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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Rueda P, Pérez MD, Lacasta D, Marteles D, Ruíz H, Gonzalez A, Verde MT, Pardo J, Arias M, Peña-Fresneda N, Fernández A, Trotta M. Serological exposure to influenza A in cats from an area with wild birds positive for avian influenza. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:324-330. [PMID: 37872888 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A is an emerging zoonotic virus with worldwide distribution. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to assess influenza A exposure in stray cats in regions with positive cases of wild birds. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-influenza A antibodies in feral cats from a region in Spain with cases of positive wild birds. A cross-sectional study of stray cats (n = 183) was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023. The presence of antibodies against the influenza A virus was tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit adapted for this study and confirmed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against the haemagglutinin H5. During sample collection, none of the cats exhibited clinical signs of illness. Four of the 183 animals tested showed anti-influenza A antibodies by ELISA, and the seroprevalence of influenza A was 2.19% (95% confidence interval 0.85%-5.48%). Due to the low number of positive cases detected, it appears that cats did not have an important epidemiological role in influenza A transmission during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mariví Martínez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pablo Rueda
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Gonzalez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, Zaragoza University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maykel Arias
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Michele Trotta
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Villanueva-Saz S, Lebrero ME, Solsona A, Ramos JJ, de Arcaute MR, Ruíz H, Pérez MD, Bello JM, Verde M, Ortín A, Marteles D, Fernández A, Gómez A, Trotta M, Lacasta D. Presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in sheep (Ovis aries) in Spain. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:615-621. [PMID: 37819486 PMCID: PMC10811003 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Sandflies are the primary transmission vector for Leishmania spp parasite in endemic regions. The role of other animals, different from the dog, is under discussion in the leishmaniosis endemic countries. A limited number of reports have been published on the possible role of livestock in European countries for Leishmania maintenance and diffusion. The aim of the present study was to perform a serosurvey on sheep in areas of Spain that are endemic for zoonotic leishmaniosis and establish the possible role of sheep regarding Leishmania infantum infection in endemic areas. Three hundred and two serum samples were obtained from sheep and were evaluated for serological survey to detect L. infantum by using the in-house ELISA technique. Twenty-eight out of the 302 samples included in this study, were positive for L. infantum antibodies (9.27%). In the present study, a significant association was found between adult age and seropositivity (p = 0.006) and female gender and seropositivity (p = 0.02). This association has not been previously described in other European studies related to L. infantum infection in sheep. Our study reveals that domestic sheep in a European Mediterranean country are exposed to L. infantum. To our knowledge, this study demonstrates the presence of seropositive sheep in different regions of Spain for the first time. Further epidemiological studies focus on evaluating the rural cycle of this parasite to know if livestock could act as a potential reservoir are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain.
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - María Eugenia Lebrero
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alba Solsona
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan José Ramos
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Ruíz de Arcaute
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María D Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Maite Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Aurora Ortín
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alex Gómez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Michele Trotta
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
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3
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Giner J, Pérez MD, Tobajas AP, Yzuel A, Verde MT, Lacasta D, Fernández A, Marteles D, Ruíz H. Evaluation of an immunochromatographic serologic test to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cats. Vet Clin Pathol 2023. [PMID: 36849629 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13230] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Different T. gondii confirmatory techniques, including serologic methods, are available to detect the presence of the parasite. Among serology techniques, immunochromatographic rapid testing could be a reliable alternative to serologic laboratory techniques. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated a commercial immunochromatographic test (FASTest TOXOPLASMA g) in seronegative and seropositive cats. METHODS Two indirect immunofluorescence antibody reference tests, an in-house technique, and a commercial test were used to classify 292 feline serum samples. The rapid test was evaluated in different groups of cats, including healthy seronegative cats (n = 121), seropositive cats with variable anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (n = 146), and cats with positive serologic results for other pathogens (n = 25). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, receiver operating characteristic curves, and kappa statistics were analyzed as performance measures. RESULTS Of the 292 samples, 146 were classified as T. gondii seropositive and 146 as T. gondii seronegative. Concordant results were obtained for all samples using immunofluorescence antibody tests. The diagnostic measures of this rapid test showed 98.63% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and 99.32% accuracy. The kappa statistics value was 0.986, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.993. CONCLUSIONS This rapid test showed diagnostic measurements similar to those of traditional quantitative serologic methods. In situations where laboratory techniques are not available, this test, under clinical conditions, could be a useful alternative to obtain accurate results rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mariví Martínez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Teresa Verde
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (University of Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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4
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Villanueva-Saz S, Giner J, Verde M, Yzuel A, Lacasta D, Ruíz H, Basurco A, González A, Marteles D, Fernández A. First serological study of Dirofilaria immitis antibodies in household domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in southern Spain - Short communication. Acta Vet Hung 2022; 70:282-286. [PMID: 36227716 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00032] [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: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is an endemic mosquito-borne pathogen widely spread throughout Europe as well as North and South America. Infection by D. immitis has been reported in domestic ferrets, although little is known about the occurrence and the epidemiological features of this nematode in this species. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of D. immitis antibodies using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specifically developed for use in ferrets. One hundred and eighty-six serum samples were obtained from the Province of Valencia (Spain), an area endemic for dirofilariosis. Of the 186 serum samples included in the study, 27 (14.51%) were classified as D. immitis seropositive and 159 samples as D. immitis seronegative. The results provide valuable information on the seroprevalence of D. immitis infection in domestic ferrets in an area endemic for this vector-borne pathogen. The presence of seropositive ferrets should be taken into account and preventive measures should be implemented, including the possibility of serological screening for the early detection of Dirofilaria antibodies as a serological marker of exposure. This is the first study that demonstrates the presence of D. immitis exposure in ferrets in Spain. Veterinarians working in endemic areas should be aware of this infection in ferrets and their susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,4Menescalia Veterinary Clinic, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- 2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Asier Basurco
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- 2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- 1Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,2Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, Zaragoza University, Zaragoza, Spain.,3Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
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5
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Villanueva-Saz S, Borobia M, Fernández A, Jiménez C, Yzuel A, Verde MT, Ramo MÁ, Figueras L, Ruíz H. Anaemia in Sheep Caused by Babesia and Theileria Haemoparasites. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233341. [PMID: 36496866 PMCID: PMC9738125 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233341] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Piroplasmoses in sheep are caused by vector-borne apicomplexan protozoa, Babesia and Theileria. Different species are responsible for the disease; some species are more pathogenic than others and have a worldwide distribution. In this sense, these causative agents can cause anaemia in flocks. In general, these vector-borne diseases infect small ruminants and cause host-mediated pathology. In the case of Babesia species, a combination of different mechanisms is involved: red blood cell lysis due to intracellular parasite multiplication, activation of biogenic amines and the coagulation system with the possibility of disseminated intravascular coagulation. By contrast, less information is available on the different immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of anaemia in sheep with theileriosis. However, the mechanisms of pathogenic action in theileriosis are similar to those studied in babesiosis. Diagnosis is based on compatible clinical signs, laboratory findings, specific diagnostic tests and the presence of the tick vector. Some of these tests detect the causative agent itself, such as direct identification by light microscopy and molecular analysis. In contrast, other tests detect the sheep's immune response to the organism by serology. Both diseases pose a significant diagnostic challenge for veterinary practitioners around the world. This review presents the most frequent clinical signs, pathogenesis and clinicopathological findings, diagnosis.
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Giner J, González A, Tobajas AP, Pérez MD, Lira-Navarrete E, González-Ramírez AM, Macías-León J, Verde M, Yzuel A, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Arias M, Santiago L, Aguiló-Gisbert J, Ruíz H, Lacasta D, Marteles D, Fernández A. A cross-sectional serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 and co-infections in stray cats from the second wave to the sixth wave of COVID-19 outbreaks in Spain. Vet Res Commun 2022; 47:615-629. [PMID: 36229725 PMCID: PMC9560875 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10016-7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in humans. Among domestic animals, cats are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than dogs. The detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in seemingly healthy cats and/or infected cats which are in close contact with infected humans has been described. The presence of animals that tested positive by serology or molecular techniques could represent a potential transmission pathway of SARS-CoV-2 that can spill over into urban wildlife. This study analyses the seroprevalence variation of SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats from different waves of outbreaks in a geographical area where previous seroepidemiological information of SARS-CoV-2 was available and investigate if SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were exposed to other co-infections causing an immunosuppressive status and/or a chronic disease that could lead to a SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. For this purpose, a total of 254 stray cats from Zaragoza (Spain) were included. This analysis was carried out by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the receptor binding domain of Spike antigen and confirmed by serum virus neutralization assay. The presence of co-infections including Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, was evaluated using different serological methods. A seropositivity of 1.57% was observed for SARS-CoV-2 including the presence of neutralizing antibodies in three cats. None of the seropositive to SARS-CoV-2 cats were positive to feline coronavirus, however, four SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were also seropositive to other pathogens such as L. infantum, D. immitis and FIV (n = 1), L. infantum and D. immitis (n = 1) and L. infantum alone (n = 1).Considering other pathogens, a seroprevalence of 16.54% was detected for L. infantum, 30.31% for D. immitis, 13.78%, for T. gondii, 83.86% for feline calicivirus, 42.52% for feline herpesvirus type 1, 3.15% for FeLV and 7.87% for FIV. Our findings suggest that the epidemiological role of stray cats in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is scarce, and there is no increase in seropositivity during the different waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in this group of animals. Further epidemiological surveillances are necessary to determine the risk that other animals might possess even though stray cats do not seem to play a role in transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Mariví Martínez
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana González
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Erandi Lira-Navarrete
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Manuel González-Ramírez
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Macías-León
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), Zaragoza, Spain.,Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Edificio I+D, Campus Rio Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.,, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maykel Arias
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Aguiló-Gisbert
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación, Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Valencia, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
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7
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Villanueva‐Saz S, Giner J, Tobajas AP, Pérez MD, González‐Ramírez AM, Macías‐León J, González A, Verde M, Yzuel A, Hurtado‐Guerrero R, Pardo J, Santiago L, Paño‐Pardo JR, Ruíz H, Lacasta DM, Sánchez L, Marteles D, Gracia AP, Fernández A. Serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 and co-infections in stray cats in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:1056-1064. [PMID: 33686768 PMCID: PMC8250530 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Wuhan in 2019 and spread rapidly to the rest of the world causing the pandemic disease named coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Little information is known about the impact this virus can cause upon domestic and stray animals. The potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 has become of great interest in cats due to transmission among domestic cats and the severe phenotypes described recently in a domestic cat. In this context, there is a public health warning that needs to be investigated in relation with the epidemiological role of this virus in stray cats. Consequently, in order to know the impact of the possible transmission chain, blood samples were obtained from 114 stray cats in the city of Zaragoza (Spain) and tested for SARS-CoV-2 and other selected pathogens susceptible to immunosuppression including Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from January to October 2020. Four cats (3.51%), based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike antigen, were seroreactive to SARS-CoV-2. T. gondii, L. infantum, FeLV and FIV seroprevalence was 12.28%, 16.67%, 4.39% and 19.30%, respectively. Among seropositive cats to SARS-CoV-2, three cats were also seropositive to other pathogens including antibodies detected against T. gondii and FIV (n = 1); T. gondii (n = 1); and FIV and L. infantum (n = 1). The subjects giving positive for SARS-CoV-2 were captured in urban areas of the city in different months: January 2020 (2/4), February 2020 (1/4) and July 2020 (1/4). This study revealed, for the first time, the exposure of stray cats to SARS-CoV-2 in Spain and the existence of concomitant infections with other pathogens including T. gondii, L. infantum and FIV, suggesting that immunosuppressed animals might be especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva‐Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
- Department of Pharmacology and PhysiologyVeterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Andrés Manuel González‐Ramírez
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI)Edificio I+DCampus Rio EbroUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Javier Macías‐León
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
| | - Ana González
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Maite Verde
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Ramón Hurtado‐Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI)Edificio I+DCampus Rio EbroUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID)ZaragozaSpain
- Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada (LMA)Edificio I+D, Campus Rio EbroUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
- Copenhagen Center for GlycomicsCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineSchool of DentistryUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID)ZaragozaSpain
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón)ZaragozaSpain
- Department of MicrobiologyPediatrics, Radiology and Public HealthZaragoza University of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | | | - José Ramón Paño‐Pardo
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón)ZaragozaSpain
- Infectious Disease DepartmentUniversity Hospital Lozano BlesaZaragozaSpain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Delia María Lacasta
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Lourdes Sánchez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Diana Marteles
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Ana Pilar Gracia
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón‐IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza‐CITA)ZaragozaSpain
- Deparment of Animal Pathology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of ZaragozaZaragozaSpain
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8
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Villanueva-Saz S, Martínez M, Ramirez JD, Herrera G, Marteles D, Servián M, Verde M, Giner J, Lacasta D, Ruíz H, Yzuel A, Fernández A. Evaluation of five different rapid immunochromatographic tests for canine leishmaniosis in Spain. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106371. [PMID: 35181302 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania parasites. Serological methods are the most common tests used for the diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate and compare different serological commercial immunochromatographic rapid tests available in Spain to detect anti-Leishmania canine antibodies. The immunochromatographic tests were evaluated in different groups of dogs (healthy seronegative dogs (n = 21), naturally-sick dogs with moderate anti-Leishmania antibodies (n = 39), naturally-sick dogs with high anti-Leishmania antibodies (n = 37), dogs with the serological result of other pathogens infection (n = 20) and exposed dogs (n = 33)) admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Zaragoza (Spain) according to the clinical information sent with the sample to the laboratory for diagnostic purposes. The serology status was also routinely recorded through an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an in-house indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT). The qualitative commercial serological immunochromatographic tests used were: FASTest LEISH, Uranotest Leishmania, Uranotest Leishmania 2.0, Speed Leish K, Witness Leishmania, and DFV Test Leishmania. Performance measures analyzed for each test were: sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating (ROC) curve. The maximum specificity (1.00) was attained for Uranotest Leishmania and DFT Test Leishmania, followed by FASTest LEISH (0.98), Uranotest Leishmania 2.0 (0.98), Speed Leish K (0.98), and Witness Leishmania (0.95). The maximum sensitivity was attained for FASTest LEISH (1.00), followed by Uranotest 2.0 (0.97), Speed Leish K (0.97), Uranotest (0.96), and the lowest results with Witness (0.84) and DFV Test (0.59). Regarding the ROC curve, the maximum value was attained with the FASTest LEISH (0.99), followed by Uranotest (0.98), Uranotest 2.0 (0.97), Speed Leish K (0.97), Witness (0.90), and the lowest result with DFV Test (0.79). Efforts in the field of diagnosis should focus on establishing a commercial immunochromatographic test with high sensitivity and specificity with a reasonable cost-benefit balance.
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9
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Villanueva-Saz S, Giner J, Fernández A, Lacasta D, Ortín A, Ramos JJ, Ferrer LM, Ruiz de Arcaute M, Tobajas AP, Pérez MD, Verde M, Marteles D, Hurtado-Guerrero R, Pardo J, Santiago L, González-Ramírez AM, Macías-León J, García-García A, Taleb V, Lira-Navarrete E, Paño-Pardo JR, Ruíz H. Absence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Natural Environment Exposure in Sheep in Close Contact with Humans. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1984. [PMID: 34359111 PMCID: PMC8300300 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071984] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the zoonotic causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has caused a pandemic situation with millions of infected humans worldwide. Among domestic animals, there have been limited studies regarding the transmissibility and exposure to the infection in natural conditions. Some animals are exposed and/or susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as cats, ferrets and dogs. By contrast, there is no information about the susceptibility of ruminants to SARS-CoV-2. This study tested the antibody response in 90 ovine pre-pandemic serum samples and 336 sheep serum samples from the pandemic period (June 2020 to March 2021). In both cases, the animals were in close contact with a veterinary student community composed of more than 700 members. None of the serum samples analyzed was seroreactive based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike antigen. In this sense, no statistical difference was observed compared to the pre-pandemic sheep. Our results suggest that it seems unlikely that sheep could play a relevant role in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is the first study to report the absence of evidence of sheep exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Jacobo Giner
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Aurora Ortín
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Juan José Ramos
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Luis Miguel Ferrer
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Ana Pilar Tobajas
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pérez
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
- Department of Animal Production and Sciences of the Food, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Diana Marteles
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
| | - Ramón Hurtado-Guerrero
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzada (LMA), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragon I+D Foundation (ARAID), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, Zaragoza University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Andrés Manuel González-Ramírez
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Javier Macías-León
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Ana García-García
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Víctor Taleb
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - Erandi Lira-Navarrete
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Mariano Esquillor s/n, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (R.H.-G.); (A.M.G.-R.); (J.M.-L.); (A.G.-G.); (V.T.); (E.L.-N.)
| | - José Ramón Paño-Pardo
- Infectious Disease Department, University Hospital Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (J.G.); (A.F.); (D.L.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (L.M.F.); (M.R.d.A.); (M.V.); (D.M.)
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.T.); (M.D.P.)
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Alcover MM, Basurco A, Fernandez A, Riera C, Fisa R, Gonzalez A, Verde M, Garrido AM, Ruíz H, Yzuel A, Villanueva-Saz S. A cross-sectional study of Leishmania infantum infection in stray cats in the city of Zaragoza (Spain) using serology and PCR. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:178. [PMID: 33766113 PMCID: PMC7992781 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline leishmaniosis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp. Leishmania infection in dogs is prevalent in the Mediterranean basin, but in other animals, such as cats, it could also play a role in the epidemiology of the disease. Information on the geographical distribution and epidemiological features of L. infantum infection in cats is scarce, particularly in urban stray cats living in regions where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. As diagnosis can be challenging, combining different serological and molecular methods is a useful approach. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of infection of L. infantum in apparently healthy stray cats in an endemic region of Spain (Zaragoza city) using serological and molecular methods, and to compare the results of the different techniques. METHODS The prevalence of Leishmania infection was studied in stray cats captured in urban and peri-urban areas of Zaragoza. Blood was collected from each animal for serology and molecular analysis. Three serological methods, namely the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB), were used to detect L. infantum antibodies and a real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect L. infantum DNA. The results were analyzed by Fisher's exact test and Cohen's kappa statistic (κ) to assess the level of agreement between the diagnostic techniques. RESULTS Serological analysis of blood samples from 180 stray cats revealed 2.2% (4/179) Leishmania infection positivity by IFAT, 2.8% (5/179) by ELISA and 14.5% (26/179) by WB. Leishmania DNA was detected by qPCR in 5.6% (10/179) of the cats. Sixteen cats (8.9%) tested positive by only one serological technique and four tested positive by all three serological methods used. The overall rate of infected cats (calculated as the number of cats seropositive and/or qPCR positive) was 15.6%, and only two cats tested positive by all the diagnostic methods. A significant association was found between male cats and a positive qPCR result. Comparison of the techniques revealed a fair agreement in seropositivity between blood qPCR and IFAT (κ = 0.26), blood qPCR and ELISA (κ = 0.24), WB and ELISA (κ = 0.37) and WB and IFAT (κ = 0.40). The highest agreement between seropositive results was between IFAT and ELISA (κ = 0.89), and the lowest was between blood qPCR and WB (κ = 0.19). The prevalence of the feline leukemia virus antigen was 4.49% (8/178 cats) and that of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibody was 6.74% (12/178), while co-infection with both retroviruses was observed in one female cat (1/178). Leishmania ELISA and IFAT seropositivity were statistically associated with FIV status by the chi-square test. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in this study, using serological tests and qPCR, indicate the existence of L. infantum asymptomatic infection in apparently healthy stray cats in the city of Zaragoza, an endemic area in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Magdalena Alcover
- Departament de Biologia, Salut I Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Asier Basurco
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernandez
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Riera
- Departament de Biologia, Salut I Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Fisa
- Departament de Biologia, Salut I Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmacia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Gonzalez
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana María Garrido
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruíz
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés Yzuel
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología Clínica, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain. .,Departamento de Farmacología Y Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
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11
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Broschi M, Abadal J, Chavez E, Oyonarte M, Stagno L, Silva A, Ruíz H. [Auricular fibrillation in acute myocardial infarct]. Rev Med Chil 1973; 101:772-5. [PMID: 4778183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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