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Johns O, Pearl DL, Foster RA, Barta J, Chenier T. The seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure to Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi in Ontario broodmares. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101002. [PMID: 38644034 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101002] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure to Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi in broodmares in Ontario were investigated. Sixty of the 219 (27.4%) study broodmares were seropositive for N. caninum and 65/219 (29.7%) for N. hughesi with cut-offs of ≥1:40 and ≥1:160, respectively. Thirty-one of 63 participating farms (49.2%) had at least 1 broodmare seropositive for N. caninum. Thirty-three of the 63 (52.4%) participating farms had at least 1 broodmare positive for N. hughesi. Risk factors for N. caninum included presence of farm dogs (OR = 6.70; 95% CI = 2.14-20.97; p = 0.001), and high stocking density (OR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.27-6.30; p = 0.011). Presence of livestock, excluding cattle, was associated with reduced risk of exposure (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.06-0.53; p = 0.002). The only risk factor for exposure to N. hughesi was feeding hay on the ground in the paddock (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.65-11.22; p = 0.003). This study demonstrated widespread exposure to Neospora spp. in broodmares in Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Johns
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - David L Pearl
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Robert A Foster
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - John Barta
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Tracey Chenier
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Bernardino PN, Pusterla N, Conrad PA, Packham AE, Tamez-Trevino E, Aleman M, James K, Smith WA. Evidence of intrathecally-derived antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in horses suspected of neurological disease consistent with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Vet Parasitol 2023; 318:109919. [PMID: 37043865 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Among the recognized neurologic diseases in horses, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) has been reported around the world and still presents challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Horses can present with clinical neurologic signs consistent with EPM while testing negative for the two main causative agents, Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi, and may still be clinically responsive to anti-parasitic drug therapy. This context led to our hypothesis that another protozoal parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which is known to cause toxoplasmosis in other mammalian species, is a potential pathogen to cause neurologic disease in horses. To evaluate this hypothesis, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected from 210 horses presenting with clinical signs compatible with EPM, and the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect antibody titers for T. gondii, S. neurona, and N. hughesi. Additionally, the serum to CSF titer ratio was calculated for T. gondii, S. neurona, and N. hughesi infections, suggesting intrathecally-derived antibodies for each of the three agents if the serum:CSF ratio was ≤ 64. There were 133 (63.3%) horses positive for serum T. gondii antibodies using a cutoff titer of 160, and 31 (14.8%) positive for CSF T. gondii antibodies using a cutoff titer of 5. Overall, 21 (10.0%) of EPM-suspect horses had a serum:CSF ratio ≤ 64 for antibodies for T. gondii, while 43 (20.5%) and 8 (3.8%) horses had a serum to CSF ratio ≤ 64 for antibodies for S. neurona and N. hughesi, respectively. A total of 6 (2.9%) animals presented evidence of concurrent intrathecally-derived antibodies for T. gondii and at least one other apicomplexan parasite in this study. Signalment and clinical signs were not different across the groups aforementioned. These data provide evidence of intrathecal production of anti-T. gondii antibodies, indicative of T. gondii infection in the brain and/or spinal cord of horses with EPM-like disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro N Bernardino
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Patricia A Conrad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Andrea E Packham
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Eva Tamez-Trevino
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, Immunology/Virology Laboratory, 1 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kaitlyn James
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Woutrina A Smith
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bedenice
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
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Dubey JP. Invited review: Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections in horses and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM): five decades of personal experience, perspectives, and update. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-44. [PMID: 35260209 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021002055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSarcocystis neurona, Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are related protozoans; they were considered the same parasite until 1970s. Two of these parasites, S. neurona and Neospora spp. are associated with a neurological syndrome in horses, called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The diagnosis and treatment of EPM are difficult. Most cases of EPM are related to S. neurona while only a few are due to Neospora spp. infections. There are two species of Neospora, Neospora caninum that has a wide host range and Neospora hughesi that has been found only in horses. Currently, T. gondii is not considered as a cause of EPM in horses, although it causes neurological illness in many other hosts, including humans. The present review provides an update on history, life cycle, diagnosis and treatment of these three infections in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
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Llano HAB, Soares RM, Acevedo-Gutierrez LY, Rodas JD, Polo G, Borges-Silva W, Jesus RF, Gondim LFP. Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora spp. in horses, donkeys, and mules from Colombia. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105970. [PMID: 34033805 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105970] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora spp. are related protozoa that can cause equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The present study aimed to determine the frequency of antibodies to these parasites in 649 equids (351 horses, 267 donkeys, and 31 mules) from six departments in the North and Northwest of Colombia. For this purpose, the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used for detecting antibodies against S. neurona and Neospora spp. with a cut-off point of 1:20 and 1:50, respectively. A binomial logistic regression model was selected to predict variables associated with exposure. The frequency of anti-S. neurona antibodies was 14.24% (95% CI: 10.84-18.44) for horses, 2.99% (95% CI: 1.39-6.04) for donkeys, and 16.13% (95% CI: 6.09-34.47) for mules. The risk for S. neurona infection was significantly lower in donkeys (OR: 0.18 [0.08-0.38]; p<0.001) than horses and mules, and higher in animals with a poor body condition (OR: 2.82 [1.45-6.05]; p<0.05). Additionally, older animals (>12y) had a higher risk of seropositivity (OR: 5.26 [1.88-19.1]; p<0.05), as well as animals that inhabit climatic conditions associated with tropical very dry forest (OR: 1.85 [1.01-3.51]; p<0.05). Córdoba and Antioquia departments presented the highest seropositivity to S. neurona with 13.01 and 8.3%, respectively. The frequency of anti-Neospora spp. antibodies was 1.42% (95% CI: 0.52-3.48) for horses, 1.12% (95% CI:0.29-3.52) for donkeys and 0% (95%, CI: 0-0) for mules. Atlántico was the state with the highest seropositivity to Neospora spp. (10%). No risks associated with Neospora spp. infection were found. These findings allow us to conclude that equids from these regions of Colombia are exposed to S. neurona, but antibodies to Neospora spp. are uncommon. Further studies are necessary to explore the presence of these two agents in other areas of the country. In addition, we need to prove the importance of the above-mentioned risk factors over the susceptibility of horses to these protozoal agents and the epidemiological impact of these underdiagnosed coccidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horwald A B Llano
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo -USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Grupo de Investigación GINVER, Corporación Universitaria Remington, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo -USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leidy Y Acevedo-Gutierrez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan David Rodas
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gina Polo
- Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Universidad de La Salle, D.C., Colombia
| | - Waléria Borges-Silva
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UFBA, Salvador-BA, Brazil
| | - Rogério F Jesus
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UFBA, Salvador-BA, Brazil
| | - Luís F P Gondim
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UFBA, Salvador-BA, Brazil
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Pellizzoni SG, Costa SCL, Mery RBG, Barbieri JM, Munhoz AD, Silva AND, Sevá ADP, Alvarez MRDV, Albuquerque GR. Sarcocystis neurona, seroprevalence of antibodies in equines and research of oocystis in opossum in Ilhéus - Itabuna microregion, Bahia, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e027720. [PMID: 34161493 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona antibodies in equines in the Ilhéus-Itabuna microregion (BA), and identify possible factors associated with infection. The presence of sporocysts/oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. was also verified in Didelphis spp. A total of 669 serum samples were collected from equines in 56 properties located in 12 municipalities in the region. Indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed with slides containing merozoites of the S. neurona, using a cut-off titer of 1:80. Occurrence of 7.92% of anti-S. neurona antibodies was observed in the sampled equines. The purposes trade and work were significantly associated with the presence of antibodies (p<0.05), and being used for the purpose of work (21.6%) was considered a risk factor, while being used for the purpose of trade (3.6%) was a protective factor. A total of 25 Didelphis spp. was captured for research on sporocysts/oocysts in stool samples and intestinal scrapings, being all negative. Didelphis spp. were all negative for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. and this circumstance does not change the fact that seroprevalence of S. neurona has been observed in horses raised in the southern Bahia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gusmão Pellizzoni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | | | | | - Jonata Melo Barbieri
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | - Aísla Nascimento da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | | | - George Rêgo Albuquerque
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
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Waap H, Volkart de Oliveira U, Nunes T, Gomes J, Gomes T, Bärwald A, Dias Munhoz A, Schares G. Serological survey of Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in horses in Portugal. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 20:100391. [PMID: 32448546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Equine neosporosis is regarded to be caused either by Neospora hughesi or Neospora caninum and equine besnoitiosis is caused by Besnoitia bennetti, both of which are apicomplexan parasites. N. caninum is the only known Neospora species in Europe, where equine N. caninum infections have been reported as being associated to abortion and reproductive failure. N. hughesi is prevalent in North America and was predominantly linked to neurological disorders. B. bennetti is considered an emergent disease in donkeys in North America and evidence for B. bennetti infection was recently reported in Europe. Though N. caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti are prevalent in cattle in Portugal, little is known about neosporosis in horses and, to the best of our knowledge, no information was hitherto available for Besnoitia spp. The aim of this study was thus to carry out a serological survey to determine the seroprevalence of these parasites in naturally exposed horses in Portugal. A total of 385 animals were screened by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test at the cut-off value 1:50 and positive results were confirmed by Western blot. Exposure to Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. was confirmed in 9.1% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 6.6-12.4%) and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0-1.5%) of horses, respectively. Considering the putative economic and animal health impact of neosporosis in horses and the consequences of a possible spread of equine besnoitiosis in Europe and elsewhere, more comprehensive studies are needed to characterize the species detected in serological surveys, evaluate the geographical distribution and assess possible risk factors that could favor transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Waap
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal; CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Uillians Volkart de Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, 45662-900 Ilhéus, BA, Brazil; Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Aplicadas, Santo Antônio Monte, Itamaraju 45836-000, BA, Brazil
| | - Telmo Nunes
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal; CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Gomes
- Escola Profissional de Desenvolvimento Rural de Serpa, Herdade da Bemposta 7830-909, Serpa, Portugal
| | - Andrea Bärwald
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, 45662-900 Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
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Passantino G, Lia RP, Latrofa S, Annoscia G, Šlapeta J, Otranto D, Rossi R, Zizzo N. Sarcocystis bertrami in skeletal muscles of donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) from Southern Italy. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100283. [PMID: 31027592 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Among the protozoa of the genus Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa; Sarcocystidae), Sarcocystis bertrami (syn. Sarcocystis fayeri) is an obligate intracellular parasite of donkeys and horses with worldwide distribution. Here, we report the detection of S. bertrami in naturally infected donkeys from southern Italy and describe their structure by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Protozoal cysts were detected both morphologically and molecularly in skeletal muscles of 28.57% (40/140) donkeys. Mature cysts of S. bertrami were found in skeletal muscle measuring 31-102 μm long and 19-83 μm wide with radially striated thick cyst wall. The high prevalence of infected donkeys suggests that dogs, the definitive hosts of S. bertrami, are contaminating environment with environmentally resistant sporocysts. Considering the increased consumption of raw donkey meat results also suggest a potential risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Stefania Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy; School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Zizzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Valenzano, Italy
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Abstract
EPM, CVSM, and EDM are currently recognized as the 3 most common neurologic diseases in US horses, with the latter 2 conditions being most prevalent in young animals. Moreover, horses competing at shows and performance events are at greater risk for exposure to highly contagious, neurologic EHV-1 outbreaks. A clinical diagnosis of any neurologic disease should be based on a careful history, complete neurologic examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing and interpretation. However, mild or early neurologic signs can often mimic or be mistaken for an orthopedic condition when horses present for performance-related concerns.
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Schale S, Howe D, Yeargan M, Morrow JK, Graves A, Johnson AL. Protozoal coinfection in horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in the eastern United States. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1210-1214. [PMID: 29633348 PMCID: PMC5980325 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection by 2 or more protozoa is linked with increased severity of disease in marine mammals with protozoan encephalitis. Hypothesis/Objectives To assess whether horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona also have evidence of infection with Neospora hughesi or Toxoplasma gondii. We hypothesized that horses with EPM would be more likely than horses with cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM) to be positive for antibodies to multiple protozoan parasites. Animals One hundred one horses with neurologic disease: 49 with EPM and 52 with CVSM. Methods Case review. Archived serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 101 horses were examined. Inclusion criteria included neurologic disease, antemortem or postmortem diagnosis of EPM or CVSM, and availability of serological results or archived samples for testing. Additional testing for antibodies was performed on serum for T. gondii, as well as serum and CSF for N. hughesi. Results Horses with EPM were more likely than horses with CVSM to have positive immunologic results for S. neurona on serum (95.9% versus 76.9%, P = .0058), CSF (98.0% versus 44.2%, P < .00001), and serum : CSF titer ratio (91.8% versus 0%, P < .00001). Positive results for Neospora and Toxoplasma were uncommon, with total seroprevalence rates of 12.9% and 14.9%, respectively. The proportions of EPM cases testing positive for Neospora and Toxoplasma (16% and 12%) were not different from the proportions of CVSM cases testing positive (10% and 17%, P = .31 and .47, respectively). Conclusion Results do not indicate an important role for protozoal coinfection in EPM in the eastern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schale
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Daniel Howe
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Michelle Yeargan
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Amy Graves
- Equine Diagnostic Solutions, LLC, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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Barberini DJ, Aleman M, Aristizabal F, Spriet M, Clark KC, Walker NJ, Galuppo LD, Amorim RM, Woolard KD, Borjesson DL. Safety and tracking of intrathecal allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in healthy and diseased horses. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:96. [PMID: 29631634 PMCID: PMC5891950 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0849-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is currently unknown if the intrathecal administration of a high dose of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is safe, how MSCs migrate throughout the vertebral canal after intrathecal administration, and whether MSCs are able to home to a site of injury. The aims of the study were: 1) to evaluate the safety of intrathecal injection of 100 million allogeneic adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs); 2) to assess the distribution of ASCs after atlanto-occipital (AO) and lumbosacral (LS) injection in healthy horses; and 3) to determine if ASCs homed to the site of injury in neurologically diseased horses. Methods Six healthy horses received 100 × 106 allogeneic ASCs via AO (n = 3) or LS injection (n = 3). For two of these horses, ASCs were radiolabeled with technetium and injected AO (n = 1) or LS (n = 1). Neurological examinations were performed daily, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were evaluated prior to and at 30 days after injection. Scintigraphic images were obtained immediately postinjection and at 30 mins, 1 h, 5 h, and 24 h after injection. Three horses with cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) received 100 × 106 allogeneic ASCs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) via AO injection and were euthanized 1–2 weeks after injection for a full nervous system necropsy. CSF parameters were compared using a paired student’s t test. Results There were no significant alterations in blood, CSF, or neurological examinations at any point after either AO or LS ASC injections into healthy horses. The radioactive signal could be identified all the way to the lumbar area after AO ASC injection. After LS injection, the signal extended caudally but only a minimal radioactive signal extended further cranially. GFP-labeled ASCs were not present at the site of disease at either 1 or 2 weeks following intrathecal administration. Conclusions The intrathecal injection of allogeneic ASCs was safe and easy to perform in horses. The AO administration of ASCs resulted in better distribution within the entire subarachnoid space in healthy horses. ASCs could not be found after 7 or 15 days of injection at the site of injury in horses with CVCM. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0849-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Jaqueta Barberini
- Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures and the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Fabio Aristizabal
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Mathieu Spriet
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Kaitlin C Clark
- Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures and the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Naomi J Walker
- Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures and the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Larry D Galuppo
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Rogério Martins Amorim
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, São Paulo State University "Julio de Mesquita Filho" - UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Kevin D Woolard
- Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures and the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Dori L Borjesson
- Veterinary Institute for Regenerative Cures and the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA.
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James KE, Smith WA, Conrad PA, Packham AE, Guerrero L, Ng M, Pusterla N. Seroprevalences of anti-Sarcocystis neurona and anti-Neospora hughesi antibodies among healthy equids in the United States. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017; 250:1291-1301. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.250.11.1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and association with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis: A case–control study of Californian horses. Vet J 2017; 224:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Diseases of the Nervous System. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7322266 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Ribeiro MJM, Rosa MHF, Bruhn FRP, Garcia ADM, Rocha CMBMD, Guimarães AM. Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. among horses in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2016; 25:142-50. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The present study used the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp., and evaluated the variables associated with these infections among 506 apparently healthy horses, reared in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study was conducted between April 2012 and October 2013. Among the horses, the true prevalence of S. neurona was 26% (95% CI: 22.0-30.4%), T. gondii 19.9% (95% CI: 15.5-24.8%) and Neospora spp. 23.9% (95% CI: 19.9-28.1%); and among the farms, 88.3% (95% CI: 74.4-91.6%), 71.6% (95% CI: 41-92.8%) and 85% (95% CI: 70.7-96.1%), respectively. Regarding mixed infection, 17 horses (3.4%) were seropositive for both S. neurona and T. gondii, 16 (3.2%) for T. gondii and Neospora spp. and 14 (2.8%) for S. neurona and Neospora spp. The associations between seropositivity and variables relating to the structure of the farm, management and health were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis, through the generalized estimating equations (GEE). The results suggest that the south of Minas Gerais is an enzootic area for S. neurona, T. gondii and Neospora spp. among horses, with prevalence of asymptomatic subclinical or chronic infections.
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Bartova E, Machacova T, Sedlak K, Budikova M, Mariani U, Veneziano V. Seroprevalence of antibodies of Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in horses from southern Italy. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Dubey JP, Howe DK, Furr M, Saville WJ, Marsh AE, Reed SM, Grigg ME. An update on Sarcocystis neurona infections in animals and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Vet Parasitol 2015; 209:1-42. [PMID: 25737052 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious disease of horses, and its management continues to be a challenge for veterinarians. The protozoan Sarcocystis neurona is most commonly associated with EPM. S. neurona has emerged as a common cause of mortality in marine mammals, especially sea otters (Enhydra lutris). EPM-like illness has also been recorded in several other mammals, including domestic dogs and cats. This paper updates S. neurona and EPM information from the last 15 years on the advances regarding life cycle, molecular biology, epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - D K Howe
- M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA
| | - M Furr
- Marion du Pont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 17690 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA 20176, USA
| | - W J Saville
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - A E Marsh
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - S M Reed
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - M E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Allergy, and Infectious Diseases, 4 Center Drive, Room B1-06, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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