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Leisewitz AL, Mrljak V, Dear JD, Birkenheuer A. The Diverse Pathogenicity of Various Babesia Parasite Species That Infect Dogs. Pathogens 2023; 12:1437. [PMID: 38133320 PMCID: PMC10746086 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121437] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesia species infect a very wide range of mammal hosts across the globe, and zoonotic infections are of growing concern. Several species of the Babesia genus infect dogs, and some of these cause significant morbidity and mortality. The Apicomplexan parasite resides within the red cell and infections result in direct damage to the host through intra- and extravascular hemolysis. An exuberant inflammatory response by the host to some species of Babesia parasites also results in significant collateral damage to the host. Canine infections have been the subject of many studies as the well-being of these companion animals is increasingly threatened by the spread of tick vectors and an increasingly mobile dog population. There are currently no widely available and effective vaccines, and effective treatment can be challenging. Understanding disease pathogenesis underlies the development of new treatments. The varying pathogenicity of the various Babesia parasite species that infect dogs offers an opportunity to explore the molecular basis for the wide range of diseases caused by infection with this parasite genus. In this review, we focus on what has been reported about the clinical presentation of Babesia-infected dogs in an attempt to compare the severity of disease caused by different Babesia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L. Leisewitz
- Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Vladimir Mrljak
- Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jonathan D. Dear
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Adam Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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Kuleš J, Rubić I, Farkaš V, Barić Rafaj R, Gotić J, Crnogaj M, Burchmore R, Eckersall D, Mrljak V, Leisewitz AL. Serum proteome profiling of naturally acquired Babesia rossi infection in dogs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10249. [PMID: 37353646 PMCID: PMC10290096 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37312-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a disease of significant medically and veterinary importance with worldwide distribution. It is caused by intra-erythrocyte protozoal parasites, with Babesia rossi causing the most severe clinical signs of all the large Babesia parasites infecting dogs. The disease can be clinically classified into uncomplicated and complicated forms with a wide range of clinical presentations from a mild, subclinical illness to complicated forms and death. The aim of this study was to assess serum proteomic profiles from dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs using a label-based proteomics approach. Altogether 32 dogs naturally infected with B. rossi (subdivided into 18 uncomplicated cases and 14 complicated cases of babesiosis) and 20 healthy dogs were included. There were 78 proteins with significantly different abundances between the three groups of dogs. Elucidation of proteins and pathways involved in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi have revealed key differences associated with haemostasis, innate immune system, lipid metabolism and inflammation. Shotgun proteomic profiling allowed identification of potential serum biomarkers for differentiation of disease severity in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi. These findings may be applicable to the study of host-parasite interactions and the development of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josipa Kuleš
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Rubić
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Farkaš
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Renata Barić Rafaj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jelena Gotić
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Crnogaj
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Richard Burchmore
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David Eckersall
- College of Veterinary, Medical and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vladimir Mrljak
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Andrew L Leisewitz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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Martin C, Clift S, Leisewitz A. Lung pathology of natural Babesia rossi infection in dogs. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2023; 94:59-69. [PMID: 37358318 DOI: 10.36303/jsava.523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A proportion of Babesia rossi infections in dogs are classified as complicated and one of the most lethal complications is acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Most dogs that die succumb within 24 hours of presentation. The pulmonary pathology caused by B. rossi in dogs has not been described. The aim of this study was to provide a thorough macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical description of the lung changes seen in dogs naturally infected with B. rossi that succumbed to the infection. Death was invariably accompanied by alveolar oedema. Histopathology showed acute interstitial pneumonia characterised by alveolar oedema and haemorrhages, with increased numbers of mononuclear leucocytes in alveolar walls and lumens. Intra-alveolar polymerised fibrin aggregates were observed in just over half the infected cases. Immunohistochemistry showed increased numbers of MAC387- and CD204-reactive monocyte-macrophages in alveolar walls and lumens, and increased CD3-reactive T-lymphocytes in alveolar walls, compared with controls. These histological features overlap to some extent (but far from perfectly) with the histological pattern of lung injury referred to as the exudative stage of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) as is quite commonly reported in ALI/ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Martin
- Idexx Laboratories (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
| | - S Clift
- Section of Pathology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A Leisewitz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, United States of America and Section of Small Animal Medicine, Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Pathogenesis of Anemia in Canine Babesiosis: Possible Contribution of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines-A Review. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020166. [PMID: 36839438 PMCID: PMC9962459 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne protozoan disease caused by intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus Babesia. The infection may lead to anemia in infected dogs. However, anemia is not directly caused by the pathogen. The parasite's developmental stages only have a marginal role in contributing to a decreased red blood cell (RBC) count. The main cause of anemia in affected dogs is the immune response to the infection. This response includes antibody production, erythrophagocytosis, oxidative damage of RBCs, complement activation, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Moreover, both infected and uninfected erythrocytes are retained in the spleen and sequestered in micro-vessels. All these actions are driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, especially IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Additionally, imbalance between the actions of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines plays a role in patho-mechanisms leading to anemia in canine babesiosis. This article is a review of the studies on the pathogenesis of anemia in canine babesiosis and related diseases, such as bovine or murine babesiosis and human or murine malaria, and the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the mechanisms leading to anemia in infected dogs.
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Villanueva-Saz S, Borobia M, Fernández A, Jiménez C, Yzuel A, Verde MT, Ramo MÁ, Figueras L, Ruíz H. Anaemia in Sheep Caused by Babesia and Theileria Haemoparasites. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233341. [PMID: 36496866 PMCID: PMC9738125 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233341] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Piroplasmoses in sheep are caused by vector-borne apicomplexan protozoa, Babesia and Theileria. Different species are responsible for the disease; some species are more pathogenic than others and have a worldwide distribution. In this sense, these causative agents can cause anaemia in flocks. In general, these vector-borne diseases infect small ruminants and cause host-mediated pathology. In the case of Babesia species, a combination of different mechanisms is involved: red blood cell lysis due to intracellular parasite multiplication, activation of biogenic amines and the coagulation system with the possibility of disseminated intravascular coagulation. By contrast, less information is available on the different immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of anaemia in sheep with theileriosis. However, the mechanisms of pathogenic action in theileriosis are similar to those studied in babesiosis. Diagnosis is based on compatible clinical signs, laboratory findings, specific diagnostic tests and the presence of the tick vector. Some of these tests detect the causative agent itself, such as direct identification by light microscopy and molecular analysis. In contrast, other tests detect the sheep's immune response to the organism by serology. Both diseases pose a significant diagnostic challenge for veterinary practitioners around the world. This review presents the most frequent clinical signs, pathogenesis and clinicopathological findings, diagnosis.
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Xiang Y, Emu Q, Wang L, Wei Y, Xing L, Zhang L, Wang H. Analysis of spleen of mice (Mus musculus) infected with Aspergillus nidulans identifies immune-related genes. Microb Pathog 2022; 170:105705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Almendros A, Burchell R. Multiple complications in a dog infected with
Babesia gibsoni. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Almendros
- Veterinary Medical Centre City University of Hong Kong Kowloon Hong Kong
| | - Richard Burchell
- North Coast Veterinary Specialist and Referral Centre Sippy Downs Queensland Australia
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Smith RL, Goddard A, Boddapati A, Brooks S, Schoeman JP, Lack J, Leisewitz A, Ackerman H. Experimental Babesia rossi infection induces hemolytic, metabolic, and viral response pathways in the canine host. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:619. [PMID: 34399690 PMCID: PMC8369750 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia rossi is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the canine population of sub-Saharan Africa, but pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Previous studies of B. rossi infection were derived from clinical cases, in which neither the onset of infection nor the infectious inoculum was known. Here, we performed controlled B. rossi inoculations in canines and evaluated disease progression through clinical tests and whole blood transcriptomic profiling. Results Two subjects were administered a low inoculum (104 parasites) while three received a high (108 parasites). Subjects were monitored for 8 consecutive days; anti-parasite treatment with diminazene aceturate was administered on day 4. Blood was drawn prior to inoculation as well as every experimental day for assessment of clinical parameters and transcriptomic profiles. The model recapitulated natural disease manifestations including anemia, acidosis, inflammation and behavioral changes. Rate of disease onset and clinical severity were proportional to the inoculum. To analyze the temporal dynamics of the transcriptomic host response, we sequenced mRNA extracted from whole blood drawn on days 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Differential gene expression, hierarchical clustering, and pathway enrichment analyses identified genes and pathways involved in response to hemolysis, metabolic changes, and several arms of the immune response including innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and response to viral infection. Conclusions This work comprehensively characterizes the clinical and transcriptomic progression of B. rossi infection in canines, thus establishing a large mammalian model of severe hemoprotozoal disease to facilitate the study of host-parasite biology and in which to test novel anti-disease therapeutics. The knowledge gained from the study of B. rossi in canines will not only improve our understanding of this emerging infectious disease threat in domestic dogs, but also provide insight into the pathobiology of human diseases caused by Babesia and Plasmodium species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07889-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Smith
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Amelia Goddard
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Arun Boddapati
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (NCBR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science (ABCS), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Steven Brooks
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Johan P Schoeman
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Justin Lack
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource (NCBR), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science (ABCS), Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Andrew Leisewitz
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Hans Ackerman
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
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