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Tinkler SH, Villa L, Manfredi MT, Walshe N, Jahns H. First report of Besnoitia bennetti in Irish donkeys: an emerging parasitic disease in Europe. Ir Vet J 2024; 77:2. [PMID: 38355717 PMCID: PMC10865628 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-024-00263-2] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the first report of Besnoitia bennetti in donkeys in Ireland. B. bennetti, an apicomplexan protozoan parasite specific to equids, is an emerging pathogen in Europe. This parasite forms chronic intracytoplasmic cysts in cells of the mesenchymal lineage, mainly fibroblasts, in the skin, sclera and mucosa. Clinical signs in affected equine hosts vary from mild to severe debilitating disease. Little is known of the phylogeny, epidemiology or transmission of B. bennetti infection in donkeys, mules or horses. CASE PRESENTATION Two cases of besnoitiosis in donkeys are presented. Both donkeys were born and raised in theSouthwest of Ireland. The first case was a 2.5-year-old donkey that had a suspect sarcoid removed, while the second case,a 2-year-old donkey, had a biopsy of nodular dermatitis of the muzzle. Diagnosis was made by histopathology and the parasite species, B. bennetti, was confirmed by PCR followed by sequencing and microsatellite analysis. Both donkeys had high antibody titres against Besnoitia spp. Small (0.5 mm) scleral, conjunctival and dermal cysts over the muzzle were subsequently observed in both animals. Treatment with trimethoprim sulfadiazine for 30 days did not lead to clinical resolution. The findings are compared to the cases of besnoitiosis in donkeys reported in the past 10 years throughout Europe. CONCLUSIONS Besnoitiosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for chronic skin disease particularly in cases of cutaneous masses, non-pruritic dermatitis, and dermatitis that is not responsive to treatment in donkeys and other equids. Future studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of the disease in Irish donkeys, the spread of the disease and the potential impact on the health and welfare of the donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy H Tinkler
- Veterinary Department, The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, Hannigan's Farm, Liscarroll, Mallow Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Dell'Università, 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Nicola Walshe
- Pathobiology Section, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04W6F6, Ireland
| | - Hanne Jahns
- Pathobiology Section, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04W6F6, Ireland.
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Mattick J, Libro S, Bromley R, Chaicumpa W, Chung M, Cook D, Khan MB, Kumar N, Lau YL, Misra-Bhattacharya S, Rao R, Sadzewicz L, Saeung A, Shahab M, Sparklin BC, Steven A, Turner JD, Tallon LJ, Taylor MJ, Moorhead AR, Michalski M, Foster JM, Dunning Hotopp JC. X-treme loss of sequence diversity linked to neo-X chromosomes in filarial nematodes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009838. [PMID: 34705823 PMCID: PMC8575316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The sequence diversity of natural and laboratory populations of Brugia pahangi and Brugia malayi was assessed with Illumina resequencing followed by mapping in order to identify single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions. In natural and laboratory Brugia populations, there is a lack of sequence diversity on chromosome X relative to the autosomes (πX/πA = 0.2), which is lower than the expected (πX/πA = 0.75). A reduction in diversity is also observed in other filarial nematodes with neo-X chromosome fusions in the genera Onchocerca and Wuchereria, but not those without neo-X chromosome fusions in the genera Loa and Dirofilaria. In the species with neo-X chromosome fusions, chromosome X is abnormally large, containing a third of the genetic material such that a sizable portion of the genome is lacking sequence diversity. Such profound differences in genetic diversity can be consequential, having been associated with drug resistance and adaptability, with the potential to affect filarial eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mattick
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Silvia Libro
- New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robin Bromley
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Matthew Chung
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Darren Cook
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Behram Khan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nikhil Kumar
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yee-Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ramakrishna Rao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Lisa Sadzewicz
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Atiporn Saeung
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Mohd Shahab
- Division of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Benjamin C. Sparklin
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew Steven
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph D. Turner
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Luke J. Tallon
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Taylor
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Moorhead
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michelle Michalski
- University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jeremy M. Foster
- New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Julie C. Dunning Hotopp
- Institute for Genome Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Post-Translational Protein Deimination Signatures in Plasma and Plasma EVs of Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus). BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10030222. [PMID: 33805829 PMCID: PMC7998281 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Reindeer are an important wild and domesticated species of the Arctic, Northern Europe, Siberia and North America. As reindeer have developed various strategies to adapt to extreme environments, this makes them an interesting species for studies into diversity of immune and metabolic functions in the animal kingdom. Importantly, while reindeer carry natural infections caused by viruses (including coronaviruses), bacteria and parasites, they can also act as carriers for transmitting such diseases to other animals and humans, so called zoonosis. Reindeer are also affected by chronic wasting disease, a neuronal disease caused by prions, similar to scrapie in sheep, mad cows disease in cattle and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. The current study assessed a specific protein modification called deimination/citrullination, which can change how proteins function and allow them to take on different roles in health and disease processes. Profiling of deiminated proteins in reindeer showed that many important pathways for immune defenses, prion diseases and metabolism are enriched in deiminated proteins, both in plasma, as well as in plasma extracellular vesicles. This study provides a platform for the development of novel biomarkers to assess wild life health status and factors relating to zoonotic disease. Abstract The reindeer (caribou) Rangifer tarandus is a Cervidae in the order Artiodactyla. Reindeer are sedentary and migratory populations with circumpolar distribution in the Arctic, Northern Europe, Siberia and North America. Reindeer are an important wild and domesticated species, and have developed various adaptive strategies to extreme environments. Importantly, deer have also been identified to be putative zoonotic carriers, including for parasites, prions and coronavirus. Therefore, novel insights into immune-related markers are of considerable interest. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a phylogenetically conserved enzyme family which causes post-translational protein deimination by converting arginine into citrulline in target proteins. This affects protein function in health and disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in cellular communication, in physiological and pathological processes, via transfer of cargo material, and their release is partly regulated by PADs. This study assessed deiminated protein and EV profile signatures in plasma from sixteen healthy wild female reindeer, collected in Iceland during screening for parasites and chronic wasting disease. Reindeer plasma EV profiles showed a poly-dispersed distribution from 30 to 400 nm and were positive for phylogenetically conserved EV-specific markers. Deiminated proteins were isolated from whole plasma and plasma EVs, identified by proteomic analysis and protein interaction networks assessed by KEGG and GO analysis. This revealed a large number of deimination-enriched pathways for immunity and metabolism, with some differences between whole plasma and EVs. While shared KEGG pathways for whole plasma and plasma EVs included complement and coagulation pathways, KEGG pathways specific for EVs were for protein digestion and absorption, platelet activation, amoebiasis, the AGE–RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, ECM receptor interaction, the relaxin signaling pathway and the estrogen signaling pathway. KEGG pathways specific for whole plasma were pertussis, ferroptosis, SLE, thyroid hormone synthesis, phagosome, Staphylococcus aureus infection, vitamin digestion and absorption, and prion disease. Further differences were also found between molecular function and biological processes GO pathways when comparing functional STRING networks for deiminated proteins in EVs, compared with deiminated proteins in whole plasma. This study highlights deiminated proteins and EVs as candidate biomarkers for reindeer health and may provide information on regulation of immune pathways in physiological and pathological processes, including neurodegenerative (prion) disease and zoonosis.
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First record of besnoitiosis caused by Besnoitia bennetti in donkeys from the UK. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:279. [PMID: 32493413 PMCID: PMC7267762 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The involvement of Besnoitia bennetti in skin pathologies was investigated in a series of 20 donkeys from the Donkey Sanctuary in England, in the 2013–2019 period. Methods The initial histopathological finding of Besnoitia cysts in skin lumps that were presumed to be sarcoids in 2013 triggered our cognisance of this parasite and resulted in identification of a total of 20 cases. Histopathological examination of surgical biopsy samples collected from 8 live donkeys and tissue specimens from 12 deceased donkeys at post-mortem examination revealed the presence of Besnoitia cysts in all 20 donkeys. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and immunoblotting analysis showed the presence of anti-Besnoitia antibodies in archived serum samples from 4 deceased donkeys. Additionally, infection was evidenced in one live donkey based on IFAT and immunoblot analysis of tissue fluid of a dermal mass containing Besnoitia cysts, and real-time (RT)-PCR analysis and microsatellite genotyping of DNA isolated from the tissue of the same dermal mass confirmed the infection specifically as B. bennetti. Results Both serological and microsatellite analyses confirmed the aetiology to be B. bennetti. Our findings suggested that in cases of skin masses such as sarcoids, the suspicion of B. bennetti infection should be borne in mind even when clinical and histopathology examination results are negative in order to avoid misdiagnosis. Conclusions This case series documents, to our knowledge, the first report of B. bennetti infection in donkeys in the UK, indicating that donkey besnoitiosis has become noteworthy in the UK. Further investigations of the occurrence, epidemiological characteristics, and clinical manifestations of B. bennetti infection in donkeys and other equids are warranted.![]()
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Schares G, Nascimento D, Bärwald A, Jutras C, Rivard S, Brodeur V, DeNotta SL, Basso W, Conraths FJ. First highly sensitive and specific competitive ELISA for detection of bovine besnoitiosis with potential as a multi-species test. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:389-401. [PMID: 32169472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Serological cross-reactions represent a serious problem in some currently available tests to diagnose Besnoitia infections in many species including cattle, caribou and donkeys. False-positive results are due to the low positive-predictive value of these serological tests for besnoitiosis. These tests therefore have clear limitations if large herds are screened in areas with low prevalence, since increased numbers of false-positive reactions require confirmatory testing by alternative serological methods, e.g. immunoblotting, which are time-consuming and create extra costs. To overcome this problem, we aimed to develop a highly sensitive and specific competitive ELISA (cELISA) using a panel of 12 monoclonal antibodies raised against the tachyzoite stage of Besnoitia besnoiti. A cELISA set up with one of these antibodies (Bb-cELISA1) was screened with a large panel of B. besnoiti-positive bovine sera to estimate the diagnostic sensitivity of the test. Sera from herds with Neospora caninum- or Sarcocystis spp.-infected cattle were used to estimate its diagnostic specificity. Relative to a reference standard, which combined the results obtained in a previously established highly sensitive and specific ELISA, in the immunofluorescence antibody test and in B. besnoiti tachyzoite and bradyzoite immunoblots, the new Bb-cELISA1 revealed a diagnostic sensitivity of 99.2% (95% confidence interval: 97.1-99.9%) and a diagnostic specificity of 99.9% (95% confidence interval: 97.7-100%). This novel assay was tested on a variety of proven Besnoitia-positive sera from other species, including B. besnoiti-infected cats, rabbits or Besnoitia bennetti-infected donkeys or Besnoitia tarandi-infected caribou. The results obtained with the new Besnoitia-cELISA for these animal species also corresponded almost perfectly with those of the reference tests, which included immunoblot and immunofluorescence antibody tests. In conclusion, the novel Besnoitia-cELISA represents a valuable tool for the diagnosis and control of bovine besnoitiosis and for studies on the epidemiology of Besnoitia infections in a variety of host species, including naturally exposed wildlife and experimental hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Daniela Nascimento
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Andrea Bärwald
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Charles Jutras
- Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, 951 boul. Hamel, Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 2Z3, Canada
| | - Stephane Rivard
- Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, 951 boul. Hamel, Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 2Z3, Canada
| | - Vincent Brodeur
- Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, 951 boul. Hamel, Chibougamau (Québec) G8P 2Z3, Canada
| | - SallyAnne L DeNotta
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
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Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Re M, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Tabanera E, Pizarro-Díaz M, González-Huecas M, Alcaide-Pardo M, Blanco-Murcia FJ, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. A model for chronic bovine besnoitiosis: Parasite stage and inoculation route are key factors. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:234-249. [PMID: 31483955 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this work, an experimental model for chronic besnoitiosis in bovine was developed and characterized. Using a previously established calf model, two new variables (parasite stage and inoculation route) were combined and used. Twelve Holstein Friesian 3-month-old male calves were randomly divided into four groups of three animals each. Bradyzoites were obtained from a chronically infected bull and used for inoculation via three different inoculation routes. Three groups were inoculated with 106 bradyzoites by intravenous (G1), subcutaneous (G2) and intradermal (G3) routes, and a non-infected control group (G4) was inoculated with PBS. The trial lasted for 90 days and included daily clinical monitoring as well as weekly skin biopsies and blood sampling. Sera were obtained to analyse both cellular and humoral responses. Once the calves were euthanized, tissues from the skin, eyes, respiratory and reproductive tracts, among others, were collected to study presence of the parasite. Clinically, the infection was classified as mild to moderate for the acute stage since all infected calves showed lymphadenopathy from four days post-infection (pi) and fever from one week pi until 24 days pi. However, the most relevant results were achieved during the chronic stage that was classified as moderate to severe. In fact, pathognomonic conjunctival cysts were observed in all infected calves from 40 days pi onwards and were more abundant in G3. Moreover, one calf from this group developed skin lesions (49 days pi). The microscopic tissue cysts and Besnoitia DNA were detected primarily in skin, reproductive tract and respiratory tissue samples, and parasite load was higher in G3. In conclusion, the parasite stage (bradyzoite) and the inoculation route are key factors that influence the outcome of an infection. In particular, the intradermal route led to more severe clinical signs of the chronic phase in the inoculated calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michela Re
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Tabanera
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Pizarro-Díaz
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta González-Huecas
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Alcaide-Pardo
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Blanco-Murcia
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain.,Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
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Schares G, Jutras C, Bärwald A, Basso W, Maksimov A, Schares S, Tuschy M, Conraths FJ, Brodeur V. Besnoitia tarandi in Canadian woodland caribou - Isolation, characterization and suitability for serological tests. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 8:1-9. [PMID: 30555783 PMCID: PMC6280010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we report the first in vitro isolation of Besnoitia tarandi from North America and the second of B. tarandi at all. The parasite was isolated directly from the skin of a Canadian woodland caribou from the migratory ecotype. The animal belonged to the Leaf River Herd, in Northern Quebec, Canada. The isolate was designated Bt-CA-Quebec1. Sequencing of the 3'-end of the 18S rRNA gene, the complete sequence of the ITS1 and the 5'-end of the 5.8S rRNA gene of Bt-CA-Quebec1 revealed only minor differences to rDNA gene fragments of B. besnoiti. In contrast, the patterns for the microsatellite loci Bt-20 and Bt-21 varied substantially from those reported for B. besnoiti and B. bennetti. Surprisingly, the typing results in the loci Bt-6 and Bt-7 differed between Bt-CA-Quebec1 and results obtained for skin samples from caribou of the Canadian regions of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories reported by other investigators. This indicates that differences might exist among B. tarandi in caribou from different regions in Canada. Mice (γ-interferon knockout) intraperitoneally inoculated with 1.2 × 106 or 1.5 × 106 bradyzoites mechanically released from skin tissue cysts fell ill 8, 9 or 18 days post inoculation. GKO mice inoculated with 3.0 × 104 tachyzoites isolated from the peritoneal cavity of a bradyzoites-inoculated mouse became ill earlier, i.e. 5 days post inoculation. Lung was the predilection site in all mice. Bt-CA-Quebec1 tachyzoites rapidly grew in MARC-145 cells and were used for antigen production. Comparative Western blot analyses revealed only a few differences between B. tarandi Bt-CA-Quebec1 and B. besnoiti Evora antigen when probed with sera collected from chronically infected caribou. Due to its fast growth in vitro, the Bt-CA-Quebec1 isolate may represent an interesting antigen source to establish B. tarandi-specific serological tools and to study the biology of this parasite species further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Charles Jutras
- Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, 951 boul. Hamel, Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2Z3, Canada
| | - Andrea Bärwald
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aline Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Susann Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Mareen Tuschy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Vincent Brodeur
- Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, 951 boul. Hamel, Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2Z3, Canada
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Liénard E, Nabuco A, Vandenabeele S, Losson B, Tosi I, Bouhsira É, Prévot F, Sharif S, Franc M, Vanvinckenroye C, Caron Y. First evidence of Besnoitia bennetti infection (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Belgium. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:427. [PMID: 30021659 PMCID: PMC6052696 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Besnoitiosis is caused by different species of intracellular protozoan parasites belonging to the family Sarcocystidae and affecting multiple host species worldwide. Including B. besnoiti, ten species are described infecting animals. Among ungulates, Besnoitia bennetti infects horses, donkeys and zebras and was described in Africa and in the USA where donkey besnoitiosis is considered as an emerging disease. CASE PRESENTATION A two-year-old male donkey was purchased in May 2016 in poor body condition (cachexia, alopetic areas and pruritus mainly on neck and head) by the present owner in Le Roeulx (Belgium) from a milk producing donkey farm in Frasnes-lez-Buissenal (Belgium). Shortly after its purchase and shearing, the donkey presented with crusts, hyperkeratosis (both flanks and neck) anorexia and cachexia. A treatment with phoxim was given with no improvement. A cutaneous biopsy of hyperkeratotic skin was performed in July. It showed a perivascular eosinophilic infiltrate with a large thick walled cyst located in the dermis containing numerous bradyzoites. This was highly suggestive of besnoitiosis. Several skin biopsy samples were obtained for qPCR analysis and confirmed the presence of Besnoitia spp. DNA. Further laboratory diagnosis tests were performed (western blot and rDNA sequencing) confirming Besnoitia bennetti aetiology for the male. For the female, the punch-biopsy, haematology and qPCR were negatives but the western blot showed the presence of antibodies directed to Besnoitia spp. Further clinical examination performed in August highlighted scleral pinhead sized cysts (pearl) in the right eye and between nares. Another ten-year-old female donkey purchased in France and sharing the same accommodation showed a good clinical condition, but a thorough clinical examination showed the presence of numerous cysts on the inner face of upper labial mucosa. A daily treatment based on sulfamethaxzole and trimethoprim (Emdotrim 60% Mix®, 30 mg/kg) was given orally and some improvement was noticed. CONCLUSION This is the first evidence of Besnoitia bennetti infection (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Liénard
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Maladies Parasitaires, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- IHAP, INRA, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | - Bertrand Losson
- University of Liège, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège, Belgium
| | - Irène Tosi
- University of Liège, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège, Belgium
| | - Émilie Bouhsira
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Maladies Parasitaires, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- IHAP, INRA, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Prévot
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Maladies Parasitaires, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- IHAP, INRA, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Shukri Sharif
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Maladies Parasitaires, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- IHAP, INRA, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Michel Franc
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Maladies Parasitaires, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Yannick Caron
- University of Liège, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège, Belgium
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9
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Advances in the diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis: current options and applications for control. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:737-751. [PMID: 28893637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, which is caused by the tissue cyst-forming intracellular parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating disease that is responsible for severe economic losses in the cattle raised under extensive husbandry systems. The absence of vaccines, treatments or a health scheme at local, national and international levels has led to a rapid spread of bovine besnoitiosis from western Europe towards eastern countries and northwards. Moreover, this parasitic disease is widely present in many sub-Saharan countries. Thus, bovine besnoitiosis should be included in the animal health scheme of beef cattle herds. Accurate diagnostic tools and common diagnostic procedures are mandatory in any control programme. Relevant advances have been made in this field during the last decade. Succeeding with accurate diagnosis relies on the technique employed and the antibody and parasite kinetics of the infection stage, which may notably influence control programmes and surveillance. Moreover, control programmes should be adapted to the epidemiological status of the disease, as the disease presentation in a herd has important implications for prospective control. Herein, we review the clinical disease presentation of bovine besnoitiosis and the correlation between its clinical course and laboratory parameters. We also provide an update on the available diagnostic tools, discuss their strengths and pitfalls, and provide guidelines for their use in control, surveillance and epidemiological studies. A rational control strategy is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, García-Bocanegra I, Howe DK, Arenas-Montes A, Yeargan MR, Ness SL, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. A serosurvey of selected cystogenic coccidia in Spanish equids: first detection of anti-Besnoitia spp. specific antibodies in Europe. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:128. [PMID: 28490374 PMCID: PMC5424396 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine besnoitiosis, caused by Besnoitia bennetti, and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), caused by Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are relevant equine diseases in the Americas that have been scarcely studied in Europe. Thus, a serosurvey of these cystogenic coccidia was carried out in Southern Spain. A cross-sectional study was performed and serum samples from horses (n = 553), donkeys (n = 85) and mules (n = 83) were included. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to identify a Besnoitia spp. infection and positive results were confirmed by an a posteriori western blot. For Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp., infections were detected using in-house ELISAs based on the parasite surface antigens N. hughesi rNhSAG1 and S. neurona rSnSAG2/3/4. Risk factors associated with these protozoan infections were also investigated. Results Antibodies against Besnoitia spp., Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp. infections were detected in 51 (7.1%), 46 (6.4%) and 20 (2.8%) of 721 equids, respectively. The principal risk factors associated with a higher seroprevalence of Besnoitia spp. were the host species (mule or donkey), the absence of shelter and the absence of a rodent control programme. The presence of rodents was the only risk factor for Neospora spp. infection. Conclusions This study was the first extensive serosurvey of Besnoitia spp. infection in European equids accomplished by two complementary tests and gives evidence of the presence of specific antibodies in these populations. However, the origin of the infection is still unclear. Further parasite detection and molecular genotyping are needed to identify the causative Besnoitia and Neospora species. Finally, cross-reactions with antibodies directed against other species of Sarcocystis might explain the positive reactions against the S. neurona antigens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1046-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Daniel K Howe
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - Antonio Arenas-Montes
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Michelle R Yeargan
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - SallyAnne L Ness
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 52, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Arnal MC, Martínez-Durán D, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Revilla M, L Fernández de Luco D, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Calero-Bernal R, Habela MA, García-Bocanegra I, Arenas-Montes A, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. The role of wild ruminants as reservoirs of Besnoitia besnoiti infection in cattle. Vet Parasitol 2016; 223:7-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Arnal MC, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Martínez-Durán D, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Revilla M, Fernández de Luco D, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Systemic Besnoitiosis in a Juvenile Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus
). Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:e8-e14. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. C. Arnal
- Animal Pathology Department; Faculty of Veterinary; University of Zaragoza; Zaragoza Spain
| | - D. Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - D. Martínez-Durán
- Animal Pathology Department; Faculty of Veterinary; University of Zaragoza; Zaragoza Spain
| | - J. Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - M. Revilla
- Animal Pathology Department; Faculty of Veterinary; University of Zaragoza; Zaragoza Spain
| | - D. Fernández de Luco
- Animal Pathology Department; Faculty of Veterinary; University of Zaragoza; Zaragoza Spain
| | - A. Jiménez-Meléndez
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - L. M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - G. Álvarez-García
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
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13
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Characterization of an outbreak of emerging bovine besnoitiosis in southwestern Spain. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2887-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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Frey CF, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Marreros N, García-Lunar P, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Schares G, Dubey JP, Gentile A, Jacquiet P, Shkap V, Cortes H, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Besnoitia besnoiti lytic cycle in vitro and differences in invasion and intracellular proliferation among isolates. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:115. [PMID: 26928430 PMCID: PMC4772326 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine besnoitiosis, caused by the protozoan Besnoitia besnoiti, reduces productivity and fertility of affected herds. Besnoitiosis continues to expand in Europe and no effective control tools are currently available. Experimental models are urgently needed. Herein, we describe for the first time the kinetics of standardised in vitro models for the B. besnoiti lytic cycle. This will aid to study the pathogenesis of the disease, in the screening for vaccine targets and drugs potentially useful for the treatment of besnoitiosis. Methods We compared invasion and proliferation of one B. tarandi (from Finland) and seven B. besnoiti isolates (Bb-Spain1, Bb-Spain2, Bb-Israel, Bb-Evora03, Bb-Ger1, Bb-France, Bb-Italy2) in MARC-145 cell culture. Host cell invasion was studied at 4, 6, 8 and 24 h post infection (hpi), and proliferation characteristics were compared at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hpi. Results In Besnoitia spp., the key parameters that determine the sequential adhesion-invasion, proliferation and egress steps are clearly distinct from those in the related apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Besnoitia spp. host cell invasion is a rather slow process, since only 50 % of parasites were found intracellular after 3–6 h of exposure to host cells, and invasion still took place after 24 h. Invasion efficacy was significantly higher for Bb-France, Bb-Evora03 and Bb-Israel. In addition, the time span for endodyogeny to take place was as long as 18–35 h. Bb-Israel and B. tarandi isolates were most prolific, as determined by the tachyzoite yield at 72 hpi. The total tachyzoite yield could not be predicted neither by invasion-related parameters (velocity and half time invasion) nor by proliferation parameters (lag phase and doubling time (dT)). The lytic cycle of Besnoitia was asynchronous as evidenced by the presence of three different plaque-forming tachyzoite categories (lysis plaques, large and small parasitophorous vacuoles). Conclusions This study provides first insights into the lytic cycle of B. besnoiti isolates and a standardised in vitro model that allows screening of drug candidates for the treatment of besnoitiosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1405-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline F Frey
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain. .,Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nelson Marreros
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Paula García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Arcangelo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
| | - Philippe Jacquiet
- Institut National Polytechnique (INP), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse (ENVT), UMR1225, IHAP, Equipe « Besnoitiose et vecteurs », Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | - Varda Shkap
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
| | - Helder Cortes
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Victor Caeiro, Núcleo da Mitra, ICAAM, Universidade de Évora, Apartado 94, 7000-554, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Zarlenga DS, Hoberg E, Rosenthal B, Mattiucci S, Nascetti G. Anthropogenics: Human Influence on Global and Genetic Homogenization of Parasite Populations. J Parasitol 2014; 100:756-72. [DOI: 10.1645/14-622.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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16
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García-Lunar P, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Ortega-Mora LM, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Alvarez-García G. Proteomics reveals differences in protein abundance and highly similar antigenic profiles between Besnoitia besnoiti and Besnoitia tarandi. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:434-43. [PMID: 25260331 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti and Besnoitia tarandi are two cyst-forming apicomplexan parasites of the genus Besnoitia. B. besnoiti uses cattle as an intermediate host, in which it causes a disease that progresses in two sequential phases: the acute anasarca stage and the chronic scleroderma stage. Reindeer and caribou act as intermediate hosts for B. tarandi, which causes clinical signs similar to those caused by B. besnoiti. Previous studies demonstrated high molecular similarity, as determined by 18S and ITS-1 RNA sequences, between these Besnoitia spp., and strong serological cross-reactivity between these species has recently been demonstrated. Thus, a difference gel electrophoresis approach and mass spectrometry analysis were used to describe the proteomes and explore differences in protein abundance between B. besnoiti and B. tarandi in tachyzoite extracts. Immunoproteomes were also compared using 2-DE immunoblotting with polyclonal sera from experimentally infected rabbits. From approximately 1400 spots detected in DIGE-gels, 28 and 29 spots were differentially abundant in B. besnoiti and B. tarandi tachyzoites, respectively (± 1.5-fold, p<0.05). Four and 13 spots were exclusively detected in B. besnoiti and B. tarandi, respectively. Of the 32 differentially abundant spots analyzed by MALDI-TOF/MS, 6 up-regulated B. besnoiti proteins (LDH; HSP90; purine nucleoside phosphorylase and 3 hypothetical proteins) and 6 up-regulated B. tarandi proteins (G3PDH; LDH; PDI; mRNA decapping protein and 2 hypothetical proteins) were identified. Interestingly, no specific antigen spots were recognized by sera on any of the Besnoitia species studied and a similar antigen profile has been observed for B. tarandi and B. besnoiti sera when cross reactions were studied. This fact corroborates the difficulty in discerning Besnoitia infections using current serological assays. The present study underscores the importance of sequencing the B. besnoiti genome for species diversity studies of the genus Besnoitia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P García-Lunar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - G Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Ness SL, Schares G, Peters-Kennedy J, Mittel LD, Dubey JP, Bowman DD, Mohammed HO, Divers TJ. Serological diagnosis of Besnoitia bennetti infection in donkeys (Equus asinus). J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 26:778-82. [PMID: 25227418 DOI: 10.1177/1040638714550180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Besnoitiosis is an emerging infectious disease of donkeys (Equus asinus) in the United States for which there are currently no serologic methods of diagnosis. A study was performed to evaluate physical examination findings and 3 serologic assays for the detection of Besnoitia bennetti infection in donkeys. A prospective study of 416 donkeys from 6 privately owned herds across 5 U.S. states (New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Oregon, and Washington) was performed. Donkeys were examined for clinical lesions suggestive of besnoitiosis and evaluated for antibodies against B. bennetti using a fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and 2 immunoblot assays specific for bradyzoite and tachyzoite antigens, respectively. Donkeys were confirmed to be infected with B. bennetti by histology (cases; n = 32) and were compared to those with no clinical signs of besnoitiosis (controls; n = 384). Identifying clinical lesions in 2 or more locations correctly identified infected donkeys 83% of the time. Donkeys with besnoitiosis had significantly higher FAT titers (P < 0.001) and numbers of bradyzoite (P < 0.001) and tachyzoite (P < 0.001) immunoblot bands than control donkeys. The sensitivity and specificity of the serologic assays for detecting besnoitiosis was 88% and 96% for FAT, 81% and 91% for bradyzoite immunoblot, and 91% and 92% for tachyzoite immunoblot, respectively. Fluorescent antibody and immunoblot assays are effective at identifying donkeys with besnoitiosis and provide a more efficient and less invasive diagnostic alternative to histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- SallyAnne L Ness
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
| | - Gereon Schares
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
| | - Jeanine Peters-Kennedy
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
| | - Linda D Mittel
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
| | - Dwight D Bowman
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
| | - Hussni O Mohammed
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
| | - Thomas J Divers
- Departments of Clinical Sciences (Ness, Divers), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYBiomedical Sciences (Peters-Kennedy), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYPopulation Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences (Mittel, Mohammed), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYMicrobiology and Immunology (Bowman), College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany (Schares)Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD (Dubey)
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Kutz SJ, Hoberg EP, Molnár PK, Dobson A, Verocai GG. A walk on the tundra: Host-parasite interactions in an extreme environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2014; 3:198-208. [PMID: 25180164 PMCID: PMC4145143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is altering host–parasite interactions in the Arctic. Changing ecological barriers reflect climate warming. Metabolic Theory of Ecology advances understanding of host–parasite interactions. Diversity emerges from host/parasite biogeographic/ecologic history. Insights gained from the Arctic apply to more complex systems.
Climate change is occurring very rapidly in the Arctic, and the processes that have taken millions of years to evolve in this very extreme environment are now changing on timescales as short as decades. These changes are dramatic, subtle and non-linear. In this article, we discuss the evolving insights into host–parasite interactions for wild ungulate species, specifically, muskoxen and caribou, in the North American Arctic. These interactions occur in an environment that is characterized by extremes in temperature, high seasonality, and low host species abundance and diversity. We believe that lessons learned in this system can guide wildlife management and conservation throughout the Arctic, and can also be generalized to more broadly understand host–parasite interactions elsewhere. We specifically examine the impacts of climate change on host–parasite interactions and focus on: (I) the direct temperature effects on parasites; (II) the importance of considering the intricacies of host and parasite ecology for anticipating climate change impacts; and (III) the effect of shifting ecological barriers and corridors. Insights gained from studying the history and ecology of host–parasite systems in the Arctic will be central to understanding the role that climate change is playing in these more complex systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Alberta Node, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Corresponding author at: Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada. Tel.: +1 403 210 3824; fax: +1 403 210 7882.
| | - Eric P. Hoberg
- United States National Parasite Collection and Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, BARC East, Building 1180, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | | | - Andy Dobson
- EEB, Eno Hall, Princeton University, NJ 08544, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
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Alvarez-García G, Frey CF, Mora LMO, Schares G. A century of bovine besnoitiosis: an unknown disease re-emerging in Europe. Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:407-15. [PMID: 23830145 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, which is caused by the cyst-forming apicomplexan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating vector-borne disease characterized by both cutaneous and systemic manifestations. In Europe, this parasitic disease appeared in a few restricted areas in France and Portugal since the first recorded cases in the beginning of the 20th century. However, at present, the disease is considered to be re-emerging by the European Food Safety Authority due to an increased number of cases and the geographic expansion of besnoitiosis into cattle herds in several European countries. In this review, we will provide an update of the epidemiology and impact of B. besnoiti infection. Strategies to control this parasitic disease will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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20
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, Marco I, Boadella M, Gortázar C, San Miguel-Ayanz JM, García-Lunar P, Lavín S, Alvarez-García G. First serosurvey of Besnoitia spp. infection in wild European ruminants in Spain. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:557-64. [PMID: 23790546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti has been reported to affect cattle, wildebeest, kudu and impala, and B. tarandi other wild ruminants (caribou, reindeer, mule deer and musk ox), causing similar characteristic clinical signs and lesions. However, both Besnoitia species have been reported in different geographical areas and the link between the sylvatic and domestic life cycles of Besnoita spp. in wild ruminants and cattle remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies against Besnoitia spp. in wild ruminants in Spain. A wide panel of sera from red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n=734), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (n=124), chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) (n=170) and mouflon (Ovis musimon) (n=20) collected from different locations of Spain was analyzed. Beef cattle were present in all sampled areas and, interestingly, bovine besnoitiosis has been widely reported in some of them (e.g., Pyrenees and Central Spain). Sera samples were first examined with an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). For red deer and roe deer, the ELISA was standardized with positive and negative control sera from several Cervidae species (100% Se and 98% Sp). Chamois and mouflon sera samples were tested with a previously reported ELISA validated for bovine sera (97% Se and 95% Sp) using protein G as a conjugate. Positive results by ELISA were confirmed a posteriori with a tachyzoite-based Western blot. Sixty-one sera samples from red deer and 17 sera samples from roe-deer were seropositive or doubtful by ELISA. All samples from mouflon were seronegative and 15 sera samples from chamois were considered doubtful. B. besnoiti exposure was only confirmed clearly by Western blot in one red deer and one roe deer from the Spanish Pyrenees where the disease is traditionally endemic. This is the first serological report of Besnoitia spp. infection carried out in European wild ruminants and the results show that specific antibodies are present at least in red deer and roe-deer. Thus, wild ruminants from endemic regions of bovine besnoitiosis should be further studied because they may be putative reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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