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Aleman M, Vedavally U, Pusterla N, Wensley F, Berryhill E, Madigan JE. Common and atypical presentations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in equids with emphasis on neurologic and muscle disease. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:440-448. [PMID: 38038253 PMCID: PMC10800209 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16964] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive descriptions of equids with granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) with neurologic or muscle disease and other atypical presentations are scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVE Describe the clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome of equids with EGA with emphasis on neurologic and muscle disease. ANIMALS Thirty-eight horses, 1 donkey. METHODS Retrospective study. Equids with EGA were included. The electronic data base was searched from January 2000 to December 2022 using the words anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, granulocytic, and rickettsia. Signalment and clinical data were reviewed. Data were evaluated for normality using Shapiro-Wilk test. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used for normally and non-normally distributed data. RESULTS Common (41%) and other (59%) presentations were seen in horses ≥ 4 years of age (median, 14 years) with an overrepresentation of males (77%). Neurologic disease was common (41%), mainly presenting as diffuse symmetrical proprioceptive ataxia. Brain disease was less common manifesting as obtundation and cranial nerve deficits. Muscle disease was less common, with QH breeds with the variant causing myosin heavy chain myopathy (MYHM) having severe disease. Cavitary effusion, cardiomyopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were uncommon. Clinical laboratory results varied depending on disease stage. Muscle enzyme activities were significantly higher in horses with muscle disease. Outcome was favorable with prompt tetracycline treatment. Death and long-term sequelae were not reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Common and atypical presentations of EGA have a favorable outcome with prompt tetracycline treatment. Quarter horse breeds with muscle disease should be genotyped for MYHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ujwala Vedavally
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Fiona Wensley
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching HospitalSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Emily Berryhill
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - John E. Madigan
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Satué K, Fazio E, Gardón JC, Medica P. Contribution of Hemogram Plan in the Horse's Clinical Evaluation. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 126:104292. [PMID: 36958411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104292] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The interpretation of the blood count is essential to help the equine clinician in the diagnosis, prognosis, patient management, and control of equine diseases. Hematologic alterations often reflect the condition of the individual or an overall response to a pathological situation. A thorough clinical examination of the patient is essential to correctly interpret the hematological results. The most common abnormalities in the erythrogram are mainly anemia and polycythemia. The frequent causes of anemia in horses are acute and chronic blood loss, hemolytic anemia, and anemia caused by chronic disease. Evaluation of leukogram, including a total white cell count, a differential cell count, absolute numbers of specific leukocytes can help identify abnormalities that may suggest specific diseases such as a viral or bacterial infection, inflammatory disorders or even a neoplastic process. The platelet count is most often used to monitor or diagnose conditions that cause too much bleeding related with thrombocytopenia; it can be due to multiple mechanisms such as reduction of thrombopoiesis (myeloptisis, myelofibrosis, myeloproliferative disease, and idiopathic medullary aplasias or due to the effect of mielosuppresive drugs), increased peripheral destruction of platelets (immune mediated thrombocytopenia), consumption (dissemined intravascular coagulation) sequestration of the spleen and loss of platelets by idiopathic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiuska Satué
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Esterina Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Messina, Italy
| | - Juan Carlos Gardón
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Catholic University of Valencia (San Vicente Mártir), Valencia, Spain
| | - Pietro Medica
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology Unit, Polo Universitario Annunziata, Messina, Italy
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3
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Seroexposure to Zoonotic Anaplasma and Borrelia in Dogs and Horses That Are in Contact with Vulnerable People in Italy. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030470. [PMID: 36986392 PMCID: PMC10054474 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine and canine anaplasmosis and borreliosis are major tick-borne zoonotic diseases caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and various species of Borrelia (the most important being Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.), respectively. This study evaluated the seroexposure to Anaplasma and Borrelia in dogs and horses used in Animal-Assisted Interventions or living in contact with children, elderly people or immunocompromised persons. A total of 150 horses and 150 dogs living in Italy were equally divided into clinically healthy animals and animals with at least one clinical sign compatible with borreliosis and/or anaplasmosis (present at clinical examination or reported in the medical history). Serum samples were tested with ELISA and immunoblot for the presence of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l., and the association between seropositivity and possible risk factors was analyzed using multivariate and univariate tests. Overall, 13 dogs (8.7%) and 19 horses (12.7%) were positive for at least one of the two pathogens. In addition, 1 dog (0.7%) and 12 horses (8%) were positive for antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, while 12 dogs (8.0%) and 10 horses (6.7%) had antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. Tick infestation in the medical history of the dogs was significantly associated with seropositivity to at least one pathogen (p = 0.027; OR 7.398). These results indicate that, in Italy, ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum and/or B. burgdorferi circulate in places where horses and dogs are in contact with people at risk of developing severe diseases. Awareness should be increased, and adequate control plans need to be developed to protect human and animal health, especially where vulnerable, at-risk individuals are concerned.
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Hoffman T, Olsen B, Lundkvist Å. The Biological and Ecological Features of Northbound Migratory Birds, Ticks, and Tick-Borne Microorganisms in the African-Western Palearctic. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010158. [PMID: 36677450 PMCID: PMC9866947 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the species that act as hosts, vectors, and vehicles of vector-borne pathogens is vital for revealing the transmission cycles, dispersal mechanisms, and establishment of vector-borne pathogens in nature. Ticks are common vectors for pathogens causing human and animal diseases, and they transmit a greater variety of pathogenic agents than any other arthropod vector group. Ticks depend on the movements by their vertebrate hosts for their dispersal, and tick species with long feeding periods are more likely to be transported over long distances. Wild birds are commonly parasitized by ticks, and their migration patterns enable the long-distance range expansion of ticks. The African-Palearctic migration system is one of the world's largest migrations systems. African-Western Palearctic birds create natural links between the African, European, and Asian continents when they migrate biannually between breeding grounds in the Palearctic and wintering grounds in Africa and thereby connect different biomes. Climate is an important geographical determinant of ticks, and with global warming, the distribution range and abundance of ticks in the Western Palearctic may increase. The introduction of exotic ticks and their microorganisms into the Western Palearctic via avian vehicles might therefore pose a greater risk for the public and animal health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Hoffman
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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5
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Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses from Germany by molecular and serological testing (2008-2021). Vet Parasitol 2022; 312:109840. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Zhang J, Ma H, Ai J, Qi T, Kang M, Li J, Sun Y. Serological Analysis of IgG and IgM Antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in Various Animal Species of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192723. [PMID: 36230463 PMCID: PMC9559258 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192723] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma genus infects the blood cells of humans and animals by biting, causing zoonotic anaplasmosis. However, limited data are available on carrier animals for Anaplasma spp. antibodies in the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau Area. Therefore, a serological indirect ELISA diagnostic method based on the major surface protein 5 (MSP5), derived from Anaplasma phagocytophilum, was developed in this study to analyze both IgG and IgM antibodies of Anaplasma spp. in a total of 3952 animals from the Qinghai−Tibetan Plateau, including yaks (Bos grunniens), cows (Bos taurus), cattle (Bos taurus domesticus), Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries), horses (Equus ferus caballus), pigs (Sus domesticus), chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), donkeys (Equus asinus), stray dogs (Canis sp.), and stray cats (Felis sp.). The results showed that recombinant MSP5 protein was expressed and was successfully used to establish the indirect ELISA methods. The overall positivity for Anaplasma IgG and IgM antibodies was 14.6% (578/3952) and 7.9% (312/3952), respectively, and a total of 123 animals (3.1%) were both IgG- and IgM-positive. Moreover, the most prevalent Anaplasma IgG positivity was exhibited by donkeys (82.5%), followed by stray dogs, Tibetan sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, yaks, cows, cattle, and stray cats. The analysis for IgM antibody positivity revealed that IgM positivity was the most prevalent in the stray dogs (30.1%), followed by horses, yaks, Tibetan sheep, cows, stray cats, and cattle. Moreover, the results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) at different altitudes in Anaplasma-specific IgG in the yaks, Tibetan sheep, and horses, and in IgM in the yaks and Tibetan sheep. In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate that yaks, cows, cattle, Tibetan sheep, horses, donkeys, stray dogs, stray cats, pigs, and chickens living in the Qinghai−Tibet Plateau are carrier animals for Anaplasma spp. IgG or IgM antibodies. The current findings provide valuable current data on the seroepidemiology of anaplasmosis in China and for plateau areas of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Hejia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Tongsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- Correspondence:
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7
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Thompson D, Thirumalapura NR, Tewari D. Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi infection in horses from Pennsylvania (2017-2019) using antibody and organism-based detection. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:1834-1838. [PMID: 36094906 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.06.0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi infections in Pennsylvania horses. ANIMALS 271 horses. PROCEDURES A survey was conducted with PCR and serology to evaluate anaplasmosis and Lyme disease infections in horses from Pennsylvania that were suspected for tick-borne infection. RESULTS A phagocytophilum was detected in 19/271 (7.0%) Pennsylvania horses tested by the duplex PCR. B burgdorferi was not detected in any horse blood tested by PCR. Overall, 120/271 (44.3%) horses tested positive for presence of A phagocytophilum antibodies by at least the IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus lateral flow immunosorbent (SNAP) or indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay, with 69 (25.5%) testing positive by both SNAP and IFA; 43 (15.9%) tested positive by IFA only, and 8 (3.0%) tested positive by SNAP only. Similarly, 209/271 (77.1%) horses tested positive for the presence of B burgdorferi antibodies by at least 1 test, with 139 (51.3%) testing positive by both SNAP and IFA; 45 (16.6%) tested positive by SNAP only, and 25 (9.2%) tested positive by IFA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Both A phagocytophilum and B burgdorferi are important tick-borne infections. The study provides prevalence data for both A phagocytophilum and B burgdorferi and compares test performance. For serologic detection, IFA detected antibodies to A phagocytophilum in a higher proportion (41.3%) of horses compared to SNAP (28.4%), while SNAP detected antibodies to B burgdorferi in a higher proportion (67.9%) of horses compared to IFA (60.5%). Both diseases showed a high seroprevalence in all areas surveyed.
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8
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Glass A, Springer A, Strube C. A 15-year monitoring of Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp.) in questing ticks in the city of Hanover, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101975. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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9
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Hart CE, Bhaskar JR, Reynolds E, Hermance M, Earl M, Mahoney M, Martinez A, Petzlova I, Esterly AT, Thangamani S. Community engaged tick surveillance and tickMAP as a public health tool to track the emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000215. [PMID: 36962313 PMCID: PMC10022224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A community engaged passive surveillance program was utilized to acquire ticks and associated information throughout New York state. Ticks were speciated and screened for several tick-borne pathogens. Of these ticks, only I. scapularis was commonly infected with pathogens of human relevance, including B. burgdorferi, B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum, B. microti, and Powassan virus. In addition, the geographic and temporal distribution of tick species and pathogens was determined. This enabled the construction of a powerful visual analytical mapping tool, tickMAP to track the emergence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in real-time. The public can use this tool to identify hot-spots of disease emergence, clinicians for supportive evidence during differential diagnosis, and researchers to better understand factors influencing the emergence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in New York. Overall, we have created a community-engaged tick surveillance program and an interactive visual analytical tickMAP that other regions could emulate to provide real-time tracking and an early warning for the emergence of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Hart
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Jahnavi Reddy Bhaskar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Erin Reynolds
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Meghan Hermance
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Martin Earl
- Moonshot Team, Information Management and Technology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew Mahoney
- Moonshot Team, Information Management and Technology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Ana Martinez
- Moonshot Team, Information Management and Technology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Ivona Petzlova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Allen T Esterly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Saravanan Thangamani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
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Risso A, Campos G, Garcia H, Zerpa H. Insights into equine piroplasmosis in Venezuelan sport horses: Molecular diagnosis, clinical, and cardiovascular findings. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 27:100666. [PMID: 35012720 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100666] [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: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne infectious disease highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Venezuela. EP affects wild and domestic equids leading to several clinical presentations, from asymptomatic to severely affected animals. In this study, thirty-three (33) sport horses under regular training activities and from endemic regions of north-central Venezuela were submitted to an observational survey, case-control, to describe the presence of clinical signs and natural EP infections. A conventional PCR assay targeting the SSU rRNA gene revealed EP etiologic agents in 13 out of 33 sampled horses (~ 39.4% infections). Nine (9) of these EP-positive samples were confirmed as infected with Babesia caballi (6/9 = 66.7%) or Theileria equi (3/9 = 33.3%) by DNA sequencing and BLASTN analyses. A phylogeny of SSU rRNA gene sequences revealed that these new B. caballi and T. equi sequences clustered within the worldwide distributed phylogenetic genotype A, respectively. No acute EP cases were observed in this study; however, six (6) PCR-positive animals displayed mild clinical signs compatible with EP, including a mild leukocytosis (P < 0.05). The heart rate variability frequency domain analysis in four (4) of these EP-positive infected animals revealed a significant (P < 0.05) higher low-frequency/high-frequency ratio suggesting a sympathovagal imbalance in these chronically infected animals. Other clinical and cardiovascular parameters were similar between the different groups. Sport horses are routinely submitted to intense training programs and sport-related activities that could lead to loss of the host-parasite equilibrium that characterizes enzootic regions, increasing the likelihood of infection reactivation and the risk of transmission. Heart rate variability analysis contributes to evaluate the sympathovagal balance and detecting homeostasis disturbances in sport horses. Molecular diagnostic tests for EP based on the detection of parasite DNA in equine blood samples should be included in the health programs of sport horses in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaldo Risso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Romulo Gallegos University, Zaraza, Guarico, Venezuela
| | - Gerardo Campos
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Herakles Garcia
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Héctor Zerpa
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada, West Indies.
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11
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Russell A, Shost N, Burch M, Salazara LL, Fikes K, Bechelli J, Suagee-Bedore J. Serological and Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. in Blood From Healthy Horses: A Preliminary Study of Horses in East Texas. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 106:103757. [PMID: 34670700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103757] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is spread by infected ticks. In horses, A. phagocytophilum generally causes transient infection characterized by fever, lethargy, inappetence, ventral edema, petechiae, icterus, ataxia, recumbency, muscle stiffness, and, in severe cases, death. Following natural infection, horses retain antibodies for approximately 2 years, which can be detected through an immunofluorescence antibody assay. Current infections are determined through PCR assay of white blood cell DNA. For this study, whole blood was collected from apparently healthy horses located in East Texas (n = 70), west Texas (n = 3), New York (n = 49), and New Jersey (n = 11) for the determination of serum antibodies and PCR testing of bacterial DNA. Of the 133 horses, 24 tested positive for DNA presence of A. phagocytophilum, and 107 tested positive for serum antibodies. Of the 24 horses testing positive for A. phagocytophilum, 16 were positive for serum antibody presence and 8 were negative. Twenty of the msp2 positive horses were located in East Texas and 4 resided in New York. For serum antibodies, 100% of New York and New Jersey horses tested positive, while only 66% of Texas horses tested positive. This study provides evidence that a large number of horses are exposed to A. phagocytophilum and that this bacterium is present in East Texas. No Texas horse owners reported treatment for anaplasmosis, and the currently infected horses were not demonstrating signs of illness at the time of sample collection. Further research to understand the differences in disease severity amongst equine populations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Russell
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Nichola Shost
- School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Megan Burch
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Luis Lopez Salazara
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Kalley Fikes
- School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Jeremy Bechelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX
| | - Jessica Suagee-Bedore
- School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX.
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12
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Galon EM, Macalanda AM, Garcia MM, Ibasco CJ, Garvida A, Ji S, Zafar I, Hasegawa Y, Liu M, Ybañez RH, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Ybañez A, Claveria F, Xuan X. Molecular Identification of Selected Tick-Borne Protozoan and Bacterial Pathogens in Thoroughbred Racehorses in Cavite, Philippines. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101318. [PMID: 34684266 PMCID: PMC8537292 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) considerably impair equine health and productivity. Moreover, TBDs, particularly equine piroplasmosis, impede international movement and trade of equids, which is a vital component of the global horse racing industry. In the Philippines, horse racing is a lucrative industry generating millions of USD annually. However, information on equine TBDs is scarce. This study intended to describe molecularly the equine tick-borne infections in a racehorse park in Cavite, Philippines and identify the risk factors associated with the infections. One hundred twenty-four (n = 124) thoroughbred racehorses were sampled and screened for selected tick-borne protozoan and bacterial pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Racehorses were positive for Babesia caballi (12.10%; 15/124), Theileria equi (0.81%; 1/124), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (10.48%; 13/124), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (38.71%; 48/124), A. marginale (0.81%; 1/124), and Coxiella burnetii (0.81%; 1/124). Rickettsia was not detected in the samples. Gender was determined as a significant risk factor for B. caballi infection. Sequencing analysis revealed that seven partial 18S rRNA B. caballi isolates shared 98.63–100% identity with each other and were classified as genotype A. Meanwhile, the sequence obtained from the lone T. equi-positive sample was 99.77% identical to isolates from Spain, Switzerland, China, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, and was confirmed as genotype E based on the 18S rRNA gene. Eight Anaplasma 16S rRNA partial sequences were highly identical to A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis. Partial sequences of Borrelia 5–23S rRNA were most closely related to B. japonica and other Borrelia sp. isolates from various countries. This study reports the first molecular detection of Borrelia and Anaplasma and the identification of B. caballi and T. equi genotypes in racehorses in the Philippines. Findings from this study shall be useful in crafting equine tick and TBD control and prevention programs in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (S.J.); (I.Z.); (Y.H.); (R.U.-S.)
| | - Adrian Miki Macalanda
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Philippines; (M.M.G.); (C.J.I.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.M.); (X.X.)
| | - Mary Margarett Garcia
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Philippines; (M.M.G.); (C.J.I.)
| | - Chrysler James Ibasco
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Philippines; (M.M.G.); (C.J.I.)
| | - Anatolio Garvida
- Saddle & Clubs Leisure Park, Philippine Racing Club Inc., Naic 4110, Philippines;
| | - Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (S.J.); (I.Z.); (Y.H.); (R.U.-S.)
| | - Iqra Zafar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (S.J.); (I.Z.); (Y.H.); (R.U.-S.)
| | - Yae Hasegawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (S.J.); (I.Z.); (Y.H.); (R.U.-S.)
| | - Mingming Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang 441053, China;
| | - Rochelle Haidee Ybañez
- Institute of Molecular Parasitology and Protozoan Diseases, Main Campus and College of Veterinary Medicine, Barili Campus, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City 6000, Philippines; (R.H.Y.); (A.Y.)
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (S.J.); (I.Z.); (Y.H.); (R.U.-S.)
| | - Adrian Ybañez
- Institute of Molecular Parasitology and Protozoan Diseases, Main Campus and College of Veterinary Medicine, Barili Campus, Cebu Technological University, Cebu City 6000, Philippines; (R.H.Y.); (A.Y.)
| | - Florencia Claveria
- Biology Department, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines;
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan; (E.M.G.); (S.J.); (I.Z.); (Y.H.); (R.U.-S.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.M.); (X.X.)
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13
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Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Wild and Farmed Cervids in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091190. [PMID: 34578222 PMCID: PMC8471193 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091190] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of cervids in the circulation of A. phagocytophilum has not yet been clearly determined; however, several species of wild and farm cervids may be a natural reservoir of this bacteria. Methods: Spleen and liver tissue samples were taken from 207 wild (red deer, roe deer, fallow deer and moose) and farmed cervids (red deer and fallow deer) from five geographical areas. These were tested for the A. phagocytophilum16S rDNA partial gene by nested PCR. Results: Anaplasma spp. were detected in 91 of 207 examined cervids (prevalence 43.9%). Three different variants of 16S rDNA partial gene were reported, one for the first time. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was more often detected in young specimens than in adults and more often in the spleen than in the liver. Conclusions: Cervids from the four sites across Poland were found to be major natural reservoirs of various strains of A. phagocytophilum. This is the first study to use spleen and liver as biological material to detect A. phagocytophilum in moose in Poland.
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Ceylan O, Benedicto B, Ceylan C, Tumwebaze M, Galon EM, Liu M, Xuan X, Sevinc F. A survey on equine tick-borne diseases: The molecular detection of Babesia ovis DNA in Turkish racehorses. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101784. [PMID: 34280696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101784] [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: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Common vector-borne diseases of horses include equine piroplasmosis (EP) caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, and equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Equine piroplasmosis leads to severe health issues in horses and restrictions on the movement of horses internationally. Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes an acute febrile illness in horses and is also of zoonotic importance. In the present study, blood samples were collected from 152 Turkish racehorses from three different provinces (İzmir, Gaziantep, and Konya) of Turkey to investigate the prevalence of EP and EGA. Standard and nested polymerase chain reactions were performed to identify equine piroplasms and A. phagocytophilum, respectively. PCR primers targeting Babesia spp. 18S rRNA, B. caballi BC48, T. equi EMA-1, and A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA genes were used for molecular diagnosis. Following the cloning and subsequent sequencing of PCR-positive samples, a total of 15 (9.9%) horses were found to be infected with at least one pathogen. Theileria equi and A. phagocytophilum were found in 3.3% (5/152) and 6.6% (10/152) of the samples, respectively. Although B. caballi specimens were not detected in any of the samples, a positive signal was detected for the Babesia genus-specific 18S rRNA PCR. Subsequent sequencing of this signal revealed 100% identity to Babesia ovis. This is the first detection of B. ovis DNA in racehorses in Turkey to the best of our knowledge. Additionally, this study also reports the first molecular identification of A. phagocytophilum in Turkish racehorses. Based on this report, it is recommended that future epidemiological studies on horses also take B. ovis, a parasite usually found in sheep, into consideration and that further detailed studies be conducted to unravel the transmission pathways and potential clinical effects of B. ovis in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Ceylan
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Konya, Turkey
| | - Byamukama Benedicto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ceylan Ceylan
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Konya, Turkey
| | - Maria Tumwebaze
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Ferda Sevinc
- Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Konya, Turkey.
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15
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Subbiah M, Thirumalapura N, Thompson D, Kuchipudi SV, Jayarao B, Tewari D. Detection of Anaplasma Phagocytophilum in Horses With Suspected Tick-Borne Disease in Northeastern United States by Metagenomic Sequencing. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:673193. [PMID: 34179165 PMCID: PMC8219919 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.673193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metagenomic sequencing of clinical diagnostic specimens has a potential for unbiased detection of infectious agents, diagnosis of polymicrobial infections and discovery of emerging pathogens. Herein, next generation sequencing (NGS)-based metagenomic approach was used to investigate the cause of illness in a subset of horses recruited for a tick-borne disease surveillance study during 2017–2019. Blood samples collected from 10 horses with suspected tick-borne infection and five apparently healthy horses were subjected to metagenomic analysis. Total genomic DNA extracted from the blood samples were enriched for microbial DNA and subjected to shotgun next generation sequencing using Nextera DNA Flex library preparation kit and V2 chemistry sequencing kit on the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. Overall, 0.4–0.6 million reads per sample were analyzed using Kraken metagenomic sequence classification program. The taxonomic classification of the reads indicated that bacterial genomes were overrepresented (0.5 to 1%) among the total microbial reads. Most of the bacterial reads (~91%) belonged to phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Tenericutes in both groups. Importantly, 10–42.5% of Alphaproteobacterial reads in 5 of 10 animals with suspected tick-borne infection were identified as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Of the 5 animals positive for A. phagocytophilum sequence reads, four animals tested A. phagocytophilum positive by PCR. Two animals with suspected tick-borne infection and A. phagocytophilum positive by PCR were found negative for any tick-borne microbial reads by metagenomic analysis. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of the NGS-based metagenomic analysis approach for the detection of blood-borne microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugan Subbiah
- Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Harrisburg, PA, United States
| | | | - David Thompson
- Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Harrisburg, PA, United States
| | - Suresh V Kuchipudi
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Bhushan Jayarao
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Deepanker Tewari
- Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Harrisburg, PA, United States
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16
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Costa SCL, de Souza Freitas J, Carvalho FS, Pereira MJS, Cordeiro MD, da Fonseca AH, Gomes Jusi MM, Machado RZ, Munhoz AD. Frequency and factors associated of potential zoonotic pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Leishmania spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) in equids in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:275. [PMID: 34022939 PMCID: PMC8140576 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, various zoonotic diseases are classified as emerging or reemerging. Because equids have a direct relationship with various vectors, they are possibly more frequently exposed to zoonotic agents than are humans. The undeniable importance of diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, spotted fever, and leishmaniasis for both public and animal health, as well as the possibility of equids acting as sources, reservoirs, or even sentinels for these pathogens, justifies the detection of their frequency and factors associated with infection in equids from northeastern Brazil. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 569 equids (528 horses, 33 donkeys, and 8 mules), 516 from a rural area and 53 from an urban area. Pathogen detection was carried out as follows: Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp., serological analysis; Leishmania spp., serological analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Anaplasma phagocytophilum, PCR. Determination of associated factors was carried out through generalized linear models. RESULTS The frequencies of positivity for the pathogens observed in equids were as follows: Borrelia spp., 13.9% (79/569); Leishmania spp., 3.5% (20/569); Rickettsia spp. 33.4% (190/569). Regarding factors associated with infection, male sex was associated with protection against Borrelia spp.; donkeys and mules were associated with protection against Rickettsia spp., while a younger age was a risk factor. The infection of A. phagocytophilum was not detected in the sampled population. Co-infection was detected in 5.1% (29/569) of the animals. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studied pathogenic agents are present in the prospected area, indicating a possible risk for both human and animal health. This demonstrates that equids can be considered important sentinels in the assessment of pathogens with zoonotic potential in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Carmen Lopo Costa
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Jéssica de Souza Freitas
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Fábio Santos Carvalho
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Maria Julia Salim Pereira
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Márcia Mariza Gomes Jusi
- Department of Animal Pathology, Julio Mesquita Filho State University, UNESP/Jaboticabal, Rod. Paulo Castelanne s/n, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 4884-900, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Department of Animal Pathology, Julio Mesquita Filho State University, UNESP/Jaboticabal, Rod. Paulo Castelanne s/n, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 4884-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
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17
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Keyte S, Abdullah S, James K, Newbury H, Helps C, Tasker S, Wall R. Prevalence and distribution of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks collected from dogs in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e12. [PMID: 33818768 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.12] [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: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the etiological agent of canine granulocytic anaplasmosis in dogs and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Tick-borne anaplasmosis has been recognised as an emerging zoonotic health concern worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in ticks collected from dogs in the UK and map its distribution. Routine surveillance of tick-borne disease is essential as part of a "One Health" approach to infectious disease management. METHODS Tick DNA samples collected in 2015 as part of a large-scale tick surveillance programme were analysed using a previously validated diagnostic quantitative PCR for A. phagocytophilum. RESULTS PCR analysis indicated that 138 out of 2994 tick DNA samples analysed were positive for A. phagocytophilum, a prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI: 3.89-5.42). Among these 138 tick DNA samples, 131 were from Ixodes ricinus, six were from Ixodes hexagonus and one was from Ixodes canisuga. Three of the I. ricinus tick DNA samples positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA were also positive for Borrelia spp. DNA and one was positive for Babesia spp. DNA, indicating co-infection. The ticks positive for the pathogen DNA were found widely distributed throughout the UK. CONCLUSIONS These data provide important information on the prevalence and wide distribution of A. phagocytophilum in ticks infesting dogs within the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Keyte
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Swaid Abdullah
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate James
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Chris Helps
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Diagnostic Laboratories, Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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18
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Role of Zoo-Housed Animals in the Ecology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens-A Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020210. [PMID: 33669161 PMCID: PMC7919684 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020210] [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: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are ubiquitous ectoparasites, feeding on representatives of all classes of terrestrial vertebrates and transmitting numerous pathogens of high human and veterinary medical importance. Exotic animals kept in zoological gardens, ranches, wildlife parks or farms may play an important role in the ecology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), as they may serve as hosts for local tick species. Moreover, they can develop diseases of varying severity after being infected by TBPs, and theoretically, can thus serve as reservoirs, thereby further propagating TBPs in local ecosystems. The definite role of these animals in the tick-host-pathogen network remains poorly investigated. This review provides a summary of the information currently available regarding ticks and TBPs in connection to captive local and exotic wildlife, with an emphasis on zoo-housed species.
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Abstract
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a vector-borne, infectious and non-contagious disease. The disease is caused by various pathogens of the genus Anaplasma. The different species cause different types of anaplasmosis depending on which cells that are infected in the mammalian host. Anaplasmosis has a wide host range, including humans, and it is distributed worldwide. The zoonotic potential of some species is of great importance in regards to public health concerns. This review presents information about anaplasmosis in animals and its prevalence in Europe, and other countries in the world.
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20
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Hoffman T, Wilhelmsson P, Barboutis C, Fransson T, Jaenson TGT, Lindgren PE, Von Loewenich FD, Lundkvist Å, Olsen B, Salaneck E. A divergent Anaplasma phagocytophilum variant in an Ixodes tick from a migratory bird; Mediterranean basin. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2020; 10:1729653. [PMID: 32284823 PMCID: PMC7144310 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2020.1729653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (AP) has vast geographical and host ranges and causes disease in humans and domesticated animals. We investigated the role of northward migratory birds in the dispersal of tick-borne AP in the African-Western Palearctic. Ticks were collected from northward migratory birds trapped during spring migration of 2010 at two localities in the central Mediterranean Sea. AP DNA was detected by PCR (gltA and 16S rRNA) and variant determination was performed using ankA sequences. In total, 358 ticks were collected. One of 19 ticks determined as Ixodes was confirmed positive for AP DNA. The tick was collected from a woodchat shrike (Lanius senator senator) trapped in Greece, and molecularly determined to belong to the I. ricinus complex and sharing highest (95%) 16S RNA sequence identity to I. gibbosus. The ankA AP sequence exhibited highest similarity to sequences from rodents and shrews (82%) and ruminants (80%). Phylogenetic analyses placed it convincingly outside other clades, suggesting that it represents a novel AP variant. The divergent Ixodes species harboring a novel AP variant could either indicate an enzootic cycle involving co-evolution with birds, or dissemination from other regions by avian migration. None of the 331 Hyalomma marginatum sensu lato ticks, all immature stages, were positive for AP DNA, lending no evidence for the involvement of Hyalomma ticks transported by birds in the ecology of AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Hoffman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.,Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christos Barboutis
- Antikythira Bird Observatory, Hellenic Ornithological Society/Birdlife Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Thord Fransson
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.,Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Salaneck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
This article uses a case-based approach, complemented with diagnostic algorithms and images, to highlight hematologic changes of pathologic relevance in horses, namely, marked erythrocytosis, anemia or leukocytosis, inflammatory leukograms, lymphocytosis in adult horses, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia. These hematologic abnormalities occur with certain diseases and their identification can help clinicians narrow to down differential diagnostic lists. This article highlights the importance of blood smear examination, particularly, but not only, when numerical red flags are identified on automated blood counts.
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22
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Dixon CE, Bedenice D. Transplacental infection of a foal with
Anaplasma phagocytophilum. EQUINE VET EDUC 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Dixon
- Department of Clinical Sciences Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University North Grafton Massachusetts USA
| | - D. Bedenice
- Department of Clinical Sciences Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University North Grafton Massachusetts USA
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23
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Tyrrell JD, Qurollo BA, Tornquist SJ, Schlaich KG, Kelsey J, Chandrashekar R, Breitschwerdt EB. Molecular identification of vector-borne organisms in Ehrlichia seropositive Nicaraguan horses and first report of Rickettsia felis infection in the horse. Acta Trop 2019; 200:105170. [PMID: 31518572 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Certain vector-borne organisms serve as etiological agents of equine disease. After previously identifying a new Ehrlichia species in horses from Mérida, we aimed to determine the infection frequency and screen for a wide range of vector-borne organisms from 93 tick-exposed, Ehrlichia seropositive horses in this region. PCR assays were performed to identify infection by organisms within the following genera: Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Leishmania, Mycoplasma, Neorickettsia, Rickettsia and Theileria. Overall, 90/93 horses (96.8%) were infected with one or more vector-borne organisms. Ninety (96.8%) horses were infected with Theileria equi and 21 (26.8%) with Babesia caballi. Nine (9.7%) horses were infected with the novel Ehrlichia species previously designated H7, reported in horses from Nicaragua and Brazil. Two horses (2.2%) were infected with Rickettsia felis. Anaplasma, Bartonella, Leishmania, Mycoplasma, or Neorickettsia species DNA was not amplified from any horse. Ticks collected from horses infected with vector-borne organisms were identified as Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato and Dermacentor nitens. Horses in Mérida are infected by a range of vector-borne organisms, including B. caballi, T. equi, Ehrlichia species H7, and R. felis. To the authors' knowledge, this constitutes the first report of molecular detection of R. felis in horses.
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Valente JDM, Mongruel ACB, Machado CAL, Chiyo L, Leandro AS, Britto AS, Martins TF, Barros-Filho IR, Biondo AW, Perotta JH, Campos ANS, Vidotto O, Labruna MB, Aguiar DM, Vieira TSWJ, Vieira RFC. Tick-borne pathogens in carthorses from Foz do Iguaçu City, Paraná State, southern Brazil: A tri-border area of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Vet Parasitol 2019; 273:71-79. [PMID: 31446256 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBD) constitute an important group of illness affecting animals and humans worldwide. In Brazil, carthorses are frequently exposed to ticks and tick-borne pathogens, leading to impairment of horse performance and imposing restrictions by the international veterinary authorities for the importation of horses. Accordingly, this study has aimed to i) determine the prevalence of the TBD agents Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, Ehrlichia spp., and hemotropic mycoplasmas in carthorses, ii) identify the tick species parasitizing the animals, and iii) determine factors associated with exposure/infection in Foz do Iguaçu City, Parana state, southern Brazil. A total of 103 carthorses were screened for anti-T. equi and anti-Ehrlichia spp. antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody assays (IFA). Samples were also tested by PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi and B. caballi, and 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Additionally, PCR assays targeting the 16S rRNA, disulfide bond formation protein (dsb) and tandem repeat proteins 36 (trp36) genes of Ehrlichia spp. were also performed. Antibodies to T. equi and Ehrlichia spp. were detected in 43/103 (41.75%; 95% CI: 32.10-51.88%) and 5/103 (4.85%; 95% CI: 1.59-10.97%) horses by IFA, respectively. DNA of T. equi and B. caballi were found in 25/103 (24.27%; 95% CI: 16.36-33.71%) and 10/103 (9.71%; 95% CI: 4.75-17.13%) carthorses, respectively, and all tested negative for Ehrlichia spp. and hemoplasmas. All sequences showed ≥99% identity with multiple T. equi and B. caballi 18S rRNA gene sequences deposited in GenBank. Overall, 191 Dermacentor nitens ticks were collected from 25/103 (24.27%) animals. Carthorses older than 5 years were more likely to be positive for T. equi (p < 0.05). In conclusion, equine piroplasmosis agents are highly prevalent in carthorses from Foz do Iguaçu City. The low prevalence of Ehrlichia spp. found may be due to the absence of Amblyomma ticks infesting animals, which should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D M Valente
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Anna C B Mongruel
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carolina A L Machado
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chiyo
- Unidade de Vigilância em Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Andre S Leandro
- Unidade de Vigilância em Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
| | - André S Britto
- Unidade de Vigilância em Zoonoses, Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ivan R Barros-Filho
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Alexander W Biondo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João H Perotta
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Amanda N S Campos
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Laboratório de Virologia e Rickettsioses, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Thállitha S W J Vieira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rafael F C Vieira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Global One Health initiative (GOHi), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Anaplasma bovis infection in a horse: First clinical report and molecular analysis. Vet Microbiol 2019; 233:47-51. [PMID: 31176411 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A 23-year-old male Thoroughbred horse at the Korean Military Academy appeared thin with visible rib bones and presented clinical signs of fever, anorexia, lethargy, and severe dehydration. To determine the presence of various febrile disease-causing agents, the 23 cohabiting horses at the academy, including this horse, were subjected to hematology, blood chemistry, and molecular analysis using whole blood samples collected during regular medical check-ups. On the basis of clinical history, physical examination, hematology, blood chemistry, and fecal examination, differential diagnosis using molecular analyses was performed for various febrile disease-causing agents, including Lyme borreliae, Coxiella, piroplasms (Babesia and Theileria), Rickettsiales (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia), equine herpesvirus, equine infectious anemia virus, and equine arteritis virus. While other pathogens were not detected, PCR and phylogenetic analysis targeting the Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene revealed that the horse was infected with Anaplasma bovis. Although PCR targeting the groEL and gltA genes of A. bovis was not successful, the restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism assay for differential diagnosis and determination of coinfectivity between Anaplasma phagocytophilum and A. bovis confirmed the pathogen as A. bovis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of A. bovis infection in a horse, suggesting a new reservoir host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, 39660, Republic of Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Fielding CL, Rhodes DM, Howard EJ, Mayer JR. Evaluation of potential predictor variables for PCR assay diagnosis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in equids in Northern California. Am J Vet Res 2018; 79:637-642. [PMID: 30085857 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.79.6.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify clinical or clinicopathologic variables that can be used to predict a positive PCR assay result for Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in equids. ANIMALS 162 equids. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to identify equids that underwent testing for evidence of A phagocytophilum infection by PCR assay between June 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015. For each equid that tested positive (case equid), 2 time-matched equids that tested negative for the organism (control equids) were identified. Data collected included age, sex, breed, geographic location (residence at the time of testing), physical examination findings, and CBC and plasma biochemical analysis results. Potential predictor variables were analyzed by stepwise logistic regression followed by classification and regression tree analysis. Generalized additive models were used to evaluate identified predictors of a positive test result for A phagocytophilum. RESULTS Total lymphocyte count, plasma total bilirubin concentration, plasma sodium concentration, and geographic latitude were linear predictors of a positive PCR assay result for A phagocytophilum. Plasma creatine kinase activity was a nonlinear predictor of a positive result. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Assessment of predictors identified in this study may help veterinarians identify equids that could benefit from early treatment for anaplasmosis while definitive test results are pending. This information may also help to prevent unnecessary administration of oxytetracycline to equids that are unlikely to test positive for the disease.
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Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis 28 years later. Microb Pathog 2018; 119:1-8. [PMID: 29626656 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) is an important tick borne disease of equines that is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum). The etiological agent has veterinary as well as public health importance because of its zoonotic nature. A. phagocytophilum causes an acute illness in equines with loss of appetite, lethargy, hemorrhages and lameness. Clinically, EGA is diagnosed upon examination of morulae within neutrophils especially granulocytes in the blood. The best diagnostic tool for the detection of EGA is Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Previous studies suggested that EGA is a self-limiting disease and tetracycline therapy is considered as a best treatment regimen. There is no comprehensive summary on the occurrence and distribution of the infection at global level. Therefore, we intended to provide a comprehensive summary on the prevalence and epidemiology of EGA in different areas of the world. It includes mapping the global distribution of EGA in different areas of the world to identify the endemic regions which may be a source of potential disease outbreak. For this purpose, the published data from 1990 to 2018 on EGA was reviewed and collected by electronic literature search of five databases including Google, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and Web of Science.
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Ruby RE, Wong DM, Sponseller BA, Yaeger M. Suspected case of hypersplenism as a cause of anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia in a Miniature Horse gelding. EQUINE VET EDUC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. E. Ruby
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Lloyd Veterinary Medical CenterIowa State University Ames Iowa USA
| | - D. M. Wong
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Lloyd Veterinary Medical CenterIowa State University Ames Iowa USA
| | - B. A. Sponseller
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Lloyd Veterinary Medical CenterIowa State University Ames Iowa USA
| | - M. Yaeger
- Department of Veterinary Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine Iowa State University Ames Iowa USA
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Wotman KL, Johnson AL. Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Disease in the Horse. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2017; 33:563-582. [PMID: 29103562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many systemic diseases have ocular manifestations. In some cases, ocular abnormalities are the most obvious or first recognized sign of disease that prompts veterinary evaluation. In other cases, the systemic disease leads to secondary ocular changes that might lead to loss of vision or globe if not addressed. Therefore, recognition of ocular abnormalities that might result from systemic diseases is an essential skill for the equine practitioner. This article provides practitioners with information regarding the most common systemic diseases of horses in North America that have ocular manifestations, organized by ocular signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Wotman
- Comparative Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1678, USA.
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
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CLINICAL DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM INFECTION IN CAPTIVE PRZEWALSKI'S HORSES (EQUUS FERUS PRZEWALSKII). J Zoo Wildl Med 2017; 48:497-505. [PMID: 28749289 DOI: 10.1638/2016-0247r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-borne pathogen of domestic horses and the causative agent of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis. This case series describes three confirmed cases of clinical anaplasmosis, and a fourth case of presumptive anaplasmosis in Przewalski's horses ( Equus ferus przewalskii) housed at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute from 2008 to 2014. Clinical signs varied among individuals with affected horses exhibiting lethargy, weakness, pyrexia, hypophagia, reluctance to move, or ataxia. Anaplasmosis cases were confirmed with a combination of identification of neutrophilic inclusions (morulae) on peripheral blood smear, positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of whole blood, or convalescent titers. All animals recovered after antimicrobial therapy with oxytetracycline. Diagnosis should be made by a combination of clinical signs plus identification of morulae or positive A. phagocytophilum PCR. Treatment is curative using oxytetracyline intramuscularly or intravenously followed by daily therapy with oxytetracyline or minocycline for 14-30 days. The authors recommend that A. phagocytophilum infection be included on any differential list for Przewalski's horses presenting with fever or ataxia within or near an enzootic area.
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Gussmann K, Kirschnek S, von Loewenich FD. Interferon-γ-dependent control of Anaplasma phagocytophilum by murine neutrophil granulocytes. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:329. [PMID: 28697801 PMCID: PMC5506630 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. It replicates in neutrophils and elicits febrile disease in humans and animals. Because of its striking tropism for neutrophils, A. phagocytophilum has been used as a model organism to study the immune response against obligate intracellular pathogens. In mice, the control of A. phagocytophilum in the early phase of infection is dependent on natural killer cell-derived interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In contrast, the final elimination strictly requires CD4+ T-cells. It is a matter of debate, whether neutrophils serve only as host cells or as killer cells as well. Results To study this, we used in vitro generated murine neutrophils with defects in major antimicrobial molecules such as NADPH-oxidase (gp91phox−/−), myeloperoxidase (MPO−/−) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS−/−). However, bacterial growth in gene-deficient neutrophils was comparable to that in wild-type cells. Whereas gp91phox and MPO expression remained unchanged, the infection led to an induction of iNOS. In neutrophils stimulated with IFN-γ, bacterial growth was significantly impaired, and iNOS was induced. However, the antibacterial effect of IFN-γ was still seen in iNOS−/− neutrophils. Conclusion Thus, murine in vitro generated neutrophils stimulated with IFN-γ seem to act as killer cells by an iNOS-independent mechanism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2274-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Gussmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kirschnek
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Friederike D von Loewenich
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Mainz, Obere Zahlbacherstrasse 67, D-55131, Mainz, Germany.
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SURVEY OF ANAPLASMA PHAGOCYTOPHILUM ANTIBODIES IN CAPTIVE PRZEWALSKI'S HORSES ( EQUUS FERUS PRZEWALSKII). J Zoo Wildl Med 2017; 48:506-509. [DOI: 10.1638/2016-0248r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Draft Anaplasma phagocytophilum Genome Sequences from Five Cows, Two Horses, and One Roe Deer Collected in Europe. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/6/e00950-16. [PMID: 27908984 PMCID: PMC5137398 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00950-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a zoonotic tick-borne intracellular bacterium responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis. As it is difficult to isolate and cultivate, only 20 A. phagocytophilum genomes have been sequenced to date. Here, we present eight A. phagocytophilum genome sequences obtained using alternative approaches based on sequence capture technology.
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Skotarczak B, Wodecka B, Rymaszewska A, Adamska M. Molecular evidence for bacterial pathogens in Ixodes ricinus ticks infesting Shetland ponies. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 69:179-189. [PMID: 26920921 PMCID: PMC4844639 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus has the potential to transmit zoonotic pathogens to humans and domestic animals. The feeding I. ricinus (n = 1737) collected from 49 Shetland ponies and questing ones from vegetation (n = 371) were tested for the presence and differentiation of the bacterial species. DNA of I. ricinus ticks was examined with PCR and sequencing analysis to identify species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. Altogether, 24.3 % I. ricinus of the infested horses and 12.4 % ticks from vegetation carried at least one pathogen species. Horse-feeding ticks (19.2 %) were significantly more frequently infected with Borrelia spp. than questing ticks (4.8 %). Among Bbsl species, in I. ricinus infesting ponies, B. garinii, B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. valaisiana and B. lusitanie and one species, B. miyamotoi related to relapsing fever group, were detected. The 73 flaB gene sequences of Borrelia obtained from feeding I. ricinus have been deposited in GenBank. Among Rickettsia species, two were identified: R. helvetica which was dominant and R. monacensis. Infections with more than one pathogenic species, involving mostly Bbsl and R. helvetica were detected in 6.3 % of infected ticks collected from horses. Shetland ponies may play an important role in the epidemiological cycle of Bbsl and probably could contribute to the natural cycle of A. phagocytophilum and R. helvetica as host for infected ticks. The awareness about these infectious agents in ticks from ponies might be an important criterion for the risk assessment of human diseases, especially as these animals are maintained for recreational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogumiła Skotarczak
- Department of Genetics, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Beata Wodecka
- Department of Genetics, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Rymaszewska
- Department of Genetics, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Adamska
- Department of Genetics, University of Szczecin, Felczaka 3c, 71-412, Szczecin, Poland
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35
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Lester SJ, Mollat WH, Bryant JE. Overview of Clinical Pathology and the Horse. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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36
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Restifo MM, Bedenice D, Thane KE, Mazan MR. Cavitary effusion associated with Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in 2 equids. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:732-5. [PMID: 25711458 PMCID: PMC4895512 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M M Restifo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Rd., N. Grafton, MA, 01536
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Huhn C, Winter C, Wolfsperger T, Wüppenhorst N, Strašek Smrdel K, Skuballa J, Pfäffle M, Petney T, Silaghi C, Dyachenko V, Pantchev N, Straubinger RK, Schaarschmidt-Kiener D, Ganter M, Aardema ML, von Loewenich FD. Analysis of the population structure of Anaplasma phagocytophilum using multilocus sequence typing. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93725. [PMID: 24699849 PMCID: PMC3974813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that replicates in neutrophils. It is transmitted via tick-bite and causes febrile disease in humans and animals. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is regarded as an emerging infectious disease in North America, Europe and Asia. However, although increasingly detected, it is still rare in Europe. Clinically apparent A. phagocytophilum infections in animals are mainly found in horses, dogs, cats, sheep and cattle. Evidence from cross-infection experiments that A. phagocytophilum isolates of distinct host origin are not uniformly infectious for heterologous hosts has led to several approaches of molecular strain characterization. Unfortunately, the results of these studies are not always easily comparable, because different gene regions and fragment lengths were investigated. Multilocus sequence typing is a widely accepted method for molecular characterization of bacteria. We here provide for the first time a universal typing method that is easily transferable between different laboratories. We validated our approach on an unprecedented large data set of almost 400 A. phagocytophilum strains from humans and animals mostly from Europe. The typability was 74% (284/383). One major clonal complex containing 177 strains was detected. However, 54% (49/90) of the sequence types were not part of a clonal complex indicating that the population structure of A. phagocytophilum is probably semiclonal. All strains from humans, dogs and horses from Europe belonged to the same clonal complex. As canine and equine granulocytic anaplasmosis occurs frequently in Europe, human granulocytic anaplasmosis is likely to be underdiagnosed in Europe. Further, wild boars and hedgehogs may serve as reservoir hosts of the disease in humans and domestic animals in Europe, because their strains belonged to the same clonal complex. In contrast, as they were only distantly related, roe deer, voles and shrews are unlikely to harbor A. phagocytophilum strains infectious for humans, domestic or farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Huhn
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christina Winter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Timo Wolfsperger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Wüppenhorst
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Strašek Smrdel
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jasmin Skuballa
- Department of Ecology and Parasitology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Miriam Pfäffle
- Department of Ecology and Parasitology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Trevor Petney
- Department of Ecology and Parasitology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Viktor Dyachenko
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Reinhard K. Straubinger
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthew L. Aardema
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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