1
|
Hashemnia S, Khovand H, Ghahvei Y, Nourollahifard S. Scanning electron microscopy of digestive tract parasites in jungle cat (Felis chaus). Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:395-402. [PMID: 37861382 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24439] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Among the 10 native cats of Iran, the Felis chaus is considered as one of the largely unknown species. Despite the reports on jungle cats in southeast Iran, there is no comprehensive information about their parasitic diseases. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) provides a valuable tool for the study of these organisms. In October 2022, a 15-year-old male jungle cat (F. chaus) was examined for gastrointestinal parasites using SEM which revealed exact parasite structures such as the mouth, shape of the lips, teeth and their position, papillae, excretory pore, and amphids. SEM of the Taenia taeniaeformis found in the F. chaus intestinal epithelium revealed that this tapeworm consisted of four unarmed suckers and a large armed rostellum. The rostellum was observed bearing double rings of alternating and circular hook arrangements. There were 21 large hooks in the anterior ring and 21 slightly smaller hooks in the posterior one. This study is the first report of Joyeuxiella echinorhyncoides from a jungle cat (F. chaus) in southeastern Iran. The rostellum was cylindrical and armed with thorn shape hooks that covered the whole rostellum with similar density. It was armed with 20-30 long hooks arranged in 16 rows. Four big suckers were visible at the base of the rostellum, two on each side. The suckers were round, and unlike the rostellum, these structures were unarmed. The results of the present study observed under SEM, indicated that organs such as sucker and rostellum in cestodes and mouth and the shape of lips and teeth in nematodes played a significant role in the biology of these helminths. The SEM reveals the surface structures and their relationships which results in better distinguishing the species and showing their detailed differences. More SEM studies need to be conducted on other species of cestodes and nematodes, along with pathological tests, to obtain more comprehensive and precise information about how these parasites harm this jungle cat host. The results of present study indicate that morphological details are important which should be considered in the classification. Meanwhile, external structures described herein using SEM, further investigation using transmission electron microscope provide more data on the biology of the parasites. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Light microscopy is the first step to identify the parasites. High magnification 3D images of the SEM reveal the surface structures of parasites and their relationships precisely. SEM study of the parasites results in distinguishing the species and showing their detailed differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Hashemnia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hosein Khovand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Younes Ghahvei
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeidreza Nourollahifard
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Lia RP, Annoscia G, Schuster R, Varcasia A, Sgroi G, Modry D, Otranto D. Description of Joyeuxiella pasqualei (Cestoda: Dipylidiidae) from an Italian domestic dog, with a call for further research on its first intermediate host. Parasitology 2022; 149:1769-1774. [PMID: 36165289 PMCID: PMC11010481 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001342] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although Joyeuxiella pasqualei is frequently detected in cats from Mediterranean Europe, information on its biology is still scarce. This cestode is relatively less frequently reported in dogs, possibly because it is often misdiagnosed with the better-known Dipylidium caninum. The occurrence of J. pasqualei proglottids in a dog living in a closed environment triggered us to delve into the biology of this cestode by collecting biological samples from lizards and a road-killed cat. Two reptile species, Podarcis siculus (Lacertidae), and Tarentola mauritanica (Geckonidae) were also collected in the garden and its surroundings. In addition, experimental infections with eggs obtained from gravid proglottids were performed in laboratory mice, and Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) beetles. Proglottids from the dog's feces and adult cestodes detected at necroscopy of a cat were morphologically identified as J. pasqualei. Two out of 13 T. mauritanica collected in the garden had natural infections of J. pasqualei cysts in the liver and attached to the intestine. All P. siculus lizards and experimentally infected rodents and beetles were negative. DNA sequences obtained from J. pasqualei showed the highest nucleotide similarities with Versteria sp., Echinococcus sp., Raillietina sonini, Taenia polyacantha and D. caninum. Data herein provided show the inability of rodents to become infected by direct ingestion of gravid proglottids, suggesting a need for an invertebrate first intermediate host in the life cycle. Thus, more research study is advocated to better understand the biology of J. pasqualei such as its first intermediate host and its mechanism of transmission in reptiles and rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Rolf Schuster
- Department of Parasitology, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - David Modry
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Diakou A, Migli D, Dimzas D, Morelli S, Di Cesare A, Youlatos D, Lymberakis P, Traversa D. Endoparasites of European Wildcats ( Felis silvestris) in Greece. PATHOGENS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:pathogens10050594. [PMID: 34068209 PMCID: PMC8153176 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is the only wild felid living in Greece. Wildcat populations are declining due to anthropogenic and phenological unfavourable conditions, and parasites may have an additional negative impact. In the present study, the occurrence of endoparasites in wildcats in Greece and the potential threats posed to wildcats, domestic animals, and humans in the study areas has been investigated. In a six-year period, 23 road-killed wildcats and 62 wildcat faecal samples were collected from different areas of the country. Necropsy for the detection of endoparasites and standard parasitological examinations of faecal samples were performed. Parasites were morphologically identified and, in selected cases, molecularly analysed. All necropsied wildcats (100%) were infected by three to 10 different parasite taxa, with the most prevalent being Taenia taeniaeformis (73.9%), Toxocara cati (60.9%), Angiostrongylus chabaudi (56.5%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (39.1%), Cylicospirura spp. (34.8%), Troglostrongylus brevior (34.8%), and Capillaria aerophila (33.8%). Of the 62 faecal samples examined, 53 (85.5%) were positive for one or more parasite elements (larvae, eggs, or oocysts). The most frequent were T. cati (45.2%), A. chabaudi (29%), C. aerophila (24.2%), and Ancylostomatidae (17.7%). This is the first survey on endoparasites affecting wildcats in Greece. Some of the parasites here found are frequent in domestic and wild felids, while others, i.e., Oslerus rostratus and Cylicospirura petrowi, were described for the first time in the European wildcat. Most of them have a significant pathogenic potential, causing severe to hazardous diseases to infected felids and some, under specific circumstances, can also threaten human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| | - Despina Migli
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.M.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dimitris Dimzas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (S.M.); (A.D.C.); (D.T.)
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (S.M.); (A.D.C.); (D.T.)
| | - Dionisios Youlatos
- School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.M.); (D.Y.)
| | - Petros Lymberakis
- Natural History Museum of Crete, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Crete, Knossou Avenue, 71409 Irakleio, Greece;
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (S.M.); (A.D.C.); (D.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beugnet F. NexGard ® Combo (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, praziquantel), a new endectoparasiticide spot-on formulation for cats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:E1. [PMID: 33812448 PMCID: PMC8019561 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Beugnet
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Av Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Diakou A, Sofroniou D, Di Cesare A, Kokkinos P, Traversa D. Occurrence and zoonotic potential of endoparasites in cats of Cyprus and a new distribution area for Troglostrongylus brevior. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3429-3435. [PMID: 29034414 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated for the first time the occurrence of pulmonary and intestinal parasites of cats in Cyprus. Cats from five districts of Cyprus (Lefkosia, Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos and Ammochostos) were examined by classical parasitological methods and the identity of lungworm larvae, whenever present, was confirmed by PCR-coupled sequencing. A total of 185 cats, 48 living exclusively indoors and 137 with outdoor access, were included in the study. Parasites were found in 66 (35.7%) of the examined cats, i.e. Toxocara cati (12%), Cystoisospora rivolta (12%), Joyeuxiella/Diplopylidium spp. (7%), Giardia spp. (6.5%), Troglostrongylus brevior (5%), Cystoisospora felis (2.5%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (2%), Taenia spp. (0.5%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.5%). Mixed infections were recorded in 18 cats. Cats that lived exclusively indoors or had received an antiparasitic treatment in the last 6 months were less likely to be infected (p < 0.05). Moreover, cats younger than 1 year old were more likely to shed first-stage larvae of T. brevior (p = 0.04). The present study shows that cats in Cyprus are infected at a high percentage by a variety of parasites that potentially affect their health and also, in some cases (i.e. T. cati, D. caninum, Giardia spp.), may have an impact on human health. Moreover, it was revealed that T. brevior, a lungworm of emerging significance, is present on the island, rendering Cyprus the easternmost distribution border of this parasite in Europe to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Località Piano d'Accio snc, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Efficacy of a topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel (Broadline(®)) against naturally acquired infections with cestodes of the genus Joyeuxiella in cats. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2679-84. [PMID: 27026504 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5016-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cats are host to dipylidiid cestodes of the genera Diplopylidium, Dipylidium and Joyeuxiella. Broadline(®), a topical broad-spectrum combination parasiticide containing fipronil (8.3 % w/v), (S)-methoprene (10 % w/v), eprinomectin (0.4 % w/v) and the cestocide praziquantel (8.3 % w/v), has previously been shown to be efficacious against Dipylidium caninum and Diplopylidium spp. in cats. To evaluate its efficacy against Joyeuxiella species, a blinded clinical efficacy study was conducted according to GCP. All cats had evidence for naturally acquired dipylidiid cestode infection as confirmed by pre-treatment examination. Cats were allocated randomly to two groups of 13 cats each based on bodyweight: Control (untreated) and Broadline(®) at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight administered once topically. Based on the comparison of helminth counts in the treated and untreated cats seven days post treatment, Broadline(®) demonstrated >99 % efficacy (p < 0.01) against mature J. fuhrmanni and J. pasqualei, with 11 and 13 of the untreated cats harbouring 1 to 102 or 2 to 95 cestodes, respectively. In addition, parasite counts indicated 95.9 % efficacy (p = 0.006) against the rictularoid nematode Pterygodermatites cahirensis.
Collapse
|
7
|
Knaus M, Rapti D, Shukullari E, Kusi I, Postoli R, Xhaxhiu D, Silaghi C, Hamel D, Visser M, Winter R, Rehbein S. Characterisation of ecto- and endoparasites in domestic cats from Tirana, Albania. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3361-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3999-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|