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Taylor LA, Saleh MN, Kneese EC, Vemulapalli TH, Budke CM, Verocai GG. Investigation of Factors Associated with Subclinical Infections of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium canis in Kennel-Housed Dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris). Comp Med 2024; 74:92-98. [PMID: 38565307 PMCID: PMC11078275 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-24-000007] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are zoonotic protozoal pathogens, spread by a fecal-oral route, which can infect a wide range of hosts including but not limited to dogs and humans. Giardia was recently estimated to be present in 37% to 50% of kennel-housed dogs. Cryptosporidium infections in kennel-housed dogs have been reported in 7% to 21% of the population. The goal of this study was to define demographic factors and fecal scores associated with positive screening test cases of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in kennel-housed laboratory dogs in the state of Texas. Fecal samples were collected from 153 clinically normal laboratory dogs at an academic research facility and a local laboratory dog supplier. We used 3 diagnostic tests evaluated in parallel to determine test positivity to each organism: a human point-of-care coproantigen test, a direct immunofluorescent assay, and an in-house polymerase chain reaction. Dogs were significantly more likely to test positive for Giardia (45%) than Cryptosporidium (7%) (P < 0.01). Dogs that were 18 mo of age or younger had 3 times the odds (P = 0.009) of subclinical Giardia infection compared with older dogs. We found no significant relationship between age and Cryptosporidium prevalence. Dogs with hard feces (fecal score 1-2) at the time of screening had 0.34 times lower odds ( P = 0.049) of testing positive for Giardia than dogs with normal feces, but no statistically significant relationship was found between fecal score and Cryptosporidium -positive test status. With these findings, we demonstrated the value of considering age and fecal score when choosing which dogs to screen for subclinical Giardia. Additional studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to determine the relationship between age and fecal score and subclinical Cryptosporidium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christine M Budke
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats from the Kvarner Region in Croatia. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2023. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2023-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats may affect their health with a significant zoonotic risk to public health. Therefore, establishing an efficient control program should pass through the determination of the diversity, prevalence, and pathogenicity of those parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats and proceed to infection comparisons between young and adult animals. The detection of parasites in fecal samples was determined using flotation and immunofluorescent methods across 320 dogs and 64 cats from the Kvarner region in Croatia. The prevalence was calculated for each detected parasite in its host. Differences in prevalence between young animals and adults were analyzed. Parasites were detected in 32 dogs and 34.4% of cats. In total, 12 different genera were detected; Giardia spp. was the most prevalent parasite in both species, infecting 24.7% and 18.8% of investigated dogs and cats, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. and Toxocara cati had a prevalence of (18.4%) and (6.3%), respectively. Prevalences of Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Cystoisospora spp. were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in puppies compared to adult dogs. Pentatrichomonas hominis (P. hominis) was detected in one puppy. In addition to the first report of P. hominis, a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in the Kvarner region of Croatia was recorded, posing a potential zoonotic risk.
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Cryptosporidium infection in young dogs from Germany. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2985-2993. [PMID: 36018393 PMCID: PMC9464180 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07632-2] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan parasite which is able to cause severe gastrointestinal disease and is distributed all over the world. Since information about the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in German dogs is rare, the aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and the potential zoonotic risk emanating from these infected animals. In total, 349 fecal samples of 171 dogs were collected during the dogs’ first year of life. The samples were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. using PCR, targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA). Further analysis of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium canis positive samples was accomplished using the 60 kDa glycoproteine gene (GP60). Overall, 10.0% (35/349) of the specimens were tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium canis was found in 94.3% (33/35) of these samples and the zoonotic type C. pavum in 5.7% (2/35). Both C. parvum infections were subtyped as IIaA15G2R1. Sixteen of the C. canis positive samples were successfully amplified at the GP60 gene locus. These isolates were identified to belong to the subtype families XXd, XXe, or XXb; however, 2 samples could not be assigned to any of the described subtype families. Considering the close contact between pets and their owners, dogs may act as a potential source of infection for human cryptosporidiosis. The results of this study, in context with other studies from different countries, provide important further insights into the distribution of Cryptosporidium species in dogs and their zoonotic potential.
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Li J, Ryan U, Guo Y, Feng Y, Xiao L. Advances in molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in dogs and cats. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:787-795. [PMID: 33848499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The use of molecular tools has led to the identification of several zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs and cats. Among them, Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium felis are dominant species causing canine and feline cryptosporidiosis, respectively. Some Cryptosporidium parvum infections have also been identified in both groups of animals. The identification of C. canis, C. felis and C. parvum in both pets and owners suggests the possible occurrence of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. between humans and pets. However, few cases of such concurrent infections have been reported. Thus, the cross-species transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. between dogs or cats and humans has long been a controversial issue. Recently developed subtyping tools for C. canis and C. felis should be very useful in identification of zoonotic transmission of both Cryptosporidium spp. Data generated using these tools have confirmed the occurrence of zoonotic transmission of these two Cryptosporidium spp. between owners and their pets, but have also shown the potential presence of host-adapted subtypes. Extensive usage of these subtyping tools in epidemiological studies of human cryptosporidiosis is needed for improved understanding of the importance of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. from pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Li
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Liao S, Lin X, Sun Y, Qi N, Lv M, Wu C, Li J, Hu J, Yu L, Cai H, Xiao W, Sun M, Li G. Occurrence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in household, shelter, breeding, and pet market dogs in Guangzhou, southern China. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17736. [PMID: 33082394 PMCID: PMC7576217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. are common intestinal protozoans that infect humans and animals worldwide. A survey that assessed the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and zoonotic potential of these pathogens was conducted on a variety of dogs in Guangzhou, southern China. A total of 651 canine stool samples from household (n = 199), shelter (n = 149), breeding (n = 237), and pet market dogs (n = 66) were collected from eight districts in Guangzhou. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. were detected by PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA gene. Giardia duodenalis-positive specimens were further assigned into assemblages using the glutamate dehydrogenase gene. Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. were found in 21 (3.2%), 20 (3.1%), and 35 (5.4%) samples, respectively. The overall prevalence of shelter dogs (40.28%, 60/149) was significantly higher than that of household (3.0%, 6/199), breeding (2.1%, 5/237), and pet market dogs (7.5%, 5/66) (χ2 = 154.72, df = 3, P < 0.001). Deworming in the past 12 months had a strong protective effect on the risk of contracting parasite infections (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between age or sex groups (P > 0.05). Dog-specific C. canis (n = 19) and zoonotic C. parvum (n = 2) were the only two Cryptosporidium species. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of three G. duodenalis assemblages: dog-specific assemblages D (n = 14) and C (n = 5), and cat-specific F (n = 1). Zoonotic Blastocystis ST3 (n = 28) was the dominant subtype, followed by ST1 (n = 6) and ST10 (n = 1). To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale investigation on the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Blastocystis sp. in dogs in China. Our results indicated that the dogs seemed to play a negligible role as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis transmission to humans, but they are potential novel suitable hosts of Blastocystis sp. A strict sentinel surveillance system of dogs should be established to minimise the zoonotic risk of spreading blastocystosis among humans and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenquan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanshan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Minna Lv
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linzeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiming Cai
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingfei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture; Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guoqing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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El-Alfy ES, Nishikawa Y. Cryptosporidium species and cryptosporidiosis in Japan: a literature review and insights into the role played by animals in its transmission. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:1051-1067. [PMID: 32536636 PMCID: PMC7468066 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species infect domestic animals, livestock, and humans.
These protozoan parasites are frequently reported as major environmental contaminants in
many countries despite their differing climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors.
This review focuses on the research findings that relate to
Cryptosporidium epidemiology, genetic diversity, and associated risk
factors relating to animals, contaminated water sources, and humans in Japan. Adequate
knowledge of these factors is essential for understanding the economic and public health
importance of cryptosporidiosis in Japan so that effective control strategies against it
are implemented. Cryptosporidium infections are highly prevalent in
animals in Japan. Among the different animal species, cattle infections stand out because
of their economic importance and zoonotic potential. Living circumstances in Japan
restrain Cryptosporidium transmission between humans, but there is
evidence to suggest that animals, especially those in close contact with humans, can be
potential sources of human infections. Water sampling studies have provided clues about
how environmental contamination with Cryptosporidium oocysts can cause
infections in livestock and wild animals. There is some evidence of person-to-person
transmission of cryptosporidiosis, but only occasionally and under certain circumstances.
By identifying the major role played by animals in Cryptosporidium
transmission to people in Japan, we highlight the urgent need for disease control against
this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed El-Alfy
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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