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Figuerêdo Moreira I, Marcelino Alvares-Saraiva A, Cristin Pérez E, Guilherme Xavier J, Denelle Spadacci-Morena D, Silva de Araújo R, Ricardo Dell'Armelina Rocha P, Anete Lallo M. Opportunistic pneumonia caused by E. cuniculi in mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide. Immunobiology 2022; 227:152194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many microsporidia species play an important role in the development of serious diseases that have significant implications in human and veterinary medicine. While microsporidia were originally considered to be opportunistic pathogens in humans, it is now understood that infections also occur in immune competent humans. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are primarily mammalian pathogens. However, many other species of microsporidia that have some other primary host that is not a mammal have been reported to cause sporadic mammalian infections. Experimental models and observations in natural infections have demonstrated that microsporidia can cause a latent infection in mammalian hosts. This chapter reviews the published studies on mammalian microsporidiosis and the data on chronic infections due to these enigmatic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Myšková E, Brož M, Kváč M, Sak B, Ditrich O. Intestinal parasites of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Svalbard (Norway): low prevalence and limited transmission with wildlife. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Domesticated dogs (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) are widely kept on all continents and could share parasites with free-living animals. To understand the transmission of intestinal parasites between dogs kept on the four dog stations and wildlife in Svalbard, 170 faecal samples from dogs and 203 faecal samples from wildlife, including Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758); n = 62), Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus (Vrolik, 1829); n = 106), sibling vole (Microtus levis Miller, 1908; n = 63), Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus Baillon, 1834; n = 30), Little Auk (Alle alle (Linnaeus, 1758); n = 49), and Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla (Linnaeus, 1758); n = 18), were individually screened for the presence of intestinal parasites using microscopy and PCR and nucleotide sequencing methods. Additionally, the results of the study were compared with previous studies performed in the same area. The roundworm Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902) was found microscopically and by PCR in a dog (n = 1). The specific DNA of three species of parasitic protists was detected in dogs from different yards. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium canis Fayer, Trout, Xiao, Morgan, Lal and Dubey, 2001 (n = 1), Encephalitozoon cuniculi Levaditi, Nicolau and Schoen, 1923 genotype II (n = 4), and dog-specific Enterocytozoon bieneusi Desportes, Le Charpentier, Galian, Bernard, Cochand-Priollet, Lavergne, Ravisse and Modigliani, 1985 genotypes (n = 12). This study showed overall a low prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs in Svalbard and possible but minimal transmission with wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Myšková
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Brož
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 1668, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Ditrich
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Perec-Matysiak A, Leśniańska K, Buńkowska-Gawlik K, Čondlová Š, Sak B, Kváč M, Rajský D, Hildebrand J. The opportunistic pathogen Encephalitozoon cuniculi in wild living Murinae and Arvicolinae in Central Europe. Eur J Protistol 2019; 69:14-19. [PMID: 30825553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon spp. is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp. in wild living rodents from Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Faecal and spleen samples were collected from individuals of Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, and Myodes glareolus (n = 465) and used for DNA extraction. PCR, targeting the ITS region of the rRNA gene was performed. The overall prevalence of microsporidia was 15.1%. The occurrence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the abovementioned host species of rodents has been presented for the first time, with the highest infection rate recorded for A. flavicollis. Sequence analysis showed that the most frequent species was E. cuniculi genotype II (92.5%). E. cuniculi genotypes I (1.5%) and III (6.0%) were also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Perec-Matysiak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Kinga Leśniańska
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Buńkowska-Gawlik
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Šárka Čondlová
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dušan Rajský
- Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Technical University in Zvolen, Zvolen, Slovak Republic
| | - Joanna Hildebrand
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
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Kotková M, Sak B, Hlásková L, Květoňová D, Kváč M. Evidence of transplacental transmission of Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II in murine model. Exp Parasitol 2018; 193:51-57. [PMID: 30201451 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellurar unicellular parasite of wide range of vertebrates. Although ingestion or inhalation of microsporidian spores is the main route of infection, assumed vertical transmission was described in some mammals. The present study was focused on proof of vertical transmission in mice under experimental conditions. Mice were infected with E. cuniculi genotype II intraperitoneally after mating, or perorally followed by mating in acute or chronic phase of infection. Fetuses were delivered by Caesarean section or mice were kept up to the parturition. Some of cubs were immediately after birth transferred to uninfected surrogate mothers. Group of cubs was immunosuppressed. All cubs were examined using polymerase chain reaction for the presence of Encephalitozoon after birth or in their age of 3 or 6 weeks, respectively. All fetuses delivered by Caesarean section, which were intraperitoneally or perorally infected were negative as well as all neonatal mice and youngsters tested in age of 6 weeks. Only immunosuppressed cubs and cubs of immunodeficient mice in age of 21 days were positive for Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II. Present results provided the evidence that transplacental transmission of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in mice occurs, but the mechanism of these transport is still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kotková
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic
| | - Dana Květoňová
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, BC CAS, v.v.i., Czech Republic; Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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SYSTEMIC ENCEPHALITOZOONOSIS DUE TOENCEPHALITOZOON CUNICULISTRAIN IV IN A VANCOUVER ISLAND MARMOT (MARMOTA VANCOUVERENSIS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2018; 49:484-488. [DOI: 10.1638/2017-0175.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Molecular Evidence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes). J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:825-828. [PMID: 29733765 DOI: 10.7589/2017-09-240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi are important infectious agents, with T. gondii and E. cuniculi having zoonotic potential. There are two main clonal lineages (types I and II) of T. gondii in Europe, but little is known about genotypes of T. gondii in wild animals. The aim of our study was molecular detection of these three pathogens in tissues of wild red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) from the Czech Republic. Using PCR (B1 gene), we detected T. gondii in 10% of the animals that we tested ( n=100); N. caninum and E. cuniculi were not detected. The T. gondii samples were genotyped by single multiplex PCR assay with 15 microsatellite markers. Five samples were successfully genotyped as genotype II, a unique finding for T. gondii isolated from red foxes from the Czech Republic.
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B-1 cell decreases susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis in mice. Immunobiology 2017; 222:218-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Spraker TR, White PA. Shaggy Lame Fox Syndrome in Pribilof Island Arctic Foxes ( Alopex lagopus pribilofensis), Alaska. Vet Pathol 2016; 54:258-268. [PMID: 27543449 DOI: 10.1177/0300985816660745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A previously unrecognized condition is described in wild free-ranging Pribilof arctic foxes ( Alopex lagopus pribilofensis) from the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, USA. This condition is called shaggy lame fox syndrome (SLFS) denoting the primary clinical signs first observed. Criteria used to suspect SLFS on gross examination included emaciation, failure to shed winter pelage and moderate to severe polyarthritis. Criteria used to confirm SLFS histologically included polyarthritis (characterized by lymphoplasmacytic synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, periosteal bony proliferation, and periarticular lymphoplasmacytic vasculitis) and systemic leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Other histological lesions often found included renal cortical infarcts, myocarditis with myocardial infarcts, lymphoplasmacytic meningitis, lymphoplasmacytic cuffing of meningeal and a few cerebral vessels, and cavitating infarcts of the brainstem and thalamus. The cause of SLFS is not known at this time; however, the gross and histological lesions suggest that the cause of SLFS may be a bacterial polyarthritis with a secondary immune-mediated vasculitis. These lesions are consistent with changes described with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in domestic dogs; E. rhusiopathiae was identified from the synovial membrane of a swollen stifle joint and the kidney from one fox using real-time polymerase chain reaction and with culture from a fox that had gross and histological lesions of SLFS. Therefore, E. rhusiopathiae is a possible etiological agent for SLFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Spraker
- 1 Colorado State University Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - P A White
- 2 Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Stoll AL, Mitchell JA, Priestnall SL. WITHDRAWN: Clinical Signs, Neuroanatomical Distribution and Histopathological Characterisation of Meningoencephalitis in Wild Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) Associated with a Novel fox Circovirus. J Comp Pathol 2016:S0021-9975(16)30052-4. [PMID: 27392422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Stoll
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.
| | - J A Mitchell
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - S L Priestnall
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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Berg AL, Gavier-Widén D, Nilsson K, Widén F, Berg M, Gregorius S, Agren E, Erlandsson M, Mörner T. Necrotizing Encephalitis of Unknown Cause in Fennoscandian Arctic Foxes (Alopex Lagopus). J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 19:113-7. [PMID: 17459845 DOI: 10.1177/104063870701900121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A neurologic disease affected a colony of endangered Fennoscandian arctic foxes ( Alopex lagopus) kept in captivity for breeding purposes. Several outbreaks of disease occurred between 1994 and 2004. The clinical signs included ataxia, indications of anosmia, blindness, and abnormal behavior. The disease was characterized by severe necrotizing encephalitis affecting mostly the cranial cerebrum, basal ganglia, and olfactory bulbs. Investigations to identify the etiology of the disease included testing for several infectious agents known to cause encephalitis in carnivores. Tests for Toxoplasma gondii, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Neospora caninum, canine distemper virus, rabies, adenovirus type 1, Borna disease virus, and Listeria monocytogenes were negative. The colony was closed, and the cause of the disease remains undetermined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Berg
- Safety Assessment, Astra Zeneca R&D Södertälje, Södertälje, Sweden
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Hinney B, Sak B, Joachim A, Kváč M. More than a rabbit's tale - Encephalitozoon spp. in wild mammals and birds. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:76-87. [PMID: 28560162 PMCID: PMC5439460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Within the microsporidian genus Encephalitozoon, three species, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis have been described. Several orders of the Class Aves (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Apodiformes, Ciconiiformis, Gruiformes, Columbiformes, Suliformes, Podicipediformes, Anseriformes, Struthioniformes, Falconiformes) and of the Class Mammalia (Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Primates, Artyodactyla, Soricomorpha, Chiroptera, Carnivora) can become infected. Especially E. cuniculi has a very broad host range while E. hellem is mainly distributed amongst birds. E. intestinalis has so far been detected only sporadically in wild animals. Although genotyping allows the identification of strains with a certain host preference, recent studies have demonstrated that they have no strict host specificity. Accordingly, humans can become infected with any of the four strains of E. cuniculi as well as with E. hellem or E. intestinalis, the latter being the most common. Especially, but not exclusively, immunocompromised people are at risk. Environmental contamination with as well as direct transmission of Encephalitozoon is therefore highly relevant for public health. Moreover, endangered species might be threatened by the spread of pathogens into their habitats. In captivity, clinically overt and often fatal disease seems to occur frequently. In conclusion, Encephalitozoon appears to be common in wild warm-blooded animals and these hosts may present important reservoirs for environmental contamination and maintenance of the pathogens. Similar to domestic animals, asymptomatic infections seem to occur frequently but in captive wild animals severe disease has also been reported. Detailed investigations into the epidemiology and clinical relevance of these microsporidia will permit a full appraisal of their role as pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Künzel F, Peschke R, Tichy A, Joachim A. Comparison of an indirect fluorescent antibody test with Western blot for the detection of serum antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cats. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:4457-62. [PMID: 25199557 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4130-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Current clinical research indicates that Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi infections in cats may be underdiagnosed, especially in animals with typical ocular signs (cataract/anterior uveitis). Although molecular detection of the pathogen in tissue appears promising, serology remains the major diagnostic tool in the living animal. While serological tests are established for the main host of E. cuniculi, the rabbit, the routine serological diagnosis for cats still needs validation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the consistency of indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and Western blot (WB) for the detection of IgG antibodies against E. cuniculi in the serum of 84 cats. In addition, PCR of liquefied lens material or intraocular fluid was performed in those of the cats with a suspected ocular E. cuniculi infection. Twenty-one cats with positive PCR results were considered as a positive reference group. Results obtained by IFAT and WB corresponded in 83/84 serum samples, indicating a very good correlation between both serological methods. Using WB as the standard reference, sensitivity and specificity for the detection of antibodies against E. cuniculi by the IFAT were 97.6 and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for the IFAT were 100 and 97.7%, respectively. The accuracy (correct classified proportion) for the detection of IgG antibodies against E. cuniculi in cats was 98.8%. The comparison of both serological methods with the PCR results also revealed a good agreement as 20 out of 21 PCR-positive samples were seropositive both in IFAT and WB. Both tests can be considered as equally reliable assays to detect IgG antibodies against E. cuniculi in cats. As the IFAT is quicker and easier to perform, it is recommended for routine use in the diagnosis of feline encephalitozoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Künzel
- Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, Clinic of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria,
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Meng X, Zheng J, He X, Jia H, Zhang Y. First Characterization in China of Encephalitozoon cuniculi
in the Blue Fox (Alopex lagopus). J Eukaryot Microbiol 2014; 61:580-5. [DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangchun Meng
- College of Wildlife Resources Northeast Forestry University; Hexing Road 26 Xiangfang District, Harbin 150040 China
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute; CAAS-Michigan State University Joint Laboratory of Innate Immunity; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Maduan Street 427 Nangang District, Harbin 150001 China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute; CAAS-Michigan State University Joint Laboratory of Innate Immunity; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Maduan Street 427 Nangang District, Harbin 150001 China
| | - Xijun He
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute; CAAS-Michigan State University Joint Laboratory of Innate Immunity; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Maduan Street 427 Nangang District, Harbin 150001 China
| | - Honglin Jia
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute; CAAS-Michigan State University Joint Laboratory of Innate Immunity; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Maduan Street 427 Nangang District, Harbin 150001 China
| | - Yanlong Zhang
- College of Wildlife Resources Northeast Forestry University; Hexing Road 26 Xiangfang District, Harbin 150040 China
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Lindsay DS, Goodwin DG, Zajac AM, Cortés-Vecino JA, Gennari SM, Rosypal AC, Dubey JP. Serological Survey for Antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Ownerless Dogs From Urban Areas of Brazil and Colombia. J Parasitol 2009; 95:760-3. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-1890.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Murphy TM, Walochnik J, Hassl A, Moriarty J, Mooney J, Toolan D, Sanchez-Miguel C, O'Loughlin A, McAuliffe A. Study on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and molecular evidence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon (Septata) intestinalis infections in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in rural Ireland. Vet Parasitol 2007; 146:227-34. [PMID: 17368946 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Revised: 11/24/2006] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thoracic fluid (pleural fluid and clotted blood) from 206 foxes were examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and 220 thoracic fluid samples were tested for Neospora caninum antibodies using indirect immunofluorescent antibody tests (IFAT). A total of 115 (56%) and six (3%) foxes had antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. The brains from 148 foxes were examined for histological lesions and pathological changes suggestive of parasitic encephalitis were observed in 33 (22%). Two thirds of these foxes had antibodies to T. gondii and one fox had antibodies to both T. gondii and N. caninum. PCR assays carried out on DNA extracted from the 33 brains with histological lesions were negative for N. caninum but one of the brains was positive for T. gondii. Microsporidian DNA was also amplified from the brains of two of these foxes. Sequencing these amplicons revealed 100% homology with Encephalitozoon (Septata) intestinalis in one fox and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the second fox. This is the first report of Encephalitozoon infections in wildlife in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Murphy
- Central Veterinary Laboratory, Backweston Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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Hůrková L, Modrý D. PCR detection of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in brains of wild carnivores. Vet Parasitol 2006; 137:150-4. [PMID: 16472923 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2005] [Revised: 01/04/2006] [Accepted: 01/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon cuniculi are important pathogens with affinity to the central nervous system of many animals. 240 brains of wild carnivores were examined by PCR-based diagnosis. The presence of N. caninum DNA was confirmed in 4.61% (7/152) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). DNA of T. gondii was found in 4.92% (3/61) martens (Martes sp.) and in 1.32% (2/152) red foxes. DNA of E. cuniculi was determined in 3.28% (2/61) martens and in one examined European otter (Lutra lutra). There were no co-infections found. These results provide the first evidence of E. cuniculi in the European otter, the first report of N. caninum in foxes in the Czech Republic and confirm the presence of T. gondii in wild carnivores in the Czech Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Hůrková
- Clinic of Ruminants Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého 1-3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Haro M, Izquierdo F, Henriques-Gil N, Andrés I, Alonso F, Fenoy S, del Aguila C. First detection and genotyping of human-associated microsporidia in pigeons from urban parks. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:3153-7. [PMID: 15933015 PMCID: PMC1151808 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.6.3153-3157.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous opportunistic parasites in nature infecting all animal phyla, and the zoonotic potential of this parasitosis is under discussion. Fecal samples from 124 pigeons from seven parks of Murcia (Spain) were analyzed. Thirty-six of them (29.0%) showed structures compatible with microsporidia spores by staining methods. The DNA isolated from 26 fecal samples (20.9%) of microsporidia-positive pigeons was amplified with specific primers for the four most frequent human microsporidia. Twelve pigeons were positive for only Enterocytozoon bieneusi (9.7%), 5 for Encephalitozoon intestinalis (4%), and one for Encephalitozoon hellem (0.8%). Coinfections were detected in eight additional pigeons: E. bieneusi and E. hellem were detected in six animals (4.8%); E. bieneusi was associated with E. intestinalis in one case (0.8%); and E. hellem and E. intestinalis coexisted in one pigeon. No positive samples for Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected. The internally transcribed spacer genotype could be completed for one E. hellem-positive pigeon; the result was identical to the genotype A1 previously characterized in an E. hellem Spanish strain of human origin. To our knowledge, this is the first time that human-related microsporidia have been identified in urban park pigeons. Moreover, we can conclude that there is no barrier to microsporidia transmission between park pigeons and humans for E. intestinalis and E. hellem. This study is of environmental and sanitary interest, because children and elderly people constitute the main visitors of parks and they are populations at risk for microsporidiosis. It should also contribute to the better design of appropriate prophylactic measures for populations at risk for opportunistic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Haro
- Laboratorio de Genética, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Microsporidia are long-known parasitic organisms of almost every animal group, including invertebrates and vertebrates. Microsporidia emerged as important opportunistic pathogens in humans when AIDS became pandemic and, more recently, have also increasingly been detected in otherwise immunocompromised patients, including organ transplant recipients, and in immunocompetent persons with corneal infection or diarrhea. Two species causing rare infections in humans, Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Brachiola vesicularum, had previously been described from animal hosts (vertebrates and insects, respectively). However, several new microsporidial species, including Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the most prevalent human microsporidian causing human immunodeficiency virus-associated diarrhea, have been discovered in humans, raising the question of their natural origin. Vertebrate hosts are now identified for all four major microsporidial species infecting humans (E. bieneusi and the three Encephalitozoon spp.), implying a zoonotic nature of these parasites. Molecular studies have identified phenotypic and/or genetic variability within these species, indicating that they are not uniform, and have allowed the question of their zoonotic potential to be addressed. The focus of this review is the zoonotic potential of the various microsporidia and a brief update on other microsporidia which have no known host or an invertebrate host and which cause rare infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mathis
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Microsporidia have emerged as causes of infectious diseases in AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, children, travelers, contact lens wearers, and the elderly. These organisms are small single-celled, obligate intracellular parasites that were considered to be early eukaryotic protozoa but were recently reclassified with the fungi. Of the 14 species of microsporidia currently known to infect humans, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis are the most common causes of human infections and are associated with diarrhea and systemic disease. Species of microsporidia infecting humans have been identified in water sources as well as in wild, domestic, and food-producing farm animals, raising concerns for waterborne, foodborne, and zoonotic transmission. Current therapies for microsporidiosis include albendazole which is a benzimidazole that inhibits microtubule assembly and is effective against several microsporidia, including the Encephalitozoon species, but is less effective against E. bieneusi. Fumagillin, an antibiotic and anti-angiogenic compound produced by Aspergillus fumigatus, is more broadly effective against Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi but is toxic when administered systemically to mammals. Gene target studies have focused on methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) for characterizing the mechanism of action and for identifying more effective, less toxic fumagillin-related drugs. Polyamine analogues have shown promise in demonstrating anti-microsporidial activity in culture and in animal models, and a gene encoding topoisomerase IV was identified in Vittaforma corneae, raising prospects for studies on fluoroquinolone efficacy against microsporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Didier
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA.
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Reetz J, Wiedemann M, Aue A, Wittstatt U, Ochs A, Thomschke A, Manke H, Schwebs M, Rinder H. Disseminated lethal Encephalitozoon cuniculi (genotype III) infections in cotton-top tamarins (Oedipomidas oedipus)--a case report. Parasitol Int 2004; 53:29-34. [PMID: 14984833 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2003.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2003] [Accepted: 10/07/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
For the first time, Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi genotype III ('dog strain') was verified in two cotton-top tamarins (Oedipomidas oedipus) by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, PCR and sequencing. The animals had a disseminated lethal infection with this protist. In earlier reports, genotype III had been found only in domestic dogs, man, emperor tamarins (Saguinus imperator) and golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia). This investigation establishes now that the 'dog strain' can occur in cotton-top tamarins too. This is further evidence for the zoonotic potential of E. cuniculi. Furthermore, free E. cuniculi spores were identified also in blood vessels of several tissues. These findings indicate that during a disseminated infection E. cuniculi spores can occur in peripheral blood, too. We propose that blood should also be included in the investigations for the detection of microsporidia, so that a possible disseminated course of an infection can be detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Reetz
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany.
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Akerstedt J. Humoral immune response in adult blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) after oral infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi spores. Vet Parasitol 2003; 113:203-10. [PMID: 12719134 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(03)00063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi causes severe diseases in blue fox puppies. When pregnant vixens are infected, parasites are transmitted over the placenta to the unborn that subsequently develop encephalitozoonosis. Adult foxes themselves do not have signs of disease, but show antibody titres to E. cuniculi. The purpose of the present study was to gain information on the immune response in adult foxes after experimental infection. Sixteen foxes were infected orally with E. cuniculi spores, eight of them twice and 28 days apart. The two groups of animals showed elevated serological values in both the carbon immunoassay and in the ELISA. Elevated serological levels were recorded up to 1 year after the infection took place. The control group (n=8) remained serologically negative throughout the trial. The results of the study showed that blue foxes could be seropositive for at least a year after oral infection with E. cuniculi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Akerstedt
- National Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 8156 Dep., NO-0033, Oslo, Norway.
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