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Silva NDS, Alencar CH, Heukelbach J. Human scabies and sarcoptic mange in northeast Brazil: Results from a rapid assessment method covering an entire state. Trop Doct 2024:494755241256407. [PMID: 38841779 DOI: 10.1177/00494755241256407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and has been highlighted as a target for control. Sarcoptic mange affects animals, but mange is also considered a zoonosis. We present rapid assessment data on scabies and sarcoptic mange collected from key informants via a web-based questionnaire in Ceará State (1265 data entries). A total of 181/184 (98.3%) municipalities reported the occurrence of human scabies; 149 (80.9%) current occurrence; 168 (91.3%) severe cases; and 113 (61.4%) severe cases currently. Sarcoptic mange was reported from 149/184 (80.9%) municipalities, and severe mange from 128 (69.9%), most commonly in dogs (117 municipalities), cats (79), pigs (17), cattle (15), horses (15), and goats (2). Respondents from 171 (92.9%) municipalities observed seasonality of occurrence. Scabies and sarcoptic mange are important public health issues in a northeast Brazilian state. The wide distribution of severe cases requires an integrated One Health approach effectively and sustainably to reduce the disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathiel de Sousa Silva
- Postgraduate Course in Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Alencar
- Postgraduate Course in Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Postgraduate Course in Public Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Munzhelele P, Sibeko NPS, Oguttu JW, Mbajiorgu CA, Fasina FO. Parasites burden in peri-urban free-roaming pigs in Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2024; 95:55-66. [PMID: 38533816 DOI: 10.36303/jsava.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasite infections, unlike regulated animal diseases, do not often receive attention. In fact, parasites are major sources of financial losses in pig enterprises, particularly in subsistence and small-scale pig production systems. OBJECTIVE To identify and quantify the prevalence of ecto- and endo-parasites among peri-urban free-roaming pigs (FRP) in Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), Mpumalanga. METHODS Pig owners were identified using the snowball sampling method since no sampling frame for FRP farmers exists. Stratified sampling was used to select pigs for sampling for ecto- and endo-parasites. A form was used to record the observations. Pairwise correlation analysis was performed using Stata 15.0. The SPSS V28.0 statistical package was used to perform the chi-square test (X2) to assess the distribution of parasites in different age groups. The prevalence of parasites was assessed in different age groups of pigs using multi-response crosstabs. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to estimate the marginal mean of parasites according to municipality. Statistical significance was assessed at α ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Over 90% (91.2%) of the pigs examined were infested with at least one parasite, including Haematopinus suis, Sarcoptes scabiei, Ascaris suum, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris suis, Strongylids, Coccidia spp, Moniezia expansa, and Siphonaptera spp. The correlation between Ascaris suum and body condition was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.24; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Policy makers, animal researchers and veterinary services must focus on developing policies, risk communication and community engagement materials, which target pig farmers in peri-urban areas such as Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Munzhelele
- Nooitgedacht Research Station, Animal Research, Non-ruminant Sub-directorate, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land Administration and Environmental Affairs, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - N P S Sibeko
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, South Africa
| | - J W Oguttu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - C A Mbajiorgu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - F O Fasina
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Family-Run Pig Farms: Research and Extension Activities for Parasite Control in a Municipality in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090971. [PMID: 36145403 PMCID: PMC9503554 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasites infesting pigs and pig farmers on family farms in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, were analyzed, and extension activities were carried out to impart information about parasites. Between 2020 and 2021, fecal samples were collected from 180 pigs as well as ear scrapings from 142 pigs. In addition, 34 stool specimens from farmers and their families were analyzed. The collected material was processed by parasitological techniques. Parasites were detected in 86.1% of the pigs, forms of phylum Ciliophora (70.5%), strongylids (56.7%), Strongyloides ransomi (44.4%), coccidia (38.3%) and Ascaris suum (32.2%). Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis were identified in 3.5% of the pigs. An analysis of infections by age group revealed that the general frequency of phylum Ciliophora and strongylid parasites was statistically significant. Other factors also associated with the frequency of the parasites included the type of food fed to the pigs, cleaning of the facilities, care of piglets and type of facility. The frequency of intestinal parasites of farmers themselves was low; however, the high rate of parasite infections detected in pigs highlighted the precarious conditions of hygiene of the farms. Lastly, the farmers’ participation in extension activities was a step forward in actions to improve their farm management.
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Næsborg-Nielsen C, Wilkinson V, Mejia-Pacheco N, Carver S. Evidence underscoring immunological and clinical pathological changes associated with Sarcoptes scabiei infection: synthesis and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:658. [PMID: 35902827 PMCID: PMC9335973 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07635-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcoptes scabiei is one of the most impactful mammalian parasites. There has been much research on immunological and clinical pathological changes associated with S. scabiei parasitism across a range of host species. This rich body of literature is complex, and we seek to bring that complexity together in this study. We first (1) synthesise narrative reviews of immunopathological relationships to S. scabiei infection to construct overarching hypotheses; then (2) undertake a systematic meta-analysis of primary literature on immunological and clinical pathological changes; and lastly (3) contrast our findings from the meta-analysis to our synthesis from narrative reviews. Methods We synthesised 55 narrative reviews into two overarching hypotheses representing type I and type IV immune responses to S. scabiei infection. We then systematically extracted all literature reporting immunological variables, acute phase proteins, oxidant/antioxidant status, and erythrocytic, hepatological and nephrological changes, calculating 565 effect sizes between controls and sarcoptic mange affected groupings, refining (simplifying) hypotheses from narrative reviews. Results Immunological and clinical pathological parameters were most often studied in dogs (n = 12) and humans (n = 14). Combining immunological and clinical pathological information across mammalian species (n = 19) helped yield general insights into observed disease responses. This is evidenced by interspecific consensus in 27 immunological and clinical pathology variables (6/26 type I hypersensitivity, 3/20 type IV hypersensitivity, 6/10 oxidant/antioxidant status, 3/6 acute phase protein, 4/7 erythrocytic, and 5/10 hepatological/nephrological). Conclusions Elevated IgE, eosinophils and mast cells in type I hypersensitivity response corresponded to what was described in narrative reviews. Results from type IV hypersensitivity response suggested typical antibody response, however cell-mediated response was less evident. Some consensus of acute phase protein response and shifted oxidant/antioxidant balance and slight evidence of anemia. We highlight the need for mange/scabies studies to more routinely compare immunological and clinical pathological changes against controls, and include collection of a more standardised suite of variables among studies.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07635-5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicky Wilkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Natalia Mejia-Pacheco
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Bedekelabou AP, Talaki E, Dzogbema KFX, Dolou M, Savadogo M, Orou Seko M, Bada Alambedji R. Assessing farm biosecurity and farmers' knowledge and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in poultry and pig farms in Southern Togo. Vet World 2022; 15:1727-1737. [PMID: 36185521 PMCID: PMC9394143 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1727-1737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Several factors contribute to the unusual incidence of antibiotic resistance, which is now a primary public health concern. However, failure in managing preventive and therapeutic antibiotic use on farms is one of the most crucial factors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the biosecurity of farms, farmers’ competence, and practices related to antibiotics and their resistance in poultry and pig rearing in Togo. Materials and Methods: Through a cross-sectional survey, 121 commercial poultry farmers and 97 commercial pig farmers were questioned to evaluate the biosecurity of farms and farmers’ competence and practices related to antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Descriptive analyses, including the evaluation of proportions, were carried out. In addition, results from qualitative factors were evaluated in a defined grid and totaled up to assess cleanliness measures, awareness, and behavior regarding antibiotics and their resistance. Results: The results demonstrated that most farmers working on poultry farms had a university education, while most working on pig farms had secondary education. Most poultry (69%) and pig (44%) farms were of small sizes (<1000 animals in poultry and <10 animals in pig farming). The footbaths were used in just 51% of poultry farms and 4% of pig farms, respectively, with 37% and 82% of poultry and pig farms having inadequate levels of hygiene. In poultry farms, respiratory issues and periodic decline in egg-laying were the main problems. Simultaneously, skin disorders (scabies) and plagues (African swine fever) were the primary health constraints in pig farming. Tetracycline is the most commonly used antibiotic by farmers. However, in poultry and pig farms, 21% and 67% of farmers were unaware of antibiotics. In addition, 39% and 57% were unaware of antibiotic resistance. Poultry and pig farmers’ competence were substantially linked to their education level. Poultry farmers demonstrated better practices, including procuring antibiotics based on veterinary prescriptions (63%) and they knew where antibiotics should be bought (90%). Nevertheless, 43% of farmers asserted unpleasant activities – no application for laboratory testing (93%) and use of antibiotics for prevention (82%). In pig farming, most farmers (69%) reported inadequate incidents of the use of antibiotics. Conclusion: This study identified a crucial non-compliance with biosecurity measures and good practices toward antibiotic use on many farms. Therefore, training of farmers is mandatory for safe livestock products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Pouwedeou Bedekelabou
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Inter-States School of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine of Dakar (EISMV), P.O. Box 5077, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Essodina Talaki
- Higher School of Agronomy (ESA) of the University of Lomé, Togo; Regional Center of Excellence on Avian Sciences (CERSA) of the University of Lomé, Togo
| | | | - Malibida Dolou
- Higher School of Agronomy (ESA) of the University of Lomé, Togo; Regional Center of Excellence on Avian Sciences (CERSA) of the University of Lomé, Togo
| | - Madi Savadogo
- Department of Biomedical and Public Health, Research Institute for Health Sciences (IRSS/CNRST), P.O. Box 7047, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Quartier Vallée 2 avenue de Cureghem, 6, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Malik Orou Seko
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Inter-States School of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine of Dakar (EISMV), P.O. Box 5077, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Rianatou Bada Alambedji
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Inter-States School of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine of Dakar (EISMV), P.O. Box 5077, Dakar, Senegal
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Ruiz-Castillo P, Rist C, Rabinovich R, Chaccour C. Insecticide-treated livestock: a potential One Health approach to malaria control in Africa. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:112-123. [PMID: 34756820 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
New vector-control tools are urgently needed to reduce malaria in areas where there is significant transmission after deployment of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide treated nets. Insecticide-treated livestock (ITL) is a potential novel strategy by which zoophagic mosquitos are killed after feeding upon animals treated with an insecticide. Although there are several insecticide candidates in the pipeline with a wide efficacy range against mosquitos, additional field studies with epidemiological outcomes are required to test the impact of this intervention on malaria transmission. Insecticides under consideration have long been used in livestock to improve animal health and productivity, but each has food and environmental safety considerations. Therefore, moving ITL from a concept to implementation will require a One Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cassidy Rist
- Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Regina Rabinovich
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos Chaccour
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Joshi V, Dimri U, Gopalakrishnan A, Bhanuprakash AG, Gupta VK. Porcine scabies induces marked apoptosis, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, TNF-α and shedding of ICAM-1. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12878. [PMID: 34559899 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scabies is one of the leading causes of morbidity in pigs worldwide. Limited data are available regarding the role of immune reactions in the development of porcine scabies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of this study was to investigate key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α), soluble variant of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and mite-mediated apoptosis of peripheral leukocytes in 20 pigs with scabies, in addition to 10 healthy controls. The pigs with at least three typical clinical signs and found positive for Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis in microscopy were recruited for the present study. RESULTS IL-1 acted as the major pro-inflammatory cytokine as serum IL-1 concentrations showed significantly (p < .05) higher levels (7-fold increase) in cases than in controls. The minor cytokine TNF-α was 4-fold higher during scabies, and its mean serum concentration was significantly increased (p < .05) in cases when compared to healthy controls. Soluble ICAM-1 levels were significantly higher (p < .05) in all the pigs of infested group compared with the controls. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic leukocytes was found to be significantly higher (p < .05) in scabies positive pigs as compared to the healthy controls. CONCLUSION It is concluded that systemic elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α, shedding of soluble ICAM-1 variant in peripheral blood and increased rate of host-cell apoptosis in peripheral leukocytes might be implicated in the immunopathology of naturally acquired porcine scabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Joshi
- Division of Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Animal Health Section, ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Dimapur, Nagaland, India
| | - Umesh Dimri
- Division of Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arumugam Gopalakrishnan
- Division of Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Resident Veterinary Services Section, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Vinod Kumar Gupta
- Division of Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Host-Parasite Interaction in Sarcoptes scabiei Infestation in Porcine Model with a Preliminary Note on Its Genetic Lineage from India. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122312. [PMID: 33297315 PMCID: PMC7762329 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Scabies or mange caused by Sarcoptess cabiei is the latest addition of WHO’s list oftropical neglected diseases. It causes severe itching to the host. It has a wide host range including humans, farm animals, companion animals, and wild animals. It is anemerging/re-emerging disease with high prevalence in underdeveloped and developing countries. The disease has zoonotic importance and is of significant public health concern as cross-transmission or species jumping is very common. To date, fifteen Sarcoptes varieties have been reported as per host origin. Differential diagnosis at variety level is very crucial for epidemiological study and scratching future eradication program of the disease. As morphotaxonomy fails to differentiate varieties, use of molecular markers is crucial. Moreover, it is very important to understand the host-parasite interaction at the systemic level for a better understanding on the pathogenicity of the disease. Here, we report the genetic characterization of S. scabiei from India and host-parasite interaction in a porcine model. Abstract The burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei causes scabies in humans or mange in animals. It infests a wide range of mammalian species including livestock, companion animals, wild animals, and humans. Differential diagnosis of Sarcoptes varieties is key for epidemiological studies and for formulation of an eradication program. Host-parasite interaction at the systemic level is very important to understand the pathogenicity of the mite. This communication deals with the preliminary report on the genetic characterization of S. scabiei from India. Moreover, the effect of S. scabiei infestation on host physiology with special emphasis on serum biochemical parameters, lipid profile, oxidant/antioxidant balance, stress parameters, and immune responses were evaluated in a porcine model. Cytochrome C oxidase 1 and voltage-sensitive sodium channel based phylogenetic study could distinguish human and animals isolates but could not distinguish host or geographical specific isolates belonging to animal origin. An absence of host-specific cluster among animal isolates argues against the hypothesis of delineating S. scabiei as per host origin. Elevated levels of markers of liver function such as albumin, AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH in infested animals indicated impaired liver function in infested animals. S. scabiei infestation induced atherogenic dyslipidemia indicated by elevated levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, and a decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Oxidative stress in infested animals was indicated by a high level of nitric oxide and serum MDA as oxidative stress markers and low antioxidant capacity. S. scabiei triggered stress response and elevated levels of serum cortisol and heat shock proteins were recorded in infested animals. S. scabiei infestation increased the serum concentration of immunoglobulins and was associated with up-regulation of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 indicating both Th1 and Th2 response. The results of the study will be helpful for a better understanding of host-parasite interaction at the systemic level in crusted scabies in pigs.
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Clostridial myositis causes multiple calf deaths in Scotland. Vet Rec 2020; 185:562-565. [PMID: 31699862 DOI: 10.1136/vr.l6412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Martin AM, Fraser TA, Lesku JA, Simpson K, Roberts GL, Garvey J, Polkinghorne A, Burridge CP, Carver S. The cascading pathogenic consequences of Sarcoptes scabiei infection that manifest in host disease. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180018. [PMID: 29765692 PMCID: PMC5936957 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange, caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, causes a substantive burden of disease to humans, domestic animals and wildlife, globally. There are many effects of S. scabiei infection, culminating in the disease which hosts suffer. However, major knowledge gaps remain on the pathogenic impacts of this infection. Here, we focus on the bare-nosed wombat host (Vombatus ursinus) to investigate the effects of mange on: (i) host heat loss and thermoregulation, (ii) field metabolic rates, (iii) foraging and resting behaviour across full circadian cycles, and (iv) fatty acid composition in host adipose, bone marrow, brain and muscle tissues. Our findings indicate that mange-infected V. ursinus lose more heat to the environment from alopecia-affected body regions than healthy individuals. Additionally, mange-infected individuals have higher metabolic rates in the wild. However, these metabolic demands are difficult to meet, because infected individuals spend less time foraging and more time inactive relative to their healthy counterparts, despite being outside of the burrow for longer. Lastly, mange infection results in altered fatty acid composition in adipose tissue, with increased amounts of omega-6 acids, and decreased amounts of omega-3 acids, a consequence of chronic cutaneous inflammation and inhibition of anti-inflammatory responses. These findings highlight the interactions of mange-induced physiological and behavioural changes, and have implications for the treatment and rehabilitation of infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alynn M. Martin
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005Australia
| | - Tamieka A. Fraser
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005Australia
- Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556Australia
| | - John A. Lesku
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086Australia
| | - Kellie Simpson
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania 7000Australia
| | - Georgia L. Roberts
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086Australia
- School of Science and Engineering, Federation University, Mount Helen, Victoria 3350Australia
| | - Jillian Garvey
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556Australia
| | | | - Scott Carver
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005Australia
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Grahofer A, Bannoehr J, Nathues H, Roosje P. Sarcoptes infestation in two miniature pigs with zoonotic transmission - a case report. BMC Vet Res 2018. [PMID: 29534710 PMCID: PMC5850925 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1420-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scabies is a contagious skin disease rarely described in miniature pigs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a zoonotic transfer from infected pet pigs to humans has not been reported previously. Case presentation This case report describes the infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei mites in two miniature pigs presenting with unusual clinical signs, and disease transmission to a child. Two 7-month-old male castrated miniature pig siblings were examined. Both had developed skin lesions, one animal was presented for neurological signs and emaciation. They were housed together in an indoor- and outdoor enclosure. Dermatological examination revealed a dull, greasy coat with generalized hypotrichosis and multifocal erythema. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings, impression smears of affected skin and ear swabs revealed high numbers of Sarcoptes mites in both animals as well as bacterial overgrowth. A subcutaneous injection of ivermectin 0.3 mg/kg was administered to both animals and repeated after 2 weeks. Both miniature pigs received subcutaneous injections with butafosfan and cyanocobalamin, were washed with a 3% chlorhexidine shampoo and were fed on a well-balanced diet. Pig enclosures were cleaned. The infested child was examined by a physician and an antipruritic cream was prescribed. Both miniature pigs and the child went into clinical remission after treatment. Conclusion Sarcoptic mange is rare or even eradicated in commercial pig farming in many countries but miniature pigs may represent a niche for Sarcoptes scabiei infections. This case report indicates that miniature pigs kept as pets can efficiently transmit zoonotic disease to humans. In addition, these animals may represent a niche for Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in countries where sarcoptic mange in commercial pig farms has been eradicated and could therefore pose, a hazard for specific pathogen free farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Grahofer
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012, Bern, CH, Switzerland.
| | - Jeanette Bannoehr
- Dermatology Department, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, Cardiff, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Heiko Nathues
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012, Bern, CH, Switzerland
| | - Petra Roosje
- Division of Clinical Dermatology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Länggassstrasse 128, 3012, Berne, CH, Switzerland
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Joachim A. Vaccination against parasites - status quo and the way forward. Porcine Health Manag 2016; 2:30. [PMID: 28405456 PMCID: PMC5382507 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-016-0047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although vaccination against various pathogens is integral to health management of swine, vaccines against parasites have not yet been commercialized for the use in pigs. The incentive to develop and commercialize anti-parasitic vaccines in swine are twofold; on the one hand parasitic diseases which are economically important, such as ascarosis and neonatal coccidiosis, could be controlled in a sustainable manner; on the other hand, the transmission of zoonotic parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii or Cysticercus cellulosae, could be effectively interrupted. Although experimental research indicates that vaccination against a number of porcine parasites is feasible, development and commercialization of potential vaccines so far has been very slow, as our knowledge on the host-parasite interplay in porcine parasitic infections is still very limited. In the light of growing concerns regarding consumer health and antiparasitic drug resistance, however, it is timely to re-direct R&D efforts to the development of biological control options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria
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