus (0.007 %) and I. laguri (0.007 %). Ixodes ricinus was present in 97.7 % (n = 180) of locations, occurring exclusively in 41.7 % of the locations, whereas it was the dominant species in 38.8 % of the other locations, accounting for over 70 % of the total tick community. The following most common questing ticks were D. marginatus, H. punctata and H. concinna. Ixodes ricinus co-occurred with one, two or three sympatric species. The occurrence of D. reticulatus in forested habitats from Romania was found to be accidental.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Mihalca AD, Dumitrache MO, Magdaş C, Gherman CM, Domşa C, Mircean V, Ghira IV, Pocora V, Ionescu DT, Sikó Barabási S, Cozma V, Sándor AD. Synopsis of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Romania with update on host associations and geographical distribution. Exp Appl Acarol 2012; 58:183-206. [PMID: 22544174 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The current paper is a synoptic review of the distribution and host associations of the 25 species of hard tick fauna (family Ixodidae) in Romania. In addition to a full literature survey, original data is presented, based on eight years of occasional or targeted sample collection. The literature data on geographical distribution was transposed digitally to the decimal degree coordinate system. For each species, an updated distribution map is given together with all historical data and new host associations. Overall, our paper records 58 new tick-host associations for Romania: 20 for Ixodes ricinus, 1 for I. apronophorus, 6 for I. arboricola, 2 for I. hexagonus, 9 for I. redikorzevi, 1 for I. trianguliceps, 2 for I. vespertilionis, 2 for Haemaphysalis punctata, 1 for H. sulcata, 2 for H. concinna, 1 for D. marginatus, 4 for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, 1 for R. bursa and 6 for Hyalomma marginatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Gavrea R, Mircean V, Pastiu A, Cozma V. Epidemiological survey of Neospora caninum infection in dogs from Romania. Vet Parasitol 2012; 188:382-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
Neosporosis is a disease that mainly affects cattle in both dairy and beef herds. The main definitive host of this parasite is the dog. Since 1984 and its first description a large number of data were published worldwide on this parasite. In Romania, the research regarding this parasite is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle from six regions in north-western Romania and to evaluate the intensity of infection in different animals groups. A total number of 901 samples (862 sera from adult cows and 39 sera from calves) were collected from dairy farms and were screened for the presence of specific IgG anti-bodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence for neosporosis was 34.6%. In adult cows and calves seroprevalences reached 34.8% (300/862) and 30.8% for calves (12/39) respectively. In cattle which had previously aborted, seroprevalence was 40.9%. These results indicate that N. caninum infection is widespread among animals reared in dairy systems from Romania and a program for farmer training and a strategy for reducing the economic impact of the disease are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Gavrea
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology Department, Mănăştur Street, No. 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Mircean V, Dumitrache MO, Györke A, Pantchev N, Jodies R, Mihalca AD, Cozma V. Seroprevalence and Geographic Distribution of Dirofilaria immitis and Tick-Borne Infections (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Ehrlichia canis) in Dogs from Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:595-604. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Mircean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj, Romania
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj, Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj, Romania
| | - Nikola Pantchev
- Vet Med Labor GmbH, Division of IDEXX Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | | | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj, Romania
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Gherman CM, Mihalca AD, Dumitrache MO, Györke A, Oroian I, Sandor M, Cozma V. CO2 flagging - an improved method for the collection of questing ticks. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:125. [PMID: 22720872 PMCID: PMC3461486 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most epidemiological studies on tick-borne pathogens involve collection of ticks from the environment. An efficient collection method is essential for large sample pools. Our main aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a new method, where traditional flagging was enhanced by the use of CO2 dispersed into the white flannel. The CO2 was spread through a rubber hose network inserted into the flag blanket. The research was conducted in spring, in March-April 2011 in two locations from Cluj County, Romania. METHODS The research was conducted in March-April 2011 in two locations from Cluj County, Romania. The flag to be tested contained a fine silicone rubber hose network which dispersed the CO2 in the shaft. On each collection site n=30 samplings were performed. Each sampling consisted in the simultaneous use of both flags (with and without CO2) by two persons. The CO2 concentration level on the flag canvas surface was measured. The efficacy of the method was determined by counting comparatively the total number of ticks and separate developmental stage count. RESULTS Using the CO2 improved flag, 2411 (59%) Ixodes ricinus and 100 (53.8%) Dermacentor marginatus ticks were captured, while the CO2-free flag accounted for the collection of 1670 I. ricinus (41%) and 86 (46.2%) D. marginatus ticks. The addition of CO2 prompted a concentration difference on the surface of the flag ranging between 756.5 and 1135.0 ppm with a mean value of 848.9 ppm. CONCLUSION The study showed that the CO2 enhanced sweep flag increased the ability of I. ricinus (p<0001) but not of D. marginatus to be attracted to the flag blanket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călin M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Iovu A, Györke A, Mircean V, Gavrea R, Cozma V. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dairy goats from Romania. Vet Parasitol 2012; 186:470-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Mircean V, Györke A, Cozma V. Prevalence and risk factors of Giardia duodenalis in dogs from Romania. Vet Parasitol 2012; 184:325-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Györke A, Opsteegh M, Mircean V, Iovu A, Cozma V. Toxoplasma gondii in Romanian household cats: Evaluation of serological tests, epidemiology and risk factors. Prev Vet Med 2011; 102:321-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Dumitrache MO, Gherman CM, Cozma V, Mircean V, Györke A, Sándor AD, Mihalca AD. Hard ticks (Ixodidae) in Romania: surveillance, host associations, and possible risks for tick-borne diseases. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2067-70. [PMID: 22033737 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases represent a great concern worldwide. Despite this, in Romania the studies regarding this subject has just started, and the interest of medical personnel, researchers, and citizens is increasing. Because the geographical range of many tick-borne diseases started to extend as consequences of different biological and environmental factors, it is important to study the diversity of ticks species, especially correlated with host associations. A total number of 840 ticks were collected between 1 April and 1 November 2010, from 66 animals, from 17 species in 11 counties, spread all over Romania. Four Ixodidae species were identified: Dermacentor marginatus (49.2%), Ixodes ricinus (48.3%), Hyalomma marginatum (2.4%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.1%). The obtained results indicate that D. marginatus is the most abundant tick species and I. ricinus is the most prevalent. As both of them are important vectors for human and animal diseases, the present paper discusses the associated risks for tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Mircean V, Györke A, Jarca A, Cozma V. Prevalence of Giardia species in stool samples by ELISA in household cats from Romania and risk factors. J Feline Med Surg 2011; 13:479-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2011.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2010] [Revised: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stool samples ( n=183) collected in Romania from cats of different ages, gender, breed, living conditions and origin were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a commercial kit (Giardia Microwell ELISA, SafePath Laboratories, Carlsbad, USA). Fifty-one cats (27.9%) presented Giardia duodenalis antigens. The prevalence was significantly higher in cats with diarrhoea (32%, 16/50; P=0.04) and in cats from the north-west region (36.7%, 29/79; P=0.05). Young age (up to 6 months) was identified as the risk factor for infection (OR=0.29, 95% CI 0.09–0.92; P=0.03). There weren't any significant differences associated with gender, breed, medium, lifestyle, associated parasite infections, anthelmintic treatments, type of food or season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Mircean
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Jarca
- University of Oradea, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pneumoftiziology Hospital of Oradea, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases Department, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Abstract
The overwhelming majority of animal conservation projects are focused on vertebrates, despite most of the species on Earth being invertebrates. Estimates state that about half of all named species of invertebrates are parasitic in at least one stage of their development. The dilemma of viewing parasites as biodiversity or pest has been discussed by several authors. However, ticks were omitted. The latest taxonomic synopses of non-fossil Ixodidae consider valid 700 species. Though, how many of them are still extant is almost impossible to tell, as many of them are known only from type specimens in museums and were never collected since their original description. Moreover, many hosts are endangered and as part of conservation efforts of threatened vertebrates, a common practice is the removal of, and treatment for external parasites, with devastating impact on tick populations. There are several known cases when the host became extinct with subsequent coextinction of their ectoparasites. For our synoptic approach we have used the IUCN status of the host in order to evaluate the status of specifically associated hard-ticks. As a result, we propose a number of 63 coendangered and one extinct hard-tick species. On the other side of the coin, the most important issue regarding tick-host associations is vectorial transmission of microbial pathogens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, protozoans). Tick-borne diseases of threatened vertebrates are sometimes fatal to their hosts. Mortality associated with pathogens acquired from ticks has been documented in several cases, mostly after translocations. Are ticks a real threat to their coendangered host and should they be eliminated? Up to date, there are no reliable proofs that ticks listed by us as coendangered are competent vectors for pathogens of endangered animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
| | - Vasile Cozma
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Romania
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Sikó SB, Deplazes P, Ceica C, Tivadar CS, Bogolin I, Popescu S, Cozma V. Echinococcus multilocularis in south-eastern Europe (Romania). Parasitol Res 2010; 108:1093-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2150-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Blaga R, Gherman C, Cozma V, Zocevic A, Pozio E, Boireau P. Trichinella species circulating among wild and domestic animals in Romania. Vet Parasitol 2009; 159:218-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Blaga R, Cretu CM, Gherman C, Draghici A, Pozio E, Noeckler K, Kapel CM, Dida I, Cozma V, Boireau P. Trichinella spp. infection in horses of Romania: Serological and parasitological survey. Vet Parasitol 2009; 159:285-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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