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Tsakmakidis I, Lefkaditis M, Zaralis K, Arsenos G. Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:128. [PMID: 38630347 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Multi-host pathogens that infect various animal species and humans are considered of great importance for public and animal health. Leishmania spp. parasites are a characteristic example of such pathogens. Although leishmaniosis in humans is endemic for about 100 countries around the world it is classified as a neglected tropical disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniosis in humans: cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniosis (MCL). Each year, about 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million new cases of CL are recorded. In Europe L. infantum is the dominant species with dogs being reservoir hosts. Apart from dogs, infection has been recorded in various animals, which suggests that other species could play a role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature. Herein we provide an in-depth review of the literature with respect to studies that deal with Leishmania infantum infections in domestic and wild animal species in Europe. Given the fact that domesticated and wild animals could contribute to the incidences of leishmaniosis in humans, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review which could potentially be used for the development of measures when it comes to the control of the Leishmania infantum parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsakmakidis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Zaralis
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agriculture, University of Western Macedonia, end of Kontopoulou str, Florina, 53100, Greece.
| | - Georgios Arsenos
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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2
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Baxarias M, Mateu C, Miró G, Solano‐Gallego L. Serological survey of Leishmania infantum in apparently healthy dogs in different areas of Spain. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:1980-1988. [PMID: 37438910 PMCID: PMC10508519 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is an endemic disease in Spain. The dog is considered the main reservoir, and the detection of specific serum antibodies against L. infantum antigen is the most used technique for diagnosing this infection. The LEISCAN LEISHMANIA ELISA test is a commercialized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection and measurement of canine anti-Leishmania serum antibodies. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess seroprevalence results of apparently healthy dogs in different areas of Spain using LEISCAN. METHODS Collection of sera from 5451 apparently healthy dogs was performed between 2020 and 2021 in different areas of Spain. Dogs were of adult age (≥12 months), were not previously diagnosed with clinical leishmaniosis or vaccinated against Leishmania and did not present clinical signs compatible with L. infantum infection. LEISCAN was performed following the manufacturer's protocol. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence was 5.5%. The highest seroprevalences were found in the Southeast of Spain: Comunidad Valenciana (14%) and Región de Murcia (14%), whereas the lowest seroprevalences were found in Northern Spain: Galicia (1%), Navarra (2%) and Castilla y León (2%) (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the seroprevalence for L. infantum in apparently healthy dogs in Spain varied from almost no infection to being over 10%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baxarias
- Departament de Medicina I Cirurgia AnimalsFacultat de VeterinàriaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterraSpain
| | - Cristina Mateu
- Ecuphar Veterinaria SLUSant Cugat del VallèsBarcelonaSpain
| | - Guadalupe Miró
- Animal Health DepartmentVeterinary FacultyUniversidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Laia Solano‐Gallego
- Departament de Medicina I Cirurgia AnimalsFacultat de VeterinàriaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterraSpain
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Azami-Conesa I, Pérez-Moreno P, Matas Méndez P, Sansano-Maestre J, González F, Mateo Barrientos M, Gómez-Muñoz MT. Occurrence of Leishmania infantum in Wild Mammals Admitted to Recovery Centers in Spain. Pathogens 2023; 12:1048. [PMID: 37624008 PMCID: PMC10458632 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is distributed worldwide and affects humans and domestic and wild mammals. In Europe, specifically in the Mediterranean basin, leishmaniasis is endemic due to the concurrence of the phlebotomine vectors and reservoir mammals, including carnivorous wildlife species and other less studied wild species. In this article, spleen, skin, and eye or oral swabs taken from 134 wild mammals admitted to five wildlife recovery centers in Spain were used. PCR employing fragments of the Repeat region, ITS1, and SSUrRNA were used for detection, and positive samples were processed for sequencing. L. infantum was detected in three out of the nine species analyzed, including European hedgehog, European badger, and red squirrel, with percentages ranging from 11.53 to 35.71%, depending on the species. Most of the species showed higher percentages of positivity in spleen samples than in skin samples. A small number of animals from the remaining six species tested negative, including Algerian hedgehog, stone marten, least weasel, garden dormouse, western polecat, and Egyptian mongoose. Hedgehogs and badgers are good candidates for consideration as epidemiological sentinels and pose a higher risk as potential reservoirs of leishmaniasis based on their percentage of infection and wide distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Azami-Conesa
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.A.-C.); (P.P.-M.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Pérez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.A.-C.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Pablo Matas Méndez
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28691 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jose Sansano-Maestre
- Department of Animal Health and Public Health, Catholic University of Valencia, 46002 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Fernando González
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Monte del Pilar, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
- Departmental Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo Barrientos
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Gómez-Muñoz
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (I.A.-C.); (P.P.-M.)
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Merino Goyenechea J, Castilla Gómez de Agüero V, Palacios Alberti J, Balaña Fouce R, Martínez Valladares M. Occurrence of Leishmaniasis in Iberian Wolves in Northwestern Spain. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1179. [PMID: 37317153 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051179] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis is an important vector-borne protozoan disease in dogs that is responsible for serious deterioration in their health. In the Iberian Peninsula, as in most countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, canine leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania infantum (zymodeme MON-1), a digenetic trypanosomatid that harbors in the parasitophorous vacuoles of host macrophages, causing severe lesions that can lead to death if the animals do not receive adequate treatment. Canine leishmaniasis is highly prevalent in Spain, especially in the Mediterranean coastal regions (Levante, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands), where the population of domestic dogs is very high. However, the presence of this disease has been spreading to other rural and sparsely populated latitudes, and cases of leishmaniasis have been reported for years in wildlife in northwestern Spain. This work describes for the first time the presence of wolves that tested positive for leishmaniasis in the vicinity of the Sierra de la Culebra (Zamora province, northwestern Spain), a protected sanctuary of this canid species, using PCR amplification of L. infantum DNA from different non-invasive samples such as buccal mucosa and those from both ears and hair. In addition to live animals (21), samples from carcasses of mainly roadkill animals (18) were also included and analyzed using the same technique, obtaining a positivity rate of 18 of the 39 wolves sampled (46.1%) regardless of their origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Merino Goyenechea
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
- Centro del Lobo Ibérico "Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente" Robledo De Sanabria, 49393 Puebla De Sanabria, Spain
| | - Verónica Castilla Gómez de Agüero
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-Universidad de León, Finca Marzanas. Ctra. León-Grulleros s/n, 24346 León, Spain
| | - Jesús Palacios Alberti
- Centro del Lobo Ibérico "Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente" Robledo De Sanabria, 49393 Puebla De Sanabria, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - María Martínez Valladares
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-Universidad de León, Finca Marzanas. Ctra. León-Grulleros s/n, 24346 León, Spain
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Ebani VV, Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020165. [PMID: 36851469 PMCID: PMC9964035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020165] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Veronesi F, Deak G, Diakou A. Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020178. [PMID: 36839450 PMCID: PMC9964259 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesocarnivores are small- or mid-sized carnivore species that display a variety of ecologies and behaviours. In Europe, wild mesocarnivores are represented by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the Mustelidae of the genera Meles, Martes, Mustela, Lutra, the invasive species of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and American mink (Neogale vison). These abundant animals thrive in various habitats and often develop their activity close to human settlements. Thus, they may play an important role in the introduction, maintenance, and transmission of major parasitic zoonoses and promote bridging infections with domestic animals. Against this background, this article reports and discusses some of the most important endoparasites of wild mesocarnivores living in Europe, on the basis of their actual role as reservoirs, spreaders, or sentinels. The data derived from epizootiological studies in different European countries, and the proven or speculated implications of the detected endoparasites in human and domestic animals' health, are discussed. Through older and recent literature review, the state-of-the-art knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of the parasites under consideration is presented, showing further, warranted investigations and the need for surveillance and vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Veronesi
- Parasitology Laboratory of the University Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
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8
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First epidemiological survey of Leishmania infantum in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) in a canine leishmaniosis endemic area using serology and PCR. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:372. [PMID: 36253813 PMCID: PMC9575300 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05517-y] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniosis, a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum, is one of the most important parasitic zoonoses in Europe. The transmission cycle of leishmaniosis is maintained by both domestic and wild animals. However, few data are available on the role of wild mammals in transmitting the parasite in the European Mediterranean basin. As feline leishmaniosis, diagnosis of the infection in ferrets can be a challenge, the use of different serological and molecular methods combined is a recommended approach. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of infection of L. infantum in apparently healthy domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in an endemic region of Spain (Community of Valencia), using serological and molecular methods and to evaluate the results comparing the different techniques. Methods The prevalence of Leishmania infection was studied in domestic ferrets. Blood was collected from each animal for serology and molecular analysis. Two serological methods, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB), were used for the detection of L. infantum antibodies, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used for the detection of L. infantum DNA. Results Blood samples from 102 apparently healthy ferrets were analyzed. In the serological study, 25.5% of the animals tested positive by western blot, and 9.0% by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The seroprevalence of L. infantum infection, based on a positive result in any serological test, was 28.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.6–S37.9%). No kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) was detected by qPCR in peripheral blood samples from the ferrets tested. Conclusions The immunological response revealed by these tests indicates that the ferrets are exposed to repeated inoculations with the endemic parasite L. infantum. Although the low population of domestic ferrets means their reservoir potential is limited in the absence of a primary host, it would be of interest to carry out further studies using xenodiagnosis to determine whether they are accidental or reservoir host species capable of spreading infection. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05517-y.
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Vioque F, Dashti A, Santín M, Ruiz-Fons F, Köster PC, Hernández-Castro C, García JT, Bailo B, Ortega S, Olea PP, Arce F, Chicharro C, Nieto J, González F, Viñuela J, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Wild micromammal host spectrum of zoonotic eukaryotic parasites in Spain. Occurrence and genetic characterisation. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2926-e2942. [PMID: 35752461 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Micromammals have historically been recognized as highly contentious species in terms of the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans. Limited information is currently available on the epidemiology and potential public health significance of intestinal eukaryotes in wild micromammals. We examined 490 faecal samples, grouped into 155 pools, obtained from 11 micromammal species captured in 11 Spanish provinces for the presence of DNA from Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. The presence of Leishmania spp. was investigated in individual spleen samples. All micromammal species investigated harboured infections by at least one eukaryotic parasite, except Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Sorex coronatus and Sciurus vulgaris, but the sample size for these host species was very low. Cryptosporidium spp. was the most prevalent species found (3.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-5.7), followed by G. duodenalis (2.8%, 95% CI: 1.6-4.6) and E. bieneusi (2.6%, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3). All pooled faecal samples tested negative for Blastocystis sp. Leishmania infantum was identified in 0.41% (95% CI: 0.05-1.46) of the 490 individual spleen samples analysed. Sequence analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium andersoni (5.9%), C. ditrichi (11.7%), C. muris (5.9%), C. parvum (5.9%), C. tyzzeri (5.9%), rat genotypes CR97 (5.9%) and W19 (5.9%), vole genotypes V (11.7%) and VII (5.9%) and Cryptosproridium spp. (35.3%) within Cryptosporidium (n = 17). Known genotypes C (66.7%) and Peru11 (25.0%) and a novel genotype (named MouseSpEb1, 8.3%) were detected within E. bieneusi (n = 12). None of the G. duodenalis-positive samples could be genotyped at the assemblage level. Molecular data indicate that wild micromammals were primarily infected by rodent-adapted species/genotypes of eukaryotic pathogens and thereby have a limited role as a source of human infections. The presence of ruminant-adapted species C. andersoni along with finding C. parvum is indicative of an overlap between domestic/peri-domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Vioque
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- EnvironmentalMicrobial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jesus T García
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Ortega
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro P Olea
- Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Research on Biodiversity and Global Change (CIBC-UAM), Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Arce
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Carmen Chicharro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Nieto
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando González
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Viñuela
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Ratzlaff FR, Fernandes FD, Osmari V, Silva D, de Paula Vasconcellos JS, Braunig P, Vogel FSF, de Ávila Botton S, Dos Santos HF, Cargnelutti JF, Caldart ET, Campos A, de Mello Filho JA, Soares JF, Fagundes-Moreira R, Witt AA, Pacheco SM, Sangioni LA. Prevalence and molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in bats from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3193-3202. [PMID: 36048268 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect the occurrence of infection by Leishmania spp.in bats from 34 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS; southern Brazil) from 2016 to 2021. A total of 109 bats were provided by the Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde of RS, including six species belonged to Molossidae family, six to Vespertilionidae family, and two to Phyllostomidae family. Leishmania spp. was identified using the nested-PCR method by amplifying the SSU rDNA ribosomal subunit gene into four organ pools: (1) the liver, spleen, and lymph node; (2) heart and lungs; (3) skin; and (4) bone marrow of each bat. Three (3/109, 2.7%) animals tested positive for Leishmania spp. The respective PCR-positive organs came from pools 1 and 3. Two bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) were from the municipality of Canoas, and sequences analysis confirms the species identification as Leishmania infantum. In the third bat (Molossus molossus), from Rio Grande, it was not possible to determine the protozoa species, being considered Leishmania spp. Our results indicate that bats can participate in the biological cycle of Leishmania spp. and perform as host, reservoir, and/or source of infection of the protozoa in different areas of RS. More studies will be needed to elucidate the role of these Chiropteras in the circulation of Leishmania spp. This is the first study reporting the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in bats in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Raquel Ratzlaff
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Osmari
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Daniele Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Jaíne Soares de Paula Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Braunig
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Sônia de Ávila Botton
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Helton Fernandes Dos Santos
- Laboratório Central de Diagnóstico Em Patologia Aviária (LCDPA), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 44, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia (LABAC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), CEP, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR-445, Km 380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Aline Campos
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde (CEVS), Av. Ipiranga, 5400, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - José Américo de Mello Filho
- Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), CEP, Av. Roraima, 1000, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade de Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - André Alberto Witt
- Divisão de Defesa Sanitária Animal (DDA), Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural (SEAPDRA), Av. Getúlio Vargas, 1384, Porto Alegre, CEP, 90150-004, Brazil
| | - Susi Missel Pacheco
- Instituto Sauver - Organização não governamental, R. Dr. Paulo Franco Dos Réis, 40, Boa Vista, Porto Alegre, 90480-090, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP, 97105-900, Brazil
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Query ID="Q1" Text="Graphical abstract: As per journal requirements, graphical abstract is necessary. Kindly check and provide the same."The magnitude of the health problems caused by leishmaniasis has been a major driving factor behind the development and implementation of leishmaniasis control programs by the national authorities in Iran, with a priority for health and environmental management. Such programs are not achievable unless all of the factors leading to the infection, including the parasite's life-cycle, vectors and reservoirs, are recognized. So far in Iran, humans and rodents have been considered the principal reservoirs of Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, respectively, both associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), with domestic dogs considered to be the main reservoir for Leishmania infantum, associated with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The role of other mammals in maintaining the Leishmania parasite has remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate Leishmania infection among livestock in endemic areas of VL and CL in Fars province, southern Iran, using serological and molecular methods. METHODS Blood samples from 181 clinically healthy livestock, including 49 sheep, 114 goats, 16 cattle and two donkeys, were screened to detect Leishmania DNA and anti-Leishmania antibodies using qPCR (quantitative PCR) and the direct agglutination test (DAT), respectively. Four qPCR-positive samples were amplified using the internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1) primers in conventional PCR and sent for directional sequencing. RESULTS Of the 181 livestock tested, 51 (28.2%) were infected with Leishmania, using serological and molecular methods. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in 70 (38.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.5-46.2) and Leishmania DNA in 93 (51.4%) (95% CI: 43.9-58.9) livestock. The identified Leishmania spp. were L. infantum and L. major. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study show a relatively high prevalence of Leishmania infection among livestock in endemic areas of the disease, in Fars province, southern Iran. Given the large population of this group of animals and the fact that they live in the vicinity of the main reservoirs of the disease and vectors, it seems that sand flies regularly bite these animals. Further studies are needed to determine the role of livestock in the parasite's life-cycle and the epidemiology of Leishmania infection.
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Baxarias M, Viñals J, Álvarez-Fernández A, Alcover MM, Solano-Gallego L. Detection of specific antibodies against Leishmania infantum in canine serum and oral transudate using an in-house ELISA. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:164. [PMID: 35534882 PMCID: PMC9087925 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05246-2] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine leishmaniosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum is a complex infection due to its variable clinical signs and laboratory findings. Therefore, a broad range of techniques is available for diagnosis. Testing for specific antibodies in serum is the most commonly used technique, although the testing of other body fluids, such as oral transudate (OT), can be an alternative as its collection is non-invasive and testing can be performed by untrained personnel. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the detection of L. infantum-specific antibodies in paired samples of serum and OT collected from apparently healthy dogs and dogs with clinical leishmaniosis using an in-house enyzme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Methods Serum and OT were collected from 407 dogs, which varied in breed, sex, age, lifestyle and clinical status, by many practicing veterinarians in Spain. The main geographical areas of sampling included Barcelona (n = 110), Mallorca (n = 94), Cadiz (n = 54) and Asturias (n = 47). The majority of infected dogs were apparently healthy (89.9%) while 41 presented clinical signs and/or clinicopathological abnormalities compatible with L. infantum infection and subsequently diagnosed with leishmaniosis (10.1%). An in-house ELISA was performed to quantify the anti-Leishmania antibodies in serum and OT. Results The L. infantum infection rate determined by the in-house ELISA was 37.1% in serum samples and 32.7% in OT samples. Serum and OT ELISA results showed a positive correlation (Spearman's correlation coefficient rs = 0.6687, P < 0.0001). The percent agreement between the serum and OT ELISA results was 84%, while agreement according to Cohen's kappa statistic (κ) was substantial (0.66) when all samples were analyzed. The highest percent agreement (92.1%) between both tests was found in dogs from low endemicity regions and from sick dogs, with both groups presenting almost perfect agreement according to Cohen’s κ agreement test (0.84). Few seronegative dogs (n = 23) tested positive by the OT ELISA. The agreement between serum and OT went from almost perfect to moderate when the geographical distribution and clinical status were analyzed. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated an almost perfect to moderate agreement between OT and serum samples tested using the in-house ELISA. These results are particularly promising in sick dogs with high antibody levels while the results seem less optimal in apparently healthy dogs with low antibody levels. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baxarias
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Viñals
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mª Magdalena Alcover
- Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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13
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Baxarias M, Homedes J, Mateu C, Attipa C, Solano-Gallego L. Use of preventive measures and serological screening tools for Leishmania infantum infection in dogs from Europe. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:134. [PMID: 35534848 PMCID: PMC9088038 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05251-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are several screening tools for detecting Leishmania infantum infection in dogs and various preventive measures to protect against it. Some studies have investigated them, but not many have described their current use. The aim of this study was to investigate which preventive measures and serological screening tools for L. infantum infection were employed from 2012 to 2018 in dogs from different endemic European countries. Methods A set of electronic datasheets was completed for each dog from several veterinary centres. Classification of preventive measures included: (1) repellents, (2) vaccines and (3) immunomodulators. Classification of serological tests included the: (1) direct agglutination test (DAT), (2) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), (3) indirect immunofluorescence (IFI), (4) rapid tests and (5) other assays. Dogs were also classified depending on their risk of exposure and living area. Results Information from 3762 dogs was gathered. Preventive measures were applied in 91.5% of dogs and the most frequently used were repellents (86.2%) followed by vaccines (39.8%) and Leisguard® (15.3%). The different types of repellents (collar and spot-on) were used similarly. A combination of a vaccine and repellents was preferred in the high-risk group while the low-risk preferred a combination of Leisguard® and a repellent (Chi-square test: X2 = 88.41, df = 10, P < 0.001). Furthermore, all preventive measures were similarly used through the years except for repellents, which were predicted to have a small increase of use each year. Regarding serological screening tools, the most used were rapid and ELISA tests. Rapid tests, ELISA tests and DAT were used similarly through the years, but a significant change was found in the use of IFI and other assays whose use decreased a little each year. Conclusions Repellents were the preferred measure, while vaccines and Leisguard® were second-line options. Some dogs were not treated by any measures, which highlights the need for dog owner education. Moreover, there seems to be a preference for rapid tests in the clinical setting to detect specific L. infantum antibodies while ELISA or IFI are less often employed. This underlines an increasing problem, as qualitative rapid tests have a variable diagnostic performance limiting the adequate diagnosis of seropositive dogs in endemic areas. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05251-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baxarias
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | | | | | - Charalampos Attipa
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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14
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Guiraldi LM, Dos Santos WJ, Manzini S, Taha NEHA, Aires IN, Ribeiro E, Tokuda M, de Medeiros MIM, Richini-Pereira VB, Lucheis SB. Identification of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in captive primates from a zoo in Brazil. Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23376. [PMID: 35384010 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wild nonhuman primates (NHP) are considered natural hosts of a protozoan parasite from the genus Leishmania, the etiological agent of leishmaniasis. It is important to study the population of this infectious agent in zoo animals to establish surveillance and control mechanisms in Sorocaba through the application of a One Health approach, this is where human-animal-environment health and disease interface and can aid in the protection of endangered species. This study aimed to identify Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in NHP living in a city where leishmaniasis is endemic. DNA was extracted from 48 NHP and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction primers that are specific for the species L. infantum and L. braziliensis. The results of our research revealed the first report of L. infantum and L. braziliensis naturally infecting primates at Sorocaba zoo. One primate from the species Plecturocebus vieirai was positive for L. infantum and five primates (four Alouatta caraya and one Ateles chamek) were positive for L. braziliensis. This indicates a possible role of these animals on the maintenance of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia M Guiraldi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Wesley J Dos Santos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Suzane Manzini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Isabella N Aires
- School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Bauru, Brazil
| | - Emilly Ribeiro
- School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Bauru, Brazil
| | - Marcos Tokuda
- Municipal Zoological Park Quinzinho de Barros (PZMQB), Sorocaba, Brazil
| | | | - Virgínia B Richini-Pereira
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil.,Adolfo Lutz Institute, Regional Laboratories Center II, Bauru, Brazil
| | - Simone B Lucheis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil.,Paulista Agency of Agribusiness Technology (APTA), Bauru, Brazil
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15
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Pérez Pérez P, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E, Sánchez Agudo JÁ, Lorenzo-Morales J, Montoya-Alonso JA, Morchón R. Serological Survey of Canine Vector-Borne Infections in North-Center Spain. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:784331. [PMID: 34938795 PMCID: PMC8685324 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.784331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Various factors are currently causing an increase in vector-borne parasitic diseases at a global scale; among them, some stand out, such as climatic disturbances derived from global change, the increase in movements of reservoir animals, or changes in land made by human activity. In the European continent, there have been an increasing number of epidemiological studies focused on the detection of these diseases, especially in dogs. In Spain, there are few epidemiological studies focused on the evaluation of the biotic and abiotic factors that may influence the distribution, such as climatic zones, orography, or presence of water reservoirs. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and distribution of several canine vector-borne diseases caused by Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, the largest region of the Iberian Peninsula, providing a geospatial approach based on a geographic information system (GIS) analysis. Blood from a total of 1,475 domestic dogs from the nine provinces of Castilla y León were analyzed. Also, a GIS analysis of the sample locations was carried out, taking into account the most important predictor variables. The prevalence in dogs infected by D. immitis was 7.19%, and the seroprevalence by L. infantum was 4.61 and 1.56% for A. platys and E. canis. Most of the infected animals were located in areas with stagnant water, irrigated agriculture, or riverbanks, always close to forest and woodland vegetation. These results indicate that dogs living in Castilla y León should take prophylactic measures to avoid infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Pérez Pérez
- Zoonotic Infections and One Health GIR, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Infections and One Health GIR, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Ángel Sánchez Agudo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Diversidad humana y Biología de la Conservación, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Infections and One Health GIR, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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16
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Detection of Anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in Wild European and American Mink (Mustela lutreola and Neovison vison) from Northern Spain, 2014-20. J Wildl Dis 2021; 58:198-204. [PMID: 34818406 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The European mink (Mustela lutreola) is listed as a critically endangered species because of ongoing population reduction from habitat degradation and the effects of introduced species, such as American mink (Neovison vison). This small, fragmented population becomes vulnerable to many other threats, including diseases. Leishmaniosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum found in the Mediterranean area, which affects many mammals, including wild small mammals. Furthermore, clinical disease caused by L. infantum has recently been described in other mustelids. To assess the exposure to Leishmania sp. infection in mink species in northern Spain, blood samples from 139 feral American mink and 42 native European mink from north Spain were evaluated for Leishmania sp. infection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays against Leishmania spp. antibodies, with 52.4% of American mink and 45.3% of European mink being found seropositive. This finding raises questions regarding how the disease may affect these species and the potential repercussions for conservation efforts. Despite a high seroprevalence being observed in wild mink of both species in this study, association with clinical or pathologic signs of disease has yet to be elucidated.
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Rasmussen SL, Hallig J, van Wijk RE, Petersen HH. An investigation of endoparasites and the determinants of parasite infection in European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) from Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:217-227. [PMID: 34703761 PMCID: PMC8524744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The European hedgehog population is declining in Europe. It is therefore important to investigate the causes for the decline and monitor the general health of the species. We investigated the endoparasite occurrence in 299 dead European hedgehogs. Of these, endoparasites were detected in 69% of the individuals tested. We identified Crenosoma striatum, Capillaria aerophila (syn. Eucoleus aerophilus), Capillaria spp., coccidia, Cryptosporidium spp., Brachylaemus spp. and Capillaria hepatica. We also examined the hedgehogs for Giardia spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis but all were negative. Coccidia (n = 7, 2.5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 14, 5.2%) were only detected in individuals from Zealand, Lolland and Jutland south of the Limfjord. Single cases of Brachylaemus spp. (n = 1, 0.4%) and Capillaria hepatica (n = 1, 1.1%) were exclusively discovered in Jutland south and north of the Limfjord, respectively. These results indicate a regional difference in endoparasite species carried by European hedgehogs in Denmark. This stresses the need for hedgehogs to be cared for locally when admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres, and to be released within their area of origin, to prevent spread of endoparasite infections among hedgehogs. Additionally, we explored the following possible determinants of parasite infection in the hedgehogs: sex, age, mortality category (in-care, natural and roadkill), infection with MRSA, genetic heterozygosity, month of death, geographical location and habitat type, and found that only age had a statistically significant effect on endoparasite prevalence, as we detected a lower occurrence of endoparasites in juvenile hedgehogs (<1 year) compared to the other age classes. However, pairwise comparisons of geographical regions did show significant differences in endoparasite occurrence: Zealand vs. Jutland south of the Limfjord and Zealand vs. Falster. We conclude that, in line with previous studies of European hedgehogs throughout their range in Western Europe, endoparasite infections are common and a natural part of their ecology. We investigated the endoparasites of 299 dead European hedgehogs from Denmark. We found that 69% (n = 206) of the hedgehogs hosted endoparasites. We detected Crenosoma, Capillaria, Cryptosporidium, Brachylaemus and coccidia spp. We explored possible determinants of overall endoparasite occurrence. We conclude that only age and geography significantly affected endoparasite occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon, OX13 5QL, UK.,Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Hallig
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rien E van Wijk
- Van Wijk Eco Research, Bagsværddal 7 st tv, 2880, Bagsværd, Denmark
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
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18
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Alcover MM, Riera MC, Fisa R. Leishmaniosis in Rodents Caused by Leishmania infantum: A Review of Studies in the Mediterranean Area. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:702687. [PMID: 34422948 PMCID: PMC8377756 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.702687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis infection begins when a phlebotomine sand fly vector inoculates pathogenic protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania into a mammalian host. In the case of Leishmania infantum, the domestic dog is considered to be the main parasite reservoir, and canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has a high mortality rate in untreated dogs. Hundreds of cases of human leishmaniosis (HL) are reported in the world each year, the incidence in Europe being relatively low. Leishmaniosis control is primarily focused on the dog, combining methods that prevent sand fly bites and boost host resistance to infection. However, these measures are only partially effective and new solutions need to be found. One of the main factors limiting CanL and HL control is the existence of a sylvatic Leishmania transmission cycle that interacts with the domestic cycle maintained by dogs. It is suspected that the main reservoir of infection in wildlife are rodents, whose expansion and rapid population growth worldwide is increasing the risk of human and zoonotic pathogen transfer. The aim of this review is therefore to analyze reports in the literature that may shed light on the potential role of rodents in the leishmaniosis transmission cycle in the Mediterranean area. Following the general methodology recommended for reviews, six databases (Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science) were explored for the period January 1995 to December 2020. The results extracted from 39 publications that met the established inclusion criteria were analyzed. It was found that 23 species of rodents have been studied in nine countries of the Mediterranean basin. Of the 3,643 specimens studied, 302 tested positive for L. infantum infection by serology, microscopy and/or molecular techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Magdalena Alcover
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Cristina Riera
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Section of Parasitology, Department of Biology, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Invasive Species as Hosts of Zoonotic Infections: The Case of American Mink ( Neovison vison) and Leishmania infantum. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071531. [PMID: 34361966 PMCID: PMC8304841 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum produces an endemic disease in the Mediterranean Basin that affects humans and domestic and wild mammals, which can act as reservoir or minor host. In this study, we analyzed the presence of the parasite in wild American minks, an invasive species in Spain. We screened for L. infantum DNA by PCR using five primer pairs: Two targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), and the rest targeting the ITS1 region, the small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU) and a repetitive sequence (Repeat region). The detection limit was determined for each method using a strain of L. infantum and a bone marrow sample from an infected dog. PCR approaches employing the Repeat region and kDNA (RV1/RV2 primers) showed higher sensitivity than the other PCR methods when control samples were employed. However, only PCR of the Repeat region and nested PCR of SSU (LnSSU) detected the parasite in the samples, while the other three were unable to do so. The majority of the analyzed animals (90.1%) tested positive. American mink may act as an incidental host of the disease for other mammals and should be further investigated, not only for their negative impact on the local fauna, but also as carriers of zoonotic diseases.
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20
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A Systematic Review (1990-2021) of Wild Animals Infected with Zoonotic Leishmania. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051101. [PMID: 34065456 PMCID: PMC8160881 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis are neglected diseases caused by several species of Leishmania that affect humans and many domestic and wild animals with a worldwide distribution. The objectives of this review are to identify wild animals naturally infected with zoonotic Leishmania species as well as the organs infected, methods employed for detection and percentage of infection. A literature search starting from 1990 was performed following the PRISMA methodology and 161 reports were included. One hundred and eighty-nine species from ten orders (i.e., Carnivora, Chiroptera, Cingulata, Didelphimorphia, Diprotodontia, Lagomorpha, Eulipotyphla, Pilosa, Primates and Rodentia) were reported to be infected, and a few animals were classified only at the genus level. An exhaustive list of species; diagnostic techniques, including PCR targets; infected organs; number of animals explored and percentage of positives are presented. L. infantum infection was described in 98 wild species and L. (Viania) spp. in 52 wild animals, while L. mexicana, L. amazonensis, L. major and L. tropica were described in fewer than 32 animals each. During the last decade, intense research revealed new hosts within Chiroptera and Lagomorpha. Carnivores and rodents were the most relevant hosts for L. infantum and L. (Viannia) spp., with some species showing lesions, although in most of the studies clinical signs were not reported.
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21
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Alcover MM, Basurco A, Fernandez A, Riera C, Fisa R, Gonzalez A, Verde M, Garrido AM, Ruíz H, Yzuel A, Villanueva-Saz S. A cross-sectional study of Leishmania infantum infection in stray cats in the city of Zaragoza (Spain) using serology and PCR. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:178. [PMID: 33766113 PMCID: PMC7992781 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline leishmaniosis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp. Leishmania infection in dogs is prevalent in the Mediterranean basin, but in other animals, such as cats, it could also play a role in the epidemiology of the disease. Information on the geographical distribution and epidemiological features of L. infantum infection in cats is scarce, particularly in urban stray cats living in regions where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. As diagnosis can be challenging, combining different serological and molecular methods is a useful approach. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of infection of L. infantum in apparently healthy stray cats in an endemic region of Spain (Zaragoza city) using serological and molecular methods, and to compare the results of the different techniques. METHODS The prevalence of Leishmania infection was studied in stray cats captured in urban and peri-urban areas of Zaragoza. Blood was collected from each animal for serology and molecular analysis. Three serological methods, namely the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB), were used to detect L. infantum antibodies and a real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect L. infantum DNA. The results were analyzed by Fisher's exact test and Cohen's kappa statistic (κ) to assess the level of agreement between the diagnostic techniques. RESULTS Serological analysis of blood samples from 180 stray cats revealed 2.2% (4/179) Leishmania infection positivity by IFAT, 2.8% (5/179) by ELISA and 14.5% (26/179) by WB. Leishmania DNA was detected by qPCR in 5.6% (10/179) of the cats. Sixteen cats (8.9%) tested positive by only one serological technique and four tested positive by all three serological methods used. The overall rate of infected cats (calculated as the number of cats seropositive and/or qPCR positive) was 15.6%, and only two cats tested positive by all the diagnostic methods. A significant association was found between male cats and a positive qPCR result. Comparison of the techniques revealed a fair agreement in seropositivity between blood qPCR and IFAT (κ = 0.26), blood qPCR and ELISA (κ = 0.24), WB and ELISA (κ = 0.37) and WB and IFAT (κ = 0.40). The highest agreement between seropositive results was between IFAT and ELISA (κ = 0.89), and the lowest was between blood qPCR and WB (κ = 0.19). The prevalence of the feline leukemia virus antigen was 4.49% (8/178 cats) and that of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibody was 6.74% (12/178), while co-infection with both retroviruses was observed in one female cat (1/178). Leishmania ELISA and IFAT seropositivity were statistically associated with FIV status by the chi-square test. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in this study, using serological tests and qPCR, indicate the existence of L. infantum asymptomatic infection in apparently healthy stray cats in the city of Zaragoza, an endemic area in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Magdalena Alcover
- Departament de Biologia, Salut I Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Asier Basurco
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Riera
- Departament de Biologia, Salut I Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Departament de Biologia, Salut I Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Gonzalez
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana María Garrido
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Departamento de Farmacología Y Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
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22
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Cardoso L, Schallig H, Persichetti MF, Pennisi MG. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030307. [PMID: 33800782 PMCID: PMC8000700 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Leishmania parasites can lead to severe disease in humans and dogs, which act as a reservoir in zoonotic transmission. An increasing number of reports suggest that leishmaniosis is not restricted to dogs, but also affects many other mammalian and avian species. Consequently, this expands the potential reservoir and is of great public and veterinary health concern. The present study reviews, based on a comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020, the currently available information on animal leishmaniosis in vertebrates in Europe, other than dogs and humans. This review provides an exhaustive list of mammals and birds in which infections with or exposure to Leishmania parasites have been detected in European countries. Most cases are reported from the Mediterranean region. Domestic animals, in particular cats, pose a concern because of close contact with humans. The wildlife reservoir is less likely to contribute to zoonotic transmission, with the exception of hares. This potentially large reservoir needs to be taken into account when developing control measures for zoonotic leishmaniosis. From a veterinary point of view, it is important that veterinarians are better aware of leishmaniosis and trained in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Henk Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Experimental Parasitology Section, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Flaminia Persichetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.F.P.); (M.G.P.)
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23
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Pereira A, Maia C. Leishmania infection in cats and feline leishmaniosis: An updated review with a proposal of a diagnosis algorithm and prevention guidelines. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100035. [PMID: 35284863 PMCID: PMC8906079 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to vertebrates, including cats, through the bites of female phlebotomine sand flies. An increasing number of epidemiological and experimental studies concerning Leishmania infection in cats, as well as case reports of clinical leishmaniosis in these felids, have been published in recent years. In the present study, a comprehensive review was made by sourcing the National Library of Medicine resources to provide updated data on epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of feline leishmaniosis. Cats were found infected with Leishmania parasites worldwide, and feline leishmaniosis appears as an emergent disease mostly reported in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and in Brazil. Cats with impaired immunocompetence seem to have a higher risk to develop clinical disease. The main clinical and clinicopathological findings are dermatological lesions and hypergammaglobulinemia, respectively. Diagnosis of feline leishmaniosis remains a challenge for veterinarians, in part due to the lack of diagnosis support systems. For this reason, a diagnostic algorithm for clinical decision support is herein proposed. No evidence-based treatment protocols are currently available, and these remain empirically based. Control measures are limited and scarce. Thus, a set of prevention guidelines are herein suggested.
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First detection of Leishmania infantum in common urban bats Pipistrellus pipistrellus in Europe. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:172-176. [PMID: 32593861 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum is a protozoan causing leishmaniasis in humans and in dogs, among other animals, which is an endemic disease in the Mediterranean basin. In recent years, the role of wildlife as a possible reservoir of the disease was analyzed and several species of carnivores were reported to have the highest infection rates, with foxes and wolves being the more widely studied species; the role of rabbits and hares as reservoirs of leishmaniasis has also been described. In addition, several studies highlighted the role of bats as suitable hosts for Leishmania species (L. braziliensis, L. major, L. mexicana, and L. tropica) in South and Central America and Africa, but no Leishmania spp. infection in Chiroptera has been reported in Europe. In this study, samples from spleen, hair, and blood were analyzed to detect L. infantum DNA in bats from the Community of Madrid (Spain). Infection by L. infantum was detected in 59.2% of the bats studied (n = 16/27), with the spleen being selected as the site for detection, yielding 14/16 positive results (87.5% sensitivity), followed by hair (n = 7/16) and blood (n = 6/16). In two animals, samples from all three anatomical sites tested positive (7.4% of the total animals), while in four animals the spleen and hair samples tested positive (14.8%), in one animal the blood and hair samples tested positive (3.7%), and in another animal the blood sample only tested positive (3.7%). This is the first report of L. infantum detection in the common urban bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) in Europe.
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