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Coelho J, Domingues J, Waap H, Stilwell G. Epidemiological characteristics of bovine besnoitiosis ( Besnoitia besnoiti) in a beef cattle farm: a cross-sectional serological assessment. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1158235. [PMID: 37180061 PMCID: PMC10169686 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1158235] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine besnoitiosis is an emerging disease caused by the protozoa Besnoitia besnoiti that can have a serious economic impact on affected farms. The fact that there is no effective vaccine nor treatment, along with the lack of consistent epidemiologic data, renders the implementation of preventive medicine and control strategies much harder. Objectives A cross-sectional serological assessment was performed to better understand the distribution and prevalence of this parasite in a large beef cattle farm in Portugal and to establish some epidemiological characteristics of besnoitiosis. Methods A random blood sampling of 450 animals from a farm that keeps around 2,000 cattle head was performed and sera were submitted to an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Data on breed, age, sex, and birthplace of the tested animals and their mothers were recorded. Results The overall prevalence of positive animals was 16.89%, with significant differences between under 1-year-old calves (4.8%) and adults (19.67%). A higher antibody prevalence was shown in animals 1-2 years and >7 years old, in Salers breed and in cows imported from France or whose mothers had come from this country. Calves under 1 year old and crossbreed animals with ancestry born in the current farm presented the lowest antibody prevalence. Discussion and conclusions The most significant risk factors revealed were age (>7 years old) and breed (Salers). Genetic studies should be carried out in order to confirm whether indeed there is a breed susceptibility to bovine besnoitiosis. We suggest that similar studies should be performed across southern Europe to establish strong epidemiologic data that would allow a rigorous transnational control program to be launched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Coelho
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Domingues
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helga Waap
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - George Stilwell
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Laboratory, Centre of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
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2
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Malatji MP, Tembe D, Mukaratirwa S. An update on epidemiology and clinical aspects of besnoitiosis in livestock and wildlife in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 21:e00284. [PMID: 36793766 PMCID: PMC9922981 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Besnoitiosis is a parasitic disease of economic importance caused by cyst-forming protozoa from the genus Besnoitia. The disease affects the skin, subcutis, blood vessels, and mucous membranes of the animals. It is traditionally endemic in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, and causes enormous economic loss associated with impaired productivity and reproduction, as well as skin lesions. Therefore, knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease, including the current Besnoitia species occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, the wide range of mammalian species hosts they use as intermediate hosts, and the clinical signs manifested by infected animals is crucial in developing effective prevention and control measures. This review collected information from peer-reviewed publications involving the epidemiology and clinical signs of besnoitiosis in sub-Saharan Africa using four electronic databases. Results showed that B. besnoiti, B. bennetti, B. caprae, B. darlingi-like and unidentified Besnoitia spp. were found naturally infecting livestock and wildlife across nine reviewed sub-Saharan African countries. Besnoitia besnoiti was the most common species, occurring in all nine reviewed countries, and utilised a wide range of mammalian species as intermediate hosts. Prevalence of B. besnoiti ranged from 2.0 to 80.3%, and B. caprae 5.45-46.53%. Infection rate was high with serology compared to other techniques. Some of the typical signs of besnoitiosis included sand-like cysts on the sclera conjunctiva, nodules in the skin, thickening and wrinkling of the skin and alopecia. Inflammation, thickening and wrinkling of the scrotum were observed in bulls, and lesions on the scrotum deteriorated progressively and became generalized in some cases in spite of treatment. There is still a need for surveys focusing on detecting and identifying Besnoitia spp. using molecular techniques in combination with serological, histology and visual observation, and scoping their natural intermediate and definitive hosts, as well as assessing the burden of the disease animals reared on different husbandry systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokgadi Pulane Malatji
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Foundational Research & Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria 0001, South Africa,Corresponding author at: School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Danisile Tembe
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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3
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González-Barrio D, Diezma-Diaz C, Queirós J, Alves PC, Velarde R, Estruch J, Vieira-Pinto M, Álvarez-García G. Absence of anti-Besnoitia spp. specific antibodies in European wild lagomorphs from the Iberian Peninsula. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3447-e3454. [PMID: 36215394 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14730] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti is an apicomplexan parasite whose life cycle is not completely understood. It is assumed that this parasite might have an indirect life cycle with a carnivore as a definitive host able to shed oocysts after the ingestion of mature cysts in tissues of an infected intermediate host. Cattle and wild cervids on the Iberian Peninsula can act as intermediate hosts of B. besnoiti, and exposure to the parasite has been demonstrated in equids. In this study, we aimed to assess the presence of members of the genera Besnoitia in wild lagomorphs from the Iberian Peninsula and the potential role of these host species in the life cycle of B. besnoiti, as all the animals were sampled from 19 regions of the Iberian Peninsula where cases of bovine besnoitiosis have been previously detected. Serum samples (Oryctolagus cuniculus: n = 552; Lepus europaeus: n = 122) were first analysed by ELISA and subsequently confirmed by Western blot (WB). Specific antibodies against B. besnoiti were not found in any sampled animal by WB. In addition, lung samples from a subset of wild rabbits (n = 16) were tested by PCR and Besnoitia spp. DNA was not detected. These results suggest that Besnoitia spp. are unlikely to circulate in wild lagomorphs in the Iberian Peninsula. Thus, lagomorphs are not expected to play a key role in the biological cycle of B. besnoiti. Further studies are necessary to assess whether different micromammal species, such as rodents, can serve as natural reservoirs of Besnoitia spp. in other European regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Diezma-Diaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joao Queirós
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal.,EBM, Estação Biológica de Mértola, Praça Luís de Camões, Mértola, Portugal.,Universidade do Porto, R. Monte-Crasto, Vairão, Portugal, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo C Alves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal.,BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal.,EBM, Estação Biológica de Mértola, Praça Luís de Camões, Mértola, Portugal.,Universidade do Porto, R. Monte-Crasto, Vairão, Portugal, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Roser Velarde
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep Estruch
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Madalena Vieira-Pinto
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Saegerman C, Evrard J, Houtain JY, Alzieu JP, Bianchini J, Mpouam SE, Schares G, Liénard E, Jacquiet P, Villa L, Álvarez-García G, Gazzonis AL, Gentile A, Delooz L. First Expert Elicitation of Knowledge on Drivers of Emergence of Bovine Besnoitiosis in Europe. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070753. [PMID: 35889998 PMCID: PMC9323894 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070753] [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: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis (BB) is a chronic and debilitating parasitic disease in cattle caused by the protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. South European countries are affected and have reported clinical cases of BB. However, BB is considered as emerging in other countries/regions of central, eastern and northern Europe. Yet, data on drivers of emergence of BB in Europe are scarce. In this study, fifty possible drivers of emergence of BB in cattle were identified. A scoring system was developed per driver. Then, the scoring was elicited from eleven recognized European experts to: (i) allocate a score to each driver, (ii) weight the score of drivers within each domain and (iii) weight the different domains among themselves. An overall weighted score was calculated per driver, and drivers were ranked in decreasing order of importance. Regression tree analysis was used to group drivers with comparable likelihoods to play a role in the emergence of BB in cattle in Europe. Finally, robustness testing of expert elicitation was performed for the seven drivers having the highest probability to play a key role in the emergence of BB: i.e., (i) legal/illegal movements of live animals from neighbouring/European Union member states or (ii) from third countries, (iii) risk of showing no clinical sign and silent spread during infection and post infection, (iv) as a consequence, difficulty to detect the emergence, (v) existence of vectors and their potential spread, (vi) European geographical proximity of the pathogen/disease to the country, and (vii) animal density of farms. Provided the limited scientific knowledge on the topic, expert elicitation of knowledge, multi-criteria decision analysis, cluster and sensitivity analyses are very important to prioritize future studies, e.g., the need for quantitative import risk assessment and estimation of the burden of BB to evidence and influence policymaking towards changing (or not) its status as a reportable disease, with prevention and control activities targeting, firstly, the top seven drivers. The present methodology could be applied to other emerging animal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (J.B.); (L.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Julien Evrard
- Regional Association for Animal Registration and Health (ARSIA) asbl, 5590 Ciney, Belgium; (J.E.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Jean-Yves Houtain
- Regional Association for Animal Registration and Health (ARSIA) asbl, 5590 Ciney, Belgium; (J.E.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Alzieu
- Laboratoire Vétérinaire Départemental de l’Ariège (LVD09), 09008 Foix, Ariège, France;
| | - Juana Bianchini
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (J.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Serge Eugène Mpouam
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere P.O. Box 454, Cameroon;
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Emmanuel Liénard
- UMR INTHERES/DGER, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, CEDEX 03, 31076 Toulouse, France;
| | - Philippe Jacquiet
- UMR INRA/DGER IHAP 1225, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, CEDEX 03, 31076 Toulouse, France;
| | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.V.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.V.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Arcangelo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy;
| | - Laurent Delooz
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium; (J.B.); (L.D.)
- Regional Association for Animal Registration and Health (ARSIA) asbl, 5590 Ciney, Belgium; (J.E.); (J.-Y.H.)
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5
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González-Barrio D, Köster PC, Habela MA, Martín-Pérez M, Fernández-García JL, Balseiro A, Barral M, Nájera F, Figueiredo AM, Palacios MJ, Mateo M, Carmena D, Álvarez-García G, Calero-Bernal R. Molecular survey of Besnoitia spp. (Apicomplexa) in faeces from European wild mesocarnivores in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:3156-3166. [PMID: 34174029 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have unsuccessfully tried to unravel the definitive host of the coccidian parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. Cattle infections by B. besnoiti cause a chronic and debilitating condition called bovine besnoitiosis that has emerged in Europe during the last two decades, mainly due to limitations in its control associated with the absence of vaccines and therapeutical tools. Although the exact transmission pathways of B. besnoiti is currently unknown, it is assumed that the parasite might have an indirect life cycle with a carnivore as definitive host. Current lack of studies in wildlife might underestimate the importance of free-living species in the epidemiology of B. besnoiti. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the presence of Besnoitia spp. in free-ranging mesocarnivores in Spain. DNA was searched by PCR on faeces collected from wild carnivores as a first approach to determine which species could be considered as potential definitive host candidates in further research. For this purpose, a total of 352 faecal samples from 12 free-living wild carnivore species belonging to the Canidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae and Viverridae families were collected in seven Spanish regions. PCR testing showed that Besnoitia spp. DNA was present in four faecal samples from red foxes collected in western Spain, an area with the greatest density of extensively reared cattle and associated with high incidence of bovine besnoitiosis in the country. To date, this is the first report of a B. besnoiti-like sequence (99.57% homology) from carnivore faeces in a worldwide context. Red foxes might contribute to the epidemiology of B. besnoiti, although further studies, mostly based on bioassay, would be needed to elucidate the accuracy and extent of these interesting findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,SaBio Working Group, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Manuel Martín-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jose L Fernández-García
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Ana Balseiro
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, University of León, León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Finca Marzanas, Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - Marta Barral
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Fernando Nájera
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana M Figueiredo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal.,Department of Bioscience & CEES, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Jesus Palacios
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Veterinary Faculty, Alfonso X El Sabio University, Avenida Universidad 1, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Villa L, Gazzonis AL, Diezma-Diaz C, Perlotti C, Zanzani SA, Ferrucci F, Álvarez-García G, Manfredi MT. Besnoitiosis in donkeys: an emerging parasitic disease of equids in Italy. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1811-1819. [PMID: 33723661 PMCID: PMC8084774 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitiosis is an emerging parasitic disease of equids. Italy is one of the few European countries where the circulation of Besnoitia spp. antibodies was demonstrated. In this study, a case of clinical besnoitiosis in two donkeys in northern Italy is reported. The two animals were clinically examined. Serum and blood samples were analyzed for the detection of Besnoitia spp. antibodies and for hematology, biochemistry, and enzyme activity, respectively. ITS-1 PCR and sequencing were carried out on DNA extracted from skin biopsies. Clinical examination revealed numerous scleral pearls in eyes of both animals; alopecia and hyperkeratosis with skin nodules in the region of the neck, hind leg, and on the pinnae were detected. No cysts were evidenced by endoscopy in respiratory and genital tracts. Both animals resulted seropositive to Besnoitia spp. antibodies by Western Blot. Hematology evidenced light anemia, leukocytosis with eosinophilia, and lymphocytosis; biochemistry and enzyme activity revealed hypoalbuminemia with decreased albumin/globulin ratio and elevated alkaline phosphatase values. Parasitic DNA extracted from skin biopsies of both donkeys demonstrated a homology of 100% with Besnoitia spp. This first clinical case of besnoitiosis in two donkeys in Italy both confirms the circulation of Besnoitia spp. in Italian equids and demonstrates that the distribution area of equine besnoitiosis in Europe could be wider than expected. Further studies are needed to infer its relevance, in relation to seroprevalence and clinical disease, and to identify the species of Besnoitia infecting donkeys. Besnoitiosis may be a neglected disease of donkeys in Europe: an early and accurate diagnosis is fundamental to implement adequate control measures to prevent a "silent" spread of Besnoitia spp. infection in equids populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Carlos Diezma-Diaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrucci
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
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7
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Villa L, Gazzonis AL, Zanzani SA, Perlotti C, Sironi G, Manfredi MT. Bovine besnoitiosis in an endemically infected dairy cattle herd in Italy: serological and clinical observations, risk factors, and effects on reproductive and productive performances. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3459-3468. [PMID: 31659452 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis (Besnoitia besnoiti) is an emerging parasitic disease of cattle in Europe. This study reports a case of bovine besnoitiosis in a dairy farm housing 217 cattle in Italy. A serological screening was performed on the whole herd using the recommended approach of ELISA and confirmatory Western Blot. Seropositive animals were clinically examined to reveal symptoms and lesions of besnoitiosis. Risk factors and the effects of the parasite infection on reproductive and productive performances were evaluated. Histopathology and molecular analyses on tissues from a slaughtered cow affected by the chronic phase of the disease were carried out. An overall seroprevalence of 23.5%, which increased up to 43.5% considering only cows, was recorded. Clinical examination of 33 of the seropositive cows evidenced the presence of tissue cysts in at least one of the typical localizations (sclera, vulva, or skin) in 25 animals. Statistical analysis did not evidence any significative impact of the parasite infection on herd efficiency; however, a decrease of productive parameters was recorded in cows showing cutaneous cysts. Concerning the chronically affected cow, histopathology revealed B. besnoiti tissue cysts in the skin of the neck, rump, hind legs, eyelid and vulva, in the muzzle, in mucosal membranes of the upper respiratory tract, and in the lungs. Parasite DNA was detected also in masseter muscles, tonsils, mediastinal lymph nodes, liver, cardiac muscle, aorta wall, ovaries, uterus, and vulva. Bovine besnoitiosis continues to spread in the Italian cattle population. Breeders and veterinarians should be aware of this parasitic disease, and control programs should be developed based on surveillance through a diagnostic procedure including both clinical examination and laboratory tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Chiara Perlotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sironi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
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8
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Schares G, Jutras C, Bärwald A, Basso W, Maksimov A, Schares S, Tuschy M, Conraths FJ, Brodeur V. Besnoitia tarandi in Canadian woodland caribou - Isolation, characterization and suitability for serological tests. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 8:1-9. [PMID: 30555783 PMCID: PMC6280010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we report the first in vitro isolation of Besnoitia tarandi from North America and the second of B. tarandi at all. The parasite was isolated directly from the skin of a Canadian woodland caribou from the migratory ecotype. The animal belonged to the Leaf River Herd, in Northern Quebec, Canada. The isolate was designated Bt-CA-Quebec1. Sequencing of the 3’-end of the 18S rRNA gene, the complete sequence of the ITS1 and the 5’-end of the 5.8S rRNA gene of Bt-CA-Quebec1 revealed only minor differences to rDNA gene fragments of B. besnoiti. In contrast, the patterns for the microsatellite loci Bt-20 and Bt-21 varied substantially from those reported for B. besnoiti and B. bennetti. Surprisingly, the typing results in the loci Bt-6 and Bt-7 differed between Bt-CA-Quebec1 and results obtained for skin samples from caribou of the Canadian regions of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories reported by other investigators. This indicates that differences might exist among B. tarandi in caribou from different regions in Canada. Mice (γ-interferon knockout) intraperitoneally inoculated with 1.2 × 106 or 1.5 × 106 bradyzoites mechanically released from skin tissue cysts fell ill 8, 9 or 18 days post inoculation. GKO mice inoculated with 3.0 × 104 tachyzoites isolated from the peritoneal cavity of a bradyzoites-inoculated mouse became ill earlier, i.e. 5 days post inoculation. Lung was the predilection site in all mice. Bt-CA-Quebec1 tachyzoites rapidly grew in MARC-145 cells and were used for antigen production. Comparative Western blot analyses revealed only a few differences between B. tarandi Bt-CA-Quebec1 and B. besnoiti Evora antigen when probed with sera collected from chronically infected caribou. Due to its fast growth in vitro, the Bt-CA-Quebec1 isolate may represent an interesting antigen source to establish B. tarandi-specific serological tools and to study the biology of this parasite species further. Besnoitia tarandi was in vitro-isolated directly from the skin of a Canadian woodland caribou. Microsatellite typing revealed differences to existing Bt-6, Bt-7 and Bt-21 patterns of B. tarandi. The isolate Bt-CA-Quebec1 caused disease in γ-interferon knockout mice. Bt-CA-Quebec1 rapidly grows in MARC-145 cells. Antigens of Bt-CA-Quebec1 are similar but not identical to those of Besnoitia besnoiti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Charles Jutras
- Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, 951 boul. Hamel, Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2Z3, Canada
| | - Andrea Bärwald
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aline Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Susann Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Mareen Tuschy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Vincent Brodeur
- Direction de la gestion de la faune du Nord-du-Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, 951 boul. Hamel, Chibougamau, Québec, G8P 2Z3, Canada
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Bovine chronic besnoitiosis in a calf: Characterization of a novel B. besnoiti isolate from an unusual case report. Vet Parasitol 2017; 247:10-18. [PMID: 29080754 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, caused by the apicomplexan Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating disease characterized by cutaneous and systemic manifestations that primarily affects adult beef cattle. Previous studies have reported that clinical besnoitiosisis is rare in calves. However, we isolated B. besnoiti from a chronically infected calf for the first time. The identity of the Besnoitia species was determined after parasite isolation and molecular genotyping. According to the results obtained in vitro the new isolate, named as Bb-Spain3, was characterized in a reproducible in vitro model and was categorized as a low invader and low prolific isolate with a slower lytic cycle compared to Bb-Spain 1 isolate. Specific traits that differentiate isolates obtained from adult animals from those infecting calves were not found. Next, we described the first case report of chronic besnoitiosis in a female calf less than 6 months-old with a low body condition. The disease was confirmed by the presence of specific anti-B. besnoiti antibodies and parasite detection in the skin. At post-mortem examination, tissue samples were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses. DNA-parasite was detected in 31 different calf's tissues, being the most highly parasitized tissues the skin and the respiratory and reproductive tracts. In addition, the parasite was also present in heart, eyes, lymph nodes and brain. The high parasite load, a wide intra-organic parasite distribution and the presence of both viable and degenerated cysts, were indicative of a rapid progression of the disease. This case report underlines the need to include the inspection of young animals in besnoitiosis control.
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In vitro efficacy of bumped kinase inhibitors against Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:811-821. [PMID: 28899692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti is an apicomplexan parasite responsible for bovine besnoitiosis, a chronic and debilitating disease that causes systemic and skin manifestations and sterility in bulls. Neither treatments nor vaccines are currently available. In the search for therapeutic candidates, calcium-dependent protein kinases have arisen as promising drug targets in other apicomplexans (e.g. Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp. and Eimeria spp.) and are effectively targeted by bumped kinase inhibitors. In this study, we identified and cloned the gene coding for BbCDPK1. The impact of a library of nine bumped kinase inhibitor analogues on the activity of recombinant BbCDPK1 was assessed by luciferase assay. Afterwards, those were further screened for efficacy against Besnoitiabesnoiti tachyzoites grown in Marc-145 cells. Primary tests at 5µM revealed that eight compounds exhibited more than 90% inhibition of invasion and proliferation. The compounds BKI 1294, 1517, 1553 and 1571 were further characterised, and EC99 (1294: 2.38µM; 1517: 2.20µM; 1553: 3.34µM; 1571: 2.78µM) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 3-day proliferation assays. Exposure of infected cultures with EC99 concentrations of these drugs for up to 48h was not parasiticidal. The lack of parasiticidal action was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, which showed that bumped kinase inhibitor treatment interfered with cell cycle regulation and non-disjunction of tachyzoites, resulting in the formation of large multi-nucleated complexes which co-existed with viable parasites within the parasitophorous vacuole. However, it is possible that, in the face of an active immune response, parasite clearance may occur. In summary, bumped kinase inhibitors may be effective drug candidates to control Besnoitiabesnoiti infection. Further in vivo experiments should be planned, as attainment and maintenance of therapeutic blood plasma levels in calves, without toxicity, has been demonstrated for BKIs 1294, 1517 and 1553.
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Advances in the diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis: current options and applications for control. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:737-751. [PMID: 28893637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, which is caused by the tissue cyst-forming intracellular parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, is a chronic and debilitating disease that is responsible for severe economic losses in the cattle raised under extensive husbandry systems. The absence of vaccines, treatments or a health scheme at local, national and international levels has led to a rapid spread of bovine besnoitiosis from western Europe towards eastern countries and northwards. Moreover, this parasitic disease is widely present in many sub-Saharan countries. Thus, bovine besnoitiosis should be included in the animal health scheme of beef cattle herds. Accurate diagnostic tools and common diagnostic procedures are mandatory in any control programme. Relevant advances have been made in this field during the last decade. Succeeding with accurate diagnosis relies on the technique employed and the antibody and parasite kinetics of the infection stage, which may notably influence control programmes and surveillance. Moreover, control programmes should be adapted to the epidemiological status of the disease, as the disease presentation in a herd has important implications for prospective control. Herein, we review the clinical disease presentation of bovine besnoitiosis and the correlation between its clinical course and laboratory parameters. We also provide an update on the available diagnostic tools, discuss their strengths and pitfalls, and provide guidelines for their use in control, surveillance and epidemiological studies. A rational control strategy is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, García-Bocanegra I, Howe DK, Arenas-Montes A, Yeargan MR, Ness SL, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. A serosurvey of selected cystogenic coccidia in Spanish equids: first detection of anti-Besnoitia spp. specific antibodies in Europe. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:128. [PMID: 28490374 PMCID: PMC5424396 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equine besnoitiosis, caused by Besnoitia bennetti, and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), caused by Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are relevant equine diseases in the Americas that have been scarcely studied in Europe. Thus, a serosurvey of these cystogenic coccidia was carried out in Southern Spain. A cross-sectional study was performed and serum samples from horses (n = 553), donkeys (n = 85) and mules (n = 83) were included. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to identify a Besnoitia spp. infection and positive results were confirmed by an a posteriori western blot. For Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp., infections were detected using in-house ELISAs based on the parasite surface antigens N. hughesi rNhSAG1 and S. neurona rSnSAG2/3/4. Risk factors associated with these protozoan infections were also investigated. Results Antibodies against Besnoitia spp., Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis spp. infections were detected in 51 (7.1%), 46 (6.4%) and 20 (2.8%) of 721 equids, respectively. The principal risk factors associated with a higher seroprevalence of Besnoitia spp. were the host species (mule or donkey), the absence of shelter and the absence of a rodent control programme. The presence of rodents was the only risk factor for Neospora spp. infection. Conclusions This study was the first extensive serosurvey of Besnoitia spp. infection in European equids accomplished by two complementary tests and gives evidence of the presence of specific antibodies in these populations. However, the origin of the infection is still unclear. Further parasite detection and molecular genotyping are needed to identify the causative Besnoitia and Neospora species. Finally, cross-reactions with antibodies directed against other species of Sarcocystis might explain the positive reactions against the S. neurona antigens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-1046-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Daniel K Howe
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - Antonio Arenas-Montes
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Michelle R Yeargan
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - SallyAnne L Ness
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 52, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, Ara V, Marco I, Lavín S, Carvajal-Valilla J, Morales A, Álvarez-García G. Absence of antibodies specific to Besnoitia spp. in European sheep and goats from areas in Spain where bovine besnoitiosis is endemic. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:445-448. [PMID: 27815735 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti and B. caprae, which infect bovids (cattle and antelopes) and goats, respectively, are responsible for besnoitiosis, a chronic and debilitating disease. Bovine besnoitiosis is considered to be a reemerging disease in Central and Western Europe. In addition, infection by Besnoitia spp. has been reported in reindeer from Sweden and Finland. Recently, the parasite was also detected in roe deer and red deer from Spain, where an interconnection between the domestic and sylvatic cycles of B. besnoiti has been presumed. In contrast, caprine besnoitiosis seems to be enzootic to Kenya and Iran. The presence of Besnoitia spp. in small domestic ruminants has never been explored in Europe, and the role that these species might play in the epidemiology of bovine besnoitiosis, as intermediate hosts or reservoirs of B. besnoiti, remains unknown. Herein, the first serosurvey conducted in European sheep and goats from areas in Spain where bovine besnoitiosis is endemic is described. Convenience sampling was conducted of 1943 sheep and 342 goats close to cattle from the Pyrenees and Central Spain that were infected with endemic Besnoitia spp. Serum samples were first analyzed by ELISA and then by confirmatory Western blot. Specific antibodies were not found in any sampled animal. Thus, sheep are unlikely to play a role in the epidemiology of bovine besnoitiosis, at least in the sampled areas. A larger serosurvey is necessary to determine whether goats might be a putative reservoir. To confirm the results of this study, sheep and goats should be further studied in other European countries and regions where their numbers are high and where bovine besnoitiosis is spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Ara
- Centro Clínico Veterinario de Jaca, 22700, Huesca, Spain
| | - Ignasi Marco
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Santiago Lavín
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Javier Carvajal-Valilla
- Asociación Provincial de Agricultores y Ganaderos de Guadalajara (APAG), 19004, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Angel Morales
- Asociación Provincial de Agricultores y Ganaderos de Guadalajara (APAG), 19004, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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