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Šiljegović S, Mouillaud T, Jiolle D, Petrić D, Ignjatović-Ćupina A, Vasić A, Paupy C, Kavran M. Dirofilaria sp. and Blood Meal Analysis in Mosquitoes Collected in Vojvodina and Mačva, and the First Report of Setaria tundra (Issaitshikoff & Rajewskaya, 1928) in Serbia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1255. [PMID: 38731259 PMCID: PMC11083277 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091255] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two most widespread and important species of mosquito-borne nematodes, posing a significant threat to veterinary health and particularly affecting canines and felines. While D. immitis causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, D. repens causes subcutaneous infections in dogs and other carnivores. Despite the extensive knowledge on these parasites, little is known about their natural vectors in Serbia. The parasite Setaria tundra, known to infect deer, has not yet been detected in Serbia but has been documented in neighboring countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to (i) further map out Dirofilaria sp. hotspots in the Vojvodina Province and detect S. tundra for the first time, (ii) detect positive mosquito species that can provide insights into how the nematodes spread in Serbia, and (iii) analyze the blood-fed female mosquitoes of species found to be infected, in order to identify the potential source of parasite infection. A total of 2902 female mosquitoes were collected across 73 locations during 2021 and 2022. Molecular biology methods, based on conventional PCR, were used to analyze non-blood-fed (2521 specimens) and blood-fed (381 specimens) female mosquitos, in order to detect filarial nematode presence and identify blood-meal sources, respectively. When the parasite genome was detected, the amplicon (cox1 gene, 650 bp fragment) was sent for Sanger sequencing, further confirming the presence of nematodes and species assignation. D. immitis was detected in three Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected in Zrenjanin (August 2021) and Glogonj and Svetozar Miletić (both in July 2021). Additionally, Setaria tundra was detected in Aedes vexans collected in Iđoš (mid-August 2021) and Aedes caspius, which was collected in Mali Iđoš (end of July 2021). This work identifies two new locations where D. immitis occurs in Vojvodina, and is the first report of S. tundra in Serbian territory. Blood-meal analysis provided insights into the preferences of mosquitoes that were positive for Dirofilaria sp. and S. tundra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Šiljegović
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
| | - Théo Mouillaud
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Montpellier University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34090 Montpellier, France; (T.M.); (D.J.); (C.P.)
| | - Davy Jiolle
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Montpellier University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34090 Montpellier, France; (T.M.); (D.J.); (C.P.)
| | - Dušan Petrić
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović-Ćupina
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
| | - Ana Vasić
- Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Christophe Paupy
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Montpellier University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 34090 Montpellier, France; (T.M.); (D.J.); (C.P.)
| | - Mihaela Kavran
- Faculty of Agriculture, Centre of Excellence—One Health, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (S.Š.); (D.P.); (A.I.-Ć.)
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Rodríguez-Escolar I, Hernández-Lambraño RE, Sánchez-Agudo JÁ, Collado-Cuadrado M, Savić S, Žekić Stosic M, Marcic D, Morchón R. Prediction and validation of potential transmission risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Serbia and its projection to 2080. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1352236. [PMID: 38634104 PMCID: PMC11022963 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1352236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal and human dirofilariosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease, being one of the most important diseases in Europe. In Serbia, there are extensive studies reporting the presence of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens, mainly in the north of the country, where the human population is concentrated and where there is a presence of culicid mosquitoes that transmit the disease. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) has proven to be a very good tool to predict the appearance of parasitosis in very diverse areas, with distant orography and climatologies at a local, continental, and global level. Taking these factors into account, the objective of this study was to develop an environmental model for Serbia that reflects the suitability of the ecological niche for the risk of infection with Dirofilaria spp. with which the predictive power of existing studies is improved. A wide set of variables related to the transmission of the parasite were used. The potential number of generations of D. immitis and the ecological niche modeling method (ENM) were used to estimate the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Culex pipiens. The highest probability of infection risk was located in the north of the country, and the lowest in the southern regions, where there is more orographic relief and less human activity. The model was corroborated with the location of D. immitis-infected dogs, with 89.28% of the country having a high probability of infection. In addition, it was observed that the percentage of territory with optimal habitat for Culex spp. will increase significantly between now and 2080. This new model can be used as a tool in the control and prevention of heartworm disease in Serbia, due to its high predictive power, and will serve to alert veterinary and health personnel of the presence of the disease in the animal and human population, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Enrique Hernández-Lambraño
- Biodiversity, Human Diversity and Conservation Biology Group, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Center for Environmental Studies and Rural Dynamization (CEADIR), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Ángel Sánchez-Agudo
- Biodiversity, Human Diversity and Conservation Biology Group, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Center for Environmental Studies and Rural Dynamization (CEADIR), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Collado-Cuadrado
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marina Žekić Stosic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Doroteja Marcic
- Center for Environmental Studies and Rural Dynamization (CEADIR), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Center for Environmental Studies and Rural Dynamization (CEADIR), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Morchón R, Montoya-Alonso JA, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E. What Has Happened to Heartworm Disease in Europe in the Last 10 Years? Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091042. [PMID: 36145474 PMCID: PMC9503846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a vector-borne disease that affects canids and felids, both domestic and wild, throughout the world. It is a chronic disease which causes vascular damage in pulmonary arteries, and in advanced stages, the presence of pulmonary hypertension and right-sided congestive heart failure can be evidenced. Moreover, pulmonary thromboembolism is caused by the death of the worms, which can be lethal for the infected animal. Furthermore, it is the causative agent of human pulmonary dirofilariosis, being a zoonotic disease. The aim of this review was to update the current epidemiological situation of heartworm in Europe in dogs, cats, wild animals, and vectors insects, and to analyse the factors that may have contributed to the continuous spread of the disease in the last decade (2012–2021). In Europe, the disease has extended to eastern countries, being currently endemic in countries where previously only isolated or imported cases were reported. Furthermore, its prevalence has continued to increase in southern countries, traditionally endemic. This distribution trends and changes are influenced by several factors which are discussed in this review, such as the climate changes, presence of vectors in new areas, the appearance of new competent vector species in the continent, increased movement of pets that travelled to or originated from endemic countries, the urbanisation of rural areas leading to the formation of so-called “heat islands”, or the creation of extensive areas of irrigated crops. The continuous expansion of D. immitis must be monitored, and measures adapted to the situation of each country must be carried out for adequate control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (E.C.)
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Arucas, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Arucas, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (E.C.)
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Tasić-Otašević S, Savić S, Jurhar-Pavlova M, Stefanovska J, Stalević M, Ignjatović A, Ranđelović M, Gajić B, Cvetkovikj A, Gabrielli S. Molecular Survey of Dirofilaria and Leishmania Species in Dogs from Central Balkan. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070911. [PMID: 35405899 PMCID: PMC8997140 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariosis and leishmaniosis are severe parasitic diseases in dogs, and their causative agents can also be pathogenic to humans. In this study, we conducted a multicentric survey in the regions of Serbia and North Macedonia with the goal to establish an epidemiological scenario of dirofilariosis and leishmaniosis in the territory of Central Balkan. Using molecular analyses, a total of 535 dogs from Northern Serbia (NS), Southern Serbia (SS) and North Macedonia (NM) were screened for the presence of Dirofilaria spp. and Leishmania spp. We confirmed that Central Balkan is an endemic region for Dirofilaria (D.) immitis, as it was found to be the dominant species in this area, with the highest prevalence of 8.75% in NM, followed by NS (6.68%) and a significantly lower prevalence in SS (1.51%). Two dogs (2.5%) from NM were positive for Leishmania (L.) infantum infection. None of the dogs from Serbia tested positive for Leishmania spp. High prevalence and dominance of D. immitis species, and the rising threat of L. infantum spread to the territory of Serbia, suggest that preventive measures are of a great necessity to combat the spread of these vector-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, 21113 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Maja Jurhar-Pavlova
- Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia;
| | - Jovana Stefanovska
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia; (J.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Marko Stalević
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marina Ranđelović
- Medical Faculty, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (S.T.-O.); (M.S.); (A.I.); (M.R.)
- Public Health Institute Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Bojan Gajić
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, UAE University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia; (J.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06499914589
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Cimpan AA, Baneth G, Nachum-Biala Y, Miron L, Rojas A. Dirofilaria repens predominates in shelter dogs from South Romania. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 84:101793. [PMID: 35287057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Canine filarioids are zoonotic vector-borne parasitic nematodes distributed mostly in the tropics and subtropics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution, etiology and genetic variation of canine filarioid infections by three different PCR techniques in four Southern Romanian counties. Blood samples of 300 shelter dogs were screened for infections with canine filarioids by real-time PCR. To determine filarioid species and coinfections, samples positive in the initial screening were further tested by conventional PCR and sequenced. Results indicated that 17% of the tested dogs were positive for at least one filarioid species. The prevalence of D. repens infection was 11.7%, significantly higher than that of D. immitis (4.7%) and A. reconditum (1.3%) (p ≤ 0.003). The high prevalence of canine filarioid infections represents a challenge to animal and human health in the South of Romania, and they should be constantly monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Liviu Miron
- Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Haematological and biochemical abnormalities in hunting dogs infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum, associated risk factors, and a European overview. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2109-2124. [PMID: 33963428 PMCID: PMC8184713 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Acanthocheilonema reconditum is a filarial parasite transmitted by arthropods (fleas, lice, and ticks) that infect dogs. There is minimal published data available to date on potential haematological and biochemical changes associated with this parasitic infection. Study aims were (i) provide an overview of A. reconditum in Europe, (ii) define A. reconditum prevalence and risk factors in a specific dog population (hunting) from southern Italy, and (iii) assess the frequency of haemato-biochemical abnormalities associated with infection. Blood samples collected from 3020 dogs were tested by a modified Knott's technique to count and identify microfilariae. Eighty-four dogs were infected by A. reconditum (2.78%; 95% CI 2.19-3.37%). Microfilariae ranged from 1 to 212/ml. Based on clinical examination, all but six dogs with non-specific symptoms were healthy. Haematological abnormalities included leucocytosis (n = 15), with eosinophilia (n = 14) and monocytosis (n = 13). Serum biochemical abnormalities included increased total serum proteins (n = 19), albumins (n = 7), total globulins (n = 14), ALT (n = 1), and ALP (n = 1); one dog was hypoalbuminemic, and BUN was mildly increased in 2 dogs. Risk factors included the province origin (Napoli, OR=5.4, 95%CI: 2.1-14.0; Caserta, OR=5.1, 95%CI: 2.5-10.6), hunting wild mammals (OR=2.8, 95% 95%CI: 1.6-4.8), and ectoparasite infestation (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.1). There was a negative correlation between microfilaraemic load and decreased albumin level (-0.37; p=0.021). Our results showed that A. reconditum circulates within the hunting dog population of southern Italy, with seemingly low pathogenic potential.
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Alsarraf M, Levytska V, Mierzejewska EJ, Poliukhovych V, Rodo A, Alsarraf M, Kavalevich D, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Behnke JM, Bajer A. Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in Northeastern Europe: high prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in sled dog kennels from the Baltic countries. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1068. [PMID: 33441797 PMCID: PMC7806926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a fast-spreading disease of dogs and humans in Europe. We investigated whether Dirofilaria spp. have spread northwards in Europe, invading the Baltic countries. Altogether, 424 blood samples were collected from eight countries in the period 2017-2019, including 227 samples from sled dogs and 197 samples from other dogs. PCR amplification and sequencing were conducted employing three genetic markers (mitochondrial [mt] 12S rDNA, mt cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [COI] gene and mt dehydrogenase subunit I [NAD1] gene). The SNAP test (IDEXX) for detection of D. immitis infections was also implemented. The DNA of D. repens was detected in 59 of 424 dogs (prevalence 13.9%). D. repens was found in sled dogs from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Belarus. Only one dog from Estonia was infected, apparently an imported case. The highest prevalence was recorded in Lithuania (38%). Among pet dogs from the Ukraine, six dogs tested positive (3.8%). Our study has revealed a high prevalence of D. repens infections in Lithuania and Latvia, but no evidence for spread of the heartworm D. immitis. We conclude that sled dog kennels constitute hot spots for D. repens transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Alsarraf
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Viktoria Levytska
- Department of Infection and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Technology in Animal Husbandry, State Agrarian and Engineering University in Podilia, 13 Shevcnenka Street, Kamianets-Podilskyi, 32300 Ukraine
| | - Ewa J. Mierzejewska
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Vasyl Poliukhovych
- Department of Infection and Invasive Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Technology in Animal Husbandry, State Agrarian and Engineering University in Podilia, 13 Shevcnenka Street, Kamianets-Podilskyi, 32300 Ukraine
| | - Anna Rodo
- grid.13276.310000 0001 1955 7966Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 159c Nowoursynowska Street, 02-766 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mohammed Alsarraf
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dziyana Kavalevich
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD UK
| | - Anna Bajer
- grid.12847.380000 0004 1937 1290Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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Muñoz AAF, Martinez AR, Pinilla JC. Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in shelter dogs in Bucaramanga metropolitan area, Colombia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100489. [PMID: 33308715 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The heartworm Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and cats and also infects humans. The current knowledge about this parasite in South America is scarce compared to North America and Europe. Nevertheless, this parasite has been reported in some regions of Colombia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with D. immitis infection in shelter dogs from Bucaramanga metropolitan area. We performed a cross-sectional study using blood samples from shelter dogs. Microfilariae testing of whole blood included a blood smear and modified Knott's test. Antigen testing of serum was performed using the Anigen Rapid HW Ag Test Kit 2.0 ®. A descriptive analysis and univariable logistic regression analysis were applied. A total of 207 whole blood samples, from 7 shelters dogs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, were utilized. The overall prevalence of D. immitis observed in shelter dogs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area by blood smears and modified Knott's test was 6.3% (13/ 207) and 0.5% (1/207) by immunochromatography test kit. Regarding the prevalence by municipalities, there was a statistical association (P < .05), indicating that the prevalence was higher in dogs in Girón municipality. Likewise, there was a statistical association (P < .05) between the prevalence with respect to heartworm knowledge and mosquito control. For prevalence by gender, age group, dog breed, and hair length, there was no statistical association (P > .05). For Girón municipality there was a 7.1 times (OR = 7.1; CI95% 0.8-59.2; P < .05) increased infection risk. This study provides current data and the first known report of the prevalence of D. immitis microfilaremia and antigenemia in shelter dogs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, and these results could be useful for designing new control measures for this infection. We observed that the prevalence of both microfilaremia and antigenemia was significantly lower in these sampled dogs compared to previous reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Alberto Florez Muñoz
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias-GICA, Campus lagos del Cacique, CP 680006 Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Ariel Rosas Martinez
- Escuela Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto Universitario de la Paz, Barrancabermeja CP 687037, Colombia.
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias-GICA, Campus lagos del Cacique, CP 680006 Bucaramanga, Colombia.
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Savić S, Stosic MZ, Marcic D, Hernández I, Potkonjak A, Otasevic S, Ruzic M, Morchón R. Seroepidemiological Study of Canine and Human Dirofilariasis in the Endemic Region of Northern Serbia. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:571. [PMID: 33134332 PMCID: PMC7550424 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused mainly by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens that affect dogs and humans all over the world. Serbia is considered an endemic country to both forms of dirofilariasis, although most of the population is concentrated in the north of the country. The aims of this study were to show the prevalence of D. immitis and D. repens in dogs and the seroprevalence in humans compared to previous studies in Northern Serbia. In total, 346 dog sera samples and 265 human samples were analyzed. Dog blood samples were analyzed using the modified Knott's method to check whether there were Dirofilaria spp. microfilariae and serum samples were checked by a commercial D. immitis antigen test. Human serum samples were analyzed with a non-commercial ELISA for detection of specific anti-D. immitis, anti-D. repens, and anti-Wolbachia IgG antibodies, and confirmed by western blotting. The overall prevalence for Dirofilaria spp. in dogs was 29.19%. The overall prevalence for D. immitis was 26.30%. The percentages of D. immitis and D. repens microfilaremia in dogs were 25.72 and 1.45%, respectively, while D. immitis./D. repens microfilaremia co-infections were also 1.45%. The overall seroprevalence for Dirofilaria spp. in humans was 3.77%. The overall seroprevalence for D. immitis was 1.51, 1.13% for D. repens, and for D. immitis/D. repens co-infections was 1.13%. The results indicate that D. immitis and D. repens are present in dogs and humans in the province of Vojvodina, in the northern part of Serbia. It is most likely associated with the presence of many rivers, the climate, and presence of mosquitoes in the area, so there could be a real public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Doroteja Marcic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Isabel Hernández
- Group of Animal and Human Dirofilariasis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Maja Ruzic
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Group of Animal and Human Dirofilariasis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Potkonjak A, Rojas A, Gutiérrez R, Nachum-Biala Y, Kleinerman G, Savić S, Polaček V, Pušić I, Harrus S, Baneth G. Molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs, red foxes and golden jackals from Vojvodina, Serbia. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 68:101409. [PMID: 31881413 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101409] [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: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and other carnivores is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, while Dirofilaria repens usually causes a subcutaneous infection. The importance of red foxes and golden jackals in the epidemiology of dirofilariosis remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs, red foxes and golden jackals from the endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia, in order to determine and update data on their prevalence and provide insight into the epidemiological importance of wild canids. A total of 59 blood samples from stray dogs, 94 from red foxes and 32 from golden jackals were collected and screened by real-time PCR targeting a 115-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S gene of filarioids and by conventional PCR assay targeting a 484-524-bp fragment of 5.8S-ITS2-28S locus of filarioids. The cross-sectional molecular survey detected the filarioid mitochondrial 12S gene fragment in stray dogs (27.1 %), red foxes (8.5 %) and golden jackals (6.3 %) in the same endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia. Only D. immitis was detected in stray dogs, while both D. immitis and D. repens were detected in populations of red foxes and golden jackals. These results outline a possible interaction of D. immitis infection between the dog population and the wild canid populations, while D. repens was found to circulate mostly in golden jackals and red foxes populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Gabriela Kleinerman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute 'Novi Sad', Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | | | - Ivan Pušić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute 'Novi Sad', Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
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Farkas R, Mag V, Gyurkovszky M, Takács N, Vörös K, Solymosi N. The current situation of canine dirofilariosis in Hungary. Parasitol Res 2019; 119:129-135. [PMID: 31754854 PMCID: PMC6942023 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Between April and September 2017, blood samples were collected from 344 randomly selected dogs older than 1 year in 180 settlements of 19 counties in Hungary. The dogs lived exclusively outdoors, had never travelled and had neither been examined for Dirofilaria infection nor treated against mosquitoes with insecticides or/and filarioid worms with macrocyclic lactones. Dirofilaria infection was examined with a modified Knott’s test for microfilariae, DiroCHEK®, for the presence of D. immitis antigen, as well as by multiplex and conventional PCR. Altogether, 77 (22.4%) dogs living in 58 settlements of 17 counties were found to be infected with one or both Dirofilaria species based on the PCR techniques. Twenty-eight (8.1%) and 38 (11.1%) dogs were infected with D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. Coinfections were recorded in 11 samples (3.2%) collected in 11 locations of 8 counties. The results confirmed that both dirofilarioses are endemic in dogs and the eastern areas of the country are hyperendemic for heartworm disease. Temperature showed a significant association with the prevalence of D. immitis (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.24–4.86, p = 0.012) but not with that of D. repens (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.78–2.47, p = 0.286). The prevalence of neither D. immitis (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00, p = 0.213) nor D. repens (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.01, p = 0.094) showed a significant correlation with precipitation. The number of yearly growing degree days (GDD) based on the lifecycle of Dirofilaria in mosquitoes ranged between 3.73 and 7.57 for the Hungarian districts. The GDD showed a significant positive association with the prevalence of D. immitis (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.43–4.15, p = 0.001) and a non-significant positive relationship with that of D. repens (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.83–1.95, p = 0.291).
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Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary.
| | - Viktória Mag
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
| | - Mónika Gyurkovszky
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
| | - Károly Vörös
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
| | - Norbert Solymosi
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, Budapest, H-1078, Hungary
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Sabūnas V, Radzijevskaja J, Sakalauskas P, Petkevičius S, Karvelienė B, Žiliukienė J, Lipatova I, Paulauskas A. Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Lithuania. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:177. [PMID: 30999960 PMCID: PMC6472076 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3406-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Lithuania, the first case of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis was recorded in 2010. Since then, an increasing number of cases of canine dirofilariosis have been documented in different veterinary clinics throughout the country. Human dirofilariosis was diagnosed in Lithuania for the first time in September 2011. However, to the authors' knowledge, there are no published data on the presence and prevalence of autochthonous dirofilariosis in dogs and humans in the country. The present study provides information about the predominant species and prevalence of Dirofilaria in dogs and describes the cases of human dirofilariosis in Lithuania. It also outlines PCR detection of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia that contributes to the inflammatory features of filarioid infection. RESULTS A total of 2280 blood samples and six adult worms from pet and shelter dogs were collected in the central and eastern regions of Lithuania in 2013-2015. Based on their morphological appearance, morphometric measurements and molecular analysis, all the adult nematodes were identified as Dirofilaria repens. The diagnosis of microfilariae in blood samples was based on blood smear analysis and Knott's test. The PCR and sequence analysis of the ribosomal DNA ITS2 region and cox1 gene confirmed the presence of D. repens. Overall, 61 (2.7%) of the 2280 blood samples were found to be positive for the presence of D. repens. The infection rate of D. repens was significantly higher in shelter dogs (19.0%; 19/100) than in pet dogs (1.9%; 42/2180) (χ2 = 100.039, df = 1, P < 0.0001). Forty-nine DNA samples of D. repens-infected dogs were tested for the presence of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia and, of these, 40 samples (81.6%) were found to be positive. Three ocular and six subcutaneous cases of human dirofilariosis were diagnosed in Lithuania in the period 2011-2018. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of autochthonous D. repens infection in dogs and humans in Lithuania. The present data demonstrate that D. repens is the main etiological agent of dirofilariosis in Lithuania. The DNA of the filarioid endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was detected in the vast majority of dogs infected with D. repens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vytautas Sabūnas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Linas Veterinary Clinic, Debreceno str. 5, 94175 Klaipėda, Lithuania
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Povilas Sakalauskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Petkevičius
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Birutė Karvelienė
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės str. 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jolanta Žiliukienė
- National Public Health Surveillance Laboratory, Žolyno str. 36, 10210 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Indrė Lipatova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, LT-44404 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Gavrilović P, Dobrosavljević I, Vasković N, Todorović I, Živulj A, Kureljušić B, Pavlović I. Cardiopulmonary parasitic nematodes of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Serbia. Acta Vet Hung 2019; 67:60-69. [PMID: 30973268 DOI: 10.1556/004.2019.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Among the wild canids, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is recognised as an important reservoir species for a range of parasites, including cardiopulmonary nematodes of public health and veterinary importance. As cross-host transmission between the red fox and domestic carnivores can play an important role in the epizootiology of cardiopulmonary parasitic diseases, the aim of the present investigations was to obtain data on the geographical distribution of cardiopulmonary nematodes of the red fox. The material for examination consisted of 83 foxes which were legally hunted at different locations during a three-month period from December 2017 to February 2018. The presence of four emerging species in Europe (Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Dirofilaria immitis and Eucoleus aerophilus) was revealed in red foxes of Serbia. Crenosoma vulpis and E. aerophilus were detected in foxes in both the plain and the mountainous areas across the country. Dirofilaria immitis is distributed in red foxes near alluvial rivers in Vojvodina province (northern Serbia). Angiostrongylosis caused by A. vasorum was demonstrated to exist in two enzootic foci with a high percentage of infected foxes in a plain area of northern Serbia. To the best of our knowledge, C. vulpis and A. vasorum were discovered for the first time in red foxes in central Serbia. The results provide strong evidence for veterinarians to take into consideration the parasitic nematodes discovered in red foxes in the differential diagnosis of diseases of companion animals. In the context of the 'One Health' approach the results related to the distribution of the zoonotic species E. aerophilus and D. immitis can be useful for medical epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Gavrilović
- 1 Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Novoseljanski put 33, 26000 Pančevo, Serbia
| | - Ivan Dobrosavljević
- 2 Department of Pathology, Veterinary Specialized Institute ‘Požarevac’, Požarevac, Serbia
| | - Nikola Vasković
- 3 Department of Epizootiology, Veterinary Specialized Institute ‘Kraljevo’, Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Igor Todorović
- 4 Department of Animal Health, Novoseljanski put 33, 26000 Pančevo, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Živulj
- 5 Department of Epizootiology, Veterinary Specialized Institute ‘Pančevo’, Novoseljanski put 33, 26000 Pančevo, Serbia
| | | | - Ivan Pavlović
- 7 Department of Parasitology, Scientific Veterinary Institute of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Capelli G, Genchi C, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Brianti E, Cardoso L, Danesi P, Fuehrer HP, Giannelli A, Ionică AM, Maia C, Modrý D, Montarsi F, Krücken J, Papadopoulos E, Petrić D, Pfeffer M, Savić S, Otranto D, Poppert S, Silaghi C. Recent advances on Dirofilaria repens in dogs and humans in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:663. [PMID: 30567586 PMCID: PMC6299983 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a nematode affecting domestic and wild canids, transmitted by several species of mosquitoes. It usually causes a non-pathogenic subcutaneous infection in dogs and is the principal agent of human dirofilariosis in the Old World. In the last decades, D. repens has increased in prevalence in areas where it has already been reported and its distribution range has expanded into new areas of Europe, representing a paradigmatic example of an emergent pathogen. Despite its emergence and zoonotic impact, D. repens has received less attention by scientists compared to Dirofilaria immitis. In this review we report the recent advances of D. repens infection in dogs and humans, and transmission by vectors, and discuss possible factors that influence the spread and increase of this zoonotic parasite in Europe. There is evidence that D. repens has spread faster than D. immitis from the endemic areas of southern Europe to northern Europe. Climate change affecting mosquito vectors and the facilitation of pet travel seem to have contributed to this expansion; however, in the authors' opinion, the major factor is likely the rate of undiagnosed dogs continuing to perpetuate the life-cycle of D. repens. Many infected dogs remain undetected due to the subclinical nature of the disease, the lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic tools and the poor knowledge and still low awareness of D. repens in non-endemic areas. Improved diagnostic tools are warranted to bring D. repens diagnosis to the state of D. immitis diagnosis, as well as improved screening of imported dogs and promotion of preventative measures among veterinarians and dog owners. For vector-borne diseases involving pets, veterinarians play a significant role in prevention and should be more aware of their responsibility in reducing the impact of the zoonotic agents. In addition, they should enhance multisectorial collaboration with medical entomologists and the public health experts, under the concept and the actions of One Health-One Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Capelli
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Patrick Bourdeau
- Veterinary School of Nantes ONIRIS, University of Nantes, LUNAM, Nantes, France
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patrizia Danesi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dušan Petrić
- Laboratory for medical and veterinary entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Sven Poppert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre of Vector Entomology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Isle of Riems, Greifswald, Germany
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Penezić A, Moriano R, Spasić M, Ćirović D. First report of a naturally patent infection with Dirofilaria immitis in an otter (Lutra lutra). Parasitol Res 2018; 117:929-931. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5769-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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16
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Molecular detection of Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Wolbachia sp. but not Ehrlichia canis in Croatian dogs. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3019-3026. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Diakou A, Kapantaidakis E, Tamvakis A, Giannakis V, Strus N. Dirofilaria infections in dogs in different areas of Greece. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:508. [PMID: 27646111 PMCID: PMC5029097 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The nematodes Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are enzootic in Greece. In the light of evidence of dirofilariosis spreading to new areas around the world, the aim of the present study was to update and enrich the current knowledge on the prevalence of Dirofilaria infections in dogs in Greece, to assess the risk factors of heartworm infection, and to initiate the drawing of the epizootiological map of canine dirofilariosis, investigating Dirofilaria infections in five locations along the north-south axis of the country, i.e. municipalities of Thessaloniki, Larissa, Achaia, Attica and Heraklion, associated with the five largest urban centres of Greece. Methods Blood samples collected from 750 dogs in total, were examined by the modified Knott’s method and by serology. A questionnaire including information about each examined dog was filled in and statistical analysis of the results was performed using the Chi-square test and a Binary Multiple Univariate Generalized Linear Model. Results In total, 31 (4.1 %) out of 750 examined animals were found positive for D. immitis by any of the tests applied (Knott’s method and serological examination). Moreover, microfilariae of D. repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum were detected by the Knott’s method in 17 (2.3 %) and 10 (1.3 %) of the animals, respectively. At the municipality level, the prevalence of infection was 14, 7, 5.3, 0.7 and 0 % for D. immitis, 1, 2, 8.7, 0.3 and 0 % for D. repens, and 0, 3, 2.7, 0.7 and 1 % for A. reconditum in Thessaloniki, Larissa, Achaia, Attica and Heraklion, respectively. In addition, in three dogs (one each in Thessaloniki, Achaia and Attica) mixed D. immitis - D. repens infections were detected by the Knott’s method. The area of the country, dog’s usage and age were determined as risk factors for heartworm infection. Conclusions Northern areas of Greece have higher Dirofilaria prevalence and the prevalence in a western province (Achaia) is recorded for the first time. The mosquito population dynamics recorded in the past is likely to play an important role in the distribution of Dirofilaria infections in Greece, and needs further investigation. Similarly, the role of wild reservoirs of filarial parasites in different areas needs to be clarified. Promotion by veterinarians of preventive treatment and compliance by pet owners is essential in all parts of Greece, regardless of the recorded prevalence of infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1797-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Emmanouil Kapantaidakis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Androniki Tamvakis
- Department of Marine Sciences, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81100, Mytilene, Greece
| | | | - Nina Strus
- Companion Animal CEE, Elanco Animal Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Krstić M, Gabrielli S, Ignjatović M, Savić S, Cancrini G, Ranđelović G, Momčilović S, Stojnev S, Otašević S. An appraisal of canine and human cases reveals an endemic status of dirofilariosis in parts of Serbia. Mol Cell Probes 2016; 31:37-41. [PMID: 27539018 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are mosquito-borne nematodes that primarily infect canids, and can also cause mild to serious superficial or visceral infection in humans. In the present survey, peripheral blood from 150 asymptomatic dogs from Serbia were examined using the modified Knott's technique. Dirofilaria immitis, identified based on morphological and morphometric characteristics, was prevalent in dogs not receiving preventative treatment (in 44% and 60% of pound and pet dogs, respectively). These results, together with findings of autochthonous cases of subcutaneous D. repens infection in human patients from Southeastern Serbia emphasize the need for further investigations of this veterinary and public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miljan Krstić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Ignjatović
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, Rumenački put 20, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gabriella Cancrini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gordana Ranđelović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 50, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Stefan Momčilović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Slavica Stojnev
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Suzana Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 50, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
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Tasić-Otašević SA, Trenkić Božinović MS, Gabrielli SV, Genchi C. Canine and human Dirofilaria infections in the Balkan Peninsula. Vet Parasitol 2015; 209:151-6. [PMID: 25769471 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens infections are mosquito-borne diseases, mainly of dogs. Both parasites are zoonotic, and they sometimes cause serious infections in humans. The aim of this short review was to examine the situation in the Balkan Peninsula, from where it is not always easy to obtain suitable data, often reported in journals and other publications difficult to be retrieved and with poor or no visibility. The review included data from international and regional literature, doctoral theses, and conference proceedings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana A Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 81, Bul. Dr. Zorana Djindjica, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Public health Nis, 50, Bulvd. Dr. Zorana Djindjica, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Simona V Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Department of Animal Science and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Ćirović D, Penezić A, Pavlović I, Kulišić Z, Ćosić N, Burazerović J, Maletić V. First records of Dirofilaria repens in wild canids from the region of Central Balkan. Acta Vet Hung 2014; 62:481-8. [PMID: 25410390 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2014.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens causes an emerging zoonotic disease in Europe, particularly in its southern part, the Mediterranean region. Many reports on human dirofilariosis have been published recently, but little is known about the wildlife hosts and reservoirs of this parasite in nature. This paper presents the first records of adult D. repens specimens from free-ranging carnivores in Central Balkan countries (Serbia and Macedonia). During the period 2009-2013, a total of 145 regularly shot canids were examined for the presence of D. repens adults. In order to investigate their role as hosts and potential wild reservoirs of this zoonosis, 71 wolves (Canis lupus), 48 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 26 jackals (Canis aureus) were examined. Under the skin of two wolves (one from Serbia and one from Macedonia) and of a red fox from Serbia D. repens adults were found. In all three cases only one parasite was present. Further research on wild canids is needed, particularly on species widening their range (such as jackals) and those living near human settlements (foxes and jackals), which facilitates the transmission of the parasites to dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duško Ćirović
- 1 University of Belgrade Faculty of Biology Studentski trg 16 11000 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Penezić
- 1 University of Belgrade Faculty of Biology Studentski trg 16 11000 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Ivan Pavlović
- 2 Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia Belgrade Serbia
| | - Zoran Kulišić
- 3 University of Belgrade Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Belgrade Serbia
| | - Nada Ćosić
- 4 University of Belgrade Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’ Belgrade Serbia
| | - Jelena Burazerović
- 1 University of Belgrade Faculty of Biology Studentski trg 16 11000 Belgrade Serbia
| | - Vladimir Maletić
- 5 Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje Faculty of Forestry Skopje Republic of Macedonia
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Penezić A, Selaković S, Pavlović I, Ćirović D. First findings and prevalence of adult heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) in wild carnivores from Serbia. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3281-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3991-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Silaghi C, Knaus M, Rapti D, Kusi I, Shukullari E, Hamel D, Pfister K, Rehbein S. Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, haemotropic mycoplasmas and other arthropod-borne pathogens in cats from Albania. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:62. [PMID: 24517118 PMCID: PMC3926860 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Albania is a country on the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. The Mediterranean climate is favourable for the stable development of many arthropod species, which are incriminated as vectors for various agents. Recently, several papers have reported on epidemiological aspects of parasitic diseases including vector-borne disease agents of dogs with zoonotic characteristics in Albania. However, data on the epidemiology of feline parasitic and bacterial agents in Albania is scarce. Methods Serum and EDTA-blood samples collected from 146 domestic cats from Tirana during 2008 through 2010 were examined for exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Leishmania infantum, and Anaplasma spp. with IFAT, for infection with L. infantum, A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp. and haemotropic mycoplasmas with conventional PCR and real-time PCR and for Dirofilaria immitis with antigen ELISA. Additionally blood smear microscopy was carried out for detection of blood-borne pathogens. Results Antibodies to T. gondii (titre ≥1:100) were demonstrated in 91 cats (62.3%). Antibodies to N. caninum (titre ≥1:100), L. infantum (titre ≥1:64) and Anaplasma spp. (titre ≥1:100) were found in the serum of 15 (10.3%), 1 (0.7%) or 3 (2.1%) cats, respectively. DNA of haemotropic mycoplasmas was detected in the blood of 45 cats (30.8%), namely Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (21.9%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (10.3%), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (5.5%), with ten cats harbouring co-infections of two mycoplasmas each; blood from one cat was PCR positive for Bartonella henselae. No DNA of Leishmania spp. and A. phagocytophilum or circulating D. immitis antigen was detected in any cat sample. The overall prevalence of haemotropic mycoplasmas was significantly higher in male compared to female cats (40.6% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.0444); and age was associated positively with the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii (p = 0.0008) and the percentage of haemotropic mycoplasma infection (p = 0.0454). Conclusions With the broad screening panel including direct and indirect methods applied in the present study, a wide spectrum of exposure to or infection with parasitic or bacterial agents was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Silaghi
- Chair of Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstraße 5, 80802 Munich, Germany.
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Tasić-Otašević SA, Gabrielli SV, Tasić AV, Miladinovićtasić NL, Kostić JT, Ignjatović AM, Popović Dragonjić LD, Milošević ZG, Arsić-Arsenijević VS, Cancrini GA. Seroreactivity to Dirofilaria antigens in people from different areas of Serbia. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:68. [PMID: 24507413 PMCID: PMC3922270 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Northern part of Serbia is hyperendemic-endemic for canine dirofilarioses. Considering this fact, many human dirofilarial infections could be expected, however only about 30 cases in Serbia have been described until today. Aims of this survey were to assess the people reactivity to the antigens of D. repens and D. immitis and to identify risk factors for the contact exposure. METHODS Investigation included sera taken from 297 people (179 women and 118 men) living in different areas of Serbia (Pančevo, Novi Sad, Zaječar, Leskovac, Vranje, Niš, Pirot). Sera were analysed by means of two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) home-designed that use as antigens adult somatic/metabolic polyproteins of D. repens (DR) and D. immitis (DI), respectively. The results were elaborated using the statistical method of descriptive and quantitative analysis. RESULTS Significant differences by area in the reactivity of human sera to dirofilarial antigens were not observed (p = 0.056). A high seroreactivity was demonstrated in people from the towns of northern Serbia (Pančevo = 27,1%; Novi Sad = 16,3%), as well as in people from Zaječar (eastern Serbia = 15,8%) and Vranje (southern Serbia = 15,1%). No differences were evidenced between people reactivity to polyproteins of the two dirofilarial species, nor differences related to the gender of examinees. Factor risks evidenced were: i) place of residence; ii) spending work time outdoors during the mosquito season; iii) spending time outdoors and nearby rivers, lakes, swamps or canals; unespectedly, iv) cat owning. CONCLUSION The findings emerging from this investigation indicate that clinicians and public health authorities should pay greater attention to this zoonosis. Continuing education and training of physicians will greatly contribute to the knowledge of the actual impact of filarial worms on animal and public health, and allow for the planning of suitable measures to prevent the infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana A Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 81, Bul, Dr, Zorana Djindjica, 18000 Nis, Serbia.
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