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Khan MY, Barlaam A, Gazzonis AL, Ferrari N, Giangaspero A. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats from South Punjab Province, Pakistan. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101018. [PMID: 38644047 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101018] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Layyah District in South Punjab Province of Pakistan offers the most intensive caprine economy in the country; its Indus riverine and desert environment makes the area peculiar and worthy of specific investigations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG-antibody in goats in serum samples and the potential risk factors. The prevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated using a two-stage sample design. All caprine farms in the study area were stratified by size, and from these 110 were randomly selected. Twelve goats (>1-year-old) were selected from each farm and a total of 1320 serum samples were collected and tested by ELISA. A questionnaire on the conditions and management practices of each farm was administered to 110 farmers. Four hundred and sixteen out of 1320 sera samples (31.5%) were found positive and 89% of the flock had at least one seropositive goat. The proportion of seropositive goats tested within each flock ranged from 8.3% to 83.3%. with several factors contributing to this heterogeneity. Goat age played a significant role in the presence of cats. Significant interactions were related to goat farms having floor of dirt and kitten presence. Moreover, age class, abortion history and water source supply were modulated by owner education levels. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in goats sera in Layyah district and the largest carried out so far in Pakistan. The remarkable presence of T. gondii among goats in areas where goat farming plays a significant economic role may pose a production threat to the small-stock industry, as well as to public health and food safety. Therefore, investigations to identify high-risk goat populations are highly recommended in order to facilitate the implementation of local control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yaser Khan
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Para Veterinary Institute, Layyah Campus, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, 54000, Karor Lal Eason, Lahore 31100, Pakistan.
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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Barlaam A, Puccini A, Caiaffa MF, Di Bona D, Macchia L, Giangaspero A. Dermanyssosis in the Urban Context: When the One Health Paradigm Is Put into Practice. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121396. [PMID: 36558730 PMCID: PMC9782833 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121396] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are primarily ectoparasites of laying hens but also parasitize synanthropic birds in urban contexts. This mite can occasionally attack mammals, including humans, and cause mild to severe dermatitis. Attacks by zoonotic Mesostigmata mites are currently an increasing but still neglected problem of urban life. The authors present two cases of dermanyssosis involving two health workers at a hospital, linked to air conditioning outdoor units colonized by pigeons. Videos that describe the environmental contamination by D. gallinae and show where the infestation originated are presented. In addition, the authors update the literature of all urban cases, which, to date, reports over 240 clinical cases, mostly in private homes but also in public buildings. Dermatitis due to these mites is often unrecognized and, therefore, misdiagnosed. This report describes how the two cases herein reported were rapidly resolved thanks to the close cooperation between veterinary parasitologists and allergologists. It is crucial to raise awareness of the problem among general practitioners and specialists. In addition, the authors suggest a reconsideration of urban architectural choices that increase the public health risk posed by dermanyssosis and other diseases related to synanthropic birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3925410131
| | | | - Maria Filomena Caiaffa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Danilo Di Bona
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari-Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari-Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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Barlaam A, Sannella A, Ferrari N, Temesgen T, Rinaldi L, Normanno G, Cacciò S, Robertson L, Giangaspero A. Ready-to-eat salads and berry fruits purchased in Italy contaminated by Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 370:109634. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Giangaspero A, D'Onghia V, Puccini A, Caiaffa MF, Macchia L, Barlaam A. When there is no communication between urban planners and public health operators: urban Dermanyssus gallinae infestations in humans. Ig Sanita Pubbl 2022; 79:62-69. [PMID: 35781294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
At the international level, it is necessary to apply urban health strategies that can integrate concrete actions to protect and promote health in urban and architectural planning. In cities, the "urban fauna" mostly consists of synanthropic birds (sparrows, starlings, swallows, martins, jackdaws, crows, hawks, gulls, pigeons) that have adapted to a continuous relationship with humans. These animals enrich the ecological network of biodiversity but also pose health problems. The most successful avian colonizers are pigeons (Columba livia), which proliferate due to the abundance of food available to them and the absence of predators. Pigeons may harbor several organisms that are pathogenic for humans, and among these the role of Dermanyssus gallinae should not be underestimated. In the absence of their preferred pigeon host, these mites will move from the nest to windowsills and window frames from which they attack humans. The Authors show that modern architectural design features in towns can favor the establishment and proliferation of pigeons, contributing to the public health risk for dermanyssosis or other diseases related to these birds. They describe an outbreak of dermanyssosis due to incorrect or unsuitable structural interventions, and highlight the need of re-thinking urban architectural choices in order to safeguard public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Vito D'Onghia
- Department of Science in Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Puccini
- Agenzia Sanitalia Locale, Via Tratturo Castiglione 14, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Filomena Caiaffa
- School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari - Aldo Moro, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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Barlaam A, Putignani L, Pane S, Bianchi PM, Papini RA, Giangaspero A. What's in a child's ear? A case of otomyiasis by Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Diptera, Sarcophagidae). Parasitol Int 2022; 87:102537. [PMID: 34995772 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102537] [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] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A clinical report of otomyiasis in a 1-year-old girl is reported. A III instar larva of Sarcophaga sp. was microscopically identified and Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) was suspected. A molecular method targeting a fragment of the cox1 gene was used to confirm the identity of the specimen. Although myiases are not frequent manifestations in otolaryngology, they should arouse the attention of doctors, social workers and parents dealing with disabled people, the elderly and children. This contribution also highlights the need of combining microscopy and molecular tools to achieve a correct and reliable identification of the specimen/s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Pane
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Mario Bianchi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Amerigo Papini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", University of Pisa, Via Livornese (Lato Monte) 1, 56122 San Piero a Grado (PI), Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy.
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Sparagano O, Roy L, Giangaspero A. Editorial: Neglected and Under-Researched Parasitic Diseases of Veterinary and Zoonotic Interest. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:701848. [PMID: 34179180 PMCID: PMC8225924 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.701848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Sparagano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lise Roy
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Environment, Université Paul Valéry, Montpellier III, Montpellier, France
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Roy L, Giangaspero A, Sleeckx N, Øines Ø. Who Is Dermanyssus gallinae? Genetic Structure of Populations and Critical Synthesis of the Current Knowledge. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:650546. [PMID: 34124219 PMCID: PMC8194076 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.650546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the economic and animal welfare importance of the Poultry Red Mite Dermanyssus gallinae, its genetic structure has been studied in a scattered way so far. The prophylaxis and control of such a globally distributed ectoparasite can be significantly improved by understanding its genetic population structure (composition in species and intraspecific variants). The present study aims to establish a rigorous framework for characterizing the neutral genetic structure of D. gallinae based on a literature review combined with an integrative analysis of the data available in GenBank on population-level nucleotide sequence diversity supplemented by a new dataset. The integrative analysis was conducted on sequence data extracted from GenBank coupled with new sequences of two fragments of the mitochondrial gene encoding Cytochrome Oxidase I (CO1) as well as of an intron of the nuclear gene encoding Tropomyosin (Tpm) from several PRM populations sampled from European poultry farms. Emphasis was placed on using the mitochondrial gene encoding CO1 on which the main universal region of DNA barcoding in animals is located. The species D. gallinae sensu lato is a species complex, encompassing at least two cryptic species, i.e., not distinguishable by morphological characters: D. gallinae sensu stricto and D. gallinae L1. Only D. gallinae s.s. has been recorded among the populations sampled in poultry farms worldwide. Current knowledge suggests they are structured in three mitochondrial groups (haplogroups A, B, and C). Haplogroup A is cosmopolitan, and the other two present slightly contrasted distributions (B rather in the northern part of Europe, C most frequently found in the southern part). Recent data indicate that a dynamic geographic expansion of haplogroup C is underway in Europe. Our results also show that NUMT (nuclear mitochondrial DNA) pseudogenes have generated artifactual groups (haplogroups E and F). It is important to exclude these artifact groups from future analyses to avoid confusion. We provide an operational framework that will promote consistency in the analysis of subsequent results using the CO1 fragment and recommendations for future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Roy
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources, and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Trogu T, Formenti N, Marangi M, Viganò R, Bionda R, Giangaspero A, Lanfranchi P, Ferrari N. Detection of Zoonotic Cryptosporidium ubiquitum in Alpine Wild Ruminants. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060655. [PMID: 34070669 PMCID: PMC8228762 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a widespread apicomplexan protozoan of major zoonotic importance, characterized by a wide host range, and with relevant economic implications and potential negative effects on livestock and wildlife population dynamics. Considering the recent strong demographic increase of alpine ungulates, in this study, carried out in the Italian Northwestern Alps, we investigated the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in these species and their potential involvement in environmental contamination with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The immune-enzymatic approach revealed a Cryptosporidium prevalence of 1.7% (5/293), 0.5% (1/196) and 3.4% (4/119) in alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), respectively. Positive samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for the COWP and gp60 genes. The presence of Cryptosporidium was confirmed in one chamois and four roe deer. Sequences obtained clustered within Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, currently recognized as an emerging zoonotic species. This finding represents the first detection of zoonotic C. ubiquitum in chamois and in the Alpine environment. Despite the low observed prevalences, environmental contamination by oocysts could play a role as a potential source of infections for humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Trogu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘‘Bruno Ubertini’’ (IZSLER), via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Formenti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘‘Bruno Ubertini’’ (IZSLER), via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Roberto Viganò
- Studio Associato AlpVet, Piazza Venzaghi 2, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy;
| | - Radames Bionda
- Ente di Gestione delle Aree Protette dell’Ossola, Villa Gentinetta-Viale Pieri 27, 28868 Varzo, Italy;
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (M.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Paolo Lanfranchi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.L.); (N.F.)
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.L.); (N.F.)
- Centro di Ricerca Coordinata Epidemiologia e Sorveglianza Molecolare delle Infezioni, EpiSoMI, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Moroni B, Barlaam A, Misia AL, Peano A, Rossi L, Giangaspero A. Dermanyssus gallinae in non-avian hosts: A case report in a dog and review of the literature. Parasitol Int 2021; 84:102378. [PMID: 33975002 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Non-avian attacks of the worldwide distributed mite Dermanyssus gallinae are occasionally reported. However, it is widely accepted that their occurrence is underestimated. The present study aims to describe the first Italian case of dermanyssosis in a dog, to molecularly characterize the mites collected from the patient and the animal enclosure, where poultry and dog were confined, and to review the current literature on the non-avian attacks by D. gallinae. The dog was successfully treated with an oral sarolaner-based product, followed by a spot-on formulation of imidacloprid and moxidectin. The infestation source was likely attributable to poultry and confirmed by molecular identification of D. gallinae sensu strictu. Ten articles on non-avian D. gallinae attacks in domestic animals and wildlife were retrieved, pointing out the need for more awareness amongst practitioners. The therapeutic effect of available antiparasitic drugs, currently used off-label, should also be better explored in non-avian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moroni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71121, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Ambra Lisa Misia
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Andrea Peano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71121, Italy.
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10
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Barlaam A, Temesgen TT, Tysnes KR, Rinaldi L, Ferrari N, Sannella AR, Normanno G, Cacciò SM, Robertson LJ, Giangaspero A. Contamination of fresh produce sold on the Italian market with Cyclospora cayetanensis and Echinococcus multilocularis. Food Microbiol 2021; 98:103792. [PMID: 33875219 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus spp. in fresh produce sold in Italy, 324 locally produced 'ready-to-eat' (RTE) mixed-salad packages belonging to three brands and 324 berries packages (blueberries and blackberries imported from Peru and Mexico, respectively, and raspberries grown in Italy) were purchased at retail. Nine individual packages from each of the six types of fresh produce were collected monthly for one year, and with the same produce pooled, this resulted in a total of 72 pools for the whole year. Using microscopy (FLOTAC), a Cyclospora-like oocyst was detected in a blueberry sample and a taeniid egg was detected in a RTE-salad sample. Molecular tools confirmed these to be C. cayetanensis and Echinococcus multilocularis, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii was not detected in any of the samples. This study shows for the first time in Europe that imported berries on the Italian market may be contaminated with C. cayetanensis and RTE salads grown in Italy with E. multilocularis. The results indicate a new epidemiological scenario and highlight that current management of fresh produce, locally produced or imported, does not ensure products are free from parasite contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Tamirat T Temesgen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Adamstuen Campus, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristoffer R Tysnes
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Adamstuen Campus, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna R Sannella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Normanno
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121, Foggia, Italy
| | - Simone M Cacciò
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Adamstuen Campus, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, 0102, Oslo, Norway
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121, Foggia, Italy
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Giangaspero A, Barlaam A, Pane S, Marchili MR, Onetti Muda A, Putignani L, Hall MJR. Accidental Nasal Myiasis Caused by Megaselia rufipes (Diptera: Phoridae) in a Child. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:121-124. [PMID: 32901266 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa184] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A case of a nasal myiasis in a 3-yr-old Italian girl who was referred to Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome, Italy, is reported. Larvae discharged with the nasal mucus were microscopically identified as Megaselia spp.; DNA barcoding analysis showed that they belonged to the 'scuttle fly' species Megaselia rufipes (Meigen). Based on the patient's history, she became infected when she played outside. This is the first report of myiasis in humans due to M. rufipes (Diptera: Phoridae).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - A Barlaam
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - S Pane
- Department of Laboratories, Unit of Parasitology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Marchili
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Onetti Muda
- Department of Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome Italy
| | - L Putignani
- Department of Laboratories, Unit of Parasitology and Area of Genetics and Rare Diseases, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M J R Hall
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
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Andreani A, Giangaspero A, Marangi M, Barlaam A, Ponzetta MP, Roy L, Belcari A, Sacchetti P. Asia and Europe: So Distant So Close? The Case of Lipoptena fortisetosa in Italy. Korean J Parasitol 2020; 58:661-668. [PMID: 33412770 PMCID: PMC7806436 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.6.661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, 5 Lipoptena species have been recorded, including Lipoptena fortisetosa. This species, native to Asian countries, was described as a parasite of sika deer and its appearance in Europe dates back to more than 50 years ago. Lipoptena fortisetosa has been recently reported in Italy, sharing its hosts with Lipoptena cervi. A morpho-molecular approach was developed to determine the phylogenetic interrelationship of Italian and Asian CO1 haplotypes sequenced from Lipoptena fly individuals collected in Italy, and their DNA sequences were compared with conspecifics available in GenBank; morphological key-characters (terminalia) of L. fortisetosa were compared with the original description. Two haplotypes were recorded from Italy and assigned to L. cervi and L. fortisetosa, respectively. The latter was part of the monophyletic clade L. fortisetosa, along with 2 Central European and 2 Korean haplotypes (100% identical to one of the Korean haplotypes); moreover, Italian L. fortisetosa female terminalia were consistent with the original description of Asian individuals. Pending more in-depth investigations, this study provides a first answer to the hypothesis of the recent colonization of Italy by L. fortisetosa from Asia as we did not detect any obvious and stable morphological and molecular differences in specimens from the 2 geographical areas. The presence of the sika deer in Europe was retraced and the possible route traveled by the parasite from Asia and the eco-biological factors that may have enhanced its settlement are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Andreani
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144, Firenze, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Ponzetta
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lise Roy
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul, Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Antonio Belcari
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144, Firenze, Italy
| | - Patrizia Sacchetti
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144, Firenze, Italy
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13
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Pezzi M, Scapoli C, Chicca M, Leis M, Marchetti MG, Del Zingaro CNF, Vicentini CB, Mamolini E, Giangaspero A, Bonacci T. Cutaneous myiasis in cats and dogs: Cases, predisposing conditions and risk factors. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:378-384. [PMID: 33336900 PMCID: PMC8025654 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Two cases of cutaneous myiasis diagnosed in 2018 in Emilia‐Romagna region (northern Italy) were reported. The first one, described in a domestic cat Felis silvestris catus L. (Carnivora: Felidae) and caused by Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was the first one of this type ever reported in Italy in cats. The second one was described in a domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris L. (Carnivora: Canidae) and caused by Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and was unusual because it occurred in absence of lesions. An extensive literature search on cutaneous myiasis in these two domestic animal species was performed in order to draw attention to predisposing conditions and risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pezzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Milvia Chicca
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marilena Leis
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elisabetta Mamolini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Teresa Bonacci
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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14
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Sparagano OAE, George DR, Finn RD, Giangaspero A, Bartley K, Ho J. Dermanyssus gallinae and chicken egg production: impact, management, and a predicted compatibility matrix for integrated approaches. Exp Appl Acarol 2020; 82:441-453. [PMID: 33205360 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is a worldwide threat to egg production and animal and human welfare. This mite is also a potential vector for several significant diseases. EU regulation that forbids the use of conventional cages for egg-laying hens may favour the growth of D. gallinae, a species known to thrive in more complex housing systems. Current control measures emphasize the use of chemical acaricides, which may have limited efficacy on D. gallinae considering its temporary blood-feeding behaviour. In integrated pest management (IPM), two or more compatible measures targeting physical, environmental, and/or biological aspects could be judiciously combined to enhance the effectiveness against D. gallinae infestation. To inform current and future IPM for D. gallinae, a compatibility matrix is proposed to guide the selection of control measures for field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- O A E Sparagano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - D R George
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - R D Finn
- Department of Biochemistry & Genetics, St George's International School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - A Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, 71121, Italy
| | - K Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - J Ho
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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15
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Berrilli F, Montalbano Di Filippo M, De Liberato C, Marani I, Lanfranchi P, Ferrari N, Trogu T, Formenti N, Ferretti F, Rossi L, D'Amelio S, Giangaspero A. Diversity of Eimeria Species in Wild Chamois Rupicapra spp.: A Statistical Approach in Morphological Taxonomy. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:577196. [PMID: 33173795 PMCID: PMC7591455 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.577196] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife is frequently infected by intestinal protozoa, which may threaten their fitness and health. A diverse community of Eimeria species is known to occur in the digestive tract of mountain-dwelling ungulates, including chamois (genus Rupicapra). However, available data on Eimeria diversity in these taxa is at times inconsistent and mostly dated. In the present study, we aimed to revisit the occurrence of Eimeria spp. in the Alpine subspecies of the Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and the Apennine subspecies of the Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) in Italy, using an integrated approach based on a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCPC) applied to oocyst morphology and morphometry. A total of 352 fecal samples were collected from R. r. rupicapra (n = 262) and R. p. ornata (n = 90). Overall, 85.3% (300/352) of the animals tested microscopically positive to Eimeria spp. Based on morphological analysis, we identified all the eimerian species described in chamois. Through the HCPC method, five clusters were generated, corresponding to E. suppereri, E. yakimoffmatschoulskyi, E. riedmuelleri (two different clusters), and E. rupicaprae morphotypes. The well-defined clusters within E. riedmuelleri support the existence of two distinct morphological groups, possibly referable to different taxonomic units. This study suggests that combining a morphometrical approach with a powerful statistical method may be helpful to disentangle uncertainties in the morphology of Eimeria oocysts and to address taxonomic studies of eimeriid protozoa at a specific host taxon level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Marani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Lanfranchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Formenti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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16
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Pezzi M, Leis M, Marchetti MG, Mamolini E, Del Zingaro CNF, Zanardi A, Scapoli C, Giangaspero A, Bonacci T. Urogenital myiasis caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a domestic rabbit in Italy. Vet Ital 2020; 56:213-215. [PMID: 33543918 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.2061.10978.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The report describes a case of urogenital myiasis in a domestic rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) caused by Lucilia sericata (Meigen; Diptera: Calliphoridae) in region Emilia-Romagna (Northern Italy). The case, occurring in June 2018, is the first one involving L. sericata as an agent of myiasis in a domestic rabbit in Italy. Species identification was based on morphological investigations of males through identification keys. The rabbit developed the urogenital myiasis as a consequence of chronic enteritis causing an accumulation of faeces in the perianal and perineal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pezzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Marilena Leis
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Maria Gabriella Marchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Mamolini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | | | - Annagiulia Zanardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Teresa Bonacci
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria,Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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17
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Barlaam A, Traversa D, Papini R, Giangaspero A. Habronematidosis in Equids: Current Status, Advances, Future Challenges. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:358. [PMID: 32719812 PMCID: PMC7347746 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, among equine parasitoses caused by gastrointestinal nematodes, habronematidosis has been discontinuously studied worldwide. Habronematidosis is a parasitic disease distributed all over the world. It is caused by Habronema microstoma, Habronema muscae, and Draschia megastoma (Spirurida, Habronematidae), and it is maintained in the environment by muscid flies which act as intermediate hosts. At larval and adult stages these species live in the stomach of domestic and wild equids. However, the larvae can also be found on the skin, causing lesions known as “summer sores”, and occasionally on other body areas, such as ocular and genital mucosa (muco-cutaneous habronematidosis) and lung, liver, brain parenchyma. Depending on the parasite's developmental stage and localization site, clinical signs vary from mild to severe. Habronematidosis is responsible for significant economic losses, mostly when sport horses are affected, because their performances are impaired and the infection can be unaesthetic. We used three on-line databases for searching the articles on habronematidosis according to the selected inclusion criteria; a total of 250 contributions, published between 1911 and 2020 were analyzed. This review summarizes the key features of pathogenesis, epizootiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of habronematidosis, and highlights the current knownledge about its geographical distribution and spread. Anthelmintic drugs are the most widely-used tools against habronematidosis; given the known risk of anthelmintic resistance in some nematodes affecting horses, this aspect should also be explored for habronematidosis. Dedicated research is essential to fill gaps of knowledge and increase the understanding of habronematidosis to maximize equine health, reduce economic losses and sanitary impact associated with this parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Roberto Papini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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18
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Salvetti M, Bianchi A, Marangi M, Barlaam A, Giacomelli S, Bertoletti I, Roy L, Giangaspero A. Deer keds on wild ungulates in northern Italy, with a taxonomic key for the identification of Lipoptena spp. of Europe. Med Vet Entomol 2020; 34:74-85. [PMID: 31674696 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12411] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Deer keds (Lipoptena spp.) are blood-sucking ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals, and also accidentally of humans. In Europe, five Lipoptena spp. have been recorded, although the lack of specific taxonomic keys has often led to mistaken identification or to missing data. The present study aimed to develop an identification key of the European species and also to identify Lipoptena spp. found on wild ungulates in northern Italy. In total, 390 hippoboscids were collected from Rupicapra rupicapra, Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus and Ovis aries musimon in an Alpine area of Italy. After morphological identification, 140 specimens were subjected to phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (CO1) and nuclear (CAD) gene sequences. Despite the expected presence of slight morphological variations, all specimens examined were identified both microscopically and molecularly as Lipoptena cervi (100% identity for both CO1 and CAD genes). The massive increase in wild ungulate populations can favour the possibility of detecting other species of Lipoptena. The identification keys proposed in the present study may help with monitoring the presence of Lipoptena species, particularly in European countries where this ectoparasite is neglected and for which various data (from diffusion to control methods) are still missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Salvetti
- Fondazione Fojanini di Studi Superiori, Sondrio, Italy
| | - A Bianchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), Sezione di Sondrio, Italy
| | - M Marangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - A Barlaam
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - S Giacomelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), Sezione di Sondrio, Italy
| | - I Bertoletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), Sezione di Sondrio, Italy
| | - L Roy
- Center for Evolutionary and Functional Ecology, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - A Giangaspero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Giangaspero A, Marangi M, Latrofa MS, Annoscia G, Putignani L, Capelli G, Bonassisa L, Normanno G, Otranto D, Cereda M, Ferrara F. Efficiency of the Q3 lab-on-chip Real Time-PCR platform for detecting protozoan pathogens in bivalve mollusks. J Food Sci Technol 2019; 56:5000-5008. [PMID: 31741524 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-019-03972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The zoonotic protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia duodenalis have been recorded worldwide in economically important edible shellfish, and are thus likely to represent a significant public health risk. Therefore, an innovative, user-friendly diagnostic tool is required in order to improve food safety control. The Q3 system is a miniaturized platform whose efficiency and applicability were investigated and compared with results obtained using standard Real-Time PCR. Tanks of saltwater containing acclimated Mytilus galloprovincialis, Ruditapes philippinarum and Ostrea edulis specimens were spiked with purified Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Toxoplasma cysts/oocysts at different concentrations (i.e., 103, 104 and 105). We then collected 30 specimens for each shellfish species from each group at 24 h and 72 h post-contamination. After DNA extraction, we tested all samples by Real-Time-PCR and Q3, and evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, repeatability and concordance between the two systems. Concordance between Real-Time-PCR and Q3 was very good (p < 0.01), especially for Toxoplasma in M. galloprovincialis at both 24 h and 72 h after contamination, and in O. edulis at 72 h. The ability of Q3 to detect all the investigated pathogens was similar to that of Real-Time-PCR, and Q3 was efficient in detecting Toxoplasma in both M. galloprovincialis and O. edulis. This is the first study concerning the use of lab-on-chip technology in a food matrix, and in edible marine mollusks in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Giangaspero
- 1Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- 1Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Latrofa
- 2Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, Via Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Giada Annoscia
- 2Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, Via Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unità di Parassitologia e Unità di Ricerca di Microbioma umano, Bambino Gesù, Ospedale Pediatrico e Istituto di Ricerca, Viale Di San Paolo, 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- 4Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padua Italy
| | - Lucia Bonassisa
- BonassisaLab, Z.I. Km. 684.300 Zona Industriale Asi, Incoronata, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Normanno
- 1Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- 2Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Bari, Via Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Cereda
- 6STMicroelectronics Srl, Advanced System Technology, Via Camillo Olivetti, 2, 20864 Agrate Brianza, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrara
- 6STMicroelectronics Srl, Advanced System Technology, Via Camillo Olivetti, 2, 20864 Agrate Brianza, Italy
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20
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Pugliese N, Circella E, Cocciolo G, Giangaspero A, Horvatek Tomic D, Kika TS, Caroli A, Camarda A. Efficacy of λ-cyhalothrin, amitraz, and phoxim against the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae De Geer, 1778 (Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae): an eight-year survey. Avian Pathol 2019; 48:S35-S43. [PMID: 31362523 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2019.1645295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) is a major problem for the poultry industry worldwide, as it negatively affects virtually all kinds of rearing systems. Therefore, the control of infestation has become a routine process, and its economic cost is constantly increasing. Until now, most of the control strategies have relied on the use of synthetic chemical drugs, but their efficacy is often questioned by the emergence and diffusion of resistant mite populations. With this in mind, the efficacy of λ-cyhalothrin, amitraz, and phoxim has been verified by testing them against 86 mite populations collected from the same number of poultry farms in Italy from 2008 to 2015. Assays were performed according to the filter paper method using the recommended, half, quarter, double and quadruple doses. The results showed that phoxim and amitraz were the most effective acaricides (median efficacies 80.35% and 80.83%, respectively), but amitraz exhibited a sharp fall in its efficacy during 2011 and 2012, while phoxim maintained its high effectiveness up to 2015, when it dropped. The overall median efficacy of λ-cyhalothrin was 58.33%. The data also highlighted the importance of the use of the right concentration, as an increase in dosage was not always useful against resistant populations, while its reduction also diminished efficacy, simultaneously increasing the risk for the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pugliese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Elena Circella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Giulio Cocciolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia , Foggia , Italy
| | - Danijela Horvatek Tomic
- Department of Poultry Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Tana Shtylla Kika
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture University of Tirana , Tirana , Albania
| | - Anna Caroli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Antonio Camarda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
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21
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Gazzonis AL, Marangi M, Zanzani SA, Villa L, Giangaspero A, Manfredi MT. Molecular epidemiology of Blastocystis sp. in dogs housed in Italian rescue shelters. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:3011-3017. [PMID: 31418113 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a ubiquitous protozoan with a wide range of hosts. In humans, its presence has been associated with gastrointestinal disorders, although its role as a pathogen still needs to be elucidated. Until now, 17 Blastocystis subtypes (STs) have been identified, with ST1-ST4 the most commonly found in humans. Among domestic animals, the same STs reported in humans have been detected in dogs. An epidemiological survey on dog kennels was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis and the STs involved. Overall, 99 faecal samples were collected from the rescue shelters. Blastocystis detection was performed through conventional barcoding PCR targeting the 1800-bp SSU-rDNA, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Blastocystis DNA was found in 21 faecal samples (21.2%), and all samples were successfully sequenced and identified as ST3 in a unique monophyletic group. The presence of Blastocystis was reported for the first time in dogs from Italy, with the identification of ST3, the subtype most commonly found in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assunta Cafiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Camarda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Miroslav Radeski
- Department for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Monique Mul
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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23
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Carnevali F, Franchini D, Otranto D, Giangaspero A, Di Bello A, Ciccarelli S, Szpila K, Valastro C, van der Esch AS. A formulation of neem and hypericum oily extract for the treatment of the wound myiasis by Wohlfahrtia magnifica in domestic animals. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2361-2367. [PMID: 31218416 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Untreated, traumatic, or wound myiases can cause severe consequences to animal health and welfare as well as economic losses to livestock productions. For healing myiasis-caused wounds, disinfectant such as creolin is wrongly but currently used in association with insecticides. Though effective, creolin is highly toxic to the patients, is inadequate with respect to the repellent effect, and may delay the healing of treated wounds. In this uncontrolled study, the efficacy of the patented plant-derived formulation 1 Primary Wound Dressing© (1-PWD), composed of neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and the oily extract of Hypericum perforatum (L.) flowers, has been investigated. Forty-four domestic animals of different species suffering from wound myiasis lasting for up to 25 days, at different parts of the body, were enrolled in the study. No systemic or local antibiotic or disinfectants' treatment was administered. Larvae recovered on open wounds and adults reared from mature larvae were identified as Wohlfahrtia magnifica. All the treated wounds healed in a range of 10 to 32 days without further infestation. None of the recruited animals presented bacterial complications. Data herein presented indicate that the tested natural plant-derived formulation is able to manage the infestation caused by W. magnifica larvae and the healing process of traumatic infested wounds in several domestic animal species, without any side effect on the living tissue and without the need to use local or systemic chemical or other products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Carnevali
- TECS-Division, SSPT Department, Enea Centro Ricerche Casaccia, via Anguillarese 301, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Franchini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Surgery and Internal Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Parasitology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agriculture Science, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Bello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Surgery and Internal Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Ciccarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Surgery and Internal Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Krzysztof Szpila
- Department of Ecology and Biogeography, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Carmela Valastro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Surgery and Internal Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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24
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Tedde T, Marangi M, Papini R, Salza S, Normanno G, Virgilio S, Giangaspero A. Toxoplasma gondii and Other Zoonotic Protozoans in Mediterranean Mussel ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) and Blue Mussel ( Mytilus edulis): A Food Safety Concern? J Food Prot 2019; 82:535-542. [PMID: 30810381 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-18-157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mediterranean mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) and blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis) are among the most consumed fishery products, but they are frequent vehicles of foodborne infection worldwide. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and seasonality of zoonotic protozoans in mussels farmed or sold at retail outlets in Italy. We collected and tested 1,440 M. galloprovincialis and 180 M. edulis. Pooled samples were molecularly tested for Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Toxoplasma gondii and then sequenced. Sixty-two (45.9%; 95% confidence interval, 37.5 to 54.3%) mussel pools tested positive for one or more of the investigated pathogens. Both Mytilus species and samples from all the investigated areas harbored pathogens. Mussels were statistically more contaminated by Cryptosporidium spp., followed by T. gondii and G. duodenalis assemblage A, and M. galloprovincialis was more contaminated than M. edulis ( P < 0.01). Contamination was more likely in mussels at retail outlets ( P < 0.05) than in those from farms and in mussels collected in spring ( P < 0.01) than in other seasons. This is the first report of T. gondii found in M. galloprovincialis in Italy and in M. edulis in Europe. The detection of zoonotic protozoans in a widely consumed food source indicates the need for a more detailed microbiological risk analysis, especially considering that bivalve mollusks are often consumed raw worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Tedde
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Roberto Papini
- 3 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Salza
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Normanno
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Virgilio
- 1 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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25
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Camarda A, Pugliese N, Bevilacqua A, Circella E, Gradoni L, George D, Sparagano O, Giangaspero A. Efficacy of a novel neem oil formulation (RP03™) to control the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. Med Vet Entomol 2018; 32:290-297. [PMID: 29417605 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Dermanyssus gallinae (Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae) is the most harmful ectoparasite of laying hens, represents an occupational hazard for poultry workers, and a growing threat to medical science per se. There is increasing demand for alternative products, including plant-derived acaricides, with which to control the mite. The present study investigated the efficacy of neem oil against D. gallinae on a heavily infested commercial laying hen farm. A novel formulation of 20% neem oil, diluted from a 2400-p.p.m. azadirachtin-concentrated stock (RP03™), was administered by nebulization three times in 1 week. Using corrugated cardboard traps, mite density was monitored before, during and after treatment and results were statistically analysed. Mite populations in the treated block showed 94.65%, 99.64% and 99.80% reductions after the first, second and third product administrations, respectively. The rate of reduction of the mite population was significantly higher in the treated block (P < 0.001) compared with the control and buffer blocks. The results suggest the strong bioactivity of neem, and specifically of the patented neem-based formulation RP03™, against D. gallinae. The treatment was most effective in the 10 days following the first application and its effects persisted for over 2 months. Further studies will aim to overcome observed side effects of treatment represented by an oily layer on equipment and eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Camarda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - N Pugliese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - A Bevilacqua
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - E Circella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - L Gradoni
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - D George
- Stockbridge Technology Centre, Selby, U.K
| | - O Sparagano
- Centre for Agriculture and Water Resilience (CAWR), Coventry University, Coventry, U.K
| | - A Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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26
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Vergara A, Marangi M, Caradonna T, Pennisi L, Paludi D, Papini R, Ianieri A, Giangaspero A, Normanno G. Toxoplasma gondii Lineages Circulating in Slaughtered Industrial Pigs and Potential Risk for Consumers. J Food Prot 2018; 81:1373-1378. [PMID: 30019961 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-17-496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan zoonotic protozoan parasite, and the consumption of raw or undercooked pig meat is one of the most important sources of T. gondii infection. Three predominant lineages, types I, II, and III, are widespread in Europe. Although still poorly understood, a relationship between each type and the severity of illness represents a public health issue. To gain further knowledge of the genotypes in circulation and of the potential risk for consumers, one heart sample and one diaphragm sample (206 total) were taken from each of 103 pig carcasses at an abattoir in Italy. Then, we used 529-bp repetitive element PCR and a B1 real-time PCR high-resolution melting assay coupled with sequencing to detect and genotype T. gondii isolates. T. gondii DNA was detected in 14 pigs (13.6%, 95% confidence interval = 7 to 20.2%), and types I (3.9%), II (5.8%), and III (3.9%) were identified. We found that heart tissue had a significantly higher PCR positivity rate for T. gondii than did diaphragm tissue. This is Europe's largest study on genotyping of T. gondii from pigs, and it demonstrates that all three main lineages are present in carcasses of industrially reared pigs in Italy. There is a potential risk to consumers of infection with any or all of the three lineages, and the related clinical consequences should be taken into account. This study suggests that monitoring of T. gondii types in meat is essential, especially in meat that is traditionally eaten raw or that is minimally processed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vergara
- 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Caradonna
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Luca Pennisi
- 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Paludi
- 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Roberto Papini
- 3 Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; and
| | - Adriana Ianieri
- 4 Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Normanno
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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27
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Caradonna T, Marangi M, Del Chierico F, Ferrari N, Reddel S, Bracaglia G, Normanno G, Putignani L, Giangaspero A. Detection and prevalence of protozoan parasites in ready-to-eat packaged salads on sale in Italy. Food Microbiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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28
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Ghozzi K, Marangi M, Papini R, Lahmar I, Challouf R, Houas N, Ben Dhiab R, Normanno G, Babba H, Giangaspero A. First report of Tunisian coastal water contamination by protozoan parasites using mollusk bivalves as biological indicators. Mar Pollut Bull 2017; 117:197-202. [PMID: 28168979 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to establish seawater contamination by emerging protozoan parasites, we used qPCR to molecularly characterize and evaluate the parasitic burden of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Cyclospora cayetanensis in 1255 wild bivalve mollusks collected along the Tunisian coasts. T. gondii, G. duodenalis and C. cayetanensis were detected in 6.9% (99% CI=1.6-12.2%) pools of Ruditapes decussatus. None of the samples were found positive to Cryptosporidium spp.; 6.6% pools of R. decussatus were positive for T. gondii Type I, 1.6% for G. duodenalis assemblage A, and 1.6% for the association T. gondii Type I/C. cayetanensis/G. duodenalis assemblage A. R. decussatus harbored up to 77500 oocysts/sample of T. gondii, up to 395 cysts/sample of G. duodenalis, and 526 oocysts/sample of C. cayetanensis. These results provide the first evidence that the Tunisian coasts are contaminated by zoonotic protozoan parasites that can constitute a direct or indirect risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khemissa Ghozzi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia; Laboratoire de Biodiversité et de Biotechnologie Marine, Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Roberto Papini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ibtissem Lahmar
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Rafika Challouf
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et de Biotechnologie Marine, Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Najoua Houas
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Rym Ben Dhiab
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et de Biotechnologie Marine, Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Giovanni Normanno
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Hamouda Babba
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy.
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Papini R, di Ciccio P, Marangi M, Ghidini S, Zanardi E, Vergara A, Giangaspero A, Nardoni S, Rocchigiani G, Mancianti F, Ianieri A. Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in Carcasses of Pigs Reared in Intensive Systems in Northern Italy. J Food Prot 2017; 80:515-522. [PMID: 28207292 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-314] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and to genetically characterize its isolates in carcasses of industrial fattening pigs, blood, diaphragm, and heart samples were collected from 375 carcasses of pigs slaughtered to be processed for Parma ham production. Pigs had been bred on approved farms (n = 75) located in the so-called Food Valley in Italy. Sera were examined for immunoglobulin G antibodies to T. gondii by modified agglutination test (MAT). Both heart and diaphragm samples from seropositive carcasses were processed for the presence of T. gondii DNA (B1 locus) by real-time PCR and high resolution melting (HRM) assay. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 2.1% of pig carcasses, with titers from 1:10 to 1:320. T. gondii DNA was detected in all (eight) seropositive carcasses and in 11 (5 heart and 6 diaphragm samples) of 16 samples; that is, it was detected in heart tissue in two subjects, in diaphragm tissue in three subjects, and in both muscle tissues in three subjects. Toxoplasma genotypes were determined in seven of eight carcasses: type III was identified in four carcasses, type II in two, and both III and II in one carcass. The serological findings and the molecular detection of T. gondii strains suggest that cured meat products obtained from industrially bred pigs may be potential sources of toxoplasmosis for humans. Our results provide novel, important information regarding the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii in intensively reared pigs within this specific region of Italy, particularly because Parma ham from this region is known and consumed worldwide. On-farm preventive measures combined with slaughterhouse monitoring of carcasses of pigs bred for cured meat production should never be overlooked to prevent the introduction of T. gondii into the food chain and to ensure safety for consumers of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Papini
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Pierluigi di Ciccio
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- 3 Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Sergio Ghidini
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Emanuela Zanardi
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- 4 Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, SP 18, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- 3 Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Simona Nardoni
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Adriana Ianieri
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Immediato D, Figueredo LA, Iatta R, Camarda A, de Luna RLN, Giangaspero A, Brandão-Filho SP, Otranto D, Cafarchia C. Essential oils and Beauveria bassiana against Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae): Towards new natural acaricides. Vet Parasitol 2016; 229:159-165. [PMID: 27809973 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) and entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana (Bb) strains have the potential to be used as alternative insecticides and acaricides for controlling ectoparasites as Dermanyssus gallinae. These compounds have some limitations in their use: the acaricidal effect of EOs is rapid, but short-lived, whilst that of Bb is delayed, but long-lived. To evaluate the effect of both compounds combined against D. gallinae, the non-toxic dose of Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus citriodora, Thymus vulgaris and Eugenia caryophyllata essential oils were firstly calculated for "native" strains of Bb. Subsequently, the effects of the combination of selected EOs with Bb against nymph and adult poultry red mites (PRMs) was assessed. EO concentrations ranging from 0.0015 to 8% v/v (i.e., nine double dilutions) were used to evaluate their effect on germination, sporulation and vegetative growth rates of native strains of Bb. A total of 1440 mites (720 nymphs and 720 adults) were divided into three-treated group (TGs) and one control group (CG). In TGs, mites were exposed to Bb in combination with the selected EO (TG1), EO alone (TG2) or Bb (TG3) alone. In the CG, mites were exposed to 0.1% tween 80 plus EO solvent (CG). E. globulus and E. citriodora were toxic for Bb in concentrations higher than 0.2% and 0.003% respectively, whilst E. caryophyllata and T. vulgaris were toxic at all concentrations tested against Bb. Based on the results of the toxicity assays against Bb, E. globulus was chosen to be tested as acaricide resulting non-toxic for Bb at concentration lower than 0.4%. Increased mortality of D. gallinae adults was recorded in TG1 than those in other TGs from 4days post-infection (T+4DPI). A 100% mortality of D. gallinae was recorded in adults at T+9DPI and at T+10DPI in nymphs in TG1 and later than T+11DPI in the other TGs. Used in combination with E. globulus, Bb displayed an earlier acaricidal effect towards both haematophagous D. gallinae stages. The combination of B. bassiana and E. globulus at 0.2% might be used for controlling arthropods of medical and veterinary importance as D. gallinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Immediato
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Luciana Aguiar Figueredo
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50670-420 Recife, Brazil
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Antonio Camarda
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Sinval Pinto Brandão-Filho
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 50670-420 Recife, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Claudia Cafarchia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy.
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31
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Sparagano OAE, de Vos AP, Paoletti B, Cammà C, de Santis P, Otranto D, Giangaspero A. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma Platys in Dogs Using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Reverse Line Blot Hybridization. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 15:527-34. [PMID: 14667015 DOI: 10.1177/104063870301500604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and a reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) method were used to identify Anaplasma platys in dogs held in a kennel in Italy. Whereas PCR techniques confirmed the presence of A. platys, the RLB method not only correlated the results obtained by PCR but also ruled out the presence of other species such as Ehrlichia canis or E. chaffeensis. There was no correlation between infection status and age or breed of the dogs. Polymerase chain reaction performed on the Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks collected from those dogs showed that they were also infected with A. platys. Sequences obtained from some samples and compared with those within the GenBank also confirmed the presence of A. platys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier A E Sparagano
- School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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32
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Giangaspero A, Sevi A, Manfredi MT. Preface for SI: S.I.P.A.O.C. conference. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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De Liberato C, Berrilli F, Marangi M, Santoro M, Trogu T, Putignani L, Lanfranchi P, Ferretti F, D'Amelio S, Giangaspero A. Giardia duodenalis in Alpine (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and Apennine (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) chamois. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:650. [PMID: 26691178 PMCID: PMC4687356 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although chamois Rupicapra spp. are the most abundant mountain ungulates in Europe, no data are available on the presence of Giardia duodenalis infecting these species. Methods A total of 157 fecal samples from Alpine Rupicapra rupicaprarupicapra and Apennine Rupicapra pyrenaicaornata chamois were tested for the presence of G. duodenalis by immunofluorescence test, quantitative Real Time PCR and end-point PCR for genotype characterization. Results G. duodenalis was detected in R. r. rupicapra and R. p. ornata, with a percentage value of 4.45 (5.82 and 1.85 %, respectively), and a cyst burden of up to 31,800 cysts/g of feces. Assemblages A/AI and E were identified in R. r. rupicapra and assemblage A/AIII in R. p. ornata. Conclusions The present study represents the first record of Giardia duodenalis in Rupicapra spp., suggesting that these wild bovids can play an epidemiological role in environmental contamination and transmission of both zoonotic and non-zoonotic genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", 00178, Roma, Italy.
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Dipartimento di Medicina sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Roma, Italy.
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71121, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Maristella Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Tor Vergata', 00133, Roma, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Trogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie e di Sanità pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unità di Parassitologia e Unità di Ricerca di Metagenomica, Bambino Gesù, Ospedale Pediatrico e Istituto di Ricerca, 00165, Roma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Lanfranchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie e di Sanità pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Ferretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Dipartimento di Sanità pubblica e Malattie infettive, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Sapienza', 00185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71121, Foggia, Italy.
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Giangaspero A, Marangi M, Koehler AV, Papini R, Normanno G, Lacasella V, Lonigro A, Gasser RB. Molecular detection of Cyclospora in water, soil, vegetables and humans in southern Italy signals a need for improved monitoring by health authorities. Int J Food Microbiol 2015; 211:95-100. [PMID: 26188495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To date, in Europe, there is scant information on the occurrence of Cyclospora in water from treatment plants and in humans, and no data are available on soil or fresh plant products. Here, we undertook the first molecular survey of Cyclospora in multiple biological matrices collected from the Apulia region of southern Italy. Samples of irrigation water from four municipal treatment plants, eight different types of vegetables or fruit (cucumber, lettuce, fennel, celery, tomato, melon, endive and chicory) and soil from the same farms on which these plants were grown, as well as faecal samples from humans living in the same region were tested by qPCR-coupled single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and DNA sequencing. Cyclospora was detected in 15.5% of all 213 samples tested. Specifically, this protist was detected in (i) treated water (21.3% of 94 samples), well water (6.2% of 16), but not drinking water (0% of 3); (ii) soil (11.8% of 51 samples) and vegetables (12.2% of 49), with the highest prevalence (18.7%) on fennel; and (iii) human stools (27.5% of 40 samples). In environmental and food samples, Cyclospora was detected mainly in autumn and was significantly more prevalent in the faeces from humans of 40-50 years of age. This is the first comprehensive molecular survey of Cyclospora in environmental, food and human faecal samples in Europe. These data suggest that irrigation water, soil and vegetables might be contaminated by Cyclospora cayetanensis, which might represent a source of infection to humans in the study area and calls for monitoring by health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - R Papini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56120 Pisa, Italy
| | - G Normanno
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - V Lacasella
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - A Lonigro
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Marangi M, Hall MJR, Aitken A, Ready PD, Giangaspero A. Origins of Wohlfahrtia magnifica in Italy based on the identification of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene haplotypes. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:483-7. [PMID: 26453092 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4764-9] [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] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To identify the geographical origins of larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) causing myiasis of sheep in Italy, comparative DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was performed, based on gene fragments amplified by PCR from genomic DNA isolated from individual specimens. DNA extractions of 19 larvae from Lazio, Molise, Puglia, and Sicilia generated 17 readable sequences homologous to 2 haplotypes, either CB_magn01 or CB_magn02; DNA extracts from 4 adult flies from Calabria (reared from larvae) produced 4 readable sequences belonging to the haplotype CB_magn01. The two haplotypes found represent both the East and West phylogenetic lineages of W. magnifica, which is consistent with the species' arrival from central/southeast Europe (East lineage) and/or from southwest Europe/northwest Africa (West lineage). This is the first report of the sympatric occurrence of the two lineages, which could have resulted from natural or human-assisted dispersal. Polymorphic nuclear loci will have to be characterized in order to explain the origins and lack of mitochondrial haplotype diversity of this pest in Italy, where it poses increasing veterinary problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment (SAFE), University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Martin J R Hall
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Alex Aitken
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Paul D Ready
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment (SAFE), University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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Sparagano O, George D, Giangaspero A, Špitalská E. Arthropods and associated arthropod-borne diseases transmitted by migrating birds. The case of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:61-6. [PMID: 26343302 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Geographic spread of parasites and pathogens poses a constant risk to animal health and welfare, particularly given that climate change is expected to potentially expand appropriate ranges for many key species. The spread of deleterious organisms via trade routes and human travelling is relatively closely controlled, though represents only one possible means of parasite/pathogen distribution. The transmission via natural parasite/pathogen movement between geographic locales, is far harder to manage. Though the extent of such movement may be limited by the relative inability of many parasites and pathogens to actively migrate, passive movement over long distances may still occur via migratory hosts. This paper reviews the potential role of migrating birds in the transfer of ectoparasites and pathogens between geographic locales, focusing primarily on ticks. Bird-tick-pathogen relationships are considered, and evidence provided of long-range parasite/pathogen transfer from one location to another during bird migration events. As shown in this paper not only many different arthropod species are carried by migrating birds but consequently these pests carry many different pathogens species which can be transmitted to the migrating birds or to other animal species when those arthropods are dropping during these migrations. Data available from the literature are provided highlighting the need to understand better dissemination paths and disease epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David George
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; Stockbridge Technology Centre, Cawood, Selby YO8 3TZ, UK
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology SAS, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Immediato D, Camarda A, Iatta R, Puttilli MR, Ramos RAN, Di Paola G, Giangaspero A, Otranto D, Cafarchia C. Laboratory evaluation of a native strain of Beauveria bassiana for controlling Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) (Acari: Dermanyssidae). Vet Parasitol 2015. [PMID: 26206607 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) (Acari: Dermanyssidae) is one of the most economically important ectoparasites of laying hens worldwide. Chemical control of this mite may result in environmental and food contamination, as well as the development of drug resistance. High virulence of Beauveria bassiana sensu lato strains isolated from naturally infected hosts or from their environment has been demonstrated toward many arthropod species, including ticks. However, a limited number of studies have assessed the use of B. bassiana for the control of D. gallinae s.l. and none of them have employed native strains. This study reports the pathogenicity of a native strain of B. bassiana (CD1123) against nymphs and adults of D. gallinae. Batches of nymph and adult mites (i.e., n=720 for each stage) for treated groups (TGs) were placed on paper soaked with a 0.1% tween 80 suspension of B. bassiana (CIS, 10(5), 10(7) and 10(9) conidia/ml), whilst 240 untreated control mites for each stage (CG) were exposed only to 0.1% tween 80. The mites in TG showed a higher mortality at all stages (p<0.01) when compared to CG, depending on the time of exposure and the conidial concentration. A 100% mortality rate was recorded using a CIS of 10(9) conidia/ml 12 days post infection (DPI) in adults and 14 DPI in nymphs. B. bassiana suspension containing 10(9) conidia/ml was highly virulent towards nymph and adult stages of D. gallinae, therefore representing a possible promising natural product to be used in alternative or in combination to other acaricidal compounds currently used for controlling the red mite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Immediato
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Antonio Camarda
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Puttilli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias dos Animais Domésticos, Universida de Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Di Paola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Claudia Cafarchia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
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Marangi M, Koehler AV, Zanzani SA, Manfredi MT, Brianti E, Giangaspero A, Gasser RB. Detection of Cyclospora in captive chimpanzees and macaques by a quantitative PCR-based mutation scanning approach. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:274. [PMID: 25972100 PMCID: PMC4456053 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclospora is a protistan parasite that causes enteritis in several species of animals including humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Cyclospora in captive non-human primates. METHODS A total of 119 faecal samples from Pan troglodytes, Macaca sylvanus, Cercopithecus cephus, Erythrocebus patas, Chlorocebus aethiops and Macaca fascicularis from a wildlife animal rescue center as well as from Macaca fascicularis from an experimental primate research center were tested for the presence of Cyclospora by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. RESULTS Cyclospora was detected in three Pan troglodytes (13.6%) and nine (9.3%) Macaca fascicularis. CONCLUSIONS The present study represents the first record of Cyclospora in captive primates in Europe, suggesting the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is transmissible to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sergio A Zanzani
- Department of Animal Pathology, Hygiene and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria T Manfredi
- Department of Animal Pathology, Hygiene and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Abstract
Tap water samples from the toilets of an Italian national railway train were collected over a period of 10 months and tested for the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis (C. cayetanensis) using EvaGreen® real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay coupled with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis for protozoan detection and oocyst quantification. C. cayetanensis positive samples were detected in March, April, and May 2013, with the number of oocysts of 4, 5, and 11 per liter, respectively. This is the first finding of C. cayetanensis in water samples in Italy. The findings call for an improvement of hygiene and water safety by the Italian national railway company.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy E-mail:
| | - M Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy E-mail:
| | - E Arace
- Food & Technology Consulting SAS, 71016 S. Severo, Italy
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Giangaspero A, Marangi M, Papini R, Paoletti B, Wijnveld M, Jongejan F. Theileria sp. OT3 and other tick-borne pathogens in sheep and ticks in Italy: Molecular characterization and phylogeny. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Aksoy U, Marangi M, Papini R, Ozkoc S, Bayram Delibas S, Giangaspero A. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis in Mytilus galloprovincialis from Izmir Province coast (Turkey) by Real Time PCR/High-Resolution Melting analysis (HRM). Food Microbiol 2014; 44:128-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Marangi M, Cantacessi C, Sparagano OAE, Camarda A, Giangaspero A. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic inferences of Dermanyssus gallinae isolates in Italy within an European framework. Med Vet Entomol 2014; 28:447-452. [PMID: 24602029 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate the genetic relationships between Dermanyssus gallinae (Metastigmata: Dermanyssidae) (de Geer) isolates from poultry farms in Italy and other European countries, phylogenetic analysis was performed using a portion of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of the mitochondrial DNA and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1+5.8S+ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA. A total of 360 cox1 sequences and 360 ITS+ sequences were obtained from mites collected on 24 different poultry farms in 10 different regions of Northern and Southern Italy. Phylogenetic analysis of the cox1 sequences resulted in the clustering of two groups (A and B), whereas phylogenetic analysis of the ITS+ resulted in largely unresolved clusters. Knowledge of the genetic make-up of mite populations within countries, together with comparative analyses of D. gallinae isolates from different countries, will provide better understanding of the population dynamics of D. gallinae. This will also allow the identification of genetic markers of emerging acaricide resistance and the development of alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Giangaspero A, Brianti E, Traversa D, Hall MJR. A retrospective and geographical epidemiological survey of traumatic myiasis in southern Italy. Med Vet Entomol 2014; 28:391-397. [PMID: 24890430 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A survey on the prevalence and geographical distribution of traumatic myiasis in sheep, and the risk factors for the disease, was carried out in a region of southern Italy. A total of 138 sheep flocks were selected and visited to acquire data on the presence or absence of traumatic myiasis using both a questionnaire for retrospective analysis and animal inspection. Prevalences registered at the farm and animal levels, respectively, were 8.7% and 6.3% in 2010, and 5.8% and 5.0% in 2011. Records of the occurrence of the parasitic disease in this region are recent: a statistically significant (P < 0.01) progressive increase in the number of farms affected (from 0.7% to 8.7%) has been registered since 2007. Wohlfahrtiosis was found in 11 of 95 (11.6%) geographical units sampled and three significant (P < 0.05) clusters of spatial farm aggregation were identified in the southern part of the study area. A total of 158 presently uninfested farms were considered to be at high risk for transmission as a result of their proximity to infested farms. The spreading of Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in southern regions of Italy represents a warning that the risk for infestation may become more significant in other Italian regions, as well as other European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giangaspero
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment (SAFE), University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Fasanella A, Lia R, Giangaspero A. Cernuella virgata(Mollusca : Gastropoda : Pulmonata) hôte intermédiate deDicrocoelium dendriticum(Rudolphi, 1819) dans la région de Puglia, Italie. Parasite 2014. [DOI: 10.1051/parasite/1995023331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Geurden T, Hoste H, Jacquiet P, Traversa D, Sotiraki S, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Tzanidakis N, Kostopoulou D, Gaillac C, Privat S, Giangaspero A, Zanardello C, Noé L, Vanimisetti B, Bartram D. Anthelmintic resistance and multidrug resistance in sheep gastro-intestinal nematodes in France, Greece and Italy. Vet Parasitol 2014; 201:59-66. [PMID: 24560365 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in ovine gastro-intestinal nematodes has been reported to affect the health and productivity of sheep globally. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of commonly used oral drenches in sheep in France, Greece and Italy. In each country, 10 farms were selected. On each farm, 50 animals were blocked based on the pre-treatment faecal egg count (FEC). Within each block, animals were randomly allocated to one of 5 treatment groups. In addition to an untreated control group, there were 4 groups treated per oral route: moxidectin (MOX) and ivermectin (IVM), both at 0.2mg/kg bodyweight, levamisole (LEV; at 7.5mg/kg bodyweight) and a benzimidazole (BZ; at 3.75-5mg/kg bodyweight). In France, animals were not treated with LEV, but with netobimin (NET; at 7.5mg/kg bodyweight). The FEC was monitored using a modified McMaster technique. Two weeks after treatment, individual faecal samples were taken from all animals and efficacy was calculated as the difference between arithmetic mean FEC of the control group versus each respective treatment group. The results of the present study indicate the high efficacy of treatment with oral formulations of MOX (99-100%) and IVM (98-100%) on all farms, except on 1 farm in Greece. On this farm, multi drug resistance (MDR) was identified involving 4 anthelmintics (efficacy MOX: 91%; IVM: 0%; BZ: 58% and LEV: 87%). In Greece and Italy, AR against LEV and BZ was observed on some farms, with MDR involving both anthelmintics on 3 farms in Greece and on 2 farms in Italy. In France, AR against BZ and NET was observed on all 10 farms included. In all countries, Teladorsagia sp. was the most common nematode larva identified after treatment, followed by Haemonchus sp. and Trichostrongylus sp., with differences among farms and treatments. The current study confirms the high efficacy of oral treatments with MOX and IVM, even on farms with worm populations resistant to BZ, LEV or NET. This study also reports MDR against 4 anthelmintics on one farm in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Geurden
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Mercuriusstraat 20, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium.
| | - Herve Hoste
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/UMT Maîtrise de la Santé des Troupeaux de Petits Ruminants/Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse cedex, France
| | - Philippe Jacquiet
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/UMT Maîtrise de la Santé des Troupeaux de Petits Ruminants/Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse cedex, France
| | - Donato Traversa
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teramo, Italy
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter (former NAGREF), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Tzanidakis
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter (former NAGREF), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Kostopoulou
- Veterinary Research Institute - Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter (former NAGREF), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christie Gaillac
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/UMT Maîtrise de la Santé des Troupeaux de Petits Ruminants/Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse cedex, France
| | - Simon Privat
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/UMT Maîtrise de la Santé des Troupeaux de Petits Ruminants/Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse cedex, France
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- University of Foggia, Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Foggia, Italy
| | - Claudia Zanardello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Noé
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Mercuriusstraat 20, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Bindu Vanimisetti
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - David Bartram
- Zoetis, 23/25 avenue du Docteur Lannelongue, 75668 Paris Cedex 14, France
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Abstract
The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, poses a significant threat to poultry production and hen health in many parts of the world. With D. gallinae increasingly suspected of being a disease vector, and reports indicating that attacks on alternative hosts, including humans, are becoming more common, the economic importance of this pest has increased greatly. As poultry production moves away from conventional cage systems in many parts of the world, D. gallinae is likely to become more abundant and difficult to control. Control remains dominated by the use of synthetic acaricides, although resistance and treatment failure are widely reported. Alternative control measures are emerging from research devoted to D. gallinae and its management. These alternative control measures are beginning to penetrate the market, although many remain at the precommercial stage. This review compiles the expanding body of research on D. gallinae and assesses options for its current and future control. We conclude that significant advances in D. gallinae control are most likely to come through an integrated approach adopting recent research into existing and novel control strategies; this is being combined with improved monitoring and modeling to better inform treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- O A E Sparagano
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom;
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Papini R, Carreras G, Marangi M, Mancianti F, Giangaspero A. Use of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for rapid detection of Giardia duodenalis in dog stools in the environment. J Vet Diagn Invest 2013; 25:418-22. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638713485583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is considered a potentially zoonotic protozoan. Some animal species, including infected dogs, may play an important role in the spread of Giardia cysts through environmental contamination with their feces. In the present study, a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine 143 samples of dog feces collected in urban areas as an indicator of the risk of field contamination. Using a Bayesian statistical approach, the ELISA showed a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 95.8% with positive and negative predictive values of 89.6% and 95.4%, respectively. The test affords the advantage of rapid processing of fecal samples without a complex technical structure and extensive costly labor. Moreover, the present results show that the assay provides public health veterinarians with a practical tool that can be used in screening programs, as a valid alternative or as an adjunct to other tests, in order to assess the biological risk of exposure to G. duodenalis cysts from dogs in human settlements. However, the test may not be completely accurate for human health risk evaluation, as it does not discriminate between zoonotic and non-zoonotic isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Papini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (Papini, Mancianti)
- Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy (Carreras)
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy (Marangi, Giangaspero)
| | - Giulia Carreras
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (Papini, Mancianti)
- Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy (Carreras)
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy (Marangi, Giangaspero)
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (Papini, Mancianti)
- Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy (Carreras)
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy (Marangi, Giangaspero)
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (Papini, Mancianti)
- Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy (Carreras)
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy (Marangi, Giangaspero)
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (Papini, Mancianti)
- Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy (Carreras)
- Department of the Sciences of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy (Marangi, Giangaspero)
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Lacasella V, Brandonisio O, Capolongo C, Marangi M, Giangaspero A. [The importance of being Dientamoeba fragilis]. Infez Med 2013; 21:1-9. [PMID: 23524895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, interest in Dientamoeba fragilis on the part of biologists, clinicians and parasitologists has increased considerably due to the need to clarify the many unresolved issues related to the parasite and the associated infection. This paper aims to provide a summary of the state of knowledge of D. fragilis in its different aspects, and, through the analysis of the literature and the most recent data, the present review aims to record the reasons why this protozoan, although little known, should not be underestimated in the diagnosis of human parasitic infections also in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Lacasella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Universita degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Giangaspero A, Marangi M, Latrofa MS, Martinelli D, Traversa D, Otranto D, Genchi C. Evidences of increasing risk of dirofilarioses in southern Italy. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:1357-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3206-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Manganelli L, Berrilli F, Di Cave D, Ercoli L, Capelli G, Otranto D, Giangaspero A. Intestinal parasite infections in immigrant children in the city of Rome, related risk factors and possible impact on nutritional status. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:265. [PMID: 23168023 PMCID: PMC3519717 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic diseases can represent a social and economic problem among disadvantaged people - even in developed countries. Due to the limited data available concerning Europe, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the presence of parasites in immigrant children and the risk factors favouring the spread of parasites. Subsequently, the possible correlation between nutritional status and parasitic infections was also investigated. Findings A convenience sample of two hundred and forty seven immigrant children (aged 0–15) attending the Poliambulatorio della Medicina Solidale in Rome was examined. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and parasitological and anthropometric tests were applied. Chi-squared test and binary logistic multiple-regression models were used for statistical analysis. Thirty-seven children (15%) tested positive to parasites of the following species: Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli, Giardia duodenalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis. A monospecific infection was detected in 30 (81%) out of 37 parasitized children, while the others (19%) presented a polyparasitism. The major risk factors were housing, i.e. living in shacks, and cohabitation with other families (p<0.01). Children classified in the lower height Z-scores had a significantly greater prevalence of parasites (30.9%) than the others (p<0.01). Conclusions This study shows that parasite infection in children is still quite common, even in a developed country and that children’s growth and parasitism may be related. Extensive improvements in the living, social and economic conditions of immigrants are urgently needed in order to overcome these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Manganelli
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, Rome, Italy
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