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Epidemiological Survey on Tick-Borne Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Dog Populations of Southern Ethiopia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020102. [PMID: 36828518 PMCID: PMC9962431 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are known to host several tick-borne pathogens with zoonotic potential; however, scant information is available on the epidemiology of these pathogens in low-income tropical countries and in particular in sub-Saharan Africa. With the aim of investigating a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Erhlichia spp., Borrelia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp.), 273 blood samples were collected from dogs in selected districts of Ethiopia and analyzed by real-time and/or end-point PCR. The results of the study showed that Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent pathogen (53.8%), followed by Anaplasma phagocythophilum (7.0%), Babesia canis rossi (3.3%), Ehrlichia canis (2.6%) and Anaplasma platys (2.2%). Furthermore, five samples tested positive for Borrelia spp., identified as Borrelia afzelii (n = 3) and Borrelia burgdorferi (n = 2), and two samples for Rickettsia spp., identified as Rickettsia conorii (n = 1) and Rickettsia monacensis (n = 1). The finding of Anaplasma phagocythophilum and different species of the genera Borrelia and Rickettsia with zoonotic potential was unexpected and alarming, and calls for further investigation on the roles of dogs and on the tick, species acting as vector in this specific context. Other pathogens (Hepatozoon canis, Babaesia canis rossi, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis) are already known to have an important impact on the dogs' health but have minor zoonotic potential as they were rarely or never reported in humans. Dogs from rural areas were found to be at higher risk for different pathogens, probably due to the presence of other wild canids in the same environment. The findings of the present study contribute to a better knowledge of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, which is relevant to human and animal health.
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Celina SS, Cerný J. Coxiella burnetii in ticks, livestock, pets and wildlife: A mini-review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1068129. [PMID: 36439350 PMCID: PMC9691889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1068129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium with an obligatory intracellular lifestyle and has a worldwide distribution. Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Since its discovery in 1935, it has been shown to infect a wide range of animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Coxiella burnetii infection is of public and veterinary health and economic concern due to its potential for rapid spread and highly infectious nature. Livestock are the primary source of C. burnetii infection in most Q fever outbreaks which occurs mainly through inhalation of contaminated particles. Aside from livestock, many cases of Q fever linked to exposure to wildlife. Changes in the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions may lead to an increased potential risk of interspecies transmission and contribute to the emergence/re-emergence of Q fever. Although C. burnetii transmission is mainly airborne, ticks may act as vectors and play an important role in the natural cycle of transmission of coxiellosis among wild vertebrates and livestock. In this review, we aim to compile available information on vectors, domestic, and wild hosts of C. burnetii, and to highlight their potential role as bacterial reservoirs in the transmission of C. burnetii.
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D’Amico G, Ionică AM, Györke A, Dumitrache MO. Epidemiological Survey of the Main Tick-Borne Pathogens Infecting Dogs from the Republic of Moldova. Pathogens 2022; 11:1267. [PMID: 36365018 PMCID: PMC9697118 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant burden of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), epidemiologic studies are missing, and TBD awareness is low in the Republic of Moldova. Our study is the first to assess the prevalence of the main tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) infecting dogs in this country and associated risk factors. In this cross-sectional, multi-centre study (June 2018-July 2019), blood samples were collected from dogs presenting in veterinary clinics (Chişinău: N = 30) and hosted in public dog shelters (Cahul: N = 42; Chişinău: N = 48). TBPs were assessed by molecular techniques and risk factors by the logistic regression model. Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent TBP (15.8% [19/120]), followed by Babesia canis (11.7% [14/120]), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (5.8% [7/120]), and Bartonella spp. (0.8% [1/120]). Blood samples tested negative for Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Francisella tularensis, Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis. Dogs originating from the veterinary clinics had a higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum infection than those from the shelters (16.6% versus 2.2%, respectively, p = 0.0292; OR: 27.0 [95%CI: 1.4-521.9]). Dogs from Chișinău had a higher prevalence of Hepatozoon canis infection versus those from Cahul (19.2% versus 9.5%, respectively, p = 0.0295; OR: 3.9 [95%CI: 1.1-13.4]). We recommend routine use of acaricides and deworming of dogs to prevent or/and limit TBD spread. Further TBD surveillance studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D’Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Hornok S, Boldogh SA, Takács N, Sándor AD, Tuska-Szalay B. Zoonotic ecotype-I of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sympatric wildcat, pine marten and red squirrel - Short communication. Acta Vet Hung 2022; 70:215-219. [PMID: 36018752 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00021] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, dogs, cats, horses and tick-borne fever in ruminants. In Europe, its main vector is the tick species Ixodes ricinus. In this study, spleen and liver samples, as well as ticks from 18 wild-living mammals (belonging to seven species) were analysed for the presence of A. phagocytophilum with molecular methods. The zoonotic ecotype-I of A. phagocytophilum was identified in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris) and its tick, a European pine marten (Martes martes) and a Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). All PCR-positive samples were collected in 2019 and originated in the same geographic area. These results indicate that taxonomically diverse mammalian species can maintain the local enzootic cycle of the same genotype of A. phagocytophilum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the zoonotic variant of A. phagocytophilum in the wildcat and in the European pine marten in a broad geographical context, as well as in the red squirrel in Hungary. Since all these host species are well known for their urban and peri-urban presence, the results of this study verify their role in the synanthropic enzootic cycle of granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
| | - Sándor A Boldogh
- 3 Department of Nature Conservation, Aggtelek National Park Directorate, Jósvafő, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
- 2 ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Hungary
- 4 Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- 1 Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Sgroi G, Buono F, Iatta R, Beall M, Chandrashekar R, Buch J, Piantedosi D, Veneziano V, Otranto D. Vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern in hunting dogs of southern Italy. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106502. [PMID: 35523272 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106502] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are commonly exposed to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), yet few data are available on hunting dogs, which are often at high risk of infection due to their involvement in field activities. To investigate the occurrence of VBPs and evaluate the relative performance of different diagnostic tools, blood and serum samples were collected from hunting dogs (n = 1,433) in rural areas of southern Italy. All samples were tested by Knott's technique for filarioids, serologically (SNAP® 4Dx® Plus) for Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Dirofilaria immitis and Ehrlichia spp. and molecularly (qPCR) for all except B. burgdorferi of the above pathogens plus Babesia spp. and Leishmania infantum. Logistic regression was run to evaluate the statistical associations between the risk of VBP infection and independent variables (such as geographic area of provenience, age class and sex) and K-Cohen formula for assessing the concordance among diagnostic tests. Overall, out of 321 dogs (22.4%) positive to at least one VBP, 28 (1.9%) were infected by filarial species at the Knott's technique. In particular, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the most prevalent (1.6%), followed by D. immitis (0.2%) and Dirofilaria repens (0.1%). One hundred forty (9.8%) and 231 (16.1%) dogs scored positive to VBPs by serological and molecular methods, respectively. The most prevalent pathogens detected were Ehrlichia spp. (7.3%) with SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, and A. reconditum (7.7%) by qPCR. Statistics revealed a significant association (p < 0.001) between A. reconditum infestation and both Ehrlichia spp. seropositivity and geographical origin of dogs. An agreement of 99.9%, 94.0% and 95.7% for Knott - SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, Knott - qPCR and SNAP® 4Dx® Plus - qPCR for D. immitis was found, respectively. Data demonstrate a high prevalence of VBPs in hunting dogs, indicating that this group of animals is largely exposed to several arthropod vector species and suggesting the transmission risk of pathogens to humans in rural areas of southern Italy. A multi-diagnostic approach and a deeper cooperation among healthcare and stakeholders are required to prevent VBP infections to animals and humans.
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Weaver GV, Anderson N, Garrett K, Thompson AT, Yabsley MJ. Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals, Wild Pigs, and Off-Host Environmental Sampling in Guam, USA. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:803424. [PMID: 35087891 PMCID: PMC8787080 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.803424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Guam, a United States of America (USA) island territory in the Pacific Ocean, is known to have large populations of ticks; however, it is unclear what the risk is to wildlife and humans living on the island. Dog (Canis familiaris), cat (Felis catus), and wild pig (Sus scrofa) sentinels were examined for ticks, and environmental sampling was conducted to determine the ticks present in Guam and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in hosts. Methods and Results: From March 2019-November 2020, ticks were collected from environmental sampling, dogs, cats, and wild pigs. Blood samples were also taken from a subset of animals. A total of 99 ticks were collected from 27 environmental samples and all were Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick. Most ticks were collected during the dry season with an overall sampling success rate of 63% (95% CI: 42.4–80.6). 6,614 dogs were examined, and 12.6% (95% CI: 11.8–13.4) were infested with at least one tick. One thousand one hundred twelve cats were examined, and six (0.54%; 95% CI: 0.20–1.1) were found with ticks. Sixty-four wild pigs were examined and 17.2% (95% CI: 9.5–27.8) had ticks. In total, 1,956 ticks were collected and 97.4% of ticks were R. sanguineus. A subset of R. sanguineus were determined to be the tropical lineage. The other tick species found were Rhipicephalus microplus (0.77%), Amblyomma breviscutatum (0.77 %), and a Haemaphysalis sp. (0.51%). Blood samples from 136 dogs, four cats, and 64 wild pigs were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. Five different tick-borne pathogens with the following prevalences were found in dogs: Anaplasma phagocytophilum 5.9% (95% CI: 2.6–11.3); Anaplasma platys 19.1% (95% CI: 12.9–26.7); Babesia canis vogeli 8.8% (95% CI: 4.6–14.9); Ehrlichia canis 12.5% (95% CI: 7.5–19.3); Hepatozoon canis 14.7% (95% CI: 9.2–28.8). E. canis was detected in one cat, and no tick-borne pathogens were detected in wild pigs. Overall, 43.4% (95% CI: 34.9–52.1) of dogs had at least one tick-borne pathogen. Serological testing for antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. showed prevalences of 14.7% (95% CI: 9.2–28.8) and 31.6% (95% CI: 23.9–40), respectively. Conclusion: Four different tick species were found in Guam to include a Haemaphysalis sp., which is a previously unreported genus for Guam. Dogs with ticks have a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens which makes them useful sentinels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve V. Weaver
- Wise Owl Animal Hospital, Micronesian Exotic Specialty Services, Tamuning, GU, United States
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Genevieve V. Weaver
| | - Neil Anderson
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kayla Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Alec T. Thompson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Sireci G, Badami GD, Di Liberto D, Blanda V, Grippi F, Di Paola L, Guercio A, de la Fuente J, Torina A. Recent Advances on the Innate Immune Response to Coxiella burnetii. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:754455. [PMID: 34796128 PMCID: PMC8593175 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.754455] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent of a worldwide zoonosis known as Q fever. The pathogen invades monocytes and macrophages, replicating within acidic phagolysosomes and evading host defenses through different immune evasion strategies that are mainly associated with the structure of its lipopolysaccharide. The main transmission routes are aerosols and ingestion of fomites from infected animals. The innate immune system provides the first host defense against the microorganism, and it is crucial to direct the infection towards a self-limiting respiratory disease or the chronic form. This review reports the advances in understanding the mechanisms of innate immunity acting during C. burnetii infection and the strategies that pathogen put in place to infect the host cells and to modify the expression of specific host cell genes in order to subvert cellular processes. The mechanisms through which different cell types with different genetic backgrounds are differently susceptible to C. burnetii intracellular growth are discussed. The subsets of cytokines induced following C. burnetii infection as well as the pathogen influence on an inflammasome-mediated response are also described. Finally, we discuss the use of animal experimental systems for studying the innate immune response against C. burnetii and discovering novel methods for prevention and treatment of disease in humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Sireci
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnostic and Biological Research (CLADIBIOR), Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Università degli studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giusto Davide Badami
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnostic and Biological Research (CLADIBIOR), Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Università degli studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Diana Di Liberto
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnostic and Biological Research (CLADIBIOR), Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone", Università degli studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Grippi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Di Paola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio Health and Biotechnology, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC -Spanish National Research Council CSIC - University of Castilla-La Mancha UCLM - Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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Sgroi G, Iatta R, Lia RP, Napoli E, Buono F, Bezerra-Santos MA, Veneziano V, Otranto D. Tick exposure and risk of tick-borne pathogens infection in hunters and hunting dogs: a citizen science approach. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e386-e393. [PMID: 34487635 PMCID: PMC9546254 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Citizen science may be described as a research involving communities and individuals, other than scientists. Following this approach, along with the evidence of a high prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in Dermacentor marginatus from wild boars in hunting areas of southern Italy, this study aimed to assess the occurrence of tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) in ticks collected from hunters and their hunting dogs. From October 2020 to May 2021, ticks were collected from wild boar hunters (n = 347) and their dogs (n = 422) in regions of southern Italy (i.e., Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania and Sicily). All ticks were morphologically identified, classified according to gender, feeding status, host, geographic origin, and molecularly screened for zoonotic bacteria. Adult ticks (n = 411) were collected from hunters (i.e., n = 29; 8.4%; mean of 1.6 ticks for person) and dogs (i.e., n = 200; 47.4%; mean of 1.8 ticks for animal) and identified at species level as D. marginatus (n = 240, 58.4%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 135, 32.8%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 27, 6.6%) and Ixodes ricinus (n = 9, 2.2%). Overall, 45 ticks (i.e., 10.9%, 95% CI: 8.3‐14.3) tested positive for at least one tick‐borne agent, being Rickettsia slovaca the most frequent species (n = 37, 9.0%), followed by Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia monacensis, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia lusitaniae and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (n = 2, 0.5% each). Data herein presented demonstrate a relevant risk of exposure to TBPs for hunters and hunting dogs during the hunting activities. Therefore, the role of hunters to monitor the circulation of ticks in rural areas may be considered an effective example of the citizen science approach, supporting the cooperation toward private and public health stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Apulia, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Sicily, Italy
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio-Campania region, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Apulia, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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El Hamiani Khatat S, Daminet S, Duchateau L, Elhachimi L, Kachani M, Sahibi H. Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Features of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs: A Systematic Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:686644. [PMID: 34250067 PMCID: PMC8260688 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.686644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a worldwide emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodid ticks and naturally maintained in complex and incompletely assessed enzootic cycles. Several studies have demonstrated an extensive genetic variability with variable host tropisms and pathogenicity. However, the relationship between genetic diversity and modified pathogenicity is not yet understood. Because of their proximity to humans, dogs are potential sentinels for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the strong molecular similarity between human and canine isolates of A. phagocytophilum in Europe and the USA and the positive association in the distribution of human and canine cases in the USA emphasizes the epidemiological role of dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects and survives within neutrophils by disregulating neutrophil functions and evading specific immune responses. Moreover, the complex interaction between the bacterium and the infected host immune system contribute to induce inflammatory injuries. Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile illness characterized by lethargy, inappetence, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain. Hematological and biochemistry profile modifications associated with this disease are unspecific and include thrombocytopenia, anemia, morulae within neutrophils and increased liver enzymes activity. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) may occur, especially with Borrelia burgdorferi, complicating the clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to treatment. Although clinical studies have been published in dogs, it remains unclear if several clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities can be related to this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Hamiani Khatat
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Department of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Latifa Elhachimi
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Parasitology, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Hamid Sahibi
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Parasitology, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Rabat, Morocco
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Tuska-Szalay B, Vizi Z, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Vajdovich P, Takács N, Meli ML, Farkas R, Stummer-Knyihár V, Jerzsele Á, Kontschán J, Szekeres S, Hornok S. Babesia gibsoni emerging with high prevalence and co-infections in “fighting dogs” in Hungary. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100048. [PMID: 35284859 PMCID: PMC8906116 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is considered as an emerging protozoan parasite of dogs in North America and Europe. However, no data have been published on its prevalence, molecular-phylogenetic characteristics and associated co-infections in dogs used for illegal fighting (i.e. predisposed to acquiring this piroplasm via biting) in Europe. In this study, blood samples from 79 American Staffordshire Terrier dogs, confiscated for illegal dog fights, were molecularly analyzed for tick-borne pathogens. Babesiagibsoni was detected in 32 dogs, i.e. with a prevalence of 40.5%. In addition, Babesia vulpes was found in 8 samples (prevalence of 10.1%), for the first time in dogs in Hungary. Canine hemoplasmas were also identified in 49 samples (62%): only Mycoplasma haemocanis in 32 (40.5%) dogs, only “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” in 9 (11.4%) dogs, and both hemoplasmas in 8 (10.1%) dogs. Thus, hemoplasma infections also showed a particularly high prevalence in this dog population. Based on a partial fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, B. gibsoni from Hungary exhibited complete sequence identity with conspecific strains reported from Europe and Asia. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene sequence of this isolate showed the closest identity with B. gibsoni reported from Japan but had a nonsynonymous mutation (M33I). Furthermore, the 11 B. gibsoni-positive samples analyzed for sequence variants of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene showed the presence of a common mutation (P310S). Most importantly, B. gibsoni had two further nonsynonymous mutations, M121I and F258L, in a dog with severe and relapsing anemia following atovaquone treatment. Phylogenetically, both cytb sequence variants clustered together, with a clear geographical pattern showing the closest relationship of both haplotypes identified in Hungary with those from China and Japan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first cox1 and cytb characterization of B. gibsoni in Europe, as well as the first report on the emergence of this piroplasm and hemoplasmas with high prevalence among “fighting dogs” north of the Mediterranean Basin. High prevalence of Babesia gibsoni and canine hemoplasmas in “fighting dogs”. Molecular evidence for infection with Babesia vulpes in dogs in Hungary. Closest identity with sequences from Asia in two of the three genetic markers tested. Two unique nonsynonymous mutations of B. gibsoni in the case of a dog. First report of atovaquone resistance for B. gibsoni in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zsuzsanna Vizi
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Péter Vajdovich
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Oncology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Stummer-Knyihár
- Police Education and Training Centre of Hungarian Police, Service Dog Training Centre, Dunakeszi, Hungary
| | - Ákos Jerzsele
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of canine tick-borne pathogens from Korea. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101357. [PMID: 31839473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks transmit more pathogens than any other arthropod vector and are of paramount veterinary and zoonotic significance. Domestic dogs are an important reservoir of zoonotic agents, particularly because of their close contact with humans. Previous studies in Korea have examined canine tick-borne pathogens (CTBP) by ELISA and real-time PCR methods. However, phylogenetic information on CTBP in Korea is lacking. This study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and co-infectivity of CTBP such as piroplasms, rickettsiae, Coxiella burnetii, hepatozoa, hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Borrelia spp., using PCR and phylogenetic analyses. Of the 510 dogs tested, three CTBP, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum 16S rRNA (13; 2.6 %), Hepatozoon canis 18S rRNA (2; 0.4 %), and Mycoplasma haemocanis 16S rRNA (1; 0.2 %) were detected. PCR adapted to amplify A. phagocytophilum msp2 and groEL genes generated amplicons thereof in two out of 13 positive dogs. One shelter dog was co-infected with A. phagocytophilum and M. haemocanis. However, Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. pathogens were not detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of H. canis and M. haemocanis in dogs reared in Korea. Although previous studies have improved our understanding of evolutionary behaviors and host-pathogen relations of CTBP, additional investigations are required to pin down vectors and reservoirs of CTBP in Korea. A surveillance system for arthropod vectors and CTBP in dogs should be established to monitor pathogen distribution and mitigate pathogen spread proactively, such as with ectoparasite medications in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, 39660, Republic of Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Junggu, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Shi K, Li J, Yan Y, Chen Q, Wang K, Zhou Y, Li D, Chen Y, Yu F, Peng Y, Zhang L, Ning C. Dogs as New Hosts for the Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen Anaplasma capra in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:394. [PMID: 31850236 PMCID: PMC6901931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma capra is an emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen with a broad host range, including many mammals. Dogs have close physical interactions with humans and regular contact with the external environment. Moreover, they have been previously reported to be hosts of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys, A. ovis, and A. bovis. To confirm whether dogs are also hosts of A. capra, pathogen DNA was extracted from blood samples of 521 dogs, followed by PCR amplification of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene, heat shock protein (groEL) gene, and major surface protein 4 (msp4) gene of the A. capra. A total of 12.1% (63/521) of blood samples were shown to be A. capra-positive by PCR screening. No significant differences were observed between genders (P = 0.578) or types (P = 0.154) of dogs with A. capra infections. However, significantly higher A. capra infections occurred in dogs with regular contact with vegetation (P = 0.002), those aged over 10 years (P = 0.040), and during the summer season (P = 0.006). Phylogenetic analysis based on gltA, groEL, and msp4 sequences demonstrated that the isolates obtained in this study were clustered within the A. capra clade, and were distinct from other Anaplasma species. In conclusion, dogs were shown to be a host of the human pathogenic A. capra. Considering the affinity between dogs and humans and the zoonotic tick-borne nature of A. capra, dogs should be carefully monitored for the presence of A. capra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Shi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Scientific Research Experiment Center & Laboratory Animal Center, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaqun Yan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kunlun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dongfang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuancai Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuchang Yu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongshuai Peng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changshen Ning
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases of Henan, Zhengzhou, China
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13
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Hornok S, Horváth G, Takács N, Farkas R, Szőke K, Kontschán J. Molecular evidence of a badger-associated Ehrlichia sp., a Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris-like genotype and Anaplasma marginale in dogs. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1302-1309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Vlahakis PA, Chitanga S, Simuunza MC, Simulundu E, Qiu Y, Changula K, Chambaro HM, Kajihara M, Nakao R, Takada A, Mweene AS. Molecular detection and characterization of zoonotic Anaplasma species in domestic dogs in Lusaka, Zambia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:39-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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15
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Mihaljica D, Marković D, Radulović Ž, Mulenga A, Ćakić S, Sukara R, Milanović Z, Tomanović S. Assessment of using recombinant Ixodes ricinus AV422 saliva protein for confirmation of tick bites in hunting dogs as naturally infested hosts. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 72:429-437. [PMID: 28840367 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0170-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to the recorded spreading of ticks in past years, a higher incidence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) can be expected in the future in endemic areas, but can also pose an emerging public health concern in areas where they have not yet been recognized. Assessment of the exposure of vulnerable hosts to ticks would be a very helpful tool for TBD epidemiological studies, as well as for their proper managing. To confirm previous tick bites, the method of choice is detection of antibodies in host serum as markers developed against injected tick saliva proteins during feeding. We recently showed that the recombinant form of Ixodes ricinus AV422 saliva protein (rIrAV422) can serve for detection of markers in experimentally infested rats. Here we examine whether it can be used in the same manner in naturally exposed hosts. We chose hunting dogs as good sentinel animals. The study group consisted of 15 dogs that varied in breed, age, sex, previous tick infestation history and repellent treatment. Western blot analysis with rIrAV422 as an antigen confirmed the presence of tick bite markers in all analysed dogs. For some of the dogs, their previous tick infestation history was unclear, which emphasizes the usefulness of rIrAV422 for revealing it. Since hunting dogs are naturally infested with different ticks, the potential of rIrAV422 in assessment of general exposure to ticks is highlighted. Use of rIrAV422 can also be helpful in veterinary practice and research as a tool for validation of the efficiency of tick repellent products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Mihaljica
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, PO Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Dragana Marković
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, PO Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Željko Radulović
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sanja Ćakić
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, PO Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, PO Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorana Milanović
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 4, PO Box 102, 11129, Belgrade, Serbia
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16
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Elhamiani Khatat S, Daminet S, Kachani M, Leutenegger CM, Duchateau L, El Amri H, Hing M, Azrib R, Sahibi H. Anaplasma spp. in dogs and owners in north-western Morocco. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:202. [PMID: 28438220 PMCID: PMC5404288 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2148-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of increased interest worldwide which has been detected in northern Africa. Anaplasma platys is also present in this region and could possibly have a zoonotic potential. However, only one recent article reports on the human esposure to A. phagocytophilum in Morocco and no data are available on canine exposure to both bacteria. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study aiming to assess both canine and human exposure to Anaplasma spp. in Morocco. A total of 425 dogs (95 urban, 160 rural and 175 working dogs) and 11 dog owners were sampled from four cities of Morocco. Canine blood samples were screened for Anaplasma spp. antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for A. phagocytophilum and A. platys DNA by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the msp2 gene. Human sera were tested for specific A. phagocytophilum immunoglobulin G (IgG) using a commercial immunofluorescence assay (IFA) kit. RESULTS Anaplasma spp. antibodies and A. platys DNA were detected in 21.9 and 7.5% of the dogs, respectively. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was not amplified. Anaplasma platys DNA was significantly more frequently amplified for working dogs. No statistically significant differences in the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies or A. platys DNA detection were observed between sexes, age classes or in relation to exposure to ticks. A total of 348 Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) ticks were removed from 35 urban and working dogs. The majority of dog owners (7/10) were seroreactive to A. phagoyctophilum IgG (one sample was excluded because of hemolysis). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. exposure and A. platys infection in dogs, and A. phagocytophilum exposure in humans in Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elhamiani Khatat
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA USA
| | | | - Luc Duchateau
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, Ghent, Merelbeke Belgium
| | | | - Mony Hing
- National Reference Laboratory for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rahma Azrib
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hamid Sahibi
- Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
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17
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Valiakos G. Bacterial canine vector-borne zoonotic diseases in “One Health” concept. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2016. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2016.58-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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18
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Lauzi S, Maia JP, Epis S, Marcos R, Pereira C, Luzzago C, Santos M, Puente-Payo P, Giordano A, Pajoro M, Sironi G, Faustino A. Molecular detection of Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Rickettsia monacensis in dogs from Maio Island of Cape Verde archipelago. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:964-969. [PMID: 27177475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are emerging worldwide and have an important zoonotic relevance. Dogs play an important role in the epidemiology of several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens acting as sentinels and/or reservoirs. This study focused on the molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in blood samples of 153 autochthonous asymptomatic dogs in Maio Island, Cape Verde archipelago. Eighty-four (54.9%) dogs were positive for one or more pathogens. Fifty-five (35.9%) dogs were infected with Hepatozoon canis, 53 (34.6%) with Anaplasma platys, five (3.3%) with Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia monacensis, an emerging human pathogen, was also identified in a single dog (0.7%). The former three pathogens cause important canine tick-borne diseases that are transmitted or potentially transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., the only hard tick identified in Cape Verde. Furthermore, Wolbachia spp. was amplified from the blood of one dog. None of the dogs were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Midichloria mitochondrii, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp. or Theileria spp. Fifty-four (35.3%) animals showed single infections and 30 (19.6%) co-infections, with A. platys and H. canis co-infection being the most frequent (28 dogs, 18.3%). The frequency of E. canis infection was statistically different among age groups (P=0.017), being higher among dogs older than 4 years compared to younger dogs. Infection by A. platys was also statistically different among age groups (P=0.031), being higher in dogs younger than 2 years compared to older dogs. The statistical analyses showed no significant association of PCR positivity with gender or location. The frequency of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs in Maio Island, including R. monacensis, highlights the need to improve diagnosis and control in order to prevent the risk of transmission of these pathogens among dogs and humans living in or travelling to this touristic island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - João P Maia
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre FC4 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Ricardo Marcos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Pereira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Camilla Luzzago
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Santos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Pablo Puente-Payo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Pajoro
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sironi
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Augusto Faustino
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal
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19
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Bessas A, Leulmi H, Bitam I, Zaidi S, Ait-Oudhia K, Raoult D, Parola P. Molecular evidence of vector-borne pathogens in dogs and cats and their ectoparasites in Algiers, Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 45:23-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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20
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Gaunt MC, Waldner C, Taylor SM. Serological Survey of West Nile Virus in Pet Dogs from Saskatchewan, Canada. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 15:755-8. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Casey Gaunt
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Cheryl Waldner
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Susan M. Taylor
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada
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21
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Wei L, Kelly P, Ackerson K, Zhang J, El-Mahallawy HS, Kaltenboeck B, Wang C. First report of Babesia gibsoni in Central America and survey for vector-borne infections in dogs from Nicaragua. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:126. [PMID: 24667065 PMCID: PMC3987057 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although many vector-borne diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in dogs in tropical areas and potential zoonoses, there is little information on these conditions in Central America. Methods Seven qPCRs for vector-borne pathogens were performed on a Roche LightCycler PCR Instrument to investigate their prevalence in a convenience sample of whole blood samples from apparently healthy dogs in Nicaragua. Also, a qPCR targeting the canine hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) gene was used as an endogenous internal control and verified the quality and quantity of DNA in the samples was appropriate for the study. Results We found DNA of Rickettsia felis (5%), Babesia spp. (26%), Hepatozoon canis (51%), Anaplasma platys (13%) and Ehrlichia canis (56%) in the 39 dogs studied. The qPCRs for Coxiella burnetii and Dirofilaria immitis were negative. Of the 30 (80%) dogs that were positive by qPCR, 12 (31%) were positive for one agent, 11 (28%) for two, 3 (8%) for three, and 4 (10%) for four agents. Conclusions This is the first report of B. gibsoni in dogs from Central America and the first recording of vector-borne agents in dogs from Nicaragua. Dogs in Nicaragua are commonly infected with a variety of vector-borne pathogens, some of which may also infect people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chengming Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P, R, China.
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