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AbdelKhalek A, Mohammad H, Mayhoub AS, Seleem MN. Screening for potent and selective anticlostridial leads among FDA-approved drugs. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2020; 73:392-409. [PMID: 32132676 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-020-0288-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality particularly in hospital settings. In addition, treatment is very challenging due to the scarcity of effective therapeutic options. Thus, there remains an unmet need to identify new therapeutic agents capable of treating C. difficile infections. In the current study, we screened two FDA-approved drug libraries against C. difficile. Out of almost 3200 drugs screened, 50 drugs were capable of inhibiting the growth of C. difficile. Remarkably, some of the potent inhibitors have never been reported before and showed activity in a clinically achievable range. Structure-activity relationship analysis of the active hits clustered the potent inhibitors into four chemical groups; nitroimidazoles (MIC50 = 0.06-2.7 μM), salicylanilides (MIC50 = 0.2-0.6 μM), imidazole antifungals (MIC50 = 4.8-11.6 μM), and miscellaneous group (MIC50 = 0.4-22.2 μM). The most potent drugs from the initial screening were further evaluated against additional clinically relevant strains of C. difficile. Moreover, we tested the activity of potent inhibitors against representative strains of human normal gut microbiota to investigate the selectivity of the inhibitors towards C. difficile. Overall, this study provides a platform that could be used for further development of potent and selective anticlostridial antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed AbdelKhalek
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Haroon Mohammad
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Abdelrahman S Mayhoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt.,University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, 12578, Egypt
| | - Mohamed N Seleem
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA. .,Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology, and Infectious Disease, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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2
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Hedgespeth BA, Stauffer SH, Robertson JB, Gookin JL. Association of fecal sample collection technique and treatment history with Tritrichomonas foetus polymerase chain reaction test results in 1717 cats. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:734-741. [PMID: 32039505 PMCID: PMC7096610 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Tritrichomonas foetus is considered the most sensitive means for diagnosis of infection but results could be influenced by fecal collection technique and prior use of antimicrobial drugs. OBJECTIVES To establish any association between fecal collection technique or treatment history and results of fecal PCR testing for T. foetus. ANIMALS Fecal samples from 1717 cats submitted by veterinarians between January 2012 and December 2017. METHODS This study used a retrospective analysis. T. foetus PCR test results from 1808 fecal samples submitted for diagnostic testing were examined for their association with method of fecal collection and prior antimicrobial treatments. Data were collected from sample submission form. RESULTS Positive T. foetus PCR test results were obtained for 274 (16%) cats. Fecal samples collected via fecal loop had increased probability of positive PCR test results (odds ratio [OR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-3.17, P = .002) compared to samples collected by colonic flush. There was no association between PCR test results and treatment history, treatment type, or prior treatment with ronidazole. After an initial positive PCR test, 4/19 (21%; 95% CI 2.7%-39.4%) cats treated with ronidazole had a second positive test result. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Results of this study support that fecal samples collected by loop might be better for PCR diagnosis of T. foetus infection. Lack of association of ronidazole with PCR test results and a 21% all-potential-causes failure rate of ronidazole in cats with preconfirmed infection are important limitations to use of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry A. Hedgespeth
- Department of Clinical SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Stephen H. Stauffer
- Department of Clinical SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - James B. Robertson
- College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
| | - Jody L. Gookin
- Department of Clinical SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth Carolina
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3
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Meggiolaro MN, Roeber F, Kobylski V, Higgins DP, Šlapeta J. Comparison of multiplexed-tandem real-time PCR panel with reference real-time PCR molecular diagnostic assays for detection of Giardia intestinalis and Tritrichomonas foetus in cats. Vet Parasitol 2019; 266:12-17. [PMID: 30736943 PMCID: PMC7115774 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis and Tritrichomonas foetus are frequent enteric protozoan parasites of the gastrointestinal track of domestic cats. Because of different treatment options for the parasites, confirmation of presence of one or both pathogens is necessary. The PCR based assays are suitable for differential diagnosis. We evaluated the performance of Small Animal Diarrhoea panel, a multiplexed-tandem real-time PCR (MT-PCR) assay, that detects DNA of both G. intestinalis and T. foetus. The sensitivity and specificity were compared to reference real-time PCR assays using 105 faecal samples, 39.05% (n = 41) positive for G. intestinalis and 30.48% (n = 32) were positive for T. foetus. The faecal samples positive for T. foetus had a high proportion of late amplifiers, determined by an arbitrary threshold of Ct-values > 35. On the other hand, only one G. intestinalis positive sample was considered a late amplifier. For G. intestinalis DNA, the MT-PCR assay had 95.1% sensitivity and 92.1% specificity. For T. foetus DNA, the MT-PCR assay had 41.9% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity. To evaluate the interlaboratory reproducibility of the MT-PCR assay, results were compared in two different laboratories and found to be in a very good agreement (Kappa = 0.9). Further analysis of the DNA using conventional PCR determined presence of G. intestinalis Assemblage F and T. foetus genotype 'feline'. In conclusion, the MT-PCR Small Animal Diarrhoea panel had a good and poor performance against reference assays for G. intestinalis and T. foetus, respectively. The assay is suitable for detection and differential diagnosis of G. intestinalis and moderate to high burdens of T. foetus in small animal clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira N Meggiolaro
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | | | - Damien P Higgins
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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4
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Bastos BF, Brener B, de Figueiredo MA, Leles D, Mendes-de-Almeida F. Pentatrichomonas hominis infection in two domestic cats with chronic diarrhea. JFMS Open Rep 2018; 4:2055116918774959. [PMID: 29872537 PMCID: PMC5977435 DOI: 10.1177/2055116918774959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary Chronic diarrhea is a common and recurring problem in feline medicine. Intestinal trichomonads have been reported as causative agents of diarrhea in cats. While Pentatrichomonas hominis is considered commensal, Tritrichomonas foetus has been found to cause feline large bowel diarrhea in cats. In our report, two young cats infected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and presenting with chronic diarrhea were identified as having trichomonads in their feces, based on direct examination and fecal culture. Molecular assays (PCR and DNA sequencing) revealed that the parasite involved was P hominis, not T foetus, as was suspected. The animals had already been subjected to ineffective therapy with metronidazole, and after the use of ronidazole, their feces became dry and formed. Relevance and novel information This case report describes P hominis infection as a possible cause of chronic diarrhea in two young cats also infected by FeLV. The parasite was probably resistant to metronidazole, the drug of choice in the literature, and sensitive to ronidazole. Although considered commensal, P hominis infection should be evaluated as a differential diagnosis in cats with chronic diarrhea, especially those that are immunocompromised. Moreover, a combination of techniques such as direct examination and/or fecal culture and PCR is essential for an accurate diagnosis of P hominis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Brener
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Leles
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
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5
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Li WC, Wang K, Zhang W, Wu J, Gu YF, Zhang XC. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Intestinal Trichomonads in Pet Dogs in East China. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:703-710. [PMID: 28095654 PMCID: PMC5266359 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.6.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The trichomonad species Tritrichomonas foetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis were recently detected in the feces of dogs with diarrhea. However, little information is available on the prevalence and pathogenicity of these parasites in the canine population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of trichomonads infecting pet dogs in Anhui and Zhejiang provinces, east China. In total, 315 pet dogs, with or without diarrhea, from 7 pet hospitals were included in this epidemiological survey. Microscopy and PCR detected P. hominis in 19.7% (62/315) and 31.4% (99/315) of fecal samples, respectively. T. foetus infection was detected in 0% (0/315) of samples with microscopy and in 0.6% (2/315) with PCR. The prevalence of P. hominis was significantly higher in young dogs (≤12 months) than in adult dogs (>12 months), and was significantly higher in diarrheic dogs (50.6%) than in non-diarrheic dogs (24.3%; P<0.05). Infection with T. foetus did not correlate with any risk factors evaluated in this study. A sequence analysis of the P. hominis PCR products showed minor allelic variations between our sequences and those of P. hominis strains from other hosts in different parts of the world. Type CC1 was the most common strain in dogs in east China. The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1)-5.8S rRNA gene sequences from the 2 T. foetus isolates detected in this study displayed 100% identity and were homologous to the sequences of other strains isolated from domestic cats in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chao Li
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, P. R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, P. R. China
| | - You-Fang Gu
- College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, 233100, P. R. China
| | - Xi-Chen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, P. R. China
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6
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Coinfection with Tritrichomonas foetus and Giardia duodenalis in Two Cats with Chronic Diarrhea. Case Rep Vet Med 2016; 2016:5705168. [PMID: 29955418 PMCID: PMC6005279 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5705168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A Tritrichomonas foetus and Giardia duodenalis mixed infection was diagnosed in two Maine Coon cats aged six months. One of them presented a history of chronic liquid diarrhea and of several unsuccessful treatments. In both cats, G. duodenalis and trichomonads were detected in fecal smears from freshly voided feces; the presence of T. foetus was confirmed by a real-time PCR assay. The cats completely recovered after treatment with ronidazole. In a refrigerated fecal sample collected from the cat with chronic diarrhea, drop-shaped trichomonad pseudocysts smaller than G. duodenalis cysts were detected. They appeared brownish or light-bluish when stained with Lugol's solution or with Giemsa stain, respectively, and their morphological features were similar to those expressed by bovine T. foetus pseudocysts in vitro. Existence of pseudocysts even in feline trichomonads is noteworthy as they could represent a form of protozoan resistance due to unfavorable conditions whose detection in refrigerated feces can be a useful clue for clinicians.
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7
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Tolbert MK, Gookin JL. Mechanisms of Tritrichomonas foetus Pathogenicity in Cats with Insights from Venereal Trichomonosis. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:516-26. [PMID: 26946069 PMCID: PMC4913604 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost 20 years has passed since trichomonosis was first recognized as a potential cause of diarrhea in domestic cats. Despite progress in confirming disease causation, developing means for diagnosis, and identifying approaches to treatment of the infection, we still know very little about how this parasite causes diarrhea. With increasing recognition of resistance of trichomonosis to treatment with 5‐nitroimidazole drugs, new treatment strategies based on an understanding of disease pathogenesis are needed. In this review, lessons learned from the pathogenesis of venereal trichomonosis in people and cattle are applied to clinical observations of trichomonosis in cats in effort to generate insight into areas where further research may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Tolbert
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | - J L Gookin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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8
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Köster LS, Chow C, Yao C. Trichomonosis in cats with diarrhoea in Hong Kong, China, between 2009 and 2014. JFMS Open Rep 2015; 1:2055116915623561. [PMID: 28491403 PMCID: PMC5361988 DOI: 10.1177/2055116915623561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary Infection of the domestic cat by Tritrichomonas blagburni, previously referred to as T foetus, may lead to a disease called feline trichomonosis, which manifests clinically as large bowel diarrhoea. The disease has a wide geographical distribution, including numerous countries in Europe, North America and Australia/Oceania. Nevertheless, it has occasionally been reported in Asia, South Korea and Japan. A retrospective study was carried out to include all domestic cats with diarrhoea, presented to two veterinary clinics in Hong Kong, China, between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2014. A total of 29 cats with diarrhoea were diagnosed with Tritrichomonas species infection by means of quantitative PCR and direct microscopy. Tritrichomonas species was more frequently found in young (median age 10 months), male (66%) and purebred cats (86%). Giardia species was found in 31% of Tritrichomonas species-positive cats. The recommended dose of ronidazole (30 mg/kg q24h for 14 days) resolved clinical signs in 83% of diagnosed cats. Relevance and novel information This case series describes Tritrichomonas species as a cause for feline chronic diarrhoea in cats in China. The high rate of failure (17%) in those cats receiving a standard regimen of ronidazole might be due to owner or patient compliance rather than protozoal resistance to the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza S Köster
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies.,Small Animal Internal Medicine Services, Peace Avenue Veterinary Clinic, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carla Chow
- Nine Lives (The Cat Hospital), Central, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies
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9
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Yao C, Köster LS. Tritrichomonas foetus infection, a cause of chronic diarrhea in the domestic cat. Vet Res 2015; 46:35. [PMID: 25880025 PMCID: PMC4364588 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-015-0169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus is a very intriguing trichomonad protozoan with respect to its varied choice of residence in the different host species. It is an obligate parasite of the reproductive and the gastrointestinal tract of bovine and feline host respectively, leading to trichomonosis. Bovine trichomonosis is a sexually transmitted disease whereas feline trichomonosis is a disease with a purported fecal-oral route of spread. Further, the trichomonad is a commensal in the nasal passages, stomach, cecum and colon of swine host. Advances have been exponential in understanding the trichomonad biology and specifically feline trichomonosis since late 1990s and early 2000s when T. foetus was soundly determined to be a causative agent of chronic diarrhea in the domestic cat. It is a challenging task, even for a skilled investigator not to mention the busy clinical veterinarian, to keep up with the vast volume of information. Here we comprehensively reviewed the trichomonad biology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, host immunity, world map of distribution, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment. Risk factors associated with T. foetus-positive status in the domestic cat include young age, purebred, history of diarrhea, co-infections with other enteral pathogens. In addition, molecular similarity of bovine and feline isolates of T. foetus in DNA sequence was concisely discussed. The data presented serve as an information source for veterinarians, and investigators who are interested in biology of T. foetus and feline trichomonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies. .,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Liza S Köster
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies. .,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.
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10
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Polak KC, Levy JK, Crawford PC, Leutenegger CM, Moriello KA. Infectious diseases in large-scale cat hoarding investigations. Vet J 2014; 201:189-95. [PMID: 24934262 PMCID: PMC7110739 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Animal hoarders accumulate animals in over-crowded conditions without adequate nutrition, sanitation, and veterinary care. As a result, animals rescued from hoarding frequently have a variety of medical conditions including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disease, parasitism, malnutrition, and other evidence of neglect. The purpose of this study was to characterize the infectious diseases carried by clinically affected cats and to determine the prevalence of retroviral infections among cats in large-scale cat hoarding investigations. Records were reviewed retrospectively from four large-scale seizures of cats from failed sanctuaries from November 2009 through March 2012. The number of cats seized in each case ranged from 387 to 697. Cats were screened for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in all four cases and for dermatophytosis in one case. A subset of cats exhibiting signs of upper respiratory disease or diarrhea had been tested for infections by PCR and fecal flotation for treatment planning. Mycoplasma felis (78%), calicivirus (78%), and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (55%) were the most common respiratory infections. Feline enteric coronavirus (88%), Giardia (56%), Clostridium perfringens (49%), and Tritrichomonas foetus (39%) were most common in cats with diarrhea. The seroprevalence of FeLV and FIV were 8% and 8%, respectively. In the one case in which cats with lesions suspicious for dermatophytosis were cultured for Microsporum canis, 69/76 lesional cats were culture-positive; of these, half were believed to be truly infected and half were believed to be fomite carriers. Cats from large-scale hoarding cases had high risk for enteric and respiratory infections, retroviruses, and dermatophytosis. Case responders should be prepared for mass treatment of infectious diseases and should implement protocols to prevent transmission of feline or zoonotic infections during the emergency response and when transferring the rescued cats to other shelters or to adopters.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Polak
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - J K Levy
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - P C Crawford
- Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - K A Moriello
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Cysteine protease activity of feline Tritrichomonas foetus promotes adhesion-dependent cytotoxicity to intestinal epithelial cells. Infect Immun 2014; 82:2851-9. [PMID: 24752513 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01671-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonads are obligate protozoan parasites most renowned as venereal pathogens of the reproductive tract of humans and cattle. Recently, a trichomonad highly similar to bovine venereal Tritrichomonas foetus but having a unique tropism for the intestinal tract was recognized as a significant cause of colitis in domestic cats. Despite a high prevalence, worldwide distribution, and lack of consistently effective drugs for treatment of the infection, the cellular mechanisms of T. foetus pathogenicity in the intestinal tract have not been examined. The aims of this study were to determine the pathogenic effect of feline T. foetus on porcine intestinal epithelial cells, the dependence of T. foetus pathogenicity on adhesion of T. foetus to the intestinal epithelium, and the identity of mediators responsible for these effects. Using an in vitro coculture approach to model feline T. foetus infection of the intestinal epithelium, these studies demonstrate that T. foetus promotes a direct contact-dependent activation of intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis signaling and progressive monolayer destruction. Moreover, these pathological effects were demonstrated to be largely dependent on T. foetus cell-associated cysteine protease activity. Finally, T. foetus cysteine proteases were identified as enabling cytopathic effects by promoting adhesion of T. foetus to the intestinal epithelium. The present studies are the first to examine the cellular mechanisms of pathogenicity of T. foetus toward the intestinal epithelium and support further investigation of the cysteine proteases as virulence factors in vivo and as potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating the pathological effects of intestinal trichomonosis.
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12
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Lim S, Park SI, Ahn KS, Oh DS, Shin SS. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of cats experimentally infected with a Korean isolate of Tritrichomonas foetus. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2012; 50:161-4. [PMID: 22711930 PMCID: PMC3375457 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2012.50.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of Tritrichomonas foetus infection, 6 Tritrichomonas-free kittens were experimentally infected with a Korean isolate of T. foetus. The experimental infection was confirmed by direct microscopy, culture, and single-tube nested PCR, and all cats demonstrated trophozoites of T. foetus by day 20 post-infection in the feces. From day 30 after the experimentally induced infection, 3 cats were treated with ronidazole (50 mg/kg twice a day for 14 days) and 3 other cats received placebo. Feces from each cat were tested for the presence of T. foetus by direct smear and culture of rectal swab samples using modified Diamond's medium once a week for 4 weeks. To confirm the culture results, the presence of T. foetus rRNA gene was determined by single-tube nested PCR assay. All 3 cats in the treatment group receiving ronidazole showed negative results for T. foetus infection during 2 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks follow-up by all detection methods used in this study. In contrast, rectal swab samples from cats in the control group were positive for T. foetus continuously throughout the study. The present study indicates that ronidazole is also effective to treat cats infected experimentally with a Korean isolate of T. foetus at a dose of 50 mg/kg twice a day for 14 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Lim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea
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13
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Doi J, Hirota J, Morita A, Fukushima K, Kamijyo H, Ohta H, Yamasaki M, Takahashi T, Katakura K, Oku Y. Intestinal Tritrichomonas suis (=T. foetus) infection in Japanese cats. J Vet Med Sci 2011; 74:413-7. [PMID: 22104396 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.11-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tritrichomonas suis (=T. foetus) has recently been reported to be a causative agent of chronic large-bowel diarrhea in cats. While the disease was previously attributed to Pentatrichomonas hominis, the etiologic agent for feline trichomonal diarrhea was identified as T. suis. Although feline trichomonosis due to T. suis has been reported at prevalences ranging from 14 to 31% in Europe and the U.S., no reports of the pathogen have been published to date in Japan. In 2008, however, we encountered a case of feline trichomonosis at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Hokkaido University. The parasite was identified as T. suis by nested PCR amplification of partial internal transcribed spacer region 1 and 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene sequences with T. suis-specific primers and DNA sequencing of the amplified products. We then conducted surveys for feline trichomonosis in three different animal hospitals using either cultivation and/or PCR-based assays. The results revealed that 13 of 147 samples (8.8%) were positive for T. suis, and that 5 of the 13 infected cats, which ranged between 1 month and 7.5 years-old, showed chronic diarrhea. Seven of the infected cats were purebred and 6 were mixed breed. These findings suggested that feline trichomonosis is prevalent in Japan, and that T. suis may play a role as a causative agent of feline chronic diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Doi
- United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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14
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Miró G, Hernández L, Montoya A, Arranz-Solís D, Dado D, Rojo-Montejo S, Mendoza-Ibarra JA, Ortega-Mora LM, Pedraza-Díaz S. First description of naturally acquired Tritrichomonas foetus infection in a Persian cattery in Spain. Parasitol Res 2011; 109:1151-4. [PMID: 21509446 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus has been identified as the causative agent of feline intestinal trichomonosis, characterized by clinical signs of chronic large bowel diarrhoea. This disease has been reported in cats from the USA, Europe and Australia. However, its epidemiology is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to describe T. foetus infection in a Persian cattery in Spain. T. foetus infection was sequentially diagnosed in 20 cats by direct faecal smear examined under the microscope, specific culture (In Pouch TF medium) and PCR. A standard coprological sedimentation method was also performed in order to screen for other intestinal parasites in all the cats included. In addition, sera were tested for IgG antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Toxoplasma gondii, and for the detection of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Five out of 20 cats were positive for T. foetus (25%), two of them by microscopy, culture and PCR and three by culture and PCR. No association was found between T. foetus infection and age or sex. L. infantum and T. gondii seroprevalence rates were 15% and 10%, respectively. The prevalence of FeLV p27 antigen and of FIV antibodies in the study population was zero. Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were detected in one cat. These preliminary results show that the transmission of T. foetus infection in cluster conditions may occur between asymptomatic cats and young or immunocompromised animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Lim S, Park SI, Ahn KS, Oh DS, Ryu JS, Shin SS. First report of feline intestinal trichomoniasis caused by Tritrichomonas foetus in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2010; 48:247-51. [PMID: 20877505 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.3.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Feline intestinal tritrichomoniasis by Tritrichomonas foetus was first recognized in USA in 1999 and has so far been reported from UK, Norway, Switzerland, and Australia, but not from the Far East Asian countries. In November 2008, 2 female and male littermate Siamese cats, 6-month old, raised in a household in Korea were referred from a local veterinary clinic with a history of chronic persistent diarrhea. A direct smear examination of fecal specimens revealed numerous trichomonad trophozoites which were isolated by the fecal culture in InPouch TF-Feline medium. A PCR testing of the isolate based on the amplification of a conserved portion of the T. foetus internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (ITS1 and ITS2) and the 5.8S rRNA gene, and the molecular sequencing of the PCR amplicons confirmed infection with T. foetus. This is the first clinical case of feline intestinal trichomoniasis caused by T. foetus in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Lim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Biotherapy Human Resources Center (BK 21), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
This article reviews the common infectious causes of diarrhea in cats and discusses selected diseases in greater depth. A systematic approach to a cat with possible infectious diarrhea is presented, along with a detailed description of the best way to perform an in-house fecal examination. The goal here is to provide the reader with a logical list of differentials and the information necessary to pursue a diagnosis in an efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey K Cook
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA.
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Frey CF, Schild M, Hemphill A, Stünzi P, Müller N, Gottstein B, Burgener IA. Intestinal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats in Switzerland detected by in vitro cultivation and PCR. Parasitol Res 2008; 104:783-8. [PMID: 18998166 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1255-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus, a parasite well known for its significance as venereally transmitted pathogen in cattle, has recently been identified as a cause of chronic large-bowel diarrhea in domestic cats in the US, UK, and, more recently, also in Norway. In a period of 3 months (October to December 2007), 45 cats of Switzerland suffering from chronic diarrhea were investigated for intestinal infections, including a search for trichomonads. A commercially available in vitro culture system was used to screen for infection, complemented with a PCR and subsequent amplicon sequencing to support speciation. The PCR is based upon amplification of a sequence derived from the internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1) on the ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA) using primers designed to detect a broad range of genera and species belonging to the family of Trichomonadidae. The method was furthermore adapted to the uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) system in order to prevent carry-over contamination and it included a recombinant internal control to track for inhibitory reactions. Eleven out of the 45 cats were culture-positive, as revealed by microscopic identification of trichomonadid organisms. One of the isolates was subjected to scanning electron microscopy and findings revealed the presence of three flagella, thus placing the isolate into the gender Tritrichomonas sp. PCR and subsequent amplicon sequencing were carried out with ten of the 11 isolates. A total homology with published T. foetus sequences was confirmed in all of the cases. T. foetus therefore appears to range among those organisms that can cause chronic diarrhea in cats in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, P.O. Box 8466, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri W Rosado
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri W Rosado
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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