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Peña-Espinoza M, Em D, Shahi-Barogh B, Berer D, Duscher GG, van der Vloedt L, Glawischnig W, Rehbein S, Harl J, Unterköfler MS, Fuehrer HP. Molecular pathogen screening of louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) from domestic and wild ruminants in Austria. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:179. [PMID: 37269018 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05810-4] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), also known as louse flies or keds, are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of animals, and accidentally of humans. The potential role of hippoboscids as vectors of human and veterinary pathogens is being increasingly investigated, but the presence and distribution of infectious agents in louse flies is still unknown in parts of Europe. Here, we report the use of molecular genetics to detect and characterize vector-borne pathogens in hippoboscid flies infesting domestic and wild animals in Austria. METHODS Louse flies were collected from naturally infested cattle (n = 25), sheep (n = 3), and red deer (n = 12) across Austria between 2015 and 2019. Individual insects were morphologically identified to species level and subjected to DNA extraction for molecular pathogen screening and barcoding. Genomic DNA from each louse fly was screened for Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Trypanosomatida, Anaplasmataceae, Filarioidea and Piroplasmida. Obtained sequences of Trypanosomatida and Bartonella spp. were further characterized by phylogenetic and haplotype networking analyses. RESULTS A total of 282 hippoboscid flies corresponding to three species were identified: Hippobosca equina (n = 62) collected from cattle, Melophagus ovinus (n = 100) from sheep and Lipoptena cervi (n = 120) from red deer (Cervus elaphus). Molecular screening revealed pathogen DNA in 54.3% of hippoboscids, including infections with single (63.39%), two (30.71%) and up to three (5.90%) distinct pathogens in the same individual. Bartonella DNA was detected in 36.9% of the louse flies. Lipoptena cervi were infected with 10 distinct and previously unreported Bartonella sp. haplotypes, some closely associated with strains of zoonotic potential. DNA of trypanosomatids was identified in 34% of hippoboscids, including the first description of Trypanosoma sp. in H. equina. Anaplasmataceae DNA (Wolbachia spp.) was detected only in M. ovinus (16%), while < 1% of the louse flies were positive for Borrelia spp. and Filarioidea. All hippoboscids were negative for Piroplasmida. CONCLUSIONS Molecular genetic screening confirmed the presence of several pathogens in hippoboscids infesting domestic and wild ruminants in Austria, including novel pathogen haplotypes of zoonotic potential (e.g. Bartonella spp.) and the first report of Trypanosoma sp. in H. equina, suggesting a potential role of this louse fly as vector of animal trypanosomatids. Experimental transmission studies and expanded monitoring of hippoboscid flies and hippoboscid-associated pathogens are warranted to clarify the competence of these ectoparasites as vectors of infectious agents in a One-Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Peña-Espinoza
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Em
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bita Shahi-Barogh
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominik Berer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Research Services, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lara van der Vloedt
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Glawischnig
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Steffen Rehbein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria S Unterköfler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Huggins LG, Koehler AV, Gasser RB, Traub RJ. Advanced approaches for the diagnosis and chemoprevention of canine vector-borne pathogens and parasites-Implications for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 120:1-85. [PMID: 36948727 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of canines are a diverse range of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and multicellular parasites, that are pernicious and potentially lethal to their hosts. Dogs across the globe are afflicted by canine VBPs, but the range of different ectoparasites and the VBPs that they transmit predominate in tropical regions. Countries within the Asia-Pacific have had limited prior research dedicated to exploring the epidemiology of canine VBPs, whilst the few studies that have been conducted show VBP prevalence to be high, with significant impacts on dog health. Moreover, such impacts are not restricted to dogs, as some canine VBPs are zoonotic. We reviewed the status of canine VBPs in the Asia-Pacific, with particular focus on nations in the tropics, whilst also investigating the history of VBP diagnosis and examining recent progress in the field, including advanced molecular methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tools are rapidly changing the way parasites are detected and discovered, demonstrating a sensitivity equal to, or exceeding that of, conventional molecular diagnostics. We also provide a background to the armoury of chemopreventive products available for protecting dogs from VBP. Here, field-based research within high VBP pressure environments has underscored the importance of ectoparasiticide mode of action on their overall efficacy. The future of canine VBP diagnosis and prevention at a global level is also explored, highlighting how evolving portable sequencing technologies may permit diagnosis at point-of-care, whilst further research into chemopreventives will be essential if VBP transmission is to be effectively controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Old Methods, New Insights: Reviewing Concepts on the Ecology of Trypanosomatids and Bodo sp. by Improving Conventional Diagnostic Tools. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010071. [PMID: 36678419 PMCID: PMC9864408 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mixed infections by different Trypanosoma species or genotypes are a common and puzzling phenomenon. Therefore, it is critical to refine the diagnostic techniques and to understand to what extent these methods detect trypanosomes. We aimed to develop an accessible strategy to enhance the sensitivity of the hemoculture, as well as to understand the limitations of the hemoculture and the blood clot as a source of parasitic DNA. We investigated trypanosomatid infections in 472 bats by molecular characterization (18S rDNA gene) of the DNA obtained from the blood clot and, innovatively, from three hemoculture sample types: the amplified flagellates ("isolate"), the pellet of the culture harvested in its very initial growth stage ("first aliquot"), and the pellet of non-grown cultures with failure of amplification ("sediment"). We compared (a) the characterization of the flagellates obtained by first aliquots and isolates; and (b) the performance of the hemoculture and blood clot for trypanosomatid detection. We observed: (i) a putative new species of Bodo in Artibeus lituratus; (ii) the potential of Trypanosoma cruzi selection in the hemoculture; (iii) that the first aliquots and sediments overcome the selective pressure of the hemoculture; and (iv) that the blood clot technique performs better than the hemoculture. However, combining these methods enhances the detection of single and mixed infections.
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Santos FM, Sano NY, Liberal SC, Dario MA, Nantes WAG, Alves FM, da Silva AR, De Oliveira CE, Roque ALR, Herrera HM, Jansen AM. Kinetoplastid Species Maintained by a Small Mammal Community in the Pantanal Biome. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101205. [PMID: 36297262 PMCID: PMC9612235 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastids include species economically important in agriculture, livestock, and human health. We evaluated the richness of kinetoplastids that infect small mammals in patches of unflooded forests in the Pantanal biome, an area where we hypothesize that its diversity is higher than currently recognized. Hemocultures (HC) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) targeting the 18S rDNA gene were employed for the detection of kinetoplastids. We grouped the positive samples into pools for each small mammal species (Monodelphis domestica, Thylamys macrurus, Oecomys mamorae, Thrichomys fosteri, Clyomys laticeps, and Holochilus chacarius). Eight parasite species were identified: Leishmania amazonensis, L. infantum; Trypanosoma cascavelli (HC + NGS), T. cruzi, T. lainsoni, T. rangeli (HC + NGS), Trypanosoma sp. DID, and Neobodo sp. The use of a tool as sensitive as NGS has increased our awareness of the diversity of kinetoplastids, as well as their host range, with emphasis on the species O. mamorae (seven kinetoplastid species, excepting T. cascavelli in a pool of nine individuals) and T. macrurus (four kinetoplastid species in a single individual). Furthermore, L. infantum and L. amazonensis infections were described in small mammals from this region for the first time. These findings make it mandatory to revisit the kinetoplastids/host associations proposed so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Martins Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Nayara Yoshie Sano
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Sany Caroline Liberal
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
| | - Maria Augusta Dario
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Wesley Arruda Gimenes Nantes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Moreira Alves
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Carina Elisei De Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Rodrigues Roque
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Jansen
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande 79117-010, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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Hornok S, Daccord J, Takács N, Kontschán J, Tuska-Szalay B, Sándor AD, Szekeres S, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Investigation on haplotypes of ixodid ticks and retrospective finding of Borrelia miyamotoi in bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in Switzerland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101865. [PMID: 34814063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The current status of tick species, important tick-borne bacteria and protozoan parasites is well-documented in Switzerland. However, reports on the genetic diversity and geographical relationships of tick species in this country appear to be in part lacking or outdated. Thus, the aim of this study was to collect ticks from various host species in southern Switzerland, to compare them in a geographical context and to screen in these samples rare tick-borne pathogens hitherto not reported or having low prevalence in Switzerland. In 2019-2020 altogether 177 ixodid ticks were collected from the vegetation, as well as from humans (n = 17), dogs (n = 23), cats (n = 41), red deer (n = 8), a European rabbit and a European hedgehog at 25 locations in three cantons of south Switzerland. Tick species were identified morphologically, followed by DNA extraction and comparison of mitochondrial haplotypes with molecular-phylogenetic methods. Tick DNA extracts, as well as sixty-two rodent liver or spleen tissue DNA extracts (representing six species) available from 2005 to 2006 were screened for trypanosomes, Occidentia massiliensis and Borrelia miyamotoi. Morphologically, three tick species were identified: Ixodes ricinus (n = 170), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 6) and I. hexagonus (n = 1). In contrast to companion animals (dogs, cats) immature ticks (larvae and nymphs) predominated on humans, which was a highly significant association (P < 0.0001). Molecular comparison of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene with GenBank data established the species as R. sanguineus sensu stricto and confirmed I. hexagonus, both showing 99.8-100% sequence identity to conspecific ticks from northern Italy. Seventy-nine specimens morphologically identified as I. ricinus revealed high 16S rRNA gene haplotype diversity and represented two phylogenetic groups. Two I. ricinus haplotypes from Switzerland belonged to the same haplogroup with I. inopinatus from Spain, Germany and Austria as well as with I. ricinus reported from a broad geographical range of Europe (including Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Latvia and Sweden). All 141 tick DNA extracts (from five R. sanguineus s.l., 135 I. ricinus and one I. hexagonus) and 62 rodent tissue DNA extracts were negative for trypanosomes and O. massiliensis. However, B. miyamotoi was identified in a bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and three ticks by sequencing. From Switzerland, this is the first report of tick haplotypes that are phylogenetically closely related to I. inopinatus. However, based on their morphology, both specimens are considered as I. ricinus. These results highlight the importance that the identification of I. inopinatus should be based on coherent morphologic and molecular properties. This is also the first report of rodent-borne B. miyamotoi in Switzerland. Taking into account the year of collection (2005), in a chronological order this might be the first indication of B. miyamotoi in any rodent species in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Julie Daccord
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Tuska-Szalay
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marina L Meli
- Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Clinical Laboratory, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Clinical Laboratory, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Votypka J, Petrzelkova KJ, Brzonova J, Jirku M, Modry D, Lukes J. How monoxenous trypanosomatids revealed hidden feeding habits of their tsetse fly hosts. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2021; 68. [PMID: 34309583 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2021.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Tsetse flies are well-known vectors of trypanosomes pathogenic for humans and livestock. For these strictly blood-feeding viviparous flies, the host blood should be the only source of nutrients and liquids, as well as any exogenous microorganisms colonising their intestine. Here we describe the unexpected finding of several monoxenous trypanosomatids in their gut. In a total of 564 individually examined Glossina (Austenia) tabaniformis (Westwood) (436 specimens) and Glossina (Nemorhina) fuscipes fuscipes (Newstead) (128 specimens) captured in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic, 24 (4.3%) individuals were infected with monoxenous trypanosomatids belonging to the genera Crithidia Léger, 1902; Kentomonas Votýpka, Yurchenko, Kostygov et Lukeš, 2014; Novymonas Kostygov et Yurchenko, 2020; Obscuromonas Votýpka et Lukeš, 2021; and Wallacemonas Kostygov et Yurchenko, 2014. Moreover, additional 20 (3.5%) inspected tsetse flies harboured free-living bodonids affiliated with the genera Dimastigella Sandon, 1928; Neobodo Vickerman, 2004; Parabodo Skuja, 1939; and Rhynchomonas Klebs, 1892. In the context of the recently described feeding behaviour of these dipterans, we propose that they become infected while taking sugar meals and water, providing indirect evidence that blood is not their only source of food and liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Votypka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Klara J Petrzelkova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Studenec, Czech Republic.,Liberec Zoo, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Brzonova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirku
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - David Modry
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), 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
| | - Julius Lukes
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
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7
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Huggins LG, Colella V, Koehler AV, Schunack B, Traub RJ. A multipronged next-generation sequencing metabarcoding approach unearths hyperdiverse and abundant dog pathogen communities in Cambodia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1933-1950. [PMID: 34096687 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent surveys in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, have identified canine vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), including those with zoonotic potential, as highly prevalent. The lack of veterinary care alongside the close association semidomesticated dogs have with humans in the region exacerbates these zoonotic risks. Nonetheless, the number of studies investigating such pathogens and the threats they pose to dog and human health is limited. Here, we utilize a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based metabarcoding protocol to conduct an assumption-free characterization of the bacterial, apicomplexan, and kinetoplastid blood-borne pathogens of free-roaming dogs from across Cambodia. From 467 dogs at five field sites, 62% were infected with one of eight confirmed pathogens, comprising Anaplasma platys (32%), Ehrlichia canis (20%), Hepatozoon canis (18%), Babesia vogeli (14%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (13%), the zoonotic pathogen Bartonella clarridgeiae (3%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (0.2%), and Trypanosoma evansi (0.2%). Coinfections of between two and four VBPs were common with 28% of dogs found to have a mixed infection. Moreover, DNA from putatively infectious agents belonging to the bacterial family and genera Coxiella, Mycobacterium, Neisseria, Rickettsiaceae, Treponema, and two uncharacterized Mycoplasma species were identified, in addition to protozoan genera Colpodella, Parabodo, and Bodo. Using a multiple logistic regression model, the presence of ectoparasites, abnormal mucous membranes, anemia, and total protein were found as predictors of canine VBP exposure. This study represents the first time an NGS metabarcoding technique has been used to holistically detect the bacterial and protozoan hemoparasites communities of dogs through an in-depth survey, highlighting the power of such methods to unearth a wide spectrum of pathogenic organisms in an unbiased manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G Huggins
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Dario MA, Lisboa CV, Silva MV, Herrera HM, Rocha FL, Furtado MC, Moratelli R, Rodrigues Roque AL, Jansen AM. Crithidia mellificae infection in different mammalian species in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 15:58-69. [PMID: 33981571 PMCID: PMC8085711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Crithidia mellificae, a monoxenous trypanosomatid considered restricted to insects, was recently reported to infect a bat. Herein, C. mellificae has been demonstrated to have a wider range of vertebrate hosts and distribution in Brazilian biomes than once thought. Parasites isolated from haemocultures were characterized using V7V8 SSU rDNA and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes. Coatis (Nasua nasua) in the Cerrado; marmosets (Callithrix sp.) and bats (Carollia perspicillata, Myotis lavali, M. izecksohni, Artibeus lituratus) in the Atlantic Forest; crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in the Pantanal biomes were infected by trypanosomatids that displayed choanomastigote forms in haemoculture in Giemsa-stained slide smears. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic inference confirmed the infection of C. mellificae in these animals. Moreover, slight differences in C. mellificae sequences were observed. Crithidia mellificae growth curves were counted at 27°C, 36°C and 37°C, and the morphotypes were able to grow and survive for up to 16 days. Serological titers for C. mellificae were observed in nonhuman primates, demonstrating that this parasite is able to induce a humoral immune response in an infected mammal. These results showed that host specificity in trypanosomatids is complex and far from understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Augusta Dario
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Varella Lisboa
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marlon Vicente Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Lopes Rocha
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Rio Tinto, Paraíba, Brazil
- IUCN SSC Species Survival Center. Parque das Aves, Foz do Iguaçú, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Moratelli
- Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Rodrigues Roque
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Jansen
- Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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Sándor AD, Corduneanu A, Péter Á, Mihalca AD, Barti L, Csősz I, Szőke K, Hornok S. Bats and ticks: host selection and seasonality of bat-specialist ticks in eastern Europe. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:605. [PMID: 31881931 PMCID: PMC6935181 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3861-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites may actively seek for hosts and may use a number of adaptive strategies to promote their reproductive success and host colonization. These strategies will necessarily influence their host specificity and seasonality. Ticks are important ectoparasites of vertebrates, which (in addition to directly affecting their hosts) may transmit a number of pathogens. In Europe, three hard tick species (Ixodidae: Ixodes ariadnae, I. simplex and I. vespertilionis) and at least two soft tick species (Argasidae: Argas transgariepinus and A. vespertilionis) are specialized for bats. Methods Here we report data on the host range of these ticks and the seasonality of tick infestation on wild caught bats in south-east Europe. We collected 1803 ticks from 30 species of bats living in underground shelters (caves and mines) from Romania and Bulgaria. On the basis of tick–host associations, we tested several hypotheses on host–parasite evolutionary adaptations regulating host specificity, seasonality and sympatric speciation. Results We observed significant differences in host specificity and seasonality of abundance between the morphologically different bat specialist ticks (I. simplex and I. vespertilionis) likely caused by their host choice and their respective host-seeking behavior. The two highly generalist, but morphologically similar tick species (I. ariadnae and I. vespertilionis) showed temporal differences in occurrence and activity, thus exploiting significantly different host communities while occurring in geographical sympatry. Conclusions We conclude that bat-specialist ticks show a wide range of adaptations to their hosts, with differences in specificity, seasonality of occurrence, the prevalence and intensity of infestation and all these contribute to a successful division of temporal niches of ticks sharing morphologically similar hosts occurring in geographical sympatry. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Alexandra Corduneanu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Áron Péter
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Levente Barti
- Myotis Bat Conservation Group, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
| | - István Csősz
- Myotis Bat Conservation Group, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
| | - Krisztina Szőke
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Zeb J, Szekeres S, Takács N, Kontschán J, Shams S, Ayaz S, Hornok S. Genetic diversity, piroplasms and trypanosomes in Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum collected from cattle in northern Pakistan. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 79:233-243. [PMID: 31578647 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The two most important tick species in Pakistan are Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum. When associated with cattle, these have one or three host life cycles, respectively, with potential implications for their population genetics and for their vector role in the transmission of pathogens. To compare the two tick species in this context with molecular-phylogenetic methods, during the present study 123 ticks were collected from cattle in northern Pakistan. Two mitochondrial markers of 36 ticks were molecularly analyzed. All 11 R. microplus specimens had identical cox1 haplotypes, whereas the 25 H. anatolicum specimens had nine cox1 haplotypes. The latter belonged to two distinct phylogenetic lineages with high support. However, in the 16S rRNA gene these differences were less evident. Among the 113 ticks molecularly analyzed for tick-borne protozoa, the sequence of Babesia occultans was successfully amplified from two specimens of H. anatolicum. Theileria annulata was present in both R. microplus (10.4%) and H. anatolicum (27.3%), with significantly higher prevalence rate in the latter species. Only one tick, a H. anatolicum female, was positive in the PCR detecting Trypanosoma spp. Sequencing revealed the presence of a new genotype, with the closest phylogenetic relationship to stercorarian trypanosomes (in particular, to a tick-associated Trypanosoma sp. from Japan). In conclusion, the above differences between R. microplus and H. anatolicum may be partly related to their life cycles involving one host or three hosts, respectively. Among the others, host switching (reducing chances of inbreeding) and shorter periods spent on-host (reducing gene flow between cattle herds) are supposed to be important drivers of cox1 gene diversification in case of H. anatolicum as a three host tick species. These results highlight the importance of studying differences in intraspecific genetic diversity and piroplasm burdens between one host and three host ticks in the local scale. In addition, a Trypanosoma sp. molecularly identified in H. anatolicum is reported here for the first time from South Asia, deserving further evaluation concerning its host and vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sándor Szekeres
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sumaira Shams
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sultan Ayaz
- College of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Wang LJ, Han HJ, Zhao M, Liu JW, Luo LM, Wen HL, Qin XR, Zhou CM, Qi R, Yu H, Yu XJ. Trypanosoma dionisii in insectivorous bats from northern China. Acta Trop 2019; 193:124-128. [PMID: 30826326 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although bats were considered as a major host of trypanosomatid flagellates, information of trypanosomes in bats is unknown in China. We collected bats in 2015 from Shandong Province of China and used PCR to amplify the Trypanosoma glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) gene and 18S rRNA gene from the bat blood samples and heart tissues. The results showed that 10.3% (13/126) of bats (Eptesicus serotinus and Myotis pequinius) were positive for trypanosomatid DNA and DNA sequencing showed that all PCR amplified Trypanosoma DNA belonged to T. dionisii. We concluded that T. dionisii had a infection rate in bats from China. For the first time, Trypanosoma infections were detected in bats from China, providing valuable information on the prevalence of these parasites in Asia. This is also the first report of Trypanosoma dionisii in Myotis pequinius, suggesting that Trypanosoma dionisii has a broad host species.
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12
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Northover AS, Godfrey SS, Keatley S, Lymbery AJ, Wayne AF, Cooper C, Pallant L, Morris K, Thompson RCA. Increased Trypanosoma spp. richness and prevalence of haemoparasite co-infection following translocation. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:126. [PMID: 30898141 PMCID: PMC6427866 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3370-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding how fauna translocation and antiparasitic drug treatment impact parasite community structure within a host is vital for optimising translocation outcomes. Trypanosoma spp. and piroplasms (Babesia and Theileria spp.) are known to infect Australian marsupials, including the woylie (Bettongia penicillata). However relatively little is known about these haemoparasites, or how they respond to management practices such as translocation. We monitored haemoparasites infecting woylies for up to 12 months during two fauna translocations to supplement existing woylie populations in three different sites (Dryandra, Walcott and Warrup East) within south-western Australia between 2014 and 2016, with the aim of investigating (i) how haemoparasite prevalence, Trypanosoma spp. richness and Trypanosoma spp. community composition varied over time and between different sites following translocation; and (ii) whether ivermectin treatment indirectly impacts haemoparasite prevalence. Using molecular methods, 1211 blood samples were screened for the presence of trypanosomes, and a subset of these samples (n = 264) were also tested for piroplasms. Results Trypanosomes and piroplasms were identified in 55% and 94% of blood samples, respectively. We identified five Trypanosoma species, two Theileria species, a single species of Babesia and a novel Bodo species. Trypanosoma spp. richness and the prevalence of haemoparasite co-infection increased after translocation. Prior to translocation, Trypanosoma spp. community composition differed significantly between translocated and resident woylies within Walcott and Warrup East, but not Dryandra. Six months later, there was a significant difference between translocated and resident woylies within Dryandra, but not Walcott or Warrup East. The response of haemoparasites to translocation was highly site-specific, with predominant changes to the haemoparasite community in translocated woylies occurring within the first few months following translocation. Ivermectin treatment had no significant effect on haemoparasite prevalence. Conclusions This study contributes to our understanding of haemoparasite dynamics in woylies following translocation. The highly site-specific and rapid response of haemoparasites to translocation highlights the need to better understand what drives these effects. Given that haemoparasite prevalence and composition of translocated and resident animals changed significantly following translocation, we propose that parasite monitoring should form an essential component of translocation protocols, and such protocols should endeavour to monitor translocated hosts and cohabiting species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3370-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Northover
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Stephanie S Godfrey
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Keatley
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Brain Street, Manjimup, Western Australia, 6258, Australia
| | - Crystal Cooper
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Louise Pallant
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Wildlife Place, Woodvale, Western Australia, 6946, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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Votýpka J, Pafčo B, Modrý D, Mbohli D, Tagg N, Petrželková KJ. An unexpected diversity of trypanosomatids in fecal samples of great apes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:322-325. [PMID: 30225193 PMCID: PMC6139395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Charismatic great apes have been used widely and effectively as flagship species in conservation campaigns for decades. These iconic representatives of their ecosystems could also play a role as reservoirs of several zoonotic diseases. Recently it was demonstrated that African great apes can host Leishmania parasites (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae). Given that this finding raised a strong negative reaction from leishmania experts and the subsequent discussion did not lead to a clear resolution, we decided to analyze wild gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) fecal samples collected from the same area in Cameroon as in the original study. Fecal samples, used to circumvent the difficulties and ethics involved in obtaining blood samples from endangered wild apes, were screened by three different PCR assays for detection of Leishmania DNA. We did not detect any leishmania parasites in analyzed feces; however, sequencing of SSU rRNA revealed an unexpected diversity of free-living bodonids (Kinetoplastea: Bodonidae) and parasitic trypanosomatids (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae) other than Leishmania. A single detected Phytomonas species, found in chimpanzee feces, most likely originated from animal plant food. On the other hand, the presence of four free-living bodonid species and four parasitic insect monoxenous trypanosomatid, including two possible new species of the genus Herpetomonas, could be explained as ex post contamination of feces either from the environment or from flies (Diptera: Brachycera). We analyzed wild gorilla and chimpanzee fecal samples, from the area where a previous study detected Leishmania parasites. We detected leishmania DNA neither in great ape fecal samples nor in feces of experimentally infected rodents. We revealed unexpected diversity of bodonids, monoxenous and dixenous trypanosomatids other than Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Corresponding author. Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Pafčo
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute for Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Donald Mbohli
- Association de la Protection de Grands Singes, Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nikki Tagg
- Association de la Protection de Grands Singes, Centre for Research and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Liberec Zoo, Liberec, Czech Republic
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