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Durán-Galea A, Cristóbal-Verdejo JI, Barrera-Chacón R, Macías-García B, González-Solís MA, Nicolás-Barceló P, García-Ibáñez AB, Ruíz-Tapia P, Duque-Carrasco FJ. Clinical importance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index in dogs with leishmaniasis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102148. [PMID: 38430666 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102148] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania spp., impacts multiple systems and organs. While hematological and biochemical profiles aren't definitive for diagnosis, recent studies have identified the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) as predictors of morbidity and mortality in critically ill human and dog patients. This study examined 100 dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis, categorized by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stages 1-4. Additionally, the dogs were divided based on whether they survived less or more than one year (L1Y and G1Y). Control group consisted of 43 dogs. The NLR increased as the disease progressed (IRIS 1-4), presenting statistically significant differences (P<0.05) when compared to the control group (2,37±2,08) IRIS 3 and 4 (4,59±13,39 and 6,99±12,86, respectively), and G1Y and L1Y (3,60±4,02 and 4,87±5,82, respectively). Significant changes in SII were only evident in short-term survivors (L1Y 951,93±1402) and advanced renal disease cases (IRIS 4 stage 1073,68±1901,09). Conversely, PLR remained largely unchanged. In conclusion, these results suggest that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) may serve as potential markers for assessing disease progression and prognosis in dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Durán-Galea
- Hospital clínico Veterinario, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - J I Cristóbal-Verdejo
- Hospital clínico Veterinario, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain.
| | - R Barrera-Chacón
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - B Macías-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - M A González-Solís
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - P Nicolás-Barceló
- Hospital clínico Veterinario, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - A B García-Ibáñez
- Hospital clínico Veterinario, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - P Ruíz-Tapia
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - F J Duque-Carrasco
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
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Matas Riera M, Cardenas Nadal M, Martínez-Sogues L, Ferrer L. Unilateral keratitis secondary to Leishmania spp. infection in a horse: Clinical signs and successful topical therapy. Vet Ophthalmol 2024; 27:86-89. [PMID: 37489904 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13134] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Dermatological clinical signs have been seldom reported in the literature secondary to equine leishmaniasis. This case depicts the clinical signs, treatment, and outcome of a young horse with a pink, elevated lesion on the ventromedial quadrant of the cornea. A corneal cytology was performed and revealed the presence of leishmania amastigotes reaching the diagnosis of keratitis secondary to leishmania. Surgical resection was recommended but the owner declined the procedure, and the lesion was treated with a topical antimonial for 6 weeks. The lesion reduced remarkably during the first weeks of treatment. The patient had not shown recurrence of the lesion for 2 years since the treatment was started. Leishmania spp. can be responsible for ocular surface abnormalities such as keratitis. Corneal cytology is an inexpensive diagnostic method that should be considered when ocular surface abnormalities are identified in horses in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Martínez-Sogues
- Veterinary Clinical Pathologist at Idexx, Westbrook Maine Laboratories, Virtual Clinical Pathologist, Spain
| | - Lluís Ferrer
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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Montaner-Angoiti E, Llobat L. Is leishmaniasis the new emerging zoonosis in the world? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1777-1799. [PMID: 37438495 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10171-5] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Disease (MMOPS) Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Martínez-Sáez L, Dulac Q, Montaner-Angoiti E, Marín-García PJ, Llobat L. Prevalence and Factors Related to Leishmania infantum Infection in Healthy Horses ( Equus caballus) from Eastern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2889. [PMID: 37760289 PMCID: PMC10525090 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis is a zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp., an intracellular protozoan parasite. This parasite is transmitted by sandflies, and the disease is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. In recent years, the number of species which could be a reservoir of the parasite is increased. One of the most relevant species is the horse, due to their contact with humans and ability to control the disease, thus being a possible silent reservoir. In this study, we have analyzed the prevalence and factors related to L. infantum infection in healthy horses in the Mediterranean region. Epidemiological data and serum samples were obtained from 167 apparently healthy horses, and the presence of L. infantum was evaluated via the ELISA method and real-time PCR. The results show 27.5% of prevalence and that the main factors related to infection are equine breed, morphotype, outdoor living, use, and season. In conclusion, the prevalence of L. infantum infection in apparently healthy horses from eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) is elevated. To control this zoonosis, it would be advisable to carry out more studies on this and other species that could be silent reservoirs of the parasite, as well as carry out measures such as the use of repellents on a regular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Martínez-Sáez
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Quentin Dulac
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Esperanza Montaner-Angoiti
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
| | - Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASASPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Lola Llobat
- Molecular Mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases (MMOPS) Research Group, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (L.M.-S.); (Q.D.); (E.M.-A.)
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Álvarez L, Marín-García PJ, Llobat L. Genetic haplotypes associated with immune response to Leishmania infantum infection in dogs. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1675-1685. [PMID: 37059873 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10123-z] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease, and the main reservoir of the parasite is the dog, although recent years have seen an increase in other mammalian species. In the Mediterranean region, where it is an endemic disease, it is caused by the species Leishmania infantum. The Ibizan hound, an autochthonous breed of this region, appears to have a genetic resistance to parasitic infection, whereas other canine breeds, such as the Boxer, are susceptible to infection. These differences are related to the differentiated activation of the immune response, with the Ibizan hound activating the Th1 immune response, whereas the Boxer breed triggers the Th2 immune response. Cytokine levels and genomic haplotypes of several genes involved in the immune response were analysed in twenty-eight Ibizan hound (resistant canine breed model) and twenty-four Boxer (susceptible canine breed) without clinical signs in the Mediterranean region. Cytokine levels were analysed by ELISA commercial kits and haplotypes were studied using CanineHD DNA Analysis BeadChip including 165,480 mapped positions. The results show 126 haplotypes associated with differential immune response in dogs. Specifically, haplotypes in IL12RB1, IL6R, CIITA, THEMIS, NOXA1, HEY2, RAB38, SLC35D2, SLC28A3, RASEF and DAPK1 genes are associated with serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-18. These results suggest that the resistance or susceptibility to Leishmania infantum infection could be a consequence of haplotypes in several genes related to immune response. Future studies are needed to elucidate the relationship of these haplotypes with immune response and gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Álvarez
- Departamento Produccion Y Sanidad Animal, Salud Publica Y Ciencia Y Tecnologia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo-Jesús Marín-García
- Departamento Produccion Y Sanidad Animal, Salud Publica Y Ciencia Y Tecnologia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Llobat
- Departamento Produccion Y Sanidad Animal, Salud Publica Y Ciencia Y Tecnologia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
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Ratzlaff FR, Osmari V, da Silva D, de Paula Vasconcellos JS, Pötter L, Fernandes FD, de Mello Filho JA, de Avila Botton S, Vogel FSF, Sangioni LA. Identification of infection by Leishmania spp. in wild and domestic animals in Brazil: a systematic review with meta-analysis (2001-2021). Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1605-1619. [PMID: 37154922 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07862-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis caused by protozoan species of the genus Leishmania. It generates different clinical manifestations in humans and animals, and it infects multiple hosts. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by sandfly vectors. The main objective of this systematic review was to identify the host, or reservoir animal species, of Leishmania spp., with the exception of domestic dogs, that were recorded in Brazil. This review included identification of diagnostic methods, and the species of protozoan circulating in the country. For this purpose, a literature search was conducted across index journals. This study covered the period from 2001 to 2021, and 124 studies were selected. Eleven orders possible hosts were identified, including 229 mammalian species. Perissodactyla had the highest number of infected individuals (30.69%, 925/3014), with the highest occurrence in horses. In Brazil, the most commonly infected species were found to be: horses, domestic cats, rodents, and marsupials. Bats, that were infected by one or more protozoan species, were identified as potential reservoirs of Leishmania spp. Molecular tests were the most commonly used diagnostic methods (94 studies). Many studies have detected Leishmania spp. (n = 1422): Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (n = 705), Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (n = 319), and Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (n = 141). Recognizing the species of animals involved in the epidemiology and biological cycle of the protozoan is important, as this allows for the identification of environmental biomarkers, knowledge of Leishmania species can improve the control zoonotic leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Raquel Ratzlaff
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Osmari
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Daniele da Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Jaíne Soares de Paula Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Luciana Pötter
- Laboratório de Pastos e Suplementos, Departamento de Zootecnia, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil.
- Centro Universitário Ritter Dos Reis (UniRitter), Campus FAPA, Av. Manoel Elias, 2001 - Passo das Pedras, Porto Alegre, 91240-261, Brazil.
| | - José Américo de Mello Filho
- Laboratório de Análises Ambientais por Geoprocessamento (LAGEO), Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 44 J, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Sônia de Avila Botton
- Laboratório de Saúde Única (LASUS), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº 1000, Prédio 44, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, N°1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, CEP 97105900, Brazil
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de Pinho FA, Mendes MO, de Magalhães VLP, Tinôco AAC, Seoane JHL, Rêgo FD, Soares RP, Barrouin-Melo SM. Clinical evolution of equine leishmaniasis with self-limiting cutaneous disease caused by Leishmania infantum in northeastern Brazil: A case report. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100881. [PMID: 37208087 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100881] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infections have long been described in humans and dogs worldwide, but characterization of equine cases remains scarce. We describe the clinical evolution of a natural L. infantum infection to contribute to the diagnostic knowledge and epidemiology of equine leishmaniasis (EL). An auction-acquired four-year-old Mangalarga Marchador mare from Pernambuco state, presented a few subcutaneous nodules on the head and neck upon arrival at the purchaser's stud at Bahia state, in November of 2019. They progressed to multiple ulcerated and non-ulcerated nodules and spread to both right limbs in seven weeks. Hematology revealed anemia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and elevated plasma fibrinogen. Histopathology of the biopsied nodules identified a granulomatous dermatitis with macrophages containing Leishmania amastigotes. PCR detected Leishmania in skin lesions, but not in blood or spleen aspirate samples; ITS1 PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing confirmed L. infantum species. A topical antiseptic and insect-repellent therapy and a monthly follow-up were established. All lesions improved progressively, without specific anti-Leishmania treatment, and 14 months later there was a consistent resolution. This first description of EL by L. infantum in an endemic area is relevant to emphasize the need for epidemiological studies, and to enhance clinicians' awareness for differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaviane Alves de Pinho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Mariana Oliveira Mendes
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Vitor Luiz Pereira de Magalhães
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Felipe Dutra Rêgo
- Instituto Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, CEP: 30190-009, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pedro Soares
- Instituto Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715 - Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, CEP: 30190-009, MG, Brazil.
| | - Stella Maria Barrouin-Melo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pathology and Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Milton Santos 500, CEP: 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Interleukin 6 and interferon gamma haplotypes are related to cytokine serum levels in dogs in an endemic Leishmania infantum region. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:9. [PMID: 36759910 PMCID: PMC9911338 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01058-3] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ibizan Hound is a canine breed native to the Mediterranean region, where leishmaniasis is an endemic zoonosis. Several studies indicate a low prevalence of this disease in Ibizan Hound dogs, whereas other canine breeds present a high prevalence. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unknown. The aim of this work is to analyse the relationship between serum levels of cytokines and the genomic profiles in two canine breeds, Ibizan Hound (resistant canine breed model) and Boxer (susceptible canine breed model). METHODS In this study, we analyse the haplotypes of genes encoding cytokines related to immune response of Leishmania infantum infection in twenty-four Boxers and twenty-eight Ibizan Hounds apparently healthy using CanineHD DNA Analysis BeadChip including 165,480 mapped positions. The haplo.glm extension of haplo.score was used to perform a General Linear Model (GLM) regression to estimate the magnitude of individual haplotype effects within each cytokine. RESULTS Mean levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IL-18 in Boxer dogs were 0.19 ± 0.05 ng/ml, 46.70 ± 4.54 ng/ml, and 36.37 ± 30.59 pg/ml, whereas Ibizan Hound dogs present 0.49 ± 0.05 ng/ml, 64.55 ± 4.54 ng/ml, and 492.10 ± 31.18 pg/ml, respectively. The GLM regression shows fifteen haplotypes with statistically significant effect on the cytokine serum levels (P < 0.05). The more relevant are IL6-CGAAG and IFNG-GCA haplotypes, which increase and decrease the IL-2, IL-8 and IFN-γ serum levels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Haplotypes in the IFNG and IL6 genes have been correlated to serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-18, and a moderate effect has been found on IL8 haplotype correlated to IL-8 and IL-18 serum levels. The results indicate that the resistance to L. infantum infection could be a consequence of certain haplotypes with a high frequency in the Ibizan Hound dog breed, while susceptibility to the disease would be related to other specific haplotypes, with high frequency in Boxer. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether these differences and haplotypes are related to different phenotypes in immune response and expression gene regulation to L. infantum infections in dogs and their possible application in new treatments and vaccines.
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Mendes Junior AAV, Filgueira CPB, Miranda LDFC, de Almeida AB, Cantanhêde LM, Fagundes A, Pereira SA, Menezes RC, Cupolillo E. First report of Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis in South American territory and confirmation of Leishbunyavirus infecting this parasite in a mare. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2023; 118:e220220. [PMID: 37194810 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological data related to leishmaniases or Leishmania infection in horses are scarce. However, studies carried out in different regions in the world showed equids parasitised by Leishmania braziliensis, L. infantum and L. martiniquensis. OBJECTIVES Identify the Leishmania species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in a mare, living in Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil), and search the presence of Leishmania viruses in the isolated parasite. METHODS Isoenzymes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting ITSrDNA region followed by sequencing were conducted for typing the isolated parasite. A search for Leishmania virus infection was also performed. FINDINGS The mare presented skin nodules and ulcers in the left pinna caused by Leishmania spp. that was detected by culture and PCR. The parasite was identified as Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis, infected by Leishbunyavirus (LBV), representing the first description of this species in South America. The animal travelled to different Brazilian regions, but not to outside the country. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The worldwide distribution of L. martiniquensis and its infection by LBV were confirmed in this study, indicating the autochthonous transmission cycle in Brazil. The clinical profile of the disease in the mare, showing fast spontaneous healing of cutaneous lesions, may indicate that skin lesions related to L. martiniquensis infection in horses might be underdiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Augusto Velho Mendes Junior
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Luciana de Freitas Campos Miranda
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Adilson Benedito de Almeida
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Lilian Motta Cantanhêde
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Aline Fagundes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica e Vigilância em Leishmanioses, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Sandro Antônio Pereira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Elisa Cupolillo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Pradella GD, Escobar TA, Santos TPD, Vargas RC, Góss GC, Ferrareze PAG, Rosa E Silva LK, Zuravski L, Pereira KB, Duarte CA, Lübeck I. PCR-RLFP characterization of Leishmania spp. in domestic animals from the south-western border of Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e005222. [PMID: 35858013 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize Leishmania spp. from canine and feline samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). It was conducted in the southern region of Brazil, located at border crossings to Argentina and Uruguay. Samples were collected from 116 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and 89 cats (Felis catus). The PCR was performed to screen for an LT1 fragment from kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) target gene, and positive samples were subjected to a second PCR for an internal transcribed spacers (ITS1) region from ribosomal DNA (rDNA) target. RFLP was performed using the Haemophilus aegyptius (HAE III) restriction endonuclease (Fermentas ®). Positive samples by PCR ITS1 were sequenced and deposited in NCBI GenBank, and a phylogenetic analysis was developed. We found that 12.9% (15/116) of the samples from dogs were positive. All the 89 cat samples were negative. Positive samples were tested against Leishmania reference strains presenting different patterns in PCR-RFLP, and these samples showed bands denoting similarity to the standard species of Leishmania infantum, proven through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The RFLP technique, alone, was shown to be feasible for practical application and confirmation of the involved Leishmania spp.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luísa Zuravski
- Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil
| | | | | | - Irina Lübeck
- Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil
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11
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Derghal M, Tebai A, Balti G, Souguir-Omrani H, Chemkhi J, Rhim A, Bouattour A, Guizani I, M’Ghirbi Y, Guerbouj S. High-resolution melting analysis identifies reservoir hosts of zoonotic Leishmania parasites in Tunisia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:12. [PMID: 34996507 PMCID: PMC8742351 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is endemic in Tunisia and presents with different clinical forms, caused by the species Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, and Leishmania tropica. The life cycle of Leishmania is complex and involves several phlebotomine sand fly vectors and mammalian reservoir hosts. The aim of this work is the development and evaluation of a high-resolution melting PCR (PCR-HRM) tool to detect and identify Leishmania parasites in wild and domestic hosts, constituting confirmed (dogs and Meriones rodents) or potential (hedgehogs) reservoirs in Tunisia. METHODS Using in vitro-cultured Leishmania isolates, PCR-HRM reactions were developed targeting the 7SL RNA and HSP70 genes. Animals were captured or sampled in El Kef Governorate, North West Tunisia. DNA was extracted from the liver, spleen, kidney, and heart from hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) (n = 3) and rodents (Meriones shawi) (n = 7) and from whole blood of dogs (n = 12) that did not present any symptoms of canine leishmaniasis. In total, 52 DNA samples were processed by PCR-HRM using both pairs of primers. RESULTS The results showed melting curves enabling discrimination of the three Leishmania species present in Tunisia, and were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Application of PCR-HRM assays on reservoir host samples showed that overall among the examined samples, 45 were positive, while seven were negative, with no Leishmania infection. Meriones shawi were found infected with L. major, while dogs were infected with L. infantum. However, co-infections with L. major/L. infantum species were detected in four Meriones specimens and in all tested hedgehogs. In addition, multiple infections with the three Leishmania species were found in one hedgehog specimen. Sequence analyses of PCR-HRM products corroborated the Leishmania species found in analyzed samples. CONCLUSIONS The results of PCR-HRM assays applied to field specimens further support the possibility of hedgehogs as reservoir hosts of Leishmania. In addition, we showed their usefulness in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis, specifically in asymptomatic dogs, which will ensure a better evaluation of infection extent, thus improving elaboration of control programs. This PCR-HRM method is a robust and reliable tool for molecular detection and identification of Leishmania and can be easily implemented in epidemiological surveys in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moufida Derghal
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire Et Pathologie Expérimentale Appliquée Aux Maladies Infectieuses (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculté Des Sciences de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abir Tebai
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire Et Pathologie Expérimentale Appliquée Aux Maladies Infectieuses (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ghofrane Balti
- Laboratoire d’épidémiologie Et Microbiologie Vétérinaire (LR16IPT03), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs Et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hajer Souguir-Omrani
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire Et Pathologie Expérimentale Appliquée Aux Maladies Infectieuses (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jomaa Chemkhi
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire Et Pathologie Expérimentale Appliquée Aux Maladies Infectieuses (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Adel Rhim
- Laboratoire d’épidémiologie Et Microbiologie Vétérinaire (LR16IPT03), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs Et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ali Bouattour
- Laboratoire d’épidémiologie Et Microbiologie Vétérinaire (LR16IPT03), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs Et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ikram Guizani
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire Et Pathologie Expérimentale Appliquée Aux Maladies Infectieuses (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Youmna M’Ghirbi
- Laboratoire d’épidémiologie Et Microbiologie Vétérinaire (LR16IPT03), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratoire Des Virus, Vecteurs Et Hôtes (LR20IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheila Guerbouj
- Laboratoire d’Epidémiologie Moléculaire Et Pathologie Expérimentale Appliquée Aux Maladies Infectieuses (LR16IPT04), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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12
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Limeira CH, Oliveira MDD, Araújo Júnior JP, Malossi CD, Ullmann LS, Silva MLCR, Azevedo SSD, Alves CJ. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in donkeys and mules under semiarid conditions in Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e015021. [PMID: 34910019 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a parasitic zoonosis that mainly affects poorest and most vulnerable populations, and domestic dogs are considered to be the main source of infection to the vector and therefore humans. However, several studies have investigated the role of other vertebrate hosts in the disease cycle. In this context, the aim of the present study was to conduct a survey of Leishmania infantum infection in donkeys and mules living in a semiarid region of Brazil. Whole blood sampled from 72 equids (65 donkeys and 7 mules) was used to perform molecular diagnosis using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. A total of 25% of the samples (18/72) were positive through qPCR, but there were no significant differences between the species (donkeys or mules), sex (male or female) and abandonment situation of the animals (yes or no). Donkeys and mules living under semiarid conditions have high frequency of L. infantum infection. It is therefore worth assigning importance to these species in the epidemiological cycle of visceral leishmaniasis, either as potential reservoirs or just as an abundant food source for vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clécio Henrique Limeira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
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13
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Risk and protective factors of Leishmaniasis in the rural area of the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:330. [PMID: 34649576 PMCID: PMC8515718 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03021-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Leishmaniases are on the top of the global list of tropical neglected diseases. The number of infected dogs in South America is estimated in millions and correlated to disease cases in humans, especially in Brazil. Equines may get infected too and can play a role in the epidemiological chain. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate risk and protective factors of leishmaniasis in rural areas of the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil by Leishmania spp. protozoa molecular detection and serological evaluation (ELISA) in equine and canine blood samples. This work included nine farms around the city of Uruguaiana. Epidemiologic information regarding farm characteristics and biologic material collection of canine (22) and equine (91), totalizing 113 samples was collected. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect Leishmania spp. in biological samples. Variables related to the farm were collected and evaluated through descriptive analysis followed by chi-square test and a logistic regression analysis. Results Nineteen positive samples (19/113 – 16,81%) were detected, being 18 equines and 1 canine, in six of the nine farms included in the study. No animal showed clinical signs of the disease. According to the variables analyzed, when compared each characteristic separately, the presence of abundant vegetation and poor hygiene demonstrated to be risk factors to Leishmania infection in rural areas. The logistic regression showed that excellent general hygiene, proximity to the weir and trimmed grass were protective factors (p=0.038, p=0.001 and p=0.014, respectively). Having excellent hygiene represents a 70% lower chance of getting infected, keeping the grass cut protects the animal by more than 90% and the proximity of the weir represents a protective factor of 96%. Conclusions The presence of Leishmania infection in the western border region of Rio Grande do Sul was 16,81% and it was influenced by farm characteristics. The role of the excellent general hygiene as a protective factor is extremely relevant in the leishmaniases prevention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-021-03021-6.
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14
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Ruggerone B, Scavone D, Troìa R, Giunti M, Dondi F, Paltrinieri S. Comparison of Protein Carbonyl (PCO), Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers of Septic Inflammation in Dogs. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8060093. [PMID: 34072427 PMCID: PMC8228102 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8060093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable diagnostic and prognostic markers of sepsis are lacking, but essential in veterinary medicine. We aimed to assess the accuracy of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), protein carbonyls (PCO) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in differentiating dogs with sepsis from those with sterile inflammation and healthy ones, and predict the outcome in septic dogs. These analytes were retrospectively evaluated at admission in 92 dogs classified into healthy, septic and polytraumatized. Groups were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by a Mann–Whitney U test to assess differences between survivors and non-survivors. Correlation between analytes was assessed using the Spearman’s test, and their discriminating power was assessed through a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. PON1 and CRP were, respectively, significantly lower and higher in dogs with sepsis compared with polytraumatized and clinically healthy dogs (p < 0.001 for both the analytes), and also in dogs with trauma compared with healthy dogs (p = 0.011 and p = 0.017, respectively). PCO were significantly increased in septic (p < 0.001) and polytraumatized (p < 0.005) as compared with healthy dogs. PON1 and CRP were, respectively, significantly lower and higher in dogs that died compared with survivors (p < 0.001 for both analytes). Ultimately, evaluation of CRP and PON1 at admission seems a reliable support to diagnose sepsis and predict outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Ruggerone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.R.); (D.S.); (S.P.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Ospedale Veterinario I Portoni Rossi, Via Roma, 57/a, Zola Predosa, 40069 Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Scavone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.R.); (D.S.); (S.P.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Roberta Troìa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emila (BO), 40064 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (F.D.)
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emila (BO), 40064 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (F.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emila (BO), 40064 Bologna, Italy; (R.T.); (F.D.)
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.R.); (D.S.); (S.P.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Lopes KFC, Delai RM, Fazoli KGZ, Rey LMR, Lopes-Mori FMR, Benitez ADN, Borges Neto A, Bernardes JC, Caldart ET, Mitsuka-Breganó R, Navarro IT, Santos ICD, Lourenço ELB, Alberton LR, Gonçalves DD. Urban Horses As Environmental Bioindicators for Leishmaniasis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:534-538. [PMID: 33794126 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of DNA and anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in the serum of 112 healthy horses was investigated by evaluating the physical examination, from a rural society located in the north central region of Paraná. The antigens of Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania infantum were used to perform the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, where it was possible to detect the reaction in 27.67% of the samples. These were also subjected to the real-time quantitative PCR, which confirmed the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in 67.34% of the tested samples. The results show that the tested animals were previously exposed to the protozoan. Thus, these animals can be considered environmental bioindicators of the presence of Leishmania spp. at the study site. The material used in this study (serum), although not ideal, proved to be effective and less invasive. Taking into account the importance of the disease, the absence of more in-depth information on the species, the high zootechnical value of these animals, and their strictly close contact with the urban area and the human species, it is essential that further studies are carried out to elucidate the epidemiological profile of them in the face of the disease, as well as the possibility of them acting not only as hosts but also as reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Franciani Cardoso Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos da Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Robson Michael Delai
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos da Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Laisa Marina Rosa Rey
- Acadêmico da Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Aline do Nascimento Benitez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Arthur Borges Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos da Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Juliana Correa Bernardes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Docentes do Curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Regina Mitsuka-Breganó
- Docentes do Curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Italmar Teodorico Navarro
- Docentes do Curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Isabela Carvalho Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos da Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Emerson Luiz Botelho Lourenço
- Docentes do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luiz Romulo Alberton
- Docentes do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Daniela Dib Gonçalves
- Docentes do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
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González E, Molina R, Iriso A, Ruiz S, Aldea I, Tello A, Fernández D, Jiménez M. Opportunistic feeding behaviour and Leishmania infantum detection in Phlebotomus perniciosus females collected in the human leishmaniasis focus of Madrid, Spain (2012-2018). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009240. [PMID: 33720936 PMCID: PMC7993803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An outbreak of human leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum has been registered in an urban area of southwestern Madrid, Spain, since 2010. Entomological surveys carried out in the municipalities of Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Getafe and Humanes de Madrid showed that Phlebotomus perniciosus is the only potential vector. In this work, an intensive molecular surveillance was performed in P. perniciosus females captured in the region between 2012 and 2018. Methodology/Principal findings A total of 1805 P. perniciosus females were analyzed for Leishmania infection, and 1189 of them also for bloodmeal identification. Eleven different species of vertebrate were detected by amplification and subsequent sequencing of the 359 bp cytb fragment. The most prevalent blood source identified was hare (n = 553, 46.51%), followed by rabbit (n = 262, 21.95%). Less frequent were cat (n = 45, 3.80%), human (n = 34, 2.90%), pig (n = 14, 1.20%), horse (n = 11, 0.93%), sheep (n = 3, 0.25%), rhea (n = 3, 0.25%), partridge (n = 1, 0.09%) and chicken (n = 1, 0.09%). The distribution of the blood meal sources varied between the different locations. Regarding L. infantum detection, PCR amplification of a fragment of kDNA, cpb gene and ITS1 region showed 162 positive specimens (8.97%). The highest infection rate was found in the municipality of Leganés (15.17%). Conclusions The results of this molecular survey in P. perniciosus, the only leishmaniasis vector in the outbreak occurred in southwestern Madrid region, showed its opportunistic blood-feeding behaviour, high infection rates and the differences between the different points. This study was an essential part of the intensive surveillance plan in the area and the results obtained have supported the implementation of control measures in the outbreak. Vector-borne diseases (VBD) comprise a pathogen-vector-reservoir relation, and control programs should take into account different factors involving this relationship. This study is focused on a leishmaniasis outbreak that has occurred in the southwestern Madrid region since 2010. An intensive molecular surveillance of the sand fly vector Phlebotomus perniciosus was carried out from 2012 to 2018 in 4 municipalities from the affected region: Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Getafe and Humanes de Madrid. The aim of this investigation was to discern how much the vector was infected and find out its blood-feeding habits in the different surveyed points. The results showed an important rate of infected sand flies and also that P. perniciosus presents an opportunistic blood-feeding behaviour, taking blood from many different hosts, depending on their availability and density. The results obtained in this surveillance helped the authorities to plan and implement more accurate and effective control measures in the area, reflecting the importance of applying molecular surveillance in VBD outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela González
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Ricardo Molina
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Andrés Iriso
- Área de Vigilancia de Riesgos Ambientales en Salud, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid
| | - Sonia Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Irene Aldea
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Ana Tello
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
| | - Daniel Fernández
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
| | - Maribel Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid
- * E-mail:
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17
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Leonel JAF, Tannihão B, Arantes JA, Vioti G, Benassi JC, Brandi RA, Ferreira HL, Keid LB, Soares RM, Oliveira TMFDS. Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in blood samples of horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys (Equus asinus) by PCR. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2021; 63:e12. [PMID: 33533815 PMCID: PMC7845934 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202163012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the Leishmania infantum parasite. The protozoan is able to infect several domestic and wild mammals. Since the first report on Leishmania spp. infection in horses in South America, leishmaniasis in equids has been highlighted in Brazil. A molecular epidemiological survey was carried out to verify the occurrence of Leishmania spp. DNA in horses and donkeys, in leishmaniases endemic areas in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. To this end, blood samples were obtained from 107 horses and 36 donkeys and subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR targeting the ITS-1 region. Among the horses and donkeys, 1.87% (2/107) and 8.33% (3/36) were positive by PCR, respectively. The DNA sequencing of the ITS-1 amplification products confirmed L. infantum DNA in these animals. Our results suggest that horses and donkeys from non-VL and VL endemic areas of São Paulo State may be infected by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Augusto Franco Leonel
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Tannihão
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Assis Arantes
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociência Animal, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geovanna Vioti
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Cristina Benassi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta Ariboni Brandi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Zootecnia, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Lage Ferreira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lara Borges Keid
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Trícia Maria Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva Aplicada, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia Experimental Aplicada às Zoonoses, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Morelli S, Colombo M, Dimzas D, Barlaam A, Traversa D, Di Cesare A, Russi I, Spoletini R, Paoletti B, Diakou A. Leishmania infantum Seroprevalence in Cats From Touristic Areas of Italy and Greece. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:616566. [PMID: 33363245 PMCID: PMC7759650 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.616566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum is a major zoonotic Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) in terms of geographic distribution, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential. While dogs are the main reservoir of L. infantum, the infection in cats is poorly understood although increasingly reported from enzootic and non-enzootic areas. The Mediterranean basin is a key area for leishmaniosis and includes touristic spots that require continuous surveillance for VBDs in consideration of the growing tendency of tourists to travel with their pets. This study evaluated L. infantum seroprevalence in cats living in selected touristic localities of Italy and Greece. A total of 269 cat serum samples from three Sites i.e., 76, 40, and 153 from Adriatic Coast of Abruzzo, Italy (Site A), Giglio Island, Tuscany, Italy (Site B), and Mykonos Island, Greece (Site C), respectively, were included in the survey. Sera samples were subjected to an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay for the detection of anti-L. infantum specific IgG. Associations between possible risk factors and seropositivity to L. infantum were statistically evaluated. Antibodies against L. infantum were detected in eight out of 269 (3.0%) cats tested i.e., 4/76 (5.3%), 1/40 (2.5%), and 3/153 (2.0%), from sites A, B, and C, respectively. A statistical association between anti-L. infantum antibodies and cohabitation with dogs was shown. This study indicates that feline populations living in the examined Italian and Greek touristic areas are exposed to L. infantum and that they may contribute to the circulation of L. infantum, enhancing the risk of infection for dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Dimitris Dimzas
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Russi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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19
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Gazzonis AL, Bertero F, Moretta I, Morganti G, Mortarino M, Villa L, Zanzani SA, Morandi B, Rinnovati R, Vitale F, Manfredi MT, Cardoso L, Veronesi F. Detecting antibodies to Leishmania infantum in horses from areas with different epizooticity levels of canine leishmaniosis and a retrospective revision of Italian data. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:530. [PMID: 33092640 PMCID: PMC7583181 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum is a vector-borne pathogen endemic in countries in the Mediterranean basin, including Italy. Dogs act as the primary reservoir for this parasite, but other animal species may also be infected. Low-to-moderate seroprevalence levels of infection have been reported in apparent healthy equine populations in southern Europe, reinforcing the importance of exploring those species, including horses, that act as a food source for vectors and may thus participate in the epizoological scenario of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis (ZVL). Since little is known regarding the exposure to L. infantum in horses in Italy, we assessed the seroprevalence in healthy equine populations from different CanL endemic areas. Methods The survey was conducted on 660 apparently healthy horses distributed throughout central and northern regions of Italy between 2016 and 2019. Blood samples were collected and the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies (IgG) was investigated by the immunofluorescence antibody test. Information on the location and altitude of the stables, along with the horses’ breed, age, sex, and reproductive status was obtained by filling in a questionnaire. This was then used for statistical analysis by generalized linear models to explore risk factors associated with seroreactivity to L. infantum. Results An average seroprevalence of 13.9% was detected for L. infantum in the equine populations investigated, with statistically significant associations between seroprevalence, geographical variables (northern vs central Italy, origin and altitude) and individual factors (i.e. age and breed morphotype). Conclusions Our results highlight that horses are frequently exposed to L. infantum. Further prevalence surveys in horses, also using direct methods (e.g. PCR), are warranted to clarify the role of these hosts in the epidemiology of Leishmania in Italy.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Filippo Bertero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iolanda Moretta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Luca Villa
- 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
| | - Benedetto Morandi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università Degli Studi Di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rinnovati
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università Degli Studi Di Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis (C.Re.Na.L.), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Luis Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
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