1
|
Dini FM, Stancampiano L, Poglayen G, Galuppi R. Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs: a serological survey. Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:14. [PMID: 38528602 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs, as well as a wide variety of other warm-blooded animals, act as intermediate host of Toxoplasma gondii. In dogs, most cases of toxoplasmosis are subclinical, although clinical disease has been sporadically reported. Beyond its role in diagnostic pathways, seropositivity also functions as a reflection of the parasite's spread within the dog's living environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible risk factor associated with seropositivity to T. gondii in dogs in Central-Northern Italy, analysing 120 dogs sera for the presence of IgG antibodies by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). RESULTS The population examined was composed of 54.2% hunting dogs, 24.2% companion dogs, 14.2% truffle dogs and 7.5% watchdogs. Thirty-four (29.2%) dogs tested positive for T. gondii IgG, with titres ranging from 1:40 to 1:1280. Seroprevalence and antibodies titres were not related to dog gender, age or function. The logistic regression and ordered logistic regression results indicated that seroprevalence, and antibody titres were significantly higher in dogs cohabiting with cats, exhibiting coprophagy habits, and living constantly outdoors. Notably, the lifestyle factor showed the highest odds-ratios in the study: dogs living constantly outdoors were found to be at approximately 5 times greater risk of testing positive and having higher antibody titres compared to dogs living both indoors and outdoors. CONCLUSION Both logistic and ordered logistic regression results support the key role of living with cats, engaging in coprophagy behaviours, and maintaining an outdoor lifestyle in increasing the risk of T. gondii infection in dogs. These identified risk factors collectively suggest that both ingesting oocysts, as observed through cat cohabitation and coprophagy, and engaging in predatory behaviours, as possible for outdoor living dogs, are indicating likely sources of T. gondii infection in this host species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Stancampiano
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Poglayen
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cruz-Vázquez C, Maldonado-López L, Vitela-Mendoza I, Medina-Esparza L, Aguilar-Marcelino L, de Velasco-Reyes I. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Different Populations of Dogs from Aguascalientes, Mexico. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:683-689. [PMID: 37531010 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00703-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT AND PURPOSE This work aimed to study the seroprevalence of natural infection by T. gondii in different population segments of dogs from Aguascalientes, Mexico as well as its possible association with some risk factors. METHODS The study included 210 clinically healthy dogs from three population segments: rural, stray and pet. A blood serum sample was collected on a single occasion and processed by indirect immunofluorescence considering a dilution of 1:16 as a positive reaction; the association between the presence of antibodies and the potential risk factors was estimated with logistic regression. RESULTS The overall prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the studied population was 59% (123/210; CI 95% 51-65) being different between population segments, in rural dogs 74% (59/80; CI 95% 62-82), in stray dogs 60% (48/80; CI 95% 48-70) and in pet dogs 32% (16/50; CI 95% 19-46), the titers of the positive sera were in a range of 1:16-1:128. In rural dogs the seroprevalence according to the municipality was in a range of 55% to 100% finding positive dogs in all the studied municipalities. The zootechnical function of guarding the property in rural dogs was identified as a risk factor (OR 2.4), while in pet dogs it was living with cats (OR 7) as well as sharing the drinking water container (OR 4); in stray dogs it was not possible to identify any risk factor. CONCLUSIONS This study documents the wide presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the population groups examined, this being more important in rural dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cruz-Vázquez
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 Carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, México.
| | - Liliana Maldonado-López
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 Carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Irene Vitela-Mendoza
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 Carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Leticia Medina-Esparza
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 Carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Liliana Aguilar-Marcelino
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Cuernavaca-Cuautla 8534, Col. Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, México
| | - Isabel de Velasco-Reyes
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 Carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, 20330, El Llano, Aguascalientes, México
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Panazzolo GK, Kmetiuk LB, Domingues OJ, Farinhas JH, Doline FR, França DAD, Rodrigues NJL, Biondo LM, Giuffrida R, Langoni H, Santarém VA, Biondo AW, Fávero GM. One Health Approach in Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii in Former Black Slave (Quilombola) Communities in Southern Brazil and Among Their Dogs. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:377. [PMID: 37505673 PMCID: PMC10386098 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brazilian quilombos are rural semi-isolated remnant communities of former black slaves and their descendants who traditionally maintained themselves through archaic subsistence livestock and agriculture practices and historically lacked specific public health policies. Although such individuals and their dogs may be exposed to zoonotic pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, no study to date has assessed these human-animal populations together. Populations in four different Brazilian quilombos in southern Brazil were evaluated. Overall, 93/208 people (44.7%) and 63/100 dogs (63.0%) were seropositive for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), 4/208 (1.9%) human samples seropositive for IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, with a human-dog seropositivity ratio for IgG of 0.71. Quilombola individuals ingesting game meat were 2.43-fold more likely (95% CI: 1.05-5.9) to be seropositive. No risk factors were associated with seropositivity among dogs, thus suggesting that their exposure to T. gondii was random. Surprisingly, our research group had previously found an inverted human-dog ratio for T. gondii seropositivity of 2.54 in the urban area of a nearby major city. Because consumption of raw/undercooked game meat by quilombola individuals may have contributed to higher exposure, higher overall seroprevalence among dogs may have also indicated interaction with wildlife. Although these dogs may hunt wildlife without their owners' awareness, the higher dog seropositivity may also be related to feeding from discarded food in the community or backyard livestock animals and drinking surface water contaminated with oocysts. Thus, wildlife cannot be singled out as the reason, and future studies should consider sampling water, soil, wildlife, and livestock tissues, to fully establish the source of infection in dogs herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Kalempa Panazzolo
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Orlei José Domingues
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Farinhas
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigo Doline
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Danilo Alves de França
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Meneguelli Biondo
- National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Santa Teresa 29650-000, ES, Brazil
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente 19001-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Helio Langoni
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente 19001-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil
| | - Giovani Marino Fávero
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Borkens Y. Toxoplasma gondii in Australian macropods ( Macropodidae) and its implication to meat consumption. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 16:153-162. [PMID: 34567970 PMCID: PMC8449172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide occurring apicomplexan parasite. Due to its high seroprevalence in livestock as well as in game animals, T. gondii is an important food-borne pathogen and can have significant health implications for humans as well as for pets. This article describes the prevalence of T. gondii in free-ranging macropods hunted for consumption. All hunted macropod species (commercial as well as non-commercial hunt) show a positive seroprevalence for T. gondii. This seroprevalence is influenced by various factors, such as sex or habitat. Furthermore, the parasite shows a high level of genetic variability in macropods. Genetically variable strains have already caused outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in the past (Canada and the US). These were attributed to undercooked game meat like venison. Despite this risk, neither Australia nor New Zealand currently have food safety checks against foodborne pathogens. These conditions scan pose a significant health risk to the population. Especially, since cases of toxoplasmosis have already been successfully traced back to insufficiently cooked kangaroo meat in the past. The kangaroo hunt is an important industry in Australia. 7 species of kangaroos and wallabies are hunted for commercial purpose (for human and pet consumption). Food security checks against foodborne pathogens (including T. gondii) are not a requirement of the Australia New Zealand Food Standard Code. The databases Medline, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Informit were used. 6 scientific publications were reviewed in this publication.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ridgway M. Hunting Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021; 51:877-890. [PMID: 34059261 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Herding and hunting dogs are intense, high-drive dogs that work, and often live, outdoors and in constant or repeated close contact with domestic and wild animals. These dogs are at increased risk for injury and exposure to infectious diseases, toxic substances, and environmental threats. The common practice of feeding or allowing access to raw meat from farm or game animals enhances disease transmission risk. These dogs can be affected by infectious diseases and injurious agents that are rarely encountered in other groups of dogs. In addition, their extreme work ethic may lead to delays in diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Ridgway
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huertas-López A, Sukhumavasi W, Álvarez-García G, Martínez-Subiela S, Cano-Terriza D, Almería S, Dubey JP, García-Bocanegra I, Cerón JJ, Martínez-Carrasco C. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in outdoor dogs and cats in Bangkok, Thailand. Parasitology 2021; 148:843-849. [PMID: 33750492 PMCID: PMC11010059 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii exposure in dogs and cats from Bangkok, Thailand. Blood samples from 318 dogs and 321 cats were tested for T. gondii antibodies by modified agglutination test (cut-off 1:25). Additionally, 18 dogs and 20 cats were longitudinally sampled for T. gondii antibodies during the same study period, between June and July 2019. The overall seroprevalence in dogs and cats was 7.9% (25/318; 95% CI 4.9–10.8%) and 18.7% (95% CI 14.4–23.0%), respectively. For dogs, risk factors identified were being a mixed-breed animal and living totally outdoors, while increasing age was shown to be a risk factor for cats. Seroconversion was not detected and titres from positive animals remained constant over longitudinal study. The present study indicates that there is a prominent presence of T. gondii in urban and peri-urban areas of Bangkok, suggesting that outdoor dogs and cats should be considered as a possible risk factor for humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huertas-López
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Woraporn Sukhumavasi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, 10330Bangkok, Thailand
- Feline Infectious Disease and Health for Excellence Research Unit, Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, 10330Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Córdoba, 14014Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sonia Almería
- Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Division of Virulence Assessment, Laurel, USA
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland20705-2350, USA
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Córdoba, 14014Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Yang Y, Su C. Toxoplasma gondii infections in dogs: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 287:109223. [PMID: 33160144 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in dogs (Canis familiaris) from 2009-2020. Seroprevalence estimates of T. gondii worldwide were tabulated. Reports of high seroprevalence in canine population and high congenital transmission of T. gondii in dogs in Brazil are reviewed. Most reports from China were published in Chinese, and these reports are now summarized here. Dogs have an additional importance in some countries such as China, Vietnam, and Nigeria; whereas in many cities dog meat is sold commercially for human consumption and given to felids, and transmission of T. gondii could occur if meat is not cooked properly. Dogs can ingest T. gondii-infected cat feces and these oocysts remain viable after passage through the digestive tract of the dog; T. gondii DNA was found in feces of dogs from New York City parks in USA. Most clinical canine cases of toxoplasmosis were in immunosuppressed dogs, and ulcerative dermatitis was one of the main presentations. Genetic diversity based on PCR-RFLP markers using DNA derived from 133 viable T. gondii isolates from dogs from several countries is discussed. T. gondii strains from Asia and Americas were more genetically diverse than those from Africa. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Yurong Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Machado FP, Kmetiuk LB, Teider-Junior PI, Pellizzaro M, Yamakawa AC, Martins CM, Bach RVW, Morikawa VM, de Barros-Filho IR, Langoni H, dos Santos AP, Biondo AW. Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223474. [PMID: 31603911 PMCID: PMC6788692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii has been extensively studied in wild boars worldwide due to the emerging risk for human infection through meat consumption. However, this is the first study that reports toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in wild boars, wild boar hunters and their hunting dogs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the complex wild boars, hunting dogs and hunters, and to determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in southern and central-western Brazil. Overall, anti-T. gondii seropositivity was observed in 15/71 (21.1%) wild boars by modified agglutination test (MAT); and 49/157 (31.2%) hunting dogs and 15/49 (32.7%) hunters by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Brazilian wild boars was within the national and international range, posting wild boars as potential environmental sentinels for T. gondii presence. In addition, the findings have comparatively shown that wild boars have been less exposed to infection than hunting dogs or hunters in both Brazilian regions. Seropositivity for T. gondii was statistically higher in 12/14 (85.7%) captured wild boars when compared to 5/57 (7.0%) free-range wild boars (p = 0.000001). Similarly, captured wild boars from anthropized areas were more likely to be seropositive than of natural regions (p = 0.000255). When in multiple regression model, dogs with the habit of wild boar hunting had significant more chance to be positive (adjusted-OR 4.62 CI 95% 1.16–18.42). Despite potential as sentinels of environmental toxoplasmosis, seroprevalence in wild boars alone may provide a biased basis for public health concerns; thus, hunters and hunting dogs should be always be included in such studies. Although hunters should be aware of potential T. gondii infection, wild boars from natural and agricultural areas may present lower protozoa load when compared to wild boars from anthropized areas, likely by the higher presence of domestic cats as definitive hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Pistori Machado
- Graduate College of Veterinary Science, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Maysa Pellizzaro
- Public Health Institute (PHI), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Yamakawa
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Marinelli Martins
- Department of Nursing and Public Health, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Renato van Wilpe Bach
- Department of Medicine, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Hélio Langoni
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea Pires dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Veterinary Science, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of the zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2016 in 37 European countries (28 Member States (MS) and nine non‐MS). Campylobacteriosis was the most commonly reported zoonosis and the increasing European Union (EU) trend for confirmed human cases since 2008 stabilised during 2012–2016. In food, the occurrence of Campylobacter remained high in broiler meat. The decreasing EU trend for confirmed human salmonellosis cases since 2008 ended during 2012–2016, and the proportion of human Salmonella Enteritidis cases increased. Most MS met their Salmonella reduction targets for poultry, except five MS for laying hens. At primary production level, the EU‐level flock prevalence of target Salmonella serovars in breeding hens, broilers, breeding and fattening turkeys decreased or stabilised compared with previous years but the EU prevalence of S. Enteritidis in laying hens significantly increased. In foodstuffs, the EU‐level Salmonella non‐compliance for minced meat and meat preparations from poultry was low. The number of human listeriosis confirmed cases further increased in 2016, despite the fact that Listeria seldom exceeds the EU food safety limit in ready‐to‐eat foods. The decreasing EU trend for confirmed yersiniosis cases since 2008 stabilised during 2012–2016, and also the number of confirmed Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in humans was stable. In total, 4,786 food‐borne outbreaks, including waterborne outbreaks, were reported. Salmonella was the most commonly detected causative agent – with one out of six outbreaks due to S. Enteritidis – followed by other bacteria, bacterial toxins and viruses. Salmonella in eggs continued to represent the highest risk agent/food combination. The report further summarises trends and sources for bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, trichinellosis, echinococcosis, toxoplasmosis, rabies, Q fever, West Nile fever and tularaemia.
Collapse
|
10
|
Scorza AV, Lappin MR. Prevalence of Selected Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Agents in Dogs and Cats on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Vet Sci 2017; 4:E43. [PMID: 29056701 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4030043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of intestinal parasites and vector-borne agents of dogs and cats in the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota were determined. Fecal samples (84 dogs, 9 cats) were examined by centrifugal floatation and by immunofluorescence assay (FA) for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. PCR was performed on Giardia [beta-giardin (bg), triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), glutamate dehydrogenase genes (gdh)] and Cryptosporidium [heat shock protein-70 gene (hsp)] FA positive samples. Cat sera (n = 32) were tested for antibodies against Bartonella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and FIV, and antigens of FeLV and Dirofilaria immitis. Dog sera (n = 82) were tested for antibodies against T. gondii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum and D. immitis antigen. Blood samples (92 dogs, 39 cats) were assessed by PCR for amplification of DNA of Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., haemoplasmas, and Babesia spp. (dogs only). The most significant results were Giardia spp. (32% by FA), Taenia spp. (17.8%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (7.1%). The Giardia isolates typed as the dog-specific assemblages C or D and four Cryptosporidium isolates typed as C. canis. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 15% of the dogs. Antibodies against Bartonella spp. and against T. gondii were detected in 37.5% and 6% of the cats respectively. FeLV antigen was detected in 10% of the cats.
Collapse
|
11
|
Benitez ADN, Martins FDC, Mareze M, Santos NJR, Ferreira FP, Martins CM, Garcia JL, Mitsuka-Breganó R, Freire RL, Biondo AW, Navarro IT. Spatial and simultaneous representative seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in owners and their domiciled dogs in a major city of southern Brazil. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180906. [PMID: 28732033 PMCID: PMC5521765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, has traditionally been considered an important water and foodborne protozoonosis with important public health considerations. Although felids play a well-established role as definitive hosts, canine epidemiological involvement in the parasite's life cycle remains questionable and controversial. The increasing closeness of the human-dog bond, particularly seen in urban settings, has been recognized as a historically unprecedented worldwide movement. Sharing daily lives in the same households, dogs may be exposed to similar associated risks of T. gondii infection as their owners. Thus, epidemiological assessment of the intra-domiciled environment, especially among socio-economically different human populations, may provide novel information regarding the actual role of dogs in animal and human toxoplasmosis. Despite spatial approaches being recently used for other water and foodborne diseases, no study has been conducted on the simultaneous spatial seroprevalence of both human and animal IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in urban areas of major cities. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to assess the seroprevalence and associated variables of Toxoplasma infection in owners and their domiciled dogs in Londrina, southern Brazil. Human and canine seroprevalence rates and variables associated with seroprevalence were investigated through representative random sampling among 564 households, which included 597 owners and 729 dogs. Overall, statistically significant differences between the seroprevalence of human and dog anti-T. gondii antibodies were found by Immunofluorescence Antibody Testing in 248/597 (41.54%) owners and 119/729 (16.32%) dogs. Through multiple analysis, significant concomitant variables for seropositivity of household individuals (people and dogs) were determined, including public sewer service, yard cleaning frequency, and having a dirty yard. Although no statistically significant multiple logistic model was observed among owners, univariate analysis detected associations with monthly income, soil contact, and occupation. Among dogs, the absence of other dogs and the absence of a dirty yard were concomitant significantly protective associated factors. Age differences between seropositive and seronegative individuals was significant only for human beings, with the median age of negative individuals significantly higher than positive individuals. Although no spatial clusters were identified for humans or residences, a significant cluster was identified for dogs. In conclusion, characteristics of urban toxoplasmosis may include significantly higher owner seroprevalence than their owned dogs, with canine seroprevalence directly associated with having more dogs and a dirty backyard, and spatial differences in both human and dog exposures. Although not a good indicator for human foodborne diseases, dogs may be a reliable sentinel for environmental infection. Moreover, such a holistic approach may provide crucial information for more focused prevention and monitoring programs, particularly in households with multiple pets and trash-filled backyards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcelle Mareze
- Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Pinto Ferreira
- Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Camila Marinelli Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Regina Mitsuka-Breganó
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Italmar Teodorico Navarro
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ngobeni R, Samie A. PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IGG AND IGM AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG HIV-POSITIVE AND HIV-NEGATIVE PATIENTS IN VHEMBE DISTRICT OF SOUTH AFRICA. Afr J Infect Dis 2017; 11:1-9. [PMID: 28670634 PMCID: PMC5476807 DOI: 10.21010/ajid.v11i2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that has arisen as an important opportunistic infection that causes morbidity and mortality especially in HIV positive patients. This study was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence of T. gondii (IgG and IgM) and the associated risk factors among HIV positive and negative patients in Northern South Africa. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Vhembe District in Limpopo province from April 2012 to January 2013. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and possible risk factor information on toxoplasmosis from participants. A total of 161 blood samples of both HIV positive and negative patients visiting the local clinics in the Vhembe district were collected. Serum samples were tested for IgG and IgM against T. gondii using commercially available ELISA protocol. Results: The prevalence of T. gondii IgG was 31.7% while that of T. gondii IgM was 4.9%. The prevalence of T. gondii IgG was higher in HIV positive patients (38%) compared to 16.7% among HIV negative patients (p=0.001). Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were more common in patients who were not taking ARV’s (46.2%) compared to those who were taking ARV’s (35.2%) (P<0.001). Conclusions: The present study has shown a high prevalence of T. gondii (IgG) among patients attending different HIV clinics in the Vhembe district with no current infections among pregnant women. In addition to the sero-positive status of the patient to HIV, other significant risk factors for toxoplasmosis included high viral load, non-adherence to ARV therapy and age (>25 years).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renay Ngobeni
- Molecular Parasitology and Opportunistic Infections Program, Department of Microbiology, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, South Africa
| | - Amidou Samie
- Molecular Parasitology and Opportunistic Infections Program, Department of Microbiology, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|