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Opsal T, Denwood MJ, Hektoen L, Robertson LJ, Toftaker I. Estimation of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of abattoir registrations and bulk tank milk ELISA as herd-level tests for Fasciola hepatica using Bayesian latent class modelling. Prev Vet Med 2024; 228:106213. [PMID: 38744092 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The common liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is a trematode parasite found worldwide, typically with a focal distribution due to its requirement for suitable climatic and environmental conditions to complete its lifecycle. Bovine fasciolosis causes suboptimal production and economic losses, including liver condemnation at slaughter. The lack of reliable diagnostic methods is a disadvantage to the increasing demand for surveillance and control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of bulk tank milk (BTM) antibody testing and aggregated abattoir registrations (AAR) of liver fluke as herd-level tests for F. hepatica infection using Bayesian latent class models. Data from the abattoirs in 2019-2021 and BTM, sampled in the winter of 2020/2021, were collected from 437 herds on the southwest coast of Norway. The BTM samples were analysed with the SVANOVIR® F. hepatica-Ab ELISA test, with results given as an optical density ratio (ODR), and later dichotomized using the recommended cut-off value from the test manufacturer (ODR ≥0.3). Based on the BTM ELISA test, 47.8% of the herds tested positive. The AAR test was defined as the herd-level proportion of female slaughtered animals registered with liver fluke infection during the study period. For this test, three cut-offs were used (a proportion of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2). The herds were split into two subpopulations ("Coastal" and "Inland"), which were expected to differ in true prevalence of F. hepatica infection based on climate-related and geographical factors. The diagnostic accuracies of both tests were estimated using Bayesian latent class models with minimally informative priors. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the maximum sum of sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the tests was achieved with a herd-level proportion of ≥0.1 registered with liver fluke as the AAR test. Using this cut-off, the median estimate for the diagnostic accuracy of the BTM ELISA was 90.4% (84.0-96.2 95% Posterior Credible Interval (PCI)) for Se and 95.3% (90.6-100% PCI) for Sp, while the median estimate of Se for AAR was 87.5% (81.4-93.1% PCI) and the median estimate of Sp for AAR was 91.0% (85.2-96.5% PCI). The cut-off evaluation of the SVANOVIR® F. hepatica-Ab ELISA test for BTM confirmed the manufacturer's recommended cut-off of ODR ≥0.3 to denote positive and negative herds. This study suggests that AAR and BTM ELISA test can be used as herd-level tools to monitor liver fluke infection, so that appropriate interventions against infection can be implemented as necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonje Opsal
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway.
| | - Matthew J Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Hektoen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås 1433, Norway
| | - Ingrid Toftaker
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Universitetstunet 3, Ås, 1433, Norway
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Takeuchi-Storm N, Thamsborg SM, Enemark HL, Boes J, Williams D, Denwood MJ. Association between milk yield and milk anti-Fasciola hepatica antibody levels, and the utility of bulk tank milk samples for assessing within-herd prevalence on organic dairy farms. Vet Parasitol 2021; 291:109374. [PMID: 33662712 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is an important disease of livestock that is responsible for substantial economic losses worldwide. Estimates of the impact of infection on milk yield vary, likely reflecting different geographical locations, farm-level management, and diagnostic methods. Measuring anti-Fasciola antibodies on bulk tank milk (BTM) by ELISA provides a convenient herd-level diagnosis, but the utility of this test remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the utility of BTM ELISA test results in Danish organic dairy farms, including estimating the association between 305 day energy corrected milk yield (305d ECM) and F. hepatica infection both at individual and herd level. BTM samples from 218 organic farms were analysed using IDEXX ELISA and subsequently the farmers were interviewed during spring 2016 with the aim of characterising their management practices. The corresponding farm-level production data covering the period 2014-2017 were collected from the Danish national cattle registry. In the following year, 284 individual milk samples (4-7 per herd) along with BTM samples were collected from a subset of the same herds (n = 55). Linear mixed models were used to estimate the association between milk production and ELISA value at both individual and farm levels, and a generalised additive model was used to assess the relationship between within-herd prevalence and BTM ELISA. A dichotomised BTM result with positive outcome was associated with a reduction of 580.5 kg in average 305d ECM, and a positive outcome on individual-level ELISA was associated with a 919.5 kg reduction in milk yield for cows in their third or later lactations. A strong relationship between quantitative BTM ELISA sample to positive percentage (S/P%) and apparent within-herd prevalence based on dichotomised individual-level milk ELISA was also observed, although this relationship was non-linear in nature. We conclude that a useful indication of the within-herd prevalence of infection can be obtained from BTM ELISA following categorisation as negative, low, medium or high according to S/P% cut-offs of approximately 30, 80, and 150. This approach represents a cheap and useful diagnostic tool for monitoring the long-term success of control strategies for F. hepatica infections on a dairy farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Takeuchi-Storm
- Veterinary Parasitology, Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 100, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Stig M Thamsborg
- Veterinary Parasitology, Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 100, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Heidi L Enemark
- Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, NO-0106 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jaap Boes
- JBO Consult, Torvegade 24A, DK-7800 Skive, Denmark.
| | - Diana Williams
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK.
| | - Matthew J Denwood
- Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Walsh TR, Ainsworth S, Armstrong S, Hodgkinson J, Williams D. Differences in the antibody response to adult Fasciola hepatica excretory/secretory products in experimentally and naturally infected cattle and sheep. Vet Parasitol 2020; 289:109321. [PMID: 33276290 PMCID: PMC7840588 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Antibody response is different in animals experimentally and naturally infected with F. hepatica. Experimentally infected animals specifically recognised cathepsin proteins. Naturally infected animals showed poor recognition of a recombinant cathepsin L1. Antibody response of naturally infected animals is against multiple antigens. Diagnostic tests based on a single antigen may not be suitable for use in field.
Fasciola hepatica (the liver fluke) is a common, global parasite of livestock. It can be highly pathogenic and has health and welfare implications for infected individuals. Typically, in ruminants, infections are sub-clinical, but if undiagnosed, they can lead to significant production losses. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to identify infection. Antibody detection ELISAs are commonly used to diagnose infection due to their high sensitivity and specificity and are typically based on native fluke excretory/secretory (ES) products or cathepsin L1 (CL1), the immunodominant antigen within ES products. These tests have been developed based on the antibody response of experimentally infected animals; however, this response has not been well characterised in naturally infected animals. We compared the antibody recognition of a recombinant CL1 (rCL1) antigen and native adult fluke ES products. Whilst samples from experimentally infected animals showed strong recognition of rCL1, serum antibodies from naturally infected animals did not. These results were confirmed by peptide array. Immunoblotting sera against ES products showed that experimentally infected animals had a strong, specific response to CL1/CL2 proteins whilst antibodies from naturally infected animals recognised multiple proteins and had a variable response to CL1/CL2. Mass spectrometry of proteins separated by 2D SDS PAGE, identified several antigens recognised by serum antibodies from a naturally infected cow, including cathepsins L1, L2 and L5, glutathione S-transferase and a dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase. Overall, these results show that the antibody response in naturally infected animals to adult fluke ES products is qualitatively different to experimentally infected animals. This suggests that a diagnostic test based on CL1 alone may not be appropriate for diagnosis of natural F. hepatica infections in sheep and cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa R Walsh
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK.
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
| | - Stuart Armstrong
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
| | - Jane Hodgkinson
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
| | - Diana Williams
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZX, UK
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Fasciola Species Introgression: Just a Fluke or Something More? Trends Parasitol 2020; 37:25-34. [PMID: 33097425 PMCID: PMC7575431 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The threats posed by a range of viral and bacterial zoonotic diseases inevitably receive renewed attention in the wake of global pandemic events due to their overt and devastating impacts on human health and the economy. Parasitic zoonoses, however, many of which affect millions of people each day, are frequently ignored. In the case of fasciolosis, caused by infection with Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica, this oversight has allowed for the expansion of areas of parasite sympatry and thus increased the incidence of hybridization and possible introgression between the two species. Here we highlight how an increased demand for animal-derived protein, combined with a lack of appropriate tools for detection of these events, is changing the status quo of these zoonotic parasites. Increased demand for animal-derived protein from Fasciola hepatica-endemic countries has led to a growing number of reports of hybridization between F. hepatica and Fasciola gigantica in Southeast Asia. Hybridization and eventual introgression have been reported in a range of protozoan, helminth, and arthropod parasites and act as important drivers of evolutionary change and adaptation. Introgression between Fasciola spp. remains unproven but has potentially serious human and animal health consequences as seen in other parasites. New tools for the characterization of hybridization and introgression events between Fasciola spp. are needed.
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Howell AK, Williams DJL. The Epidemiology and Control of Liver Flukes in Cattle and Sheep. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2020; 36:109-123. [PMID: 32029178 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, and Fascioloides magna are liver flukes causing disease in cattle and sheep. Damage to the liver due to F hepatica and F gigantica results in clinical disease and/or production losses. F magna seems to have little effect in cattle but causes high mortality in sheep. The fluke life cycle involves an aquatic or amphibious snail intermediate host and thus requires suitable moisture and temperature conditions. F magna requires the presence of deer. Drug treatment is the mainstay of control and needs to be applied considering the life cycle and epidemiology of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Howell
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Diana J L Williams
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
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Munita MP, Rea R, Martinez-Ibeas AM, Byrne N, Kennedy A, Sekiya M, Mulcahy G, Sayers R. Comparison of four commercially available ELISA kits for diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica in Irish cattle. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:414. [PMID: 31752880 PMCID: PMC6873750 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fasciola hepatica is a liver parasite of mammals and it results in poor welfare outcomes and economic losses in ruminants. While faecal egg count is the test most commonly used for diagnosis, it does not indicate presence of migrating immature stages. Serological techniques increase sensitivity at all stages of the liver fluke infection. The aim of this study was to compare four commercially available ELISA tests for the diagnosis of F. hepatica. For this purpose, we tested three sample types; (i) known F. hepatica status sera from an experimental infection for the comparison of sensitivities and specificities, (ii) sera from pre- and post-flukicide-treated (albendazole, closantel, nitroxynil and triclabendazole) beef cattle to contrast the differences of seropositivity before and after treatment, and (iii) bulk tank milk samples from dairy herds sampled during high and low F. hepatica exposure periods for assessing seasonal variations with the four tests available. Samples were tested using ELISA kits supplied by four manufacturers (Ildana Biotech, IDEXX, Svanova, and Bio-X). Samples were analysed simultaneously and in duplicate. Results In the control population Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X presented 100% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), Svanovir presented a Se of 59% and a Sp of 96%. In flukicide-treated beef cattle, kits highlighted decreasing antibody levels 90 days post-treatment in variable degrees. Finally, bulk milk showed a significant decrease in ELISA value between high and low fluke exposure periods with all tests studied. Conclusions Se and Sp found in the present study, confirm that Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X are accurate for the detection of F. hepatica exposure in Irish cattle. Svanovir Se and Sp in this population, indicate that a larger study is necessary to confirm this test characteristic in Irish herds. In post-treatment use, Bio-X showed a consistent and significant decrease of ELISA value in all groups treated, denoting to be a reliable tool for assessing treatment effect at 90 days post-treatment. Finally, all tests showed to be a reliable tool for the F. hepatica monitoring of high and low exposure seasons, using bulk tank milk samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Munita
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. .,Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Rosemary Rea
- Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ana Maria Martinez-Ibeas
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Noel Byrne
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Aideen Kennedy
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Mary Sekiya
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Riona Sayers
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
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Byrne AW, Graham J, McConville J, Milne G, McDowell S, Hanna REB, Guelbenzu-Gonzalo M. Seasonal variation of Fasciola hepatica antibodies in dairy herds in Northern Ireland measured by bulk tank milk ELISA. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2725-2733. [PMID: 29948207 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bovine fasciolosis, caused by the infection of the trematode parasite Fasciola hepatica, remains a problem in dairy herds causing significant production losses. In this study, bulk milk tank samples were utilised to generate a comprehensive survey of the variation in liver fluke exposure over the four seasons of 2016 in Northern Ireland (NI). Samples were tested using an antibody ELISA test; within-herd prevalence levels were categorised relative to sample-to-positive ratio (S/P%). Overall, 1494 herds (~ 50% of all active dairy farms in NI) were sampled. In total, 5750 samples were tested with 91% of herds having a sample result for each season. The proportion of herds with evidence of liver fluke exposure was very high across the year, with 93.03% of all bulk milk samples having some indication of liver fluke antibody presence. A high proportion of samples (2187/5750; 38.03%) fell within the highest infection class (indicating high within-herd prevalence). There was significant seasonal variation in the mean S/P%. A multivariable random effect ordinal logit model suggested that the greatest probability of being in a higher infection class was in winter, whilst the lowest was recorded during summer. There was a significant negative association between increasing herd liver fluke infection class and herd size. Furthermore, there was significant variation in infection levels across regions of Northern Ireland, with higher infection levels in northern administrative areas. This study demonstrates the very high liver fluke exposure in this region of Europe, and that risk is not equally distributed spatially or across seasons in dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Byrne
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Science Division, Stormont, Belfast, UK. .,School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Jordon Graham
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Science Division, Stormont, Belfast, UK
| | - James McConville
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Science Division, Stormont, Belfast, UK
| | - Georgina Milne
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Science Division, Stormont, Belfast, UK
| | - Stanley McDowell
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Science Division, Stormont, Belfast, UK
| | - Robert E B Hanna
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Science Division, Stormont, Belfast, UK
| | - Maria Guelbenzu-Gonzalo
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Veterinary Science Division, Stormont, Belfast, UK. .,Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, Ireland.
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8
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Martínez-Sernández V, Perteguer MJ, Hernández-González A, Mezo M, González-Warleta M, Orbegozo-Medina RA, Romarís F, Paniagua E, Gárate T, Ubeira FM. Comparison of recombinant cathepsins L1, L2, and L5 as ELISA targets for serodiagnosis of bovine and ovine fascioliasis. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1521-1534. [PMID: 29564626 PMCID: PMC7088297 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by Fasciola hepatica are of great importance in the veterinary field, as they cause important economic losses to livestock producers. Serodiagnostic methods, typically ELISA (with either native or recombinant antigens), are often used for early diagnosis. The use of native antigens, as in the MM3-SERO ELISA (commercialized as BIO K 211, BIO-X Diagnostics), continues to be beneficial in terms of sensitivity and specificity; however, there is interest in developing ELISA tests based on recombinant antigens to avoid the need to culture parasites. Of the antigens secreted by adult flukes, recombinant procathepsin L1 (rFhpCL1) is the most commonly tested in ELISA to date. However, although adult flukes produce three different clades of CLs (FhCL1, FhCL2, and FhCL5), to our knowledge, the diagnostic value of recombinant FhCL2 and FhCL5 has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we developed and tested three indirect ELISAs using rFhpCL1, rFhpCL2, and rFhpCL5 and evaluated their recognition by sera from sheep and cattle naturally infected with F. hepatica. Although the overall antibody response to these three rFhpCLs was similar, some animals displayed preferential recognition for particular rFhpCLs. Moreover, for cattle sera, the highest sensitivity was obtained using rFhpCL2 (97%), being equal for both rFhpCL1 and rFhpCL5 (87.9%), after adjusting cut-offs for maximum specificity. By contrast, for sheep sera, the sensitivity was 100% for the three rFhpCLs. Finally, the presence of truncated and/or partially unfolded molecules in antigen preparations is postulated as a possible source of cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Martínez-Sernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María J Perteguer
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Hernández-González
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, INGACAL, 15318, Abegondo, (A Coruña), Spain
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, INGACAL, 15318, Abegondo, (A Coruña), Spain
| | - Ricardo A Orbegozo-Medina
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Fernanda Romarís
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Esperanza Paniagua
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Teresa Gárate
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Florencio M Ubeira
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Munita MP, Rea R, Bloemhoff Y, Byrne N, Martinez-Ibeas AM, Sayers RG. Six-year longitudinal study of Fasciola hepatica bulk milk antibody ELISA in the dairy dense region of the Republic Ireland. Prev Vet Med 2016; 134:16-25. [PMID: 27836038 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Completion of the F. hepatica lifecycle is dependent on suitable climatic conditions for development of immature stages of the parasite, and its snail intermediate host. Few investigations have been conducted regarding temporal variations in F. hepatica status in Irish dairy herds. The current study aimed to conduct a longitudinal study examining annual and seasonal trends in bulk milk seropositivity over six years, while also investigating associations with soil temperature, rainfall and flukicide treatment. Monthly bulk milk samples (BTM) were submitted by 28 herds between March 2009 and December 2014. In all, 1337 samples were analysed using a Cathepsin L1 ELISA. Soil temperature, rainfall and management data were obtained for general estimating equation and regression analyses. A general decrease in milk seropositivity was observed over the six year study period and was associated with an increased likelihood of treating for liver fluke (OR range=2.73-6.96). Annual and seasonal analyses of rainfall and F. hepatica BTM status yielded conflicting results. Higher annual rainfall (>1150mm) yielded a lower likelihood of being BTM positive than annual rainfall of <1000mm (OR=0.47; P=0.036). This was most likely due to farmers being more proactive in treating for F. hepatica in wetter years, although a 'wash effect' by high rainfall of the free living stages and snails cannot be ruled out. Higher seasonal rainfall (>120mm), however, was associated with increased ELISA S/P% values (Coefficient=9.63S/P%; P=0.001). Soil temperature was not found to influence F. hepatica to the same extent as rainfall and may reflect the lack of severe temperature fluctuations in Ireland. Flukicides active against both immature and mature F. hepatica were approximately half as likely to record a positive F. hepatica herd BTM status than a flukicide active against only the mature stage of the parasite (OR≅0.45; P<0.01). This study highlights the importance of examining both annual and seasonal F. hepatica data, which can vary significantly. Additionally, it highlights the progress that can be achieved in fluke control by application of a continuous BTM monitoring program.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Munita
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland; Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
| | - R Rea
- Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
| | - Y Bloemhoff
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - N Byrne
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - A M Martinez-Ibeas
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - R G Sayers
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
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10
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Comparative Diagnosis of Serum IgG1 and Coproantigen ELISA for Fasciolosis Detection of Goats in Mexico. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:3860928. [PMID: 27563665 PMCID: PMC4983661 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3860928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of present study was to determine the prevalence of natural caprine fasciolosis in the Mixteca region of Mexico using coproantigen and serum IgG1 ELISA tests for comparative purposes. A total of 1070 serum and faecal samples were analyzed for IgG1 antibodies and coproantigens, using ELISA with E/S products as antigen and a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA. Prevalence of 73.46% was found using the serological ELISA and a percentage of 77.20 was found for coproantigen ELISA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for serum ELISA were 86.7% and 96.4%, and for the coproantigen ELISA they were 93.1% and 97.8%, respectively. The seropositive samples were further categorized as low, medium, or high positivity. Results show a great proportion of low and medium positive goats when the serum ELISA test was used. Correlation coefficients between coproantigens and seropositivity were statistically significant (P < 0.01) for low seropositivity (r = 0.93) and medium seropositivity (r = 0.84). The accuracy of faecal antigen ELISA was higher compared to indirect ELISA serological test. Two ELISAs were shown to be useful for demonstrating the current status of F. hepatica infection in the endemic areas and can be employed in studies on epidemiology as well as anthelmintics treatment for preventing economic loss and the risk of transmission to humans.
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Howell A, Baylis M, Smith R, Pinchbeck G, Williams D. Epidemiology and impact of Fasciola hepatica exposure in high-yielding dairy herds. Prev Vet Med 2015; 121:41-8. [PMID: 26093971 PMCID: PMC4528078 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite with a worldwide distribution and is the cause of important production losses in the dairy industry. The aim of this observational study was to assess the prevalence of exposure to F. hepatica in a group of high yielding dairy herds, to determine the risk factors and investigate their associations with production and fertility parameters. Bulk milk tank samples from 606 herds that supply a single retailer with liquid milk were tested with an antibody ELISA for F. hepatica. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the effect of farm management and environmental risk factors on F. hepatica exposure. Higher rainfall, grazing boggy pasture, presence of beef cattle on farm, access to a stream or pond and smaller herd size were associated with an increased risk of exposure. Univariable regression was used to look for associations between fluke exposure and production-related variables including milk yield, composition, somatic cell count and calving index. Although causation cannot be assumed, a significant (p<0.001) negative association was seen between F. hepatica exposure and estimated milk yield at the herd level, representing a 15% decrease in yield for an increase in F. hepatica exposure from the 25th to the 75th percentile. This remained significant when fertility, farm management and environmental factors were controlled for. No associations were found between F. hepatica exposure and any of the other production, disease or fertility variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Howell
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZJ, UK; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Matthew Baylis
- NIHR Health protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Rob Smith
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Gina Pinchbeck
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Diana Williams
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZJ, UK; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
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Alvarez Rojas CA, Jex AR, Gasser RB, Scheerlinck JPY. Techniques for the diagnosis of Fasciola infections in animals: room for improvement. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2014; 85:65-107. [PMID: 24928180 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800182-0.00002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The common liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, causes fascioliasis, a significant disease in mammals, including livestock, wildlife and humans, with a major socioeconomic impact worldwide. In spite of its impact, and some advances towards the development of vaccines and new therapeutic agents, limited attention has been paid to the need for practical and reliable methods for the diagnosis of infection or disease. Accurate diagnosis is central to effective control, particularly given an emerging problem with drug resistance in F. hepatica. Traditional coprological techniques have been widely used, but are often unreliable. Although there have been some advances in establishing immunologic techniques, these tools can suffer from a lack of diagnostic specificity and/or sensitivity. Nonetheless, antigen detection tests seem to have considerable potential, but have not yet been adequately evaluated in the field. Moreover, advanced nucleic acid-based methods appear to offer the most promise for the diagnosis of current infection. This chapter (i) provides a brief account of the biology and significance of F. hepatica/fascioliasis, (ii) describes key techniques currently in use, (iii) compares their advantages/disadvantages and (iv) reviews polymerase chain reaction-based methods for specific diagnosis and/or the genetic characterization of Fasciola species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian A Alvarez Rojas
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jean-Pierre Y Scheerlinck
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Recent advances in the diagnosis, impact on production and prediction of Fasciola hepatica in cattle. Parasitology 2013; 141:326-35. [PMID: 24229764 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013001662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a pathogenic trematode parasite of ruminants with a global distribution. Here, we briefly review the current epidemiology of bovine fasciolosis in Europe and discuss the progress made over the last decade in the diagnosis, impact on production and prediction of F. hepatica in cattle. Advances in diagnosis have led to significantly improved coprological and serological methods to detect presence of infection. Diagnostic test results have been correlated with intensity of infection and associated production losses, unravelling the impact on carcass weight and milk yield in modern cattle production systems. The economic impact of fasciolosis may, however, go beyond the direct impacts on production as evidence shows that F. hepatica can modulate the immune response to some co-infections. Control of bovine fasciolosis remains hampered by the limitations of the currently available flukicidal drugs: few drugs are available to treat dairy cows, many have low efficacies against juvenile stages of F. hepatica and there is evidence for the development of drug resistance. This makes research into the prediction of risk periods, and thus the optimum application of available drugs more pertinent. In this field, the recent research focus has been on understanding spatial risk and delivering region-specific spatial distribution maps. Further advances in epidemiological and economic research on bovine fasciolosis are expected to deliver farm-specific economic assessments of disease impact, to leverage non-chemotherapeutic management options and to enhance a more targeted use of anthelmintics.
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Charlier J, Hostens M, Jacobs J, Van Ranst B, Duchateau L, Vercruysse J. Integrating fasciolosis control in the dry cow management: the effect of closantel treatment on milk production. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43216. [PMID: 22916226 PMCID: PMC3423342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is a parasite of ruminants with a worldwide distribution and an apparent increasing incidence in EU member states. Effective control in dairy cattle is hampered by the lack of flukicides with a zero-withdrawal time for milk, leaving the dry period as the only time that preventive treatment can be applied. Here, we present the results of a blinded, randomized and placebo-controlled trial on 11 dairy herds (402 animals) exposed to F. hepatica to 1) assess the effect of closantel treatment at dry-off (or 80-42 days before calving in first-calving heifers) on milk production parameters and 2) evaluate if a number of easy-to-use animal parameters is related to the milk production response after treatment. Closantel treatment resulted in a noticeable decrease of anti-F. hepatica antibody levels from 3-6 months after treatment onwards, a higher peak production (1.06 kg) and a slightly higher persistence (9%) of the lactation, resulting in a 305-day milk production increase of 303 kg. No effects of anthelmintic treatment were found on the average protein and fat content of the milk. Milk production responses after treatment were poor in meagre animals and clinically relevant higher milk production responses were observed in first-lactation animals and in cows with a high (0.3-0.5 optical density ratio (ODR)), but not a very high (≥ 0.5 ODR) F. hepatica ELISA result on a milk sample from the previous lactation. We conclude that in dairy herds exposed to F. hepatica, flukicide treatment at dry-off is a useful strategy to reduce levels of exposure and increase milk production in the subsequent lactation. Moreover, the results suggest that treatment approaches that only target selected animals within a herd can be developed based on easy-to-use parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Charlier
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Fairweather I. Reducing the future threat from (liver) fluke: realistic prospect or quixotic fantasy? Vet Parasitol 2011; 180:133-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Duscher R, Duscher G, Hofer J, Tichy A, Prosl H, Joachim A. Fasciola hepatica – Monitoring the milky way? The use of tank milk for liver fluke monitoring in dairy herds as base for treatment strategies. Vet Parasitol 2011; 178:273-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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McCann CM, Baylis M, Williams DJL. Seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Fasciola hepatica
-infected dairy herds in England and Wales. Vet Rec 2010; 166:612-7. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.b4836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. M. McCann
- Veterinary Parasitology; Infection Biology Group; Department of Comparative Molecular Medicine; School of Veterinary Science; University of Liverpool; Liverpool L69 7ZJ
| | - M. Baylis
- Liverpool University Climate and Infectious Diseases of Animals (LUCINDA) Group; School of Veterinary Science; University of Liverpool, Leahurst; Neston Cheshire CH64 7TE
| | - D. J. L. Williams
- Veterinary Parasitology; Infection Biology Group; Department of Comparative Molecular Medicine; School of Veterinary Science; University of Liverpool; Liverpool L69 7ZJ
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Kinetics of anti-Fasciola IgG antibodies in serum and milk from dairy cows during lactation, and in serum from calves after feeding colostrum from infected dams. Vet Parasitol 2009; 168:36-44. [PMID: 19897308 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2009] [Revised: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A study was carried out to compare anti-Fasciola hepatica IgG levels in blood serum and mammary secretions during the entire lactation period in dairy cows experimentally infected with different numbers of F. hepatica metacercariae. The kinetics of specific antibodies passively transferred to the offspring was also studied. The MM3-SERO ELISA, a specific and sensitive method of detecting antibodies against F. hepatica, was used to detect antibodies in milk and serum samples. The progress of infection was monitored by use of the MM3-COPRO ELISA, an immunoassay for detecting Fasciola antigens in faecal samples. The optical density of serum and milk from uninfected control cows remained low throughout the study. In the infected animals, a similar pattern of anti-F. hepatica IgG kinetics was observed in serum and milk throughout the entire observation period. This IgG response was characterized by the early appearance of high levels of specific antibodies in serum (detectable 1-4 weeks pi) and in milk (detectable at the beginning of lactation) and remained invariably high throughout the entire lactation period in cows infected with low-to-moderate infective doses (>or=50 metacercariae). However, in animals administered very low infective doses (<or=25 metacercariae) the levels of specific antibodies were variable, and would be difficult to interpret if only sporadic analyses were carried out. The MM3-SERO ELISA proved to be highly sensitive for use with milk samples, as it enabled detection of antibodies in cows infected with very low infective doses (<or=25 metacercariae) and therefore harbouring very few flukes (probably<10). Moreover, specific antibodies were able to be detected at any stage of lactation, in milk from cows infected with >or=50 metacercariae, even when samples were diluted al least 1:8. In newborn calves fed colostrum from infected dams, the levels of anti-Fasciola antibodies increased rapidly, then decreased sharply and were no longer detected in calves >12 weeks old. The results indicate that the detection of antibodies in milk samples may provide useful information about the status of F. hepatica infection in dairy herds if repeated analyses are carried out. Analysis of bulk samples may also be an inexpensive way of identifying herds infected with F. hepatica, provided highly sensitive tests are used.
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