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Lu M, Tang GP, Bai XS, Qin XC, Wang W, Guo WP, Li K. Molecular Detection of Tick-borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Hainan Island, China. Biomed Environ Sci 2021; 34:581-586. [PMID: 34353424 DOI: 10.3967/bes2021.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens like bacteria and protozoa, which affect human and animal health worldwide, can be transmitted by vectors like ticks. To investigate the epidemiology and genetic diversity of bacteria and protozoans carried by ticks in Chengmai county of Hainan province, China, 285 adult hard ticks belonging to two species [ Rhipicephalus sanguineus ( sensu lato): 183, 64.21% and Rhipicephalus microplus: 102, 35.79%] from dogs, cattle, and goats were collected. Microbial families were identified in these ticks by amplifying the 18S rRNA, 16S rRNA ( rrs), citrate synthase ( gltA), and heat shock protein ( groEL) genes. Our data revealed the presence of four recognized species and two Candidatus spp. of Anaplasmataceae and Coxiellaceae. In sum, these data reveal an extensive diversity of Anaplasmataceae bacteria, Coxiellaceae bacteria, Babesiidae, and Hepatozoidae in ticks from Hainan Island, highlighting the need to understand the tick-borne pathogen infection in local animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Guang Peng Tang
- Guizhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao Song Bai
- Congjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qiandongnan Autonomous Prefecture 557400, Guizhou, China
| | - Xin Cheng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wen Ping Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, Hebei, China
| | - Kun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoonoses, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
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Galosi L, Attili AR, Perrucci S, Origgi FC, Tambella AM, Rossi G, Cuteri V, Napoleoni M, Mandolini NA, Perugini G, Loehr VJT. Health assessment of wild speckled dwarf tortoises, CHERSOBIUS SIGNATUS. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:102. [PMID: 33663511 PMCID: PMC7934230 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In free-ranging reptile populations, bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens may affect hosts through impairment in movements, thermoregulation, reproduction, survival, and population dynamics. The speckled dwarf tortoise (Chersobius [Homopus] signatus) is a threatened species that is mostly restricted to the Succulent Karoo biome in South Africa, and little information on pathogens of this species is available yet. We derived baseline parameters for five males and five females that were captured to genetically enhance a conservation breeding program in Europe. Upon collection of the tortoises, ticks were removed and identified. Immediately upon arrival in Europe, ocular, nasal, oral and cloacal swabs were taken for viral, bacteriological and mycological examinations. Fecal samples were collected before and 1 month after fenbendazole treatment, and analyzed for parasites. A panel of PCR, aiming to detect herpesviruses, adenoviruses and iridoviruses, was carried out. RESULTS Samples were negative for viruses, while bacteriological examination yielded detectable growth in 82.5% of the swabs with a mean load of 16 × 107 ± 61 × 108 colony forming units (CFU) per swab, representing 34 bacterial species. Cloacal and oral swabs yielded higher detectable growth loads than nasal and ocular swabs, but no differences between sexes were observed. Fungi and yeasts (mean load 5 × 103 ± 13 × 103 CFU/swab) were detected in 25% of the swabs. All pre-treatment fecal samples were positive for oxyurid eggs, ranging from 200 to 2400 eggs per gram of feces, whereas after the treatment a significantly reduced egg count (90-100% reduction) was found in seven out of 10 individuals. One remaining individual showed 29% reduction, and two others had increased egg counts. In five tortoises, Nycthocterus spp. and coccidian oocysts were also identified. Soft ticks were identified as Ornithodoros savignyi. CONCLUSIONS Our baseline data from clinically healthy individuals will help future studies to interpret prevalences of microorganisms in speckled dwarf tortoise populations. The study population did not appear immediately threatened by current parasite presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Galosi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024, Matelica, Italy.
| | - Anna Rita Attili
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024, Matelica, Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), DIP, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adolfo Maria Tambella
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024, Matelica, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024, Matelica, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cuteri
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024, Matelica, Italy
| | - Maira Napoleoni
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute (IZS) of Umbria and Marche 'Togo Rosati', 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Gianni Perugini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute (IZS) of Umbria and Marche 'Togo Rosati', 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Victor J T Loehr
- Dwarf Tortoise Conservation, Kwikstaartpad 1, 3403ZH, IJsselstein, Netherlands
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Attia El Hili R, Achouri MS, Verneau O. Cytochrome c oxydase I phylogenetic analysis of Haemogregarina parasites (Apicomplexa, Coccidia, Eucoccidiorida, Haemogregarinidae) confirms the presence of three distinct species within the freshwater turtles of Tunisia. Parasitol Int 2021; 82:102306. [PMID: 33610828 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Species of Haemogregarina are apicomplexan blood parasites that use vertebrates as intermediate hosts. Due to limited interspecific morphological characters within the genus during the last decade, 18S rRNA gene sequences were widely used for species identification. As coinfection patterns were recently reported from nuclear molecular data for two sympatric freshwater turtles Mauremys leprosa and Emys orbicularis from Tunisia, our objectives were to design COI specific primers to confirm the presence of three distinct species in both host species. Blood samples were collected from 22 turtles, from which DNAs were extracted and used as templates for amplification. Following different rounds of PCR and nested PCR, we designed specific Haemogregarina COI primers that allowed the sequencing of nine distinct haplotypes. Phylogenetic Bayesian analysis revealed the occurrence of three well-differentiated sublineages that clustered together into a single clade. Based on pairwise genetic distances (p-distance), we confirmed the occurrence of three distinct but phylogenetically closely related species coinfecting M. leprosa and E. orbicularis in the same aquatic environments. Our results demonstrate that the use of fast evolving genes within Haemogregarina will help to investigate the parasite diversity within both intermediate vertebrate and definitive invertebrate hosts, and to assess the evolution, historical biogeography and specificity of haemogregarines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahma Attia El Hili
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06 Tunis, Tunisia; Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, Perpignan, France; CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, Perpignan, France
| | - Mohamed Sghaier Achouri
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olivier Verneau
- Université Perpignan Via Domitia, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, Perpignan, France; CNRS, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, Perpignan, France; Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Souza LSD, Guilherme E, Gul S, Andrade AMFD, Santos FGDA. First report of Davaneidae and Strongylida parasitizing Ramphocelus carbo (Aves: Passeriformes: Thraupidae) in the southwest of the Brazilian Amazon region. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2020; 29:e016719. [PMID: 32049145 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In Brazil, species of the genus Ramphocelus with the presence of various endoparasites have already been reported. Coccidia have been the parasites most frequently found. All species of this genus have similar habitats and ecological niches, which makes parasite transmission easy. The aim of this study was to diagnose the presence of endoparasites in fecal samples from specimens of Ramphocelus carbo that were caught in the Cazumbá-Iracema Extractive Reserve (Cazumbá Resex), in the State of Acre. The specimens (n = 30) were caught in mist nets arranged in different ecosystems of the Reserve. After identification, the bird specimens were placed in cloth bags for a maximum of 30 minutes to collect feces. Among the 22 samples collected, 63.63% (n = 14) were positive for endoparasites. The coccidia were the parasites most frequently. Helminths belonging to Ascaridiidae (Nematoda), Strongylida (Nematoda) and Davaneidae (Cestoda) were recorded for the first time in R. carbo in the State of Acre. Parasites belonging to Strongylida and Davaneidae were recorded for the first time in a species of Ramphocelus. These findings add information on the parasitic fauna of wild birds, since in the Amazon region there are few studies on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edson Guilherme
- Laboratório de Ornitologia, Universidade Federal do Acre - UFAC, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal do Acre - UFAC, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
| | - Saba Gul
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Angela Maria Fortes de Andrade
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Sanidade e Produção Animal Sustentável na Amazônia Ocidental, Universidade Federal do Acre - UFAC, Rio Branco, AC, Brasil
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Duszynski DW, McAllister CT, Tellez M. The Coccidia (Apicomplexa) of the Archosauria (Crocodylia: Eusuchia) of the World. J Parasitol 2020; 106:90-122. [PMID: 31999218] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The order Crocodylia (suborder Eusuchia) includes 27 species of alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharials that are cosmopolitan in distribution, inhabiting subtropical and tropical locations. Numerous surveys (many of them trivial, with small sample sizes) have reported a wide variety of blood and intestinal apicomplexans from 17/27 (63%) crocodilian hosts, but neither a summation for the group nor a revisionary systematic approach to species evaluation has ever been provided. Herein, we summarize information on the 16 species of apicomplexans that we consider to be valid, including 8 Eimeria, 1 Haemogregarina (that eventually may be transferred to Hepatozoon), 4 Hepatozoon, 2 Isospora, and 1 Progarnia species. In addition, there are 46 apicomplexan forms that we have relegated to species inquirendae and/or only partially identified forms that await further study. We hope this review provides a foundation for future research between parasitologists and herpetologists on parasitism of all reptiles and their relatives. Since many apicomplexans seem to be reasonably host-specific, knowledge of shared species and/or genera may assist herpetologists to better understand the phylogenetic relationships among the New World crocodilians and the direction of their dispersal in the New World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald W Duszynski
- Professor Emeritus of Biology, 76 Homesteads Road, Placitas, New Mexico 87043
| | - Chris T McAllister
- Science and Mathematics Division, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Idabel, Oklahoma 74745
| | - Marisa Tellez
- Crocodile Research Coalition, Belize and Marine Science Institute, University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106
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Bajer A, Dwużnik D, Tołkacz K, Alsarraf M, Mierzejewska EJ. Comparison of the detection efficiency of haemoparasite DNA in blood and faecal samples - the way to eco-epidemiological studies. Ann Agric Environ Med 2019; 26:538-543. [PMID: 31885225 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/109664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE It is easier and non-invasive to obtain faecal samples compared with blood samples. Molecular techniques may enable detection of parasites even in tiny amounts of blood-containing faeces. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of detection of three Babesia species and Hepatozoon canis in blood and faecal samples, including samples derived from naturally infected hosts. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three groups were involved: 1) Nine BALB/c mice infected with Babesia microti sampled during acute (n=3), post-acute (n=3) and chronic phases of infection (n=3); 2) Eight dogs with symptoms of babesiosis; 3) Six red foxes infected with B. vulpes, one fox infected with B. canis, four foxes infected with H. canis. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and faeces by use of commercial kits and amplified with genus-specific primers in one-step or nested PCR reactions. Selected PCR products were sequenced. RESULTS No positive results for faecal samples were obtained from H. canis-positive foxes in contrast to Babesia spp. infections. Positive results from PCRs were obtained for all BALB/c mice (100%), five dogs (62.5%) and four of seven foxes (57.1%). Successful sequencing was obtained for six selected murine samples (B. microti), four canine samples (B. canis) and for one fox sample (B. vulpes). The success of B. microti detection in murine faecal samples from acute, post-acute and chronic phases was identical (100%). CONCLUSIONS Detectability of Babesia spp. infections was lower in naturally infected dogs and foxes, compared to experimentally infected mice. Detection of DNA in faecal samples can be useful in the detection of Babesia infection in populations from which blood samples are hard to obtain, but due regard must be given to the possibility that prevalence of infection may be severely underestimated.
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Medkour H, Laidoudi Y, Lafri I, Davoust B, Mekroud A, Bitam I, Mediannikov O. Canine vector-borne protozoa: Molecular and serological investigation for Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs from Northern Algeria. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2019; 19:100353. [PMID: 32057382 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are competent reservoirs/hosts of several protozoan pathogens transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods. Throughout their long history of domestication, they have served as a link for the exchange of parasites among livestock, wildlife, and humans and therefore remain an important source of emerging and re-emerging diseases. In Algeria, while canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is well known to be endemic, no data are available on other vector-borne protozoans. Here, we investigate the occurrence and diversity of trypanosomes, piroplasms and Hepatozoon spp. and update the epidemiological status of CanL in dogs from Kabylia, northern Algeria. A total of 227 dogs from three regions of Kabylia were enrolled, including 77 dogs with clinical signs. Dogs were clinically examined and were tested for L. infantum antibodies using a Rapid Immuno-Migration (RIM™) and a quantitative indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). PCR screening and sequencing were performed for vector-borne protozoa. Sixty two percent (141/227) of dogs presented at least one infection, whereas 26% (59/227) were co-infected. L. infantum antibodies were detected in 35.7% (81/227) of dogs including 88.7% (68/77) of sick dogs. Molecular investigation revealed prevalence of: 6.6% (15/227), 13.2% (30/227), 41% (93/227) for Trypanosoma spp., B. vogeli and H. canis, respectively. T. evansi (3.1%) and potential new subspecies of T. congolense had been identified. Dog''s clinical status correlates positively with L. infantum antibody titers and the presence of co-infections. Susceptibility to CanL varied according to the dog's aptitude and guard dogs were more infected (51%) (P-value = .001). B. vogeli infection was more frequent in juveniles than adults (32% vs 9%, P-value < .001) and in females than males (21% vs 10%, P-value = .02). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on vector-borne protozoa infected dogs in Algeria. Current results are important not only for animal health, but also to avoid serious public health and livestock problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hacène Medkour
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France; UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France; UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - Ismail Lafri
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Vectors-Tropical and Mediterranean Infections (VITROME), UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, SSA, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Algeria
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France
| | - Abdeslam Mekroud
- PADESCA Laboratory, Veterinary Science Institute, University Constantine 1, 25100, El Khroub, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Vectors-Tropical and Mediterranean Infections (VITROME), UMR Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, SSA, APHM -19-21, Bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France; Superior School of Food Sciences and Food Industries of Algiers, Algeria
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU Méditerranée Infection - Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEФI), France.
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Abstract
Canine pathogens transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods are of significant importance for veterinary and, in some cases, human health. However, they are still underestimated and rarely investigated in many parts of the Mediterranean region, mostly due to financial reasons. Therefore, in the present paper, we investigated the occurrence of blood-associated pathogens affecting dogs in Crete, Greece. For this purpose, blood samples from 103 shelter dogs were screened for the pathogens by PCR and serological tests. Overall, samples from 43 dogs scored positive for at least one pathogen (41.8%). In particular, antibodies to Leishmania infantum were detected in 26 dogs (25.2%), and 15 and 11 animals were positive for Hepatozoon canis (14.6%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (10.7%) by PCR, respectively. Co-infections were recorded in nine animals. Clinical signs indicative of infection (alterations of skin or coat or reduced body condition) were detected in 10 animals, four of which were infected with one pathogen, three with two pathogens. Based on the results obtained, dogs from Crete appear to be frequently exposed to several blood-borne pathogens, including agents of zoonotic concern. Given that some of the pathogens were reported for the first time in this area, results presented in our study should improve the awareness of the local veterinarians and of dog rescue organisations in order to reduce disease burden on stray and owned dogs and to control the spread of canine vector-borne diseases from Greece to non-endemic areas by travelling or exported infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Niki Pouliou
- Animal Medical Center, Kýprou 61, 722 00 Ierapetra, Greece
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Zheng WQ, Xuan XN, Fu RL, Tao HY, Liu YQ, Liu XQ, Li DM, Ma HM, Chen HY. Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ixodid Ticks from Poyang Lake Region, Southeastern China. Korean J Parasitol 2018; 56:589-596. [PMID: 30630280 PMCID: PMC6327193 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.6.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are the vectors of various pathogens, threatening human health and animal production across the globe. Here, for the first time we detected Ricketssia spp., Borrelia spp. and protozoan in ticks from Poyang Lake region in Ji- angxi Province of eastern China. In 3 habitat categories and on 12 host species, 311 ticks from 11 species were collected. Haemaphysalis longicornis was the predominant species, accounting for 55.63%, followed by Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis flava and Ixodes granulatus. Of the collected ticks, 7.07% were positive for tick-borne pathogens, and H. longicornis and H. flava were found to be co-infected with Ricketssia spp. and protozoan. H. flava was the most detected positive for tick-borne pathogens, whereas H. longicornis had the lowest infection rate, and the difference in infection rates between tick species was significant (χ2=61.24, P<0.001). Furthermore, adult ticks demonstrated remarkably greater infection rate than immature ticks (χ2=10.12, P=0.018), meanwhile ticks on Erinaceidae showed significantly higher positivity than ticks collected on other host species (χ2=108.44, P<0.001). Genetic fragment sequencing and analyses showed at least 4 pathogen species presence in ticks, namely Borrelia yangtzensis, Rickettsia slovaca or Rickettsia raoultii related genospecies, Babesia vogeli and Hepatozoon canis or Hepatozoon felis related genospecies. The finding indicates that the abundant ticks can carry diverse pathogens in Poyang Lake region, and pathogen infection is highly related to species, vertebrate hosts and life stages of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qing Zheng
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi,
P.R. China
| | - Xue Nan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, 080-8555, Hokkaido,
Japan
| | - Ren Long Fu
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi,
P.R. China
| | - Hui Ying Tao
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi,
P.R. China
| | - Yang Qing Liu
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi,
P.R. China
| | - Xiao Qing Liu
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi,
P.R. China
| | - Dong Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102200,
P.R. China
| | - Hong Mei Ma
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi,
P.R. China
| | - Hai Ying Chen
- Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang, 330038, Jiangxi,
P.R. China
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Moreno-Torres KI, Sinnott DM, Wolfe BA, Marsh AE, Saville WJA, Moritz M, Garabed RB. Risk of environmental exposure to small coccidia from wild canid feces in rural Ohio. Am J Vet Res 2018; 79:1179-1187. [PMID: 30372156 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.79.11.1179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the extent of environmental exposure to heteroxenous coccidia from wild canid feces in southeastern Ohio. SAMPLE 285 presumed wild canid fecal samples collected across an ecological system in southeastern Ohio. PROCEDURES Morphological classification and molecular analysis were used to determine the canid genus for collected fecal samples. Microscopic and molecular analysis were used to detect coccidian oocysts and DNA. Several variables were analyzed for associations with coccidian DNA detection or prevalence. RESULTS Coccidian DNA was detected in 51 of 285 (17.9%) fecal samples. Of those positive samples, 1% (95% confidence interval, 0.4% to 3%) had positive results for Hammondia heydorni and none had positive results for Neospora caninum, for an estimated environmental N caninum prevalence of 0% (95% confidence interval, 0% to 7%)/1-km2 hexagonal area evaluated. Morphological classification revealed that 78.9% (225/285) of fecal samples were from coyotes and 17.2% (49/285) were from foxes. No difference in proportions of coccidian DNA-positive fecal samples was identified among canid species. Environmental temperature and fecal freshness were associated with coccidian DNA detection. Land use type, relative canid density, and cattle density were not associated with the prevalence of coccidian DNA-positive samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The low prevalence of coccidia shed in wild canid feces in this study, including the estimated 0% environmental prevalence of N caninum, suggested that the role of the oocyst environmental phase in coccidia transmission to ruminants is likely minor in rural southeastern Ohio.
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Low VL, Prakash BK, Lim YAL, Tan TK, Vinnie-Siow WY, Sofian-Azirun M, AbuBakar S. Detection of Anaplasmataceae agents and co-infection with other tick-borne protozoa in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks. Exp Appl Acarol 2018; 75:429-435. [PMID: 30073430 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0280-9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are of serious health concern worldwide for animals and humans. In the present study, we report the occurrence of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis in dogs and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks from Peninsular Malaysia using a nested polymerase chain reaction assay based on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. Anaplasma platys was detected from dogs and ticks with prevalence rates of 3.3% (8/240) and 2.9% (4/140), respectively. On the other hand, 12.9% (31/240) of the dogs and 0.7% (1/140) of the ticks were tested positive for E. canis. Additionally, co-infections of A. platys and E. canis with Babesia or Hepatozoon protozoa were also noted in this study. Double infection (E. canis + B. gibsoni) was observed in tick, whereas triple infections (E. canis + A. platys + B. vogeli and E. canis + A. platys + H. canis) were found in dogs. This study represents the first evidence of A. platys DNA in R. sanguineus s.l. in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Lun Low
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Batah Kunalan Prakash
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERIA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tiong Kai Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Yin Vinnie-Siow
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Sofian-Azirun
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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12
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Greay TL, Zahedi A, Krige AS, Owens JM, Rees RL, Ryan UM, Oskam CL, Irwin PJ. Endemic, exotic and novel apicomplexan parasites detected during a national study of ticks from companion animals in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:197. [PMID: 29558984 PMCID: PMC5859549 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apicomplexan tick-borne pathogens that cause disease in companion animals include species of Babesia Starcovici, 1893, Cytauxzoon Neitz & Thomas, 1948, Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 and Theileria Bettencourt, Franca & Borges, 1907. The only apicomplexan tick-borne disease of companion animals that is known to occur in Australia is babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis vogeli Reichenow, 1937 and Babesia gibsoni Patton, 1910. However, no molecular investigations have widely investigated members of Apicomplexa Levine, 1980 in Australian ticks that parasitise dogs, cats or horses, until this present investigation. RESULTS Ticks (n = 711) removed from dogs (n = 498), cats (n = 139) and horses (n = 74) throughout Australia were screened for piroplasms and Hepatozoon spp. using conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing. The tick-borne pathogen B. vogeli was identified in two Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille ticks from dogs residing in the Northern Territory and Queensland (QLD). Theileria orientalis Yakimov & Sudachenkov, 1931 genotype Ikeda was detected in three Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann ticks from dogs in New South Wales. Unexpectedly, the exotic tick-borne pathogen Hepatozoon canis James, 1905 was identified in an Ixodes holocyclus Neumann tick from a dog in QLD. Eight novel piroplasm and Hepatozoon species were identified and described in native ticks and named as follows: Babesia lohae n. sp., Babesia mackerrasorum n. sp., Hepatozoon banethi n. sp., Hepatozoon ewingi n. sp., Theileria apogeana n. sp., Theileria palmeri n. sp., Theileria paparinii n. sp. and Theileria worthingtonorum n. sp. Additionally, a novel cf. Sarcocystidae sp. sequence was obtained from Ixodes tasmani Neumann but could not be confidently identified at the genus level. CONCLUSIONS Novel species of parasites in ticks represent an unknown threat to the health of companion animals that are bitten by these native tick species. The vector potential of Australian ticks for the newly discovered apicomplexans needs to be assessed, and further clinical and molecular investigations of these parasites, particularly in blood samples from dogs, cats and horses, is required to determine their potential for pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telleasha L. Greay
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
- Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Anna-Sheree Krige
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Jadyn M. Owens
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Robert L. Rees
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
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13
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Licari E, Takács N, Solymosi N, Farkas R. First detection of tick-borne pathogens of dogs from Malta. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:396-399. [PMID: 28143697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge about the vector-borne infections in domestic dogs has been increasing worldwide. However no studies have been done on hard tick infestation and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of dogs present in Malta. Therefore, a total of 99 dogs was selected and inspected between March and July 2013 in 18 urban and 17 rural areas on the islands of Malta and Gozo. All ticks were removed from the dogs and identified. Blood samples were taken and tested for protozoa (Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp.) and bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp.) by conventional PCR. All of the ticks collected from 34 (34.3%; 95% CI: 26-44) dogs belong to the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Tick infestation on the farm dogs was significantly higher than that of dogs kept outdoors as pets (OR: 15.19, 95% CI: 2.72-118.92, p<0.001) or in a sanctuary (OR: 35.11, 95% CI: 3.20-1986.67, p<0.001). Altogether 22 animals were infected with one or two TBPs, most of them with Hepatozoon canis (16/22; 72.7%). Anaplasma platys and Babesia vogeli were detected in 5 and 4 dogs, respectively. Three dogs had co-infections caused by H. canis and A. platys. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on tick infestation and TBPs of dogs in Malta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Licari
- The Veterinary Clinic' Triq Frangisk Xerri, Birkirkara, BKR1020, 27692277, Malta.
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Biometeorology Research Group, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary H-1078 Budapest István u 2., Hungary.
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14
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Singla LD, Sumbria D, Mandhotra A, Bal MS, Kaur P. Critical analysis of vector-borne infections in dogs: Babesia vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in Punjab, India. Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:697-706. [PMID: 27787221 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There are few published studies on various vector borne diseases of dogs in India and most depict clinical infection in dogs, diagnosed by observation of the haemopathogens in stained blood smears. This study provides the first report regarding molecular confirmation and ancestral relationship analysis of blood smears positive cases of assorted haemopathogens in Punjab province of India. On blood smear examination, haemopathogens were observed in 124 out of 778 (15.95%, 95% CI: 13.53- 18.68) blood smears. Further polymerase chain reactions (PCR) was used on bloods smear positive cases to validate the results. Out of 778 blood samples, Babesia gibsoni was most common parasite infecting dogs (15.04%, 95% CI: 12.7-17.72), followed by Ehrlichia canis (0.39%, 95% CI: 0.0-1.13), infection of Babesia vogeli and Hepatozoon canis was same (0.26%, 95% CI: 0.0-0.9). Among various risk factors studied (age, sex, season), prevalence of infection was non-significantly higher in 1-2 year of age group (19.88%, 95% CI: 14.45-26.71), regarding sex same prevalence was recorded (15.94%), and chances of infection was highest in pre-monsoon i.e. summer (18.26%, 95% CI: 14.49-22.76). Phylogenetic analysis revealed ancestral background of Ludhiana isolates of B. vogeli, B. gibsoni, H. canis, and E. canis with the isolates of Philippines, Mongolia and Tunisia.
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15
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Schilliger L, Mentré V, Marschang RE, Nicolier A, Richter B. Triple infection with agamid adenovirus 1, Encephaliton cuniculi-like microsporidium and enteric coccidia in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere 2016; 44:355-358. [PMID: 27385082 DOI: 10.15654/tpk-150790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A 2-month-old juvenile central bearded dragon was presented for anorexia and cachexia. Another specimen from the same cage had died suddenly 2 weeks prior. Fecal analysis revealed a high quantity of Isospora amphiboluri and a few pinworm eggs. Other examinations were not performed and the animal died a few days later despite supportive care. A third individual from the same cage presented with anorexia and a distended cœlom and was euthanized. In this third dragon, histological examination revealed intestinal coccidiosis, basophilic intranuclear inclusions compatible with adenovirus infection, acute hepatic necrosis with intrahepatocytic and intraenteritic organisms typical of microsporidia and renal gout. A PCR confirmed the diagnosis of adenovirosis. Sequencing showed that the PCR product was 100% identical to the corresponding portion of the agamid adenovirus 1 genome. A PCR for the detection of Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi was positive. Partial sequencing revealed 100% identity to an E. cuniculi-like organism previously found in bearded dragons. In cases where environmental factors such as poor hygiene or stress can be excluded, the presence of opportunistic pathogens in high numbers can be due to a systemic (viral) infection with temporary immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Schilliger
- Dr. Lionel Schilliger, Clinique vétérinaire du village d'Auteuil, 75016 Paris, Frankreich, E-Mail:
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16
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Friend SE, Lovy J, Hershberger PK. Disease surveillance of Atlantic herring: molecular characterization of hepatic coccidiosis and a morphological report of a novel intestinal coccidian. Dis Aquat Organ 2016; 120:91-107. [PMID: 27409233 DOI: 10.3354/dao03016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Surveillance for pathogens of Atlantic herring, including viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), Ichthyophonus hoferi, and hepatic and intestinal coccidians, was conducted from 2012 to 2016 in the NW Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey, USA. Neither VHSV nor I. hoferi was detected in any sample. Goussia clupearum was found in the livers of 40 to 78% of adult herring in varying parasite loads; however, associated pathological changes were negligible. Phylogenetic analysis based on small subunit 18S rRNA gene sequences placed G. clupearum most closely with other extraintestinal liver coccidia from the genus Calyptospora, though the G. clupearum isolates had a unique nucleotide insertion between 604 and 729 bp that did not occur in any other coccidian species. G. clupearum oocysts from Atlantic and Pacific herring were morphologically similar, though differences occurred in oocyst dimensions. Comparison of G. clupearum genetic sequences from Atlantic and Pacific herring revealed 4 nucleotide substitutions and 2 gaps in a 1749 bp region, indicating some divergence in the geographically separate populations. Pacific G. clupearum oocysts were not directly infective, suggesting that a heteroxenous life cycle is likely. Intestinal coccidiosis was described for the first time from juvenile and adult Atlantic herring. A novel intestinal coccidian species was detected based on morphological characteristics of exogenously sporulated oocysts. A unique feature in these oocysts was the presence of 3 long (15.1 ± 5.1 µm, mean ±SD) spiny projections on both ends of the oocyst. The novel morphology of this coccidian led us to tentatively name this parasite G. echinata n. sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Friend
- New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Fish and Wildlife Health and Forensics, 605 Pequest Road, Oxford, New Jersey 07863, USA
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17
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Abstract
Fecal samples from suckling ( n = 153) and weaned ( n = 116) piglets with diarrhea in Japan were examined for shedding of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens using culture, microscopic, and polymerase chain reaction methods. In suckling piglets, diarrhea was attributed to infection with a single etiologic agent in 60.8% of cases and with combinations of agents in 22.2%. In weaned piglets, diarrhea was attributed to a single etiologic agent in 43.1% and to combinations of agents in 47.4% of cases. Rotavirus was the most prevalent agent in suckling (67.3%) and weaned (65.5%) piglets. The detection of other pathogens was associated with age of the animals examined. Coccidia were predominantly isolated from suckling piglets, whereas Escherichia coli was found predominantly in weaned piglets. Although a relationship was not observed between detection rate of rotavirus and age of piglets, a single group of rotavirus was detected in 87.5% of suckling piglets whereas multiple groups were detected in 51.6% of weaned piglets. The results of this study confirm that diarrhea in piglets can, to a variable degree, be causally associated with multiple agents. Additionally, these results suggest reasons why this syndrome can be difficult to control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Katsuda
- Environmental Hygiene Section, Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Animal Health, 31 Uminai, Shichinohe, Kamikita, Aomori, 039-2586, Japan
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18
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Maia JP, Crottini A, Harris DJ. Microscopic and molecular characterization of Hepatozoon domerguei (Apicomplexa) and Foleyella furcata (Nematoda) in wild endemic reptiles from Madagascar. Parasite 2014; 21:47. [PMID: 25224723 PMCID: PMC4165108 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Madagascar is one of the world's top twelve "megadiversity" hot spots hosting unique and threatened flora and fauna. Parasites are a major component of biodiversity but remain largely uncharacterized in wildlife. In this study we combine microscopic and molecular assessment of hemoparasites in endemic reptile species from Madagascar. We detected three distinct parasites: the apicomplexans Hepatozoon and Sarcocystis, and filarial nematodes. The prevalence and intensity of these apicomplexans were low overall, while microfilarial infections in chameleons were relatively high. We detected mixed infections of two Hepatozoon haplotypes in Madagascarophis colubrinus, and of Hepatozoon and microfilariae in a Furcifer sp. Phylogenetic analyses of Hepatozoon showed evidence of prey-predator transmission, with identical sequences found in the snakes M. colubrinus and Ithycyphus oursi, and their prey Furcifer sp. Based on previous studies regarding the life cycle of Hepatozoon domerguei Landau, Chabaud, Michel, and Brygoo, 1970 in these hosts and due to their morphological similarity, we propose that this Hepatozoon haplotype is Hepatozoon domerguei. Future studies, including the examination of invertebrate hosts, are needed to verify this preliminary taxonomic identification. A distinct hemogregarine haplotype was found in Oplurus sp., which displayed morphologically different gametocytes, some of which were apparently inside leukocytes. The Sarcocystis identified from Tracheloptychus petersi was identical to that reported in a North African snake, indicating that the same lineage is found in geographically distinct regions. By combining morphological and genetic information, Foleyella furcata (Linstow, 1899) filarial nematodes were identified in several Furcifer chameleons. This study provides insights into the distribution, diversity and host-parasite interactions of hemoparasites in wild reptile populations from Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P. Maia
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CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7 4485-661
Vairão, Vila do Conde Portugal
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Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre FC4 4169-007
Porto Portugal
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Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra) Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49 08003
Barcelona Spain
| | - Angelica Crottini
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CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7 4485-661
Vairão, Vila do Conde Portugal
| | - David James Harris
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CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7 4485-661
Vairão, Vila do Conde Portugal
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Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre FC4 4169-007
Porto Portugal
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Abstract
Systemic mycoses are rare but important differential diagnoses in patients with imported infections. We report the case of a 51-year-old German traveller who acquired coccidioidomycosis during a holiday in Arizona, USA. The disease became apparent several months later primarily as a swelling of the tongue. Subsequent diagnostic investigations revealed infiltration of both lungs. The causal agent Coccidioides posadasii could be cultivated from transbronchial biopsy samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stich
- Tropenmedizinische Abteilung, Missionsärztliche Klinik Würzburg, Salvatorstr. 7, 97074, Würzburg, Deutschland,
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20
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Medina JP, Salgado-Miranda C, García-Conejo M, Galindo-Sánchez KP, Mejía-García CJ, Janczur MK, Gomes Lopes CW, Berto BP, Soriano-Vargas E. Coccidia in passerines from the Nevado de Toluca National Park, Mexico. Acta Parasitol 2014. [PMID: 26204037 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2015-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we found unsporulated coccidia oocysts in passerines from the Nevado de Toluca National Park, Mexico. We captured birds and took samples of their droppings during three field visits. We examined a total of 72 fecal samples and found unsporulated coccidia oocysts in 10 samples from five passerine species: Atlapetes pileatus (3), Cardelina ruber (1), Mniotilta varia (1), Oreothlypis celata (2) and Regulus calendula (3). This appears to be the first recorded study of unsporulated coccidia oocysts in passerine species from Mexico.
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21
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Otegbade AC, Morenikeji OA. Gastrointestinal parasites of birds in zoological gardens in south-west Nigeria. Trop Biomed 2014; 31:54-62. [PMID: 24862045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Infections with gastrointestinal parasites are a major health issue in captive birds. However, prevalence data of gastrointestinal parasites of birds in zoological gardens in Nigeria are scarce. This study was carried out to establish the gastrointestinal parasite profile of birds kept in zoological gardens in the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, University of Lagos and Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, all in south-west Nigeria. A total of 178 fecal samples from 83 birds (14 species in eight orders) were examined using three techniques; Feacal sedimentation using ethyl acetate, McMaster Egg Counting Technique and Petri Dish-Filter Paper Slant culture technique (modified Harada-Mori Technique). A total of 39(21.9%) of the 178 samples were infected. The highest prevalence (100%) of infection was recorded in Unilag zoo and a total of five species of parasites including two protozoans (coccidian and Balantidium spp.); and three nematodes Capillaria spp., Ascaris spp. and Strongyloides spp.) were recorded with Capillaria spp. (14.1%) as the most prevalent gastrointestinal parasite. Mixed infections were found in 18(10.1%) samples. Strongyloides larvae were observed in 6(3.4%) samples. All Anseriformes were infected but the Struthioniformes had the highest infection rate. The geometric mean intensity of eggs ranged from 101.98 ± 10.36 to 63.00 ± 16.67 epg and oocyst counts ranged from 332.47 ± 16.67 to 297.89 ± 20.41 opg. Balantidium cyst count was 324.04 ± 25.00. Count of oocyst of coccidian species was significantly higher in all the zoos. The feacal culture yielded Strongyloides species. Regular deworming and hygienic measures are necessary to prevent gastrointestinal infections in captive birds. So also, improved funding and management are necessary to ensure sustainability of Nigerian zoological gardens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Otegbade
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - O A Morenikeji
- Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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22
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Abstract
The study presents the results of a two-year research of protozoan infections of cattles from the Northern-Bačka district (Voјvodina, Serbia). The research was conducted on cow-farms and in private cattle-breeding households, with variuos levels of hygenie. The study included 224 specimens (71 calves, 48 hifers and 105 cows). 22.91% of examined heifers and 15.23% of cows were infected with the ciliate Buxtonella sulcata. The presence of coccidiosis was detected in 45.07% of the calves, 14.58% of the heifers and 6.67% of the cows. The clinical signs of diarrhoea were established in all of the specimens which had more than 1,500 cysts of B.sulcata in 1g of faeces. In the examined calves the number of oocysts was less than 1500 in 1g of faeces, so the coccidiosis did not influence the incidence of the diarrhoea. The results show the first diagnostic record of the ciliate B.sulcata of bovines in Serbia, and this finding contributes to the existing knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of protozoan disease of cattle in this area.
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23
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González R, Lohrmann KB, Pizarro J, Brokordt K. Differential susceptibility to the Withering Syndrome agent and renal coccidia in juvenile Haliotis rufescens, Haliotis discus hannai and the interspecific hybrid. J Invertebr Pathol 2013; 116:13-7. [PMID: 24333918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Withering Syndrome (WS) is a pathogenic chronic disease caused by the intracellular rickettsial-like bacterium "Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis" (WS-RLOs), which affects many abalone species. The renal coccidium (Margolisiella haliotis) has often been observed concurrent with WS infection. The red abalone Haliotis rufescens is a very susceptible species to WS and is also infected by the coccidium M. haliotis. In contrast, the Japanese abalone Haliotis discus hannai is not infected by these parasites. Interspecific hybridization is a method for improving important traits in animal husbandry. The objective of this study was to determine susceptibility to WS-RLO and M. haliotis infection in the hybrid generated from a cross between red and Japanese abalones. Juveniles from both species and the interspecific hybrid were challenged by exposure to effluent from red abalone adults infected with both parasites. The animals were analyzed by histology at 130days post-challenge. A 33% prevalence WS-RLOs was observed in the red abalone H. rufescens, whereas a 20% prevalence was observed in the hybrid. Infections were graded on a scale of 0-3. Of these red abalones infected, 53% presented grade 1 infection intensity, 10% had grade 2 infections, and 50% had grade 3 infections. However, the hybrids only presented intensities at the extremes of the scale; of those infected 33% showed grade 1 infections and 66% had grade 3 infections. The coccidium prevalence was 7% in red abalone individuals and 13% in the hybrid abalone. In contrast, the Japanese abalone did not present infections with either parasite. As with the prevalence, the infection intensities for the coccidium were higher in the hybrid abalone; of those infected 25% had grade 2 infections, and 75% had grade 3 infections, but the red abalone presented only grade 2 infection intensities. Therefore, the hybrid did not inherited non-susceptibility or resistance characteristics of the parental H. discus hannai and possessed biological conditions that could foster development of both parasites. Development of a culture based on this hybrid abalone should consider its susceptibility to infection by coccidian, WS-RLOs and the potential for developing the WS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana González
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Karin B Lohrmann
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Javiera Pizarro
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Katherina Brokordt
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
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Rezaie A, Bahrami S, Ansari M. Klossiella equi in a donkey--a first case report from Iran. Trop Biomed 2013; 30:543-546. [PMID: 24189684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Klossiella equi is the only known and rarely reported coccidian parasite of the renal paranchyma of equids. An aged male donkey (Equus asinus asinus) was submitted to necropsy department of veterinary hospital. In histopathological study of renal sections different developmental stages of parasite were observed. These stages were as follow: Trophozoites, microgametes, macrogametes, sporont, budding sporont, sporoblasts, free sporoblasts, mature sporoblast and sporocyst. Parasitic infection with K. equi was encountered in the donkey. According to literature review this is the first report of donkey klossiellosis in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rezaie
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Gupta N, Bhaskar M, Gupta DK. Ecological attributes of Hepatozoon lacertilis Gupta et al., 2011 susceptibility in Indian lizards, Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Gekkonidae) and Calotes versicolor (Agamidae). Trop Biomed 2013; 30:97-104. [PMID: 23665714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ecological attributes of haematozoan parasites are poorly understood. In this study, we report haematozoan prevalence in two species of Indian lizards, Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Family: Gekkonidae) and Calotes versicolor (Family: Agamidae) under three macro-environmental variables: host location, weight and seasonal variations. Hemidactylus flaviviridis (n= 199) and Calotes versicolor (n= 34) were sampled from Bareilly, Chandausi and Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India belonging to different weight groups [Group I (0-5 gm), Group II (5-10 gm) and Group III (10-15 gm)] and during various seasons [Summer (May-July), Rainy (August-October), Winter (November-January), Spring (February-April)] of the year. A haemogregarine, Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 was discovered from both host species. Test for identity of the parasites was conducted by feeding infected Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) on infection-free H. flaviviridis and C. versicolor and blood examinations on 22(nd) day (H. flaviviridis) and 25(th) day (C. versicolor) post feeding (pf) revealed similar haematozoan parasites and were identified as Hepatozoon lacertilis Gupta et al., 2011. Infectivity from different locations indicated a prevalence of 5.26% (Bareilly) and 16.36% (Mirzapur) in H. flaviviridis whereas infectivity was comparatively higher (19.23%) in C. versicolor. In different weight groups, Group III indicated highest infectivity in both lizards being 21.42% (C. versicolor) and 17.85% (H. flaviviridis). Parasites showed highest prevalence during spring season (H. flaviviridis : 9.52%; C. versicolor : 25%). Values of significance were determined by chi-square test to compare the prevalence within different variables (host location, weight and season). The study has importance for its contribution to the knowledge on the diversity of reptilian hosts infected by haemogregarines. It is the first record of Hepatozoon infectivity in both lizard species with respect to the three macro-environmental variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelima Gupta
- Department of Animal Science, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly 243006, India.
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Vargas-Hernandez G, André MR, Munhoz TD, Faria JML, Machado RZ, Tinucci-Costa M. Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon canis in dogs from Colombia. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:489-92. [PMID: 22068216 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2634-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease whose transmission to dogs occurs by ingestion of oocysts infected ticks or feeding on preys infested by infected ticks. Until now, there is no previous report of molecular characterization of Hepatozoon sp. in dogs from Colombia. EDTA blood samples were collected from 91 dogs from central-western region of Colombia (Bogotá, Bucaramanga, and Villavicencio cities) and submitted to 18S rRNA Hepatozoon sp. PCR and blood smears confection. Phylogenetic analysis was used to access the identity of Hepatozoon species found in sampled dogs. From 91 sampled dogs, 29 (31.8%) were positive to Hepatozoon sp. (25 dogs were only positive in PCR, 1 was positive only in blood smears, and 3 were positive in both blood smears and PCR). After sequencing, the found Hepatozoon sp. DNA showed 100% of identity with Hepatozoon canis DNA isolates. The phylogenetic tree supported the identity of the found Hepatozoon sp. DNA, showing that the isolates from Colombia were placed in the same clade than other H. canis isolates from Venezuela, Spain, and Taiwan. This is the first molecular detection of H. canis in dogs from Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vargas-Hernandez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia. Departamento de Salud Animal, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Raś-Noryńska M, Michalczyk M, Sokół R. Coccidia infections in homing pigeons of various age during the racing season. Wiad Parazytol 2011; 57:165-168. [PMID: 22165738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a common parasitic disease in homing pigeons. The study objective was to evaluate the incidence of coccidia infections in pigeon lofts during racing season. The intensity of coccidiosis was determined by floatation analyses of faeces samples collected from three pigeon groups performed in three replications (before the racing season, in mid-season and after the end of racing season). The presence of coccidia oocysts was determined in all faeces samples in each replication. At the end of the racing season, the average oocyst counts in faeces samples collected from pigeons that were flown for the first time increased by around 10% in relation to oocysts counts determined before the race. In flown pigeons (aged 2-4 years) a 2.5-9.9% drop was noted in oocysts counts subject to flock, whereas an increase of 15.7-17.3% was reported in parent flocks (unflown pigeons). The results of the experiment indicate that coccidia infections are a common problem in homing pigeons during racing season, which affects racing results and contributes to bird loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Raś-Noryńska
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 13 Oczapowskiego Street, 10-957 Olsztyn, Poland.
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Godfrey SS, Moore JA, Nelson NJ, Bull CM. Social network structure and parasite infection patterns in a territorial reptile, the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:1575-85. [PMID: 20637210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S Godfrey
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Mizgajska-Wiktor H, Jarosz W. Potential risk of zoonotic infections in recreational areas visited by Sus scrofa and Vulpes vulpes. Case study--Wolin Island, Poland. Wiad Parazytol 2010; 56:243-251. [PMID: 21174955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The relation between intestinal parasite prevalence in wild boars and red foxes and the sanitary condition of the soil in recreational estates were determined. The analysis was made based on 36 samples of boar faeces and 22 samples of fox faeces, collected in their habitat as well as 60 samples of soil from two recreational areas. Two methods were used for faecal samples--flotation and direct faecal smear; and flotation in NaNO3 for soil samples examination. Zoonotic nematode eggs were recovered from 25.5% of boar faecal samples; they were Ascaris suum (22.2%) and Trichuris suis (5.6%). Other parasites found were: Metastrongylus sp. (69.4%), Oesophagostomum sp., Strongyloides sp. (36.6%) and Physocephalus sp. (8.6%) as well as coccidia (69.4%). In fox faeces, zoonotic nematode eggs were recovered from 31.8% of samples, and they were Toxocara canis (27.2%) and Ancylostoma caninum (18.2%). Tapeworm eggs were found in 36.4% of samples including Taenia sp. (22.7%). The presence of Uncinaria stenocephala (45.5%), Capillaria sp. (36.4%), Trichuris vulpis (4.5%) and coccidia (40.1%) was also detected. It was shown that both, flotation and faecal smear, as mutually complementary should be used for higher rate of detection of parasites in faeces. No eggs of zoonotic helminths in soil from recreational areas were found despite these areas were accessible to wild animals and pets. This could be explained by characteristics of the soil (loose sand soil) as well as by behaviour of the parasite hosts in the examined areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Mizgajska-Wiktor
- Department of Biology and Environmental Protection, University School of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi 27/39, Poznań, Poland.
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Nosal P, Kowal J, Nowosad B, Bieniek J, Kowalska D. [Dynamics of endoparasite infections in rabbits at different rearing regimes]. Wiad Parazytol 2009; 55:173-177. [PMID: 19670533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study was intended to evaluate the occurrence and seasonality of infection of coccidian and helminth parasites, in three rabbit warrens differently managed. Mothers stayed with their offspring on deep litter (farm A, 90 dams), in boxes cleaned weekly (farm B, 30 dams) or on slatted floor (farm C, 10 females), whereas all the young after weaning (1 to 5 months of age) were kept in cages with slatted floor. Animals were fed a complete balanced pelleted feed (warrens A and B) or traditional forage (herd C). Antiparasitic treatment involved coccidiostatic drugs. Robenidine (alternately with Lerbec in farm A) was added to food in the first two farms, whilst Sulfatyf mixed with water was given once after weaning in farm C. A total of 203 individual faecal samples from females of breeding stock, and 133 pooled samples from young animals, were collected on an annual cycle during 2007-2008 (February-January), and analyzed according to a modified concentration McMaster method. Coccidians were identified based on sporulated oocysts. A number of coccidian species (Eimeria perforans, E. media, E. magna, E. irresidua, E. exiqua, E. coecicola, and E. piriformis) were observed in all farms. The most pathogenic species--E. intestinalis was found both in farm A and B, whereas E. flavescens and E. stiedae--only in the former. The level of infection was high, especially in young rabbits, with the prevalence of 94.9 to 100% and mean intensity from 11,161 to 28,871 oocysts per 1 g of faeces (OPG) in a particular warren. The highest intensity of infection was observed in May, when the mean output increased to 29,454, 56,952, and 23,815 OPG in warrens A, B, and C, respectively. A nematode, Passalurus ambiguus, was detected in all searched farms, with the prevalence from 14.1% to 27.5%, depending on a farm. The species was more often seen in the first part of year. The other helminths (Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Graphidium strigosum, and Trichuris leporis) were found only in rabbits of warren C. In this warren, the forage of farm origin was suggested to be prepared in a proper way in order to protect it from nematode transmission. The presence of coccidia and their specific composition has been continuously monitored in all farms, to estimate the efficiency of prophylactic measures undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Nosal
- Katedra Zoologii i Ekologii, Uniwersytet Rolniczy, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV patients with or without diarrhoea and to see an association between diarrhoea and the coccidian parasites in our setting. Stool samples from 113 HIV patients, 34 chronic diarrhoea and 79 without any history of diarrhoea were collected and examined for enteric parasites by microscopy. One hundred and thirteen control samples from HIV negative patients complaining of prolonged diarrhoea were also collected and analysed. Prevalence of coccidian parasites in HIV and non-HIV patients; with and without diarrhoea was compared using chi-square tests. Enteric parasites were detected in 55.8% HIV patients with diarrhoea compared to 16.4% in patients without diarrhoea (P<0.001). Isospora belli was found in 41.1% (14/34) of chronic diarrhoea and 6.3% (5/79) in non-diarrhoeal cases (P<0.001). Cryptosporidium was detected in 20.6% (7/34) of chronic diarrhoea and 2.5% (2/79) in non-diarrhoeal cases (P<0.001). Cyclospora cayetanensis associated diarrhoea was detected in only one case of chronic diarrhoea (2.9%). CD4+ T-cell count was lower (180 cells/microL) in diarrhoeal HIV patients as compared to non-diarrhoeal patients. Coccidian parasites were seen at a mean CD4+ T-cell count of 186.3 cells/microL. This study concluded that Isospora belli was the predominant parasite followed by Cryptosporidium spp. and both were strongly associated with diarrhoea among HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gupta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110 029, India
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Eiras DF, Basabe J, Scodellaro CF, Banach DB, Matos ML, Krimer A, Baneth G. First molecular characterization of canine hepatozoonosis in Argentina: evaluation of asymptomatic Hepatozoon canis infection in dogs from Buenos Aires. Vet Parasitol 2007; 149:275-9. [PMID: 17720320 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 04/23/2007] [Revised: 06/01/2007] [Accepted: 07/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Canine hepatozoonosis is an expanding tick-borne disease in Argentina. Hepatozoonosis was studied during 1 year in six dogs from the same household in Buenos Aires. Blood parasitemia with Hepatozoon gamonts was found in five dogs and all six were positive by PCR for Hepatozoon sp. Although the levels of parasitemia fluctuated during the year, no clinical signs of disease were detected during the follow up period. Amplification and sequencing of a 650 bases fragment of the 18S rRNA gene from all six dogs yielded fragments that were 99% identical to H. canis. The results of the partial 18S rRNA genotyping with the sub-clinical course of infection and lack of severe hematological abnormalities are compatible with clinical and molecular descriptions of Hepatozoon canis infection from other areas of the world. This is the first molecular characterization of Hepatozoon from Argentina.
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Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, Willingham AL, Monrad J. Epidemiological studies of parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and coccidia infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 74:129-42. [PMID: 17883199 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v74i2.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Between January 1999 and December 2000 faecal samples from 16264 cattle at 12 dipping sites in the highveld and nine in the lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe were examined for gastrointestinal (GI) nematode and cestodes eggs, and coccidia oocysts. Strongyle larvae were identified following culture of pooled faecal samples collected at monthly intervals. The effects of region, age, sex and season on the prevalence of GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia were determined. Faecal egg and oocyst counts showed an overall prevalence of GI nematodes of 43%, coccidia 19.8% and cestodes 4.8%. A significantly higher prevalence of infection with GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia was recorded in calves (P < 0.01) than in adults. Pregnant and lactating cows had significantly higher prevalences than bulls, oxen and non-lactating (dry cows) (P < 0.01). The general trend of eggs per gram (epg) of faeces and oocysts per gram (opg) of faeces was associated with the rainfall pattern in the two regions, with high epg and opg being recorded during the wet months. The most prevalent genera of GI nematodes were Cooperia, Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus in that order. Strongyloides papillosus was found exclusively in calves. Haemonchus was significantly more prevalent during the wet season than the dry season (P < 0.01). In contrast, Trichostrongylus was present in significantly (P < 0.01) higher numbers during the dry months than the wet months, while Cooperia and Oesophagostomum revealed no significant differences between the wet and dry season. These findings are discussed with reference to their relevance for strategic control of GI parasites in cattle in communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Pfukenyi
- Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
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El-Mansy A. New exogenous stages of oocysts, sporocysts, and sporozoites of Goussia cichlidarum Landsberg and Paperna 1985 (Sporozoa: Coccidia) and impact of endogenous stages on the swim bladder of tilapias in Egypt. Parasitol Res 2007; 102:233-41. [PMID: 17885764 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0752-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 08/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Obviously, the present study reports the coccidian parasite so-called Goussia cichlidarum for the first time in Egypt. Altogether, 25 exogenous stages were clearly distinguished from specimens of naturally infected fishes of Oreochromis niloticus, O. auraeus, and Tilapia zillii from different locations. The total prevalence of infection was about 41%. Mostly, infected fish grossly seemed with a healthy body, although severe lesions have been detected microscopically in massive infection. Portions of thick wall swim bladder have been placed in vitro. The released parasitic stages have been photographed, sketched, measured, described, and compared with previously described species. Oocysts, sporocysts, and sporozoites have also been differentiated morphologically and morphometrically. Maturity stages of sporozoites containing sporocysts within either an oocyst or those released and sporulated outside the oocyst were considerably discernible. In addition, endogenous stages have also been investigated in histological sections included gamonts, merozoites, oocysts, and different stages of sporozoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina El-Mansy
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NOIF), 101 Kaser El-Einii St., Cairo, Egypt.
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Hines AM, Ezenwa VO, Cross P, Rogerson JD. Effects of supplemental feeding on gastrointestinal parasite infection in elk (Cervus elaphus): Preliminary observations. Vet Parasitol 2007; 148:350-5. [PMID: 17692464 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Revised: 06/28/2007] [Accepted: 07/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effects of management practices on the spread and impact of parasites and infectious diseases in wildlife and domestic animals are of increasing concern worldwide, particularly in cases where management of wild species can influence disease spill-over into domestic animals. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, USA, winter supplemental feeding of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) may enhance parasite and disease transmission by aggregating elk on feedgrounds. In this study, we tested the effect of supplemental feeding on gastrointestinal parasite infection in elk by comparing fecal egg/oocyst counts of fed and unfed elk. We collected fecal samples from fed and unfed elk at feedground and control sites from January to April 2006, and screened all samples for parasites. Six different parasite types were identified, and 48.7% of samples were infected with at least one parasite. Gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes (Nematoda: Strongylida), Trichuris spp., and coccidia were the most common parasites observed. For all three of these parasites, fecal egg/oocyst counts increased from January to April. Supplementally fed elk had significantly higher GI nematode egg counts than unfed elk in January and February, but significantly lower counts in April. These patterns suggest that supplemental feeding may both increase exposure and decrease susceptibility of elk to GI nematodes, resulting in differences in temporal patterns of egg shedding between fed and unfed elk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Hines
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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Cicek H, Sevimli F, Kozan E, Köse M, Eser M, Doğan N. Prevalence of coccidia in beef cattle in western Turkey. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1239-43. [PMID: 17653768 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0627-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A total of 504 bovine faecal samples collected from intensively managed beef farms in Afyon province of Turkey were examined to determine the types and prevalence of coccidian parasites present. Coccidian oocysts were found in 20.04% of all the samples examined by sucrose-flotation. The species detected and their prevalence were Eimeria bovis (34.55%), E. auburnensis (23.03%), E. canadensis (14.55%), E. brasiliensis (10.91%), E. zuernii (6.67%), E. bukidnonensis (3.03%), E. cylindrica (2.42%), E. ellipsoidalis (1.21%), E. illinoisensis (1.21%), E. alabamensis (1.21%) and Isospora sp. (1.21%). Mixed infections of two to four species were found in 43.6% of the animals. The overall prevalence of coccidial oocysts in faecal samples was 27.23% for calves, 15.65% for cows. Linear regression analysis showed that there is a significant reduction in the OPG (the number of oocysts per gram of feces) levels (P<0.05) in cows infected with Eimeria. No cases of clinical coccidiosis were observed in this survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Cicek
- Department of Parasitology, Kocatepe University, 03200, Afyon, Turkey.
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Ortuño A, Castellà J, Criado-Fornelio A, Buling A, Barba-Carretero JC. Molecular detection of a Hepatozoon species in stray cats from a feline colony in North-eastern Spain. Vet J 2007; 177:134-5. [PMID: 17555996 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 02/21/2007] [Accepted: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Within the framework of a local animal health programme, the presence of ectoparasites and haemoparasites was investigated in a colony of 25 cats in Barcelona. Diagnosis was performed both by standard parasitological procedures and molecular techniques. All cats were negative to haematozoan infection by microscopic examination of blood smears. However, Hepatozoon spp. was found in four cats as shown by amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Cat isolates were 100% identical to the isolate Hepatozoon spp. (Spain 2) from Southern Spain. This is the first time that Hepatozoon spp. has been identified in cats from Northern Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ortuño
- Departamento de Sanidad y Anatomia Animales, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
Tissue samples from nine red foxes (four samples of striated muscle tissue and five samples of heart tissue) that originated from the Michalovce district (Slovakia), an area with endemic occurrence of canine babesiosis were examined by PCR method using primers amplifying a fragment of the 18S rRNA spanning the V4 region of Babesia and Theileria. An unexpected determination of 450 bp DNA fragment of Hepatozoon canis was found in four samples. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from the H. canis showed 100% similarity with the sequence from Brasil isolate of H. canis from a pampas fox (Pseudalopex gymnocercus) (AY471615) as well as from a fox in Spain (AY150067) and from a dog in Brazil (AY864677). In the present study, we report the first PCR detection of Hepatozoon canis in a naturally infected red fox from Slovakia, a Rhipicephalus sanguineus-free region. We assume that the infection was spread by infected R. sanguineus that might have been brought to Slovakia by travelers, by golden jackals, or by foxes migrating because of expansion of golden jackals and environmental and climate changes.
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El Sheikha HM, Hussein HS, Monib MESM, Mansfield LS. Observations on besnoitiosis in Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) from Michigan, USA. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 2007; 37:1-16. [PMID: 17580564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Besnoitia tissue cysts were found in five naturally-infected adult opossums (Didelphis virginiana) from Michigan. Details of the microscopy, histopathology, ultra-structure, and genetic features of the cysts were studied to identify their species-specific traits. The materials were differentiated phenotypically from cysts of other Besnoitia spp. by difference in size, pattern of tissue distribution, morphology of pellicle and nucleus, number of micronemes and rhoptries, amount of lipids and amylopectin, and presence of enigmatic bodies. Morphometric variations identified the tissue cysts and the pathologic changes in opossums host to be due to B. darlingi. The data were proved by phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences of the first internal transcribed spacer of nuclear rDNA. Cluster analysis showed that B. darlingi was distinct from all other Besnoitia spp. as two distinct phylogenetic clades: I- included Besnoitia spp. described from opossum (B. darlingi), sheep (B. jellisoni), rodent (B. akadoni) and rabbit (B. oryctofelisi) and clade II- encompassed parasites described from cattle (B. besnoiti), equids (B. bennetti) and reindeer (B. tarandi). The genetic attributed particular to the genus Besnoitia complemented the morphologica features and lead to accurate delimitation of Besnoitia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M El Sheikha
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
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Elgouhari HM, Kellie SM. A cautionary tale. Am J Med 2007; 120:225-8. [PMID: 17349441 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2007.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2006] [Revised: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hesham M Elgouhari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Balicka-Ramisz A, Tomza-Marciniak A, Pilarczyk B, Wieczorek-Dabrowska M, Bakowska M. [Intestinal parasites of parrots]. Wiad Parazytol 2007; 53:129-32. [PMID: 17912808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine a parasitic species composition, prevalence and intensity of infection in selected parrots. MATERIAL AND METHODS The studies were carried out on faecal samples of budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus (n = 36), cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus (n = 21), grey parrots Psittacus erithacus (n = 18), eastern rosella Platycercus eximius (n = 10) and senegal parrots Poicephalus senegalus (n = 10) using the Willis-Schlaff and McMaster's methods. RESULTS Protozoans (Isosporidae and Eimeriidae) and nematodes (Ascarididae, Capillaridae and Heterakidae) were detected in the tested samples. Coccidian oocysts were detected in all examined parrots. Isospora and Eimeria oocysts were found in 52.9% Melopsittacus undulatus, 60% Poicephalus senegalus and 66.7% Psittacus erithacus. Mean number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was high: from about 270 to 1500 depending on both parasite and host species. Three species of parrots were infected with the nematodes (Nymphicus hollandicus and Poicephalus senegalus were free from this infection), but only Ascaridia platycerci was present in these hosts, with the highest prevalence (20%) and highest mean number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG = 1242) in Platycercus eximinus. Heterakis gallinarum was observed only in Psittacus erithacus; 16.6% individuals were infected, and EPG was 212. The highest intensity of infection with nematodes of Ascarididae and Capillaridae was in Platycercus eximius. EPG in this species of parrots was 1242 and 2480, respectively. The obtained results show that introduction of parasitological prophylaxis programs is necessary, especially in the larger birds' farmings and zoological shops.
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Oyamada M, Davoust B, Boni M, Dereure J, Bucheton B, Hammad A, Itamoto K, Okuda M, Inokuma H. Detection of Babesia canis rossi, B. canis vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis in dogs in a village of eastern Sudan by using a screening PCR and sequencing methodologies. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 2006; 12:1343-6. [PMID: 16275954 PMCID: PMC1287771 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.12.11.1343-1346.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Babesia and Hepatozoon infections of dogs in a village of eastern Sudan were analyzed by using a single PCR and sequencing. Among 78 dogs, 5 were infected with Babesia canis rossi and 2 others were infected with B. canis vogeli. Thirty-three dogs were positive for Hepatozoon. Hepatozoon canis was detected by sequence analysis.
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De Santis-Kerr AC, Raghavan M, Glickman NW, Caldanaro RJ, Moore GE, Lewis HB, Schantz PM, Glickman LT. Prevalence and risk factors for Giardia and coccidia species of pet cats in 2003-2004. J Feline Med Surg 2006; 8:292-301. [PMID: 16678461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2006.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence and risk factors for feline coccidia and Giardia species infections were estimated for cats visiting 434 Banfield hospitals in 40 states in 2003-2004. Evaluated were 631,021 cats making 1,456,712 office visits (encounters) and having 211,105 fecal examinations. The overall fecal prevalences of coccidia and Giardia species were 1.4% and 0.58%, respectively. Cats at increased risk of coccidia infection were under 4 years of age, intact, and seen during the summer, fall, and spring months compared to winter. Cats at increased risk of Giardia species infection were under 4 years of age. Those at decreased risk were mixed breed and seen during the summer, fall, and spring. The highest regional risk of coccidia and Giardia species infection was for cats in the East South Central region and Mountain region, respectively, compared to the South Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C De Santis-Kerr
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 725 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2027, USA.
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Pel'gunov AN. [Coccidies genus Eimeria as a bioindicator of radioactive pollution of the biocenose]. Radiats Biol Radioecol 2006; 46:337-40. [PMID: 16869165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The data on coccidies of rodents were collected in Chernobil (1989-1991) and in the regions of radioactive pollution in the Bryansk region of Russia (1992-1999). The surface pollution of experimental plots was different and come from 0.11 to 11.8 MBq/m2. 2185 rodent were examined in all. Thirteen types of coccidies p. Eimeria were found out in 525 small animals. The analysis of changes in morphological characters and oocysts sporulation in dependence of the level of radioactive pollution of biocenose was carried out. It was found out that parametric signs (length, width and form index of oocysts) were independent from radioactive pollution. At the some time the radioactive pollution renders a significant influence on the nonparametric signs (different types of capsule deformation and internal texture of oocysts) and the process of sporulation. With the increase of radioactive pollution the part of nonsporulated oocycts increased and the quantity of oocysts, corresponding to the description of given type (normal), decreased. This dependence is well described by the equation of logarithmic regression, that allows to use this indexes in the bioindication of the radioactive pollution of the biocenose.
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Watkins RA, Moshier SE, Pinter AJ. The Flea, Megabothris abantis: An Invertebrate Host of Hepatozoon sp. and a Likely Definitive Host in Hepatozoon Infections of the Montane Vole, Microtus montanus. J Wildl Dis 2006; 42:386-90. [PMID: 16870862 DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-42.2.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In searching for an invertebrate host for Hepatozoon sp. infecting the montane vole (Microtus montanus), we collected fleas, ticks, and mites from live-trapped voles and searched squash preparations for Hepatozoon oocysts. From 1989 through 1996, we identified six species of fleas in Grand Teton National Park: Megabothris abantis, Megabothris asio megacolpus, Aetheca wagneri, Peromyscopsylla selenis, Peromyscopsylla. hesperomys, and Hystrichopsylla dippiei dippiei. We found Hepatozoon oocysts only in M. abantis; we found no oocysts in mites or ticks. We conclude that M. abantis is an invertebrate host of Hepatozoon sp. and is likely to be the definitive host for theHepatozoon spp. of M. montanus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raychel A Watkins
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska 68182-0040, USA
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Kaewthamasorn M, Wongsamee S. A preliminary survey of gastrointestinal and haemoparasites of beef cattle in the tropical livestock farming system in Nan Province, northern Thailand. Parasitol Res 2006; 99:306-8. [PMID: 16565814 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-006-0148-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2005] [Accepted: 02/05/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Parasitism is a primary cause of production losses in most cattle-producing countries of the world, including Thailand. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine baseline data on the prevalence of gastrointestinal and haemoparasites of beef cattle in Nan Province, northern Thailand and to investigate the factors associated with the prevalence of parasitic infections. A total of 207 faecal and 162 blood samples were collected during the summer of 2005. The basic data of management were recorded, including the number of animals on the farm or in the village, major animal health problems, deworming programme and veterinary service. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 61% (126/207). The most common helminth infections in this study were rumen flukes 28% (58), followed by strongyles 27% (55), and the rest were due to Strongyloides 1% (2) and Trichuris 1% (2). The common protozoan infections were Buxtonella cysts 2% (5) and coccidia oocysts 2% (4). Of the 162 blood samples examined, 50% (81) contained Theileria sp., 2% (4) trypanosome, and 1% (1) microfilariae. The high rate of parasitic infections in these areas might be related to the poor management by the farmers, such as sharing the same grazing pasture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morakot Kaewthamasorn
- Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Henri-Dunant Rd., Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Rubini AS, Dos Santos Paduan K, Perez RR, Ribolla PEM, O'Dwyer LH. Molecular characterization of feline Hepatozoon species from Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2006; 137:168-71. [PMID: 16448756 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 09/28/2005] [Revised: 12/05/2005] [Accepted: 12/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Feline Hepatozoon species from Brazil was molecular identified and characterized for the first time in São Paulo state, Brazil. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from the Hepatozoon from three naturally infected cats were analyzed. Sequences revealed that feline Hepatozoon was closely related to the canine Hepatozoon canis from Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Stefani Rubini
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Departamento de Parasitologia, 18618-000 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Górski P, Zalewski A, Lakomy M. Parasites of carnivorous mammals in Białowieza Primeval Forest. Wiad Parazytol 2006; 52:49-53. [PMID: 17007336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the parasitofauna of wild carnivorous mammals in Poland is quite well recognized, there has been only one research carried on this issue so far in Białowieza Forest--the last lowland primeval forest of temperate zone in Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve wild and two domestic species of carnivorous mammals are living in Białowieza Forest. In our work faeces or intestines of all of them except ermine (Mustela erminea) have been examined and parasites or their eggs (or oocysts) recorded. In total 222 faecal probes from 13 species and 11 intestines of weasels have been investigated. RESULTS All species of examined carnivorous mammals were infected with parasites. The most infected species has occurred red fox Vulpes vulpes (over 70% infected with parasites) meanwhile only about 30% of otters Lutra lutra were infected. We found at least three protozoan species, one trematode, one tapeworm and nine species of nematodes. Except trematode Alaria alata, all of them are reported for the first time from Białowieza Primeval Forest. Oocysts of coccidia have been found in faeces of nine host species, with the highest prevalence (29.4%) in badger. Six species of carnivorous mammals have been occurred infected with trematodes (highest prevalence 42.1% in wolves) and two with tapeworms (Diphyllobothrium latum with the prevalence 2.6% in otter and 31.6% in wolves). All examined host species were infected with nematodes (with prevalence from 14.7% in lynx to 72.7% in red fox). Results of our work should be treated as preliminary researches on the species composition of parasitic fauna invading carnivorous mammals in Białowieza Primeval Forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Górski
- Department of Parasitology and Invasiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw Agricultural University, Poland
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Abstract
This paper reports prevalence of coccidial oocysts in fecal samples from 6 endemic and 2 introduced lizard species on Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. Total coccidian prevalence was 54% (n = 341) for the endemic 'ornate day gecko,' Phelsuma ornata; 48% (n = 159) for the endemic 'Durrell's night gecko,' Nactus durrelli; 53% (n = 15) for the endemic 'Serpent Island night gecko,' N. serpensinsula; and 78% (n = 248) for the introduced gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus. These high prevalences may reflect lack of long-lasting immune response to coccidial infection. There were few significant differences in prevalence among age, island, sex, or body condition within species, suggesting that these coccidia are relatively nonpathogenic and have little effect on host fitness. Prevalence was higher in the dry season than the wet season. These data suggest other factors, such as low host immune response to reinfection, affect overall prevalence more significantly than the effect of humidity on oocyst survival on Mauritius. No coccidia were found in samples from the endemic 'Gunner's Quoin night gecko,' N. coindemirensis (n = 155), probably reflecting parasite extinction due to a host population bottleneck following historical introduction of rats. There was no evidence of competitive or facilitative interactions between Eimeria sp. and Isospora sp., but evidence of competition between 2 Eimeria species in the 'ornate day gecko,' Phelsuma ornata. No evidence was found of cross-species infection, suggesting that reptile coccidia have high host specificity and are, therefore, poor subjects for studies of parasite-mediated competition and the evolution of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Leinwand
- Consortium for Conservation Medicine, New York, New York 10001, USA
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