1
|
Gomez DE, Arroyo LG, Schoster A, Renaud DL, Kopper JJ, Dunkel B, Byrne D, Toribio RE. Diagnostic approaches, aetiological agents and their associations with short-term survival and laminitis in horses with acute diarrhoea admitted to referral institutions. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:959-969. [PMID: 37984355 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An international description of the diagnostic approaches used in different institutions to diagnose acute equine diarrhoea and the pathogens detected is lacking. OBJECTIVES To describe the diagnostic approach, aetiological agents, outcome, and development of laminitis for diarrhoeic horses worldwide. STUDY DESIGN Multicentre retrospective case series. METHODS Information from horses with acute diarrhoea presenting to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020, including diagnostic approaches, pathogens detected and their associations with outcomes, were compared between institutions or geographic regions. RESULTS One thousand four hundred and thirty-eight horses from 26 participating institutions from 4 continents were included. Overall, aetiological testing was limited (44% for Salmonella spp., 42% for Neorickettsia risticii [only North America], 40% for Clostridiodes difficile, and 29% for ECoV); however, 13% (81/633) of horses tested positive for Salmonella, 13% (35/262) for N. risticii, 9% (37/422) for ECoV, and 5% (27/578) for C. difficile. C. difficile positive cases had greater odds of non-survival than horses negative for C. difficile (OR: 2.69, 95%CI: 1.23-5.91). In addition, horses that were positive for N. risticii had greater odds of developing laminitis than negative horses (OR: 2.76, 95%CI: 1.12-6.81; p = 0.029). MAIN LIMITATIONS Due to the study's retrospective nature, there are missing data. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted limited diagnostic investigations in cases of acute equine diarrhoea. Detection rates of pathogens are similar to previous reports. Non-survival and development of laminitis are related to certain detected pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego E Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelika Schoster
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Department University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Equine Clinic, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - David L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Bettina Dunkel
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David Byrne
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ramiro E Toribio
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gomez DE, Dunkel B, Renaud DL, Arroyo LG, Schoster A, Kopper JJ, Byrne D, Toribio RE. Survival rates and factors associated with survival and laminitis of horses with acute diarrhoea admitted to referral institutions. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:970-981. [PMID: 38083907 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicopathological findings and their association with the outcome and development of laminitis in horses with acute diarrhoea has not been investigated in a multicentre study across different geographic regions. OBJECTIVES Describe and compare clinicopathologic findings of diarrhoeic horses between different geographic regions, survival rates and factors associated with non-survival and laminitis. STUDY DESIGN Multicentre retrospective case series. METHODS Information from horses with acute diarrhoea presenting to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020 was collected, and clinicopathological data were compared between surviving and non-surviving horses and horses that did and did not develop laminitis. Survival rates and seasonal and geographic differences were also investigated. RESULTS One thousand four hundred thirty-eight horses from 26 participating institutions from 4 continents were included; 76% survived to discharge with no differences identified between geographic regions. The survival proportion of horses with SIRS and creatinine concentrations > 159 μmol/L was 55% (154/279) compared with 81% (358/437) for those with SIRS and creatinine concentrations < 159 μmol/L (p < 0.001). The survival proportion of horses with SIRS that had an L-lactate concentration > 2.8 mmol/L was 59% (175/298) compared with 81% (240/296) in horses with SIRS and L-lactate concentration < 2.8 mmol/L (p < 0.001). The proportion of horses that developed laminitis was lower in Europe (4%, 19/479) compared with North America (8%, 52/619), Australia (8%, 12/138) and Latin America (11%, 16/146) (p < 0.05). More horses developed laminitis in the summer (46%, 39/85) compared with winter (18%, 15/85), spring (18%, 15/85) and fall (19%, 16/85) (p < 0.01). Horses with laminitis had greater odds of non-survival than those without laminitis (OR: 3.73, 95% CI: 2.47-5.65). MAIN LIMITATIONS Not all variables were available for all horses due to the retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS Clinicopathological findings in horses with acute diarrhoea and their association with survival are similar across geographic regions. However, developing laminitis secondary to diarrhoea is less common in Europe. In addition, factors associated with non-survival were indicative of disease severity and subsequent cardiovascular compromise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego E Gomez
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bettina Dunkel
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - David L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luis G Arroyo
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelika Schoster
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Equine Department University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Equine Clinic, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - David Byrne
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ramiro E Toribio
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amory H, Cesarini C, De Maré L, Loublier C, Moula N, Detilleux J, Saulmont M, Garigliany MM, Lecoq L. Relationship between the Cycle Threshold Value (Ct) of a Salmonella spp. qPCR Performed on Feces and Clinical Signs and Outcome in Horses. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1950. [PMID: 37630510 PMCID: PMC10459194 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical significance of fecal quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) Salmonella results when taking the cycle threshold values (Ct) into account. The study included 120 Salmonella qPCR-positive fecal samples obtained from 88 hospitalized horses over a 2-year period. The mean Ct of the qPCR test was evaluated in regard to (1) clinical outcome and (2) systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) status (no SIRS, moderate SIRS, or severe SIRS) of the sampled horses. An ROC analysis was performed to establish the optimal cut-off Ct values associated with severe SIRS. The mean ± SD Ct value was significantly lower in samples (1) from horses with a fatal issue (27.87 ± 5.15 cycles) than in surviving horses (31.75 ± 3.60 cycles), and (2) from horses with severe SIRS (27.87 ± 2.78 cycles) than from horses with no (32.51 ± 3.59 cycles) or moderate (31.54 ± 3.02 cycles) SIRS. In the ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of Ct associated with a severe SIRS was 30.40 cycles, with an AUC value of 0.84 [95% confidence interval 0.76-0.91] and an OR of 0.64 [0.51-0.79]. Results suggest that including the Ct value in the interpretation of fecal qPCR results could improve the diagnostic value of this test for clinical salmonellosis in horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Amory
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.C.); (L.D.M.); (C.L.); (J.D.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
| | - Carla Cesarini
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.C.); (L.D.M.); (C.L.); (J.D.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
| | - Lorie De Maré
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.C.); (L.D.M.); (C.L.); (J.D.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
| | - Clémence Loublier
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.C.); (L.D.M.); (C.L.); (J.D.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
| | - Nassim Moula
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Johann Detilleux
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.C.); (L.D.M.); (C.L.); (J.D.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
| | - Marc Saulmont
- Regional Animal Health and Identification Association (ARSIA), 2 Allée des Artisans, ZA du Biron, 5590 Ciney, Belgium
| | - Mutien-Marie Garigliany
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
- Department of Morphology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laureline Lecoq
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.C.); (L.D.M.); (C.L.); (J.D.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (N.M.); (M.-M.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kopper JJ. Equine Rotaviral Diarrhea. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023; 39:47-54. [PMID: 36737285 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine rotavirus is one of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in foals. Although the infection itself is self-limiting, the resulting diarrhea is due to multiple mechanisms and can be severe, requiring supportive care including fluid and electrolyte support. Prompt diagnosis is important for treatment and biosecurity decisions and can be achieved by several means. Prevention, while imperfect, currently relies on vaccination of pregnant mares before parturition, ingestion of adequate colostrum from vaccinated mares and biosecurity measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Kopper
- Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1809 Christensen Drive, Ames Iowa 50010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hepworth-Warren KL, Erwin SJ, Moore CB, Talbot JR, Young KAS, Neault MJ, Haugland JC, Robertson JB, Blikslager AT. Risk factors associated with an outbreak of equine coronavirus at a large farm in North Carolina. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1060759. [PMID: 36937023 PMCID: PMC10020641 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1060759] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Equine coronavirus (ECoV) leads to outbreaks with variable morbidity and mortality. Few previous reports of risk factors for infection are available in the literature. Objectives To describe unique clinical findings and risk factors for infection and development of clinical disease. Animals 135 horses on a farm affected by ECoV outbreak. Methods Retrospective cohort study. Data obtained included age, breed, gender, activity level, housing, and feed at the onset of the outbreak. Factors were evaluated for assessment of risk of infection using simple logistic regression or Fisher's exact test. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results and findings Forty-three of 54 (79.6%) horses tested on the farm were positive on fecal PCR for ECoV, and 17 horses (12.6%) developed clinical signs consistent with ECoV. Out of 17 horses in which the presence or absence of signs of colic was noted, 6 of 17 (35.3%) showed signs of colic. Three of these horses had small colon impactions, 2 of which required surgical intervention. Significant risk factors for having positive PCR results included being primarily stalled (OR 167.1, 95% CI 26.4-1719), housing next to a positive horse (OR 7.5, 95% CI 3.1-19.0), being in work (OR 26.9, 95% CI 4.6-281.9), being fed rationed hay vs. ad libitum (OR 1,558, 95% CI 130.8-15,593), and being fed alfalfa hay (OR 1,558, 95% CI 130.8-15,593). Conclusions and clinical importance This report describes risk factors for ECoV infection many of which were associated with intensive management of show horses. Clinicians should be aware that clinical signs vary and can include severe colic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Hepworth-Warren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Kate L. Hepworth-Warren
| | - Sara J. Erwin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | | | | | - Kimberly A. S. Young
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Michael J. Neault
- North Carolina Department of Agricultures and Consumer Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer C. Haugland
- Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
- North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - James B. Robertson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Anthony T. Blikslager
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gomez DE, Leclere M, Arroyo LG, Li L, John E, Afonso T, Payette F, Darby S. Acute diarrhea in horses: A multicenter Canadian retrospective study (2015 to 2019). THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2022; 63:1033-1042. [PMID: 36185796 PMCID: PMC9484212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the clinicopathological findings, diagnostic approach, treatment, and factors associated with non-survival of diarrheic horses admitted to 4 Canadian university teaching hospitals between 2015 and 2019. A total of 300 horses, ≥1-year-old, with acute diarrhea were included and represented 1.6% (300/18 481; range: 0.7 to 3%) of admissions during that period, 70% of the horses survived to discharge. Testing for enteropathogens was limited to a single fecal culture for Salmonella spp. in most cases. An enteropathogen was identified in 14% (42/300) of the horses, but in the hospital with higher testing rates enteropathogens were detected in 29% (16/55) of cases. Neorickettsia risticii was the pathogen most frequently detected (31%, 32/102). Antimicrobial drugs and plasma were administered to 57 and 8% of the cases, respectively. Laminitis occurred in 24/298 (8%) of the horses. A multivariable regression model identified an association between non-survival of diarrheic horses and colic signs, increased heart rate, packed cell volume, creatinine concentration, and decreased total protein concentration. A standardized approach for pathogen detection in diarrheic horses is not consistent among Canadian veterinary teaching hospitals, and testing for known pathogens is limited. Signs of colic, severe dehydration, endotoxemia, and hypoproteinemia are associated with non-survival of diarrheic horses.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wen X, Luo S, Lv D, Jia C, Zhou X, Zhai Q, Xi L, Yang C. Variations in the fecal microbiota and their functions of Thoroughbred, Mongolian, and Hybrid horses. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:920080. [PMID: 35968025 PMCID: PMC9366519 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.920080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The horse gut is colonized by a rich and complex microbial community that has important roles in horse physiology, metabolism, nutrition, and immune functions. Fewer across-breed variations in horse gut microbial diversity have been illustrated. In this article, the gut microbiota of Thoroughbred, Mongolian, and Hybrid horses [first filial generation (F1) of Mongolian (maternal) and Thoroughbred (paternal)] were studied by second-generation high-throughput sequencing technology. Differences in gut microbiota composition and function between breeds were determined using diversity and functional prediction analysis. The alpha diversity analysis showed that Thoroughbred horses had a more abundant and diverse gut microbiota, while the diversity of gut microbiota in Hybrid horses was intermediate between Thoroughbred and Mongolian horses. Subsequent cluster analysis showed that Hybrid horses have a microbiota composition more similar to Mongolian horses. LEfSe analysis revealed that the bacterial biomarkers for Thoroughbred horses at the family level were Prevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Fibrobacteraceae, p_251_o5, Lactobacillaceae, and uncultured_bacterium_o_WCHB1_41; the bacterial biomarker for Mongolian horses was Planococcaceae; and the bacterial biomarkers for Hybrid horses were Moraxellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. The functional prediction results indicated that the metabolic pathways differ significantly between the breeds. Regarding metabolism, the Hybrid horses had the lowest proportion of the carbohydrate metabolic pathways, while the energy metabolic pathway had the highest proportion. The abundance ratios of the remaining eight metabolic pathways in Hybrid horses were between Thoroughbred and Mongolian horses. In conclusion, the results of this study showed an association between horse breeds and gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wen
- Institute of Animal Health, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture of Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture of Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dianhong Lv
- Institute of Animal Health, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture of Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunling Jia
- Institute of Animal Health, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture of Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiurong Zhou
- Institute of Animal Health, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture of Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhai
- Institute of Animal Health, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture of Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Xi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
- *Correspondence: Li Xi
| | - Caijuan Yang
- National S&T Innovation Center for Modern Agricultural Industry, Guangzhou, China
- Caijuan Yang
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Porter E, Seguin MA, Estrada M, Szlosek D, Massolo A, Visscher DR. Assessing the potential for infections of Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs in a hotspot of human alveolar echinococcosis infections in North America. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 29:100704. [PMID: 35256128 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic tapeworm, whose metacestode larval stage is the etiological agent for alveolar echinococcosis in humans and is a parasite of emerging concern according to the World Health Organization which is difficult to diagnose and has a case mortality rate of >90% when left untreated. Echinococcus multilocularis requires two mammalian hosts to complete its lifecycle: wild and domestic canids as definitive hosts, and small mammals (mostly rodents) as intermediate ones. Because of their close relations with humans, domestic dogs have been indicated as a mean of infection to people. Human alveolar echinococcosis has historically been rare in North America, however, since 2013, at least seventeen diagnoses have been confirmed in Alberta, Canada. Because of this unprecedented series of cases, assessing the frequency of infections in dogs in Alberta is key to estimate risk for dog owners and animal health professionals. This study was carried out in Edmonton to determine the frequency of E. multilocularis infection in domestic dogs and potential risk factors. Fecal samples and corresponding behavior risk surveys were collected from 775 dogs in seven urban off-leash parks within Edmonton city limits during the summer of 2020. A quantitative PCR fecal test was used to diagnose E. multilocularis infection. We found a single case of E. multilocularis infection (1/775) and determined that the overall true prevalence was 0.2% (95% CrI: 0.0-0.7%) corrected for detection sensitivity and specificity. Overall, these findings confirm the presence of E. multilocularis infection in domestic dogs in Edmonton although further work is required to fully understand the risk factors that may contribute to infection and potential transmission to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Porter
- Department of Biology, The King's University, 9125 50 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2H3, Canada
| | - M Alexis Seguin
- IDEXX Reference Laboratories, Inc, Westbrook, ME 04092, United States of America
| | - Marko Estrada
- IDEXX Reference Laboratories, Inc, Westbrook, ME 04092, United States of America
| | - Donald Szlosek
- IDEXX Reference Laboratories, Inc, Westbrook, ME 04092, United States of America
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Darcy R Visscher
- Department of Biology, The King's University, 9125 50 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2H3, Canada; Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW405 Biological Sciences Bldg., Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333CR Leiden, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Willette JA, Kopper JJ, Kogan CJ, Seguin MA, Schott HC. Effect of season and geographic location in the United States on detection of potential enteric pathogens or toxin genes in horses ≥6-mo-old. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:407-411. [PMID: 34763559 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211056054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of season and geographic location on detection of nucleic acids of potential enteric pathogens (PEPs) or their toxins (PEP-Ts) in feces of horses ≥6-mo-old in the United States. Results of 3,343 equine diarrhea PCR panels submitted to Idexx Laboratories for horses >6-mo-old were reviewed. Submission months were grouped into 4 seasons, and states were grouped into 4 geographic regions. Logistic regression was performed to assess effects of season and region on detection rates of PEPs and PEP-Ts. Agresti-Coull CIs were determined. Detection rate of Salmonella enterica was higher in the South in summer compared to all other regions, and was also higher in the South in fall compared to the Midwest and Northeast. The Neorickettsia risticii detection rate was lower during summer in the West and higher in fall in the Midwest. Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. was lower during spring, summer, and winter in the West. Differences were not identified for detection rates of Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracellularis, Rhodococcus equi, equine rotavirus, and equine coronavirus. Overall, our data support seasonal and regional differences in detection rates of S. enterica, N. risticii, and Cryptosporidium spp. in horses ≥6-mo-old in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn A Willette
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Clark J Kogan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Statistical Education and Research, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | - Harold C Schott
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|