1
|
Pace W, Oppong J. Trypanosoma Cruzi antibody screening in North Texas client owned dogs. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 49:101003. [PMID: 38462304 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101003] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite multiple screening efforts to identify exposures to Trypanosoma cruzi, in dogs across southern USA, no published studies could be found involving client owned dogs in the North Texas Metroplex area. Therefore, a limited screen was conducted for client owned dogs, seeking routine or preventative care, from participating veterinary practices in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex from 2019 to 2021. Participants, with owner consent, ranged in age, breed, and length of time at recorded residence. Ninety-nine samples were acquired from participating veterinary practices, initially assessed with the Chagas StatPak, and positive samples were confirmed with IFA (indirect fluorescent antibody test) at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL), College Station, Texas. Six samples were positive with the StatPak and only two were confirmed positive with IFA. Both animals were senior (10 and 8 years) with no owner reports of previous cardiac issues. The results appear reasonable within the context of previous studies and the seropositivity rate of 2% (n = 99) for client owned dogs included in this study are lower than previously reported rates for shelter dogs from the North Texas area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Pace
- University of North Texas, 1510 Chestnut St., Denton, TX 76201. USA.
| | - Joseph Oppong
- University of North Texas, 1510 Chestnut St., Denton, TX 76201. USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Durães-Oliveira J, Palma-Marques J, Moreno C, Rodrigues A, Monteiro M, Alexandre-Pires G, da Fonseca IP, Santos-Gomes G. Chagas Disease: A Silent Threat for Dogs and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3840. [PMID: 38612650 PMCID: PMC11011309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073840] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a vector-borne Neglected Zoonotic Disease (NZD) caused by a flagellate protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, that affects various mammalian species across America, including humans and domestic animals. However, due to an increase in population movements and new routes of transmission, T. cruzi infection is presently considered a worldwide health concern, no longer restricted to endemic countries. Dogs play a major role in the domestic cycle by acting very efficiently as reservoirs and allowing the perpetuation of parasite transmission in endemic areas. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, still there is no vaccine against human and animal disease, there are few drugs available for the treatment of human CD, and there is no standard protocol for the treatment of canine CD. In this review, we highlight human and canine Chagas Disease in its different dimensions and interconnections. Dogs, which are considered to be the most important peridomestic reservoir and sentinel for the transmission of T. cruzi infection in a community, develop CD that is clinically similar to human CD. Therefore, an integrative approach, based on the One Health concept, bringing together the advances in genomics, immunology, and epidemiology can lead to the effective development of vaccines, new treatments, and innovative control strategies to tackle CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Durães-Oliveira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Joana Palma-Marques
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Cláudia Moreno
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Armanda Rodrigues
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| | - Marta Monteiro
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FMV, University of Lisbon, ULisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (G.A.-P.); (I.P.d.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Alexandre-Pires
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FMV, University of Lisbon, ULisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (G.A.-P.); (I.P.d.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FMV, University of Lisbon, ULisboa, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal; (G.A.-P.); (I.P.d.F.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Santos-Gomes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.D.-O.); (G.S.-G.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Busselman RE, Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Hodo CL, Christopher D, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Abundant triatomines in Texas dog kennel environments: Triatomine collections, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, and blood feeding hosts. Acta Trop 2024; 250:107087. [PMID: 38061614 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107087] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine insects are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi- the causative agent of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is endemic to Latin America and the southern United States and can cause severe cardiac damage in infected mammals, ranging from chronic disease to sudden death. Identifying interactions among triatomines, T. cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs), and blood feeding hosts is necessary to understand parasite transmission dynamics and effectively protect animal and human health. Through manual insect trapping efforts, kennel staff collections, and with the help of a trained scent detection dog, we collected triatomines from 10 multi-dog kennels across central and south Texas over a one-year period (2018-2019) and tested a subset to determine their T. cruzi infection status and identify the primary bloodmeal hosts. We collected 550 triatomines, including Triatoma gerstaeckeri (n = 515), Triatoma lecticularia (n = 15), Triatoma sanguisuga (n = 6), and Triatoma indictiva (n = 2), with an additional 10 nymphs and 2 adults unable to be identified to species. The trained dog collected 42 triatomines, including nymphs, from areas not previously considered vector habitat by the kennel owners. Using qPCR, we found a T. cruzi infection prevalence of 47 % (74/157), with T. lecticularia individuals more likely to be infected with T. cruzi than other species. Infected insects harbored two T. cruzi discrete typing units: TcI (64 %), TcIV (23 %), and mixed TcI/TcIV infections (13 %). Bloodmeal host identification was successful in 50/149 triatomines, revealing the majority (74 %) fed on a dog (Canis lupus), with other host species including humans (Homo sapiens), raccoons (Procyon lotor), chickens (Gallus gallus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), black vulture (Coragyps atratus), cat (Felis catus), and curve-billed thrasher (Toxostoma curviostre). Given the frequency of interactions between dogs and infected triatomines in these kennel environments, dogs may be an apt target for future vector control and T. cruzi intervention efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - A C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - I B Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - L D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - C L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States; Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, United States
| | | | - A B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - S A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chaves LF, Meyers AC, Hodo CL, Sanders JP, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs along the US-Mexico border: R 0 changes with vector species composition. Epidemics 2023; 45:100723. [PMID: 37935075 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100723] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, is common in US government working dogs along the US-Mexico border. This 3145 km long border comprises four states: Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), Arizona (AZ) and California (CA) with diverse ecosystems and several triatomine (a.k.a., kissing bug) species, primary vectors of T. cruzi in this region. The kissing bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) community ranging from CA to TX includes Triatoma protracta (Uhler), Triatoma recurva (Stål) and Triatoma rubida (Uhler) and becomes dominated by Triatoma gerstaeckeri Stål in TX. Here, we ask if T. cruzi infection dynamics in dogs varies along this border region, potentially reflecting changes in vector species and their vectorial capacity. Using reversible catalytic models of infection, where seropositivity can be lost, we estimated an R0 (Estimate ± S.E.) of 1.192 ± 0.084 for TX and NM. In contrast, seropositivity decayed to zero as dogs aged in AZ and CA. These results suggest that dogs are likely infected by T. cruzi during their training in western TX, with a force of infection large enough for keeping R0 above 1, i.e., the disease endemically established, in TX and NM. In AZ and CA, a lower force of infection, probably associated with different vector species communities and associated vectorial capacity and/or different lineages of T. cruzi, results in dogs decreasing their seropositivity with age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Chaves
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington IN 47405, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - John P Sanders
- Office of Health Security, US Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rodriguez CA, Busselman RE, Shen H, Saunders AB, Tarleton R, Hamer SA. Validation of a multiplex microsphere immunoassay for detection of antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi in dogs. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:704-709. [PMID: 37670473 PMCID: PMC10621557 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231198525] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vector-borne protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease in humans, dogs, and many other mammalian hosts. Canine Chagas disease is increasingly diagnosed in dogs of the southern United States where triatomine insect vectors occur, and there are limited veterinary testing options; only the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test is offered at a single accredited diagnostic laboratory. We evaluated a multiplex microsphere immunoassay (MIA) for the detection of antibodies against T. cruzi in dogs and compared it with existing serologic methods to establish cutoff values and relative sensitivity and specificity. We tested 135 canine sera that had been characterized using the IFA and off-label use of 2 commercial rapid assays with our multiplex MIA against 12 antigens: 9 T. cruzi antigens, a negative control recombinant protein (green fluorescent protein, GFP), a Leishmania antigen, and a canine parvovirus antigen (used as an antibody control given near-ubiquitous parvoviral vaccination). The median fluorescence intensity (MFI) ratio between each T. cruzi antigen and GFP was calculated for every sample. Samples with an antigen:GFP MFI ratio > 4 SDs above the mean of 25 known-negative sera were considered positive to that antigen. Samples testing positive to ≥ 2 antigens were considered positive for T. cruzi antibodies. Compared to the IFA, our multiplex MIA had a relative sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.0%. Given its precision, high-throughput format, potential for automation, and lack of subjective interpretation, our multiplex MIA should be considered a valid and improved assay for T. cruzi antibodies in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Rodriguez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, USA
- Departments of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Rachel E. Busselman
- Departments of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Huifeng Shen
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Departments of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Christopher DM, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Bejcek J, Saunders AB, Roachell WD, Cropper TL, Hamer SA. Collection of triatomines from sylvatic habitats by a Trypanosoma cruzi-infected scent detection dog in Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010813. [PMID: 36940217 PMCID: PMC10063167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatomine insects, vectors of the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), are challenging to locate in sylvatic habitats. Collection techniques used in the United States often rely on methods to intercept seasonally dispersing adults or on community scientists' encounters. Neither method is suited for detecting nest habitats likely to harbor triatomines, which is important for vector surveillance and control. Furthermore, manual inspection of suspected harborages is difficult and unlikely to reveal novel locations and host associations. Similar to a team that used a trained dog to detect sylvatic triatomines in Paraguay, we worked with a trained scent detection dog to detect triatomines in sylvatic locations across Texas. PRINCIPLE METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS Ziza, a 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer previously naturally infected with T. cruzi, was trained to detect triatomines. Over the course of 6 weeks in the fall of 2017, the dog and her handler searched at 17 sites across Texas. The dog detected 60 triatomines at 6 sites; an additional 50 triatomines were contemporaneously collected at 1 of these sites and 2 additional sites without the assistance of the dog. Approximately 0.98 triatomines per hour were found when only humans were conducting searches; when working with the dog, approximately 1.71 triatomines per hour were found. In total, 3 adults and 107 nymphs of four species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri, Triatoma protracta, Triatoma sanguisuga, and Triatoma indictiva) were collected. PCR testing of a subset revealed T. cruzi infection, including DTUs TcI and TcIV, in 27% of nymphs (n = 103) and 66% of adults (n = 3). Bloodmeal analysis of a subset of triatomines (n = 5) revealed feeding on Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), Southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE A trained scent detection dog enhanced triatomine detections in sylvatic habitats. This approach is effective at detecting nidicolous triatomines. Control of sylvatic sources of triatomines is challenging, but this new knowledge of specific sylvatic habitats and key hosts may reveal opportunities for novel vector control methods to block the transmission of T. cruzi to humans and domestic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Justin Bejcek
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Walter D. Roachell
- Public Health Command Central, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thomas Leo Cropper
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio Texas
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fiatsonu E, Busselman RE, Hamer GL, Hamer SA, Ndeffo-Mbah ML. Effectiveness of fluralaner treatment regimens for the control of canine Chagas disease: A mathematical modeling study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011084. [PMID: 36693084 PMCID: PMC9897538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by insect triatomine vectors known as kissing bugs. The agent can cause cardiac damage and long-term heart disease and death in humans, dogs, and other mammals. In laboratory settings, treatment of dogs with systemic insecticides has been shown to be highly efficacious at killing triatomines that feed on treated dogs. METHOD We developed compartmental vector-host models of T. cruzi transmission between the triatomine and dog population accounting for the impact of seasonality and triatomine migration on disease transmission dynamics. We considered a single vector-host model without seasonality, and model with seasonality, and a spatially coupled model. We used the models to evaluate the effectiveness of the insecticide fluralaner with different durations of treatment regimens for reducing T. cruzi infection in different transmission settings. RESULTS In low and medium transmission settings, our model showed a marginal difference between the 3-month and 6-month regimens for reducing T. cruzi infection among dogs. The difference increases in the presence of seasonality and triatomine migration from a sylvatic transmission setting. In high transmission settings, the 3-month regimen was substantially more effective in reducing T. cruzi infections in dogs than the other regimens. Our model showed that increased migration rate reduces fluralaner effectiveness in all treatment regimens, but the relative reduction in effectiveness is minimal during the first years of treatment. However, if an additional 10% or more of triatomines killed by dog treatment were eaten by dogs, treatment could increase T. cruzi infections in the dog population at least during the first year of treatment. CONCLUSION Our analysis shows that treating all peridomestic dogs every three to six months for at least five years could be an effective measure to reduce T. cruzi infections in dogs and triatomines in peridomestic transmission settings. However, further studies at the local scale are needed to better understand the potential impact of routine use of fluralaner treatment on increasing dogs' consumption of dead triatomines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edem Fiatsonu
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Freitas NEM, Habib FL, Santos EF, Silva ÂAO, Fontes ND, Leony LM, Sampaio DD, de Almeida MC, Dantas-Torres F, Santos FLN. Technological advances in the serological diagnosis of Chagas disease in dogs and cats: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:343. [PMID: 36167575 PMCID: PMC9516836 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted mainly through the feces/urine of infected triatomine bugs. The acute phase lasts 2–3 months and is characterized by high parasitemia and nonspecific symptoms, whereas the lifelong chronic phase features symptoms affecting the heart and/or digestive tract occurring in 30–40% of infected individuals. As in humans, cardiac abnormalities are observed in T. cruzi-infected dogs and cats. We reviewed the technological advances in the serological diagnosis of CD in dogs and cats. Methods A review of the published literature during the last 54 years (1968–2022) on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CD in dogs and cats was conducted. Results Using predefined eligibility criteria for a search of the published literature, we retrieved and screened 436 publications. Of these, 84 original studies were considered for inclusion in this review. Dogs and cats are considered as sentinels, potentially indicating an active T. cruzi transmission and thus the risk for human infection. Although dogs and cats are reputed to be important for maintaining the T. cruzi domestic transmission cycle, there are no commercial tests to detect past or active infections in these animals. Most published research on CD in dogs and cats have used in-house serological tests prepared with native and/or full-length recombinant antigens, resulting in variable diagnostic performance. In recent years, chimeric antigens have been used to improve the diagnosis of chronic CD in humans with encouraging results. Some of them have high performance values (> 95%) and extremely low cross-reactivity rates for Leishmania spp., especially the antigens IBMP-8.1 to IBMP-8.4. The diagnostic performance of IBMP antigens was also investigated in dogs, showing high diagnostic performance with negligible cross-reactivity with anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. Conclusions The development of a commercial immunodiagnostic tool to identify past or active T. cruzi infections in dogs and cats is urgently needed. The use of chimeric recombinant T. cruzi antigens may help to fill this gap and is discussed in this review. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05476-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália Erdens Maron Freitas
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Lopes Habib
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Emily Ferreira Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ângelo Antônio Oliveira Silva
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Natália Dantas Fontes
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Maia Leony
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Daniel Dias Sampaio
- Brazil's Family Health Strategy, Municipal Health Department, Tremedal City Hall, Bahia, Tremedal, Brazil
| | - Marcio Cerqueira de Almeida
- Pathology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fred Luciano Neves Santos
- Advanced Health Public Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Candeal, Bahia, Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil. .,Integrated Translational Program in Chagas Disease From Fiocruz (Fio-Chagas), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Characterization of triatomine bloodmeal sources using direct Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing methods. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10234. [PMID: 35715521 PMCID: PMC9205944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of host associations of blood-feeding vectors may afford insights into managing disease systems and protecting public health. However, the ability of methods to distinguish bloodmeal sources varies widely. We used two methods—Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing—to target a 228 bp region of the vertebrate Cytochrome b gene and determine hosts fed upon by triatomines (n = 115) collected primarily in Texas, USA. Direct Sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons was successful for 36 samples (31%). Sanger sequencing revealed 15 distinct host species, which included humans, domestic animals (Canis lupus familiaris, Ovis aries, Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, Felis catus, and Capra hircus), wildlife (Rattus rattus, Incilius nebulifer, Sciurus carolinensis, Sciurus niger, and Odocoileus virginianus), and captive animals (Panthera tigris, Colobus spp., and Chelonoidis carbonaria). Samples sequenced by the Sanger method were also subjected to Illumina MiSeq amplicon deep sequencing. The amplicon deep sequencing results (average of 302,080 usable reads per sample) replicated the host community revealed using Sanger sequencing, and detected additional hosts in five triatomines (13.9%), including two additional blood sources (Procyon lotor and Bassariscus astutus). Up to four bloodmeal sources were detected in a single triatomine (I. nebulifer, Homo sapiens, C. lupus familiaris, and S. carolinensis). Enhanced understanding of vector-host-parasite networks may allow for integrated vector management programs focusing on highly-utilized and highly-infected host species.
Collapse
|
10
|
Allen KE, Lineberry MW. Trypanosoma cruzi and Other Vector-Borne Infections in Shelter Dogs in Two Counties of Oklahoma, United States. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:273-280. [PMID: 35580215 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is an emerging zoonotic vector-borne parasite infecting dogs and other mammals in the United States. In this study we evaluated shelter dogs in one northeastern and one southeastern county in Oklahoma for prevalence of exposure to T. cruzi. Dogs were tested for antibodies against T. cruzi using the Chagas STAT PAK® assay and for T. cruzi in circulation by PCR. In addition, dogs were tested for evidence of infection with other vector-borne organisms using the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus Test and PCR. Overall, 26 of 197 (13.2%) shelter dogs had detectable antibodies against T. cruzi and 3 of 189 (1.6%) dogs were PCR positive. In addition, we found that 42 of 197 (21.3%) shelter dogs had evidence of exposure to or were infected with at least one vector-borne agent other than T. cruzi based on serology and/or PCR; 9 of 42 (21.4%) of these dogs were also positive for T. cruzi antibodies. Other infections identified in dogs included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Babesia sp. (Coco), Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Hepatozoon americanum. This study serves to boost state-wide veterinary and public health awareness of T. cruzi and other vector-borne pathogens infecting shelter dogs in Oklahoma. Results indicate the need for more comprehensive screening of shelter dogs in Oklahoma for exposure to vector-borne agents to enhance surveillance and to identify dogs in need of additional specific veterinary care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Allen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Megan W Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vaccine Design against Chagas Disease Focused on the Use of Nucleic Acids. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040587. [PMID: 35455336 PMCID: PMC9028413 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040587] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to Central and South America. However, it has spread around the world and affects several million people. Treatment with currently available drugs cause several side effects and require long treatment times to eliminate the parasite, however, this does not improve the chronic effects of the disease such as cardiomyopathy. A therapeutic vaccine for Chagas disease may be able to prevent the disease and improve the chronic effects such as cardiomyopathy. This vaccine would be beneficial for both infected people and those which are at risk in endemic and non-endemic areas. In this article, we will review the surface antigens of T. cruzi, in order to choose those that are most antigenic and least variable, to design effective vaccines against the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Also, we discuss aspects of the design of nucleic acid-based vaccines, which have been developed and proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The role of co-adjuvants and delivery carriers is also discussed. We present an example of a chimeric trivalent vaccine, based on experimental work, which can be used to design a vaccine against Chagas disease.
Collapse
|
12
|
Busselman RE, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Castro AH, Dowd RE, Curtis-Robles R, Hodo CL, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. High incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infections in dogs directly detected through longitudinal tracking at 10 multi-dog kennels, Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009935. [PMID: 34758049 PMCID: PMC8631682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly recognized as a health concern for dogs in the USA, and infected dogs may signal geographic regions of risk for human disease. Dogs living in multi-dog kennel environments (kennels with more than one dog) where triatomine vectors are endemic may be at high risk for infection. We monitored a cohort of 64 T. cruzi-infected and uninfected dogs across 10 kennels in Texas, USA, to characterize changes in infection status over one year. We used robust diagnostic criteria in which reactivity on multiple independent platforms was required to be considered positive. Among the 30 dogs enrolled as serologically- and/or PCR-positive, all but one dog showed sustained positive T. cruzi diagnostic results over time. Among the 34 dogs enrolled as serologically- and PCR-negative, 10 new T. cruzi infections were recorded over a 12-month period. The resulting incidence rate for dogs initially enrolled as T. cruzi-negative was 30.7 T. cruzi infections per 100 dogs per year. This study highlights the risk of T. cruzi infection to dogs in kennel environments. To protect both dog and human health, there is an urgent need to develop more integrated vector control methods as well as prophylactic and curative antiparasitic treatment options for T. cruzi infection in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa D. Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andres H. Castro
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rebecca E. Dowd
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Busselman RE, Hamer SA. Chagas Disease Ecology in the United States: Recent Advances in Understanding Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Triatomines, Wildlife, and Domestic Animals and a Quantitative Synthesis of Vector-Host Interactions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:325-348. [PMID: 34758274 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-043949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease present in the Americas, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Hundreds of vertebrate host species are involved in the ecology of Chagas disease. The sylvatic nature of most triatomines found in the United States accounts for high levels of animal infections but few reports of human infections. This review focuses on triatomine distributions and animal infections in the southern United States. A quantitative synthesis of available US data from triatomine bloodmeal analysis studies shows that dogs, humans, and rodents are key taxa for feeding triatomines. Imperfect and unvalidated diagnostic tools in wildlife complicate the study of animal T. cruzi infections, and integrated vector management approaches are needed to reduce parasite transmission in nature. The diversity of animal species involved in Chagas disease ecology underscores the importance of a One Health approach for disease research and management. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nelder MP, Russell CB, Dibernardo A, Clow KM, Johnson S, Cronin K, Patel SN, Lindsay LR. Monitoring the patterns of submission and presence of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes scapularis collected from humans and companion animals in Ontario, Canada (2011-2017). Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:260. [PMID: 34001256 PMCID: PMC8127263 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04750-1] [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: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The universal nature of the human-companion animal relationship and their shared ticks and tick-borne pathogens offers an opportunity for improving public and veterinary health surveillance. With this in mind, we describe the spatiotemporal trends for blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) submissions from humans and companion animals in Ontario, along with pathogen prevalence. METHODS We tested tick samples submitted through passive surveillance (2011-2017) from humans and companion animals for Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti. We describe pathogen prevalence in ticks from humans and from companion animals and constructed univariable Poisson and negative binomial regression models to explore the spatiotemporal relationship between the rates of tick submissions by host type. RESULTS During the study, there were 17,230 blacklegged tick samples submitted from humans and 4375 from companion animals. Tick submission rates from companion animals were higher than expected in several public health units (PHUs) lacking established tick populations, potentially indicating newly emerging populations. Pathogen prevalence in ticks was higher in PHUs where established blacklegged tick populations exist. Borrelia burgdorferi prevalence was higher in ticks collected from humans (maximum likelihood estimate, MLE = 17.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI 16.97-18.09%) than from companion animals (9.9%, 95% CI 9.15-10.78%). There was no difference in pathogen prevalence in ticks by host type for the remaining pathogens, which were found in less than 1% of tested ticks. The most common co-infection B. burgdorferi + B. miyamotoi occurred in 0.11% of blacklegged ticks from humans and animals combined. Borrelia burgdorferi prevalence was higher in unengorged (21.9%, 95% CI 21.12-22.65%) than engorged ticks (10.0%, 95% CI 9.45-10.56%). There were no consistent and significant spatiotemporal relationships detected via regression models between the annual rates of submission of each host type. CONCLUSIONS While B. burgdorferi has been present in blacklegged ticks in Ontario for several decades, other tick-borne pathogens are also present at low prevalence. Blacklegged tick and pathogen surveillance data can be used to monitor risk in human and companion animal populations, and efforts are under consideration to unite surveillance efforts for the different target populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Nelder
- Enteric, Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Health Protection, Operations and Response, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Curtis B Russell
- Enteric, Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Health Protection, Operations and Response, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Antonia Dibernardo
- Field Studies, Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Katie M Clow
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Johnson
- Informatics, Knowledge Services, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kirby Cronin
- Laboratory Surveillance and Data Management, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Samir N Patel
- Bacteriology, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L Robbin Lindsay
- Field Studies, Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cardinal MV, Enriquez GF, Macchiaverna NP, Argibay HD, Fernández MDP, Alvedro A, Gaspe MS, Gürtler RE. Long-term impact of a ten-year intervention program on human and canine Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the Argentine Chaco. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009389. [PMID: 33979344 PMCID: PMC8115854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interruption of domestic vector-borne transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi is still an unmet goal in several American countries. In 2007 we launched a long-term intervention program aimed to suppress house infestation with the main domestic vector in southern South America (Triatoma infestans) and domestic transmission in Pampa del Indio, a resource-constrained, hyperendemic municipality with 1446 rural houses inhabited by Creole and indigenous people, in the Argentine Chaco ecoregion. Here, we assessed whether the 10-year insecticide-based program combined with community mobilization blocked vector-borne domestic transmission of T. cruzi to humans and dogs. METHODS We carried out two municipality-wide, cross-sectional serosurveys of humans and dogs (considered sentinel animals) during 2016-2017 to compare with baseline data. We used a risk-stratified random sampling design to select 273 study houses; 410 people from 180 households and 492 dogs from 151 houses were examined for antibodies to T. cruzi using at least two serological methods. RESULTS The seroprevalence of T. cruzi in children aged <16 years was 2.5% in 2017 (i.e., 4- to 11-fold lower than before interventions). The mean annual force of child infection (λ) sharply decreased from 2.18 to 0.34 per 100 person-years in 2017. One of 102 children born after interventions was seropositive for T. cruzi; he had lifetime residence in an apparently uninfested house, no outside travel history, and his mother was T. cruzi-seropositive. No incident case was detected among 114 seronegative people of all ages re-examined serologically. Dog seroprevalence was 3.05%. Among native dogs, λ in 2016 (1.21 per 100 dog-years) was 5 times lower than at program onset. Six native adult dogs born after interventions and with stable lifetime residence were T. cruzi-seropositive: three had exposure to T. infestans at their houses and one was an incident case. CONCLUSIONS These results support the interruption of vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi to humans in rural Pampa del Indio. Congenital transmission was the most likely source of the only seropositive child born after interventions. Residual transmission to dogs was likely related to transient infestations and other transmission routes. Sustained vector control supplemented with human chemotherapy can lead to a substantial reduction of Chagas disease transmission in the Argentine Chaco.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Victoria Cardinal
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| | - Gustavo Fabián Enriquez
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Paula Macchiaverna
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hernán Darío Argibay
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María del Pilar Fernández
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States for America
| | - Alejandra Alvedro
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Sol Gaspe
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Esteban Gürtler
- Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dumonteil E, Desale H, Tu W, Duhon B, Wolfson W, Balsamo G, Herrera C. Shelter cats host infections with multiple Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units in southern Louisiana. Vet Res 2021; 52:53. [PMID: 33823911 PMCID: PMC8025558 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00923-z] [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: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic parasite endemic in the southern US and the Americas, which may frequently infect dogs, but limited information is available about infections in cats. We surveyed a convenience sample of 284 shelter cats from Southern Louisiana to evaluate T. cruzi infection using serological and PCR tests. Parasites from PCR positive cats were also genotyped by PCR and deep sequencing to assess their genetic diversity. We detected a seropositivity rate for T. cruzi of at least 7.3% (17/234), and 24.6% of cats (70/284) were PCR positive for the parasite. Seropositivity increased with cat age (R2 = 0.91, P = 0.011), corresponding to an incidence of 7.2% ± 1.3 per year, while PCR positivity decreased with age (R2 = 0.93, P = 0.007). Cats were predominantly infected with parasites from TcI and TcVI DTUs, and to a lesser extent from TcIV and TcV DTUs, in agreement with the circulation of these parasite DTUs in local transmission cycles. These results indicate that veterinarians should have a greater awareness of T. cruzi infection in pets and that it would be important to better evaluate the risk for spillover infections in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA. .,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Hans Desale
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Brandy Duhon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Wendy Wolfson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Gary Balsamo
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section, Office of Public Health, Department of Health, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Surveillance of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Triatomine vectors, feral dogs and cats, and wild animals in and around El Paso county, Texas, and New Mexico. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009147. [PMID: 33600455 PMCID: PMC7924784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by triatomine vectors. The insect is endemic in the Americas, including the United States, where epidemiological studies are limited, particularly in the Southwestern region. Here, we have determined the prevalence of T. cruzi in triatomines, feral cats and dogs, and wild animals, the infecting parasite genotypes and the mammalian host bloodmeal sources of the triatomines at four different geographical sites in the U.S.-Mexico border, including El Paso County, Texas, and nearby cities in New Mexico. Using qualitative polymerase chain reaction to detect T. cruzi infections, we found 66.4% (n = 225) of triatomines, 45.3% (n = 95) of feral dogs, 39.2% (n = 24) of feral cats, and 71.4% (n = 7) of wild animals positive for T. cruzi. Over 95% of T. cruzi genotypes or discrete typing units (DTUs) identified were TcI and some TcIV. Furthermore, Triatoma rubida was the triatomine species most frequently (98.2%) collected in all samples analyzed. These findings suggest a high prevalence of T. cruzi infections among triatomines, and feral and wild animals in the studied sites. Therefore, our results underscore the urgent need for implementation of a systematic epidemiological surveillance program for T. cruzi infections in insect vectors, and feral and wild animals, and Chagas disease in the human population in the southwestern region of the United States. Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and one of the major transmission routes is the contaminated feces of blood-feeding triatomine insect vectors, popularly known as kissing bugs. In recent years, this disease has become an important public health concern to the United States and other nonendemic regions of the world. Despite many studies about the prevalence of T. cruzi in triatomines, and domestic, feral and wild animals in central and southern Texas, there have been no studies in west Texas and New Mexico. In this study, we report the presence of triatomines in residences in El Paso County, TX, and surrounding communities in New Mexico (cities of Anthony and Las Cruces), as well as T. cruzi infections in feral and wild animals. Using two molecular techniques to analyze the bloodmeal source in triatomines, we detected 12 different mammalian bloodmeal sources, including human and canine. Finally, parasite genotyping showed that most (95%) of the samples belonged to the genotype TcI, which is prevalent in North America. Our findings indicate that the El Paso County and surrounding communities (>950,000 people) are high risk areas for T. cruzi transmission to humans, feral cats and dogs, and wild animals. Thus, there is an urgent necessity for a public health epidemiological surveillance program for T. cruzi infections in kissing bugs, feral and wild animals, and in the human population in the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Collapse
|
18
|
Dumonteil E, Herrera C. The Case for the Development of a Chagas Disease Vaccine: Why? How? When? Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6010016. [PMID: 33530605 PMCID: PMC7851737 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a major neglected tropical disease, transmitted predominantly by triatomine insect vectors, but also through congenital and oral routes. While endemic in the Americas, it has turned into a global disease. Because of the current drug treatment limitations, a vaccine would represent a major advancement for better control of the disease. Here, we review some of the rationale, advances, and challenges for the ongoing development of a vaccine against Chagas disease. Recent pre-clinical studies in murine models have further expanded (i) the range of vaccine platforms and formulations tested; (ii) our understanding of the immune correlates for protection; and (iii) the extent of vaccine effects on cardiac function, beyond survival and parasite burden. We further discuss outstanding issues and opportunities to move Chagas disease development forward in the near future.
Collapse
|
19
|
Estrada-Franco JG, Fernández-Santos NA, Adebiyi AA, López-López MDJ, Aguilar-Durán JA, Hernández-Triana LM, Prosser SWJ, Hebert PDN, Fooks AR, Hamer GL, Xue L, Rodríguez-Pérez MA. Vertebrate-Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera)-arbovirus transmission networks: Non-human feeding revealed by meta-barcoding and next-generation sequencing. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008867. [PMID: 33382725 PMCID: PMC7806141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes aegypti mosquito-borne viruses including Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV), yellow fever (YFV), and chikungunya (CHIKV) have emerged and re-emerged globally, resulting in an elevated burden of human disease. Aedes aegypti is found worldwide in tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate areas. The characterization of mosquito blood meals is essential to understand the transmission dynamics of mosquito-vectored pathogens. Methodology/principal findings Here, we report Ae. aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus host feeding patterns and arbovirus transmission in Northern Mexico using a metabarcoding-like approach with next-generation deep sequencing technology. A total of 145 Ae. aegypti yielded a blood meal analysis result with 107 (73.8%) for a single vertebrate species and 38 (26.2%) for two or more. Among the single host blood meals for Ae. aegypti, 28.0% were from humans, 54.2% from dogs, 16.8% from cats, and 1.0% from tortoises. Among those with more than one species present, 65.9% were from humans and dogs. For Cx. quinquefasciatus, 388 individuals yielded information with 326 (84%) being from a single host and 63 (16.2%) being from two or more hosts. Of the single species blood meals, 77.9% were from dogs, 6.1% from chickens, 3.1% from house sparrows, 2.4% from humans, while the remaining 10.5% derived from other 12 host species. Among those which had fed on more than one species, 11% were from dogs and humans, and 89% of other host species combinations. Forage ratio analysis revealed dog as the most over-utilized host by Ae. aegypti (= 4.3) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (= 5.6) and the human blood index at 39% and 4%, respectively. A total of 2,941 host-seeking female Ae. aegypti and 3,536 Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were collected in the surveyed area. Of these, 118 Ae. aegypti pools and 37 Cx. quinquefasciatus pools were screened for seven arboviruses (ZIKV, DENV 1–4, CHIKV, and West Nile virus (WNV)) using qRT-PCR and none were positive (point prevalence = 0%). The 95%-exact upper limit confidence interval was 0.07% and 0.17% for Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively Conclusions/significance The low human blood feeding rate in Ae. aegypti, high rate of feeding on mammals by Cx. quinquefasciatus, and the potential risk to transmission dynamics of arboviruses in highly urbanized areas of Northern Mexico is discussed. Elucidating arbovirus-vector-host contact networks is critical to understand and control mosquito-borne virus transmission, including pathogens such as ZIKV, DENV 1–4, CHIKV, and WNV. Here, we report the results of metabarcoding of blood meals of two primary pathogen mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. We found limited human blood feeding by Ae. aegypti and high preference for feeding on mammals by Cx. quinquefasciatus. Interestingly, blood meal analysis revealed dogs as the most utilized host for both vector species suggesting the potential for zooprophylaxis for human-amplified urban arboviruses. Pools of these vector species were tested for seven arboviruses and all were negative. We calculated vectorial capacity to discuss the potential risk and transmission dynamics of pathogens transmitted by these two important vectors in an urban location in Northern Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia A. Fernández-Santos
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Ciudad Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Adeniran A. Adebiyi
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Ciudad Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México
| | - María de J. López-López
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Ciudad Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Jesús A. Aguilar-Durán
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Ciudad Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México
| | | | | | - Paul D. N. Hebert
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony R. Fooks
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ling Xue
- College of Mathematical Sciences, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Mario A. Rodríguez-Pérez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Ciudad Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México
- * E-mail: ,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting dogs in southern Louisiana sheds light on parasite transmission cycles and serological diagnostic performance. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008932. [PMID: 33332357 PMCID: PMC7775123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We genotyped parasites in a large cohort of PCR positive dogs to shed light on parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance. Methodology/principal findings We used a metabarcoding approach based on deep sequencing of T. cruzi mini-exon marker to assess parasite diversity. Phylogenetic analysis of 178 sequences from 40 dogs confirmed the presence of T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) TcI and TcIV, as well as TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Infections with multiple DTUs occurred in 38% of the dogs. These data indicate a greater genetic diversity of T. cruzi than previously detected in the US. Comparison of T. cruzi sequence diversity indicated that highly similar T. cruzi strains from these DTUs circulate in hosts and vectors in Louisiana, indicating that they are involved in a shared T. cruzi parasite transmission cycle. However, TcIV and TcV were sampled more frequently in vectors, while TcII and TcVI were sampled more frequently in dogs. Conclusions/significance These observations point to ecological host-fitting being a dominant mechanism involved in the diversification of T. cruzi-host associations. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positive T. cruzi serology harbored TcI parasites with different mini-exon sequences, which strongly supports the hypothesis that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of conserved parasite antigens should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests. Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Here we analyzed the parasite genetic diversity in a large cohort of infected dogs to better understand parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance. We used DNA sequencing of a well characterized T. cruzi genetic marker to assess parasite diversity. We confirmed the presence of T. cruzi lineages TcI and TcIV, and report TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Parasite lineages TcIV TcII and TcVI appeared more frequent in dogs compared to insect vectors. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positive T. cruzi serology harbored genetically different TcI parasites, which shows that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of parasite antigens conserved across strains and lineages should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests.
Collapse
|
21
|
Ghersi BM, Peterson AC, Gibson NL, Dash A, Elmayan A, Schwartzenburg H, Tu W, Riegel C, Herrera C, Blum MJ. In the heart of the city: Trypanosoma cruzi infection prevalence in rodents across New Orleans. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:577. [PMID: 33189151 PMCID: PMC7666460 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi - the causative agent of Chagas disease - is known to circulate in commensal pests, but its occurrence in urban environments is not well understood. We addressed this deficit by determining the distribution and prevalence of T. cruzi infection in urban populations of commensal and wild rodents across New Orleans (Louisiana, USA). We assessed whether T. cruzi prevalence varies according to host species identity and species co-occurrences, and whether T. cruzi prevalence varies across mosaics of abandonment that shape urban rodent demography and assemblage structure in the city. METHODS Leveraging city-wide population and assemblage surveys, we tested 1428 rodents comprising 5 species (cotton rats, house mice, Norway rats, rice rats and roof rats) captured at 98 trapping sites in 11 study areas across New Orleans including nine residential neighborhoods and a natural area in Orleans Parish and a neighborhood in St. Bernard Parish. We also assayed Norway rats at one site in Baton Rouge (Louisiana, USA). We used chi-square tests to determine whether infection prevalence differed among host species, among study areas, and among trapping sites according to the number of host species present. We used generalized linear mixed models to identify predictors of T. cruzi infection for all rodents and each host species, respectively. RESULTS We detected T. cruzi in all host species in all study areas in New Orleans, but not in Baton Rouge. Though overall infection prevalence was 11%, it varied by study area and trapping site. There was no difference in prevalence by species, but roof rats exhibited the broadest geographical distribution of infection across the city. Infected rodents were trapped in densely populated neighborhoods like the French Quarter. Infection prevalence seasonally varied with abandonment, increasing with greater abandonment during the summer and declining with greater abandonment during the winter. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate that T. cruzi can be widespread in urban landscapes, suggesting that transmission and disease risk is greater than is currently recognized. Our findings also suggest that there is disproportionate risk of transmission in historically underserved communities, which could reinforce long-standing socioecological disparities in New Orleans and elsewhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M. Ghersi
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| | - Anna C. Peterson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| | - Nathaniel L. Gibson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| | - Asha Dash
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Ardem Elmayan
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Hannah Schwartzenburg
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Claudia Riegel
- City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, Rodent Control Board, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Michael J. Blum
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Madigan R, Majoy S, Ritter K, Luis Concepción J, Márquez ME, Silva SC, Zao CL, Pérez Alvarez A, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Mogollón-Mendoza AC, Estep JS, Benaím G, Paniz-Mondolfi AE. Investigation of a combination of amiodarone and itraconazole for treatment of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 255:317-329. [PMID: 31298647 DOI: 10.2460/javma.255.3.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical, serologic, parasitological, and histologic outcomes of dogs with naturally occurring Trypanosoma cruzi infection treated for 12 months with amiodarone and itraconazole. ANIMALS 121 dogs from southern Texas and southern Louisiana. PROCEDURES Treatment group dogs (n = 105) received a combination of amiodarone hydrochloride (approx 7.5 mg/kg [3.4 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, with or without a loading dosage protocol) and itraconazole (approx 10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, adjusted to maintain a plasma concentration of 1 to 2 μg/mL) for 12 months. Control group dogs (n = 16) received no antitrypanosomal medications. Serologic assays for anti-T cruzi antibodies, PCR assays for T cruzi DNA in blood, and physical evaluations were performed 1, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after study initiation. Adverse events were recorded. Outcomes of interest were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS 86 of 105 treatment group dogs and 8 of 16 control group dogs survived and completed the study (5/19 and 6/7 deaths of treatment and control group dogs, respectively, were attributed to T cruzi infection). Mean survival time until death attributed to T cruzi was longer (23.19 vs 15.64 months) for the treatment group. Results of PCR assays were negative for all (n = 92) tested treatment group dogs (except for 1 dog at 1 time point) from 6 to 24 months after study initiation. Clinical improvement in ≥ 1 clinical sign was observed in 53 of 54 and 0 of 10 treatment and control group dogs, respectively; adverse drug events were minor and reversible. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested efficacy of this trypanocidal drug combination for the treatment of T cruzi infection in dogs.
Collapse
|
23
|
Meyers AC, Purnell JC, Ellis MM, Auckland LD, Meinders M, Hamer SA. Nationwide Exposure of U.S. Working Dogs to the Chagas Disease Parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:1078-1085. [PMID: 32189615 PMCID: PMC7204581 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic protozoan parasite vectored by triatomine insects that are endemic to the Americas, including the southern United States. Surveillance of domestic dogs for T. cruzi exposure allows for the determination of geographic regions of transmission that are relevant for human and animal health. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) working dogs provide critical security and detection services across the country, and many train or work in the southern United States, where they are at risk for T. cruzi exposure. We sampled blood from 1,610 working dogs (predominantly Belgian Malinois, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers) from six task forces (including the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Secret Service, and more) and two canine training centers across 41 states from 2015 to 2018. Canine sera that were reactive on at least two independent serological assays were considered positive for anti-T.-cruzi antibodies. In addition, up to three independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect and type T. cruzi DNA. Overall seroprevalence was 7.5%, and four dogs (0.25%, n = 1,610) had detectable parasite DNA in the blood, comprising parasite discrete taxonomic units (DTUs) TcIV and a coinfection of TcI/TcIV. Dogs that worked within versus outside of the geographic range of established triatomines showed comparable seroprevalence (7.3% and 9.2%, respectively; P = 0.61). Determining the prevalence of T. cruzi in these working dogs and looking at spatially associated risk factors have practical implications for disease risk management and could assist with improved control measures to protect both animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Julia C Purnell
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Megan M Ellis
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Marvin Meinders
- Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Meyers AC, Ellis MM, Purnell JC, Auckland LD, Meinders M, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Selected cardiac abnormalities in Trypanosoma cruzi serologically positive, discordant, and negative working dogs along the Texas-Mexico border. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:101. [PMID: 32228593 PMCID: PMC7106864 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02322-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is increasingly recognized in the southern U.S., where triatomine vectors transmit Trypanosoma cruzi among wildlife and domestic dogs with occasional vector spillover to humans. As in humans, clinical outcome in dogs is variable, ranging from acute death to asymptomatic infections or chronic heart disease. In order to characterize cardiac manifestations of T. cruzi infections, we tracked a cohort of naturally-infected dogs and a matched cohort of uninfected dogs. We hypothesized that selected measures of cardiac disease (abnormal rate, abnormal rhythm, and elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI; a biomarker of cardiac injury)) would occur more commonly in infected than uninfected dogs matched by age, breed, sex and location. In addition to the clearly positive and negative dogs, we specifically tracked dogs with discordant test results across three independent serological assays to gather clinical data that might elucidate the infection status of these animals and inform the utility of the different testing approaches. RESULTS We placed an ambulatory ECG monitor (Holter) on 48 government working dogs and analyzed 39 successful recordings that met length and quality criteria from 17 T. cruzi-infected, 18 uninfected dogs and 4 dogs with discordant results. Overall, 76.5% of positive, 100.0% of discordant, and 11.1% of negative dogs showed > 1 ECG abnormality (p < 0.0001), and positive and discordant dogs had a higher mean number of different types of ECG abnormalities than negative dogs (p < 0.001-0.014). The most common cardiac abnormalities included supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias and atrioventricular block. Positive dogs had higher serum concentrations of cTnI than both negative dogs (p = 0.044) and discordant dogs (p = 0.06). Based on dog handler reports, nearly all (4/5; 80%) dogs with reported performance decline or fatigue were T. cruzi-infected dogs. CONCLUSIONS Further understanding cardiac manifestations in dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi is critical for prognostication, establishing a baseline for drug and vaccine studies, and better understanding of zoonotic risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Meyers
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, MS4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Megan M Ellis
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1601, USA
| | - Julia C Purnell
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, MS4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, MS4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Marvin Meinders
- National Association of Federal Veterinarians, 1910 Sunderland Pl NW, Washington, D.C, 20036, USA
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, MS4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, MS4458, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kruse CS, Guerra DA, Gelillo-Smith R, Vargas A, Krishnan L, Stigler-Granados P. Leveraging Technology to Manage Chagas Disease by Tracking Domestic and Sylvatic Animal Hosts as Sentinels: A Systematic Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1126-1134. [PMID: 31549619 PMCID: PMC6838565 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of Chagas in the United States show more is known about prevalence in animals and vectors than in humans. Leveraging health information technology (HIT) may augment surveillance efforts for Chagas disease (CD), given its ability to disseminate information through health information exchanges (HIE) and geographical information systems (GISs). This systematic review seeks to determine whether technological tracking of Trypanosoma cruzi–infected domestic and/or sylvatic animals as sentinels can serve as a potential surveillance resource to manage CD in the southern United States. A Boolean search string was used in PubMed and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Relevance of results was established and analysis of articles was performed by multiple reviewers. The overall Cohen statistic was 0.73, demonstrating moderate agreement among the study team. Four major themes were derived for this systematic review (n = 41): animals act as reservoir hosts to perpetuate CD, transmission to humans could be dependent on cohabitation proximity, variations in T. cruzi genotypes could lead to different clinical manifestations, and leveraging technology to track T. cruzi in domestic animals could reveal prevalent areas or “danger zones.” Overall, our systematic review identified that HIT can serve as a surveillance tool to manage CD. Health information technology can serve as a surveillance tool to manage CD. This can be accomplished by tracking domestic and/or sylvatic animals as sentinels within a GIS. Information can be disseminated through HIE for use by clinicians and public health officials to reach at-risk populations.
Collapse
|
26
|
Bern C, Messenger LA, Whitman JD, Maguire JH. Chagas Disease in the United States: a Public Health Approach. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 33:e00023-19. [PMID: 31776135 PMCID: PMC6927308 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00023-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, usually transmitted by triatomine vectors. An estimated 20 to 30% of infected individuals develop potentially lethal cardiac or gastrointestinal disease. Sylvatic transmission cycles exist in the southern United States, involving 11 triatomine vector species and infected mammals such as rodents, opossums, and dogs. Nevertheless, imported chronic T. cruzi infections in migrants from Latin America vastly outnumber locally acquired human cases. Benznidazole is now FDA approved, and clinical and public health efforts are under way by researchers and health departments in a number of states. Making progress will require efforts to improve awareness among providers and patients, data on diagnostic test performance and expanded availability of confirmatory testing, and evidence-based strategies to improve access to appropriate management of Chagas disease in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Bern
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D Whitman
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James H Maguire
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Rodgers S, Killets KC, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated histologic findings in domestic cats (Felis catus). Vet Parasitol 2019; 278:109014. [PMID: 31972512 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic protozoan parasite transmitted by triatomines that infects a wide range of mammals. South Texas is a hotspot for triatomines, T. cruzi-infected dogs and wildlife, and local transmission to humans also occurs. However, little is known about the infection of domestic cats (Felis catus) in the United States. Given the role cats play in the ecology of T. cruzi in Mexico and South America, we hypothesized that T. cruzi infection occurs in cats from south Texas, sometimes associated with cardiac pathology. In 2017, 167 euthanized cats from a south Texas shelter were sampled across winter, spring, and summer. We collected whole blood and hearts from all cats, with additional tissues from a subset. Serum samples were screened for T. cruzi antibodies using two independent rapid immunochromatographic tests and an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Cats were considered seropositive if they were positive on at least two independent serological tests. Blood clot, heart tissue and other tissues were subjected to qPCR for parasite detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination. Tissues from selected seropositive or PCR-positive animals and a subset of negative animals were processed routinely for histopathology and examined by a board-certified pathologist. A total of 19 cats (11.4%) were seropositive and three cats (1.8%) - one of which was seropositive - had one or more PCR-positive tissues. Infected tissues included heart, bicep femoris muscle, sciatic nerve, esophagus, and mesentery. Genotyping of the parastite to the level of DTU showed that exclusively DTU TcI was present, despite past studies showing both TcI and TcIV in vectors of the region. Eight of 19 (42.1%) seropositive cats exhibited lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, sometimes with fibrosis, in cardiac tissue compared to 28.6% of 28 seronegative cats (P = 0.10). Domestic cats are affected hosts in the eco-epidemiology of Chagas disease. Future prospective studies are needed to understand disease progression. Veterinarians in the southern United States should consider T. cruzi in their index of suspicion in cats with exposure to vectors and undetermined cardiac abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Italo B Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sandy Rodgers
- Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 483 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Keswick C Killets
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Roegner AF, Daniels ME, Smith WA, Gottdenker N, Schwartz LM, Liu J, Campbell A, Fiorello CV. Giardia Infection and Trypanosoma Cruzi Exposure in Dogs in the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, Nicaragua. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:512-522. [PMID: 31414319 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous Mayangna and Miskitu inhabit Nicaragua's remote Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, located in the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region. They are sedentary horticulturists who supplement their diet with wild game, hunting with the assistance of dogs. To test whether hunting dogs increased the risk of human exposure to protozoal zoonotic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), we sampled dogs from three communities varying in population size and level of contact with other communities. We screened dog feces (n = 58) for Giardia and Cryptosporidium DNA and sera (n = 78) for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies and DNA. Giardia DNA was detected in 22% (13/58) of samples; sequencing revealed the presence of both zoonotic genotypes (assemblages A and B) and dog-specific genotypes (assemblages C and D). Giardia shedding was associated with community and age. Older dogs and those in the two, more accessible communities had greater odds of shedding parasites. Seroprevalence of T. cruzi antibodies, indicating prior exposure, was 9% (7/78). These results contribute to the limited literature on NTDs in indigenous populations, and suggest hunting dogs can both serve as sentinels of environmental NTDs and pose zoonotic risk for their owners and communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber F Roegner
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Miles E Daniels
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Woutrina A Smith
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Laura M Schwartz
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - James Liu
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- The Turtle Conservancy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Campbell
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christine V Fiorello
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Albuquerque BioPark, 2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
High prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in shelter dogs from southern Louisiana, USA. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:322. [PMID: 31238941 PMCID: PMC6593594 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3572-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The role of dogs as sentinels has been proposed in multiple regions, as they are a domestic reservoir for T. cruzi. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in shelter dogs from southern Louisiana, and assess its magnitude and distribution. Results A total of 540 dogs were enrolled, from 20 animal shelters, and tested for T. cruzi infection by serological tests (rapid test, ELISA and western blot) and PCR. We documented a high prevalence of T. cruzi infection with at least 6.9% (95% CI: 5.0–9.3%) seropositive and 15.7% (95% CI: 12.9–19.1%) PCR-positive dogs. Serological tests showed limited agreement, and concordance between serology and PCR was higher when considering reactivity to single serological tests. Trypanosoma cruzi infection was distributed evenly among shelters. Infection was significantly correlated with age (R2 = 0.99), indicating an incidence of new cases of 2.27 ± 0.25% per year. Conclusion Trypanosoma cruzi infection is a significant and widespread veterinary problem in shelter dogs in the region, although it is mostly unnoticed by health professionals. This highlights the need for greater awareness of T. cruzi infection among the veterinary community and dog owners. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3572-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
30
|
Bonilla MC, Castro-Vásquez RM, Herrero-Acosta MV, Urbina-Villalobos A, Dolz G. Canine trypanosomiasis in an endemic Costa Rican community: Demonstration of the active infection cycle. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 17:100307. [PMID: 31303214 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of canine trypanosomiasis in an endemic community of Costa Rica. The indirect hemagglutination and indirect immunofluorescence assay yielded positive results in 6.4% (20/314) of canine samples analyzed; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and light microscopy yielded positive results in one dog. Subsequently, a longitudinal study was carried out with 55 negative T. cruzi canines in the cross-sectional study. These dogs were divided into two groups: Group 1, which consisted of 25 individuals that lived in dwellings where triatomines were found in their homes; and Group 2, which consisted of 30 dogs that lived in dwellings where triatomines were not found during the previous study in their homes. Seroconversion occurred in six dogs (10.9%) in Group 1 in the first months of the year (dry season); these dogs remained seropositive until the end of the study. Only one of the six seropositive canines was also found positive once in T. cruzi PCR. The analysis of the amplified T. cruzi sequences of dogs and triatomines showed that all of them belonged to the TcI lineage. It is recommended that residents be made aware of the need to eliminate vectors in their homes and their surroundings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Bonilla
- Laboratorio de Docencia e Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, Programa MEDPOB, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Ruth M Castro-Vásquez
- Laboratorio de Docencia e Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, Programa MEDPOB, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Marco Vinicio Herrero-Acosta
- Laboratorio de Docencia e Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, Programa MEDPOB, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Andrea Urbina-Villalobos
- Laboratorio de Zoonosis, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Gaby Dolz
- Laboratorio de Docencia e Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, Programa MEDPOB, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. Heredia, Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Meyers AC, Hamer SA, Matthews D, Gordon SG, Saunders AB. Risk factors and select cardiac characteristics in dogs naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi presenting to a teaching hospital in Texas. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:1695-1706. [PMID: 31119786 PMCID: PMC6639495 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causes sudden death and chronic heart disease with no currently approved treatment. Objective To report epidemiologic and select cardiac characteristics associated with T. cruzi infection in dogs presenting to a teaching hospital in Texas. Animals Three hundred seventy‐five client‐owned dogs. Methods A retrospective search of medical records identified dogs tested for T. cruzi antibodies or with histologic T. cruzi parasites. Data retrieved included signalment, location of residence, reported reason for testing, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration, and ECG abnormalities. Results Trypanosoma cruzi‐infected dogs (N = 63, 16.8%) were significantly younger than negative dogs (N = 312) (mean, 5.9 ± 3.8 versus 7.4 ± 4.0 years; P = .007) with no difference by sex or breed. Ninety‐one breeds were tested; the highest percent infected were non‐sporting (10/35; 29%) and toy breed (10/42; 24%) groups. The odds of infection were 13 times greater among dogs with an infected housemate or littermate (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.94‐50.45; P < .001). Infected dogs were more likely to have ventricular arrhythmias (odds ratio [OR], 2.19; 95% CI, 1.15‐4.33, P = .02), combinations of ECG abnormalities (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.37‐5.99; P = .004), and cTnI >0.129 ng/mL (ADVIA; OR, 10.71; 95% CI, 1.60‐212.21; P = .035). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Dogs infected with T. cruzi were identified in Texas in many breed groups including breeds affected by well‐described heart diseases that mimic Chagas disease suggesting a need for increased awareness, including knowledge of when to consider testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Derek Matthews
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sonya G Gordon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dye-Braumuller KC, Gorchakov R, Gunter SM, Nielsen DH, Roachell WD, Wheless A, Debboun M, Murray KO, Nolan MS. Identification of Triatomines and Their Habitats in a Highly Developed Urban Environment. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:265-273. [PMID: 30571182 PMCID: PMC6459272 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Eleven triatomine species, the vector for Chagas disease, are endemic in the southern U.S. While traditionally thought to only occur in rural habitats and sylvatic transmission cycles, recent studies provide compounding evidence that triatomines could exist in urban habitats and domestic transmission cycles in Texas. We conducted a study of active and passive surveillance techniques over 3 years (2016-2018) in the City of Houston, Harris County, Texas to determine the presence of triatomines in this metroplex. Active surveillance methods uncovered Triatoma sanguisuga nymphs from two locations in downtown Houston city parks. We also documented the first Trypanosoma cruzi positive kissing bug collected in an urban environment of Harris County, Texas. Our findings provide evidence that triatomines can be found in heavily populated U.S. urban environments, and warrant public health support for expanded triatomine and Chagas disease surveillance in city settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodion Gorchakov
- Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Sarah M. Gunter
- Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - David H. Nielsen
- Public Health Command Central, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Walter D. Roachell
- Public Health Command Central, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Anna Wheless
- Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Mustapha Debboun
- Mosquito and Vector Control Division, Harris County Public Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Melissa S. Nolan
- Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
- Department of Epidemiology, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Latas PJ, Reavill D. Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection in Sugar Gliders (Petaurus Breviceps) and Hedgehogs (Atelerix Albiventris) Via Ingestion. J Exot Pet Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
34
|
Current Gaps and Needs for Increasing Access to Healthcare for People with Chagas Disease in the USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-019-0170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
35
|
Hodo CL, Rodriguez JY, Curtis‐Robles R, Zecca IB, Snowden KF, Cummings KJ, Hamer SA. Repeated cross-sectional study of Trypanosoma cruzi in shelter dogs in Texas, in the context of Dirofilaria immitis and tick-borne pathogen prevalence. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:158-166. [PMID: 30499189 PMCID: PMC6335532 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne diseases have an adverse impact on health of dogs, and infected dogs can be sentinels for human infection. Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, an agent of Chagas disease, causes fatal heart disease in dogs across the southern United States but has been neglected from wide-scale prevalence studies. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of exposure to T. cruzi, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and infection with Dirofilaria immitis among dogs in shelters across Texas and to identify risk factors for T. cruzi seropositivity. ANIMALS Six hundred and eight dogs. METHODS This repeated cross-sectional study was performed by collecting blood from ~30 dogs during each of the 3 visits to 7 shelters. We tested serum for antibodies to T. cruzi using 2 tests in series and for antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and B. burgdorferi and D. immitis antigen using the IDEXX SNAP 4DX Plus point-of-care test. DNA was extracted from blood clots and tested for T. cruzi DNA and strain type via quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR). We used logistic regression to assess risk factors. RESULTS One hundred ten (18.1%) of 608 dogs were seropositive for T. cruzi. Prevalence of exposure to the other vector-borne agents was: Ehrlichia spp. 3.6%; Anaplasma spp. 6.9%; B. burgdorferi 0.2%; and D. immitis infection 16.0%. Six of 559 (1.1%) dogs were qPCR-positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE T. cruzi seroprevalence was comparable to D. immitis prevalence and higher than seroprevalence of the tick-borne pathogens. T. cruzi is an underrecognized health threat to dogs across Texas and possibly other southern states where triatomine vectors are endemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Jessica Y. Rodriguez
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
- Zoetis, US Companion Animal Specialty OperationsParsippanyNew Jersey
| | - Rachel Curtis‐Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Karen F. Snowden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| | - Kevin J. Cummings
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNew York
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexas
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hodo CL, Hamer SA. Toward an Ecological Framework for Assessing Reservoirs of Vector-Borne Pathogens: Wildlife Reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi across the Southern United States. ILAR J 2018; 58:379-392. [PMID: 29106561 PMCID: PMC6019048 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife species are critical for both feeding vectors and serving as reservoirs of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. Transmission pathways leading to disease in humans or other target taxa might be better understood and managed given a complete understanding of the relative importance of different reservoir species in nature. Using the conceptual framework of “reservoir potential,” which considers elements of both reservoir competence and vector-host contact, we review the wildlife reservoirs of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southern United States, where many species of triatomine vectors occur and wildlife maintain enzootic cycles that create a risk of spillover to humans, domestic dogs, and captive nonhuman primates that may develop Chagas disease. We reviewed 77 published reports of T. cruzi infection in at least 26 wildlife species across 15 southern states. Among the most well-studied and highly infected reservoirs are raccoon (Procyon lotor), woodrat (Neotoma spp.), and opossum (Didelphis virginiana), with aggregate overall infection prevalences of 36.4, 34.7, and 22.9%, respectively. Just over 60% of studies utilized methods from which an infectiousness index could be generated and show that raccoons and striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) are among the most infectious wildlife hosts. Triatomine-host contact has sparsely been quantified in the southern United States, but 18 of the 24 host species previously identified to have been fed upon by triatomines are wildlife. Future studies to parameterize the reservoir potential model, especially to quantify wildlife infectiousness, vector-host contact, and the epidemiological importance of parasite strains maintained by wildlife, could open new doors for managing enzootic cycles and reducing T. cruzi spillover risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L Hodo
- Carolyn L. Hodo, DVM, DACVP, is a PhD candidate in the department of Veterinary Pathobiology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in College Station, Texas. Sarah A. Hamer, PhD, DVM, DACVPM, is an assistant professor in the department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in College Station, Texas
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Carolyn L. Hodo, DVM, DACVP, is a PhD candidate in the department of Veterinary Pathobiology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in College Station, Texas. Sarah A. Hamer, PhD, DVM, DACVPM, is an assistant professor in the department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in College Station, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Auckland LD, Zecca IB, Skiles R, Hamer SA. Parasitic interactions among Trypanosoma cruzi, triatomine vectors, domestic animals, and wildlife in Big Bend National Park along the Texas-Mexico border. Acta Trop 2018; 188:225-233. [PMID: 30205082 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
National parks attract millions of visitors each year. Park visitors, employees, and pets are at risk of infection with various zoonotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. Big Bend National Park is located along the Texas-Mexico border in a region with endemic triatomine insects- vectors of T. cruzi- yet the degree to which the parasite is transmitted in this region is unknown. We collected triatomines for T. cruzi detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination, and conducted blood meal analyses to determine recent hosts. As an index of domestic/peridomestic transmission, we tested residential dogs in the Park for exposure to T. cruzi. From 2015 to 2017, 461 triatomines of three species-Triatoma rubida, Triatoma gerstaeckeri, and Triatoma protracta-were collected in and around the Park. Adult triatomine encounters peaked in June of each year (52.8% of collections). We detected an overall infection prevalence of 23.1% in adult triatomines (n = 320) and 4.2% in nymph triatomines (n = 24). DTU TcI was the only T. cruzi strain detected. Of 89 triatomines subjected to blood meal analyses, vertebrate host DNA was successfully amplified from 42 (47.2%); blood meal sources included humans, domestic animals, and avian and mammalian wildlife species. Tested dogs were considered positive if reactive on at least two independent serologic assays; we found 28.6% seroprevalence in 14 dogs. These findings reveal interactions between infected triatomines, humans, dogs, and wildlife in and around Big Bend National Park, with potential risk of human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Italo B Zecca
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Raymond Skiles
- Big Bend National Park, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mesa-Arciniegas P, Parra-Henao G, Carrión-Bonifacio Á, Casas-Cruz A, Patiño-Cuellar A, Díaz-Rodríguez K, Garzón-Jiménez S, Almansa-Manrique J, Bernal-Rosas Y, Hernández-Lamus C, Pedraza-Toscano A, Torres-García O. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in naturally infected dogs from an endemic region of Cundinamarca, Colombia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 14:212-216. [PMID: 31014732 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The seropositivity and risk factors for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs from a municipality of Cundinamarca, a central state of Colombia were studied. A total of 356 client-owned dogs from urban, peri-urban and rural areas of La Mesa municipality, (Cundinamarca, Colombia) were randomly selected. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture. Anti-T. cruzi antibodies were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Reactive ELISA sera were processed by indirect immunofluorescence to confirm the presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Chi-square tests were conducted for statistical analysis. Serologic tests for T. cruzi infection showed a prevalence of 29.49% (105/356), the rural area show a highest T. cruzi infection pattern in comparison with the other zone locations. Two triatomine species were found through the study: Panstrongylus geniculatus (53.4%) and Rhodnius colombiensis (46.6%). The prevalence of positive vectors for parasite was of 52.1% (38/73). Additionally, a very close relation between triatomine bugs and dogs in the rural zone (1:3.1) was observed. These results are the first report of natural infection by T. cruzi in domestic dogs in La Mesa municipality. In conclusion, the presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies in dogs in this area suggest vector transmission. There is a need for active surveillance programs throughout the La Mesa municipality and vector control strategies should also be implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Mesa-Arciniegas
- Facultad de Ciencias de la salud Programa de Bacteriología, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca - UCMC, Calle 28 No. 5B-02, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Gabriel Parra-Henao
- Centro de Investigación en Salud para el Trópico, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta - UCC - Troncal del Caribe, Km 3, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia; Red Chagas Colombia, Cl. 26 #51-20, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Ángela Carrión-Bonifacio
- Facultad de Ciencias de la salud Programa de Bacteriología, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca - UCMC, Calle 28 No. 5B-02, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Adriana Casas-Cruz
- Centro de Investigación en Salud para el Trópico, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Santa Marta - UCC - Troncal del Caribe, Km 3, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
| | - Ana Patiño-Cuellar
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño - UAN, Sede Circunvalar - Carrera 3 este # 47A-15, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Katherine Díaz-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la salud Programa de Bacteriología, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca - UCMC, Calle 28 No. 5B-02, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Sandra Garzón-Jiménez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño - UAN, Sede Circunvalar - Carrera 3 este # 47A-15, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jorge Almansa-Manrique
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño - UAN, Sede Circunvalar - Carrera 3 este # 47A-15, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Yuly Bernal-Rosas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño - UAN, Sede Circunvalar - Carrera 3 este # 47A-15, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Claribell Hernández-Lamus
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño - UAN, Sede Circunvalar - Carrera 3 este # 47A-15, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Adriana Pedraza-Toscano
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño - UAN, Sede Circunvalar - Carrera 3 este # 47A-15, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Orlando Torres-García
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Antonio Nariño - UAN, Sede Circunvalar - Carrera 3 este # 47A-15, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Nunes MCP, Beaton A, Acquatella H, Bern C, Bolger AF, Echeverría LE, Dutra WO, Gascon J, Morillo CA, Oliveira-Filho J, Ribeiro ALP, Marin-Neto JA. Chagas Cardiomyopathy: An Update of Current Clinical Knowledge and Management: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2018; 138:e169-e209. [DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Chagas disease, resulting from the protozoan
Trypanosoma cruzi
, is an important cause of heart failure, stroke, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Traditionally regarded as a tropical disease found only in Central America and South America, Chagas disease now affects at least 300 000 residents of the United States and is growing in prevalence in other traditionally nonendemic areas. Healthcare providers and health systems outside of Latin America need to be equipped to recognize, diagnose, and treat Chagas disease and to prevent further disease transmission.
Methods and Results:
The American Heart Association and the Inter-American Society of Cardiology commissioned this statement to increase global awareness among providers who may encounter patients with Chagas disease outside of traditionally endemic environments. In this document, we summarize the most updated information on diagnosis, screening, and treatment of
T cruzi
infection, focusing primarily on its cardiovascular aspects. This document also provides quick reference tables, highlighting salient considerations for a patient with suspected or confirmed Chagas disease.
Conclusions:
This statement provides a broad summary of current knowledge and practice in the diagnosis and management of Chagas cardiomyopathy. It is our intent that this document will serve to increase the recognition of Chagas cardiomyopathy in low-prevalence areas and to improve care for patients with Chagas heart disease around the world.
Collapse
|
40
|
Identification of White-tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) as a Novel Reservoir Species for Trypanosoma cruzi in Texas, USA. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:814-818. [PMID: 29889005 DOI: 10.7589/2017-09-223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a vector-borne parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, represents a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the Americas. Mammalian reservoir species play a large role in propagating the sylvatic transmission cycle of this disease, and this cycle can spill over, resulting in human infections. Our understanding of the wildlife species implicated in propagating this transmission cycle is incomplete. We investigated white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) as a potential novel reservoir for this parasite. Only one of the 314 hunter-harvested deer hearts collected across Texas, was PCR-positive (0.3%) for T. cruzi. This finding has potential implications for deer hunters, because it indicates that there might be a risk of blood-borne transmission during the field-dressing process. Hunters should be strongly encouraged to wear gloves and other personal protective equipment when handling carcasses to prevent exposure to infected blood.
Collapse
|
41
|
Sathler-Avelar R, Mattoso-Barbosa AM, Martins-Filho OA, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Vitelli-Avelar DM, VandeBerg JL, VandeBerg JF. Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Non-Human Primates. Primates 2018. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.71652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
42
|
Acquatella H, Asch FM, Barbosa MM, Barros M, Bern C, Cavalcante JL, Echeverria Correa LE, Lima J, Marcus R, Marin-Neto JA, Migliore R, Milei J, Morillo CA, Nunes MCP, Campos Vieira ML, Viotti R. Recommendations for Multimodality Cardiac Imaging in Patients with Chagas Disease: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography in Collaboration With the InterAmerican Association of Echocardiography (ECOSIAC) and the Cardiovascular Imaging Department of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (DIC-SBC). J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2018; 31:3-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
43
|
Horney J, Goldberg D, Hammond T, Stone K, Smitherman S. Assessing the Prevalence of Risk Factors for Neglected Tropical Diseases in Brazos County, Texas. PLOS CURRENTS 2017; 9:ecurrents.outbreaks.93540c6c8c7831670591b0264479269c. [PMID: 29188134 PMCID: PMC5693448 DOI: 10.1371/currents.outbreaks.93540c6c8c7831670591b0264479269c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although more than one billion people live at risk of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in areas of Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, the degree to which they burden countries like the U.S. is unclear. Even though many NTDs such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease are typically not endemic to the U.S., the possibility of their emergence is noteworthy, especially in states like Texas with high levels of poverty, large immigrant populations, geographic proximity to endemic areas, and a climate amenable to the vectors for these diseases. Despite the health threat that emerging NTDs may pose, little is known about the prevalence of risk factors for NTDs in the U.S. METHODS We tested the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) method to assess the prevalence of risk factors for NTDs in Brazos County, Texas.Results: We found relatively low prevalence of risk factors related to travel (5.2% of respondents visited an endemic area in the previous 3 months); however, few respondents reported adherence to mosquito prevention, such as wearing long sleeves and long pants (14.1%, 95% CI: 13.9,14.4) and repellant containing DEET (13.5%, 95% CI: 13.2,13.7). Between 5.4% and 35.8% of respondents had a visible container (e.g., pet water dishes, flower pots, bird baths) that could support mosquito breeding. DISCUSSION CASPER findings present public health authorities with potential avenues for implementing health education and other interventions aimed at reducing exposure to risk factors for NTDs among Texas residents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Horney
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
| | - Daniel Goldberg
- Department of Geography, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
| | - Tracy Hammond
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
| | - Kahler Stone
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
| | - Seth Smitherman
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Mihalca AD, Traub RJ, Lappin M, Baneth G. Zoonotic Parasites of Sheltered and Stray Dogs in the Era of the Global Economic and Political Crisis. Trends Parasitol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
45
|
Arce-Fonseca M, Carrillo-Sánchez SC, Molina-Barrios RM, Martínez-Cruz M, Cedillo-Cobián JR, Henao-Díaz YA, Rodríguez-Morales O. Seropositivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in domestic dogs from Sonora, Mexico. Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:120. [PMID: 28870247 PMCID: PMC5584529 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0333-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is an important health problem in Latin America due to its incapacitating effects and associated mortality. Studies on seropositivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexican dogs have demonstrated a direct correlation between seropositivity in humans and dogs, which can act as sentinels for the disease in this region. The objective of this study was to determine the seropositivity for T.cruzi infection in dogs from Sonora, a northern borderstate of Mexico. METHODS Responsible pet owners were selected at random from an urban area of Empalme municipality, Sonora, Mexico, and from there, 180 dog samples were collected. Anti-T. cruzi antibodies were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Reactive ELISA sera were processed by indirect immunofluorescence to confirm the presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. For the statistical analysis, chi-square tests were conducted. RESULTS Dogs' sera showed a seropositivity rate of 4.44%. The rate of seropositivity was not associated with the dogs' age, sex, or socioeconomics pertaining to the geographical area. One sample (1/180, 0.55%) showed the acute state of the disease. CONCLUSIONS The study found a presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies in dogs in this area, which suggests vector transmission. There is a need for active surveillance programs throughout the state of Sonora and vector control strategies should also be implemented in endemic regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Arce-Fonseca
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Silvia C. Carrillo-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ramón M. Molina-Barrios
- Department of Agronomics and Veterinary Sciences, Technological Institute of Sonora, 5 de Febrero 818 Sur, Centro, 85000, Cd Obregón, Mexico City, Sonora Mexico
| | - Mariana Martínez-Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jesús R. Cedillo-Cobián
- Department of Agronomics and Veterinary Sciences, Technological Institute of Sonora, 5 de Febrero 818 Sur, Centro, 85000, Cd Obregón, Mexico City, Sonora Mexico
| | - Yuly A. Henao-Díaz
- Department of Agronomics and Veterinary Sciences, Technological Institute of Sonora, 5 de Febrero 818 Sur, Centro, 85000, Cd Obregón, Mexico City, Sonora Mexico
| | - Olivia Rodríguez-Morales
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Cardiology “Ignacio Chávez”, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Delegación Tlalpan, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Meyers AC, Meinders M, Hamer SA. Widespread Trypanosoma cruzi infection in government working dogs along the Texas-Mexico border: Discordant serology, parasite genotyping and associated vectors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005819. [PMID: 28787451 PMCID: PMC5560752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease, caused by the vector-borne protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly recognized in the southern U.S. Government-owned working dogs along the Texas-Mexico border could be at heightened risk due to prolonged exposure outdoors in habitats with high densities of vectors. We quantified working dog exposure to T. cruzi, characterized parasite strains, and analyzed associated triatomine vectors along the Texas-Mexico border. Methodology/Principle findings In 2015–2016, we sampled government working dogs in five management areas plus a training center in Texas and collected triatomine vectors from canine environments. Canine serum was tested for anti-T. cruzi antibodies with up to three serological tests including two immunochromatographic assays (Stat-Pak and Trypanosoma Detect) and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test. The buffy coat fraction of blood and vector hindguts were tested for T. cruzi DNA and parasite discrete typing unit was determined. Overall seroprevalence was 7.4 and 18.9% (n = 528) in a conservative versus inclusive analysis, respectively, based on classifying weakly reactive samples as negative versus positive. Canines in two western management areas had 2.6–2.8 (95% CI: 1.0–6.8 p = 0.02–0.04) times greater odds of seropositivity compared to the training center. Parasite DNA was detected in three dogs (0.6%), including TcI and TcI/TcIV mix. Nine of 20 (45%) T. gerstaeckeri and T. rubida were infected with TcI and TcIV; insects analyzed for bloodmeals (n = 11) fed primarily on canine (54.5%). Conclusions/Significance Government working dogs have widespread exposure to T. cruzi across the Texas-Mexico border. Interpretation of sample serostatus was challenged by discordant results across testing platforms and very faint serological bands. In the absence of gold standard methodologies, epidemiological studies will benefit from presenting a range of results based on different tests/interpretation criteria to encompass uncertainty. Working dogs are highly trained in security functions and potential loss of duty from the clinical outcomes of infection could affect the work force and have broad consequences. Chagas disease, a potentially deadly cardiac disease of humans, canines and other mammals is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite is primarily transmitted to dogs by ingestion of infected triatomine ‘kissing bug’ vectors or through contact with the insect’s feces. Previous studies concluded that stray and shelter dogs are at high risk of infection in the southern U.S. We proposed that high-value U.S. government working dogs along the Texas-Mexico border may also be at high risk because of their activities in regions with established, infected vector populations. We sampled 528 working dogs along the Texas-Mexico border, and found that 7.4–18.9% of dogs were positive for T. cruzi antibodies and a small proportion (0.6%) also had parasite circulating in the blood. We collected two species of kissing bugs from the canine environments and used molecular approaches to determine that 45% were positive for T. cruzi and the majority had recently fed on canines. We highlight the need for better diagnostic tools for canine Chagas disease research and diagnosis. The widespread burden of T. cruzi infection in the government working dogs could be associated with far-reaching consequences for both animal and human well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marvin Meinders
- Office of Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Washington D.C., United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tahir D, Davoust B, Heu K, Lamour T, Demar M, Marié JL, Blanchet D. Molecular and serological investigation of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs in French Guiana. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 12:106-109. [PMID: 31014799 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Clinical cases of Chagas disease, an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, have been recently described in humans and dogs in French Guiana, a French overseas department located in South America. Elsewhere in endemic countries for this disease, cases of asymptomatic infections have been described. We performed a prevalence survey of the infection in dogs in Cayenne and Kourou, the main cities of French Guiana. In 2014 and 2016, blood samples were taken from 153 dogs from Cayenne and Kourou. All dogs were apparently healthy at the time of sampling. Sex and age of the dogs were recorded as well as the location where they lived. Serum samples from dogs were screened using a rapid immunochromatographic test (Chagas Stat-Pak®Assay, Chembio, USA) detecting anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Simultaneously, a real-time PCR targeting T. cruzi kDNA was performed on the blood samples of the dog. Six dogs (3.9%) were positive only in serology and one (0.6%) only in qPCR. Two dogs were positive for both tests. The prevalence of infection (positivity for one of the two tests) was 5.8% (9/153). There was no significant difference (χ2 test) between Cayenne (5/100) and Kourou (4/53), between males (3/60) and females (6/93), or between 2014 (2/55) and 2016 (7/98). Canine surveillance is a useful tool for the public health risk assessment of Chagas disease. Positive dogs, even when asymptomatic, should be treated as they can serve as a reservoir for T. cruzi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Tahir
- Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases (URMITE) - IHU Méditerranée Infection. Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases (URMITE) - IHU Méditerranée Infection. Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, Marseille, France; Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service, DRSSA Toulon, France
| | - Katy Heu
- University Medical Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier A. Rosemon, Cayenne, France
| | - Thierry Lamour
- Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service, DRSSA Toulon, France
| | - Magali Demar
- University Medical Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier A. Rosemon, Cayenne, France
| | - Jean-Lou Marié
- Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases (URMITE) - IHU Méditerranée Infection. Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, Marseille, France; Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the Military Health Service, DRSSA Toulon, France
| | - Denis Blanchet
- University Medical Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier A. Rosemon, Cayenne, France.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Smitherman S, Hammond T, Goldberg D, Horney J. Developing a CASPER Survey to Assess the Prevalence of Risk Factors for Neglected Tropical Diseases in Texas. Health Secur 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/hs.2016.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
49
|
Tahir D, Davoust B, Varloud M, Berenger JM, Raoult D, Almeras L, Parola P. Assessment of the anti-feeding and insecticidal effects of the combination of dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen (Vectra ® 3D) against Triatoma infestans on rats. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 31:132-139. [PMID: 27862092 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study, based on the rat model, was designed to explore the anti-feeding and insecticidal efficacy of a topical ectoparasiticide, dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen (DPP), against Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), for which dogs are domestic reservoir hosts. Twenty rats were divided into two equal groups: untreated and treated. Each rat was exposed under sedation to 16 T. infestans of mixed life stages for 1 h on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-treatment. The anti-feeding and insecticidal effects of DPP were estimated after 1 h of exposure. Insecticidal efficacy was also assessed after incubation of the insects for 24 h post-exposure. Anti-feeding efficacy was 96.7, 84.7, 80.5, 81.5 and 42.6% on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. Insecticidal efficacy evaluated at 1 and 24 h after exposure on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 was 100, 91.2, 82.5, 80.0 and 29.1, and 100, 100, 100, 96.0 and 49.9%, respectively. This study demonstrates that a single administration of DPP spot-on treatment at a dose equivalent to the minimal recommended dose in rats has a powerful effect against T. infestans starting from day 1 that lasts for at least 3 weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Tahir
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7278, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 198 (Dakar), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - B Davoust
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7278, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 198 (Dakar), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - M Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale SA, Libourne, France
| | - J-M Berenger
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7278, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 198 (Dakar), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - D Raoult
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7278, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 198 (Dakar), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - L Almeras
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7278, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 198 (Dakar), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - P Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), UM63, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 7278, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 198 (Dakar), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Browne AJ, Guerra CA, Alves RV, da Costa VM, Wilson AL, Pigott DM, Hay SI, Lindsay SW, Golding N, Moyes CL. The contemporary distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans, alternative hosts and vectors. Sci Data 2017; 4:170050. [PMID: 28398292 PMCID: PMC5387921 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2017.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas is a potentially fatal chronic disease affecting large numbers of people across the Americas and exported throughout the world through human population movement. It is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, which is transmitted by triatomine vectors to humans and a wide range of alternative host species. The database described here was compiled to allow the risk of vectorial transmission to humans to be mapped using geospatial models. The database collates all available records, published since 2003, for prevalence and occurrence of infection in humans, vectors and alternative hosts, and links each record to a defined time and location. A total of 16,802 records of infection have been extracted from the published literature and unpublished sources. The resulting database can be used to improve our understanding of the geographic variation in vector infection prevalence and to estimate the risk of vectorial transmission of T. cruzi to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annie J Browne
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Carlos A Guerra
- Sanaria Institute for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - Renato Vieira Alves
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70058-900, Brasil
| | - Veruska Maia da Costa
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70058-900, Brasil
| | - Anne L Wilson
- School of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - David M Pigott
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
| | - Simon I Hay
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.,Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98121, USA
| | - Steve W Lindsay
- School of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Nick Golding
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Catherine L Moyes
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|