1
|
Gabrielli S, Brustenga L, Morganti G, Ciuca L, Barlozzari G, Rigamonti G, Orlandi M, Sforna M, Veronesi F. Genetic variability of Dirofilaria repens isolates from humans and dogs in Italy. Vet Parasitol 2024; 326:110096. [PMID: 38141355 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110096] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a paradigmatic example of an emerging vector-borne pathogen (VBP) in both human and veterinary fields. The spatial expansion and the increasing zoonotic impact of this VBP can be related to several drivers including the genetic structure of parasite populations. Italy is one of the European countries traditionally endemic with the highest incidence of canine and human cases of subcutaneous dirofilariosis. The present study aimed to assess the genetic identity and variability of D. repens isolates of human and canine origin from areas of Central Italy, compared with those isolated from different areas of Europe by sequence analysis of mtDNA genes (i.e., 12 S rDNA and cox1). A total of twenty isolates of D. repens were obtained from biopsies of subcutaneous and ocular cases of dirofilariosis occurring in 10 dogs and 10 humans. The sequence analysis of 12 S rDNA showed that all the sequences obtained clustered as a monophyletic group with a strong nodal support, indicating that all sequence types represented D. repens. The cox1 and the 12 S sequence analysis did not show host-related polymorphisms between human and dog-derived specimens. The sequence analysis of cox1 was performed including 8 additional sequences previously obtained from human and canine isolates in the same areas. Out of the 28 sequences analyzed, 20 were grouped in a haplogroup comprising 15 haplotypes (i.e., DR1, DR2, DR4, DR5, DR7, DR8, DR10-DR18), 2 sequences matched to DR9, reported for the first time in Italy, and 6 showed peculiar polymorphisms that were not previously described. The results obtained have implications for a better understanding of the epidemiology and phylogeography of this emerging vector-borne zoonotic parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naple, Italy
| | - Giulia Barlozzari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Margherita Orlandi
- Freelance Veterinarian for MyLav - La Vallonea, Laboratorio di Analisi Veterinarie s.r.l. Passirana di Rho (MI), Italy
| | - Monica Sforna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sharifdini M, Karimi M, Ashrafi K, Soleimani M, Mirjalali H. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Dirofilaria immitis in road killed canids of northern Iran. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:161. [PMID: 35501899 PMCID: PMC9063217 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03270-z] [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: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne filarial nematode, which infects primarily wild and domestic canids, causing cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and characterize molecular features of D. immitis in road killed canids, northern Iran. Methods The carcasses of 53 road killed canids including 18 dogs (Canis familiaris), and 35 golden jackals (C. aureus) were necropsied in both Mazanderan and Guilan provinces, northern Iran. The molecular analyses were conducted based on the cytochrome oxidase (Cox) 1 and 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Results The heartworm infection was found in 55.6% of dogs and 22.9% of jackals. Our study revealed significantly higher prevalence of D. immitis in dogs compared to jackals (P = 0.031). The prevalence of D. immitis was no statistically significant between males and females in both dogs and jackal (P > 0.05). Comparison of the Cox1 gene sequences with available data in the GenBank illustrated 100% similarity with D. immitis isolates from different hosts in European, Asian, and South American continents. Moreover, the 18S rRNA gene sequences showed 100% identity with dog isolates from Japan and French Guiana. Conclusions This study confirms the high prevalence of D. immitis in dogs and jackals of northern Iran. Developing control programs to prevent transmission of the disease is necessary for dogs and humans in the study areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Mahan Karimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mostafa Soleimani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonotic parasites which affect mainly dogs and humans worldwide. In Iran, information about the distribution of those nematodes is scant in several regions. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of these filarial parasites in stray dogs from five Iranian provinces where no information about these parasites is available. Methods Blood samples were collected from 344 stray dogs in five provinces of Iran (i.e. Mazandaran, Gilan, Esfahan, Qazvin and Loresan). The presence of microfilariae was assessed using direct smear, modified Knott’s test, molecular detection of filarial DNA (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of parasitic nematodes (ftsZ gene) by conventional PCR (cPCR). All of the PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results In total, 75 dogs (21.8%) were found to be positive for D. immitis by cPCR. Infection was detected in all provinces, with the highest prevalence in Gilan province (22/28; 78.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was diagnosed in five dogs (1.4%) from three provinces (i.e. Esfahan, Mazandaran, Gilan). Two dogs were infected with both parasites and three were only infected with A. reconditum. Dirofilaria repens infection was not found in the examined population. Representative sequences of the D. immitis cox1 gene from dogs from the northern provinces (Mazandaran, Gilan, Qazvin) were grouped together and distinctly separate from the ones from western and central provinces (Lorestan and Esfahan), suggesting that different nematode populations are present in the country. Conclusion The data reported herein fill existing gaps in knowledge about canine filarial infection in two Iranian provinces and record the highest prevalence of D. immitis ever reported in the country (i.e. 78.6%). A geographical review of the literature about Dirofilaria spp. and A. reconditum infections in dogs and humans has also been summarized, indicating that D. immitis and D. repens are distributed in 22 of 31 provinces in Iran, whereas A. reconditum is present in fewer regions. Effective control strategies are advocated for owned dogs, and a national program for the management of stray dogs is needed to minimize the risk of infection in animals and humans. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Collapse
|
4
|
Somsap Y, Boonroumkaew P, Somsap A, Rodpai R, Sadaow L, Sanpool O, Maleewong W, Intapan PM. Ocular Dirofilariasis Case in Thailand Confirmed by Molecular Analysis to Be Caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:204-207. [PMID: 34634776 PMCID: PMC8733484 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A rare ocular dirofilariasis case along with the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome is reported. A whitish roundworm (10.6 cm long and 0.5 mm width) emerged from the pterygium, a triangular tissue growth on the cornea of the eye, of a male patient. The worm had a rounded anterior part, mouth without lips, smooth cuticular surface, and short rounded posterior tail with spicules: these features suggested that it was a male Dirofilaria sp. Molecular identification confirmed that the worm belonged to Dirofilaria immitis. This is the first molecular confirmation that D. immitis is a causative agent of ocular dirofilariasis in Thailand: dirofilariasis is a newly emerging zoonotic disease. Physicians should be alert to zoonotic filarial worms and knowledgeable about treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwadee Somsap
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chumphae Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Boonroumkaew
- Department of Parasitology and Excellence in Medical Innovation, and Technology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand;,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Attawit Somsap
- Department of Otolaryngology, Chumphae Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Rutchanee Rodpai
- Department of Parasitology and Excellence in Medical Innovation, and Technology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand;,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Lakkhana Sadaow
- Department of Parasitology and Excellence in Medical Innovation, and Technology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand;,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Department of Parasitology and Excellence in Medical Innovation, and Technology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand;,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Department of Parasitology and Excellence in Medical Innovation, and Technology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand;,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Pewpan M. Intapan
- Department of Parasitology and Excellence in Medical Innovation, and Technology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand;,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand;,Address correspondence to Pewpan M. Intapan, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aykur M, Yağcı A, Simşek S, Palamar M, Yaman B, Korkmaz M, Dagci H. First time identification of subconjunctival Dirofilaria immitis in Turkey: giant episcleral granuloma mimicking scleritis. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3909-3914. [PMID: 34546440 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease that is present worldwide. This report describes a giant subconjunctival granuloma which mimics scleritis, caused by D. immitis. A 60-year-old man was referred with the complaints of irritation, redness, and swelling at the medial part of the right eye. He was living in Izmir province located in western Turkey. Slit-lamp examination showed a firm, immobile mass measuring 13.0 × 5.0 × 5.0 mm with yellowish creamy color. The mass was completely removed surgically under local anesthesia mainly for diagnosis. Histopathology revealed typical morphological features of a filarioid nematode in favor of Dirofilaria as characterized by the external smooth cuticular surface, cuticular layer, muscle layer, and intestinal tubule. Molecular study was performed using DNA isolated from paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the worm. PCR amplification and then DNA sequence analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene fragment confirmed that the worm was D. immitis. It is suggested that this may represent the first human case of D. immitis occurring in subconjunctival granuloma in Turkey. Although rare, D. immitis caused by ocular dirofilariasis in humans should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Aykur
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokat Gaziosmanpasa, Tokat, Turkey. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey. .,Department of Parasitology, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University Medical School, 60030, Central/Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Yağcı
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sami Simşek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fırat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Melis Palamar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Banu Yaman
- Department of Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Metin Korkmaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Naderi A, Sharifi I, Aflatoonian MR, Mostafavi M, Hakimi Parizi M, Mashayekhi J, Mashayekhi M, Nikpour S, Bamorovat M. Dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis in the south of Kerman province, Iran. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104863. [PMID: 33775854 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilariosis due to Dirofilaria immitis is endemic in various areas of Iran. Domestic dogs are the main reservoirs and represent a major potential infection source for the vector and humans. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the prevalence of dirofilariosis due to D.immitis and its public health importance in domestic dogs in the Jiroft district, south of Kerman province, Iran, by serological and parasitological methods. METHODS This descriptive study was carried out as a cross-sectional investigation. A questionnaire was completed for 100 domestic dogs from May 2017 to February 2018 and recorded their age, sex, and clinical features. Also, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to identify antigens of heartworms in the bloodstream, with 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and parasitological techniques (Knott's test) to detect microfilariae in canine blood in Jiroft district, south of Kerman province, Iran. RESULTS Overall, 10 (10%) and 4 (4%) domestic dogs were infected as confirmed by ELISA and modified Knott's tests, respectively. The rate of occult infections in the ELISA test than Knott's test was 60%. No significant difference was found between dirofilariosis and gender. In contrast, there was a significant difference between dirofilariosis infection and age (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The present findings could help understand the epidemiological aspects of D. immitis for future control programs and take appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies against the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Naderi
- Iranian Social Security Organization, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Aflatoonian
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahshid Mostafavi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Hakimi Parizi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Saeideh Nikpour
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bizhani N, Hashemi Hafshejani S, Mohammadi N, Rezaei M, Rokni MB. Lymphatic filariasis in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:411-422. [PMID: 33415391 PMCID: PMC7790732 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06991-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an important neglected parasitic disease according to the World Health Organization. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of human LF in Asia using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Records from 1990 to 2018 in reputable databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched using a panel of related keywords. All 48 countries of Asia were searched one by one in combination with the keywords. In all, 41,742 cases identified in this study were included in the analysis. According to our findings, the pooled prevalence of LF in Asia was estimated at 3% (95% CI: [1.7, 5.2]). There was no major trend in the cumulative prevalence of LF over time. Some countries in Asia including China, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea succeeded in eliminating LF as a public health problem, but others still need to monitor the disease. Based on the initiative of the WHO starting in 2000, some countries in Asia succeeded in eliminating LF as a public health problem. Other countries have taken steps to eliminate the disease with variable degrees of success. These efforts might be affected by issues such as climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negar Bizhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Hashemi Hafshejani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Mohammadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rezaei
- Department of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammad Bagher Rokni
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|